At the End of the Hidden Greenery - Chapter 228

The vine that grew instantly was a large plant with lush vines and soft leaves.

Jiwoo tried to move her arms and legs at will, but the soft tendrils coiled around her wrists prevented her from moving.

Though the stimulation was gentle, Jiwoo’s disoriented body jerked involuntarily.

“Ugh…!”

“Oh dear, you’ll get hurt.”

A vine extended from somewhere, firmly restraining her limbs to prevent Jiwoo from thrashing.

Starting at her wrists, the plant’s stem climbed up her arms. The tightening pressure of the vine was overwhelming, and a wave of embarrassment made Jiwoo close her eyes and groaned.

“Uh, wait a moment.”

The soft tendril that had been wrapping around her ankle paused.

Peeking open her eyes, Jiwoo saw Solmih watching her with a worried expression.

“Are you in pain?”

“It, it’s not pain… Honestly, you know better than I do whether I’m in pain or not.”

Their hearing was so acute that they often picked up on Jiwoo’s emotions and thoughts. They could sense subtle feelings between anxiety and anticipation from her heartbeat alone. When she once fell ill, her husbands were even more certain of her sickness than she was.

Besides, this plant was like an extension of Solmih. It wasn’t growing uncontrollably, nor was it poisonous or acidic like typical El Ragneil plants that could harm her.

In fact, this was far safer and more effective than being held firmly by hands.

Still…

“Solmih, how did you even come up with something like this?”

“Is it uncomfortable?”

“This, this isn’t about comfort or discomfort.”

“That’s impossible. Your feelings are the most important thing.”

As he spoke softly, Solmih didn’t stop moving the plant.

The vine wrapped from wrist to forearm shifted Jiwoo’s posture. It lowered her wrists to her sides and then guided her wrists to cross behind her back, near the right elbow. Her arms were locked in an X shape.

“If you’re uncomfortable, please say so anytime.”

“It’s not that bad…”

A thicker vine curled around Jiwoo’s waist. Though much thicker than the ones on her arms, it was softer in texture. It passed between her waist and chest and wrapped around her shoulders, applying slight pressure.

The vine prevented her from thrashing wildly, but the gentle tightening made Jiwoo swallow nervously.

‘Why do I feel like this…?’

The pressure was strong but gentle, it was not enough to suffocate. Rather, with the fresh scent of grass and Solmih’s strong rose fragrance, it felt more like a firm embrace from her husband than plant restraint.

Only…

“Huh, what are these spikes?”

The vine around her waist had tiny spikes that created a delicate friction against her skin whenever it moved, causing an intensely strange sensation.

“They stimulate multiple senses simultaneously. This way is the safest and easiest.”

“Aht… I see.”

Jiwoo understood easily. Yet her body kept jerking involuntarily, and each time it did, the vine tightened further. The rustling of the small leaves attached to the vine sounded softly like leaves fluttering in the wind.

“Don’t be nervous. Now…”

Solmih’s voice was soft as the breeze.

“I, I’m a little embarrassed…”

“That’s nothing to be embarrassed about. This is part of the treatment.”

Solmih came over and gently stroked Jiwoo’s cheek. Starting from her forehead, he moved down past her eyes and around her lips with his large hand. His fingers barely touched her skin while his palm hovered just above. A teasing warmth transferred through the slight contact.

“Haa…”

It was actually Solmih who had bound her so tightly. Though somewhat forceful, he was worried and carefully avoided pressing his palm fully on her skin. He seemed the weaker one here.

While softly caressing her cheek, Solmih pressed his lips against Jiwoo’s.

“You’re not in pain, right? Not uncomfortable? Not just your posture, but your feelings too.”

“Ung…”

The kiss stimulated her lips. After lightly licking her lower lip, Solmih felt Jiwoo’s heartbeat quicken. The steady rhythm was anticipation for what would come next.

As Solmih gently licked the inside of her lips, Jiwoo tasted the sweetness of rose and honey on his tongue.

His tongue dug deeper, and a surprisingly smooth, sticky saliva coated her mouth.

The slick sound of saliva mixing, melting in the night air, was strangely sweet.

While intoxicated by this explicit and tender kiss, Jiwoo’s body jerked again.

“…!”

Solmih made no sound. But she clearly felt his surprise through their lips.

Then, pulling back briefly, Solmih licked the corner of Jiwoo’s mouth. Knowing what he was doing, Jiwoo shook her head to stop him.

“Solmih…”

At that moment, Jiwoo realized what she had just done.

The lingering taste in her mouth, and the thin trickle of blood flowing down Solmih’s jaw.

She had bitten his tongue and lips hard enough to draw blood.

“It’s okay.”

“…”

“It’s okay. Look, it’s already healing quickly thanks to you.”

Tears welled up in Jiwoo’s eyes, and Solmih pointed to his lips helplessly. The torn skin from her bite was already healing from Jiwoo’s saliva.