It wasn't quite accurate to say Murphy's time had been "stolen." Mannis had simply used its newly learned ability to "fold" the past four hours.
When the time-folding spell wore off, memories of those four hours flooded into Murphy's mind all at once, as if he'd been punched hard enough to nearly blow his brain apart.
His own memories made him feel as if he were watching a strange little movie starring himself, but it really had been him. Along with the memories came every genuine sensation he'd experienced during those four hours, every second of it crashing over him at once. The feeling was indescribably intense.
That damned little snake had definitely used such a low trick to get back at him for badmouthing Liji earlier.
Damn it!
How had the good little snake turned into a lovesick snake?
It was hopeless!
Murphy rubbed his head and gathered his two darlings into his arms. He didn't disturb Adele, who had already fallen asleep. Instead, he turned and left a hickey on Triss's fair neck, then whispered:
"Did you miss me? Is that why you cut your journey short and came back early?"
"Hmph."
Triss pursed her lips.
But in the next instant, she answered with an even more passionate kiss. As the fragrant wine on her lips flowed into Murphy's mouth, the two of them—who had only just finished—were swept up once more in an even more intense blaze of passion.
"Yes, I missed you, little thing."
Triss's breath came in damp, yearning whispers beside Murphy's ear.
"I've realized I can't enjoy the solitude of the Scarlet Witch anymore. You've branded me, you rascal. I don't want anything now except to stay by your side until our last day. I want us to live peacefully like this until we're