《I'm Not Interested In The Main Characters》
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Elysia woke up feeling a breath tickling her forehead.
If someone asked her if she had ever had such a peaceful morning over the past five years, she would answer this was her first time without hesitation.
Even though she fell asleep from exhaustion at dawn, she was in very good shape.
The corners of her mouth rose and she grinned at the breathtakingly tempting body before her, with restless arms wrapped around her waist.
As she rubbed her face and went into his arms, hisrge hand draped over her shoulders and hugged her.
¡°.....?¡±
Why did she fall asleep because of exhaustion, and what were the touches she was feeling?
As she mentally asked the questions, she remembered the purple eyes, which had been filled with heat.
¡®You really... Ugh. I¡¯m going crazy. Hold me.¡¯
Oh my God. She hoped that the voice in her memory wasn¡¯t hers.
It would be nice if she hadn¡¯t remembered it, but the scenes in the bedroom were too vivid.
What the hell happened?
Elysia was struggling with her memories, trying not to be conscious of the hand that drew her close.
***
At a banquet held every winter by the Imperial Family of the Giovanni Empire...
Elysia was looking at the man and woman dancing in the center of the hall with a satisfied look.
¡®It looks good on them.¡¯
The man and woman who were dancing were Lebos, the male lead of this world, and Lumiere, the female lead.
That was the moment when the first meeting of the two leads took ce, just like the first chapter from the original story.
Now, all she needs to do is move away from the development of the original story and live a safe and peaceful life.
Elysia, who was sipping champagne with a happy heart, suddenly frowned.
¡®Again...¡¯
Repeatedly, her vision would turn cloudy and then clear.
And at the end of the banquet hall, there were voices of people who were quietly whispering love, voices of young children asking around of their appearance, and the piercing smell of perfume and of people.
Even the colorful dresses and the light reflected by the crystal chandelier made her tired.
As Elysia stumbled a little and put down the champagne ss she was holding, the eyes of the surrounding people and the knights caught on her.
At today¡¯s banquet, even the knights who returned to the Empire after three years of massive monster destruction attended, so there were more attentive eyes than usual.
She had slightly raised eyes, with the color of ruby ??red, and had rich silver hair fluttering to her waist.
In addition to her sensual appearance, the blue-colored halterneck dress revealed her sensual figure.
Ever since she possessed this body 5 years ago, she has been slowly but steadily evolving.
It was safe to say that her appearance, which was beginning to change, matched her former life¡¯s appearance.
Elysia headed outside the banquet hall to take a break from the symptoms that hade.
Outside the banquet hall, she shifted her steps in search for a ce to lean on.
¡°Ah...?¡±
The direction of the banquet hall and the wind blowing from the other side were mixed with a smell that made her dizzy.
The wind blowing gently tickled her cheeks and soft hair and seemed to refresh her breath.
As her view became clear, her body began to move in search of the owner of the scent that tempted her.
As if she was losing her reason since she hasn¡¯t had blood for a long time.
She felt that her sense of smell became more sensitive in order not to miss the prey.
How far ahead is he? She was stalking a man who was walking ahead, regardless of her will.
Her body was out of control after a long time from her first prey.
Will there be a 20-step difference? As the wind blew, the scent of a stimting body came up to the tip of her nose, and a sour voice burst.
¡°Ha.. ha.¡±
There was only that man and her on the dark road.
This was no horror story.
During that time, she thought it was too bad because she didn¡¯t have a vampire desire among the symptoms that appeared as her body changed.
She was crazy because she didn¡¯t expect this to happen.
The man who had been walking for a while stopped.
¡®Don¡¯t stop.¡¯
She couldn¡¯t get it out of her mouth to scream that he shouldn¡¯t be here as his growing odor lingered.
The white tuberose was shining blue in the moonlight.
The man, who clearly showed his presence in the scent of tuberose filling the surroundings, turned around and looked at her.
Purple eyes facing her face to face, ncing down at her.
His sharp eyes and red lips make a strangely colorful face.
He had a body that was so tight that she wanted to take it off at least once.
¡®It¡¯s unfair that even his face is my taste.¡¯
There was tant displeasure in his purple eyes.
There was only one person in this world with ck hair and purple eyes.
Duke of Cassian Esteban. Cassian opened his mouth to Elysia, who was breathing hard.
¡°Are you drunk or something? Why do you keep on following me?¡±
Upon hearing his words, she was thinking that his low voice was sexy, regardless of the content.
Elysia¡¯s red eyes glowed dangerously with a sharper light.
Licking her thick lips with her tongue, she got closer to him. The gap between the two quickly narrowed.
¡°...What?!¡±
Cassian, who thought she was an ordinary noble, quickly went right under her nose and raised his eyebrows as he watched her put her hand on his chest.
As Elysia hugged him, she pressed her body.
It was difficult to continue the dreamy and normal thinking as if she was drunk.
A white finger curved and pressed down on Cassian¡¯s lips while he was trying to say something.
¡°Shh.¡±
Elysia pressed Cassian¡¯s lips gently with her index finger and sent him a message to be quiet.
The other hand had already passed his chest and was going towards the nape of his neck.
Cassian raised his hand to push her away, but Elysia pushed him back against the tree behind him.
The reason why he did not use his true strength to stop her was because he thought he was dealing with a delicatedy, but it was also because Elysia¡¯s power was monstrous.
As he felt a slight pain, Cassian became interested in the woman in front of him.
Cassian¡¯s lips widened, surprised by her act of blocking his retreat.
And over his lips, her thick lips ovepped.
A soft tongue broke through the open lips.
It was a kiss that pushed him to swallow breaths.
The sound of saliva mixing rang in her ears.
Elysia¡¯s hand continued to wriggle around his neck.
While the deep kiss continued, sharp fangs emerged, and Cassian¡¯s lower lip was bitten.
As if she was digging into something, a tingling sensation and a fishy scent of blood spread in his mouth.
At the same time, the feeling of drinking an aphrodisiac hit him.
¡°...!¡±
¡°Haa.¡±
Elysia exhaled and lifted her lips.
She unbuttoned Cassian¡¯s uniform, buried her face straight under the nape of his neck, and took a deep breath.
Cassian¡¯s back muscles tightened.
He tried to push her with a little more force, but it was faster for Elysia to open her lips.
Elysia put her fangs in the back of his neck and began to drink blood in earnest.
Her whole body began to tremble at the sensation she felt after a long time.
She couldn¡¯t even think that she had to stop. No, she didn¡¯t want to stop.
Elysia put her arm around his neck and pulled him. When the two bodies sped together tightly, she felt satisfied.
¡°Ho-¡±
Cassian once again grabbed her shoulder and tried to push her, but his strength was lost under Elysia¡¯s body.
Elysia lost her mind in his arms.
Cassian caught her crumbling waist, supporting her.
¡®This is aplete hit, isn¡¯t it?¡¯
***
¡°Cr-Crazy.....¡±
¡°You woke up early, you can sleep a little longer if you want.¡±
She felt goosebumps from his low voice.
She could hear a littleughter.
Cassian pulled the hair off her face with a friendly touch and got out of bed.
Before she could figure out what was going on, her red eyes followed him.
Even in the dark, she could see the man¡¯s figure.
¡®What happened to me?¡¯
Could it be that shepletely became a vampire? Elysia, who was looking back and forth, was distracted by the clearer image of the man¡¯s appearance.
The stretched shoulders and beautifully positioned back muscles caught her eye. In the middle, the red marks that she seemed to have madest night made his body look even sexier.
As she lowered down her gaze along the spine line, she could see muscles settled in the thigh of an appropriate thickness.
She swallowed a gulp unconsciously on his handsome frame.
It was an obvious appetite.
¡®I don¡¯t think it¡¯s an appetite...¡¯
As she couldn¡¯t take her gaze away from his body, he raised his head as he felt her gaze on him.
Elysia flinched at his purple eyes facing her.
Looking at the same eyes that were filled withst night¡¯s heat, Elysia took the nket and slipped it to cover her body.
Cassian, who epted her behavior, said while raising his mouth.
¡°It seems that you can¡¯t take your eyes off my body. I don¡¯t mind if we do it one more time...¡±
Will you be okay? She felt the nuance of that.
The marks on the back of his neck were clear as he tilted his neck and smilednguidly.
One, two, three... Oh my God.
She sucked him three times, but the man in front of her was too fine.
¡®If you really want to stop, don¡¯t push me with that face.¡¯
But rather, she was the exhausted one that cried out. As the figure of the man came to mind, the questions in her head grew more and more.
The more she did that, the more she tried to hold it in, still, she could hear his growling voice, saying ¡®Don¡¯t provoke me anymore.¡±
Elysia tore her head in a desperate look.
¡°What are you thinking? Your face is red.¡±
Elysia couldn¡¯t even respond to his mischievous words.
As if it¡¯s not enough for you to be caught, you even spent the night here! She wanted to hit herselfst night.
Of course, his taste was enough to deserve praise.
In the meantime, to think that she liked a man. Elysia raised her hand and pped herself on both cheeks.
¡°Does it hurt?¡±
Cassian¡¯srge hand touched her forehead.
The Duke of Esteban was a man who was rarely mentioned in the original story. All the information she knew about Cassian was very shallow and basic.
He is the first contributor to thest war, and without him, the destruction of monsters wouldn¡¯t have happened.
He was also the Commander-in-Chief of the military and was the leader of the Esteban Knights, which people say is harder to enter than the Imperial Knights.
Despite the fact that he was a talented person who reached the master¡¯s level, he had little weight in the story.
Leaving that aside, there was little information about the man in front of her.
She doesn¡¯t know if she¡¯s fortunate or not to have him know of her secret.
At best, she was wondering if she should escape the fate of the evil woman and hide her identity and live a safe life, but this was difficult.
¡®Let¡¯s run.¡¯
Elysia finally decided to use her abilities to run away.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
A maid approached Elysia, who was drinking tea in her room.
¡°This is a letter to the Lady.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
Elysia¡¯s eyes widened as she put down the teacup and saw the envelope.
The sender section of the envelope had a silver seal on a navy envelope, with the name of the person who she¡¯d spent the night with.
¡®Oh my... is your beauty from your owner?¡¯
Sheughed at the thought that even the envelope was beautiful like its owner.
The contents of the letter politely asked that he wants to meet her, written in amazing penmanship.
Elysia tapped her lips with the envelope. She wondered about him, who would look lost and confused due tock of memory.
¡®I think that expression is also going to look sexy...¡¯
When Elysia woke up in his bedroom after spending the night with Cassian, she eventually erased his memory using her vampire abilities.
Each vampire has their own abilities, and in her case, she was able to erase a day¡¯s worth of memories.
Although there was a condition for erasing memories that the person¡¯s eyes must be closed, it was hardly a disadvantage.
¡°Hmm...¡±
From that day on, all of her vampire characteristics had returned.
Eyesight, smell, and hearing, all superior to humans, including overwhelming strength and resilience.
Except for the fact that she has a heartbeat, she was just like a vampire.
Elysia looked at the letter again.
She really didn¡¯t want Cassian to knowpletely that they had spent the night, but the employees of the Duke of Esteban would know that. It was impossible to hold onto each of the employees and erase their memories, so that part was unavoidable.
So, when Cassian wakes up andes to his senses, all he would know is that he just had a one night affair with Elysia Lowell.
Elysia took out a nk letter paper and picked up a pen.
She doesn¡¯t beat around the bush, so there wasn¡¯t even a sentence asking him about his day.
She wrote one brief sentence in the center of the letter.
[Please leave that day as a memory, and please forget about it.]
It meant that she didn¡¯t want to meet him. She thought it wouldn¡¯t be bad for Cassian either. Because there is no situation where he will be in trouble just because of one night without memories.
The Giovanni Empire has be quite open as dating and marriage became popr a few years ago.
So it wouldn¡¯t look weird if she asked him to forget it.
¡®Although not all of them are open-minded yet...¡¯
Elysia carefully folded the letter and put it in an envelope.
The family¡¯s seal was stamped over the sealing wax and the envelope was pulled aside.
With this, she could now really pursue absolute safety and peace.
The reason she keeps calling out for safety is because of the contents of the novel and that she is a vampire.
She became the viin, Elysia Lowell, in the novel, `Lumiere¡¯, she read five years ago.
She doesn¡¯t know why she possessed this body.
¡®A vampire fanfiction...!¡¯
Usually, if you look at a novel, humans possess the body of a vampire, or humans turn into vampires, don¡¯t they?
She has read many fantasy genre novels but never seen vampires possessing human bodies.
In addition, even more cases showed up where the human body bes a vampire.
As usual, after work, she would read a novel while drinking blood in a wine ss.
One thing that was different from usual was that she didn¡¯t like the content of the novel very much.
Revos, the male protagonist, was in a rtionship with Elysia. Until the appearance of the heroine Lumiere.
He was the first son of the emperor, but his mother¡¯s background was low and he grew up as an abused child.
Revos, who dreamed of revenge for his mother and needed power, was far less powerfulpared to the Empress¡¯ son, the second prince.
However, the situation is reversed when Elysia, the daughter of the Duke of Lowell, who has been serving the Emperor for generations, falls in love with Revos.
Elysia makes Revos a prince, and Revos stands by Elysia.
It could be said that it was a good rtionship where each could take what they wanted.
However, the heroine appears, and Revos, who falls in love with the heroine, informs Elysia of the breakup.
It was obviously behind the scenes. The ckened Elysia became a viin, who tormented the two main characters and held hands with the Second Prince.
The final scene was the death of the evil woman and the grand wedding of the two protagonists.
There were only two parts she did not like after reading this novel.
Elysia¡¯s nickname was Sia, the same as her own name, and that no matter what, the male lead doesn¡¯t make sense.
Even if they weren¡¯t in love, it was a rtionship based on necessity, so shouldn¡¯t it be urate to give and receive?
So, when she first learned that she got into the novel, she was very ufortable, but she was willing to ept it as she couldn¡¯t figure out how to go back.
The problem was that when she was reborn, it had already been a year since she became Revo¡¯s lover, and her body was gradually bing a vampire.
¡®Wow. I¡¯ve been struggling for 5 years.¡¯
She thought she had be a human, but she had to live as quietly as possible because she was turning into a vampire.
In a world without vampires, it would be terrible if you are near the main characters for nothing and get caught up in the development.
It would be difficult to get used as a witch or demon.
She wanted to break up with Revos right away, but she was afraid of what would happen if she hastily arranged the breakup with him.
She is the only one in the world who knows of the future.
So in the end, like the original story, she will eventually put Revos on the throne and pretend to be his lover for five years.
Two days before the banquet began, she broke up with Revos and even conjured a story, so now, meeting the heroine would not be a problem.
****
Elysia, who was looking at the Imperial newspaper, uttered a swear word.
¡°Oh my... this is insane.¡±
The main imperial newspaper featured an article about the love triangle between Elysia, Duke Esteban, and her ¡°old lover¡± Prince Revos.
The butler came to her with an embarrassing expression.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
¡°Someone¡¯s here to see you. Duke Esteban¡¯s aide to be exact; he¡¯s in the parlor.¡±
¡°I see.¡±
As she followed the butler to the parlor, a man, who seemed to be the aide, politely said hello.
¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Lloyd, the Duke of Esteban¡¯s aide.¡±
¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you as well, and if I may, why are you here?¡±
¡°The Duke said that he would like to meet you. The meeting time and ce will be set in a time that is convenient for the Lady.¡±
Behind Lloyd¡¯s back, she saw rows of servants who were bringing gifts.
What the hell?
Seeing Lloyd smiling as he pointed at the gifts, it seemed like it was from Cassian.
¡°I refuse. Please take the gifts back.¡±
If we meet, we¡¯ll both have a hard time.
His dizzying body shape will evoke her vampire desire, and her vampire desire will evoke skinship.
It hadn¡¯t been long since she changed, so shecked self-control.
It was quite difficult to control the vampire instincts against most people.
She¡¯s afraid that she would lose her reason and bite his neck when she meets Cassian, that¡¯s why she¡¯s reluctant to see him.
Besides, she can only use her abilities once on someone or else it won¡¯t work.
¡°I will tell him, but the gifts aren¡¯t rted to it. So please ept them.¡±
How can it be irrelevant?
When Elysia wriggled her eyebrows and tried to refute, Lloyd turned around and left.
She had a lot of regrets about the scandal, she should have talked about it.
However, the regret disappeared within a day when Lloyd came back the next day.
***
Gray, a maid who works for the Duke of Lowell, was tearful at the figure of Elysia screaming as soon as she got up today.
She was worried about the Lady who had stayed overnight after she attended the imperial banquet and since then, has been screaming and making mysterious remarks.
After knocking, she entered the room and saw Elysia sitting on the bed with her silver hair pulled all the way through.
Her hair is managed with the finest oil thates in only two bottles from the East of the Empire...!
The appearance of Elysia five years ago ovepped in front of Gray¡¯s eyes.
Still, it wasn¡¯t the first time, so it was easy to tell from only her facial expressions.
¡°Did hee here again today...?¡±
¡°Yes...¡±
Gray pushed Elysia into the bathroom.
¡°I told you to chase him away.¡±
¡°You know it¡¯s hard to do that.¡±
¡°We have to see the Duke anyway. It should be fine, just kick his feet away. If only my father was here... Haa...¡±
The sound of Elysia¡¯s gritting teeth rang in the bathroom.
The day after she sent Cassian an answer asking him to stop, his aide began to visit the mansion.
Every day, with a variety of gifts.
It was the reason why she tore her hair out every morning.
After taking a bath, the maid asked Elysia, who sat at the vanity.
¡°What about your hair?¡±
¡°You don¡¯t need to do it. All you have to do is put on the makeup.¡±
Elysia simply finished her dress up and headed to the parlor.
It was obvious that the aide would repeat the same words today.
¡®The Duke said that he would like to meet you. The meeting time and ce will be set in a time that is convenient to the Lady.¡¯
She didn¡¯t understand why he was doing this when she just asked him to forget about it.
She just needed to meet Cassian in person, but she didn¡¯t want to.
Upon arriving at the parlor, Lloyd, the assistant, greeted Elysia politely as always. It was already a week or two, meeting him face to face every morning.
¡°Today, again, my answer is ¡®No.¡¯ If youe again, I will take it as ignoring our family.¡±
Elysia answered before Lloyd could even open his mouth.
She didn¡¯t even care to be polite anymore.
No matter how many times she refuses, what can she do if they keep visiting her constantly?
It was very pitiful for the aide, who was getting emaciated as the days passed, but that was it.
Lloyd¡¯s face, who was looking at Elysia¡¯s eyes, turned pale.
¡°I¡¯ll go back now. I¡¯m sorry, Miss.¡±
It wasn¡¯t a good idea toe every day.
Elysia raised her hand and pressed her eye.
On the table, she nced at the gifts from the Duke of Esteban.
How many kinds are there? It included endless dresses and shoes, but the sizes fit exactly as if it were all custom.
It seems like she needs to change the tailor she goes to.
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Discord invites are opened!
Lloyd, Cassian¡¯s aide, was called to the office upon returning from the Duke of Lowell.
It has already been a week since he got tattered by the Master¡¯s galloping energy.
¡°So today?¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir.¡±
¡°Hmm. Should I say that after all?¡±
Cassian rubbed his chin and fell into agony.
On one side of the office desk was a reply from Elysia.
He picked up the envelope and read the reply again.
The tip of his mouth went up in the handwriting that was so neat that it could be published into a textbook teaching imperialnguage. It wasn¡¯t ghostwriting.
Thedy didn¡¯t seem to know that the concise content of wanting him to forget about the day would rather amplify his curiosity.
¡°Oh, Sir, the scandal with Lady Lowell. I posted a report, but you haven¡¯t said anything yet...¡±
¡°Scandal with Lady Lowell?¡±
It was before Lloyd even finished talking.
What does that mean, the purple eyes looked at him.
¡°That¡¯s... well Your Excellency and the Lady are in a scandal.¡±
Cassian beckoned to keep going, with an expression asking why he just reported it now.
Lloyd put the report back in front of Cassian just in case.
¡°At thest imperial banquet, there were several people who witnessed Your Excellency riding a carriage holding Lady Lowell. The rumors that I went in and out of the Duke of Lowell¡¯s mansion were tied up and it became rumored that there is a triangr rtionship with His Majesty the Crown Prince... and Your Excellency who is courting Lady Lowell every day and Lady Lowell is rejecting you...¡±
Cassian¡¯s lips drew a line.
¡®Oh my, he¡¯s angry.¡¯
Lloyd spoke in a hurry, staring into the air in cold sweat.
¡°The rumors also turned to say that Lady Lowell attacked and abandoned you and the knights witnessed the marks on your neck when you reported for duty.¡±
An unspoken warning came from Cassian, saying, ¡°You are already dead.¡±
It was a little unfair, wasn¡¯t it his master who didn¡¯t read the report in time?
Of course, it was his job to ask again if there was no answer.
However, thanks to the young master who helped and just returned from the subjugation of the monsters, a time when even ten people were insufficient.
¡°But why is the Crown Prince mixed up here?¡±
¡°He has an arranged rtionship with Lady Lowell...¡±
¡°Is Lady Lowell the woman the Crown Prince was dating?¡±
¡°If you look at the back page, it is summarized briefly.¡±
Cassian picked up the report.
He was such a prince who attracted women of all ages to his bedroom.
With Cassian¡¯s personality, he didn¡¯t want to know or care about it.
The Crown Prince has never caused any problems that would particrly ignite his temper.
¡®So it¡¯s Lady Lowell.¡¯
He knew there was a woman whom the prince had been meeting for six years.
That woman is empowering the prince.
If he thought about it a little more, he didn¡¯t know he would get the answer right away.
¡°So what did you do with the rumors?¡±
¡°Well... Your Excellency didn¡¯t say anything, so I randomly handled it.¡±
In front of the eyes, Lloyd flickered.
In thest few days, his mind has been tormented by his master¡¯s circumstances.
The owner of such a clean rtionship with women was followed by the nickname of a homosexual.
Lloyd couldn¡¯t miss the golden opportunity to remove the nickname.
Cassian reads the next chapter of the report.
¡°I think I¡¯ll have to settle this and apologize.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±
¡°Well done. Does it feel bad to be mentioned with the Crown Prince?¡±
It was another job to settle the matter.
In the report, things about the Crown Prince and Elysia¡¯s meeting were well described. How the Crown Prince treated Elysia and how it was between the two were in great detail.
The silent teatime was a rumor that was so widespread that no nobles did not know it.
¡®She wasn¡¯t like a woman who would remain still after receiving such treatment.¡¯
Cassian tilted his head in wonder.
¡°Tomorrow, tell the Lady this.¡±
Lloyd¡¯s face could no longer be whiter at Cassian¡¯s words.
Lloyd was confused as to whether the words he was hearing could really be spoken to the noble Lady.
It seemed certain that he would get hit in the cheek on the spot instead.
Cassian¡¯s words were enough to forget Elysia¡¯s remarks that she would ept it as ignoring the family if he visited him once more.
Wouldn¡¯t you be losing Duke Lowell and the Lady?
¡°...Okay.¡±
¡°Probably, you¡¯ll get a response right away, so make sure you schedule an appointment, Lloyd.¡±
Lloyd was in tears at the tone that made it so obvious that he would never get an answer this time as always.
¡°Five elite knights to Lady Lowell.¡±
¡°Is it surveince or protection?¡±
¡°Both.¡±
Five elite Knights of the Esteban Knights, you mean like escorting the royal family.
He felt sorry for Lady Lowell to identally caught the eyes of someone like that iceberg.
Lloyd stumbled and bowed and left the office.
****
Elysia was listening to the report by the family¡¯s informant.
The capital city was all over her stories recently, so there were more than one or two things to worry about.
Thinking of Lloyd, who kept returning in the morning, her head throbbed again.
He won¡¯te again in the future.
From the beginning, she should have told him to note back. A bted regret overwhelmed her.
There was one more reason why she spoke strongly today, even mentioning her family name.
Her father and brother were not in the empire because they were going on business trips to other countries due to diplomatic issues.
Her father, Duke Lowell¡¯s assistant, was also away, so the process of settling rumors was slow.
Cassian didn¡¯t seem to have any ns to help settle the rumors.
Every day he sent his aide to the mansion, and the rumors grew bigger and bigger.
¡®Damn scandal! Who the hell saw that?¡¯
She was determined to burn it up.
Thanks to this, Elysia became determined. It¡¯s like all the men will fall down at once.
There were even rumors that there was no man who couldn¡¯t be tempted if she made up her mind. The situation was serious to just leave it alone.
¡°What does the Crown Prince say for this scandal?¡±
¡°There are no announcements yet.¡±
It meant that he had taken no action on the triangr rtionship.
Elysia felt the need to quickly exclude Revos from the rumors.
She was sure he¡¯ll see the female protagonist again soon, but it wasn¡¯t something that would happen if Revos was to be constantly tied up to her.
It had to be confirmed that she broke up with Revos before meeting Cassian.
¡°What about the breakup?¡±
¡°There are many attendants who have witnessed the Lady¡¯s request to break up with his Majesty in the Eir Pce, so that part of the story is true.¡±
It seemed that he had escaped the wrath of the imperial family.
She saw the informant snapping his lips to see if she had anything to say.
¡°What is it?¡±
¡°That¡¯s... Yesterday, the Duke of Esteban wrote an announcement. On the day of the banquet, the youngdy and the Duke of Esteban fell in love with each other at first sight, and they had nothing to do with the Crown Prince.¡±
¡°What?!¡±
Elysia¡¯s gaze at the informant was cold.
How many times already? He missed the timing every time in this scandal.
But it seems to have prevented her from bing an unfaithful woman.
¡°No, but what nonsense is that announcement without consulting us?¡±
He must have intended to block someone from getting married.
Of course, she wasn¡¯t even thinking about getting married.
In the original story, there was a part that the Second Prince loved Elysia, so she was considering a contract marriage in mind just in case.
In this case, he had to meet the Duke of Esteban once.
Elysia frowned, recalling what had happened in the morning.
Why did such an article appear after she sent back the aide yesterday?
She guessed he didn¡¯t write an article on purpose just because she didn¡¯t meet him.
Elysia put down the ss with a bloody look. She should have known since he sent the aide everyday.
¡°Why are you so obsessed when I tell you to forget it?!¡±
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°...No. I¡¯m going to the banquet on thest day, so please find me a suitable partner.¡±
¡°Okay.¡±
The imperial banquetsted a whopping ten days, and attendance was required for more than two days.
Since she was present on the first day, there is one more time left, but due to the scandal, she has to look for a new partner.
After the Crown Prince, now the Duke of Esteban.
****
¡°Mydy, a man came from the Duke of Esteban.¡±
¡°Is that so? He¡¯s here again.¡±
She was going to meet him because of the article that they were in love with at first sight, but it¡¯s all good.
One thing that was unpleasant was that even though she warned him that yesterday, the aide came back again.
The maid, trying to lift Elysia¡¯s hair, shouted at her suddenly standing up.
¡°Lady! I haven¡¯t done your hair yet.¡±
¡°It¡¯s okay, just untie it. Is he in the parlor?¡±
The maid Gray nodded.
Elysia unwrapped her half braided hair and headed for the parlor.
As soon as she saw the aide, Elysia thought to say a word but stopped when she looked at Lloyd¡¯s figure.
The aide, who looked even thinner than yesterday, looked like he was about to cry.
Someone might think that he hasn¡¯t had a meal in a week.
¡°I¡¯m here again...... Today is thest time, so I hope you don¡¯t get too angry, Lady...¡±
¡°...That sounds great.¡±
He said it¡¯s hisst day, so she has to agree.
She felt like she had lost for some reason, but it was more important to deal with the scandal.
Elysia sighed and stared at the aide who would say the same thing.
The aide, Lloyd hesitated, unable to open his mouth easily.
¡°His... His Excellency...¡±
Even though Elysia had waited for the next word calmly, Lloyd couldn¡¯t speak.
As she grew impatient Elysia spoke out,pletely different words popped out of each other¡¯s mouths.
¡°He asked me to meet once.¡±
¡°...His Excellency asked me to say, ¡®I gave my neck and body, which you ate then threw away.¡¯¡±
¡°Wait, what...¡±
Elysia¡¯s mouth trembled.
Lloyd¡¯s words made the faces of the employees waiting in the back, strange.
The rumors that the Lady ran away after attacking the Duke of Esteban leaned further to the truth.
¡®Neck? He can¡¯t say that.¡¯
In her mind, Lloyd¡¯s words repeated like an echo.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Elysia couldn¡¯t enter the parlor and paced at the door.
Cassian came to the mansion. Her ability must have worked, but why did he say that?
With this body, she felt anxiety about the ability she used for the first time.
She opened the door of the parlor, finding herself looking at the tooth marks left on his neck.
¡®Wow... It¡¯s no joke.¡¯
As soon as she entered the parlor, she held her breath at the scent.
Today he had his bangs down intact.
He looked handsome revealing his forehead, but he also looked good with his bangs down like that.
¡°I finally get to see you, Lady.¡±
Is he speaking up because he doesn¡¯t remember?
But if that¡¯s the case, haven¡¯t they been talking since the first time they met?
Elysia saw the employees standing behind him.
Are you speaking in honorifics because of the employees¡¯ gaze?
Cassian reached out to Elysia.
¡°Nice to see you again, Duke.¡±
Cassian smiled as he looked at her immacte hands, ced coyly on his palm.
He bowed his head and kissed the back of Elysia¡¯s hand.
Even though it was just a formal greeting, the back of her hand seemed to be burning.
¡®It¡¯s all because of his smell.¡¯
Even though she drank blood just before meeting him, it was so hard.
Elysia struggled not to let go of the tension.
Cassian¡¯s purple eyes exude anguid and rxed atmosphere.
She looked at his face to see if he remembered something, but she couldn¡¯t see anything.
Elysia let go of her hand. No, she tried to let go, but her hand didn¡¯t budge.
¡°?!¡±
Cassian slipped his hold on her hand and narrowed the distance.
The closer he got to her, the harder it was for her.
¡®I can¡¯t say anything at all. I have to go outside.¡¯
The parlor couldn¡¯t be said to be narrow, but it was a no-no to be trapped in this enclosed space with his body.
¡°I¡¯d like to take a walk, is it okay?¡±
¡°Sure¡±
And Cassian, holding Elysia¡¯s hand, headed out.
She wanted to get as far away from him as possible.
He walked forward without saying anything, and Elysia tried to find herposure by biting her lower lip.
She had the employees far away and then looked back at Cassian.
