I really don't know whats going on anymore.

The previous few days have been hectic, to say the least. After defeating the Devil and with the end of the first night of the Masquerade, you retired to the Countess' chambers with Nadia herself. You two were completely exhausted and barely had the energy to take a quick bath and then collapse on Nadia's bed. You fell asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow.

A gentle touch slowly awakens you. You inhale deeply, a seductive floral scent filling your lungs, and the closeness of another person feels warm and soft against your skin. Nadia caresses your face tenderly as you open your eyes. 

"My dear," she whispers, her breath tickling you. "I apologize. I did not mean to wake you up." Her voice gave away how sorry she felt for disturbing you. She truly did not mean it.

"Mm," A small sound escapes you, and you press a chaste kiss to her lips. "It's alright. Can't sleep?" In the darkness, you can barely make out her sad smile and the crimson of her eyes. Yet, even like this, she is undeniably beautiful. 

"Just..." She paused for a moment, seemingly embarrassed. Feelings are a little difficult for her, but she trusts you with her whole heart. Despite that, you can almost hear the gears turning in her head. "I am afraid that all of this is a dream. That someday I would wake up, and you wouldn't be here. I dreamt about you every night after I awoke from my three-year slumber." She swallowed, gazing into your eyes while her hand moved to rest on your back. "I don't want this to be a dream too." 

You smile weakly at her, her pain making your heart ache. "But it is not, Nadia." 

"How can you know for certain?" She asks, and her voice trembles with worry. "And even if this is not a dream, what if I fall into a coma again?" 

"Then I'll be there to wake you up again. And besides," You said while lightly brushing your fingertips over the Couness' thigh and her hip until you reached her waist and pulled her body closer to yours. "How could a dream ever feel like this?" 

Nadia smiles, and the hand that has been resting on your body begins to rub your back. "You, my dear, are a true hero. When the morning comes, I shall put armor on you as you would make quite a dashing knight." 

"For you, my Countess, I would be anything." You press your lips against her once more, but you kiss her deeply this time. Her grip on you tightens, and her fingers gently dig into your back, sending a chill down your spine. 

All those occasions when you wished Nadia would just ravish you, and all the teasing you've had to endure come down to this moment. You two have been interrupted way too many times, and the ache between your legs has now become unbearable. 

Nadia makes a small but delightful sound and pulls away, now looking at you with half-lidded eyes. "You are a wonder, my dear. Truly exceptional." She whispers. "Are you even real?" 

Smirking, your hand begins to wander up her side, her arm, her shoulder, fingers trailing a featherlight path up her neck until you reach her cheek and brush a single piece of hair behind her ear, making the Countess melt against your touch. "I am, my love." Then reach lower, putting your hand on her shoulder before you push Nadia onto her back. You get on top of her, straddling her waist while you watch the Countess' eyes widen. "And I intend to show you how real I am." 

She then smiles at you, her teeth gently sinking into her bottom lip. "Then show me, my dear magician."

Nadia is quite surprised. Well, MC being intelligent doesn't surprise her because they are the whole package. It's more like she's surprised by how attractive she finds their intelligence and how refreshing it is.

The Countess is madly in love.

She loves to talk with them about everything and anything. Having a smart partner makes her feel incredibly proud, and it certainly does wonders for her mental health. Those intelligent talks that they have together make Nadia so happy.

She finds ways to show off MC's intelligence to people.

Is MC okay with Nadia joining them on their hunt for knowledge? Because she would love to. Maybe they could have a date in the palace library or go on a trip together in the forest and pick all kinds of plants for scientific purposes. Actually, how about an entire vacation together dedicated to not only romantic stuff but also learning?

With their combined intelligence, the two of them are such a power couple. Vesuvia is in the best hands.

If MC is interested, she will give them the resources to further increase their knowledge. Does MC want to become an expert in gardening, horses, worms, or perhaps psychology? Nadia is giving them the money for books, she's hiring tutors and experts, and she's paying for courses and trips they can take to know even more about the topics MC is interested in. Hell, she would send MC to university and pay their entire tuition if that's what they wanted.

If there's anything that Nadia can help MC with, they should never hesitate to ask. They can also ask her questions if they want to know something. She's very smart, so maybe she can help.

How about a little fun fact of the day? MC could tell Nadia something interesting they learned after she's finished with work. It would always give her something to look forward to.

Nadia has wedding bells in her head whenever MC starts talking about something new they learned.

She loves to just sit down and listen to them talk, and she looks at them with so much admiration the entire time.

Nothing is the same.

Her entire life has changed.

Her body.

And the way Dara sees her.

Nadia stands in front of the mirror, stripped of all clothing and with her body bare. As she gazes at her reflection, a surge of insecurity washes over her.

