Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided-Chapter 80. Night Shall Fall upon Us

[Warning: Contains a Heartfelt & Sensual Moment]

When Jack, Aurelia, and Friederich arrived at the entrance hall of the Hoffmann estate, Frain, Lupus, and the mischievous twins were already waiting there and welcomed them with warm smiles.

"Lumie! Lumus!" Jack greeted them as the twins hopped toward him, as energetic as ever.

"Oh!" For a good while, they embraced in a warm hug.

Lumie, the bunny-eared girl, chuckled gleefully as she nestled close to him.

"You smell like grease and oil, Uncle Jack!" she blurted, making him smile.

"These kids... their innocence is something worth protecting," Jack thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Lumus hesitated, glancing up awkwardly at the two unfamiliar faces. Aurelia and Friederich loomed over him, their presence intimidating.

Aurelia crouched down to his level, her expression softening.

"You're Lumus, right?" she asked cheerfully, rummaging through her sling pouch.

She pulled out two red-wrapped lollipops and extended her palm toward him.

"Here! Try it! It's strawberry-flavoured," she coaxed.

The twins exchanged uncertain glances, their dark eyes blinking in hesitation.

"Come on, guys. She might look fierce, but the princess is kind at heart," Jack reassured them.

Reluctantly, they took the sweets from her. Aurelia smiled and nodded at Jack, acknowledging his support.

"Thank you!" Lumie chirped, unwrapping her candy. As she held up the round, red sweet, she gasped in excitement.

"Wow, it's the same colour as your hair!" she exclaimed before popping it into her mouth.

"Mmm! It's so sweet!" she hummed with pure delight, cupping her cheeks as the sugary pleasure melted on her tongue.

Soon, they were led into the dining hall, where servants bustled about, setting down an extravagant delicacy — seafood, roasted boars, fresh salads, and more.

At the head of the table, Ludwig sat engaged in a holographic conversation with Petra.

Noticing their arrival, the head of the Hoffmann house ended the call and rose to his feet almost immediately.

"I welcome the representatives of Solis Aeternum to our humble estate. Princess Aurelia Sol Solaris and Prime Guardian Friederich Eir Regis, please take a seat beside me," he declared, gesturing toward the seats.

On cue, the servants pulled out the chairs, guiding the guests to their places.

"I'm honoured by your kind hospitality. The people of Solis Aeternum shall remember your generosity," Aurelia replied, settling into her chair.

As regal and elegant as she tried to be, there was still something boyish about her, Jack mused.

The atmosphere at dinner was quieter than usual. With several members of the Hoffmann family absent, there were only occasional murmurs and whispers — nothing to break the stillness in the air.

Eventually, Lupus, seated across from her father, spoke up.

"Father, didn't Mother say she'd be joining us for dinner?" Disappointment laced her words.

Ludwig was about to take a bite of his steak but paused, setting down his fork.

"She did," he replied calmly. "However, with the absence of a governing body at Eastern Dam, I presume she cannot afford such a luxury." His voice was drawn yet regal.

Lupus returned an understanding nod.

Then, turning his attention to Jack, Ludwig asked, "I hear you've been busy with Armatus production."

"Yes. Hein's workshop has been working overtime to increase production. By next week, we'll have a minimum of five combat-ready Armatus mobile suits," Jack reported crisply.

Ludwig nodded thoughtfully before sweeping his gaze toward Aurelia and Friederich.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone here — the Stellius Mages of the Hoffmann house, Jack and his DebrisX crew, and the representatives of Solis Aeternum. Thank you for protecting our city and Eastern Dam," he said, his tone laced with genuine appreciation.

A round of nods and light applause followed in response.

"Now, now," Ludwig continued, his voice steady, "We should not rely on Jack's Armatus teams alone. Vice Magistrate Petra has reached out to higher authorities — specifically, the Magus Primarch of this continent."

He paused to clear his throat before continuing. "Fortunately, they have agreed to station a Lunarius Mage here immediately, so I believe he's on his way here as we speak. A couple more will follow once they disentangle from the conflict at Russha's border."

"Wow! That's amazing!" Lupus exclaimed, her brooding shifted to excitement. "That means we'll have a much better chance of defending our cities! Isn't that great?" She turned to Jack, who was mid-chew on a leaf.

"Umm... umm..." he responded reluctantly.

***

As dinner concluded, the guests gradually retreated to their chambers.