¡°This should be enough.¡±
Elysia¡¯s mouth trembled at the short speech.
She said, giving strength to the hand he held.
¡°Now let me go.¡±
He looked at Elysia and let go of her hand.
As soon as he let go of her hand, Elysia widened her distance.
¡°My hands are cold. It seems like it was not just your hands but also other ces.¡±
¡°What?¡±
She turned to look at his face.
Cassian paused and opened his mouth.
¡°Are you usually sensitive to cold? I told you to keep holding me at night if it was cold...¡±
Oh My God.
Elysia groaned at the main subjecting in without hesitation, grabbing her coat and pulling it.
Cassian raised the corners of his mouth.
¡°What?! Damn, you remember everything...¡±
She couldn¡¯t let go of her coat even though she felt it was difficult to control breathing at a distance close enough to feel each other¡¯s breath.
She had no idea what to say first.
What she couldn¡¯t believe hase true.
¡°What were you trying to do to me then?¡±
It was difficult to understand what he was referring to since she did many things to him.
¡°The magic didn¡¯t work on me, though it did have a different feeling.¡±
¡®What? Do you mean mind magic? Or... my ability?¡¯
Cassian pulled out the coat from Elysia¡¯s hand.
Then he grabbed one of her hands and touched it to the nape of his neck and opened his mouth.
¡°Ah!¡±
¡°You¡¯ll definitely need this again, and when you do pleasee to me.¡±
¡®You remember. The ability didn¡¯t work.¡¯
As the other party convinced her, her shaky red eyes became calm.
It urred to her that it might have been the effect of mind magic on him because her ability did not work.
It didn¡¯t matter anymore why the ability didn¡¯t work.
Elysia¡¯s eyes seemed to shake, but she soon hid her facial expressions.
And with a smile that was worth knowing, she went a little closer towards him.
¡°Just tell me what you want from me.¡±
What do you want? Money? Or the body? Or is it that he is trying to use her family?
Elysia put her arms around his shoulders and pressed her body.
If there¡¯s anything he wanted, don¡¯t spin around and ask for it.
The Duke of Esteban was amassing more wealth than her family.
He probably doesn¡¯t need money or support from a political standpoint. From a political standpoint, he would never need her help.
He is a man who can achieve whatever he wants without the help of Duke Lowell.
Then there was only one answer.
¡°Is this what you want?¡±
Elysia smiled, curving her eyes beautifully. Then he whispered into her ear.
Pit-a-pat. A sound that was difficult to tell whose heartbeat it was.
She gathered strength on her hand and that was going around his neck.
At the same time, Cassian caught both wrists.
¡°...!¡±
¡°This is the most obvious way for you, but what should I do? Because I¡¯m not that weak.¡±
¡°Tell me what you want.¡±
Elysia tried to get her hand out, thinking that she would win by force if the magic didn¡¯t work.
As she energized her hand, Cassian frowned and turned to her.
¡°Stop. I have no intention of telling anyone, so let¡¯s calm down for now.¡±
Seeing his rxed expression made her feel worse.
He lowered his head and said, closer to her face.
¡°Please don¡¯t avoid me and let¡¯s continue to meet. Also,e find me when you need blood. All I want are these two things.¡±
¡°Are you threatening me now?¡±
The men, who came to know her identity even from her previous life, were most mistaken as if they are the only ones who could help.
They said they would keep it a secret, and if she needs blood, find them.
The results were always the same, and in the end, she had to fall behind, fearing that information about her identity would eventually leak out.
Elysia smiled bitterly at the situation that reminded her of her past.
¡°I can¡¯t help it, but I¡¯ll take it that way.¡±
¡°What if I want to refuse?¡±
¡°No. You don¡¯t have a choice.¡±
He held a sly smile with only one corner of his mouth raised.
Elysia closed her lips tightly. It would have been better if he was clear about the thing he wanted.
It was ambiguous to say that he wanted her body, and it was a bit strange to say that it was simply surveince.
Anyway, the result was that she had to be dragged around because of her weakness.
This is the worst.
Elysia sarcastically said.
¡°Do you want to y, love?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll call it surveince. I¡¯m not sure if I can leave you alone.¡±
¡°Yes, I don¡¯t know if the day wille when you think it¡¯s safe.¡±
How can he prove it¡¯s safe once she¡¯s been caught sucking blood?
It was impossible to show a state of vampirism and stopping to the extent that it would not interfere with her normal life.
¡®This is all because of the Duke.¡¯
If it weren¡¯t for his body, she wouldn¡¯t have had such an ident that day.
If she had bitten someone other than Cassian, she would have been able to fix it.
She doesn¡¯t know how long his vow ¡®I won¡¯t let anyone know¡¯ willst, but she was d that he really didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of doing that now.
Elysiaughed curiously.
He doesn¡¯t even know how long that heart willst.
He was a man in a position to cut down anything anytime he thought it wasn¡¯t safe.
¡°Ah, is this what you want to do? A rtionship?¡±
¡°I hate both of them, but it must be a romance game to others. You know about the very loud scandal these days, right?¡±
Elysia, who tried to tell him to correct the false rumors quickly, wondered what to do.
Anyway, if she kept meeting Cassian, it was clear that even if she published a correction article, the words woulde out.
¡°Because the Crown Prince is bothered?¡±
¡°Not at all. When did you say you two broke up?¡±
Elysia frowned as if she was really displeased.
¡°But how often do we have to meet?¡±
¡°I think every day will be a little difficult.¡±
¡°Duke, even if we were to have a rtionship, I don¡¯t think I will meet you that often.¡±
¡°Once every four days.¡±
Elysia hesitated for a moment and opened her mouth.
¡°Once every four days, I¡¯m in trouble. Once a month, it¡¯s better.¡±
¡°Once every five days.¡±
¡°2 weeks.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s make it a week. No more.¡±
¡°Fine. ¡±
Even once a week, it felt very short, but furtherpromise seemed difficult.
Cassian rummaged in his arms and held out a small box.
It was obviously a ring case to anyone.
Pretty hands, long fingers, invisible to the sword hand opened the box.
As expected, it really had a ring in it.
A bright red jewel was embedded in the middle of a ring of moderate thickness of tinum.
As he set his eyes on her hand as if he was going to put the ring on her hand, Elysia asked, hiding both hands behind her.
¡°What is this?¡±
He put the ring on his palm as if he had given up on putting it in, holding Elysia¡¯s hand and asking her to check it for herself.
Elysia looked at him with a suspicious gaze, then lowered her gaze to the ring.
It was not a gemstone, but a magic stone.
Looking at the magic engraved on the magic stone, the magic to move to a specific ce was engraved.
¡®How much is this?¡¯
It was a limited magic stone which was engraved with magic, and it is really difficult to obtain magic stones. It¡¯s because only one really small gemstone came out when you caught a high-ss monster.
It was enough to build a few mansions of nobles in the capital with a gemstone the size of a little fingernail embedded in this ring.
No, I think I could buy a whole street.
¡°It¡¯s a magic tool. Where is it set to go?¡±
¡°My room.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Elysia opened her mouth nkly at the answer.
¡°The room where you stayed. The employees are not allowed to enter without my permission, so you can use itfortably.¡±
That¡¯s absurd. The room could never befortable.
¡°I won¡¯t take this.¡±
He took the ring from Elysia, who wanted to return the ring, and put it on the little finger of her right hand.
Then he smiled satisfactorily when he saw the ring shrink to fit her finger.
Since he made it impossible for others to take it out, unless he takes it out himself.
¡°Just take it. I don¡¯t know how well you control those desires, but maybe there¡¯s something else you need?¡±
¡°......¡±
Elysia couldn¡¯t possibly answer his words.
As it was, it would only be necessary to drink human blood once a month, but as of now, she was not sure.
Besides, she did something to him because of her vampiric desires.
¡°Okay, then see you in a week.¡±
¡°Please contact me.¡±
Cassian walked away without dissatisfaction, having achieved the purpose of his visit.
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Elysia lied in bed, looking at the ring with her arms outstretched.
She can¡¯t believe he considered herself a dangerous person enough to prepare such a thing.
¡°What am I? A walking monster?¡±
The only thing she understood was him giving her a huge ring and telling her to look for him when she needs blood.
Don¡¯t touch others and only drink his blood.
¡®A monster... isn¡¯t this wrong?¡¯
She looked through the magic stone, and it seems pretty simple to use. Just inject magic into the magic stone.
Elysia¡¯s body jumped up.
¡®No, how did you know I could deal with magic?¡¯
The only people who knew she was a sorcerer were her family and her teacher, Ramote.
Elysia curled her hair with her hands.
¡°Something¡¯s definitely wrong.¡±
Cassian seemed to be the only one who could use the ring, excluding herself.
It was a waste to think about using expensive magic stones just to engrave this magic.
¡°I¡¯m sure that old man will find some way to use this.¡±
Elysiaughed as she recalled her teacher, Ramote.
He said he would arrive in the capital soon, so he could meet her.
****
¡°Mister Ramote is here.¡±
¡°Take him to my room.¡±
Speak of the devil, he came to her the next day after she had thought of him.
She opened her eyes wide when she saw her teacher Ramote entering the room.
She saw a handsome man dressed up differently than usual.
The gray hair that had always been shaggy was neatly cut. He had a sharp jawline instead of a beard as if he shaved it.
Until now, because of the long beard, his image was fitting of a wizard.
¡°Old man. Why are you dressed up like that?¡±
¡°Stop with the old man. Where in this face is the old man?¡±
¡°The way you speak is like an old man, and what do you call him at his age if not an old man?¡±
Elysia¡¯s words and actions toward Ramote, the only Archmage throughout the history of the continent, were extremely inappropriate.
The employees prepared teacups as if they were familiar with that.
Ramote was her magic teacher and the only one who knew that Elysia was not a person in this world.
Not long after she possessed this body, she met Ramote while collecting information on the species.
The two quarreled with each other over rare books, but while Ramote took his eyes off it for a moment, Elysia took the books and ran away.
Then, how he followed her to the mansion.
It was a time when Elysia herself couldn¡¯t even feel that her body was bing a vampire, but when Ramote first noticed the fact, their rtionship began.
¡°You should¡¯ve done this earlier. This looks much nicer. Our old man is also handsome.¡±
Elysiaughed yfully as she touched Ramote¡¯s hair.
Ramote sat across from Elysia with a dissatisfied face.
His blue eyes were sharp looking at Elysia while raising his sses.
¡°You, tsk... This face... You have to keep your eye in check.¡±
Ramote frowned his eyebrows and stared at her red eyes.
There was a clear difference between the atmosphere when he met Elysiast time.
It was obvious that ordinary humans would be fascinated when they meet their eyes, fascinated by that helpless look.
¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m not in the habit of controlling it yet.¡±
¡°It¡¯s a relief that it can be controlled. It seems that the unstable soul is gone too.¡±
Elysia shrugs. The word ¡®relief¡¯ doesn¡¯t suit her at the moment.
¡°Old man... I had an ident.¡±
Elysia was about to cry and confessed about what had happened.
Except for spending one night with Cassian.
¡°You¡¯ve been making a lot of noise, but that¡¯s just what happened. That¡¯s good.¡±
¡°What should I do? If I just... get rid of him.¡±
Elysia eyes glistened with a grim face.
Ramote opened his mouth with a snort.
¡°You? It won¡¯t work against him. He doesn¡¯t look like a real person.¡±
¡°The Duke of Esteban?¡±
(T/N: *dun* *dun*!! A reader actually theorized that the Duke of Esteban is a vampire! Great guess! Let¡¯s see what he is really~)
Ramote nodded.
The magic that Elysia has achieved over the past three years has been great.
Her body was originally a body with good mana affinity.
Usually, if it was felt that one had some talent, they would be assistant wizards, and there were very few people who reached that level.
Elysia was in that very small number.
As the body became a vampire as well as her talent, the skill and speed of dealing with magic were out ofparison with others.
Not long ago, her body was in an unstable state, so she had problems such as burning a mansion while trying to make a small fireball.
¡®Somehow... I still think that¡¯s going to be a problem.¡¯
Even though she¡¯s not in an unstable state anymore, Ramote thought she might not be able to control the power.
If the magic form waspared to mathematics, then she¡¯d still be at the elementary school level.
¡°As you said, I have registered for the tower. You can do whatever you want, subjugation, or whatever.¡±
¡°Thank you, old man.¡±
The fact that he would register as a wizard belonging to a tower, would reveal that she was a wizard.
In the meantime, she didn¡¯t want to stand out too much. Also, she wanted to avoid helping Revos as much as possible.
Obviously, it would have been faster to sit him in the ce of the crown prince if she used Ramote.
¡°By the way, do you have to reveal that you are a wizard?¡±
¡°You don¡¯t know. I won¡¯t get old anymore, so I should do this.¡±
Those who reached a certain level by mastery of magic aged very slowly.
The better the skill, the better the magic and the greater the speed difference.
In Ramote¡¯s case, he was already over 100 years old, but he doesn¡¯t look a day over 20.
Of course, there is no ambiguity to say that she has reached that point.
Elysia¡¯s magic had a destructive power that looked like so to others.
¡°Do you intend to attend subjugation?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know. If you attend the subjugation, don¡¯t you have to stay with the Duke of Esteban?¡±
It wasn¡¯t long after the long monster subjugation was over, but regr subjugation was going to continue.
It would be enough just to register as an official wizard in the tower, but she was wondering if she would let him know by showing that she could use magic.
There was no better way than to witness it with his own eyes.
¡°Now it will be known that you are my student, so you should study more.¡±
¡°Another nagging. But where are you going today?¡±
¡°Dn Kingdom.¡±
¡°Huh? I have my father and brother there too. If you meet them, please say hello.¡±
Elycia embraced Ramote.
Ramote shook his head and patted her back with an awkward hand.
¡°Huh. Didn¡¯t I tell you not to hug me like this?¡±
¡°Ah. You like it. Think of it as hugging a daughter-like disciple.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not even married, but I have a daughter! I¡¯ll see youter, so try to solve it with the Duke of Esteban.¡±
Elysia nodded and stepped out to see him off.
Upon returning to the room, Elysia tilted her head to see the box the maid Gray was putting on the table.
Two letters were also ced next to the box.
One came from Revos, and the other was a navy envelope, so it seemed like a letter from Cassian.
Elysia tore Revos¡¯ envelope and picked up the navy envelope.
¡°...?¡±
In the letter, it was written that she would attend tomorrow¡¯s banquet as his partner. In this state, attending a banquet with Cassian would be like proving that the rumors are true.
Elysia¡¯s hand, holding the letter paper, trembled.
She put down the letter paper and reached out to the box.
The box was also a glossy navy color to let her know who sent it.
When she opened the lid of the box, unwrapping the ribbon with her hair color, a t velvet case and a piece of clothing that looked like a dress were ced under it.
Inside the velvet case were nes and bracelets.
The choker-style ne was studded with tiny diamonds like ace pattern. The bracelet was also of the same shape.
¡®What kind of gem is this.....¡¯
The jewel of a strange color, not exactly purple and was oddly shaped, gently emitted red light from the inside, as if it were making its own light.
Since she was looking at it for a while, Gray approached as she was curious.
¡°This is...¡±
¡°Ah...! Lady, this is...!¡±
¡°The Guardian¡¯s Eye?¡±
¡°Well, I think it¡¯s right.¡±
No, she doesn¡¯t think so... but why would it be the gem?
The Guardian¡¯s Eye is treated as a holy object.
ording to what she heard, it was clearly said that the original stone was kept at the temple.
A jewel worth the price indeed.
She thought it was easier to just think that it wasn¡¯t the Guardian¡¯s Eyes.
Elysia put down the ne with trembling hands and looked at her dress.
The ck dress in the form of a tube top had a deep V-shaped chest and a clear back.
There wasn¡¯t much decoration, and very small diamond-like belts were embedded only near the waist.
Since it was a reddish material, it was an excellent choice for the purpose of making the ne stand out.
Is it okay to receive such a gift?
Elysia frowned and fell into agony.
We¡¯re meeting because I am threatened anyway, but what if I get too much?
****
Elysia was under Grey¡¯s hand all day long and got a massage.
¡°No, you usually leave it alone. What¡¯s wrong with you today?¡±
¡°Mydy is such a baby. It¡¯s an official meeting for the first time with your new lover, so of course, you need management!¡±
Gray shed her eyes and sat Elysia at the vanity.
New lover. Are the employees already thinking of it that way?
When she meets Cassian today she wants to ask what he was thinking.
The makeup was not thick, but the lips were painted red.
The hair was curled up with a fine wave. There was no old feeling at all due to the fine hair on the forehead line and the baby hair falling in front of the ears.
¡°Huh... Miss. Come to think of it, I haven¡¯t checked if the dress size is correct.¡±
Gray continued to apologize.
Elysia, looking at her dress, shrugged.
¡°Thest time I received it, it was just right, right?¡±
¡°Yeah, yeah! Try it on quickly.¡±
As expected, it fit perfectly as if it were a custom dress.
As it turned out, the tailor did not pass on her measurements.
If so, then that meant he figured out his measurements overnight.
When she even thought that it could be because he touched her that way, her face heated up.
When she finished putting on the jewelry, she heard the butler¡¯s voice with a knock.
¡°My Lady, the Duke of Esteban is here.¡±
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
As she approached the stairs going down to the first floor, she saw Cassian¡¯s figure waiting for her.
His hair was slicked halfway back like when she met him on the first day, but today he was wearing a suit, not a uniform.
That time, he seemed to wear something like a uniform at the banquet that alsomemorated the return of the knights from subjugation to the empire on the first day.
¡®The uniform was good, but this one¡¯s not bad either.¡¯
Maybe it¡¯s because he was a man with such a nice body.
He just curled his eyes and raised his mouth, but the air around her seemed to warm up.
She wasn¡¯t the type that was so weak against appearances, but he was her taste so she couldn¡¯t help it.
Although he is nothing but a ckmailer.
¡°It suits you well.¡±
Cassian reached out his hand with an expression that said ¡®I thought so¡¯.
Elysia joined his hands, thinking he was pretentious.
¡°The Duke looks nice too.¡±
It was a bit harsh, but they were words with plenty of souls.
Because Cassian had a higher body temperature than her, she felt a fever rise in the ces he touched.
They didn¡¯t have enough time to spare till the banquet, so she went straight to the carriage.
As Elysia looked at the carriage, she sighed a little, it was a new kind of torture.
It seems that they¡¯re going to be together in that small space.
As soon as the carriage departed, Elysia spoke.
¡°You can¡¯t suddenly ask me to meet you just a day before like this.¡±
¡°You should have attended the banquet anyway.¡±
He looked like he got the axe disease, but he must have been interested in her.
(Axe disease: a term to describe when one thought everyone had a crush on them. Reference: https://hinative/ko/questions/7196679 )
Elysia also knows that he is busy, but he will spend one whole day once a week with her. Does that make sense?
Elysia finally put the subject on her mouth.
¡°So, what are you going to do about the rumor that the Duke fell in love at first sight?¡±
¡°What do you want me to do?¡±
¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s meaningful.¡±
¡°Huh.¡±
Cassian tilted his head, amused at Elysia.
It was a very arrogant appearance, sitting with legs crossed and leaning his arm against the wall of the carriage and touching his chin.
But she was annoyed because it looked good on him.
Elysia simply closed her eyes and leaned backfortably.
Even with her eyes closed, she felt his gaze staring at her, so she turned her head slightly.
When she turned her head, the slender neckline became more prominent, so she didn¡¯t know that it was drawing attention.
Still, in the stark gaze, Elysia bit her lips and lifted her eyelids again.
She blinked her eyes a couple of times and saw him, and his gaze was on the ne.
¡°This... is the Guardian¡¯s Eye, isn¡¯t it?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right.¡±
¡°...How do you have this?¡±
¡°Let¡¯s say it¡¯s the price to cooperate with the surveince.¡±
Elysia¡¯s lips were fluttering.
Maybe the axe has hit her too. What is he interested in? He seemed to be a knight who considers his people very much.
(See above reference on axe disease)
The voice of the coachman was heard and the door opened as the carriage had stopped.
Elysia, who was escorted by Cassian, got out of the carriage and took a small deep breath.
Aside from the first day at the banquet, Elysia hasn¡¯t been to crowded ces.
She didn¡¯t think she would lose reason like that at the time, but it was something she had not yet known for sure, so she had to be nervous.
¡°Duke Esteban and Lady Lowell are entering!¡±
After the cry of the attendant to announce their entrance ended, Elysia, who began to walk, slightly frowned.
Cassian noticed that the hand holding his arm had stiffened and turned his head slightly to see Elysia.
¡°Are you ufortable anywhere?¡±
¡°No?¡±
Cassian reached out and slightly fixed the hand that held his arm.
No, it was more of an act of grabbing a little bit rather than fixing it.
Elysia looked a little surprised at him. Are you worried about me?
¡°You better stick close by. If you have another ident like that, you¡¯ll be in trouble.¡±
Oh, I¡¯m not worried about that.
Elysia clenched and smiled, saying not to worry.
The reason he brought her as a partner seemed to be because of surveince.
Thanks to Cassian, her body that was stiff, had rxed, but she didn¡¯t appreciate it at all.
From the moment they appeared, various exmations burst out from all over.
The voices of the nobles who were talking, including the busy attendants, suddenly fell apart.
All eyes fell on the man and woman entering the banquet hall.
¡°I guess they¡¯re really a couple.¡±
¡°Then what about the Prince?¡±
¡°The two of them have already broken up. That¡¯s why it¡¯s a bit weird.¡±
¡°What! Isn¡¯t that the Guardian¡¯s Eye?¡±
Elysia and Cassian, oblivious to the babbling and pouring gazes, stepped forward.
Elyssia just found out that it was the first time he had ever attended an official ceremony with a partner.
Hearing the voices of thedies who are gossiping in the corner. Elysia shrugged and took a ss of wine from the attendant.
The moment the wine ss touched his lips, Cassian raised his eyebrows and took the ss.
¡°Duke?¡±
¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to avoid alcohol? You seemed drunk on that day too.¡±
Is that what he¡¯s thinking? He must have done that on purpose.
As Elysia watched the cup be given back to the attendant, she squeezed his arm in hopes of pain.
Cassian, feeling her, smiled and opened his mouth.
¡°Skinship like this is too much.¡±
¡°I guess you like this.¡±
Elysia whispered lowly with a smile on her lips.
The nobles who had been hovering around wanting to talk to Cassian were just staring at them and couldn¡¯t get closer.
He was already difficult to approach originally, but it was even more so because of the atmosphere that felt like the two were in their own world.
As Elysia was talking with Cassian for a long time, a cry announcing the Prince¡¯s entrance was heard.
At the Prince¡¯s entrance, the conversation between Elysia and Cassian stopped for a while, and nobles flocked around him.
¡°Duke, rumors from the surrounding kingdoms said that you yed a big role in the subjugation.¡±
¡°Are you staying in the capital for a while?¡±
Cassian pushed Elysia slightly behind and dealt with the nobles.
Elysia, who was going to go to the lounge room at the opportunity, looked at his hand holding her and clicked her tongue.
(Who is the one that said their skinship was too much?! Who?!)
Thanks to him, the eyes of the nobles who were talking with him were constantly pointing to the joined hands, but Cassian didn¡¯t care.
¡®What the hell is this?¡¯
Elysia turned away, leaving him alone.
Even today, the two protagonists entered together.
Lumiere in a white dress was really beautiful.
She smiled with her bright blonde hair braided on her shoulders, and it made Elysia understand why she was called a saint in the original story.
Every time sheughed, the transparent green eyes seemed to sparkle.
Next to her, she saw Prince Revos, smiling sweetly.
The hair was put back without missing a single strand,
She started to get bored. If it had been the usual, she would have rested in a suitable ce and returned home, but there was no end to the crowds that flocked because of Cassian.
Elysia pulled Cassian¡¯s arm slightly and beckoned him to lower his head.
¡°I¡¯ll be in the lounge.¡±
When Cassian heard her whispering in his ear, he shook his head firmly with his eyes saying no.
Elysia once again pulled her arm.
Her intense gaze signaled for Cassian to return quickly.
***
Elysia, who came to the empty lounge room, flew herself as if she was one with the sofa.
The problem was, the dress was now wrinkled.
¡°I can¡¯t really help it.¡±
She reached out to pull her hair like a habit, then lowered her hand when she realized she had put her hair up.
nkly, she wondered if there were any other banquets that she was required to attend.
Even if she was asked to go as a partner at a party held in any other noble family, she vowed to refuse, but she felt someone¡¯s presence at the door.
Elysia, who thought it was Cassian, opened her mouth as soon as the door opened.
¡°I can¡¯t stand that moment...¡±
¡°Mdy.¡±
There was a click, and the door closed, and there was Revos where Elysia¡¯s gaze was directed.
Elysia raised herself up and took a bow.
¡°Greetings, Your Majesty the Crown Prince.¡±
¡°Mdy, was it because of the Duke of Esteban that you asked to break up?¡±
Elysia blinked a couple of times and tilted her head.
Why is he curious about that? Was it unpleasant to be entangled in the rumors?
¡°Your Majesty, Duke of Esteban is irrelevant. Also, it is rude toe into a Lady¡¯s lounge where she is alone without permission, no matter what the reason is. I don¡¯t want to make a useless misunderstanding again.¡±
Elysia bowed her head, raised herself, and moved her steps to get out.
Revos looked at her with an unknown gaze and grabbed Elysia by the wrist.
¡°What is your rtionship with the Duke of Esteban?¡±
¡°Let me go. I don¡¯t want to answer any personal questions.¡±
Elysia frowned and tried to pull her wrist out, but Revos held it stronger.
She wanted to put a lot of strength into it, but then she was afraid he would fly away or get tossed to the wall so there¡¯s nothing she could do.
Revos lowered his gaze at the touch of his hand holding her wrist.
¡°Ha! It¡¯s the Guardian¡¯s eyes. If you wanted something like this, you should have said it right away.¡±
What nonsense had he heard? It felt like he thought she should¡¯ve told him if she wanted anything. I would have bought it for you.
He interpreted it as saying that she was only meeting that man for this kind of thing.
Did the Crown Prince have the ability to give her to Guardian¡¯s Eyes?
She doesn¡¯t know where Cassian got it, but regardless of the amount, she wondered if Revos had tried to get it.
Elysia raised his mouth sharply.
¡°Your Majesty, may I ask you why you are suddenly doing this?¡±
¡°If you¡¯re trying to get me jealous, you better stop.¡±
¡°You seem to have misunderstood something.¡±
Elysia has not said anything to Revos, who for the past five years continues to live a prodigal life and attracts women to his bed every night.
At least he didn¡¯t take any other partner and put them on the official spot.
Thankfully, Revos didn¡¯t touch her in thest five years.
Is that all? Once a month, she was notified of their meeting time in a one-sided manner.
The ce is always a tea table in the Isle Pce used by the Crown Prince.
Plus, there were always piles of papers on the table.Why did hee up with the word Silent Tea Time? How much time has he spent trying to soothe his upset family, and now he¡¯s feeling jealous?
Elysia looked at him with a cold gaze.
¡°Please don¡¯t make it difficult.¡±
If he didn¡¯t let go of it this time, she would really try to use her strength but her wrist fell off smoothly.
As Revos released her hand, he grabbed Elysia¡¯s shoulder and pushed her against the wall.
The moment he bowed his head and tried to kiss Elysia, the door opened and Cassian entered.
The eyes of Elysia and Revos turned to him at the same time.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Cassian looked at Elysia and Revos with cool eyes.
As Elysia tried to lift his hand from her shoulder, Revos opened his mouth.
¡°Duke, wouldn¡¯t it be nice to leave and not interrupt a good time.¡±
Elyssia looked at Revos with a stunned face.
Yes, she even thought that it might look like that in Cassian¡¯s eyes.
The two men and woman, who had been together for six years, were on the verge of kissing in the lounge.
Elysia had struggled to press down the rising anger.
Cassian looked at her slender wrist with red marks and said to Revos.
¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a good time or not, but first of all, I need you to put that hand away first.¡±
¡°That¡¯s rude, Duke.¡±
Cassian pulls off Revos arm holding Elysia¡¯s shoulder.
Elysia saw Revos¡¯s arm trembling.
He gave his hand strength to hold on, but he seemed to have been pushed out of the struggle by Cassian.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Majesty, because she is my partner.¡±
The two men seemed tense, but in reality, Revos was tense and Cassian was taking it easy.
It¡¯s as if they were ying. Elysia sighed and bowed her head.
At the sound of a long sigh, Cassian turned and looked at Elysia.
¡°Sigh-¡±
She wanted to get out of this ce as quietly as possible, but she couldn¡¯t just pass by.
Likewise on the first day of the banquet, seeing that he entered with Lumiere today, he must be attracted to her.
But then he came to see her and did this.
Elysia raised her hand and pulled out the jewel pin, releasing her hair. Thinly wavy silver hair poured out.
Elysia tilted her head and brushed her head roughly.
When Cassian saw Elysia¡¯s appearance, he turned his head, covering his face with the back of his hand, but Elysia could not see it.
Elycia removed a strand of hair that covered her face with a blow from her mouth.
¡°Duke, could you please excuse us for a moment?¡±
At her words, Revos looked at Cassian with an outright winner¡¯s smile.
Cassian said ¡®I will do that¡¯ and bowed his head down to Revos and left the lounge room.
Elysia saw that the door was closed and then stepped closer to Revos.
She felt like she wanted to give him a lot of insults that you would only hear in the street, but the other person was the prince.
¡°The action your Majesty has just done is sexual harassment.¡±
¡°Sexual harassment? There¡¯s such a ridiculous word between the Lady and me...¡±
Elysia raised her mouth and pulled his cor and pushed him against the wall.
Thanks to this, the words from Revos who were barking and whispering did not end. Her pushing force was quite strong, but Revos was blinded by the situation and didn¡¯t seem to notice.
¡°What is your rtionship with me?¡±
She smiled enchantingly and turned her head closer to him.
Then she pushed her leg between his legs.
She could feel Revos reacting right away to that subtle act.
¡°I¡¯m letting you say goodbye once.¡±
¡°No. It¡¯s sexual harassment between Your Majesty and me. We¡¯re not a couple, we¡¯re strangers. Even if it¡¯s a couple, it doesn¡¯t look like this.¡±
¡°Mdy, stop doing this. If you have any regrets, I willpensate for you.¡±
Compensate? It wasn¡¯t even funny.
She can¡¯t believe such a person will lead the empire in the future in addition to the female lead.
She felt really sorry for the female lead, Lumiere, but shouldn¡¯t we stop the victim froming out with such a guy anymore?
