A Butterfly Through the Mist - Side Story 14

In a low voice like a demon tempting a soul in exchange for a wish, yet sacrificial in content like an angel descending to grant a blessing, Ilex straightened his back after confessing the feelings he had long hidden. Then, waiting for her to ask, he began the explanation he had been holding back.

Judging by the situation, it seems you’ve found out that I made a donation to the Royal Academy, but that has nothing to do with your admission to graduate school. I only kept it secret because I thought you’d be bothered by it.

You know that House Davenport has always made donations to such educational institutions. That new library completed after we graduated, the dormitory for international students—all of that. House Davenport has donated countless buildings to the academy…

“So if you’re thinking I suggested a donation in exchange for admission to the dean, drop it.”

At the end of his long argument, Ilex delivered a firm conclusion.

“Because that’s a truly absurd misunderstanding.”

Having said his piece, he lifted his teacup to soothe his dry throat, all the while glancing anxiously at the woman across from him.

Tilia, who had quietly listened the whole time, wore a thoughtful expression.

Just as Ilex was about to threaten that if she didn’t believe him, he’d contact the dean and get her scores—Tilia broke the silence.

“Can you swear it?”

Meeting his eyes with a gaze as composed as her personality, Tilia said gravely, “If that’s a lie, then swear to live the rest of your life impotent.”

The very same line she had once said long ago when he approached her while hiding his feelings. Ilex’s lips curled upward without him realizing it, laughter leaking through.

“Well. That’d be a loss for you too, wouldn’t it?”

“No, it wouldn’t.”

“Yes, it would.”

A trace of unease flickered in her green eyes as she glanced sidelong at the cheeky man.

“Why are you dodging the answer? Was it a lie?”

“No, it’s true.”

Realizing his teasing had made her uneasy, Ilex quickly erased the playfulness and answered.

“I swear. I didn’t have the slightest involvement in your admission. Your acceptance is purely the result of your own effort.”

Just like the vow he once made in that secondhand bookstore, this one too was genuine.

Tilia had truly gotten into graduate school on her own merit. The decision he made to fund a building at the Arkansis Royal Academy had nothing to do with her acceptance.

…Though it might have something to do with the job she would hold after graduation.

The dean he had personally chosen—stodgy and rigid to a fault—was not the type to be swayed by money. But Ilex hadn’t overlooked the passion for scholarship and education typical of academics.

That stubborn old man might not be moved by money, but he would surely cast a longing look at the many research facilities and educational opportunities Ilex could provide.

Not that such a prickly man would ever hire an unqualified doctor as a professor…

‘Tilia will undoubtedly become a brilliant scholar.’

He was certain of it. He wouldn’t be the only one slipping money to the Academy in hopes of securing a spot.

Merit alone might get you through graduate school, but opportunities beyond that require a bit more—special effort and sincerity.

When all the competitors chasing the same goal are riding thoroughbreds, he couldn’t let his wife race on foot.

Ilex wanted Tilia to earn the rightful position her abilities deserved. Without meddling saboteurs, without obstacles—he wanted her to seize what she desired.

“I swear.”

But his actions were simply an investment. And above all, they had absolutely nothing to do with whether she got into graduate school.

“If I’m lying, I’ll live the rest of my life like a celibate priest.”

Without a shred of guilt, Ilex made his vow before Tilia with confidence.

Tilia stared at him silently, as if weighing the truth of his words, and after a short pause, she asked, “Can you make one more promise?”

“What is it?”

“Promise not to donate to the academy again until after I graduate from the graduate program.”

At his wife’s firm-eyed request, Ilex nodded readily.

“All right.”

The new faculty research building he planned to build for Tilia would likely come after she graduated anyway.

“I’ll do everything you ask.”

Ilex offered no particular reply and simply complied with her request.

Only then did Tilia seem to relax, her body sinking into the sofa as if finally at ease—unaware of the schemes her husband was secretly plotting.

As he watched her chest rise and fall like someone who had just completed a taxing ordeal, Ilex smiled inwardly.

Their eyes met—his upright form seated with legs crossed, and her languid figure sprawled on the sofa.

The drawing room remained brightly lit thanks to the maid’s overzealous attentiveness. In that brilliance, Tilia’s enchanting green eyes held a different light as she gazed at him.

That look made Ilex’s throat dry.

For the past few weeks, Ilex had deliberately refrained from touching Tilia. Not because she avoided his advances—if anything, she had been more receptive than usual.

Yes, receptive. As though simply yielding because he desired it.

That compliance had grown irritating enough to repulse him. And so he hadn’t touched her since.

What he desired was simple: that she also want him. That she, too, be consumed by desire and accept his advances willingly.

He wasn’t interested in one-sided intimacy. He no longer wanted sex that reminded him of his earliest, misguided experience—of taking someone who wasn’t in their right mind.

I must be mistaken.

Just as those memories of his deluded past reared up, and he tried to suppress his lust and turn away—

“Ilex.”

Came the soft call from across the table.

“Come here.”

Tilia was still nestled into the plush sofa. Lounging on a tapestry woven with threads of many colors, she lightly patted the spot beside her—as if to say, this is where you belong.

The moment his mind registered the pleasures those white fingers could offer, Ilex uncrossed his legs.

He rose without hesitation. Tilia, clearly seeing the bulge at the front of his trousers, gave a small, awkward cough. Watching her reddened ears, Ilex took the seat she had designated.

Thud. The sofa sagged under his weight. Though she must have felt him entirely through her body, the woman who summoned him said nothing. She simply sat upright, eyes still fixed on the spot where he had been moments earlier.

…So you called me over.

A trace of hurt appeared between Ilex’s brows. He had been the one seduced, and now she feigned indifference. Without thinking, his hand moved.

“Hhk.”

He didn’t lift her skirt or grope her breasts. All he did was lightly wrap an arm around her waist as they sat close together.

That was all. And yet Tilia gasped, her eyes darting like she had just been exposed in her undergarments.

After everything we’ve done together, still?

Amused by his still-shy wife, Ilex chuckled low. But any sweetness from that thought was eclipsed by the fact that he, too, was already tense and full.

To justify it—it had been a full month and a half. Since he last tasted that addictive body. Since he last sank his teeth into that flesh that, once experienced, made return impossible.

Like an addict who had finally secured his fix, Ilex buried himself in her scent and ran his hand along her slender waist. The body under his sensitive fingertips trembled faintly.

Just as he began to wish to tear away the obstructive fabric and feel that tremor directly—

“The l…”

Tilia grabbed his hand, which had wandered beneath her chest, and whispered softly, “Can you turn off the lights?”

The lights? He was so focused on reaching her nipple beneath the cloth that her words registered a moment late.

And then he saw her flushed face. Tilia couldn’t even look at him directly as she stumbled through her words.

“It’s… too bright in here.”

Only then did Ilex realize every lamp in the drawing room was blazing, and that Tilia was uncomfortable with intimacy during the day.

Still, it wasn’t as if we haven’t done it during the day before. And honestly, I quite like how clear everything is when the lights are on.

As he continued to stare, her gaze sharpened.

Sensing she’d soon grow sulky and turn away, Ilex quickly leaned in and pressed his lips to her ear.