Sovereign of the Ashes

The "battle" between the two grievously injured was brutally intense.

The pristine white sheets were soon stained with blood.

Despite her injuries, Natalya matched Sein's intensity effortlessly.

She was less wounded, thanks to her slightly superior constitution, and she dominated the entire session which lasted several hours.

This entire scheme, orchestrated by Sein's mother-in-law, had been a bad idea that nearly cost these young fighters their lives.

Despite the complications and risks, the scheme ultimately served its intended purpose.

For Natalya, this was the perfect opportunity to make her move.

Although engaged to him, Sein had never fully accepted her.

Their interactions in daily life and battle highlighted their "strained" relationship.

However, the recent ordeal had finally compelled Sein to fully acknowledge Natalya as his partner.

Now they had done the deed, Natalya could not fathom leaving him.

Sometimes, a man's deepest desire was also a way to connect with a woman's heart deeply.

Sein's mother-in-law had questionable methods for expediting matters, but it seemed that spiking her daughter's glass of water had indeed bolstered her courage.

Sein could not help but wonder if this tactic was a lesson drawn from Sia's own life experiences.

After their intense encounter, Natalya nestled close to Sein's chest.

Despite being taller and physically stronger, she found comfort in Sein's embrace, guided by her feminine instincts.

Sein's expression was currently a mixture of emotions.

Observing Natalya's past behavior and demeanor, it seemed plausible that she might act impulsively, but not to such an extreme.

For some reason, Sia's face came into his mind.

He was tempted to ask Natalya if Sia was influencing her recent actions.

However, he held back, questioning the relevance of his suspicion.

After all, they were legally bound as betrothed and had just consummated their relationship—dwelling on Sia's possible involvement seemed pointless.

Sein harbored no regrets about his decision to marry Natalya.

He had discussed it with Leena beforehand and had received her blessing.

Moreover, House Ernst had provided substantial support during the Verdant Leaf World War, sending four Sky Knights along with numerous Rank One and Rank Two knights.

Given Leena's status as a wanted black mage, the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring's need for the support of the Order of the Steel Fist, and Sein's urgency to clear his name due to being targeted by the Order of the Dark Sword's law enforcement knights—marrying Natalya was not just sensible; it was the right choice.

Perfect situations did not exist in the world.

Until one possessed absolute power, adherence to existing rules was inevitable.

For Leena, being a black mage was a significant limitation.

Sein just remembered that his communications with Leena had dwindled since the Verdant Leaf World War began.

According to Leena, she was currently deeply engrossed in an important experiment.

The Verdant Leaf World War was expected to last several years. As a registered black mage at the Black Tower of Cinderbones and the Rank Five black tower master's apprentice, Leena's prolonged absence from the tower to join the war would be conspicuous.

Despite giving her blessing, Leena was hesitant to acknowledge Sein's legal fiancee.

Now, in the calm after the storm, Sein's guilt toward Leena grew, along with his longing to see her.

"What's on your mind?" Natalya suddenly asked, her hair still damp from sweat.

"Nothing," Sein replied, shaking his head.

"Liar, I heard the rhythm of your heartbeat changing for a moment just now," Natalya accused relentlessly.

She pushed Sein with her left hand, causing him to hiss sharply in pain.

Although their rising passion dulled the pain during the session, their wounds were far from healed and had actually worsened.

While Sein gasped, Natalya also grimaced in pain.

Her arm was previously bandaged and plastered, but Natalya removed them just now because they were getting in the way.

Hence, her impulsive act had hurt her nearly as much as it had hurt Sein.

The absurdity of their pain-filled expressions made them truly seem like a couple for the first time.

With Natalya in a good mood, it appeared that this private moment was an opportunity for Sein to be candid with her.

"I'm actually in love with someone already," Sein confessed.

His sudden confession silenced Natalya instantly.

Instead of storming out or exploding in anger, this formidable female knight, who was currently more than capable of ending Sein's life, remained silent for a long time.

She eventually replied, "I know."

"Oh?" It was Sein's turn to be surprised.

"Is it Selina or that Rank One mage named Eileen?" Natalya inquired.

"Neither, but..." Sein paused, coughing violently before continuing, "I've been sleeping with both of them."

Whether from guilt or the aggravation of his wound, the cough persisted, and soon blood seeped through the bandages wrapped around his body.

Sein's response stunned Natalya and he quickly noticed a vein bulging on her temple.

If not for the fact that a punch at this moment could kill him, Sein was fairly certain this female knight would have struck without hesitation.

Gould and others had mentioned that clashes between knights of the Order of the Steel Fist often escalated into grand, shocking spectacles.

Sein had little interest in being embroiled in the dramas of others and was equally determined to avoid such conflicts himself.

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Natalya asked as calmly as possible, "Who is it then?"

After a moment's hesitation, Sein answered, "She's the love of my life, whom I met at the Black Magic Academy underground. Her name is Leena."

"Black Magic Academy? Are you really a black mage? No... You're Master Lorianne's apprentice. There's no way you're a black mage," Natalya remarked in surprise.

"So, this woman is a female black mage?" she asked.

Sein nodded, feeling there was no point in concealing anything from Natalya at this point.

He did not plan to keep his relationship with Leena a secret forever. Leena would surely be able to roam this world freely someday, and it was better that Natalya knew this sooner rather than later.

Natalya did not realize Sein had already ranked the two women in his life.

Without a doubt, Leena was Sein's first wife.

And Natalya remained oblivious that Sein actually considered her as his second wife instead.

The nobility of the Magus World was not strictly monogamous.

Sein's father, Kelman, was a rarity that had only taken one wife at a time.

Most of the other noblemen had multiple wives.