Dawn was just breaking. Like the gentlest paintbrush, the first faint light slipped through a gap in the curtains, casting a long, narrow ribbon of gold across the room.
The air still held traces of the passion and intimacy of the night before.
Cui Ciyou slowly opened his eyes, his awareness returning from deep sleep.
He did not get up right away, instead quietly savoring the soft warmth in his arms.
Like a contented kitten, Alice had curled her entire body into the crook of his arm, her sleeping face peaceful and serene.
Her long, flame-red hair lay obediently across the pillow. A few unruly strands fell over her smooth forehead, trembling slightly with her steady breathing.
The afterglow of last night's exhilarating "battle" still lingered.
Although Roxy and Alice have both reached King-level, the difference between a mage's physique and a swordsman's really is like night and day, he mused.
Roxy? Very weak, though she was certainly eager.
Alice was essentially Roxy with upgraded stamina.
Last night, she had been fiery and passionate, as aggressive as a hunting lioness.
Good thing I've kept up my training.
Still... I really did come close to losing.
Cui Ciyou lowered his head and gazed at the girl's defenseless sleeping face. Unable to resist, he reached out and gently stroked her silky red hair.
An indescribable emotion welled up deep inside him.
Thank goodness this is a world that allows multiple wives. Otherwise, choosing really would be impossible.
"You're all my wings."
He was starting to understand that classic anime line.
Cui Ciyou's thoughts drifted back to his days in Roa City.
After he and Alice became engaged, both his future grandfather, Sauros, and his father-in-law, Philip, had earnestly given him some "man-to-man advice."
Sauros Boreas Greyrat, that freewheeling old man, had clapped