Chapter 16: The Crack

The vast beach was empty. Ke silently watched the elven girl walking toward him. The sea breeze swayed her pleated skirt, causing it to ripple gracefully—seemingly revealing the spirituality of the elven race at that moment.
“Mr. Xuruo has arrived.”
“Oh? He came so early?”
“Should I ask him to wait?”
“No need. He’s very patient.” Ke’s lips curled into a slight smile.
Looking up closely, it seemed as though one could see through the girl’s skirt. The scent of laurel filled the air. Fenitz didn’t understand what was happening—why she suddenly found herself standing in front of Ke without knowing how to leave, as if expecting something. Was it Ke’s strange gaze that lured her, or was it her sensitive heart that suddenly sprouted something wicked?
The elven girl stood silently in front of Ke. He took a deep breath. Earlier, he had intentionally or unintentionally released confusion from his mind, which merged with the girl’s already delicate emotions, leading to this situation.
Ke raised his head and gazed up at the girl. Her eyes were closed, her cherry-red lips slightly parted, as if searching for something. A faint blush illuminated her face under the morning sun.
Ke slowly stood up, then crouched down. He could no longer control his movements. Though he knew it was dangerous, he felt the thrill of flying into flames. Grasping the skirt fluttering in the sea breeze, he slowly lifted it up from her ankles. The scent of laurel mixed with the unique floral aroma of the elven girl filled the air.
The skirt was lifted inch by inch, revealing her long, graceful legs. There wasn’t a single gap between them; her well-proportioned, delicate muscles resembled a sculpture carved according to the golden ratio. A faint tuft of hair trembled beneath her most sacred abdomen—was it the wind or her body?
Her flat, round abdomen featured a navel like a whirlpool, with a faint abdominal line. As Ke moved, she raised her hands, and her pleated skirt fluttered in the sea breeze before drifting into the ocean. She raised her proud head and wrapped her arms around her head from behind.
Ke knelt on the beach, admiring the scene. Her full, firm breasts stood tall, with barely visible pink areolas. Her small nipples, as if stimulated by both the gentle sea breeze and his intense gaze, slowly stood erect under his eyes.

Komer pressed his face between the elf girl’s legs, feeling the smooth pleasure of her delicate skin, the subtle fragrance of plants, the sparse, fluffy hair, and her round, pillar-like thighs. He remained silently pressed against her legs, lost in this unique sensory experience.

Fenitz trembled all over. Komer’s strange behavior left her unsure of how to behave. The heat from his breath wandered between her legs, as if trying to penetrate her body from that hidden place. A strange, unfamiliar itching began to spread from some part of her body.

Komer’s fingers moved gracefully over her body—from her calves to her knees, from her thighs to the sensitive areas between them, from her hips to her back, from her abdomen to her chest, and finally to her neck and earlobes. He touched her carefully, as if trying to fully appreciate the beauty of her body.

Fenitz found herself moaning uncontrollably.

Komer’s fingers seemed to possess some magic as they gently rubbed her earlobes, sending waves of heat through her body like an electric current.

Komer stood up and moved behind the girl. Her slender yet rounded limbs stood out sharply against the empty beach. Her delicate shoulder bones and the beautiful curve of her back created a unique sight. Her hips, less plump but more proportionate, resembled a masterpiece crafted by the gods—harmonious and perfect, captivating Komer’s gaze.

What a truly divine work of art! Komer thought to himself. The elves met every aspect of the goddess of beauty’s ideals—no wonder they were said to be her illegitimate children.

His hands slid down from her shoulders and silently pressed against her firm hips. Her elastic buttock muscles changed shape under his touch, like dough rising in the oven. Komer knew he was no longer as clear-headed as before; he was now filled with desire. This seemed to go against his original intentions, disrupt the delicate atmosphere, and bring him unnecessary trouble. But Komer didn’t care about that.

Under Komer’s firm caresses, Fenitz couldn’t help but moan. The elves were naturally sensitive in such matters. The male presence spreading through her body made it impossible for her to suppress her desires. She was already a mature girl.