For Lumiere, he treats her well from the beginning. Is it natural that they were destined to be?
Elysia opened her mouth, looking at the hand reaching for her waist.
She bowed her head in Revos¡¯s ears, looking at his iprehensible expression.
¡°Because I¡¯m not interested in small things.¡±
It was quite rude to the Prince, but Elysia was the person who gave him the title ¡®Prince¡¯.
She thought she could say this much.
Revos stuttered with his eyes shaking incessantly.
¡°That, that, what is that!¡±
¡°You and I have broken up. Don¡¯t do this to me again. Don¡¯t mind whether I¡¯m dating or marrying Duke Esteban.¡±
¡°You¡¯re disrespectful, Lady. How dare you, to a prince like me...!¡±
¡°Who gave you that ce. Who. Did. That.¡±
Elysiaid his cor roughly and spread the distance.
When she loosened her hair, it kept tickling her face.
She exhaled for a long time and brushed her hair again.
¡°I¡¯ll get going now.¡±
Elysia greeted Revos with an exaggerated gesture and went out of the lounge room.
***
She thought he would have gone somewhere else, but she could see Cassian standing outside.
He wasughing, burying his face in his hands and holding back the voice, what was so funny.
Her master said that he has a more sensitive sense than an ordinary human, so he may have heard it all.
Elysia said to him with a groaning tone.
¡°I am d that my displeasure brought pleasure to the Duke.¡±
¡°I apologize. I didn¡¯t mean that.¡±
Cassian captured her expression and approached Elysia.
As he reached out and removed the hair from her cheek, Elysia flinched and stepped back.
She didn¡¯t feel any sense of crisis or fear, but it seemed to be the aftermath of Revos touching her body.
Cassian, who stopped in the air, curled his hand and said in a low voice.
¡°Because I never expected him toe like that.¡±
¡°Yes, I see. Duke.¡±
¡°I¡¯m serious. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve been waiting for you toe back in, so I¡¯ve been watching.¡±
Elysia frowned at the sincere apology.
She didn¡¯t know he would apologize that much. She was a little surprised at the words she didn¡¯t think would evere out of his mouth.
Of course, it wasn¡¯t too strange tough if he heard what she was talking about.
She was just in a bad mood, and she was pissed off even at him who said he would watch over her.
¡°Okay, I ept that apology.¡±
¡°If I knew it, I should have arrived a little faster, but I made a mistake.¡±
¡°There¡¯s another person who made a mistake. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s the Duke¡¯s concern.¡±
¡°Because today you are my partner.¡±
Cassian took off his jacket and put it over Elysia¡¯s shoulder.
Elysia looked at Cassian with a puzzled look.
¡°He probably won¡¯t be able to use his wrists for a while, so I hope he¡¯ll feel better.¡±
¡°Wrist? What do you mean....¡±
¡°I¡¯d better go for today. Let¡¯s go.¡±
Cassian reached out, cutting off Elysia¡¯s words.
As he stopped at the waist and looked at Elysia without touching it.
Elysia fluttered her silvershes and signaled what he was doing.
Then sheughed when she realized that it meant ¡®can I touch you?¡¯.
Cassian, who epted Elysia¡¯sughter as affirmation, led her around her waist.
¡°How about applying the gentleman¡¯s manners to our meetings once a month?¡±
¡°Nope.¡±
Elysia clicked her tongue. She thought he¡¯d say yes at the mood a little while ago.
****
When they saw the two people walking out from the direction of the lounge room, the atmosphere flowed into the banquet hall.
Elysia, dressed in disheveled clothes and wearing Cassian¡¯s jacket and with him walking close tightly holding her waist.
In addition, Elysia clearly entered with her hair raised, but now it was loose.
The appearance evoked a subtle imagination.
The two people heading outside without staying in the banquet hall created rumors.
When the twopletely disappeared, a heated debate began over the actions of the Duke of Esteban and Lady Lowell.
****
After all the work of going out of the mansion was over, Elysia was having a very rxing time for a week.
She doesn¡¯t know how long it has been since she had peace.
Although it was still noisy with her own scandal outside the mansion right now, what does it matter?
¡°Why is the time going by so fast?¡±
Elysia, who was taking a walk in the reality that a week had already passed, said a disgruntled self-talk.
It would be great if it wasn¡¯t that Cassian wasing to the mansion today.
Elysia was watching as the butler rushed in a hurry.
What is the reason that made the butler, who seemed to walk gracefully even if he would die soon, walk fast?
¡°My Lady, someone from the Imperial Pce.¡±
Elysia¡¯s face distorted and she reached out her hand.
If it was from the Imperial Pce, it would be Revos.
¡®I¡¯m sure it¡¯s to give me another piece of paper with a date and ce for an appointment.¡¯
That¡¯s what she said, but she still doesn¡¯t know.
¡°What are you doing? Aren¡¯t you going to give me a letter?¡±
¡°No, the Crown Prince said he would visit the mansion a littleter.¡±
Will it be alright? No, it¡¯s horrific, and soon the Duke of Esteban will arrive...
She doesn¡¯t want to meet Cassian, not even Revos.
Rough words sprang from Elysia¡¯s fine mouth.
The butler became very worried that the youngdy he was attending to would soon be caught for sphemy.
¡°Say I¡¯m sick, I don¡¯t want to meet.¡±
Elysia paused when he saw the butler¡¯s face with no answer.
The butler¡¯s gaze was looking at the entrance to the mansion, and she couldn¡¯t believe it.
Elysia looked out at the entrance to the mansion.
She saw a horse-drawn carriage with an imperial pattern.
He was a man of his own till the end.
¡®.....I really want to hit him.¡¯
However, it was not possible to drive out the guest who had alreadye. Even more so if the guest is the prince.
If it¡¯s like this, would it be better to meet Cassian next time?
No. She thought it would be better to just do it in one day and take a break from the next day.
It would be better to get beaten first.
Elysiaughed loudly and looked at the Prince as he got out of the carriage.
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Elysia was very unhappy that this silence was also spreading to her mansion.
Her face didn¡¯t hide any emotions.
¡°Your Majesty. I don¡¯t want you toe here so suddenly.¡±
¡°Why? Is it because of the Duke of Esteban?¡±
¡°You¡¯re saying that again. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re doing this to me.¡±
Revos sat down loosely against a chair with his head slightly tilted back.
She could feel a full sense of confidence from his chin raised high.
¡°I think I have to solve the misunderstanding with the Lady.¡±
¡°Oh?¡±
Elysia¡¯s mouth was wide open as if she was really surprised by Revos, who was clearing his throat.
Even in such a reaction, Revos said calmly.
¡°This was just a matter of time. Do you want to get engaged?¡±
¡°... No?¡±
Even if Revos was mistaken, it seemed that he wasmitted to it.
At this point, it was doubtful that there was a problem withmunication.
He thinks she¡¯s trying to get his attention by using the Duke of Esteban. Somehow it got ridiculous.
Elysia closed her mouth to stopughing, but she couldn¡¯t stop her shoulders from shaking.
¡°Why do you say you want to break up while you¡¯re going to like it so much? Tsk.¡±
Elysia¡¯sughter did notst long.
¡°Your partner isn¡¯t me, but Lumiere!¡±
At those words, Revos lit up like an rm. He looked very serious.
Only then did Elysia realize the seriousness of the situation.
¡°Your Majesty, I truly meant to say goodbye from my heart. No engagement or marriage, nothing works with your Majesty.¡±
¡°You¡¯re lying till the end. I apologize for not paying attention to the Lady in the meantime. So that¡¯s enough.¡±
Was he dissatisfied that his partner who he thought was only looking at him had let go of his hand first?
She really didn¡¯t want any setback on Revos and Lumiere¡¯s meeting.
While Elysia was contemting how to get rid of the Revos, the butler approached.
¡°Mydy, the Duke of Esteban is here, what should I do?¡±
¡°Already?¡±
Elysia stood next to the butler and turned his gaze to Revos.
Knowing that the Duke of Esteban hade, she could feel him more firmly mistaken.
¡®Wait... That¡¯s a good thing.¡¯
It was a good thing if he thought that the scandal with the Duke of Esteban wasn¡¯t trying to get Revos¡¯ attention, but that it was sincere.
It was a question of whether Cassian would cooperate, but it would not be bad to try it first.
¡®While we¡¯re at it, I might fiddle with it a bit...¡¯
Elysia hastily captured the sneakyughtering out.
¡°Your Majesty, in fact, I had a previous appointment today, so a guest came. If it¡¯s okay, can we drink tea together?¡±
¡°Good.¡±
Revos happily epted with an expression saying yes.
Elysia felt Revos¡¯ gaze, who was looking over herself.
¡®Those eyes are going to pop....¡¯
I can even make a new blue and pretty bruise around your eyes.
Even if he looks like that as he is the male protagonist, it will be a handsome face.
As her patience was diminishing, she saw someone who was guided in by an employee.
Elysia is also like a male protagonist... No, is she seeing Cassian with the heart of the female lead, Lumiere?
Elysia looked at Cassian while swallowing the saliva in her mouth.
Cassian must have heard the general situation from the butler.
The sudden uninvited visitor was Revos, so should he apologize to the Duke of Esteban? Because her previous appointment was with Cassian.
They were also threatening each other with weaknesses, so she wondered if there was a need for them to do so.
Elysia, who had roughly organized her thoughts, folded her eyes beautifully and smiled.
¡°Your Majesty, I didn¡¯t know I was going to see you here.¡±
Revos looked back, amazed at the voice he heard from behind.
When he was guessing which family¡¯sdy woulde, he was surprised by the male voice that he heard, and that the owner of the voice was the Duke of Esteban.
Elysia nced at Cassian and gave him a subtle nce.
She wondered if he would answer it.
¡°Cassian, you are here?¡±
Revos frowned at her voice calling the Duke of Esteban by name.
Looking at her again, Revos seemed to have a lot to say.
Why was Revos watching her as if she had cheated on him?
Cassian paused as she watched Elysia calling his name in a friendly manner, and then raised the corners of his mouth.
He doesn¡¯t know what it is, but seeing the Prince¡¯s reaction, he was quite interested.
¡®It¡¯s funny, too.¡¯
Cassian took a step and naturally headed for the seat next to Elysia.
¡°Elysia.¡±
Cassian lightly kissed the back of Elysia¡¯s hand and sat next to her.
Revos didn¡¯t say anything until his employees handed over Cassian¡¯s tea and withdrew.
Elysia was still busy controlling her breathing with Cassian¡¯s smell.
When will I get used to it? Will the day evere?
She wondered if she should give Cassian a perfume as a gift, but she quickly gave up that thought because she thought her sense of smell was not that easy.
¡°Lady. It¡¯s a rude thing to bring the Duke to ¡®our¡¯ work.¡±
How can he say that unless he¡¯s a fool? Elysia raised her hand in shame and covered her face.
At this point, she didn¡¯t think she could manage her facial expressions.
She lowered her head and nced aside, covering her face with her palms.
When Cassian met her eyes, she smiled.
Elysia was embarrassed by her bewitching face.
He gave her a look of great pleasure and asked ¡®what should he do?¡¯.
However, in Revos¡¯eyes, the two seemed to be exchanging nces to each other.
¡°I think you¡¯d better get going for today, Duke. I need to talk to the Lady alone.¡±
¡°No. Your Majesty. As long as this is the case, I have to be honest with you.¡±
Elysia lowered her hand that had been covering her face and looked at him.
Revos stared at Elysia with a stiff look.
At this point, she was just trying to let it pass by, but it went too far. Revos was slowly feeling the limit of his patience.
¡°You better stop ying games, Lady.¡±
However, Elysia held Cassian¡¯s hand as if she had been looking forward to it.
Revos turned into a stunned expression at her gesture of rubbing their hands together.
Elysia¡¯s expression and gestures looking at Cassian had a dangerous atmosphere.
To exaggerate it a little, she looked as if she wanted to eat Cassian.
It was an urate judgment, but Revos could not have known.
As she watched her hand gestures and looked at Revos¡¯s increasingly reddening face, Elysia smiled.
He changes women every night, yet it¡¯s more embarrassing to see such a skinship.
¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re meeting with the Duke of Esteban right now.¡±
¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I fell in love at first sight at the banquet.¡±
If you had read the papers, don¡¯t you know?
Her head hurt enough to hold the secret with Duke Esteban. She didn¡¯t want to take up Revos¡¯ problem anymore.
¡°What nonsense......¡±
¡°Why? Doesn¡¯t it make sense? Your Majesty and I broke up, and I just have a new man.¡±
Revos could not find anything to say a response, this clearly displeased him.
In a word, his pride was hurt.
Revos decided to stay away first.
¡°I¡¯ll let you go for today.¡±
¡°Wait.¡±
Revos, terrifyingly, ended his speech then got up and walked away.
Elysia tried to grab him in a hurry, but Cassian didn¡¯t let go of his hand that held her, so she couldn¡¯t keep up.
Elysia turned her head to the trembling of their hand joined together.
Cassian was holding back hisughter, even grabbing his belly.
Elysia narrowed his eyes and red at him.
¡°You look happy. Duke.¡±
¡°Very.¡±
When Elysia let go of her hand and unwind her fingers, Cassian gave strength and brought her hand back to him.
¡°You can let it go now.¡±
¡°It¡¯s nice. You just called me by name. Why is it the Duke again?¡±
¡°That¡¯s how I usually call you.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t know I had a lover without even knowing it.¡±
Elysia avoided his gaze, unable to find anything to refute.
Didn¡¯t you enjoy yourself either?
¡®I feel tired.¡¯
Revos or Cassian was tiring and hard.
One of them came looking for what he was thinking about and made nonsense, and the other was shaking with her weakness while he didn¡¯t even know he was seducing her with his whole body.
Elysia pulled her hand out and sat loosely against the chair.
¡°What are you going to do now?¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s going to retreat. Can I help you?¡±
¡®He said that I¡¯d let you go today...¡¯
Elysia tried to swallow the swear words that would have spit out of her mouth at any moment.
Even if he was mistaken, he was tightly holding on to it. Is it because he has never met a woman who rejects him?
¡°How will you help me? Lovers y?¡±
¡°Anything.¡±
¡°Then we only meet once a month.¡±
¡°Denied.¡±
Elysia swept her hair roughly.
Cassian turned and sat back looking in the direction of Elysia.
¡°It seems like the lover¡¯s y has already started?¡±
¡°Why did you do that?¡±
¡°Because it¡¯s fun.¡±
¡°Lies. That¡¯s why you¡¯re against His Majesty the Crown Prince? Let¡¯s just say it¡¯s too dangerous to have me next to you.¡±
Cassian seemed to be pondering about something for a moment.
He raised his hand to release Elysia¡¯s tangled hair and opened his mouth.
¡°Hmm. I¡¯ve never thought of that. Hearing it, perhaps it is like that.¡±
As Cassian¡¯s hand touched her ear, Elysia closed her eyes tightly and opened her eyes.
¡°Don¡¯t touch me like that. I¡¯ve never said that it¡¯s a lover¡¯s y.¡±
¡°You touched me first.¡±
¡°Well now we touched each other once, and that¡¯s it.¡±
Elysia pushed out his hand and rose from the seat.
The days were turning scarlet.
It was time to think about how to fix what she had done.
¡°Let¡¯s eat first.¡±
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Following the Prince and the Duke of Esteban¡¯s visits, the atmosphere around the employees was chaotic.
In Elysia¡¯s ear, she could hear the words of who she likes better, who will get along better with thedy, who was better suited.
She wouldn¡¯t be able to hear these words if her hearing was like that of a normal person.
Elysia stole a nce at Cassian.
She tilted her head, wondering if he would hear it as well.
I¡¯ll ask youter when I have the chance.
The employees started carrying food.
Elysia smiled a little because she could tell that the chef had given her strength.
Cassian sat across from Elysia.
¡°Everyone out.¡±
¡°Please call if you need us.¡±
They seemed a little surprised, but soon they bowed their heads and went out. It wasmon for employees to leave after serving meals.
But they didn¡¯t know what kind of conversation he was going to have, so it was right to let them go.
A yfulness came to mind in Cassian¡¯s eyes, looking through Elysia.
¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to eat this one, not that one?¡±
Cassian alternately pointed at the food and the nape of his neck with his finger.
Elysiaughed at his sudden smacking words.
¡°What the hell do you think I am? Monster?¡±
¡°No way. ¡±
There is no such thing as a pretty monster, and Cassian started eating.
Elysia looked at him with the face that she had heard him.
¡°You don¡¯t really mean it.¡±
Cassian opened her mouth again as he saw her not starting to eat.
¡°This side?¡±
¡°Or this side?¡±
Again, Elysia grabbed his hand that was pointing to the nape of his neck.
She pulled the te in front of her, but it was a rare grilled steak.
Now, what¡¯s the use of eating grass in front of him?
Elysia nced at him as he began to eat quietly.
Her gaze shifted to his hand holding a knife rather than his graceful eating.
The veins on the back of his hand made her mouth water. Elysia didn¡¯t know why she was sucking her fork.
¡®Was it that side?¡¯
Cassian, who felt her gaze, tried not to.
It was because he felt like she would really get angry if he started tough.
Isn¡¯t it too harmless for the eyes of a beast looking at its prey?
Rather, there was a cute feeling, but it was difficult to concentrate on the meal because it was unfamiliar to see her eating meat.
Elysia, in a bted rush, cut through the steak like an enemy stabbing wool.
She has been smelling his body for too long today. She was embarrassed by the swirling vampire curse.
After the meal, Cassian gave the chef high praise that it was a very good meal.
Elysia shook her head at his pretense.
The meal was over, so she wanted to send him off and rest, but there was still something to say.
¡°Let¡¯s take a walk.¡±
Elysia grabbed his cuffs and headed out.
Elysia¡¯s whispering voice was seen as a shy woman in the eyes of employees.
Even though Elysia didn¡¯t tell them to stay away, the employees continued to walk away.
¡°You hardly ate. Is it okay to eat that way?¡±
¡°I just had no appetite.¡±
¡°You look like you¡¯re going to eat me up.¡±
Should I tell you that your smell is very appetizing?
Elysia breathed heavily.
Then she opened her mouth to him at the thought that came to her mind.
¡°Is there any reason to keep meeting in this way? It seems meaningless.¡±
¡°Yes, and now you need my help, don¡¯t you?¡±
Elysia¡¯s mouth was all bitten at the right words.
There was the Crown Prince.
Wouldn¡¯t it not be enough to just pretend to be a couple? They¡¯re separated anyway, so he won¡¯t be stubborn.
Unfortunately, the dominant one in this rtionship was her.
She couldn¡¯t do that before because the original Elysia loved Revos, but now that she had no feelings for him, she had nothing to do with it.
If the Duke of Lowell immediately turned his back on him and turned the nobles away, then Revos would be in trouble.
¡°I¡¯ll cooperate with your surveince, so you should cooperate with me.¡±
¡°What if you don¡¯t?¡±
¡°You said you were helping me?¡±
Elysia turned her head and looked at him.
He looked as if she was talking about something else now.
¡°You first posted an article saying that you fell in love at first sight, right?¡±
Cassian narrows the distance with Elysia.
Elysia retreated as much as he narrowed his approaching body.
Her fingertips buzzed from the gaze staring at her.
¡°We¡¯ll have to keep meeting anyway, so it¡¯s best for it to be convenient for each other.¡±
Cassian would publish an article every time they meet.
If it was made public as an article, the woman in front of him would not even think of running away for a while, and Cassianughed satisfactorily.
¡®He¡¯s too close.¡¯
She had to let him go before she could hit him.
¡°I think it¡¯s time for you to get going, Duke.¡±
¡°You¡¯re being too hard on me.¡±
¡°You must¡¯ve had a lot of hopes while holding my weaknesses and threatening me.¡±
Cassian tilted his beautiful face.
¡°Are you not more polite when you have a weakness? I like this one better.¡±
Elysia frowned at once.
¡°You have a unique taste¡±
***
Elysia reached an agreementst night to officially reveal that she is Cassian¡¯s lover.
However, no news appeared in today¡¯s paper.
¡®How did this happen?¡¯
It couldn¡¯t have been that Cassian changed his mind.
She hasn¡¯t checked it, but it wasn¡¯t only the Duke of Esteban that decides to publish an article.
Her side had also been ready to spread the story.
The cause of Elysia¡¯s anxiety became clear after lunch.
¡°Greetings, Lady Lowell. I am Hans from the Central Pce.¡±
¡°...Central Pce?¡±
At the moment, Elysia thought she had misheard.
The only person who came from the Central Pce was the emperor.
The attendant of Central Pce visited her, not even Duke Lowell.
Elysia sensed that something was going terribly wrong.
It was because she remembered the words of Revos, asking if they could be engaged.
¡®You don¡¯t think so, do you? Crazy.....¡¯
¡°Lady...?¡±
¡°When do I need to go to the Pce?¡±
¡°In the morning in three days.¡±
¡°Okay. ¡±
¡°Then I will take my leave.¡±
The attendant left the parlor with a polite greeting to see if all of the business was over.
Elysia bit her lips. When the Emperor attended the banquet, she could only see from afar.
She can¡¯t believe she¡¯s meeting the Emperor while her father wasn¡¯t here.
She was already involved in a bad scandal with the Crown Prince.
¡°Do I really have to run away?¡±
Elysia touched her forehead with her palm.
Please hope that this is not what she is thinking about.
***
The Emperor¡¯s delightfulughter rang in the audience chamber.
Hearing theughter, Elysia swallowed cold sweat inside.
He didn¡¯t immediately say the reason for the call, but he asked questions about this and that. However, the questions were not sharp.
Elysia tried to meet Cassian first before meeting the Emperor, but Cassian only said one thing.
Find him after meeting the Emperor. In the end, Elysia was sitting in a room without knowing why the Emperor called her.
¡°I heard you have cleared up your rtionship with the Prince, is that true?¡±
¡°...Yes.¡±
¡°It happens when young people meet, so don¡¯t be too ufortable. Then, the Lady has no heart for the Prince anymore.¡±
It didn¡¯t seem like he was asking for an answer.
The Emperor was contemting something and rubbed his chin with his hand.
Elysia wanted to ask what it was.
She was curious about it, but it seemed that she should not know
¡°Oh,e to think of it, it¡¯s very noisy these days. It¡¯s good to be young.¡±
¡°...I¡¯m sorry, Your Majesty.¡±
¡°Haha. There is no need for that. Feel free to rx. That is why I called you today anyway.¡±
The Emperor as if he was searching her for clues.
Elysia smiled more broadly at the anxietying up.
It was clear that he was talking about the scandal that had be a love triangle.
¡°It¡¯s the country that blocked the Lady¡¯s story.¡±
¡°Is that so... what?¡±
¡°The Prince said he wants to marry the Lady.¡±
She had to struggle to manage her facial expressions.
She said she was Cassian¡¯s lover, but she guessed he didn¡¯t even hear it in the back of his ear.
¡®Do I really have to go into the tower and spend my entire life studying magic instead?¡¯
Elysia rubbed her forearm with her hand, thinking that it was terrible to imagine both a marriage with Revos and entering a tower.
The marriage that came from the Imperial Family could not be easily rejected.
There was a need for a good reason to refuse or a reason for not being able to marry.
In addition, the reason for refusal could also be not epted at all.
¡°I called the Lady because there is no Duke Lowell right now. If there was the Duke, he would have tried to stop it at all costs, saying that the Lady did not want it.¡±
Her father, the Duke of Lowell and the Emperor, have been close friends since childhood.
There was also such a reason for calling Elysia to give him a word in advance.
The Emperor was now trying to give her a chance to patch things up.
¡°Your Majesty. If I dare say a word, His Majesty the Crown Prince will need more of a different family than I do.¡±
Her family had already supported Revos, and the Emperor knew that nothing would change if she broke up with him.
But, it could still change if the forces of the Crown Prince and Second Prince were in tight confrontation.
No matter what, Revos had to attract more supporters.
Or, like Duke nc, the heroine¡¯s family, he pulls out the core forces of the nobles.
¡°Yes, but if the Prince is so hard-hearted, I have no choice but to stand on his side.¡±
¡°Give me a little time.¡±
¡°I can¡¯t wait too long. Don¡¯t be too disappointed.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°Would 10 days be enough?¡±
¡°...That¡¯s enough.¡±
It wasn¡¯t enough at all.
Even if her father returned to the Empire right now, it took him two weeks.
It would take a week to get the job done in a hurry.
To extinguish this confusion, it was necessary to turn Revos¡¯ mind, or something that Revos could not insist on the Emperor.
Elysia felt the desire to grab hold of Revos¡¯ cor and shake him right away.
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
A man in a knight¡¯s uniform approached Elysia who had left the central pce.
¡°Greetings Lady Lowell. I¡¯m Bug from the Knights of Estevan. I¡¯m here to pick you up on an order.¡±
A knight named Bug greeted Elysia, bowing his head vigorously. Then, raising her head, Elysia and his eyes met.
¡°Gasp!¡±
Bug took in his breath, and hisplexion turned white and blue repeatedly.
He had a history of flirting with Elysia on the first day of the imperial banquet and offered to take her to the lounge.
He can¡¯t believe that she is the rumoreddy the Duke fell in love with that he encountered at the imperial banquet.
He was justmenting why he had only now realized.
Even though Elysia didn¡¯t even remember him.
¡°Sir?¡±
With Elysia¡¯s voice, he said that he would lead her and proceed to take the lead with awkward, staggering steps as if he was creaking.
***
At that time, Cassian heard the chatter of the knights and felt a strain on his forehead.
¡°Bug went to visit Lady Lowell undermand, right?¡±
¡°Yes. Don¡¯t you know that he flirted with the Lady at thest banquet?¡±
¡°Oh my. He even boasted for a while that the beautiful Lady liked him. If the Duke had known, he would have sent someone else....¡±
****
Bug constantly spoke, hoping that Elysia would not remember her encountering him at the former imperial banquet.
There are a total of 5 knights centered on the 1st knights, and the rest of the knights are in charge of the imperial pce or the capital security, and things like the duties of each knight.
As they talked, three knights¡¯ buildings surrounding a spacious training hall came into view.
The innermost building was the building of the 1st Knights Building.
Even in the corridor to Cassian¡¯s office, Bug¡¯s mouth did not stop.
¡°His Excellency is a clean man without a past.¡±
¡°Oh, is that so? Then maybe even those rumors....¡±
Elysia raised her hand and covered her mouth as if it was fun.
When asked by Elysia whether it was true that he is a secretly sympathetic man, Bug opened his mouth as he stepped closer to her.
¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s been several years since I¡¯ve been serving His Excellency. Hmm. He was a very pure person.¡±
¡°Umm... Sir?¡±
As Elysia looked behind Bug¡¯s back, she noticed something and told him to shut his mouth.
¡®Until there was a rumor with the Lady, the future was bright.¡¯
However, he couldn¡¯t notice Elysia¡¯s nces and blinked his eyes as if he could believe it.
In addition, he started to line up about how good Cassian is, and how inhumanly he is.
¡°Bug. What do you really enjoy talking about?¡±
¡°Oh! Oh, Sir!¡±
Cassian stood leaning against the wall outside the office.
Seeing that, Bug took a step backwards.
¡°You may go now.¡±
¡°Eeep!¡±
Elysia nced at Cassian¡¯s profile.
¡®Really?¡¯
She couldn¡¯t believe what Bug said. No matter what kind ofpassionate man this is.
Elysia narrowed her eyes at the thought of his nonsense.
After a few seconds of silence, both mouths opened at the same time.
¡°Go in.¡±
¡°But really?¡±
Cassian¡¯s eyebrows wriggled.
¡®Oh, are you real?¡¯
Elysia yfully stabbed Cassian¡¯s side with her fingers.
Cassian pointed a finger inside his office and sent a look to hurry.
Elysia raised her hand to cover her mouth and sheughed.
The two took a seat on the sofa on the side of the office.
¡°What kind of tea would you like?¡±
¡°Give me a ss of cold water.¡±
Elysia took off herce gloves from her and put them on herp.
She rubbed her chest with her palm in frustration. She thought of Revos and she got a fever again.
¡°Did you have a good conversation with your Majesty?¡±
¡°No. You knew that, didn¡¯t you? It¡¯s a waste of an article.¡±
¡°I knew about it today too.¡±
Cassian was also vaguely expecting that it would take a long time for Lloyd, his aide, to find out who was behind it.
If it weren¡¯t for the central pce, he should have figured out who it was that day.
Of course, Cassian thought he had to figure it out right away
If Lloyd knew, he would have shed tears.
¡°What are you gonna do?¡±
Elysia gave no answer.
As long as the Emperor intervened, it became impossible for Elysia and Cassian to handle it at will.
¡®Shall I just catch a foreign nobleman and get engaged?¡¯
When ites to friendly rtions with the empire, it would be good to choose that.
That way, Revos will not be able to push the intention of marrying her.
But, can she find someone who has the Emperor¡¯s heart?
¡®In the Emperor¡¯s heart......¡¯
Elysia¡¯s gaze naturally turned to Cassian.
Doesn¡¯t he fit perfectly? If the Duke of Esteban, who keeps his neutrality, is Revos¡¯ side.
There were many nobles who would follow him to support Revos.
Elysia leaned toward Cassian with her hand on her chin.
With piercing red eyes, she stared at Cassian.
¡°Don¡¯t you get tired of this?¡±
Cassian tilted his head at an angle.
Elysia moved her hips with a swipe and went to the end of the sofa.
Cassian, who was sitting diagonally, was within reach of her hand.
¡°How about monitoring in a more convenient way?¡±
¡°What do you want to say?¡±
Cassian¡¯s eyes are bent. His red lips made a pretty curve.
¡®......Why are you so tempted suddenly?¡¯
Elysia, who was thinking hard, bit her lips.
She quickly came to her senses and went on with her words.
¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be enough to keep a little closer and monitor me for about a couple of years?¡±
Elysia recalled a list of her fortunes she had.
If she put it all, even the Duke of Esteban couldn¡¯t ignore them. Wouldn¡¯t the alimony be enough?
She was thinking of a contract marriage.
¡®I was going to decide after looking at the Second Prince...¡¯
The Second Prince saw Elysia when he was young and fell in love with her.
She didn¡¯t know if that twisted heart was really love, but it was in the original book.
When she cleared up her rtionship with Revos, she would be alone, so she was worried that the Second Prince might approach.
Now she is apletely different person, but the Second Prince does not know that.
In such a situation, in her mind, she thought a contract marriage would get her out of his hands.