Frain announced that she would be playing bounce-ball with the twins, leaving Jack and Lupus alone.

Seizing the opportunity, Lupus grabbed Jack's wrist and led him towards their room, her grip pushy.

Once inside, she closed the door, locking it behind her.

Pressing her back against the door, she let out a breath.

"Phew! What a hectic day," she murmured with a weak smile.

"Are you tired?" Jack asked, his gaze filled with quiet concern.

Without warning, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders.

"I just want some alone time with you," she whispered, drawing closer until their breaths became one.

Her violet eyes locked onto his, lost in the moment.

Meanwhile, Jack's fingers fidgeted inside his pocket, searching for something.

"Tada!" Jack exclaimed with a smirk, raising a ring to her eye level.

"Huh? Wo~ah! Is this for me!?" Lupus gasped, her golden eyes sparkling with delight.

The ring had a minimalist design with a polished surface. The metal itself was crafted from platinum alloy, shining bright and pristine. Instead of a diamond, a golden Arcanite Harnesser was slotted in the centre. On the backside of the band, his name and hers were engraved into the surface.

"I figured, since we're officially together, I haven't given you anything special. So, I asked Hein if he knew a jeweller who could custom-make one for you. Turns out, Hein—" Jack began, but before he could finish his story, Lupus's golden eyes turned glassy.

She sniffled, trying to hold back tears of joy.

"Brawhwahwahwhwhwhwh!"

There was no stopping her. She wailed out, burying her face into his chest as her tears soaked into the fabric.

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"Calm down, haha!" Jack chuckled, wrapping his arms around her, his fingers gently caressing her lower back. Her silver hair was soft against his touch.

"Should I, um... kneel down?" Jack asked hesitantly, unsure if the gesture was necessary.

The bunny Wildren nodded, her lips adorned with a joyous smile. That was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen.

He was enchanted for a brief moment before he voice reached him, "Yes, you should!" she giggled.

Jack took a deep breath before elegantly lowering himself onto one knee. He held his palm up, and Lupus placed her soft hand on his, her ring finger lifted expectantly.

"Ahem... will you be my love for this life, Miss Lupus Hoffmann? Will you marry me?" he asked, his tone steady and formal. His husky voice carried a charming resonance.

"Yes! Mister Jack Squire, yes! I'll be your love and your life!" she declared wholeheartedly.

With a steady hand, Jack slid the ring onto her finger — it fit perfectly.

"Now... kiss?" Jack asked, glancing up at her.

There was no time for hesitation. Lupus eagerly knelt down, capturing his lips in a sensual embrace. Her enticing tongue teased his, exploring his mouth with greedy passion. They shared a long, deep kiss — one that seemed to defy time itself.

"Mmm, mmm," she hummed in glee, pulling back slightly. Her eyes gleamed with love... and something else.

"We, um... should bathe first, right? Lumie said I smell like grease and motor oil," Jack suggested, his face flushed red. His heart pounded, burning with an almost intoxicating love for her.

She sniffed the air, wiggling her nose.

"Who cares about that?" she purred, biting her lip sensually.

Then, without warning, she pinned him down onto the carpet, straddling him.

"Woah! Lupy!" Jack gasped, a thrill coursing through him as she pressed her body against his.

She trailed kisses down his neck, grinding against his lower abs with a teasing rhythm.

"Relax... let me take care of you, fufu~," she whispered sweetly into his ear.

A tantalising, aching heat surged through him, burning deep within his core. He couldn't hold back a moan — and she joined in, their voices blending into an intoxicating melody.

His fingers traced her soft, ashen skin, mapping every curve and delicate dip. Her body was sculpted like an Aphrodite statue; her hourglass shape, the perfect roundness of her hips, every inch of her inviting him to explore.

Her sun-kissed, aromatic hair brushed against his skin as she hastily worked to remove his clothes. They were now nothing more than a barrier separating them.

That whole night was filled with love.

A love so deep, so overwhelming... it consumed them entirely.

---

Final note:

Ladies, Gents!

It's been an awesome ride at WN! But as the exposure and reader counts dwindled to near zero, I've decided to make it worth it with my time and continue the upcoming Chapters on RoyalRoad instead!

Currently, I'm on Rising Stars - Main on Royalroad, and at Chapter 80. Please join me there if you like this story.

This is not a goodbye!

~ I appreciated your love and support ~