After studying it for a while, Lian stored the crystal sphere away in his spatial ring, then turned his attention to Celia, who had been standing there all this time.
"I've always been quite interested in elves," he mused. "For a long time, I've wanted to take one home and play around with it."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than Celia saw his hand reach for her ear.
Startled, she instinctively flinched back.
His hand froze midair.
"My own wife won't even let me touch her?" Lian's expression darkened with displeasure.
At first, Lian had been so engrossed in the crystal sphere that he'd forgotten she was even there.
During that time, Celia had felt ignored—even a little disappointed.
Now, though, his attention had finally turned to her.
And disappointment had turned into fear.
Studying her husband's expression, Celia immediately realized she had made a mistake.
Before she could sense his anger rising, she swallowed her discomfort and leaned forward.
"N-Not at all, Lord Lian… You can touch them…" Celia took his hand and guided it to one of her ears, tilting her head slightly.
She could feel the warmth of his palm.
She didn't understand.
What was so interesting about an elf's ears?
But this wasn't elven territory. No one here would indulge her unconditionally.
So she had to lower her pride and obey Lian's whims—especially when faced with someone as sinister as him.
The clan elder, her father, and her brother had all told her to listen to her husband.
Maybe… this was what they meant.
If she displeased him, she might really get beaten.
"You're acting like I'm forcing you," Lian scoffed.
Then, without warning, he pinched both her ears—hard.
"There are plenty of women at the Demon Academy who'd kill to be my lover. I just never cared for them. And here you are, lucky enough to be my wife, yet you don't even want it?"
"N-No…" Celia's gaze wavered. Her ears stung from his rough handling.
"Whatever. Honestly, I don't feel anything special for you either. At most, you're kinda cute. Your clan elder pushed you onto me, didn't he?" He smirked. "Pathetic, being used as a tool like this."
"That's not true…" Celia protested weakly. "I came here willingly. And I… I really do like you."
She hated this topic. Whether it was her family or the clan elder, she genuinely cared for them all. There was no way they'd treat her like a tool.
And it was the truth.
If Celia had refused to go, the entire elven clan would never have forced her.
Lian's words angered her, but she dared not show it.
"If you like me, then prove it. Kiss me."
"L-Lord Lian… I…"
Celia froze, caught off guard by the sudden demand.
Her eyes flickered to his pale face, then lingered on his lips—curved in a faint, mocking smile.
Her lips parted slightly, and she swallowed hard.
Even though she wasn't a real girl, she didn't feel particularly disgusted.
But the longer she stared, the hotter her face burned. In the end, she turned away in embarrassment.
"Can't even kiss me, and yet you want to bear my child?" Lian sneered. "I don't get it. Why would your clan elder send you?"
He let go of her ears and withdrew his hand.
"Fine. Forget it. I'm thirsty—get me some water. While I still have time, we'll get straight to business."
"L-Lord Lian… what do you mean by… business?" Celia's pupils shrank as she stammered.
"What do you think?" His voice darkened.
"If you really don't understand, I'll spell it out for you."
"Yesterday, your clan elder signed a contract with me. I have three days to plant the seed. After that, I'll even have to help you incubate the egg."
"Do you have any idea how much of my time this will waste? If you don't want to do it, go tell your clan elder. I'm not here to entertain you."
"And when you do, make sure to dissolve this contract unconditionally. I'll take the sphere and leave—whether you like it or not."
"Or don't do it. But if the contract is breached, your clan elder's life is forfeit."
"T-Then… we'll do it…" Her voice was barely audible, trembling with fear. "Just… please be gentle, Lord Lian…"
"Get me the water first."
Lian ignored her plea, his tone impatient.
"O-Okay…" Celia didn't dare say more.
She glanced around and spotted a water jug on a nearby side table. Hesitantly, she looked back at Lian before shuffling over.
Her fingers trembled as she gripped the handle, carefully tilting the jug to pour water into a cup.
But as she poured, she couldn't hold back the choked sob rising in her throat. She bit down hard on her lower lip, stifling the sound.
Just this morning, she had still been a boy. Now, she was a girl—and about to do this with someone like him. It was already hard enough to accept.
And his attitude was just making it worse.
In her heart, she made a silent vow.
If I ever get the chance, I'm going home. I never want to see Lian again.