¡®I didn¡¯t know that the marriage offering from the Imperial Family would be with Revos rather than the Second Prince. Uh! It¡¯splicated.¡¯
¡°How about as near as possible?¡±
Elysia pointed her finger to him.
Her head was spinning busily.
¡°Right next to it.¡±
Cassianughed, leaning his body loosely on his couch.
It meant that he knew what she wanted to say.
In this situation, they can change the Emperor¡¯s mind and stop Revos.
¡°Is that the reason you met with His Majesty?¡±
¡°I think you know it, so it¡¯s easier to talk. I¡¯d like to suggest something to you.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know the details.¡±
Lies.
Elysia looked at him with a look of disbelief.
Didn¡¯t he look like he knew what was going on until heughed a little while ago?
Cassian waved as if to keep talking.
¡°Please be my fiance for just two years.¡±
In fact, this wasn¡¯t the only way that came to mind.
It was also possible to entice Ramote, her teacher, not Cassian.
The great sorcerer who travels from ce to ce while belonging to the Tower will be kept in the Empire.
The Emperor will not refuse.
But if that happens, Ramote will be held back in the empire.
She didn¡¯t want Ramote to get held back and vite his freedom.
¡°Do you think your Majesty will take back the marriage just by getting engaged?¡±
Again, he knew everything about her marriage offer with the Crown Prince.
It seemed to mean that the Emperor was not going to take his eyes off.
She thought it would be more urate for Cassian to judge other than her.
¡°The fact that you¡¯re engaged to me will mean that there are a lot of nobles who will support you. His Majesty will think that the Duke of Esteban is not neutral anymore because you are engaged to me. Then His Majesty might want me to marry you, but you know that, don¡¯t you?¡±
¡°Is there any benefit for me? Rather, it seems that my work will increase.¡±
¡°A little morefortable surveince?¡±
Even at the answer, Cassian only shrugged.
Elysia pouted her lips.
Actually, it was this that she was worried about. She couldn¡¯te up with something to convince Cassian.
It was an improvised idea, but it was a good idea, but it was too bad to just give up.
¡°You will be able to meet me anytime in the name of being my fiance, and if I have someone on the table, His Majesty won¡¯t be able to say much. And we don¡¯t have to get married soon.¡±
In the original story, the Duchess of Esteban was never mentioned, so it seemed that he was single.
Of course, she doesn¡¯t know what would have happened after thepletion, but she didn¡¯t think he had been nning to marry at least for the time being.
However, it was a fact that all the Nobles of the Empire knew that the vassals were roasting him every day to get married.
He was sent to the battlefield even before he reached adulthood.
She felt sorry for him again.
Cassian was on the battlefield and after he reached adulthood, he had never met anyone because he kept subduing monsters.
Whether it was a political marriage or an engagement, it was just the right time, so the vassals were raging.
¡°Isn¡¯t the reason you¡¯re monitoring me is a sense of duty as a person holding military power?¡±
¡°To be exact, I don¡¯t want any trouble to happen.¡±
What is that? Isn¡¯t it more bothersome to keep having meetings under the pretext of surveince like this?
Elysia thought his words were less convincing.
¡°Well, personally, it¡¯s fun and it makes sense.¡±
¡°You think I¡¯m interested in you.¡±
What does it matter?
It was clear that he was somehow trying to make sure she was safe.
¡®I¡¯ll have to talk to you againter.¡¯
It seemed like she hade up with a story too quickly.
It wasn¡¯t a matter of sudden decision for Cassian either.
Considering that she gave the announcement in advance, he will think about it a little bit.
¡°I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±
¡°Is that all you have to say?¡±
He was asking if she had already given up.
Elysia snorted. Isn¡¯t it necessary to push and pull on the contract marriage?
It was a strategic retreat.
¡°Because my opponent isn¡¯t just you. Then see you in a week.¡±
It¡¯s annoying.
She was resentful that his information on the original story is less than an ant.
If she knew anything more, she would have taken advantage of his weakness or made a deal with something else.
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
In the past few days, Elysia has picked up those who could be engaged to her.
She was a hot topic as it was recently revealed that she was a sorcerer and that her teacher was Ramote.
Not only were all kinds of invitations pouring in, but there were also talks of marriages in other countries.
¡®Look at the timing. Ugh.¡¯
Among them, she was looking for a good one to be in a friendly rtionship with the Empire.
Elysia opened her mouth to her employee who had been working on her list with her.
¡°How about my father?¡±
¡°After I contacted him two days ago that he is hurrying to finish his schedule,munication has not been established again.¡±
¡°No connection?¡±
¡°It seems that there was a problem with themunication tool. I left a message saying that to the Dn Kingdom asking for immediate contact.¡±
Elysia nodded her head.
If it didn¡¯t work out, Ramote was in Dn¡¯s kingdom, so she thought of contacting him.
As the family and the sessor were absent at the same time, the authority to make decisions on matters within the family naturally passed to Elysia.
So, she was able to be engaged or get married on her own.
On the condition that the Emperor also cooperates.
Usually, even if this situation came, it wasmon for the Emperor to put it on hold.
Nevertheless, the reason she needed to find her father was so she could get some advice.
¡°Miss, shouldn¡¯t we have to wait until we get in touch with His Excellency?¡±
¡°Just make the list.¡±
The employee seemed to be worried about finding someone for Elysia to talk to, especially without a family member.
¡®I can¡¯t exin everything about what¡¯s happening.¡¯
Elysia sighed inside.
¡°Only those who are high-ranking nobles in other countries and worthy of a political marriage.¡±
¡°Okay. ¡±
No matter how much she thought about it, there was no one like Cassian.
Marriage with the royal family or nobility of another country was considered as thest resort.
There was a distance, so they wouldn¡¯t have to meet often, and although they had the advantage of dying the wedding until the two protagonists were formed, it was not clear whether it would be easy to assume a breakup.
When there is a problem, it¡¯s too hard to clean up and get back on track.
***
Half of the ten days the Emperor gave has already passed.
Elysia was also feeling nervous.
She hasn¡¯t yet found someone she can say this to, and Revos hasn¡¯t answered a request to meet.
There was one candidate that barely fit in. He was a nobleman in the Dn Kingdom, but he had some unpleasant parts.
There was no problem on the profile, but there was information that there was a case where the maids filed a massint.
Time was tight to find out from here, so she contacted her father and Ramote to find out, but it didn¡¯t reach.
Again, there was only one way. Elyssia looked down at her hand wearing the ring.
She has to go find Cassian.
He told her to use the ring at any time, so he didn¡¯t say anything about going there suddenly.
¡®I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a real bedroom.¡¯
Elysia headed to her dressing room and fell into agony, tapping her lips with her finger.
Elysia changed in her ck velvet dress and wore a fur cape over it.
He was not without a sense of splendor, but what would she do with his own taste?
Elysia, who had firmly prepared to fight, checked herself in the mirror. Howe Cassian seemed to be prettier than herself.
He¡¯s full of masculinity, so it doesn¡¯t suit him to say that he¡¯s pretty, but at least in her gaze.
¡°We had a meal the other day, so it¡¯s going to be bearable.¡±
Elysia hesitated for a while and raised her magic.
Red magic shimmered in her ring. Her vision changed and she stumbled with a little dizziness.
¡®Uh, even if the body changes, the movement magic still works.¡¯
A soft voice was heard as he had his hands tightly wrapped around her waist.
¡°Are you here for a meal?¡±
¡°No?¡±
Elysia lifted Cassian¡¯s hand and spread her distance.
As soon as her vision cleared, it was a fatal appearance close to her face.
Elysia turned her gaze and looked around in the room.
¡®It¡¯s really a bedroom.¡¯
She could feel the smell of Cassian everywhere.
Elysia took a seat on the sofa at Cassian¡¯s gesture.
¡°Is the groom finding going well?¡±
¡°What groom.¡±
Elysia replied with a groaning voice.
She cleared her throat and looked at Cassian.
¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to be engaged to me?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know why I have to do it.¡±
¡°Then I can¡¯t help it. Come to think of it, I don¡¯t have a reason to be dragged around by you.¡±
Elysia waved her hand, making a little oversight.
She meant she had no intention of cooperating with being watched anymore.
¡°Then, it would be you who is in trouble.¡±
¡°Well, let¡¯s make it public. Whom to believe. At best, sorcerers will try to investigate me.¡±
None of the imperial wizards has reached a higher level than her.
Even if there is, the gap between them and her magic amount was wide.
She has a much better sense of it, so even a few qualities will yield superior results.
As Elysiaughed leisurely, she looked at what she was going to do.
She, of course, did not intend to do so. She didn¡¯t want to bother her family or her teacher, Ramote.
Most of all, things could have really gone wrong with the wizards¡¯ crazy curiosity.
¡®I¡¯m not saying I don¡¯t need anything.¡¯
¡°Do you think I¡¯ll fall for that provocation?¡±
With her head tilted slightly, she could see his hand touching his chin in a rxed look.
Elysia got up from her seat and she approached him.
She lowered her head, cing her hand on the sofa above Cassian¡¯s head. She opened her mouth as if whispering in his ear.
¡°If you¡¯re cooperative with the surveince, you should have something for me. Do it. I¡¯m here to tell you that.¡±
As Elysia leaned over him, she brought her face closer to the nape of his neck.
His pulse was felt and her thirst grew.
She took a long breath, pressing down her vampire appetite hardly.
At the same time, his hand grabbed her waist.
¡°You seem to have forgotten that this is the bedroom.¡±
Suddenly, Elysia was lying on the sofa and Cassian locked her in both arms.
A tense look came between the two.
Elysia smiled as she pulled up only one corner of her mouth. She raised her body, with her elbows on the sofa.
The distance was close as if the ends of each other¡¯s nose could touch.
¡°I¡¯ll give it back.¡±
She pulls out her ring, which she was wearing.
¡®Tell me you¡¯ll do it.¡¯
It was a kind of gamble.
She doesn¡¯t know how stubbornly he¡¯s trying to spy on her, but if they¡¯re engaged, he¡¯ll ept it.
Not surprisingly, Cassian grabbed the wrist that is holding the ring.
¡°I¡¯ll do it, but not with an engagement. Shouldn¡¯t you get married at least?¡±
Elysia paused as she shouted hurray to herself.
She kept thinking about it, but she didn¡¯t think of getting married, are you serious?
¡°Is marriage really good for you? It doesn¡¯t matter to me, but... didn¡¯t you hate the trouble? We¡¯ll get a divorce.¡±
Breaking an engagement and getting a divorce were different in terms of difficulty.
For her, she had no intention of marrying someone and spending her whole life together, so divorce was not a big deal.
¡°Why is marriage okay?
¡°To be asfortable as you say, don¡¯t you think we have to marry? The engagement is not much different from this now. I¡¯ve told you, but His Majesty won¡¯t go down with an engagement.¡±
Elysia was troubled for a moment.
He hadn¡¯t yet spoken to the Emperor, but there was a good chance that it could go as he said.
¡®At least I don¡¯t have to worry about being discovered if we got married.¡¯
Even if she was in a contract rtionship, she was going to be the Duchess.
During her contract period, she didn¡¯t seem to have to worry about revealing her identity.
¡°Okay, don¡¯t change your words.¡±
¡°It seems like I¡¯m the losing side... I do.¡±
¡°Again, it doesn¡¯t have to be you.¡±
Cassian¡¯s eyes showed confidence that he would be the best.
Elysiaughed at the thought that even that arrogance suited him well.
¡°Then should we write the contract right away?¡±
Elysia raised her hand and pushed his chest away. Elysia regained her normal breathing.
Elysia looked at her magic bag and took out her paper and pen.
It was a magic contract that had not yet been written.
She picked up the papers under the magic contract and pushed it out in front of him.
¡°It¡¯s alimony when you divorce.¡±
In front of Cassian was a list, but it was just enough not to ignore.
¡°We don¡¯t need alimony. It¡¯s a contract for each other¡¯s needs.¡±
¡°Then I¡¯ll be fine.¡±
Elysia put the papers in her bag with stiffness.
The lists she gave to Cassian were all her possessions.
If she talks to her father, he should be able to transfer more. After everything was finished, it was the moment when a luxurious life was guaranteed.
¡°The contract period is 5 years.¡±
¡°That¡¯s too long.¡±
¡°Two years are too short. At least, shouldn¡¯t we have a proper marriage in the eyes of the vassals.¡±
If they were married for a year and divorced, it was meaningless to silence the talks.
Elysia eagerly rolled her head.
¡°Let¡¯s make it 3 years.¡±
¡°Only 6 months to prepare for an engagement ceremony. 1 year for engagement. 1 year for wedding preparation. 5 months for marriage. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s like this.¡±
Elysia felt prickly.
Cassian made a face that this was not possible.
¡°Three years on the condition that the engagement ceremony is omitted and the marriage preparation begins immediately.¡±
¡°Good.¡±
¡°What about the child?¡±
It wouldn¡¯t happen, but she had no reason to tell him that.
¡°You don¡¯t want a child from me, do you?¡±
¡°Even if it¡¯s a contract, it¡¯s marriage. Of course, it¡¯s a provision to be prepared.¡±
¡°It won¡¯t happen, but if it does, I¡¯ll give it up.¡±
Cassian expressed doubts as to why that wasn¡¯t happening.
Are you saying you won¡¯t make anything that can happen? But for some reason, she didn¡¯t think he meant that there was no reason there would be no children.
Elysia spoke again with his expression of iprehension.
¡°Why? You want to share a room with me during the marriage?¡±
¡°I think so.¡±
¡°It might be dangerous.¡±
She couldn¡¯t say if he would have any blood left.
I could put the groom in danger.
¡°Anyway. If that happens, I will give up the right to the child.¡±
Elysia stretched out her palm and emphasized again.
Cassian nodded his head, thinking that he had to get to know more of the details.
¡°Even if it¡¯s a contract rtionship, you¡¯ll do everything I need you to do as a Duchess.¡±
¡°Good. That means I¡¯m reporting everything I do to you.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t drink anyone else¡¯s blood for 3 years.¡±
¡°I beg your pardon?¡±
Elysia¡¯s mouth swelled.
It is a foul to restrict her meals.
¡°That¡¯s not something you can interfere with. Just because I¡¯m a vampire, I won¡¯t take anyone¡¯s life.¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t it good for you too? You said it¡¯s the first time you ever tasted anything as good as my blood, you said you were going crazy...¡±
¡°Stop. Don¡¯t.¡±
Elysia hurriedly raised her hand and closed his mouth. It was a dark history. He shouldn¡¯t have been so insincere.
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
The day she spent the night with him, she could assume that she was almost intoxicated. It¡¯s in a simr context to drinking alcohol.
Cassian¡¯s eyes bent. Under the palm of her hand, she felt he was smiling.
¡°If I don¡¯t have blood when you need it, then I¡¯ll make an exception.¡±
Cassian tapped the back of Elysia¡¯s hand, covering his mouth with her fingers.
Elysia hesitated for a moment before she lowered her hand.
¡°Except when it can¡¯t be helped, only my blood.¡±
¡°Okay. Well, you¡¯re giving me a hard time. Oh, and can you add that too? I¡¯ll keep everything rted to my identity for 3 years in secret.¡±
¡°Unless it doesn¡¯t cause a big ident.¡±
¡°It won¡¯t happen. Even if it does, it will be within the range when you can fix it.¡±
¡°Good.¡±
The contract was broken up into several items.
Elysia was simply thinking about the terms of her contract and the details of the contract.
His meticulousness was no harm, but he was a very thorough man.
¡®Is this normal... ¡®
The same is true of having children.
On the one hand, she agreed. It was a natural concern for humans.
By the way, can she make a decision without discussing her father?
¡®Shall I tell him that it¡¯s a contract rtionship?¡¯
Elysiater signed her contract, contemting what to say to her family.
After confirming that Cassian had finished his sign, she blew her magic into the contract.
A red light lingers on the two¡¯s signatures, then fading.
¡°We will discuss the rest of the contractter.¡±
¡°What else is left here...?¡±
¡°Perhaps? ¡±
Obviously, there is something missed that wille out over time.
Since there was no intention of notifying Lloyd of this contract, the terms of the contract so far were the ones that Cassian came up with.
¡°It is a contract rtionship secret between the two of us.¡±
¡°I think so. I¡¯m sorry for you too, but I hope you hide it from your family.¡±
At that, she paused, she intended to let the family know.
Because it was a good card to convince her father.
No, would he be more concerned if it was a contract? Elysia finally agreed.
¡°Yes, then. Please take good care of me from now on.¡±
Elysia smiled meaningfully.
He has signed the contract, there is nothing to be afraid of now.
¡®This is the end of holding and shaking me with one weakness. Ho-ho. ¡±
***
¡°Your Grace...?¡±
Lloyd had a hard time believing what Cassian said a while ago.
¡°The wedding ceremony was a month after I went to subjugation.¡±
¡°Who are you suddenly marrying...?¡±
No way, with Lady Lowell?
Cassian gave a look that the person he was thinking of was right.
Lloyd¡¯s face turned blue.
What aristocrat in the world is preparing for a wedding in a month?
It was a wedding between a Duke and a Duchess. Besides, Duke Lowell is not in the Empire right now.
¡®Did you have an agreement with the Lady?¡¯
¡°Ask His Majesty for an engagement permit and a marriage permit at once.¡±
¡°Yes? Yes.... But I haven¡¯t been able to exchange documents with the Duke of Lowell.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t have to. His Majesty will do it for you.¡±
¡°How about the engagement ceremony?¡±
¡°I will omit it. When Duke Lowell returns to the Empire, it will be announced at that time.
I was talking about an article about the rtionship.
Cassian continued to throw bomb remarks without paying attention to the pale Lloyd.
Lloyd began to write diligently.
He had to make as many wedding preparations needed in a year, in a month, but it was unclear whether the wedding rings required by Cassian would be ready within that time.
As for the dress, he had to go to fitting right away, so he thought I had to go visit the Duke of Wells tomorrow.
¡°Dresster.¡±
¡°Yes-?¡±
It was obvious that the wedding date had not yet been agreed with Lady Lowell.
Lloyd recalled the resignation letter he kept in his arms.
The moment he pulls out the resignation letter, the position will disappear with it.
***
Elysia visited the Imperial Pce to see the Emperor.
The carriage stopped and Elysia stretched out her hand for her escort.
His tight hands and a seductive scent came out.
¡°You are here.¡±
Cassian greeted her.
¡®I see there¡¯s someone else around. Don¡¯t tell me that the coachman is watching...¡¯
Then it is. The appearance of the chief of staff was seen behind Cassian.
She whispered in a small voice so as not to be heard around.
¡°You should at least say something, Duke.¡±
Cassian drew her closer to her, giving a little more strength to his hand that held her.
He put his lips close to Elysia¡¯s ear and opened his mouth as he returned her whispers.
¡°You have to call my name, Elysia.¡±
¡°Okay, I get it. His Majesty won¡¯t think it¡¯s a rtionship anyway.¡±
¡°He will.¡±
Either way or not, Elysia tried to keep her distance from Cassian, asking him to get away.
As Elysia and Cassian quarreled, the attendant approached.
¡°Hmm. His Majesty is waiting. Please hurry.¡±
The attendant was quick, so he turned around and moved to walk first.
¡®I guess this doesn¡¯t seem like an act of affection.¡¯
Elysia looked at the back of the attendant with strange eyes.
The attendants who met them in the middle chatted while looking at the two. They would only whisper to each other, but to Elysia, it sounded very clear.
It was natural for the people to be curious about the characters holding hands side by side.
As she walked in, the scent of tuberose tickled her nose.
It was really lucky that no one was around the day she first met Cassian, and the moment she bit his neck.
¡®I didn¡¯t know it would be like this on that day. Has it been about a month?¡¯
Elysia¡¯s red eyes nced at Cassian.
She was wondering how such a handsome man was not even a second lead.
¡°Your gaze is so hot that it¡¯s hard to ignore.¡±
¡°That¡¯s ridiculous.¡±
There seemed to be a problem with the personality.
The two arrived at the Central Pce and headed for the audience room.
***
¡°Oh,e on in.¡±
¡°Greetings Your Majesty the Emperor. May God bless you.¡±
¡°That¡¯s enough courtesy. Hurry and sit down.¡±
The Emperor would have already noticed everything from the fact that two came together.
He didn¡¯t say anything, but he looked so happy.
Eventually, it was a marriage that was not bad for the emperor as it gave Elysia an opportunity and was able to find a suitable partner for Revos.
In addition, she can give Revos the support of the Duke of Esteban, so how many more benefits can he gain?
Elysia hated looking at the Emperor¡¯s face.
¡°I don¡¯t think it was such a rtionship since the time the Prince and the Lady met. ¡±
¡°That can¡¯t be true.¡±
Elysia was surprised by the attitude of Cassian as if he had heard some nonsense.
¡°I¡¯m kidding.¡±
The Emperor looked very happy.
The Duke of Esteban of this generation was remarkable by the achievements he built even at a young age.
There were countless medals awarded by the Emperor himself for the contributions he had made in the war before he reached adulthood.
There was no progress without the Duke of Esteban to subdue monsters haunting all over the continent.
However, he did not covet useless things, so the Emperor could not help but be greedy.
The Emperor had no intention of handing over the throne to the second prince.
It was because it was impossible to know what was inside, and even if he was crownedter, the influence of the forces on the side of the Empress would be too strong.
Although the Crown Prince¡¯s private life was somewhat disturbing, he did not consider it a w.
If the Duke of Esteban supported the Crown Prince, he would certainly lean to one side.
The Emperor asked Elysia.
¡°Does the Duke of Lowell know?¡±
¡°He doesn¡¯t know yet.¡±
¡°He¡¯ll be surprised when hees back. Don¡¯t worry, I will tell the Duke of Lowell directly.¡±
He said he would take care so that this marriage would not go wrong.
¡®I¡¯m sure. If the marriage falls over, you¡¯ll be at loss.¡¯
Elysia uttered in her mouth the sphemous words she couldn¡¯t spit out.
¡°Good. When are you nning the engagement ceremony?¡±
After Elysia convinced Cassian, she thought of exining to the Emperor why she had to omit the engagement.
As it looks now, she doesn¡¯t seem to have to do that at all.
¡°The engagement ceremony is just an announcement and I¡¯m thinking of getting ready for the wedding right away.¡±
¡°So the papers asking for an engagement permit came first. Huh, what a rush. It¡¯s a good time.¡±
The Emperor beckoned his servant.
The attendant handed out two documents with a golden seal.
One was an engagement permit and the other was a marriage permit.
The nobles, whether engaged or married, had to obtain permission from the Imperial Family.
¡®What kind of marriage permit has already been granted.¡¯
She knew it would take quite some time to process.
She didn¡¯t even ask for it, but the Emperor wouldn¡¯t have done it alone.
Elysia stabbed Cassian¡¯s thigh with her fingers. Asking why he hurried like this.
Cassian turned his head and looked at her.
He grinned at the red eyes, seemingly seeing what she was thinking.
Then, he grabbed her hand, which poked his thigh.
¡®No, are you doing this here? It¡¯s making me hungry.¡¯
The Emperor was looking at Cassian¡¯s appearance and her, making a strange expression.
It¡¯s the first time the Emperor¡¯s seen Cassian giggling.
¡°This is good. Yes, I think I should give a wedding present. Is there anything you want?¡±
¡°How about taking the time off from this monster subjugation?¡±
¡°I thought you¡¯d rather ask for a vacation.¡±
Elysia was thinking while she looked at the Emperor and Cassian, it felt like they would have simr conversations on a regr basis.
In the meantime, she wriggled to get her caught hand out, but he didn¡¯t move. He has been holding it tighter.
¡°Then, give me five months for a vacation.¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t there a lot of things that were pushed down because of the monster subjugation?¡±
¡°If I rest, someone else will do it.¡±
¡°I can hear the cry of the chief of the Imperial Knight.¡±
Since Cassian is themander-in-chief, he was also the one making the final approval for the duties of the Imperial Knights.
Nowadays, he was dealing with a murderous workload by breaking away from his job as a monster subjugation.
¡°Five months are too long. I think about two months after the wedding.¡±
After that, Cassian¡¯s attack continued.
However, the Emperor continued to smile and beat everything Cassian said.
At first, Elysia, who was watching interestingly, began to get bored of her seat.
The main point was long overdue.
She was worried about how to exin to the Emperor, and it seemed that a conversation had already urred between the two.
Elysia sipped her tea.
She divided the taste of the tea into subdivisions, weighing the first andst tastes, and even the ratio of water.
While she was spending time like that, the chief of staff approached the Emperor.
¡°Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is asking to see you.¡±
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
¡°Tch. There are already guests. What are you talking about?¡±
The chief of staff said quietly, but the Emperor answered with a loud voice as if he had no intention of hiding it.
Even if they whispered quietly, Elysia would have heard it in her ear.
¡°That¡¯s... he asked me to say it even though I told him.¡±
Cassian looked at the door of the audience room and turned to the Emperor.
¡°We¡¯ll get going now.¡±
¡°Alright.¡±
Elysia came out of the room with Cassian.
And Revos stood right in front of them.
¡°Greetings, your Majesty the Crown Prince.¡±
¡°Ha, this is how you end up.¡±
The attendant asked Revos to lower his voice because he was in front of the audience room.
Revos still couldn¡¯t believe this.
It was difficult for him to admit that she wasn¡¯t trying to win his heart by using other men.
Also, that he was rejected by a woman for the first time.
Revos¡¯ gaze shifted from Elysia to Cassian.
¡°Duke, you must have known the request I made to His Majesty.¡±
He was talking about marrying Elysia.
Revos was convinced that Cassian knew it.
The Emperor must have given a word in advance to appeal to the Duke of Esteban.
¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, Your Majesty.¡±
In fact, what Cassian knew was correct, but he did not hear it from the Emperor.
It was information from the intelligence agents that was nted in the Royal Pce.
¡°The two of you make me very stupid.¡±
¡°Your Majesty, His Majesty is waiting for you.¡±
Revos reluctantly took a step into the audience room.
***
¡°No way, howe the marriage license is already issued?¡±
¡°Hmm.¡±
¡°You wouldn¡¯t have posted the paperwork.¡±
¡°I guess His Majesty is free.¡±
As they left the central pce, they saw some nobles working in the Imperial Pce.
They too were no different from the attendants they encountered as they passed by.
Cassian covered Elysia¡¯s shoulders and evaded before they came approaching and spoke.
Elysia opened her mouth to say something.
¡°The wedding date must be agreed upon. My father doesn¡¯t know anything yet.¡±
¡°His Majesty will tell you what to do.¡±
¡°This seems to be in a rush, is it my mistake?¡±
¡°Because thanks to someone, we¡¯re in a love triangle. There are a lot of things that bother me, so I¡¯m going to clean up quickly.¡±
Elysia¡¯s mouth waspletely bitten.
¡®Wow- it¡¯s so selfish, so selfish. I feel like I keep losing.¡¯
These days, she¡¯s been getting caught up in Cassian¡¯s pace. As she talks with him, she keeps losing herposure and gets angry.
It was also the case that she was often speechless.
¡®No. You can¡¯t do this. Get a hold of yourself.¡¯
Before she knew it, she arrived at the ce where the carriage was waiting.
When Elysia saw her family¡¯s coachman, she pulled out her hand from Cassian.
She came close to Cassian.
It wasn¡¯t enough to feel the breath, but it was quite a short distance.
¡°Now we¡¯re not going to meet once a week anymore. That¡¯s really tiring.¡±
¡°No.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t like it. You can keep an eye on me after the wedding. So, we just need to send and receive letters, right?¡±
Elysia raised her hand and she straightened his crooked cravat.
Then she turned around and headed for the carriage before he could say anything.
***
Elysia was having such long and refreshing days.
Although the capital was noisy after she officially admitted that she was Cassian¡¯s lover, it had nothing to do with herself.
At least in the mansion.
She also defeated Revos, and she didn¡¯t have to worry about revealing the secret for at least three years.
¡®Oh, this has been a while since I¡¯ve had peace.¡¯
Elysiaid on her bed, while singing a hum.
¡°Mydy, the item you ordered at the salonst time has arrived.¡±
Her maid, Gray, came into her room with a pretty wrapped box.
Gray endured her wanting to nag at thedy who seemed unwilling to get out of her bed.
It was because, even to her eyes, herdy recently looked very busy.
¡°Leave it there.¡±
¡°Lady, I¡¯m only going to let you off today. From tomorrow you have to start taking care in earnest.¡±
¡°Huh? Taking care of what?¡±
¡°Skin care! During a rtionship, you have to take care of yourself!¡±
Elysia clicked her tongue as she watched the maid burn with passion.
When she met Revos, she was in tears every time and looked excited.
¡°Gray, I¡¯m not doing that already. Get out of here.¡±
Whether Elysia heard Gray¡¯s words or not, she left the room, eagerly muttering something.
Elysia stepped up in front of the box Gray had ced on her table.
¡®I almost forgot.¡¯
When she opened the box, she saw all the clothes in ck.
She was going to go out today.
In order to save a knight in the original story, who had died a tragic death.
***
When she reads the original work, Elysia¡¯s existence was most important, but there was one other supporting role she was worried about.
Ryan.
It was a knight who lost his life while guarding the heroine Lumiere.
On the surface, Ryan is apparently an intelligence guild, but he was ced in a ce where assassination was amon urence.
With his sister, he was amoner living in the area right next to the slums, and to earn food, he entered the assassination guild early to earn a living.
The brothers and sisters, who had saved all the money, were preparing to leave and live in another country, but the guild leader kidnapped his sister to intimidate Ryan.
When Lumiere is pickpocketed when she stops by the slums as the female lead, she identally witnesses her kidnapping.
When the family asks for her help, she rescues Ryan¡¯s sister, and even wipes out the guild.
And Ryanes to pledge allegiance to Lumiere, the one who saved his sister.
He will reach the master¡¯s level in the near future, and he will lose his life while defending Lumiere from Elysia as the ending of the original story approaches.
¡®He won¡¯t die as long as I am Elysia.¡¯
Rihanna was a person who always felt sorry for when reading the original story, so she knew what was going to happen, but she was worried to just overlook it.
¡°Is it too early to go now?¡±
Elysia put on her ck shirt and leather pants and looked in the mirror.
As expected her hair color stood out too much. She raised her long hair high, tied it together and put on a robe.
She looked out the window, and the sky was already dyed with scarlet.
She hurried out of her mansion, even though it wasn¡¯t mentioned exactly when the incident urred in the original.
She med herself for forgetting, and she was worried that she might bete.
She rented a carriage far away from her mansion.
