That evening, Cristoia entered Juleios's tent and, after hearing about the day's events, remarked, "You're planning to absorb those mercenaries, aren't you?"
"I genuinely want to help them," Juleios replied, his tone earnest.
"Really?" Cristoia laughed softly, tilting her head upward, her red lips lush and inviting.
"Truly," Juleios said as he lowered his head and kissed her soft, moist lips.
That kiss ignited a passion between them. Juleios reached out and scooped Cristoia into his arms, his heart pounding with longing.
But just as the moment deepened, Martius's voice came from outside the tent: "Leader, Melsis and Mariji want to see you."
Juleios cursed under his breath, his expression darkening as he muttered, "Not now!"
Cristoia laughed, playfully punching him in the chest. "If Melsis and Mariji, who usually don't get along, are coming to see you together, it must be something important."