She used to be so beautiful, so mesmerizing, but that exceptional beauty is now gone. Nadia was once the object of many compliments and the desire of many suitors; she is now unwanted by everyone, including her own spouse.

Every moment of the day, she yearns for Dara's touch. She shudders at the very idea of making love to them, yet they haven't been intimate since before the birth of the future Countess.

She is so different. What if they don't want her anymore? They could always leave and then find someone younger and prettier. If Dara did that, she wouldn't blame them.

"Darling?" She does not hear them enter, and she jumps when she hears Dara's familiarly soothing voice call out for her. Nadia swiftly leans down to pick up the robe that has been pooling at her feet and desperately tries to cover herself with it. She can't let Dara see her like that. "What are you doing? Are you alright?" Her spouse asks with concern in their voice. "Nadia, it's just me. Why are you covering yourself up?"

Dara now stands in front of her, blocking her from glancing at the mirror, but the Countess doesn't look at them. She can't. "I am fine, love." Wiping away her tears, Nadia hopes that Dara believes her. "I was just trying on this new robe."

When Dara lets out a deep sigh, Nadia knows for sure that her lie has been exposed. "My love, you've had that robe for months." Their hand gently grasps her chin, and turns her head so that she is looking at them. "You have been crying. Did something happen?" They know that something is wrong because Nadia isn't exactly the type of person who cries often.

"Dara, I'm..." Her lips trembled. She wants to hide it. She wants to hide herself. But she also longs to be comforted by Dara. She wants them to hold her, to tell her she is still beautiful and loved, and so she says it plain and clear. "I'm hideous!"

Her lover couldn't believe their ears. The most alluring woman to ever exist has just called herself hideous. It is simply impossible and anyone with eyes would tell Nadia that she is gorgeous. "You are what?"

"You heard it." She sniffles. "I'm hideous, Dara. I look horrible, and that's why you don't want me anymore. But I understand. I am no longer beautiful, and I can not blame you for not finding me desirable. Gods, I look horrible. I wouldn't be surprised if you wanted a divorce-"

"Nadia, please stop." They gulp, swallowing a painful lump in their throat. Nadia could tell that her words were hurting Dara too. Gods, she did not wish for things to be like this. "How could you ever say that about yourself? My darling, I did not mean to make you feel that way, and I have no intentions of leaving you."

"Then why are you... Why are you avoiding me? Do you not want me now that I look like this?" She asks with such sheepishness that is very unlikely of her, which tells Dara that Nadia truly feels wounded by the state of her own body.

Dara sighed. "I thought you might need some space. Besides, Nazali said that we should wait before having sex again, so I didn't want to put any pressure on you." They pause for a moment. "I suppose I should have told you about that sooner. I'm sorry."

"Oh." A surprised noise leaves her. Perhaps she misunderstood the situation a little bit. "Does this mean that you still find me attractive?"

It was a freezing, melancholic winter morning. The Countess chose to remain in bed and spend the day in her chambers. Her body felt exceptionally cold without a lover's touch against her skin, but any yearning she had for her previous partner, she pushed away. There was no point in giving herself any false hope.

She faced her days with a stiff upper lip and completed her duty, but her heart remained broken. Nadia felt empty and alone. She was nothing but a shadow of her past self, a dark and lonely creature that exists but isn't truly alive.

There had been countless offers. Suitors and people who promised to give her a good time, but Nadia couldn't care less about them. She wanted MC, but they were not coming back. Besides, who could ever want a broken woman like her?

Except this cruel winter morning was different. "Milady!" Portia burst into Nadia's room with her eyes wide. The maid looked like she had seen a ghost, and she was panting, from which Nadia could tell that Portia was bringing urgent news. "It's them."

Them. It does not tell much. It could be anyone in the world. But Nadia knew. She knew it was MC. She desperately hoped it was MC.

She did not care about anything else. She did not spend an hour getting ready, and she definitely did not try her best to make herself look presentable like she normally would. She just put on her robe and rushed out of her bedroom with newfound energy.

Her heart raced with a mixture of anxiety, pain, and joy as she slammed the salon's door open.

And they were there. MC was in the room, looking right back into Nadia's eyes. They stood there, seemingly embarrassed and just as nervous as the Countess was.

"You are back," She said while gazing at MC's face. They were as beautiful as the day that they left her.

"Nadia, I made a mistake. I shouldn't have done it; I shouldn't have left you. I still love you. Gods, I've never stopped loving you. And if you can forgive me, I will stay by your side forever."

She couldn't believe what MC was saying. Nadia thought it was just a dream, that at any moment she would wake up. But MC was still there, within arm's reach and in love with her, waiting for Nadia to give an answer.

Nadia would do anything to make her feel better. Whatever she needs, Nadia is giving it to her. She loves spoiling her.