¡°Please go to District 4 outside the capital.¡±
The coachman continued to nce at the voice of the gentle woman, although she was wearing all ck.
Elysia sighed and handed the coachman some silver coins.
She was going to the slums, so she didn¡¯t want to get in trouble for pulling out gold coins.
¡°I¡¯m in a hurry.¡±
¡°Yes, yes!¡±
Since Elysia came out of her mansion, she was feeling someone¡¯s gaze.
She obviously felt someone¡¯s presence, but she couldn¡¯t pinpoint the location.
¡®Who could it be? It can¡¯t be Revos... is it Cassian?¡¯
She thought hard with her arms folded, but there was no other way than to check it out for herself.
Recently, it was unintentionally a hot topic in the capital, so I wondered if the reporters followed, but for that purpose, they too were skilled at hiding.
¡®As long as it doesn¡¯t interfere with today¡¯s work
She didn¡¯t want to step out and find out who it was yet.
There was a separate priority today.
The ride got worse as they had entered the outskirts of the capital.
***
After getting out of her carriage, Elysia was trying to recall the details of the original work in as much detail as possible.
But she had nothing toe up with except that it was an alley facing the slums. She couldn¡¯t even think of a ce description.
¡®It looks like this alley.¡¯
If Lumiere passes by and witnesses the abduction scene, it will be a house not far from the entrance of the alley.
Today, the male lead was going to be pickpocketed, so hopefully she might be able to face Lumiere. Suddenly, she thought about it.
As Elysia weighed the human eyesight, she entered an alley.
It was lined with old buildings that would not be strange even if it copsed.
Even in the early evening, she couldn¡¯t see anyone wandering around, and it was strangely still.
As she felt puzzled because the alley is too quiet, she heard a faint scream in Elysia¡¯s ears.
The house looked much older, but it was a rare two-story house in this alley.
¡®I guess it¡¯s here.¡¯
The woman¡¯s screams continued with the sound of things breaking.
Perhaps because of this, there were no people on the road.
Elysia smiled bitterly and quietly opened the door.
Then she remembered those who followed her, so she put a lock magic on the door and a soundproof magic all over the house.
It was possible to go out, but toe in was impossible unless you were a person who could destroy magic.
¡°Don¡¯t do this...!¡±
¡°Mydy, I¡¯m just trying to have some fun, but I¡¯m sorry if ites out like this.¡±
Elysia quickly made her walk, reassuring that this was the house of the brother and sister, and that it wasn¡¯t toote yet.
As she entered the house, she saw a woman, almost naked, with dark green eyes in her dark brown hair.
One man holding her arms behind her; another holding her ankles in front of her; and two upstairs.
With the sound of the door closing along with the heel of shoes made them turn their gaze toward Elysia.
¡°Hello?¡±
¡°Who are you!¡±
The face was not visible because of the robe, but the voice that was heard was of a woman.
The men¡¯s eyes changed with the soft and mellow voice.
¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t know a friend wasing?¡±
If they have looked at the robe she was wearing, they could never have said that she was friends with Ryan¡¯s sister.
She clicked her tongue
¡°Help, help me!¡±
She turnedpletely towards Elysia, taking off her ankle that the big man was holding.
As Elysia revealed her face, the men¡¯s face turned red.
¡®What, why is Ryan¡¯s sister blushing?¡¯
Elysia was confused as she saw the woman staring at herself with her mouth wide open.
Whether she noticed that Elysia was a nobleman, there was a sense of dismay on the faces of the men.
¡®You don¡¯t have to use magic against those things.¡¯
Elysia gathered her magic and sharpened, then threw it at the man.
¡°Ahhhhhh!¡±
The man was struck in two ces, on the thigh and on the shoulder, he screamed as he fell to the floor.
The de made of magic disappeared, exploding the moment it was inserted into the man¡¯s body, leaving a scar.
The smell of fishy blood elerated Elysia¡¯s hand movements.
She had skipped meals today, so it was hard for her to take a long time.
A man turned to Elysia, holding a sword the size of his body, approached her.
She clicked her tongue and blew chunks of magic just as before.
¡°Tsk!¡±
Elysia smiled as she approached the fallen man.
¡°Scream louder so why don¡¯t we go upstairs?¡±
Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Elysia¡¯s shoe heel pressed down the back of the man¡¯s hand gently.
¡°Sa-save me!¡±
Crack. The sound of bones breaking, but she did not give in and stepped on the other hand.
¡°A guy like you doesn¡¯t need a hand.¡±
She thought that even the smell of his blood was disgusting and gave her feet more strength.
Rian¡¯s sister held back her cry, closing her mouth with her hand at the situation that was happening before her eyes.
The man who was first attacked approached her with a dagger from the side.
Even though she felt the obvious difference in power, she frowned her eyebrows as she watched him do the trick.
With Elysia¡¯s one hand gesture, the man fell to the floor.
¡°Thank you.¡±
Elysia took off her robe to Ryan¡¯s sister and looked upstairs.
She felt that the other guys were already out of the house, thinking of running away
¡°M-my younger brother is being held upstairs. Help, please....¡±
Ryan¡¯s sister grabbed Elysia¡¯s cor and burst into a cry.
¡°Why would... youe this way. Scream if something happens.¡±
After Elysia checked the condition of the two men, she hurried to the second floor.
Ryan shouldn¡¯t have been here. In the original story, he was supposed to be in a scuffle at the guild.
He had to persuade the guild leader again that he wanted to quit assassinating.
As she entered the room where she could feel a presence, she saw a man lying down with restraints on his neck and hands.
He was a young man with dark brown hair like his sister downstairs.
His body fluttered as Elysia approached him, maybe thinking that he was losing his mind.
¡°Who... are you?¡±
Elysia grabbed Ryan¡¯s shoulder and turned him to face her.
His dark green eyes revealed.
He red at Elysia with vignt eyes. Elysia leaned him and sat him up to examine the restraint.
At her level, she simply had to destroy the magic circle, and if she was a master, she would be able to dissolve it.
Elysia, who released the restraint from his neck and looked at the restraint on his wrist, suddenly stopped.
¡°You...¡±
Thinking that the smell of blood from Ryan was strange, she grabbed the cor of his shirt and she walked to one side.
She rolled him on the floor, tearing the buttons off with her strength.
¡°Uhhh.¡±
Elysia said in a cold voice. In addition to Ryan¡¯s being at home, another unexpected thing happened.
¡°What is this?¡±
It was a wound that had just urred.
It was probably cut with a poisoned knife, and the red blood of the sword was dripping from his neck.
As Elysia got closer, Ryan stepped back behind her and stared at her.
¡°I asked who you were.¡±
¡°The person who saved your sister.¡±
¡°Ah... thank you, thank you... Is my sister safe?¡±
Ryan¡¯s eyes were watery. He seemed to focus on something, fixing his gaze at the door, with a brief expression of relief.
Are you looking at the first floor?
Elysia was busy looking at his wounds instead of giving Ryan more details.
Ryan had been looking at the door for a long time and felt relieved that her sister was safe.
Elysia frowned her eyebrows as she looked at Ryan, who said that his wounds were severe.
¡°What about the antidote?¡±
¡°Probably difficult. It¡¯s a poison that can only be obtained inside the guild, but there is not enough time.¡±
Elysia yelled, pulling the hem of Ryan¡¯s shirt.
¡®I should have studied some detoxification magic.¡¯
When Ramote had time, he was nagging her, telling her to study that.
¡°Why would you say that? Why am I here!¡±
Even during the short conversation, Ryan¡¯splexion was turning pale.
Elysia took a small deep breath.
She approached Ryan leaning against the wall and grabbed him by the shoulders.
Ryan tried to get out of her, flinching his body at the overbearing feeling from her.
¡°Shh. Be nice. I¡¯m the only one who can save you right now.¡±
***
¡°Lady Lowell headed to the outskirts of the capital alone. It is in the direction of District 4. Three knights are following.¡±
At the knight¡¯s words posted about Elysia, Cassian looked away from the papers and raised his head.
He raised his eyebrows as if puzzled by the word ¡°Zone 4¡±.
¡°Zone 4? Why?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t have any idea, but judging from the fact she moved away from the escort, it seems like she is moving with a destination set.¡±
¡°Hmm.¡±
Why does a Noble Lady go there? Cassian also had no guess at all.
There was always only one reason for nobles to visit Zone 4.
It was when they visited a ce such as an orphanage sponsored by their family, but the one the Lowell family sponsored was in another district.
If you were using ces like an information guild, you didn¡¯t have to go there directly.
Cassian remembered her promise to drink only his blood, unless there were unavoidable circumstances.
He didn¡¯t think she was going to break that promise, but it was weird.
¡°I¡¯ll go myself.¡±
¡°What? Sir, is there any need to do so. There are a lot of things to do for now.¡±
Cassian left the office, wearing his jacket, and Lloyd, who was standing with a stupid expression.
***
Ryan opened his mouth and asked, embarrassed at Elysia¡¯s words.
It wasn¡¯t long after the poison had spread, so he could live well enough if she sucked it out now.
Elysia pulled out a potion made of holy water from her magic bag.
She looked again at the ground floor and bowed her head to the nape of his neck.
¡°What are you doing? It¡¯s dangerous...¡±
Recognizing her intentions, Ryan tried to push Elysia, but his wrists were tied and the power of the grip holding his shoulder was too strong.
The first experience struck him of the feeling of something digging through the wound on his neck.
¡°Ugh.¡±
It wasn¡¯t just the level of sucking poison through the mouth.
Ryan looked confused at the unfamiliar sensations, but Elysia couldn¡¯t be seen.
He just clicked his tongue inside, feeling the overwhelming force in his body.
It was also understandable that he had a violent reaction as it would have an effect simr to that of drinking the aphrodisiac.
Ryan was struggling to keep his mind intact.
By the time he thought that his patience hade to a limit, Elysia took her lips off.
¡°Would this work?¡±
Elysia opened the lid of the potion she had taken out, and she held it to the corner of his mouth.
Ryan shook his head. He knew how expensive the potion was.
¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±
¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡±
Ryan lifted his magic and released the restraint he was wearing on his wrist.
He can¡¯t be a master yet, but what kind of situation is it?
¡°What are you? How did you undo this?¡±
¡°Because you were able to release the restraint that was on my neck.¡±
What was worn on the wrist yed a role of suppressing force, and the restraint on the neck is to suppress magic.
So now, Ryan could handle magic.
¡°What are you, a master? You were barely able to beat punks...!¡±
¡°They caught my sister and threatened me, so I couldn¡¯t help it. Are you okay?¡±
It was bad, Elysia barely endured her nausea.
It was only the theory that vampires could detoxify even if they ingested poison, but it was the first time she actually experienced it.
She had never encountered life-threatening poison before being reborn.
The poison spread all over her body, causing internal injuries, and at the same time recovering at a slow pace.
It was clear that it was a sensation she never wanted to go through again.
¡°It¡¯s all right.¡±
Elysia rummaged her arms.
A silver te was ced in front of Ryan.
¡°You¡¯ll need help. I¡¯ll help you live in a foreign country, soe find me.¡±
She just wanted to erase Ryan¡¯s memories and tell his sister, but she was reluctant to use her abilities with her rapidly deteriorating physical condition.
She was more cautious because there were times when it didn¡¯t work against Cassian.
If it didn¡¯t work for the masters, it would have been the same for Ryan.
¡°I¡¯ll give you a day. Even if you don¡¯t need help, you¡¯ll have toe to me within a day.¡±
Just in case, she had to make theme to her on time.
Considering Ryan in the original, he wasn¡¯t the one who could divulge the secrets of his benefactor.
¡°...Okay.¡±
¡°Okay, and you know this is a secret, right?¡±
Ryan nodded his head, knowing what the words meant.
Elysia stroked his head with a satisfied expression.
¡®I have to go back.¡¯
No matter how much she was recovering, she did not feel pain at all.
She also needed time to recover, so she had to quickly return to the mansion.
Ryan suddenly appeared in Elysia¡¯s eyes, who raised his body to leave the room.
A torn shirt by Elysia revealed half of his torso and red marks on his neck from the restraints.
¡®It¡¯s not as good as Cassian, but this one is also quite...¡¯
There were manyrge and small scars.
When she saw the scars and teeth marks on his neck, she felt like she had done something terrible to him.
***
¡°Your Excellency.¡±
The knights who were waiting for Cassian who arrived in Zone 4, approached.
At the back of the approaching knight, he saw the rest of the knights asking questions while holding two men behind.
¡°What are those?¡±
¡°They came out of the house where the Lady entered. I caught him because he looked suspicious running away in a hurry.¡±
The knight hurriedly added an exnation to the master¡¯s acrimonious spirit, which was getting worse and worse.
A total of three men. Two of them had wounds all over their bodies, and one said they were holding daggers with poison.
Someone screamed along with the footsteps of several knights in a quiet alley where no one was walking.
While listening to the knight¡¯s exnation, Cassian grabbed the handle of the door of Ryan¡¯s house.
It was under magic.
¡°He was a guild member of the information guild. It is said that he was attacked by someone trying to scare a fellow who is trying to end his guild life. In terms of the description, it looks like it¡¯s the Lady.¡±
Lloyd, who just arrived, because he could not keep up with Cassian¡¯s speed on horseback as he left first, called Cassian.
¡°Huugh... Sir!¡±
He felt sick because he drove the carriage so fast.
He chased Cassian right away, but he was too fast.
¡°Lloyd, start with figuring out the guild size first.¡±
¡°Yes, I understand.¡±
He didn¡¯t know anything about the exnation or the situation, but the answer was quick.
Lloyd walked away and stepped forward to listen to the knights, with a tearful face.
Cassian was wondering whether to go into the house or not.
He wondered why she hade this far and saved those who lived in this house.
They were people living in apletely different world than she knew, and the timing was too exquisite.
As if she had expected something to happen.
¡®If you¡¯re curious, you should check. Why your fiancee is here.¡¯
Cassian raised the corners of his mouth.
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Elysia brought Ryan downstairs.
Ryan¡¯s sister had rxed and fell asleep.
After Ryan had confirmed that, he exhaled a breath of relief.
¡°...?¡±
Elysia, seeing Ryan looking at his sister, felt the magic she had hung on was destroyed.
When Elysia came here, she was reminded of those who were after her, swallowing her dry saliva.
Someone skillful enough to destroy her magic?
She nced at the scenery in the room and thought that she had to go out before anyone could enter the house, so she headed to the door.
¡°...!¡±
¡°It smells like blood...¡±-
It was Cassian who came into the cold night air.
He looked at Elysia and turned his gaze to the house. As Cassian beckoned out of the house, Lloyd entered.
He approached Cassian and spoke enough for him to hear.
¡°Our Knights alone can handle it.¡± Cassian replied with a sneer.
¡°Get it done by today.¡±
Even if they spoke quietly, Elysia couldn¡¯t help but overhear it.
As expected, those who followed her were the ones that Cassian had sent. The reason for sending a person and the reason he came this far...
Did he think she¡¯d drink someone¡¯s blood? That this is a home invasion?
¡°Sigh¡ª I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking about, but what you think...¡±
Cassian cut off Elysia¡¯s words and opened his mouth.
¡°You don¡¯t have to exin. I didn¡¯t get it wrong.¡±
It was directed at Elysia, but his eyes were fixed on Ryan.
The loose shirt and the back of his neck.
The purple eyes looking at Ryan were cold.
After receiving reports from the knights, it was enough not to hear an exnation of what happened.
¡°Even if you know the situation, you havee all the way here because you are in doubt.¡±
As Elysia revealed her displeasure, she questioned him.
She certainly said it wouldn¡¯t cause problems.
Cassian took his gaze away from Ryan and looked at her.
¡°It¡¯s not like that. I believe what you said.¡±
¡®You say that with that face, it¡¯s a foul.¡¯
The embarrassment of his words raised a fishy smell again.
Seeing drops of sweat on her forehead, Cassian frowned and approached her.
He held her as Elysia looked to be in bad condition.
Cassian gazed at Elysia, who asked him to get off, and he blew his magic into the ring that she was wearing.
Elysia¡¯s vision changed, feeling dizzy, and raised her hand to wipe her mouth.
¡°Hooo.¡±
Red blood smeared on her palm.
Cassian put Elysia down on his bed and wiped her mouth with his handkerchief.
¡°What about an antidote?¡±
Elysia shook her head weakly.
Cassian was showing a look that he was displeased.
¡°It¡¯s okay. I want to go home.¡±
¡°You want to go like this?¡±
¡°There¡¯s no other way, right?¡±
¡°What if you drink blood?¡± Elysia clicked her tongue from Cassian¡¯s terrifying offer.
If she sucks, it will speed up recovery, so she would be in a much better condition than now.
Cassian reaffirms his offer after Elysia¡¯s hesitation.
He sat next to her and began to unbutton his shirt.
¡°Wait!¡±
Elysia grabbed his hand, which was on the button.
Even though Cassian knew that she was a vampire, she couldn¡¯t help but hesitate.
When she first met him, she was disoriented, but she¡¯s not anymore.
¡°Ugh...¡± Elysia groaned at the blooding up again.
Cassian raised his body and approached her with a clean handkerchief.
¡®I really can¡¯t stand this.¡¯
Laughter came out for some reason in this situation where he was cleaning her.
Cassian wiped the remaining drops of blood from her lips with his fingers with the handkerchief next to her.
The moment he was about to drop his fingers, Elysia couldn¡¯t ovee his body right before her.
Eventually, she snapped Cassian¡¯s finger.
¡°...?¡±
¡°Then, thank you.¡±
Her tongue was hot because she spoke while holding his finger.
Biting his nape would enable her to drink a lot of blood, but she couldn¡¯t afford it.
Kwook. His fingers were bitten hard, then a sharp object broke through and hurt his fingers.
Cassian raised his hand and covered his face.
Standing beside the bed, he could see Elysia drinking his blood. The appearance of her biting his own finger in his bed was stimting enough.
¡°Hmm...¡±
She drank Ryan¡¯s blood on the same day, so the difference was clear.
Cassian¡¯s blood could not be exined by just saying that it was delicious. She tasted his blood and was worried about how she could drink other blood in the future.
Elysia lifted her lips and licked up all the remaining blood drops on her fingers.
This should be enough.
Elysia, feeling the shorings, held the back of his hand with her palm and put her lips onto his wrist.
She looked at him withfort in her eyes.
Her gaze met Cassian, who was looking at her. At the moment, Elysia leaned against him with the feeling of her fangs slipping out.
¡°Hoo...¡± Cassian sighed andid Elysia right on the bed.
When he saw Elysia¡¯s condition, neither awake nor asleep, he raised his hand and covered her eyes.
¡°Get some sleep. I¡¯ll be next to you.¡±
Her eyes blinked and the long eyshes tickled his palm a couple of times, but this seemed to make her close her eyes. Her lower back was stiff.
Cassian covered her with a nket, reminding her that she had been poisoned.
***
Early in the morning, Elysia lifted her eyelids.
She was covered, on a bed, and was filled with Cassian¡¯s scent.
Her body wasn¡¯t fully recovered yet, though she felt better. Elysia doesn¡¯t feel like she¡¯s going to be sick.
At this point, she recovered much faster than expected.
She looked up and looked into the room, but she couldn¡¯t find Cassian.
Only then, the events ofst night passed by. Though not long ago, he was sitting by the bed. Cassian was really by her side all night.
When she opened her eyes several times in the morning, she told him to go to sleep.
Her chest was tickling.
¡°I couldn¡¯t even say thank you.¡±
Upon returning to the mansion, the butler approached Elysia, who had been staying out for the second time, as if he had been waiting.
Perhaps, he may have been contacted by the Duke of Esteban. If she stayed out without saying anything, it would have been an uproar.
Elysia greeted the butler with her awkward smile.
¡°There is a guest for thedy.¡±
¡°Guest?¡±
¡°He has the family card. The name is Ryan.¡±
A man came with her family card after she stayed out overnight. She wondered if there would be a really strange rumor.
¡°Where is he now?¡±
¡°Because thedy isn¡¯t here, I¡¯ve taken him to the guest room in the separate building.¡±
He came with the family¡¯s card, so it was right for the butler to serve him as a distinguished guest.
Elysia wanted to call Ryan to her room, but she stopped.
It was because she felt the ears of the maids around her.
¡°Call him to the parlor, please.¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
At her words, she saw some of the maids blush.
He must have already caught the eyes of the maids. Ryan wasn¡¯t a noble but had a good appearance, so it made sense that the maids were doing that.
Elysia returned to her room, changed into afortable room coat, and headed to the parlor.
When she entered the parlor, though what he wore wasn¡¯t as high-quality as worn by the nobles, Ryan was dressed neatly.
Last night, the situation was so bad, it was a mess.
While Ryan got up and nodded to Elysia, her maids brought out tea.
¡°You came earlier than I thought?¡± Ryan nodded, revealing his dimples.
¡°Yes, that¡¯s what happened.¡±
Looking at Ryan, the maids brought the tea at a very slow speed, and with Elysia¡¯s sharp eyes, they finished in a hurry and stepped back.
Ryan looked at her silently until Elysia sipped her tea.
¡°Is your body all right?¡±
¡°As you can see. I did a little hard work, but I¡¯m fine.¡±
Elysia did not hide that she had suffered.
He went there and helped her out, so she doesn¡¯t think it¡¯s okay to show off. She thought for a while that Cassian did the hard work.
She once again thanked Ryan.
¡°If you have any thoughts,e to me... Are you telling me to decide if I¡¯m going to be thedy¡¯s retainer?¡±
Elysia¡¯s eyes went round.
Saying that he was her retainer felt very grandiose.
Besides, she didn¡¯t mean that. ¡°I mean, I¡¯ll look into it if you want. So, that you can live in the Empire without needing to leave.¡±
At Elysia¡¯s words, Ryan fiddled with the teacup for a moment, worrying.
¡°I am not a knight, but I¡¯m quite useful.¡±
¡°Yes. I know. Aren¡¯t you a great talent? ¡° With a little bit of Elysia¡¯s help, he would be able to get a title even though it would be low.
Ryan, with a small smile at her words, stood up. Sitting on one knee in front of Elysia, he reached out his hand.
¡°I don¡¯t know much about the knights¡¯ oath of loyalty.¡±
A scene from the original story fell in her head.
A scene where Ryan swore allegiance to the heroine of the original story, Lumiere.
¡°I want to be your retainer. I know that you are strong enough. But... If you¡¯re all right with me like this, I want to be by your side.¡±
The beginning was the same as the original, but there were subtle differences in thest words from the original.
¡®I want to protect you¡¯ was the original line.
She only helped him once, but can she influence his life like this?
¡°I just happened to be able to help, so you don¡¯t have to.¡±
She felt like she had taken the heroine¡¯s knight.
¡°I want to do this. You saved my world in many ways. Oh, if you think it¡¯s not enough to keep me by your side...¡±
Elysia cut him off.
¡°I don¡¯t think that.¡±
Ryan wasn¡¯t confident because he thought it would be too daring for the lowlymoner, who had been in the assassination guild.
His swordsmanship hasn¡¯t developed as it had stopped at some point, but he¡¯s trying, so wouldn¡¯t he be able to protect her?
There were also some aristocraticdies who wanted their own person and treated them like a decoration. He thought it would be okay if Elysia allowed him to do so.
Elysia, staring at his palm waiting for her answer, raised her hand as if making up her mind.
Even though she felt a little guilty about his sincerity, at least she would be able to prevent him from dying even though she is the viin.
Her soft, white hands were on the hand full of calluses.
¡°I want to be the person who protects you.¡±
Ryan put his forehead on the back of Elysia¡¯s hand.
¡°Yes, but I want to ask you something.¡±
¡°Yes, please tell me.¡±
Ryan waited for Elysia¡¯s answer with a slightly flushed face.
¡°What do you think of me?¡±
He could see what she meant without any exnation. It¡¯s probably because of what he sawst night.
¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you are, but if you¡¯re anxious about what I know, it¡¯s okay to do anything.¡±
He added that she could call a wizard and put restrictions on him.
Elysia smiled pleasantly and opened her mouth.
¡°Elysia. Call me by my name.¡±
¡°Yes, Lady Elysia.¡±
Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Elysia left the parlor, as Rian, who seemed unwilling to rise even after finishing his oath, finally rose.
¡°Ryan? Take your sister ande stay in the annex.¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Oh! If she says she doesn¡¯t want toe here, it¡¯s all right as well.¡±
¡°No, she will like it.¡±
Ryan was sure that his sister would like it. It was his sister who urged him toe in the morning.
Elysia and Ryan went to find the butler.
The butler was surprised that he was amoner living in District 4, and that he would be escorting Elysia as her entourage in the future.
He thought that Ryan would not have been a nobleman, but he couldn¡¯t imagine him living in District 4.
It might have been because he had a neat appearance and a calm atmosphere.
¡°He¡¯ll stay in the annex in the future. Prepare it well.¡±
The butler¡¯s mind went fast. There was a lot to do, starting from his clothing to a knight¡¯s ceremony.
He was going to be the escort of the Duke¡¯s Lady.
He also had to teach basic etiquette.
The butler sees Elysia, who often drops bombshell news these days, and feels the vacancy of the Duke and Young Master more than anyone else.
¡°All right. You stay here.¡±
Elysia left Ryan to the butler and headed to her room.
Though she told Ryan that she was fine, she was actually exhausted since she has not fully recovered.
***
After returning to his home and taking a shower, Cassian leaned over to the sensation felt in his own bedroom.
¡®She didn¡¯t say that she wasing today.¡¯
He knew that today, Elysia met the Crown Prince.
Cassian thought something had happened when she went to see the Crown Prince, so he sent Lloyd to follow her and went into the bedroom.
With Elysia sitting on his sofa, she waved her hand at him.
¡°You¡¯re here?¡±
¡°Is your body okay?¡±
¡°Thanks. Thank you very much for that day.¡±
¡°I hope it doesn¡¯t happen again in the future.¡±
Cassian knew that Elysia had brought the man she saved that day into her mansion. So, he was curious about their rtionship since she removed the poison by sucking it out of him.
He was wondering if he should ask, raising his hand and sweeping his head.
It was unfamiliar to him that he was worried about this in the first ce.
Cassian couldn¡¯t think deeply about the words that followed.
¡°Hmm? Which one? Are you talking about the situation where I have to drink human blood?¡±
¡°No. Putting yourself in danger. You will soon be the Mistress of Esteban Duchy.¡±
¡°I thought you were worried about me. I guess not.¡± Elysia closed her eyes andughed.
Although it is temporary, she felt quitefortable because she thought Cassian was on her side.
¡®No, but why aren¡¯t you drying your hair?¡¯
Elysia dissatisfiedly puffed her cheeks.
Wet hair and unfastened buttons on his shirt.
The red eyes slowly descended from Cassian¡¯s hair to his chest.
¡°Shall I unfasten more?¡±
¡°Fasten it more.¡±
¡°I had to take it off because it¡¯s hot.¡± Cassian smilednguidly and leaned his body toward Elysia.
Elysia leaned her back more as he approached her.
She thought it was fortunate that there was a table between Cassian and her.
¡®I need to get used to his appearance. If it weren¡¯t for his body scent...¡¯
It wasn¡¯t her style to reject a man who fits her taste perfectly. It was a contract, but they were about to get married.
There are no restrictions on doing skinship, but she can¡¯t touch him.
Of course, she and Cassian didn¡¯t have an agreement on that when writing the contract.
However, there was no item about not touching, so should they just ept that it¡¯s okay?
¡°...Sad.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°I¡¯m just talking to myself.¡±
Skinship would almost lead to a vampire lust, so she couldn¡¯t even think of touching him.
She wanted to refrain as long as she could while she continued to feed on the blood of animals even though it was tasteless.
Elysia was thinking not to make things to go that extent that she would need to drink Cassian¡¯s blood.
¡°I heard you met the Prince today.¡±
¡°The news travels fast.¡±
¡°I want you to refrain from going to the Pce by yourself.¡±
Elysia nodded her head.
She knew that if today¡¯s event spread out, bad news would follow, too. Since she is engaged to the Duke of Esteban, and she still met the prince.
Elysia went as carefully as possible, so it might be all right for now, but she didn¡¯t know next time.
As if he had noticed what she was worried about, Cassian added his words.
¡°Today¡¯s event didn¡¯t spread, so you don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡±
¡°I won¡¯t go back, but I¡¯ll be careful.¡±
¡°Then, it doesn¡¯t mean that it¡¯s because of that. What brings you here?¡±
¡°Ah! I forgot. It¡¯s no big deal. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve heard, but I¡¯m going to participate as a representative of the Magic Tower in this uing monster subjugation.¡±
Cassian raised his eyebrows.
There was a memory that Lloyd reported to him this morning. However, he didn¡¯t hear him saying that the wizard belonging to the tower was Elysia.
Cassian was more than happy with Lloyd¡¯s work until just a while ago.
Lloyd, who had been preupied with leaving work early after a long time, felt scared for some reason.
¡°I came because I thought I should tell you in advance.¡±
¡°Do you have any experience dealing with monsters? It could be dangerous.¡±
¡°There will be no harm to others.¡±
¡°I mean, you might be in danger. I¡¯ll be careful as much as I can, but there are limits. Though, is there a reason you should go to defeat monsters?¡±
Elysia didn¡¯t answer right away and pondered.
There were various reasons for participating in this monster subjugation.
Trying to show that she is strong even if she is a little overwhelmed and trying to deal with monsters in advance as preparation for the future.
¡°I¡¯m just the support from the tower. That¡¯s all.¡±
Cassian¡¯s purple eyes looked at her as if they were gauging her.
He didn¡¯t think Elysia was really lying, but he could see that there was something more.
¡°If there are situations in which you are in danger, I should know.¡±
¡°Well, will that ever happen? I don¡¯t think so.¡±
Elysia truly thought so.
She knew that this monster subjugation wasn¡¯t very dangerous, and the wizards basically only used magic behind the knights, so there was nothing particrly dangerous.
Even if a sudden situation urred, she would have avoided it.
Cassian had given up, knowing that Elysia had no intention of answering.
¡°The meeting is two dayster.¡±
¡°I know. I¡¯ll see you that day.¡±
As Elysia nodded her head, she saw Cassian¡¯s bandaged wrist in her sight. The wound on his finger as well.
Elysia raised her body and sat down next to Cassian.
¡°Hmm?¡± She left the puzzled Cassian alone and raised his hand.
Cassian¡¯s hand was too pretty to say that it was the hand of a knight holding a sword.
Elysia¡¯s finger swept his remaining fingers.
