novelraw Chapter 242: Not up to standard
Chapter 242: Not up to standard
"Rory... reward me one more time, won’t you?" Vincent wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her close. "After this morning, it’ll be several days before I get another turn with you."
He couldn’t keep her to himself forever—he knew the others would never allow it.
"One more reward?"
Rory lifted her hand, soft fingertips brushing lightly over his lips. She leaned close, her voice a low whisper by his ear.
"But what if I don’t feel like rewarding you right now... and only want to punish you?"
Vincent caught her hand, holding it gently. "Then punish me."
Rory arched a brow. "Any kind of punishment?"
He nodded without hesitation. "Anything you want."
Perfect.
Suppressing a smile, Rory leaned in and pressed a light kiss to his cheek.
Then—without warning—she pushed him back onto the bed.
A strip of black silk appeared in her hand, and she tied it over his eyes, covering his vision completely.
"Now I’m going to start your punishment," she said calmly. "You’re not allowed to take this off unless I say so. Understood?"
Vincent nodded.
"...Alright."
He had truly underestimated her. His Rory... really did know how to play.
Blindfolded, he lay obediently on the bed, utterly still. Rory bit back a laugh and slipped off the bed.
"I’m going to get something. Wait here. And remember—don’t take off the blindfold until I come back."
With that, she pulled clothes from her storage ring, dressed quickly, and slipped out of the room.
Another reward?
She might have wanted to... but her waist strongly disagreed.
He wanted punishment, didn’t he?
Well, this was her punishment.
Let him lie there and wait.
Rory returned to her own room, washed up carefully, then headed downstairs. The moment she stepped off the stairs, she saw Yuel coming out of the kitchen.
"You’re up this early?" he asked, clearly surprised.
He’d assumed that after bonding, Vincent would keep her in the room for at least three days.
Yet here she was, out before noon.
It seemed that after reaching Rank Seven, her body had grown much stronger.
"It’s not early—it’s already ten," Rory replied, walking over.
She reached up and gently stroked the small, deep-blue fruit resting on Yuel’s head.
Still half-asleep, the little fruit stirred at her touch, its round body wriggling as it nuzzled into her palm.
"Mother..."
"Shh, go back to sleep."
Her voice softened instinctively.
Looking up at Yuel, she added, "Is there anything to eat? I’m starving."
"There is. I already prepared something—I’ll bring it out."
Nix had gone to entertain Lola’s companions, so breakfast had been Yuel’s responsibility.
"I’ll come with you," Rory said without hesitation. She was far too hungry to wait.
Together, they entered the kitchen.
Yuel retrieved the prepared dishes from the warming cabinet.
"Have a little of this first," he said. "I’ll make something better for you."
These had been made for the others—simple, not particularly refined.
He hadn’t expected her to come down this early.
"No need. This is enough."
Rory, though hungry, no longer had the same appetite as before. A single bowl of noodles would suffice.
Yuel sat across from her, watching quietly as she ate.
After a moment, he asked, "Where’s Vincent? Why didn’t he come down with you?"
After bonding, how could he possibly let her leave the room alone?
Had something happened?
Was he already busy with military matters?
Rory’s chopsticks paused for a fraction of a second.
"He’s still resting," she replied casually.
"What?" Yuel stared at her, certain he’d misheard. "You’re saying—you’re already up, and Vincent is still in bed?"
"Yeah." Rory nodded, finishing the last bite. "He was a bit tired last night, so I told him to sleep in."
Yuel was speechless.
No way.
The invincible Second Prince of the Firebird Clan... couldn’t be that weak, right?
Just one night, and he was too exhausted to even get out of bed?
Yuel rose immediately. "Do you want more?"
Rory shook her head. "I’m full."
"I’ll clean up."
He took her bowl and chopsticks, handing them to a service robot.
Then, hesitating slightly, he added, "You just bonded last night... do you want to go rest a bit?"
"No need. I’m going to see Lola."
She was a little tired—but manageable. Besides, she’d promised to teach Lola how to bake a cake today.
"I’ll go with you," Yuel said at once.
Vincent... surely he’s not actually...?
His thoughts turned complicated as he followed her out. When they arrived, Lola had just finished breakfast.
Her meal had been prepared by her companions under Jasper’s guidance.
Not as delicious as last night—but still far better than anything back home.
"Rory!" Lola hurried over, delighted.
She glanced briefly at Yuel—then instinctively looked behind Rory.
Where was her brother? Had he not stayed with Rory after bonding? Newly bonded males were supposed to cling to their Female Master all day.
"Rory... where’s my brother? Why isn’t he with you?"
Rory replied simply, "He’s resting."
"...Resting?" Lola froze.
She grabbed Rory’s hand and pulled her aside, lowering her voice. "Rory... did you and my brother... not bond last night?"
Rory blinked, then smiled. "Don’t worry—we did."
That only made things worse. Lola’s eyes widened in shock.
They had bonded... and yet Rory was up and about, while her brother was still in bed?
No way.
Could it be... Her brother... wasn’t good?
Her expression nearly crumpled.
"Lola? What’s wrong?" Rory looked at her, confused. Shouldn’t she be happy about this?
"I—I’m fine!" Lola quickly shook her head, forcing composure. She grabbed Rory’s hand again, leading her inside.
"You just bonded last night—you must be exhausted. Forget the cake today, just rest!"
"I’m fine. I’m not tired." There was no way Rory was admitting that.
In the interstellar world, some females could bond with two or three partners in a single night.
If anyone found out she got worn out after just one, she’d never hear the end of it.
So no matter what, she refused to admit it.
"Rory... are you really not tired?"
Lola studied her energetic appearance... and became even more convinced.
Her brother... really might not be up to standard.