Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 1146: Rule 1: Sex is optional

When Aether woke up, the first thing he noticed was Nyx lying beside him, sound asleep. Her face looked peaceful, completely relaxed, as if not a single worry existed in her world.

He let out a quiet hum, tilting his head as he leaned a little closer to her. The faint scent of ashes clung to her skin—subtle, but unmistakable. His brows furrowed slightly, unsure whether it was natural or a lingering trace of something else. Gently, he reached out and brushed her cheek with his fingertips.

Nyx let out a soft hum in response, her eyelids fluttering open slowly. Her gaze met his.

”Is... something on my face?”

She asked groggily, her voice husky from sleep.

Aether shook his head with a small, calm smile.

”No. It’s just... you look really cute when you’re sleeping so peacefully.”

He spoke with a sincere tone, his expression soft and open.

”Is that so...”

Nyx murmured, her voice trailing into a breathy hum. She pushed herself up slowly, letting out a quiet yawn as she stretched her arms and arched her back.

Aether sighed to himself, keeping his thoughts buried. ’Guess it didn’t have the effect I hoped for,’ he mused, watching her move.

”Get ready for breakfast,”

Nyx said simply as she walked toward the bathroom. She didn’t glance back or wait for a response.

He stared at the closed door for a moment longer, then muttered in his thoughts, ’I seriously need to figure her out...’

Then he reached out mentally, checking in with the others, monitoring how things were progressing across different locations. He assessed the work being handled, making sure there were no complications or sudden issues with Project ’X’

Everything appeared to be going smoothly—except for one thing.... Kaelen.

Kaelen was not listening to Liora’s words. At all.

Aether knew he’d eventually have to confront his son. But for now, he was holding back—waiting for something...

/Celestia?/

/I’m working on it... just give me a little more time, Aether. Things are... getting complicated./

/Complicated? What do you mean?/

/The records... they say Vesperine died a long time ago./

/Huh?/

/I’ll explain once I’ve confirmed everything myself. Just wait a bit longer, okay?/

Aether took in a sharp breath, lowering his head and covering his eyes briefly. He let the silence fill him, trying to focus. Then he lifted his gaze again and saw Nyx emerging from the bathroom, fresh and glowing, steam still clinging faintly to her skin. She was already dressed, her gaze flickering briefly to him.

”Refresh,”

She said with a soft hum.

Aether nodded and moved past her, heading toward the bathroom wordlessly.

The moment she saw him disappear inside, Nyx quickly stepped back toward the bed. Her eyes darted to the spot where she had been sleeping—and there it was.

A small bone, resting where her body had just been.

Without hesitation, she scooped it up and swiftly hid it under her skirt. Her face remained blank as she turned to the mirror and began combing her hair like nothing had happened.

Soon, Aether came out, towelling his hair dry. He paused when he saw her still at the mirror, brushing her long black hair with hints of soft purple at the ends. He stared at her for a moment before speaking.

”Can I?”

His voice was gentle but eager. He extended his hand, offering to take the comb from her.

Nyx blinked slowly, her eyes meeting his in the mirror. She studied his face for a few seconds, taking in his soft expression and the innocent smile playing on his lips. Without saying a word, she handed the comb to him.

Aether took it carefully, stepping behind her. He ran the comb through her hair with slow, tender movements—each stroke deliberate and calm. He worked his way gently through the strands, treating her hair with elegance and care.

Nyx kept her eyes on their reflection, watching his concentration. His hands were steady, his focus intense.

Eventually, he began braiding her hair, weaving each section with quiet dedication. When he finished, he lightly patted her shoulder and smiled.

”All done. How is it?”

Nyx met his eyes in the mirror again, then glanced at the braid. She nodded once.

”Good.”

[+10 AP]

Then, without another word, she stood up and walked out of the room.

Aether blinked, surprised by her simple response, and then followed after her.

In the corridor outside, he glanced up and saw the sky had returned to its usual grey. There were no red flashes, no ominous atmosphere like yesterday. It was just... calm. Even the cold, biting air from before was completely gone.

’So... yesterday really was different, huh?’

Still unsettled, he turned to Nyx and asked directly,

”Where did you go last night? In the middle of the night, I mean.”

Nyx stiffened ever so slightly at his question, but she didn’t stop walking. Her voice came steady and cool.

”I was handling some things. And if you’re curious about what those ’things’ are... I believe it’s healthy for a husband and wife to have a little privacy between them.”

Without pausing, she raised her hand, and a black hole materialized in front of her palm. From within it, she pulled out a book given by her Majesty only and held it out to him. The title printed across its surface read:

”Here. Read it,” she said, placing the book in his hands.

Aether blinked rapidly, completely caught off guard.

’There’s a book for relationship rules?! What the hell is this?!’

Still bewildered, he flipped it open and looked at the first page.

He immediately slammed the book shut, eyes twitching.