¡°Are you seducing me?¡±
¡°That¡¯s what you¡¯re doing.¡±
A sincere heart was popping from Elysia, who was looking at his wounds.
Cassian grabbed Elysia¡¯s hand as the touch of her finger tickled.
He bowed his head and went closer to Elysia. Cassian opened his mouth, whispered in her ear.
¡°Well, I was told that my existence itself is a temptation.¡±
Did I even say that?
Elysia looked back at the memories of the day, eagerly spending her night with him.
It seemed that the rare memories had been cut off. What the hell did you talk about?
¡°I have a question.¡±
¡°I won¡¯t answer you.¡±
¡°Even now, my scent to you...¡± Elysia raised her hand and closed his mouth.
¡®You know how much I want to eat you... Wait, do you already know?¡¯
Elysia stared at him with a fierce look. She wanted to cry.
***
At the entrance to the Imperial Pce, a carriage with the emblem of Duke Lowell stood.
The woman who descended under the escort of the knight guarding the entrance was not wearing a dress but a white robe using magic.
The emblem of the tower, embroidered with gold thread, indicated her affiliation.
The white robe and her silver hair were harmonized, and the strange atmosphere peculiar to Elysia was more prominent.
Elysia headed to the conference hall under the guidance of an attendant sent by Cassian.
He had more people than she thought.
Elysia was thest one, only one seat was empty.
People in brown robes were sitting around the seat. They were Imperial wizards.
As she sat down, she saw a curly blonde fluttering from the seat next to her.
¡®Why is she here?¡¯
It was the female protagonist, Lumiere nche.
Lumiere wasn¡¯t very good, but she still was an assistant wizard of the Imperial Ministry of Magic.
She doesn¡¯t think it¡¯s time for her to attend yet.
She had to attend the next subjugation instead of this one, and she was not supposed to be enrolled in the Imperial Ministry of Magic at this time.
Lumiere, who felt Elysia¡¯s gaze, smiled brightly and said with a small voice.
¡°Greetings, Lady Lowell. I¡¯m Lumiere, from the nche Marquisate.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you.¡±
Considering that, at the time Elysia broke up with Levos, the original story has already yed, so she may not have to pay much attention.
If Lumiere participates in the subjugation this time, it will be a little dyed for her to connect with Revos, but it would still be the same since Revos still have lingering feelings for Elysia.
¡®But you still have to face each other.¡¯
The two protagonists must continue to face each other so that they can feel the fateful attraction.
If Lumiere had already registered as a magician at this time of year, she would have be too busy.
¡®She will continue to visit the Imperial Pce, so it will have a good effect.¡¯
Lumiere nced at Elysia, bowed her head, and whispered a little.
¡°Lady, I really wanted to see you. Please call me Lumierefortably.¡±
Elysia was embarrassed by the attack of her beauty suddenly popping in.
Several knights attending the meeting were also blushing while ncing at Lumiere.
¡°Calling your name is a little... Let¡¯s take it slow.¡±
She had no idea why she was so friendly.
¡®Is it a big deal?¡¯
Elysia was confused by the sudden appearance of Lumiere, but she soon shook it off.
We could find out what happenedter.
She decided to put her headache aside for a while and focus on the meeting.
Elysia was very ufortable as there was a lot of attendance at the conference hall and her distance from Cassian.
¡®Yes, what about the meeting. Let¡¯s see what you like.¡¯
Elysia¡¯s gaze began to follow Cassian.
Cassian sighed at her sparkling gaze and swept his hair.
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
The meeting was boring.
She was uneasy about participating in the subjugation, and the day she told Cassian that she was going to it, she got an earful.
Representatives of each field, such as military doctors, retainers, and Imperial wizards including Lumiere, who will treat the injured in the subjugation of the monsters, as well as the people who were in charge of the subjugation of the monsters, were added, and quite a lot of people attended.
The Imperial magic department was divided into attack, auxiliary, and healing magicians.
Elysia, who learned magic from Ramote, who belongs to the Magic Tower, not from the Imperial family, was learning magic in almost all fields, so her affiliation became a little vague.
Elysia shuddered at the thought when she was learning magic while getting scolded by the old man in the past.
She was listening to the exnations from the wizards who had already participated in the subjugation. It seemed that the Esteban Knights were mainly leading the subjugation.
Cassian was exining the overall details, such as the location where the monsters would be defeated and the estimated difficulty time.
Elysia was looking at Cassian¡¯s figure leading the meeting, thinking that she had already heard her exnation.
¡®I¡¯m surprised to see you this way.¡¯
Cassian seemed to feel her persistent gaze.
The yful Elysia grinned every time he made eye contact with her.
Of course, she was listening to the meeting.
She knows what she needs to know but found it hard to concentrate for a long time.
¡®Was it Bug?¡¯
Elysia recalled the knight that had guided her some time ago.
Since Cassian¡¯s past is clean, he didn¡¯t say anything.
He said he had been with him for a long time, so Elysia thought she could get some pretty solid information.
***
Cassian was worried about whether it would be really all right to go to defeat the monsters with Elysia.
He suddenly wondered why she was throwing that gaze.
¡°That¡¯s it for the meeting.¡±
Those who needed additional meetings gathered around three to five people and dispersed.
Elysia thought she would y more of her pranks on Cassian, so she stayed there until the end.
There was a touch on her shoulder.
¡°Lady nche?¡±
¡°Well... Lady, do you have a moment?¡±
***
Elysia took her steps to the parlor inside the knights building.
The passing knights blushed as they looked at the two.
It was natural that the eyes were focused because two beauties of opposite styles were walking.
If Elysia was a beauty with a provocative and cold image, then Lumieres¡¯s image was protective.
However, the knights were consciously trying to block their gaze toward Elysia. It was because she was the leader¡¯s lover.
The leading attendant led the two to a quiet parlor with no one.
The attendant handed over the tea and left.
¡°Thank you for the time, Lady.¡±
¡°I have something I want to say.¡±
Lumiere looked at Elysia, tucking her curly blonde behind her ears.
Since Elysia¡¯s eye level was higher, Lumiere looked up.
¡®Pretty.¡¯
Big eyes and pink lips. The baby-like features were pretty.
Elysia looked at Lumiere¡¯s green eyes and thought of Ryan.
Speaking of Ryan¡¯s very dark green eyes, Lumiere had a much lighter color, giving a transparent feeling.
Lumiere smiled brightly and said.
¡°I had no intention of participating in the subjugation of monsters this time. I was hesitant to say that a nobledy should not be going to such a ce.¡±
Elysia¡¯s lips drew a line, and she smiled.
Lumiere put Elysia¡¯s hand to her face.
¡°But when I heard the news that the Lady was participating, I got courage as well! So, I really wanted to say thank you.¡±
Elysia pulled her hand away, which was captured by Lumiere. Lumiere blushed as she scratched her embarrassed face.
¡°It¡¯s fortunate that you got encouraged. Though I¡¯m not participating in the subjugation as a nobledy. I am participating as a wizard.¡±
¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Lady. I didn¡¯t mean to say that. Because I keep hearing those words around me...¡± Lumiere bowed her head with a frightened face.
She looked like she would shed tears at any moment.
¡®Tsk. She¡¯s so soft-hearted, I think I did something bad.¡¯
Elysia raised her hand and touched her forehead.
¡°I get it.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°You didn¡¯t mean that.¡±
In fact, Elysia was more concerned about the time when Lumiere fell in love with Revos than the moment when Lumiere became involved in this subjugation.
She was just about to openly ask what happened between the two.
Lumiere blinked her eyes, looking at Elysia looking at her with a stiff expression.
¡°I... Lady. Do you have anything to say?¡±
¡°No. I just, it¡¯s because you are pretty.¡±
¡°Wow, the Lady is prettier.¡±
Lumiere blushed her face and flushed.
¡®She turns red really quickly.¡¯
As Elysia read the original story, her feelings for her Lumiere were not very good.
She didn¡¯t like the remarks she gave a while ago.
Still, Lumiere is the main character, but Elysia wondered how she could get the nickname ¡°Saint Lady.¡±
Lumiere was Marquis nche¡¯s illegitimate child, but she waster epted by the family as the Marquis and Marchioness had no children.
Until recently, Lumiere had lived as amoner, so she couldn¡¯t ignore the opinions of the people around her.
¡®That¡¯s good enough for that. You shouldn¡¯t just think too badly.¡¯
When she saw things while drinking tea or sitting position, she couldn¡¯t see Lumiere as amoner.
¡°I will also attend the subjugation, but I definitely want to get along with you. Thank you very much.¡±
Anticipation and excitement appeared on Lumiere¡¯s face.
At her feelings that were so obvious, Elysia smiled and opened her mouth.
¡°Yes.¡±
¡®Shall we stay close only during the subjugation?¡¯
Just enough to get a glimpse of her rtionship with Revos.
She never really wanted to get close to the heroine. Thest thing she wants is to get caught up in the original story?
Lumiere said she wanted to meet her after that, and she actively appealed to her intention of wanting to get along with her.
***
As Elysia walked into the house, she opened her eyes wide as she met unexpected characters.
The warm Ryan brother and sister smiled wide at her.
¡°You¡¯re here, Miss Elysia.¡±
Ryan lowered his head as he shed his dimples at Elysia.
¡°Wow. You look great in the robe, too!¡± Ryan¡¯s sister, Lina, took her steps, praising Elysia¡¯s appearance.
Elysia felt her fatigue relieve itself when she saw the freshughter of the pretty and handsome siblings.
As she took her steps to the mansion, Lina wondered about what had happened.
She liked her voice because it was so soft.
Although she is amoner, Lina, who knows how to read, helped the butler with paperwork.
She disappeared after saying thank you several times, saying that she had to work.
Ryan quietly followed Elysia and Lina¡¯s back, approached Elysia¡¯s side, and said.
¡°I heard that you are going to the monster subjugation. When are you leaving?¡±
¡°I will leave in a week.¡±
At Elysia¡¯s words, Ryan frowned.
It seemed that it would take two weeks at the earliest to finish all of the ¡®things necessary to serve thedy,¡¯ the butler said.
¡°Can I go with you?¡±
He was asking with the expectation that Elysia would allow him to follow.
¡°Well, I think it¡¯s a bit difficult to go together to defeat the monsters.¡±
Ryan looked at Elysia with a gloomy look, but he shook his head again.
As Elysia entered her room, she beckoned Ryan toe in as well. As soon as she entered her room, Elysia seemed tired andid on the sofa.
When she saw Ryan, she wanted to get up, but he asked her to lie down and supported her with the cushion, and he sat across from her.
¡°Ryan. Have you ever seen a monster?¡±
¡°Yes. Not many, but I have dealt with it. Miss Elysia, is it your first time seeing a monster?¡±
Elysia nodded her head.
¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be okay? Anyway, I¡¯ll only use magic in the back.¡±
¡°But it would be nice if I could follow... because I can look out for you in the back.¡±
Elysia exined to Ryan, who still had regrets.
¡°People who participated in the monster subjugation group are not allowed to take personal escorts or attendants.¡±
She was told that the attendant became the person to be protected in an emergency situation, and personal escorts were forbidden due to frequent bumps with the knights.
Ryan nodded, dissatisfied, and exined the monster he had seen.
¡°I¡¯m a little curious about the monster¡¯s blood. It¡¯s different from the blood of animals, right?¡±
It was interesting because some of the monsters that appeared in the books Elysia studied were resembling deer and rabbits.
Ryan was frightened by her words and opened his mouth.
¡°Every monster has a poison of unknown kind in their blood. Absolutely not. Drink my blood.¡±
¡°Huh? Ugh... Yes.¡± Elysia, hearing Ryan speaking angrily, nodded her head, saying that she understood.
You can have a pure face and switch to a serious look like that.
¡°Aren¡¯t you scared of me? You could die if I couldn¡¯t control myself.¡±
He replied without any hesitation.
¡°If it¡¯s Miss Elysia, it¡¯s alright if I die.¡±
Because she was already his benefactor who saved his life.
At Ryan¡¯s words, Elysia jumped up and approached him. With both hands, she lifted Ryan¡¯s head, clutching his cheek.
¡°What nonsense are you talking about? If that¡¯s the case, you say ¡®no¡¯ or ¡®never.¡¯¡±
Thinking about it, in the original story, he lost his life instead of Lumiere.
It¡¯s good to be loyal, but at least you need to know how to save your own life.
Elysia came to this world and often thought that way.
She could understand the dedication towards those who yed indispensable roles in this world, like the Emperor or the Crown Prince. They weren¡¯t even sharing blood, but you sacrificed your life for them.
In the case of Ryan, even if he thinks he can because he considers her his benefactor.
¡®No. There are no exceptions.¡¯
¡°You don¡¯t have to die for me. I want you to cherish your life.¡±
Ryan nodded his head, but Elysia remained unhappy.
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Elysia frowned when she received a letter from Cassian.
Cassian informed that he would visit her mansion after work.
¡°No, we met the day before the meeting and during the meeting, so why again!¡±
His pretty face was overflowing during the meeting.
She was thinking of refusing most of the requests that asked her to meet in the future, but it was difficult to do so because of the incident that happened when she was saving Ryan.
¡®I can¡¯t learn horseback riding today.¡¯
It was said that the monster subjugation moves from the gate on a horse, to the vicinity of the mountain range.
Ryan told Elysia that he has good motor skills, so he would have enough to learn from now on.
¡®Would it matter if I put it off for a day?¡¯
Elysia wrote back, sent it to her maid, and went out to the terrace. Her silver hair was colored scarlet.
A soft light emanated from Elysia¡¯s wrist, who was holding the terrace railing. It was a magic tool used tomunicate with Ramote.
Elysia infused magic into her bracelet.
The connection with Ramote was established, but no voice could be heard for a while.
Several people screamed along with Remote¡¯s coughing.
¡°Old man? What¡¯s going on?¡±
¡ªDid you hear anything from Duke Lowell?
¡°My father? No.¡±
Ramote didn¡¯t answer right away and stayed quiet.
Elysia noticed something strange and opened her mouth.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
¡ª...Do not be surprised and listen. Duke Lowell¡¯s party was attacked by a monster, on their way back to the Empire.
¡°What? Raid...? My father and brother?¡±
Elysia looked down at her bracelet and quickly blinked her eyes.
There was no sense of reality in what she just heard.
¡ªI came to a town that was ambushed, but I can¡¯t see them. I think they¡¯ve run away towards the Jericho Mountains, but if they get in touch with you, let me know.
¡°Old man...!¡±
As soon as the words ended, the light that lit her magic stone went out.
Elysia stooped down.
¡®I think it was said that themunication device that my father had was broken...¡¯
There was a memory she heard from an informantst time.
¡®After I contacted him,munication has not been established again.¡¯
¡®It seems that there was a problem with themunication tool.¡¯
¡°What is this... There was nothing like this in the original story.¡±
Elysia¡¯s arm fell powerlessly.
There may not have been a reason to mention it in the book.
At this point, it was mainly because Lumiere was getting into the social world for the first time and was adjusting to it.
The thought that her father and brother might have been in a hurry to return early because they were worried about her took over her head.
Starting with the rumors of her and Cassian, they must have already heard reports of her attempting to participate in the subjugation of the monsters, so they must have been worried.
¡®Ah... It¡¯s because of me.¡¯
Things that had happened from the time she possessed into this world, to getting close to her family passed by her eyes like a kaleidoscope.
Elysia hurriedly went to her dressing room and took her magic bag.
On one side of the dressing room, there was luggage that had been prepared in advance because of the monster subjugation.
She shoved it into the bag as soon as she could get it.
Where should she go? Should she go to the ce where Ramote is? Is he still safe? Her head was dizzy.
If they had contacted the mansion, she would have already received a report from the butler or informants.
Elysia took off the dress that she was wearing.
¡®Comfortable clothes,fortable clothes...¡¯
She wore a ck shirt over a thin slip and leather pants and returned to her room, grabbing the white robe she wore at the meeting.
¡°The map is... where is the map.¡±
Elysia was feeling impatient, so things couldn¡¯t be seen well in her eyes.
Elysia bit her lower lip. Swiping her head, she leaned her head back.
Why couldn¡¯t she have a quiet day?
She was in a viin¡¯s body, so she wondered if things would go wrong no matter what she did.
¡®Where is the fastest way to go?¡¯
Since Elysia came to this world, she had never left the Empire. Capital and family estate. She only went around those two ces.
Knock knock. Along with the sound of a knock, the voice of the maid, Gray, was heard.
¡°Lady! The Duke of Esteban is here. But I have something urgent to tell you...¡±
In addition to the maid Gray and her, she felt the presence of others. It was faint, but it was a familiar scent.
Elysia forgot that Cassian had decided to visit.
¡°Please tell them toe in.¡±
¡°But...¡±
From the maid¡¯s point of view, no matter how urgent, she hesitated to let a man enter Elysia¡¯s room.
There was also a reason that the Duke was not in the house.
However, as long as it was between lovers and the Lady allowed it, the maid had no choice. She opened the door.
¡°Excuse me.¡±
It was Cassian and his aide, Lloyd, who passed by the maid and came into the room.
Elysia, wearing a robe in simple attire, and a map spread on her desk, entered Cassian¡¯s view. Even though they came in, Elysia did not acknowledge and fixed her gaze on the map.
He sighed a little as he swept his head over with one hand.
¡°You must have heard it already.¡±
At that, Elysia raised her head.
¡°What? Do you know? How? If they ever contact the Imperial Pce...¡±
Turning around, Lloyd blushed at Elysia¡¯s appearance and turned around in a hurry.
It¡¯s because Elysia¡¯s button on her shirt wasn¡¯t buttoned properly.
She was wearing one moreyer of clothes under the shirt, but it couldn¡¯t cover all her curves.
¡°I¡¯ll exin, get out of here, Lloyd.¡±
¡°Yes, yes!¡± Lloyd left the room in a hurry.
Cassian frowned at Elysia and buttoned her shirt on his own since Elysia was not in a condition to button it herself.
As Elysia urged him to answer, she pulled Cassian¡¯s hem.
¡°I just got into the carriage leaving the Imperial Pce then the knight in Duke Lowell¡¯s party sent a message.¡±
¡°Such... But themunication tool my father has would not work. How...¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±
Cassian locked Elysia¡¯s buttons all the way to her neck and turned his gaze to the table.
He pointed to a ce on Elysia¡¯s map.
¡°This vige was first attacked. This was the ce where they sent a message.¡±
¡°What about my father and brother?¡±
¡°There were no words about the deceased. Your family¡¯s safe, so they didn¡¯t say anything. If something happens, it¡¯s the number one thing that would be reported.¡±
Elysia exhaled and wiped her chest, but it was too early to be relieved.
¡°It looks like they stepped into Jericho Mountains trying to avoid the monster¡¯s attack. After that, themunication stopped working.¡±
Cassian saw Elysia and looked inside the room.
Just by looking at her outfit, as well as the magic bag and robes she had thrown at her side, he could see what Elysia was thinking.
Cassian sighed and wiped his face.
¡°Are you okay?¡±
Elysia shook her head. She couldn¡¯t be okay.
¡°But you can¡¯t. It¡¯s dangerous.¡±
Cassian picked her magic bag, grabbed Elysia¡¯s shoulder, and turned around.
¡°I aming as well.¡±
His answer came out naturally with an expression that looked natural.
The Jericho Mountains was a ce between the Geovan Empire of the West Continent and the East Continent, where Elysia was located. Originally, the mountain was very rough and there were many wild beasts, and it was a ce where humans rarely visited.
From a few years ago, demons began to appear in the Jericho Mountains, and ess waspletely restricted.
That was why the Empire began to subdue monsters.
Elysia grabbed Cassian¡¯s hand, trying to recall the contents of the original story in her mind.
Maybe there is a missing part.
¡°No. It¡¯s too dangerous. We move with the subjugation team.¡±
¡°It¡¯s toote. If anything happens in the meantime...!¡±
Already, her family has be precious to her. Elysia, who had never lost her family before, was afraid.
¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±
¡°I¡¯m still going... what?¡± Something unexpected came from Cassian¡¯s mouth.
¡°Then, the subjugation team...¡±
¡°The vicemander can take over. So, calm down a little, pack your luggage properly, ande to my room.¡±
¡®I didn¡¯t think you would go with me.¡¯
If he goes with her, it will be much easier. No one knows the Jericho Mountains better than Cassian.
When he finished talking, Cassian left the room and instructed Lloyd who was waiting to do a few things.
Elysia looked inside her magic bag to see if anything was missing.
¡®This amount of blood, it would be good for three weeks, right?¡¯
She was fortunate to have the preservation magic.
The blood packs from all over the world were divided and contained as one meal. The blood was saved with the help of Ramote.
Elysia put on her robe to see Cassian returning to her room.
¡°I packed everything.¡±
¡°Then, we can go right away.¡±
When she put magic in her ring, her vision became a little dizzy.
Her mind, confused by the touch that tightly wraps her waist, calmed her down a bit.
She noticed the appearance of the room that she got used to.
¡°I¡¯ll get ready, so take a break.¡±
***
Elysia leaned on the sofa, as she waited nkly for Cassian.
She was eager to run out immediately.
¡®It would be much better than moving alone.¡¯
Can she get help like this again?
No matter if it¡¯s Cassian, dangerous things would be the same. She would never refuse, so she thanked him, but she was feelingplicated.
Before long, Cassian, who was dressed in a ck robe, returned to the room.
If he had been leading the subjugation team, he would have been wearing the knight¡¯s uniform, but it was simply because this is not a formal job.
A shirt was seen inside the robe.
¡°You have to change into this one. It¡¯s going to be hard to withstand the Jericho Mountains.¡±
He handed Elysia a white robe.
¡°Thank you.¡±
The white robe, simr to the robe Elysia had worn to the tower, had nothing but a soft fur hat and a small gemstone embedded in the button.
¡®What kind of robe has a gemstone...¡¯
She wasn¡¯t surprised as he was the person who gave the Guardian¡¯s Eyes as his first gift.
However, the more she looked at his spendings, the more suspicious she was that he and his father are from the same family.
The magic of cleanliness and cold weather was hung on the magic stone.
Elysia looked at him, changing to what Cassian had given her.
What is it?
Her gaze sent a look of ¡®what¡¯s wrong¡¯ to Cassian.
¡°Nothing.¡±
Cassian was also wearing a robe, which looked almost the same as hers, except that it was oddly ck and his hat had no fur.
He seemed to just have noticed now that his and Elysia¡¯s were simr.
¡®Yes sir. I will prepare it so that you will like it.¡¯
It was done by his aide, Lloyd. He was worried about Elysia, who was joining the subjugation for the first time, so he told Lloyd to order another one.
Elysia smiled. It was funny that Cassian prepared something like this.
Cassian muttered a little.
¡°Hoo, Lloyd.¡±
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Elysia alternately looked at the robe and tried to say what she said, but Cassian turned the subject.
¡°Do you know how to ride a horse?¡±
¡°That¡¯s... no.¡±
Elysia was btedly missed. She should have learned beforehand.
Cassian raised his hand and touched her lower lip, where Elysia was biting.
If it were as usual, she would have reacted even at the small contact, but she was not in her right mind.
¡°We have to ride together.¡±
Cassian unfolded the map and exined how they would be going.
¡°We have to ride a horse from the eastern border to Jericho Mountains for about two days. It would be nice to use a Road Warp, but this is where your family is expected to be. It¡¯s faster to ride a horse.¡±
¡°I got it.¡±
Elysia nodded her head, admiring his quick judgment.
¡®If she went alone, would she have asked Ryan to ride the horse?¡¯
When Lloyd¡¯s voice said that the preparation was done, they left the mansion, Elysia¡¯s eyes saw the horse in front of the two of them.
She opened her mouth, looking at a horse much taller than her. The difference between horses leading carriages and the usual horses she saw was too great.
Cassian reached out his hand, helping her up.
¡°I can do this by myself.¡±
Elysia jumped lightly and sat on the horse.
Cassian smirked at her smooth movements.
He climbed on the horse and settled down, reaching out his hands to either of her sides and held the reins.
Seeing Elysia sitting with her back straight, he pulled her waist closer.
¡°You will be riding a horse for a long time, so you better leanfortably.¡±
***
He picked only roads without humans and rode quickly.
Elysia felt her mind subside a bit, confused by the fast passing of the surroundings and the sound of the wind in her ears.
She had nothing to do until she arrived, so she was trying to keep herself as calm as possible.
They rode for a long time without saying anything. Suddenly, the question she wanted to ask from the Imperial Pce leaked out of her mouth in a muttering.
¡°But why are youing with me?¡±
Did the question in a small voice really reach his ears?
She¡¯s been wondering how good his hearing is.
¡°Let¡¯s investigate. As it was, there shouldn¡¯t be any attack by the monster.¡±
If this type of attack urs again, wouldn¡¯t it make sense to proceed with subjugation?
¡°Ah... thank you, though.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t mention it. And I have an obligation to protect the person that I¡¯m keeping watch.¡± Cassian said yfully.
¡°Thank you for that.¡±
Cassian continued to talk to Elysia again. He decided that the current speed is not burdensome, and increased the speed even further.
The horse, which only rode in wartime, was able to speed up enough even with two people on board.
At the sudden pace, Elysia flinched her body, and she leaned more onto him.
She was buried in Cassian¡¯s scent.
Elysia swallows her saliva and tastes his scent
¡°Why do you keep doing that?¡±
¡°Have you never been like that?¡±
¡°Huh. Does that mean the smell of my body is tempting?¡±
Elysia bit her mouth firmly. She wasn¡¯t even hungry, but she kept reliving her appetite.
How does she endure swallowing unconsciously?
Elysia crept away from him, feeling guilty of what he had said.
Immediately, she was held back by Cassian and buried as she was before.
¡°It¡¯s dangerous. Don¡¯t move suddenly.¡±
¡°I have a good sense of bnce.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t, because I¡¯m anxious.¡±
She didn¡¯t get a return answer.
Elysia gently leaned on him, and she captured the surroundingndscape quickly passing by.
She thought that if she opened her mouth now, it seemed that she would talk nonsense so she thought that she should be quiet.
The sky began to darken, and her tension was relieved little by little thanks to the regr sound of the horseshoe and warm body temperature behind her back.
She was nervous all day long, but when she faced the situation, her eyelids became heavier.
Elysia¡¯s head was buried in her Cassian chest.
¡®Did you fall asleep while running at this speed?¡¯
Cassian concentrated on his arm wrapped around her waist, fearing that Elysia would lose her bnce in her sleep.
¡®I¡¯m in trouble.¡¯
Elysia noticed that the robe she received from him was enchanted with cold protection magic, so she omitted all of the clothes she was trying to wear over her shirt.
Besides, what she was wearing was a female shirt, which was thinner than her regr shirts.
As she was holding it with care, she remembered the soft skin that was wrapped around her hand, and Cassian frowned.
***
The smell of dry blood stimted Elysia¡¯s sense of smell.
Various scents mixed up, making her insides upset.
She lifted her eyelids, thinking that this kind of smell of blood was not at all pleasing.
Elysia was embarrassed that she had fallen asleep, but she did not express it and brazenly opened her mouth.
¡°This is...¡±
As she woke up and looked around her, the appearance of the bizarre town caught her eyes.
There were no people around, and red puddles were seen all over the ce without even the buildings being intact.
It was the vige where Cassian exined that he would take a break.
¡°It looked like it¡¯s been attacked by a monster.¡±
Cassian wondered why the report that the town had been raided didn¡¯te to him.
The vige was located just ahead of the eastern border. The fact that the monster came all the way here could only be thought of as the eastern border had copsed.
It felt weird, she didn¡¯t feel anything strange in the vige until she arrived.
She broadened her senses, but neither human nor monster presence could be felt.
¡°Wait a minute.¡±
¡°I know.¡±
He got off the horse with Elysia.
¡®Does it make sense that there is no one?¡¯
Cassian recalled the head of the knights in charge of this ce.
The second prince was the general manager of the viges around this area, including the eastern border.
Once he couldn¡¯t feel the presence of the monsters anymore, Cassian looked inside the security building, it seemed that the situation had been taken care of.
Cassian immediately thought that he should reprimand them for not reporting him, and returned to Elysia.
¡°Let¡¯s get out of this town and rest. It¡¯s deserted. Are you okay with it?¡±
¡°Yes, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡±
The two left the vige and took a short break in a suitable ce. They climbed onto the horse again early in the morning after three hours of sleep.
***
As time passed, Elysia became nervous, and she spoke less rapidly.
On top of that, her back was tight as she rode the hose nonstop.
It hadn¡¯t been a long time since she drank blood, but his scent was so stimting that Elysia leaned in vaguely, and she now became like this.
As Elysia rolled her body in difort, Cassianughed low and opened his mouth.
¡°You can lean morefortably.¡±
¡°No, it¡¯s still veryfortable.¡±
It was very difficult.
She was worried about her family, and the situation is not very good.
Gradually, the trees around became denser, and the temperature decreased.
¡°Is the blood easy to endure?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll be tired for the next few days, but we could be in trouble.¡±
¡°Is that because of my scent?¡±
¡°That¡¯s it... but.¡±
It seems to be useless to try to hide the facts from someone who already knows. Cassian had already noticed that Elysia was struggling because of her physique.
Elysia turned the subject of the conversation.
¡°If we go into the mountains, is it colder than here?¡±
¡°Yes. It¡¯s always winter there.¡±
Why are vampires not strong against the cold?
After continuing with misceneous thoughts, she finally wondered if her family would be all right.
Whatever she was thinking, it was reaching a conclusion. Elysia sighed a little.
Cassian patted Elysia¡¯s head.
¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re friendly or not.¡±
¡°I¡¯ve never heard of friendliness.¡±
Gradually, the trees became denser and the rugged mountain path began to emerge.
Elysia looked around here and there at andscape she had never seen before.
¡®I would have beenpletely depressed if I came alone.¡¯
She once again felt grateful for Cassian¡¯spany.
¡°Let¡¯s get some rest here.¡±
Elysia nodded her head.
About half a day ahead to her destination, she got off the horse to rest.
It was originally scheduled to take half a day longer, but they were able to ride at full speed every night, thanks to the reduced breaks and Elysia¡¯s endurance.
Elysia settled in a suitable ce and cast a warning spell around herself, lit with magic. She then took a seat in front of the fire and hugged her knees up.
Sparks fluttered in her red eyes.
After a long time, Cassian opened his mouth toward Elysia, staring at the sparks.
¡°Get some sleep. You dozed off for a while on the way out and haven¡¯t slept at all.¡±
¡°It¡¯s okay if I don¡¯t sleep for a few days.¡±
Perhaps because her head was filled with thoughts, an honest answer just popped out.