If MC allows it, Nadia would love to kiss every part of her that she's insecure about. Doesn't matter if it's her whole body or just her tummy. Nadia is more than happy to prove to MC how lovable she is.

Nadia listens to MC whenever she is having a breakdown. She would hold her close if she allowed it, just listening to her and then telling her that she is loved the way she is. It breaks her heart, but Nadia would tell her things to make her feel better. Like, that she is cute and her weight doesn't change anything.

Nadia looks at MC like she is the whole package, the object of all her desires. Because she is. Nadia makes sure MC knows that she is desired.

If MC is uncomfortable with receiving a lot of compliments (because otherwise, Nadia would shower her with them every second of the day), then Nadia would hold back a little. She would never do anything to make MC feel uncomfortable. They could come to an agreement. For example, Nadia would be allowed to call MC beautiful once a day. Soon, MC might ask her to do it twice a day, and Nadia is going to feel overjoyed and shower MC with kisses. Gradually, the number of compliments might increase alongside MC's self-esteem.

Oh, the clothes. Nadia would commission outfits from her tailor that make MC feel comfortable and beautiful. Seeing the joy on MC's face when she feels pretty in her new clothes makes Nadia's heart overfill with love and happiness.

Have I mentioned that MC is getting kisses?

Remember that one scene where Nadia talks about leaving MC naked in the middle of the ballroom? Yeah, the Countess is into that.

Living in a palace with a bunch of people around them at all times has its advantages and disadvantages. It could easily result in almost getting caught, but this MC doesn't mind it at all.

Her reputation is important to Nadia, so actually getting caught is something she'd prefer to avoid. She likes the excitement, but she makes sure they're not going too far.

Still, who is Nadia to deny MC's wishes? Plus, she's into it as well.

They get into plenty of situations in the palace where they almost get caught, but MC likes to push those limits.

Getting fingered in a dimly lit room during the Masquerade? Eating Nadia's pussy in an ally at the market? Having sex in Nadia's office, knowing there are guards outside? These two have done them all and even more.

Nadia needs a new disguise. The ones she wears in the game simply won't do. Maybe MC could also use her magic to make themselves look like someone else.

"How dare they!" Those eyes are shooting fire.

Angering Nadia is a dangerous thing, but it doesn't happen too often. But now the Countess is angry, so whoever caused it better run and never return to Vesuvia. She's absolutely frightening when she's like this.

The moment Nadia hears about it, she's flying out of her seat. Nothing can stand between her and her MC, especially when someone is being rude to her beloved. If anyone gets in her way, they better hide quickly. Hurting MC, whether it is verbal or physical, is a death wish.

First comes the warning. Just apologize and stop being rude. Nadia is all for second chances. It should work, and it usually does.

If it's not the first time, then gayness have mercy on the noble's soul. They can consider their titles revoked, and if that's not enough for them, they can also say hello to being banished from Vesuvia. There's probably someone more deserving out there, and Nadia doesn't need people like them in power. If Nadia has no control over their titles, it's straight to banishment.

It's obvious that Nadia will flirt with MC at any given chance, no matter who they are.

Being an elf doesn't make much of a difference to her. She loves and respects this MC just as much as she would any other.

From what I heard, elf ears can be quite sensitive, so Nadia would give those cute elf ears gentle rubs and caresses. Tiny little kisses, too. She's very tender and warm ❤

MC would receive outfits and jewelry from Nadia that complement their features. They were made just for them.

If anyone dares to say a bad word about MC, Nadia is more than ready to stand up for them. No MC slander is allowed.

She would love it if MC let her braid their hair and maybe put cute little flowers in it. Just imagine them doing that while sitting in the palace garden.

And the fangs. Hehe. She would have some fun with those. Gently touch the fangs against her neck, maybe scrape her neck a little, but do not bite (yet), and MC will have her blushing and gasping for more.

She also thinks the fangs are cute and will find ways to create accessories that complement them.

JEWELRY STORE!!! Ahem. She works in a jewelry store. It's fancy, and Nadia has wonderful taste plus she's smart with excellent manners, so she would excel at this job.

She would put on an elegant outfit every single day. Just imagine her. Standing behind all that shiny jewelry, looking beautiful and professional as ever. I'd 100% buy from her. One look from Nadia Satrinava, the jewelry store worker, and I'm buying anything she points at.

Nadia takes her job seriously, and she makes sure that the customer always leaves satisfied. She's not the type of worker who would try to convince others to buy something more expensive. Instead, she'd give actual advice to the customer and help them find what fits them the most. She actually cares.

Get this woman an award for having infinite patience. Even when a customer is being unpleasant (coughs coughs Karen coughs), Nadia remains calm.

It doesn't mean that she lets them treat her like shit, tho. She still roasts them. She just does it calmly because she is better than them like that.