Fenitz wrapped her arms around her head, writhing uncontrollably, as if trying to avoid Komer’s grasp or urging him to take further action. Komer felt even his breath turning scorching hot, an urge to act surging through his body.
Slipping his hands under the elf girl’s armpits, Komer finally touched her firm, erect breasts. Her sturdy breasts changed shape under his palms. Fenitz could no longer control her body; intense tremors overtook her. She felt as though her body was about to boil or float away, while the body behind her held her tightly, preventing her from collapsing on the sand.
His fingers played skillfully with her nipple tips, which stood erect from extreme excitement, sliding between his fingers. A gentle breeze blew, scattering the girl’s hair across Komer’s cheeks—tickling and soothing. Life was truly beautiful.
Komer watched the elf girl, who was on the verge of collapse from his teasing. His heart became clear once again. He didn’t even know why he was being so cruel, teasing her relentlessly only to seem to lose interest afterward. He could even feel the sweet juices seeping out from beneath her thighs as his fingers moved there.
What am I doing? What do I want?
Silently, Komer wrapped his arms around the elf girl from behind. He needed time for her to calm down. It wasn’t the right time—or perhaps he simply didn’t have the heart for it. It was purely an accidental result of the weather and sunlight. Komer could only deceive himself with this trivial excuse.
“Go. Tell Xuro to wait for me in the guest room,” Komer said. He knelt on the sand, took a deep breath, and picked up a white cloth from his lounge chair to wrap around her.
Fenitz had regained her senses. She covered her face with her hands and stood motionless.
Gently stroking her flowing hair, Komer left silently. He truly had nothing more to say.
Xuro seemed patient. It was already the third cup of coffee. Her attitude only confirmed his suspicions—using tactics of teasing before capturing. Anyone could use that trick. It only meant Komer’s thoughts had changed. He realized the power of the Dark Holy Church. In an era of chaotic beliefs, religion was the most effective way to unify the people of a territory under one banner. While interests were powerful, faith had a more subtle and lasting influence.

Of course, another more direct factor is undoubtedly the remarkable achievements of the Dark Holy Church in the southern regions. Komer seems determined to expand his influence there. His equal desire for secular power has led him to prioritize the wrong things. Xuro has always believed that secular power should not override religious authority. But it’s clear that this dark ruler has reversed priorities, which will harm the spread and development of the Holy Church.

Xuro felt it was his duty to warn him—that the dark ruler shouldn’t sacrifice the interests of the entire Holy Church, as the Church belongs to no individual.

“Xuro, what are you trying to say?”

“My lord, the Holy Church can fulfill everything you desire. Its followers live by its principles, its influence spans all races, and its blessings illuminate the continent. This is the supreme mission we pursue. Why are you still obsessed with those secular matters?” Xuro remained calm; the other party was resolute, and it wouldn’t be easy to persuade him.

“Do you think they’re contradictory?”

“Perhaps not contradictory, but certainly incompatible,” Xuro declared firmly.

“What if I don’t want to give up?”

“My lord, you shouldn’t say such things. The great cause of the Holy Church requires our joint efforts.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s exactly what I think,” Komer replied with equal firmness. “Perhaps you’ll regret that I’m not a devout believer, yet I bear the title of a dark ruler. But the world is full of complexities, and not everyone can understand everything. At least I don’t think what I pursue is wrong. Maybe you’re right, but I need time to verify it. The path to growth is long, and we all have a chance to correct our mistakes, right? Xuro, you’re a wise man. You should understand my thoughts. Pressuring too hard sometimes only backfires.”

Xuro’s gaze seemed to pierce into Komer’s heart. After a long while, he said, “Then we can wait. I believe lost sheep will eventually find their way home.”

Komer raised his eyebrows. “Is that really necessary?”

“It’s not just me who thinks it’s necessary—it’s everyone, my lord,” Xuro said solemnly.