Cassian touched his chin and asked questions with a quiet voice.
¡°Then, what about a meal? Isn¡¯t food not enough?¡±
He was asking if she needs blood.
Elysia usually didn¡¯t answer Cassian whenever he asked about such things, so now was an opportunity for him, who was full of curiosity.
¡°It¡¯s all right. I don¡¯t have much appetite.¡±
Cassian, who wanted a more specific answer, clicked his tongue.
It seemed that she had to continue to suck blood.
¡°It¡¯s difficult.¡±
Elysia wondered what he was saying, raising her head and looking at Cassian.
The purple eyes that looked at herself showed a clear presence even in the dark.
¡°Because I know very little about you.¡±
¡°...About me?¡±
Only then, did Elysia grasp the intentions of the questions Cassian posed to her.
Cassian might have thought that she prefers human blood, even though she drinks animal blood.
He has already experienced her ridiculous powers and movements so he probably knows that her resilience is good.
¡®There¡¯s nothing more to ask for, but why are you...¡¯
Why are you looking at me with that face?
¡°I have a lot of questions. Will you tell me if I ask?¡±
Cassian¡¯snguid eyes were bent, and his lips, which looked unusually red today, drew a line.
Because of his robe, ced roughly over the shoulders, the nape of his neck and chest were visible through his slight unbuttoned shirt, caught her eye.
Cassian looked at her while slowly blinking his eyes.
Elysia shook her head in refusal, but she was still embarrassed by his face.
¡®Beautiful. You must be trying to bewitch me.¡¯
Chapter 20
Chapter 20
It¡¯s the fourth day after leaving the Capital.
Elysia became so nervous that she couldn¡¯t hear what Cassian was saying. She was even more sensitive because she wasn¡¯t sleeping or eating at all.
Knowing her condition, she chose to be silent.
The fog thickened, and the surroundings became dark like early evening.
¡°From here.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°If the party ran away from the attacked location, they would have walked through here. Now, let¡¯s move on foot.¡±
She decided that from now on it would be faster to walk and find the traces.
Elysia, who first jumped off her horse, was staggered by the strength on her legs that were released in that moment.
Cassian grabbed Elysia and opened his mouth.
¡°Are you okay?¡±
¡°I guess it¡¯s because I¡¯ve been riding the horse for too long. It¡¯s all right.¡±
Cassian looked around, tying his horse to a tree. Elysia took her steps first, impatiently.
Cassian, who went after her, grabbed Elysia¡¯s arm and turned her around, and pointed his finger another way.
¡°Don¡¯t go alone, and we have to go that way.¡±
He held Elysia¡¯s hand so she would not act alone. Cassian looked back in surprise for a moment, but soon took the lead while holding her hand.
He kept focusing on the pulse of her hand against his.
A few trees and leaves that fell on the ground showed bloodstains that had already been dried up for quite a while.
Elysia¡¯s face, seeing the traces, became even more pale.
¡°There are about two ces in this direction to avoid the attack.¡±
Cassian hoped that the knights who were escorting Duke Lowell were fine. He hopes they have enough heads to judge that the two ces will be safe.
Cassian, who was speeding along the trail, stopped.
In Elysia¡¯s view, a two-pronged road and a cut-off trail entered.
Cassian raised his hand and pointed to one side.
The surroundings began to get darker and darker, but it wasn¡¯t a big deal for Elysia and Cassian.
Seeing Elysia following him well, Cassian wondered that their physical abilities might be almost the same. It was rather worrisome because he could not urately estimate how close they were.
¡®The resilience is not the level people can follow.¡¯
Thebination of her magic and physical abilities is at a destructive level? Cassian wanted no one but himself to know about her.
Elysia bit her lower lip. At the expected ce, a cave was seen.
She was ahead of Cassian. Elysia paused at the entrance towards the cave, looking at him.
¡°I can¡¯t feel anything...¡±
It looked like he couldn¡¯t feel anything either. Both monsters and humans.
¡°There may be traces, so let me check.¡±
Cassian entered the cave only after she nodded her head.
¡®Isn¡¯t it crazy to find out like this alone?¡¯
She gradually lost her confidence.
Elysia was waiting for Cassian to check inside the cave and came out. She didn¡¯t know what the situation was inside, and she wasn¡¯t sure how to check it.
She can¡¯t feel anything alive, but she doesn¡¯t know if she can keep her mind intact if even ominous traces remain.
¡°No.¡±
Elysia sighs of her relief.
There must have been a reason why they settled here and then moved, and the reason was less likely good.
It was better that there was no trace.
***
The two didn¡¯t say anything and continued to move on. Only the sound of leaves swaying in the wind asionally rang around.
She was choked by the tranquility that she could not feel even a small sign.
Elysia walked behind Cassian without saying anything.
The second ce was a cave on a cliff. It seemed a little tight for an ordinary person to climb up.
Again, no sign was felt.
¡°I¡¯ll check ande back. Call me if anything happens.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
Cassian jumped lightly and entered the cave.
She hoped that there was no sign of the party staying. She hopes they are searching for another ce and staying there.
The cold wind fluttered Elysia¡¯s silver hair.
Elysia opened her eyes wide.
¡°The smell of blood...¡±
She turned her head towards the direction of the wind. Apparently, the smell of blood was mixed with the wind.
She had smelled what was believed to be the blood of something on the eastern border, so she was not confused.
It was definitely the smell of human blood.
All things seem to have stopped even time itself. Elysia¡¯s red eyes, nkly looking in the direction, darkened.
The magic was spilling out of her body.
¡®...Not far away.¡¯
With confidence, Elysia moved. She started running like crazy towards the source of the smell.
Because of her speed, she was scratching the branches, but she didn¡¯t feel that she was hurt. The more she ran, the whiter her head was by the scent of the blood that became clearer.
Whose blood is it?
Selfishly, she hoped it wasn¡¯t the blood of her family.
Elysia¡¯s eyes saw an open vacant space. And ten ck monsters like wolves.
Elysia, who was trying to rush to the monsters, suddenly stopped.
¡°... Do monsters eat people?¡±
Elysia began tough bluntly.
She thought they were simply killing, but then she guessed they¡¯re eating it.
Elysia said as she looked at the biggest monster with an expression that was neither smiling nor crying.
A blue cloak with an Imperial pattern was hung in the mouth of arge monster that looked quite high. That cloak was the conquest of the gatekeepers.
The monsters who felt Elysia¡¯s presence turned their heads at once.
She stepped out slowly, not thinking that she should use magic.
Even though it was the first monster she encountered, she wasn¡¯t afraid. Even though it was a monster that could not be imagined in the world before her rebirth.
All the monsters that blocked Elysia¡¯s front were scattered on the floor in a tattered appearance.
The small monsters fell out of Elysia¡¯s grip.
There are now monsters that are ten timesrger than her. Elysia jumped up to face it.
The more she dealt with the monster, the more she felt the scars on her hands and her body getting numb.
She remembered Ryan¡¯s words, saying that the blood of a monster is poisonous.
When she finally reached her target, Elysia tried to break the leg of the monster, but she wasn¡¯t good enough.
No matter how strong she was as a vampire, it was useless against intermediate monsters.
¡°Ha¡ª¡±
Elysia stopped while trying to cast her attack magic.
If the... What if there is something in that monster¡¯s belly?
Elysia poured magic on the leg and face of the monster. Though her attack power was not that strong.
By the time she spent more than half of her magic, the leader fell to the floor with a thumping sound.
At the same time she lumped up her magic and walked toward the belly of the monster, Elysia was covered in blood.
It was the spilled blood from the monster that ran towards her, that was cut down by Cassian.
It was different from her target, so she couldn¡¯t even feel the spirit of the monster running towards her or Cassian.
Elysia turned without looking at Cassian and approached the belly of the dead monster.
Red magic sharply united. She had to check what was in its stomach.
Cassian grabbed Elysia¡¯s wrist and pulled her away from the monster¡¯s body.
He frowned and said with a difficult expression.
¡°Stop. Check itter. Not now.¡±
Elysia gave strength to her arm that was caught and tried to shake off his hand, but she couldn¡¯t. She stared at Cassian and said.
¡°Let go.¡±
The monsters of the same species as the monsters that Elysia killed, smelling the blood of their own kind, were gathering around them.
Perhaps the monster she killed was their leader. The monsters arrived at the vacant space and ran towards her, revealing their sharp teeth.
¡°Damn it.¡±
Cassian released Elysia¡¯s hand and drew his sword.
Elysia tried to gather her magic to see if she could use any magic.
As more than twenty monsters rushed at once, Cassian forced Elysia onto his shoulder.
¡°If you¡¯re not gonna help, just stay still.¡±
While Elysia was struggling to get down, he swung his sword at the monsters.
When more than half of them died, the rest fled. Elysia tried to escape from Cassian with all her might.
Cassian took her arm and said in a low voice.
¡°Stop it. It¡¯s too dangerous if they flock more.¡±
Elysia¡¯s head was filled with only the appearance of the monster wearing a cloak.
Elysia was displeased with Cassian, who only interfered with her. She needed to stop here to check the belly of the monster.
She rushed to defeat him as if in a fight, but Cassian was only avoiding her attacks.
Elysia eventually climbed on top of Cassian, she grabbed his wrists and squeezed them.
¡°Do not disturb me.¡±
¡°Not now.¡±
She already seemed to have a lot of small wounds, so he couldn¡¯t easily subdue Elysia, fearing that she would get more hurt, but if it goes on like this, the situation could be more dangerous.
If he wants to subdue her, he has no choice but to use his strength as well.
Cassian eventually used his strength to shift positions with Elysia.
Elysia, having her both wrists caught, struggled to escape.
¡°There is a cloak in the mouth of that monster...¡±
She bit Cassian¡¯s neck hard, while he was pulling Elysia¡¯s arm and trapped her in his arms.
Elysia¡¯s struggling gesture stopped.
¡°If the monsters keeping because of the smell of blood, even those who have only escaped will be in danger. We have to quickly find them.¡±
¡°Ah...¡±
His soothing voice filled her feelings.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, the clothes... in that monster¡¯s mouth...¡±
Elysia¡¯s eyes turned red.
She bit hard enough to make her lower lip bleed. Her tears did not flow.
¡°I¡¯m not ming you. Anyone would. Let¡¯s look around first.¡±
Elysia nodded softly.
Elysia was hugged by Cassian, who decided that they had no time to dy.
¡°Is your body okay?¡±
¡°I think it¡¯s fine.¡±
While dealing with the monsters with a barehand, there weren¡¯t a lot of wounds. In addition, it was natural that he was worried because the blood of the monster was covered over her wound.
It wasn¡¯t easy to find traces due to the deaths of arge number of monsters, but Cassian looked around the vacant space and simply stepped into his senses.
He wasing up with ces they would go if they were running away.
Cassian chose to get out of the woods.
¡°I didn¡¯t want to do this, I¡¯m sorry.¡±
¡°It¡¯s okay. I know you¡¯re strong enough.¡±
As Elysia moved, Cassian immediately followed her.
She was surprised to see his running speed and was even more surprised to see the appearance of the monsters he had killed.
He didn¡¯t seem to use attack magic, but is that kind of power possible?
By this time, she was suspicious of whether he was really human.
Chapter 21
Chapter 21
¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll walk now.¡±
Elysia has fully calmed down.
She even realized that there was nothing else she could do other than just hoping that they would be alive, and she was in a hurry to run first to find them in case of an emergency.
Before she was reborn, she lived a familiar life alone.
She grew up in a vampire facility from the time she was born without knowing who her parents were. So, perhaps, the existence of a family that suddenly urred in this world made it impossible to make rational judgments. She told herself that she would rather not give in to her heart, but who could reject their unconditional affection.
It seemed that Elysia could understand why humansugh and cry so much in the fence of family.
How long have they been walking? There were quite a few traces in their sight.
¡°I guess this is the right way.¡±
It was a rare trace.
¡°This is right. I can hear people talking.¡±
¡°Really?¡±
As they walked a little more, Elysia could hear it.
She ran in the direction of the sound. Cassian slowly followed behind her, looking at the surroundings. Finally, in front of Elysia¡¯s eyes, the figure of the party returning to the Empire was seen.
The red eyes were busy looking for her family members.
¡°...Father!¡±
Elysia ran and fell in the arms of her father, Duke Lowell.
¡°Sia! Why are you here...!¡±
A tattered cloak was caught in Elysia¡¯s hand.
It was terrifying since the cloak her father was wearing was what the monster was biting.
¡®Ah... It¡¯s really fortunate.¡¯
After running away, her brother, Ted, who was sitting and heavily breathing, was surprised by the appearance of Elysia and approached them.
The servants and knights who survived together shed tears in their hearts that they had lived, seeing the face of Cassian who followed.
¡°Oh, really... How much I...¡±
Elysia burst into her cries, which she had been holding back. The Duke and Ted struggled to soothe Elysia, who was crying out loud.
A knight who was watching them said to Reid, an aide to Duke Lowell next to him.
¡°By the way, why are these two...¡±
¡°They must have been hurt while dealing with a monster... I assumed so.¡±
The gaze of the knight and the aide turned to Cassian. He had a shallow wound on his neck and chest, and also had several nail marks, and bruises on both wrists.
¡°...¡±
¡°...¡±
The eyes of the knight and the aide turned to Elysia. The nape of her neck was red, seen through the robes she was wearing, and she also had bruises on both her wrists. Their faces were burning.
After staring at Elysia, Cassian gave cold eyes toward the two blushing men. It meant for them to cover their eyes immediately. The knights and the aides were rather agitated and put their eyes on the floor.
¡°Is it a habit to loosen the buttons?¡±
¡°What?¡±
Cassian approached Elysia, locked her loose button, and covered the mark on her neck. She stared at him and opened her mouth.
¡°Why are you looking at it, then? It¡¯s frustrating to button it to the end.¡±
¡°Keep it buttoned.¡±
The Duke of Lowell, who was watching the two from behind, shouted.
There was no awkwardness between the two, anyone would have thought that the two were intimate, and were lovers.
***
Cassian calmed down the fuss and led the party outside the Jericho Mountains.
Everyone¡¯s faces were brighter when he said, if they move without rest, they will be able to get out today. It was possible because they ran away from the Jericho Mountains.
Even though they encountered the monster several times in the middle, they were able to pass without much damage under Cassian¡¯s leadership. He asked the knights on the move about the situation of the raid and was busy checking the vige he saw on the way.
The road to find her family felt like a long day, but the sun was setting before she knew it.
Elysia¡¯s brother Ted quietly opened his mouth.
¡°By the way, Sia. What is your rtionship with the Duke of Esteban? There were rumors that we don¡¯t know.¡±
¡°Oh, that¡¯s... actually...¡±
As Elysia hesitated her words and blushed her face, her father¡¯s face began to get unpleasant.
They were staring at Elysia¡¯s gleaming lips.
¡°The rumor, it¡¯s true.¡±
¡°What?!¡± The two shouted at the same time at her words.
The rumor that Elysia took on the sympathy of Duke Esteban was true!
As Elysia cleared her throat, she, embarrassedly, put her hands together. Her father¡¯s misunderstanding became even more pronounced.
With these two appearances, Elysia decided that it was better to talk about it now than to find out when she arrives at the Empire.
From the engagement to what happened with the Emperor. Leaving out the contract rtionship part.
¡°What?¡±
¡°It can be said that you promised to be married.¡±
The Duke made a loud voice at the same time and grabbed Elysia. She asked him to quiet down and took her finger to her lips. In the process of exining what had happened, Duke Lowell¡¯s face repeatedly turned white and blue.
¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re going to cut me in the back of my head.
Duke Lowell gritted his teeth quickly. He stared fiercely at Cassian¡¯s back.
Although he felt fortunate she had escaped her engagement with Revos because his feelings towards Revos weren¡¯t quite good. He, nevertheless, couldn¡¯t be happy that there was a man taking her daughter all of a sudden.
Of course, there was nothing he could do now. Both the engagement and the marriage were already approved by the Imperial Family.
¡°Father, brother. The Duke has saved you, you shouldn¡¯t look at him like that.¡±
¡°But...¡±
It was difficult to admit that he was a good man just because he had apanied her to this dangerous ce.
The two men made a pledge that they would never go on a business trip in the future. And as soon as Duke Lowell stepped foot in the Empire, he said he would visit the Emperor.
¡°It¡¯s surprising by the way, Father. I didn¡¯t know that His Majesty the Crown Prince was going to marry Sia.¡±
¡°Shut up. Thinking that we have been neglecting our Sia... huhu.¡±
He was forced to watch her with Revos because Elysia liked him so much, but he didn¡¯t think she would break up with Revos while he was away like this.
Duke Lowell gave strength to his hand. It left as though his heart was giving out because of the bombshells that kepting out of Elysia¡¯s mouth.
***
Elysia had contacted Ramote in advance, so when she left the mountain range, she could see him waiting for them. As soon as she saw Ramote¡¯s figure, she ran towards him.
¡°Old Man...!¡±
Ramote clicked his tongue, after receiving Elysia, who was about to jump and hug him.
¡°I was worried that you might go out by yourself, but I didn¡¯t think you really did! You should have contacted me in advance.¡±
He frowned his eyebrows, raising his sses with his hand not holding her. Elysia, who was hit in the forehead, frowned and protested.
¡°I¡¯ve already been scolded by father and brother.¡±
¡°I think it would be okay if you were scolded. But... I guess you¡¯re not alone.¡±
His gaze turned to Cassian, who was standing in front of the party. Ramote couldn¡¯t help but see Cassian¡¯s stinging gaze.
The party was alternating between the direction of Elysia and Cassian with strange eyes.
Duke Lowell seemed to be familiar with the appearance of Elysia in Ramote¡¯s arms since there was no reactioning from him at all. Rather, the atmosphere became more subtle due to the family¡¯s attitude of being familiar.
¡°Are youing with me?¡±
¡°Huh? No. I have to join the subjugation team.¡±
Elysia turned her head and gave Cassian a look. He was looking at Elysia with a deep expression.
¡°Be careful. Tsk. Duke Esteban is staring at me as if he would kill me.¡±
¡°Huh? It doesn¡¯t seem like that.¡±
She listened to Ramote and grabbed him by the cor. As Cassian raised his eyebrows, the group slipped away from his side.
¡°Be careful, old man. You have tomunicate when you arrive. All right?¡±
¡°Yes. I¡¯ll have to talk more about it when you return.¡±
¡°Huh...?¡±
Cassian approached her, grabbed her waist, and pulled her towards him. Elysia, out of Ramote¡¯s arms, looked at Cassian with a confused expression.
¡°My lover is not being careful.¡±
¡°Old man is not a man, but a family.¡±
Cassian smiled lightly and made an expression telling her not to spout nonsense. While the two quarreled, Duke Lowell approached Ramote and talked. He then approached Elysia and grabbed her hand.
¡°Do you have to participate in the subjugation? Even now...¡±
¡°I¡¯m already expected to participate. Besides, the Duke¡¯s schedule changed because of me, so I have to go.¡±
Since Cassian ordered to advance the subjugation schedule two days before departure, the subjugation team was scheduled to depart tomorrow. He nned to join them on the way to the East Sea.
¡°Be careful, especially with Duke Esteban.¡±
¡°Father! Shhh! He can hear everything!¡±
¡°No matter what you say, you have to be careful because it¡¯s still before marriage.¡±
¡®Father, that person who should be more careful is him. I¡¯m holding back the urge to attack him.¡¯ She sighed as she drew words in her head that she could not say.
Duke Lowell thought it wasn¡¯t enough to ask Elysia, so he approached Cassian. He gave him all kinds of warnings.
Elysia buried her face in both palms in embarrassment and shame.
Ramote shook his head over the Lowell families and opened his mouth to herpanions.
¡°They look exhausted, but you have to move quickly to get to the nearby town.¡±
No matter how tired they were, they had no choice but to listen to Ramote. Since it was what the great wizard said. Besides, they still haven¡¯t gotten out of the distinctive shadiness of the Jericho Mountains.
¡°Then, go with caution!¡±
The faces of her family were still dark as they watched Elysia, waving her hand with her bright expression.
***
Elysia and Cassian went diligently to find a ce to rest for the night.
The ce where they are now was on the north side of the mountain range, and they had to go further down to meet the subjugation team.
¡°You look close with the Archmage.¡±
Elysia tilted her head at the sudden talk about Ramote.
¡°Oh, right? He¡¯s my benefactor. It¡¯s like a family.¡±
¡°Today let¡¯s rest around here.¡±
¡°All right.¡±
She nodded quickly as she felt tired.
¡°There seems to be water nearby, so go there.¡±
As she moved a little further, she could hear the sound of water dripping.
¡®I¡¯m sure he has better ears than me.¡¯
Not far away there was a small waterfall. The mountain range was much cooler than the Imperial midwinter weather, and surprisingly, there was a waterfall with hot water. There was a thick fog all around it, perhaps because of the water temperature.
There was a word that came to Elysia¡¯s mind.
Hot spring bath!
¡°I can rest here! It¡¯s nice to hear the sound of water, right?¡±
Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Hot spring bath!
¡°I can rest here! It¡¯s nice to hear the sound of water, right?¡±
There was a silent pressure to answer that as soon as possible.
¡°Yes.¡±
The two separated to put magic protection around them. Now that they¡¯re in good harmony, they are used to it. It was something they had been doing steadily every time they took a break for the past few days. It was Elysia who installed the danger-sensing notification magic, but Cassian would always be there with her.
After all the magic was cast, they always set up a simple tent.
Of course, for a short break, all they had to do wasy a thick nket and sleep in a sleeping bag. However, today he was thinking of taking a rest before moving properly, so Cassian pulled out a fairlyrge tent. When the pirs were mounted, and the fabric was connected with strings, it looked usible.
Elysia watched Cassian and pped her hands. She mumbled at the size that seemed to be enough for two people to lie down.
¡°Well...this is not a tent, but a barrack.¡±
¡°Are you going to wash up first?¡±
¡°What?¡±
Elysia was puzzled by the words that gave her a strange feeling.
Cassian said with a casual look.
¡°Are you not going to wash up? I am going to wash up first then.¡±
Then, Cassian said that he would wash first and took off his robe. Elysia stared at the hands as he relentlessly unbuttoned his top.
Gulp.
She swallowed and looked around.
The wounds on his body were visible to her eyes, so she was confused why she had discovered it just now. As she sat down and looked at him, Elysia jumped up after seeing a wound that seemed to have been caused by her, and she approached Cassian.
¡°I¡¯m really sorry for earlier. It must hurt.¡±
She gently swept the nail marks around his neck, as if this might make him feel better.
¡°Well, the wound is fine, but I think it¡¯s better not to do that.¡±
Cassian grabbed her hand and let it go, sweeping the wounds on his own body. She scratched her cheek and grumbled.
¡°You¡¯re always touching me.¡±
While speaking, her eyes stretched and nced at his body.
¡°Do you like what you see... Do you think you can handle it?¡±
¡°Oh, really. Hurry up and wash. Otherwise, I¡¯ll wash up first.¡±
Elysia passed him and dipped her hand in the water.
¡®It¡¯s really a hot spring.¡¯
As the warm water touched her hand, she suddenly overflowed with a desire to enter the water.
¡°Can I wash up first?¡±
¡°All right, then.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t look.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not looking.¡±
Cassian sat with his back facing the thick nketid in front of the hut. Elysia began to take off her clothes, leaving only a thin robe and underwear. The sound of her clothes falling off, followed by the sound of crossing the water.
He was sweeping his hair, feeling like he was in trouble, even though he couldn¡¯t see Elysia.
She smiled pleasantly as the water was a little hot, and the temperature wasfortable on her skin.
It was close to the mountain range, so she could see the lush atmosphere and scenery, but at this point, she was satisfied.
¡°Oh... so nice.¡±
Elysia, who went deeper, looked back and nced at Cassian¡¯s figure. He seemed to cover his face with the back of his hand. Entering the water in a thin slip, she looked at her own body and felt troubled.
¡®Is it impossible for him toe in together?¡¯
She thought that she has gotten pretty close to him over the past few days, and she wishes he could feel her rush too.
Thanks to Elysia¡¯s clean magic, it wasn¡¯t necessary for both of them to wash, but soaking in the water made her mood differ significantly. As she looked at her body wet with warm water, she noticed that the wounds everywhere were healing.
¡®The recovery is very fast.¡¯
She guessed it was because of drinking a lot of Cassian¡¯s blood recently.
As she soaked her head in her water, she squeezed her hair over one of her shoulders.
¡°Snake?¡±
Obviously, she didn¡¯t feel anything peculiar in the water, but it was strange. Especially, since they are right next to the mountain range, there could be no ordinary animals.
¡®A monster?¡¯
She just wanted to ignore it, but the ck creature kepting toward Elysia.
She didn¡¯t want to stain the water with the blood of a monster, so she averted her body a little, hoping that it would pass, but it was in vain. Just thinking of throwing it away with magic, she made a thinyer of magic and blew it away, but it kept evading away because of the height of the water that reached the edge of her chest.
Then, the monster suddenly approached at high speed. The distance became quite close without Elysia having any time to do anything. A long ck monster wrapped Elysia¡¯s ankles firmly.
Elysia shouted at the creepy and slippery feeling.
¡°Ahh!¡±
Cassian hurried into the water at Elysia¡¯s scream.
Cassian asked, who could not grasp at a nce what was going on because she was quite deep inside the water. It was because his vision was narrowed by the fog.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
¡°The ankle!¡±
As she was yelling, Elysia¡¯s face crumpled due to a tingling sensation in her ankle.
¡®Does this bastard dare to put a tooth on the vampire¡¯s ankle?¡¯
I¡¯m a vampire who sucks the blood of monsters.
Elysia grabbed Cassian¡¯s arm, who hade close to her, and stretched her other hand to her ankle. She closed her eyes tightly from a sensation that was much more watery than she thought.
However, the monster fell away from her hand.
She wanted to put in strength so she wouldn¡¯t miss it, but she had to hold it loosely in case it might explode.
Cassian raised his hand, which was not supporting Elysia, and caught what she had missed.
¡°You can¡¯t kill it here! Water! It will get dirty.¡±
At her words, Cassian raised his eyebrows with a ridiculous expression and turned his gaze into what was held in her hand.
It looked like a snake, but it was a monster.
¡®I should have looked into it a little more. Tsk.¡¯
Cassian clicked his tongue, threw it out of the water, and attacked it with his magic. Without a drop of blood, the monster who lost its life rolled over the dirt.
Elysia raised her thumb, gesturing that he did well.
It would have been a much messier finish if she had done it herself. Then, suddenly, she remembered that Cassian followed her and had taken care of her all day today.
It was already over, but Elysia said in a small voice.
¡°I could have done it myself...¡±
Although... It would have been a little messy finish.
She even screamed, so sheughed awkwardly, wondering if it was natural for him to run.
Elysia¡¯s hair, smiling as she looked at him, was wet, and her cheeks were red, perhaps due to the temperature of the water. The moonlight sparkled her wet body, and the slip she was wearing couldn¡¯t cover them at all. It was breathtaking under the corbone.
Elysia wanted to escape his gaze and tried to get away from his grasp, but Cassian squeezed her with strength and wrapped her around his waist.
Elysia blushed her face, astonished by his sudden hug.
¡°What are you doing...!¡±
¡°Ankle.¡±
¡°...Ah. Haha.¡±
Elysia put her arms around his neck to hold her bnce.
Cassian lifted her ankle with the other hand while holding her with one arm. He exhaled a little while looking at the two red tooth marks. Elysia followed his eyes, looked at her own ankles, and gasped. The teeth marks were quiterge.
She frowned at her strange defeat.
If there were someone else here as well, she would have been aughing stock.
¡°Are you all right?¡±
¡°Uh... it¡¯s better than it looks?¡±
It¡¯s embarrassing to say that the poison is spreading, she added.
When she said she was okay, he put Elysia down.
¡°You¡¯re not giving me a chance to let my guard down.¡±
Seeing Cassian swiping his ck hair that was dampened with his bruised wrist, naturally, reminded her of the night a few days ago. The shirt soaked with water was revealing his body, and nail marks on the nape of his neck were visible through the loose buttons.
¡®Again... Beautiful.¡¯
Elysia doubts her own tastes, and she stares at him nkly. As she stared at Cassian¡¯s body, she felt his gaze and looked up, and she saw a real desire arose in his purple eyes.
She tried to say something, but she couldn¡¯t speak properly in his eyes.
¡°Uh...¡±
Moist, thick lips came into her sight.
Cassian pulled her around his waist, pulling her closer and lowering his head, gripping her chin lightly with one hand. It was a close distance where both their lips touched tightly.
Cassian looked at her red-eyed as if requesting permission.
Soon, the red pupils disappeared into the eyelids, and their lips touched. His cool lips spread through her hot lips, and his tongue gently invaded Elysia¡¯s mouth. As her body trembled, she put her arms around his shoulders. As if the action was a trigger, the kiss grew stronger.
Elysia felt hazy as the kiss was a little overwhelming.
She groaned softly as the scent of his body was bing more distinct.
¡°Hooo.¡±
Cassian¡¯s lips parted, and kissed her chin lightly.
Then, his lips slowly moved down to the marks on Elysia¡¯s neck, which had already started to fade. He hugged Elysia as he faced her, and her legs were wrapped around his waist.
The spot where his lips passed down the rim of her neck was burning. The lips were stopped by ayer of thin slip that couldn¡¯t be lowered anymore.
Cassian looked up at her.
There was trouble buried in Elysia¡¯s voice.
¡°If you provoke me like this... how can I endure it.¡±
When Cassian swept her back, as if urging her that it was okay, Elysia put her lips back onto his mouth. Her fangs, which had appeared before she realized, bit his lips.
Elysia kissed him and sucked his lips. The scent of the fishy blood spread throughout her mouth. She couldn¡¯t control herself and buried her lips on the back of his neck. Holding onto his shirt, she digs and scratches his back.
Her vampiric blood made her even hotter. Although she was not feeling hungry, Elysia pressed her body against Cassian tightly.
Atst, she raised her head, and both hot eyes met.
His eyes scanned through her loose red eyes and ky lips.
Cassian realized that it was his first time facing her properly right after she sucked blood.
¡®This is dangerous.¡¯
He raised his hand and stole a drop of his own blood from Elysia¡¯s lips. At that action, Elysia grabbed his hand, licked him, and said warningly.
¡°It¡¯s mine.¡±
With the feeling of satisfaction rising strangely, Cassian breathes a little faster.