’This is 100% written by a woman. No doubt about it.’

Not that he wanted to be sexist or biased in any way, no.

He respected everyone. He really did. But come on—let’s be honest. We all know that’s not an option!

Sure, sometimes one party might be unable to do it—due to health problems, mental strain, physical issues, whatever—and in those cases, of course, it was understandable and of course, if one woman was unable to do it... Aether would still love them... sex was not always the thing in love... That’s the exception, though. Maybe 10% of the time. Hell, maybe even just 1%!

But the rest? The other 99%?

No way. That rule does not apply.

Aether sighed softly as they continued walking down the hallway and eventually reached the dining room. The moment they entered, they saw Nightfire already there—standing straight, ready and waiting, having arrived much earlier than usual.

Of course, she did.

After all, she had almost lost her job yesterday. There was no way she was going to mess around or take any chances today.

”I have prepared your meals,”

Nightfire announced as she motioned toward the dining table, which was beautifully arranged and filled with delicate, well-prepared dishes.

Aether chuckled inwardly.

’She’s definitely doing this to save her ass.’

He and Nyx took their seats, sitting side by side at the long dining table.

Aether picked up his hand, took a bite, and nodded with a small smile.

”Hmm... it’s good,”

He said, genuinely appreciating the taste.

Nightfire beamed at the compliment, giving him a playful wink before glancing cautiously at Nyx.

Before Nightfire could say anything else, Nyx’s cold, indifferent voice cut through the air.

”Do not speak while eating.”

Her tone was clear, unbothered, and completely serious.

Aether raised an eyebrow, turning to her with a slightly playful smirk.

”Why not?”

He asked, chewing deliberately as he looked at her, his expression filled with mock curiosity. He was clearly doing it on purpose—just to see how she’d react.

Nyx stared at him for a few seconds, her eyes narrowing just slightly.

”When eating, you should not speak,”

She repeated firmly, then calmly continued eating her food.

Aether grinned.

”But you just spoke too, didn’t you?”

Nyx blinked at his words, momentarily stunned as realization hit. She had, in fact, broken her own rule. Her eyes lowered. Then, suddenly, she pushed her plate away, and stood up from her chair.

”Then I won’t eat,”

She declared.

Aether’s brows rose higher.

”Wait, what? I was just messing with you!”

”It’s fine,”

She replied, her voice low and firm.

”I’m the one who broke the rule. I should accept the consequence.”

And without another word, she turned and walked out of the dining room, her footsteps light but determined.

Aether blinked, watching her go. He turned to Nightfire, only to find her standing there with her hands on her hips, glaring at him like a disappointed older sister.

”I cannot believe you just did that!”

She scolded.

”How the hell was I supposed to know she’d take it that seriously?”

Aether muttered defensively, already getting up from his seat. He hurried after Nyx, calling out to her as he followed through the hallway.

”Hey, come on. Don’t leave just like that. At least eat something. It’ll get cold, and it’ll go to waste.”

Nyx glanced back at him with a calm, almost blank expression.

”Don’t worry about me.”

”How can I not?”

Aether asked, slowing his steps.

”I’m your husband, aren’t I?”

His voice carried a trace of guilt now—he hadn’t meant to upset her this much.

Nyx stared at him in silence for a moment before replying softly,

”You shouldn’t feel guilty. It’s my fault I broke my own rule.”

She paused, then added more quietly,

”If you want to explore the place, go ahead. If you need money, it’s in our room. I’ll be heading out for now.”

”Where are you going?”

Nyx gave a subtle smile, but her tone stayed guarded.

”I believe I still have the right to some privacy.”

And just like that, she turned and walked away without looking back.

Aether stood there, watching her silhouette disappear down the hallway. He exhaled slowly and shook his head, then made his way back into the kitchen.

When Nightfire saw him return—alone—she let out an exaggerated sigh.

”Fine,”

She said, shaking her head in defeat. But then her voice turned serious, eyes narrowing again.

”However... you’re eating all of this! Got it? I hate when food goes to waste!”

Her tone carried an unexpected weight, like a threat cloaked in hospitality. Her gaze sharpened, and for a moment Aether could feel her wrath simmering just under the surface.

He sat back down,

’Yup... Nightfire’s definitely not in a horny mood today.’

She was pissed.

Real pissed.

And so, with little choice, Aether began eating again—bite after bite. Somehow, he managed to finish every last dish, cleaning the plates thoroughly without leaving a trace.

When he leaned back, completely full, Nightfire stared at him in disbelief.

”Damn... what’s in your stomach? A void or something?”

She looked surprised, almost impressed. But as she stared at the empty plates, her lips slowly curled into a satisfied smile.

She was happy. Not because he ate like a monster—but because he ate everything she made.

[+1000 AP]

Aether let out a long, satisfied breath and glanced over at her.

”So... shall we go follow your Master now?”

”Huh?”Nightfire blinked.