¡°Yes...it¡¯s yours.¡±
Once again, their lips touched, and the lustful kiss continued. Elysia¡¯s head leaned back as his hand swept the apex past her thigh.
¡°Uung...¡±
As Cassian moved his steps, she felt the water level gradually lowered.
Eventually, theyer of clothes that covered her body fell to the floor. The two captured each other¡¯s appearance, shining in the moonlight faded into their eyes. Closing the distance between each other, they move closer, not allowing any single gap.
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
A regr breathing sound was heard inside the tent, which was only intended to use to avoid the cold wind.
Cassian was watching Elysia sleeping in his arms, wearing his shirt. She didn¡¯t fall asleep until the sun began to rise, so he was still thinking of letting her sleep more.
¡®¡®I think I should let her sleep some more...¡¯
However, his hand did not listen. Elysia, who had fallen asleep, quivered at the sense of something sweeping her back. She raised her hand and pushed his chest away, but Cassian¡¯s hand that was wrapped around her waist tightened.
¡°Ha¡ª¡±
Elysia, who was lying on her stomach, rubbed her face against his chest. The corner of her mouth was rising a little.
¡®If she pushes her legs out and lifts her waist a little...¡¯
Cassian sighed at thoughts filling his head, covered his face with the back of his hand.
¡°Hmm...¡±
The ces where Elysia touched on his body were vivid. Cassian couldn¡¯t sleep anymore and waited for Elysia to open her eyes.
***
Cassian and Elysia tried to join in the path of the subjugation group, but they couldn¡¯t. It was because it took them two more days than they had anticipated.
Thanks to this, the subjugation team was forced to settle down and set up the barracks when they arrived at the camp.
Elysia looked at the camp that was finally visible and spoke, groaning.
¡°Really.¡±
Cassian smiled brazenly, jumped off his horse first, and reached out his hand to her.
Two knights were approaching behind Cassian.
When it was only two of them, Elysia would typically jump off the horse on her own, but he knew that the others would see her as a fragile wizard.
¡°Thank you.¡± Elysia grabbed his hand.
The gaze of the party looking at them shed a strange light. Though It was hard to pinpoint because it was quite vague, they seemed very natural and intimate. It was obvious that they were lovers, but the Esteban Knights were unfamiliar with the appearance of their leader.
Elysia moved to find her own barracks, not caring about the look that poured on her.
In front of her, she saw a beautifuldy with a bright blonde hair running towards her. It was Lumiere nch.
¡°Lady Lowell! You¡¯re safe!¡±
¡°Long time no see.¡±
Lumiere finely folded her eyes and grabbed Elysia¡¯s hand as if weing her.
¡°You are going to use the same barracks as me. I will guide you.¡±
As Lumiere spoke in a gentle voice, she took the lead.
It was ufortable since she was acting intimate enough to feel a little excessive, but Elysia followed her footsteps.
The inside of the barracks was bigger than expected. It was small, but there were two beds and a folding table between the beds. Elysia went to what appears to be her bed and sat down.
¡°I heard that everyone was rescued safely. I¡¯m so d.¡±
¡°Thank you. It must have been difficult to prepare the barracks by yourself.¡±
¡°It wasn¡¯t that difficult because other people helped.¡±
Lumiere shrugs her shoulders.
¡®Of course, they wouldn¡¯t let you do it by yourself.¡¯
Elysia could imagine the image for some reason.
She smiled a little. Looking at Lumiere¡¯s bright smile, Elysia wondered how she could make such a smile.
¡°By the way, it¡¯s really romantic.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°The Duke of Esteban came in person. As though he was taking a risk to save a loved one¡¯s family.¡± Lumiere brought her hands together and opened her eyes.
Elysia tilted her head and forced a smile.
¡°Does it look like that?¡±
¡°Yes. Is it real that you fell in love with the Duke at first sight?¡±
Lumiere whispered quietly. With her face blushing, she nervously waited for Elysia¡¯s answer.
¡°I¡¯m more curious about the Lady¡¯s rtionship than that.¡±
¡°Yes? Me?¡±
¡°Yes. The day the Lady made her debut in the social world, it was noisy because you danced with His Majesty the Crown Prince?¡±
A bitterness smeared on Lumiere¡¯s face. Elysia checked her expression and squeezed her chin. ¡®Is it not going well?¡¯
¡°I can¡¯t tell you who it is, but... the person I like likes someone else. I think it¡¯s going to end without a confession.¡±
¡®What? Are you talking about me?¡¯
Elysia thought that Revos could look like that to others.
¡°What does that matter? It¡¯s not that he¡¯s married, so you can just confess. You never know, right?¡±
¡°Really... Do you think so?¡±
Elysia nodded her head, with an earnest desire for Lumiere to quickly connect with Revos.
¡°Thank you, Lady. You are really kind.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t do much. So, what¡¯s the schedule for today?¡±
Elysia had no intention of lengthening this story.
If Lumiere was misunderstanding, she was more likely to be stuck in it.
¡°There will be a meeting after dinner. The subjugation will probably start right away tomorrow?¡±
¡°Okay. I need to get some sleep. I¡¯m tired.¡±
¡°Ah! That¡¯s right. Take a break.¡±
It was a simple enough bed for only one person to lie down, but as shey down, Elysia became drowsy.
***
Elysia, who attended the meeting, fell into trouble because of the subjugation method proposed by the wizards.
¡°Is it really possible to do that scale of magic?¡±
Besides the knight that raised the question, everyone was also waiting for Elysia¡¯s mouth to open.
It all started with Lumiere nch¡¯s opinion of gathering the monsters in one ce for three days, then catching them all at once. However, it needed Elysia to seed.
Although her magic is on an enormous scale, it was actually due to ack of control. Elysia calmly told the facts because she had no desire to unt herself.
¡°It is possible to use magic on that scale, but the monsters will not die. No one can kill that many monsters in a single breath.¡±
¡°Then, let¡¯s proceed as we always do.¡±
It was referring to the existing method of subjugation by dividing into zones and groups.
Elysia nodded and agreed with the opinion, as purple eyes caught her gaze. The gaze staring at her while pulling up the tail of his mouth made her feel ufortable. Cassian opened his mouth while looking at her.
¡°Do you have anything more to say?¡±
With Elysia clenching her teeth and giving a forced smile, she nced at him. Nevertheless, his gaze at herself seemed unwilling to withdraw. Elysia reluctantly opened her mouth.
¡°I need help from assistant wizards and knights. In advance, arge magic circle is engraved in the ce where the monsters are to be driven, so the Knights can lure the monsters there.¡±
Of course, the method suggested by Lumiere also needed the knights to gather monsters, but it was certainly more challenging to gather them to a designated ce. Even if Elysia alone is splendid in magic, if she can¡¯t kill or hit all monsters at once, their damage will increase.
¡°I mean, let¡¯s strengthen your magic.¡±
¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, but if anyone makes a mistake, we¡¯ll die, not the monsters.¡±
There was silence in the barracks.
¡°Let¡¯s try it. There is a suitable ce. Knights and assistant wizards gather before dawn. Dismissed.¡±
Due to the early departure, everyone quickly scattered to go to bed early.
Elysia also rose from her seat to return to her barracks. She wanted toin to Cassian, asking if he had to decide things that way, but she wanted to make a distinction between public and private matters, so she quickly turned her body.
¡°Duke. Do you have a moment?
She saw Lumiere talking to him with a shy expression.
She has a slightly curly, fine-grained blond hair that goes well with her immacte skin, so Elysia thought she was pretty even for a woman. ¡®But why do youugh shyly while looking at Cassian?¡¯ Elysia frowned her eyebrows in doubt.
Looking back, Cassian and her eyes met. After looking at each other for a few seconds, Elysia turned her head away first and left the barracks.
¡®What. Why am I so annoyed.¡¯
Elysia shook her head at the anxiety as she struggled.
¡®I guess I¡¯m sensitive. I shouldn¡¯t need to care about these things...¡¯ It doesn¡¯t matter, doesn¡¯t it? She tilted her head and took her steps.
Even if she¡¯s in a contract rtionship, they¡¯re still a couple, right?
Elysia recalled the words when she was writing the contract, and she said she¡¯d let each other go if they had someone they loved.
¡®It¡¯s bothering me!¡¯
She felt odd that the robe Lumiere was wearing was white since she remembered her wearing the brown robe, same as the Imperial Wizards during the subjugation meeting before.
***
Lumiere didn¡¯te back for a while after that.
Elysia couldn¡¯t sleep, so she kept tossing.
For Lumiere, the best and easiest result was for her to just connect with the Crown Prince like in the original story.
Cassian is a man who holds her weaknesses, but he is also a man who provides her with a decent meal.
If the male protagonist from the original and the heroine did not connect, she would have a hard time thinking about the rtionship between her and Cassian, and things would be twisted.
The viin¡¯s position was vacated, but she didn¡¯t want anything to go wrong.
***
When she opened her eyes, Lumiere had already left the barracks. She was an assistant sorcerer, so she seemed to have been called early.
Elysia put on her robe, tying her hair high into a ponytail.
¡®So, it turns out that the robe Lumiere was wearing yesterday was also white.¡¯ She felt strange. However, she pushed those feelings away.
First of all, she had to focus on what to do today.
Even though she came out on time, she could see the backs of all the people gathered.
¡°The move has already started. After moving on a horse, take a little time in the vacant lot and move on foot.¡±
Elysia¡¯s first sight of Cassian in armor captivated her. She thinks he¡¯s a very handsome man.
Cassian was approaching her.
¡°Are you going to ride together with me?¡±
¡°Oh, I was going to ask a wizard to do that.¡±
She pointed not far away with her finger.
A man who looked like a decent wizard was riding on his horse.
Cassian folded down Elysia¡¯s pointed fingers, and he climbed on his horse then reached out his hand to her. The moment she was trying to grab his hand, he lifted her waist.
At the same time, Elysia exhaled a little and opened her mouth at the nces around them.
¡°You just need to lift me. Do you seriously have to do this?¡±
There was bloodyughter from behind.
Two knights took the lead in order to inspect ahead, and Cassian¡¯s horse followed.
Because he was wearing armor, the part that touched her back was very firm. As Elysia moved away to open her distance from Cassian, he asked curiously.
¡°Why do you keep moving forward? Are you nervous?¡±
¡°It¡¯s too rigid.¡±
¡°Where?¡±
¡°The parts that touch me.¡±
The knights right behind them coughed, and their faces turned red.
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
The ringing sound in her ears increased as she rode the horse into the forest. It seemed to be the sound of the monsters running due to the knights driving them away.
Elysia stroked her forearm, feeling as though the forest itself was vibrating.
¡°This won¡¯t stir up more monsters, right?¡±
¡°It¡¯s all right, they¡¯re going to be distracted by the sound and the movement.¡±
He said, assuring they were attracting all the monsters in the vicinity.
Elysia shook her head, thinking that it could be annihtion if she did something wrong. ¡®Let¡¯s not even think of sinister thoughts.¡¯
Cassian decided this method because he thought it was possible. Elysia decided to trust his judgment and dismissed her worries. She could see one of the previous knights from the fronting back.
¡°Captain, the herding is almost over. I think we need to hurry.¡±
¡°I got it.¡±
As Cassian sped up his horse, those who followed him began to rush as well. It was more trouble to keep the monsters in a designated ce, than when they were chasing them.
Arriving in a hurry before the roundup was over was a way to reduce the number of injuries. If someone gets hurt and the smell of blood spreads, the monsters would go crazy and run wild.
¡°From here, I¡¯ll move on foot.¡±
When she stepped on the ground, the vibration was much stronger than she felt on the horse.
In Elysia¡¯s ears, the sound of dozens of monsters crying and footsteps mixed, caused her dizziness. She opened her mouth to the sight of the party arriving at the vacant lot. It seemed that the monsters that had been driven to the target point would rush towards them at any moment.
Elysia, who yed the most important role, also turned white on her face. ¡®I don¡¯t think this is just a few dozen or so...¡¯
Wizards lined up around Elysia, and the knights surrounded them.
The knights who were still driving were precariously circling around the demons.
The first assistant wizards who were put in first also intended on unfolding the magic of restraint towards the monsters. As soon as Cassian signaled, the herding party would fall back, and Elysia was supposed to use her magic immediately after confirming that they were all withdrawn.
It required concentration because she had to cast the strongest magic among all the magic she used so far, as well as control, so others were not allowed to disturb her.
Hundreds of sharp pieces of ice filled the sky and cast shadows.
The wizards at the back saw Elysia and gaped their mouths. They were told she had learned magic for only a few years, but it didn¡¯t seem possible. There was no exnation other than assuming that she was a genius.
If the head of the Imperial Magic department realized this, they will regret the fact that Elysia belongs to the tower. Why didn¡¯t they know before that Lady Lowell had the qualities of such a wizard?
The signal from Cassian, confirming that the preparation was over, was appointed, and the crowd began to disperse.
Elysia¡¯s attack began, starting with that attack, and other wizards also poured attack magic.
¡°...What is that?¡±
In Elysia¡¯s sight, she could see the green magic fluttering over the magic circle. Someone had used their magic to increase resistance to the attack magic used by Elysia. She could see some horses running behind the scattered knight¡¯s back.
¡°Everyone, stay away from behind!¡±
Less than half of the dead monsters began to run wildly and uncontrobly. Despite Cassian¡¯s evacuation order, only Elysia was standing alone, unable to move.
¡®No. There is too much damage.¡¯
All the remaining magic in her body was gathered.
Someone called her from behind, but she could not hear anything. At the same time, the magic, stronger than before, struck the monsters, and Elysia¡¯s body staggered.
However, two monsters escaped her attack and approached her at high speed.
Cassian took Elysia, whose face turned blue and copsed, and eliminated the monsters.
¡°Bug. Take care of the remaining monsters.¡±
¡°Understood.¡±
Cassian hugged Elysia and took steps in a hurry.
Wizards nced at them, though their gaze didn¡¯t stay for long since they had to deal with monsters that are still alive under Bug¡¯smand.
***
Cassian drove his horse at full speed and reached the camp.
If it were a simple magic depletion, it would be solved by taking a break, but if it was used excessively enough to cause internal injury, treatment would be urgently needed.
At the sound of a horse¡¯s hoof, a knight who was guarding the camp came out.
¡°Captain! What happened to you?¡±
Cassian, who was trying to call the physician who remained in the barracks, bit his lip. Since he knows that Elysia isn¡¯t human, he hesitated to see the physician.
¡°There will be many injured, so be prepared and get ready right away.¡±
¡°Then, Lady Lowell...¡±
¡°Her magic runs out. I¡¯ll take care of her myself.¡±
Cassian took Elysia into his barracks. As Elysiaid on his bed, a physician called him.
¡°Captain! It¡¯s a potion made in the temple. We¡¯re going to get prepared now.¡±
He took the small ss bottle and swept his hair back.
¡®Can she use it?¡¯ He never thought of her as a monster or a race that is found only in the ancient books, but the fact that Elysia was a vampire made her hesitate.
He was pondering.
What if it wouldn¡¯t work with her?
Elysia¡¯s bracelet was seen in Cassian¡¯s sight.
¡®Magic item used formunication with the Great Wizard.¡¯
If he did not know who Elysia was, it would be useless tomunicate with him. However, he felt a strange conviction that the great wizard might know somehow.
¡®I don¡¯t like this.¡¯
Sitting on the bed, looking at Elysia¡¯s face, he frowned at his thoughts. And without hesitation, he lifted the dagger that he was wearing on his waist and struck his palm.
He supported her neck with one arm, and opened her lips.
Drops of blood fell into Elysia¡¯s mouth. Cassian couldn¡¯t withdraw his hand out easily because he wasn¡¯t certain how much she needed to drink.
The image of the moment when monsters were gathered in front of her, and Elysia copsing was stuck in his mind.
He was the one who thought she would never be in danger during the subjugation, but at that moment, all the noises around him were silenced and all his senses were focused only on her.
He felt as though his heart might have stopped.
¡°I can¡¯t let go of my mind for a moment.¡±
Cassian raised his hand as he watched her slightly brighterplexion.
***
After finishing the subjugation, the camp was a mess.
As Elysia went through magic depletion, she managed to deal with most of the monsters, but the others were chased and scattered, and the injuries of the knights and assistant wizards were severe.
Till the evening, Elysia showed no signs of waking up, and Cassian¡¯s nerves were sharpened.
The rest, except for the military physician, gathered at the central barracks for the meeting.
The silence continued with Cassian¡¯s unusual momentum. He opened his mouth as he nced at each of the seated people.
¡°At least, we shouldn¡¯t endanger ourselves.¡±
¡°What do you mean? Isn¡¯t Lady Lowell¡¯s first magic wrong?¡±
It was the words from a new knight with nobat experience. He was brought by Bug, the vice captain who was ordered toe, but Bug got in an ident.
Cassian smiled sharply as he raised one side of his mouth.
He looked at Robert, who had the highest status among the Imperial magicians who attended the subjugation group. He was well-known for being well-rounded and straightforward.
So, he wouldn¡¯t be covering up for anyone.
¡°I wonder if the magicians thought so as well.¡±
¡°No. Her magic couldn¡¯t have been better.¡±
At Robert¡¯s words, the surrounding knights became fussed. Lumiere opened her mouth with an anxious face.
¡°I... Is Lady Lowell okay?¡±
Lumiere raised her hand and tucked her hair behind her ears, waiting for Cassian¡¯s answer. Biting her pink lips, her face was full of worries.
People in the barracks gave a sad gaze.
It couldn¡¯t have beenfortable using the same barracks as Lady Lowell. A fellow wizard next to Lumiere patted her back.
¡°She¡¯ll wake up soon.¡±
Cassian was smiling, tilting his head at an angle.
Knights belonging to the Knights of Esteban looked at the expression of Cassian and were mesmerized.
¡®Even though His Excellency was angry, he was still firm.¡¯
They didn¡¯t fully understand why he was upset, but regardless, he was angry.
¡°I will never let today¡¯s issue slide. So, it might be better to just talk about it now.¡±
A quiet silencey in the barracks.
Maybe someone did it on purpose?
Cassian¡¯s words were enough to arouse any suspicions. The knights who vaguely thought it was the wizard¡¯s mistake made confused expressions. While the wizards just watched Cassian¡¯s gaze and kept their mouths closed.
The one who would voluntarily admit it was their mistake did not say anything. Therefore, it wasn¡¯t surprising that Cassian had already realized it.
¡°The number of defeats today is not small, so the wounded soldiers do not need to return and take a break in the camp.¡±
The wounded soldiers who had to return to the Empire were only able to be transferred after the crisis had passed. It was better to return to the Empire together because there was no difference between that time or the time to end the subjugation.
Cassian had nned to return Elysia with the wounded soldiers back to the Empire a little while ago. However, she hasn¡¯t opened her eyes yet, and before he thought about other possibilities, he canceled his thoughts.
It might have been better off keeping her close and giving her blood when needed.
¡°The subjugation that was supposed to be carried out for four days will be reduced by one day. So, instead, it will be finished within three days. Dismissed.¡±
***
Elysia opened her eyelid slowly. There was not a single area on her body that was not hurting.
When she opened her eyes, she was surprised by the unfamiliar scenery in sight, and for a while, she breathed a sigh of relief at the familiar scent.
She suffered from magic depletion for the first time, and it was a mistake that she vaguely thought that since she¡¯s a vampire, she would be fine.
¡®I wasn¡¯t in a situation to argue about that.¡¯
Even if she was a vampire, he wasn¡¯t fine with people dying. Plus, if things went wrong and became a bloodbath, it would have resulted in her losing her mind.
Elysia struggled to turn her head to look inside the barracks, but she couldn¡¯t see the person she was looking for.
Elysia, who was looking for Cassian¡¯s figure, saw some pieces of cloth scattered on the floor. The stain moistening the piece of cloth was clearly blood. She immediately noticed whose blood it was.
¡®Are you hurt?¡¯
When she unfolded her magic to find Cassian, her vision was blurred, so she did not know the result. Elysia put her hands on the bed to raise her body.
¡°No more lying down.¡±
¡°Are you okay?¡±
¡°That¡¯s my question.¡±
Elysia nced over Cassian¡¯s body.
As she glued her eyes onto him, she found a bandage wrapped around his left hand. She alternated her red eyes between his hands with a piece of cloth that had fallen to the floor.
¡°There was no other way. I didn¡¯t know anything about you. I wasn¡¯t even sure if I could show it to the physician.¡±
¡°Ah....¡±
Elysia nkly blinked her eyes.
His voice sounded as if he was angry, and his expressionless face was ring.
¡®Well... it might¡¯ve been bothersome.¡¯ Because he knew my secret, he couldn¡¯t just neglect and let anyone know. He had to take care of me himself.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. ¡±
Elysia smiled and rubbed her neck. ¡®Was I supposed to say thank you?¡¯
¡°You... tend to use your body too recklessly.¡±
Chapter 25
Chapter 25
¡°You... tend to use your body too carelessly.¡±
Elysia couldn¡¯t find anything to refute because it was true. She believed in vampires¡¯ resilience and their bodies to be superior to humans.
Cassian approached her and leaned down slowly. His nose was within her reach. He stopped approaching from the distance where they could feel each other¡¯s breath.
Elysia crept back from him with a deep smile.
¡®Don¡¯t get too close to me now.¡¯
However, the bed inside the barrack was so narrow, allowing Cassian to approach her even though she tried to step back. There were a lot of things he wanted to ask her. Does the divine power work, or what the hell is it even? He straightened up and sat on the chair in front of the bed.
He was nning to sit down until Elysia grabbed the hem of his shirt. As she cleared her breath, she opened her mouth hesitantly.
¡°You¡¯re worried... aren¡¯t you?¡±
When asked if he was worried, the breath he had held back burst.
¡°Why else would I say that, then?¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I made you worry, and now...¡±
She couldn¡¯t keep up with her words. Cassian moved a little closer to her. She was not in good shape, so his smell seemed to be sweeter than usual.
Elysia felt apologetic for asking him to give her blood once more since he had already given it to her earlier. Still, the situation made her instinctively hold onto him as he slipped away.
¡°That¡¯s... I¡¯m really sorry. I don¡¯t think I can stand it right now.¡±
He understood the meaning of the words attached to her saying sorry.
Even if Elysia didn¡¯t say that, Cassian already knew that she was at her limit since she was staring at him as if she was going to devour him. That gaze was enough to provoke him.
Elysia had not fully recovered yet.
The heat formed in her purple eyes.
¡°Just a little bit...¡±
Her eyes, looking up at him, went wider than usual. Her slender fingers were barely grasping his hem as Elysia quietly spoke in a nagging tone. Cassian finally decided to go over to her, though the problem right now is...
¡®Is it okay to give her my neck?¡¯
If Elysia knew what he was thinking, she would have grabbed her belly andughed, saying that he¡¯s cute.
She tried to read the permission from Cassian¡¯s expression in silence. Elysia gave a little more strength to her hand that was holding his hem. He was gently dragged and faced her directly.
Her lips, which he thought would go straight to the nape of his neck, touched his lips.
Elysia¡¯s lips bite his lower lip. The scent of his blood spread throughout his mouth.
¡°...Hoo.¡±
She took a deep breath, and she slowly sucked his lips. Soon, both lips intertwined passionately. His hands tightly wrapped around Elysia¡¯s waist. His fingers, gently rubbing her waist, didn¡¯t move anywhere else and kept reminding himself that she was still unwell.
Even though her lips fell and time had passed, Elysia didn¡¯t let go of his hem. The red eyes were staring at him with an intense gaze, but Cassian did not avoid her gaze. However, the breathtaking atmosphere was shattered by Elysia¡¯s words.
¡°What happened after I copsed?¡±
¡°The knights and wizards were chased and got injured.¡±
Cassian added that one of the knights was all right and the rest of the injured crew were not seriously disrupted.
Lumiere also mentioned that she suffered some injuries, but it was a very minor wound. She was confused about whether it was fortunate or not. ¡®I guess because she¡¯s the female protagonist, so luck would naturally be on her side.¡¯
¡°Have you figured out who it was?¡±
¡°No. I¡¯ll have to find it out myself.¡±
Elysia understood what Cassian was talking about. There was only one way to find a magician who used magic.
¡°If you want to use the tracking magic, then you have to go right now.¡±
As time passed, the traces of the remaining magic faded, so they had to hurry. Although it hurt as though her whole body was beaten, the urgency somehow gave her the strength.
Cassian raised his eyebrows.
¡®Does she have any idea what kind of state she is in?¡¯
¡°Can you use magic now?¡±
Elysia¡¯s magic recovery and resilience were fast. Nevertheless, he hasn¡¯t seen any signs of recovery yet.
¡°I have a spirit stone, so use it.¡± He sighed.
¡°What, you have it? That¡¯s good, though. Give it to me.¡±
Elysia asked for it promptly, reaching out her hands and ncing at him. He held his hand and opened his mouth.
¡°I¡¯m going with you. I have things I need to do.¡±
Before she knew it, they had be bundled up together everywhere they went. Elysia knew he wouldn¡¯t deny it if she said it openly. So far, there has not been a single time he denied helping her.
When she got up from her seat with a short reply, Cassian took his robe and put it over her.
She pointed at his back with her finger. ¡°Isn¡¯t my robe over there, though?¡±
¡°I haven¡¯t thought about letting them know that you are awake.¡±
After putting on a hood attached to the robe, Cassian satisfactorily raised the tail of his mouth.
She nodded roughly and raised her body, gazing at his lips. His lips were cracked, causing a wound in the middle of the thick lower lip because she bit him.
¡®It¡¯s more stimting when I see it like that.¡¯
When she looked at his lips, she seemed to be tempted by the beautifully decorated food.
As expected, her taste became a little strange.
***
Because everyone was asleep, the only sound heard in the camp was the burning firewood. Cassian hugged Elysia and grabbed the reins of his horse. One of the knights saw him, asked.
¡°Captain, where are you going?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s a ce I have to check out. Tell others I¡¯m going out.¡±
¡°Sir!¡±
The expressions of the knights who looked at Cassian¡¯s were strange.
¡°Why are his lips...?¡±
¡°There was a wound...?¡±
It didn¡¯t seem right no matter who looked at it since there was no person here that could make Cassian¡¯s lips crack.
Then, they got their answer.
¡°Hmm... Did Lady Lowell wake up?¡±
The other knight nodded agreeingly.
So, wasn¡¯t she the unknowndy that Cassian was holding?
***
Elysia covered her nose with her handkerchief at the scent of the thick blood filling her surroundings.
The air was still poisonous because there were one or two dead monsters. So, she felt a little nauseous.
¡°Are you all right?¡±
Cassian pulled the spirit stone out of his arms and handed it to her. It was an incredibly sized runestone. ¡®All the things you have are incredibly terrifying.¡¯ Though it shouldn¡¯t be surprising,ing from a person who put a gemstone as a robe button.
She put a thin robe on Cassian and herself, then jumped off the horse.
His hand paused from reaching out, attempting to support her. ¡®Did that small amount of blood just a moment ago recover her?¡¯ She had amazing resilience every time, even when she went through something.
Cassian moved his steps through the areas where the corpses of the monster were. Elysia followed him closely. The horrible scene that she saw in her previous life¡¯s films was different in scale and realism, so she didn¡¯t want to be left alone.
Upon arriving at the ce where her magic circle had been drawn, he stopped his steps.
¡°Cassian, who do you expect it to be?¡±
As Elysia waited for his answer, leading the magic in the spirit stone, she saw the green magic sucked into a small ss bottle she had prepared in advance.
The tracking magic of the tower was a method of using magic and extracting the remaining traces, but it was not possible to figure out who was behind it at the moment. Since the magic sample must be gathered in one area and it must bepleted in order to recognize the owner of the extracted trace.
So, by putting the sample and contrasting it was thepletion of the tracking magic. She transferred it to a bottle just in case. The target of the investigation would be all wizards in the subjugation team.
Elysia turned her head and nced at him, who hadn¡¯t answered her yet.
¡®Why is his face so red?¡¯
Come to think of it. It seemed that he had been in that state ever since they left the barracks. Elysia didn¡¯t know how much blood Cassian gave her when she was unconscious. He wouldn¡¯t have known how much he had to offer, too, so he might have overdone it.
She raised her hand to his face and touched it gently.
¡°Are you sick? It looks like you have a fever.¡±
His face was hot. Elysia looked worried and put her hand on his forehead. He then grabbed her hand, which was on his forehead.
Is it an illusion that it felt as though Cassian was avoiding her gaze?
¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±
¡°...Are you okay?¡±
Cassian nodded his head and headed for the ce where his horse was bound. She red at the back of his head with a sulky expression.
¡®Why are you being like this suddenly?¡¯
She rode on the horse, handed one ss bottle to Cassian, and put the other in her own bag. Even though she took the Spirit Stone from his hand, there was no reaction from him.
¡°I¡¯ll return a simr er.¡±
¡°Okay.¡±
She had no magic, so it was somewhat frustrating since she had a habit of operating magic unconsciously, so now there were limitations.
¡®Did I overdo it?¡¯
Cassian was stiff a while ago when Elysia called his name. When she called his name, normally it was often deliberate, like when she called his name in front of the prince.
Though he realized he overly reacted, it felt unfamiliar to hear his name uttered from her lips so naturally.
Elysiafortably leaned on him.
¡®I feel much morefortable after drinking Cassian¡¯s blood.¡¯
If it gets too hard for him to bear in the future, she wondered if she can drink his blood little by little instead.
She could see the bright red blood spilling from the bandage that wrapped around his hand.
¡°Oh, I guess the wound is open. Are you okay?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ll get treatment when we get back.¡±
He remembered how his doctor brought up about his monstrous resilience. However, meeting Elysia improved the standard of his resiliencepletely.
¡°Still...¡±
Once again, Elysia nodded her head sulkily at his voice, reassuring her not to be concerned.
¡®I have to be nice.¡¯
Peering at the darker surroundings since they were far away from the camp, she started to feel her body wearing out.
Her magic has yet to be recovered, and her physical condition was also in poor condition, so it was difficult to even just encounter monsters. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal regardless because Cassian would be beside her.
Whether it was because Elysia was worried about her physical condition or because it was in the middle of the night, the hoofs felt slow.
¡®When we return to the Empire, I¡¯ll have to give a gift to Cassian.¡¯
While contemting what to give him, she saw the destination in the distance.
¡°We have arrived.¡±
Contrary to her worries, there were no monsters that appeared until they reached the vacant lot.
Chapter 26
Chapter 26
Elysia was taken back to Cassian¡¯s barracks as he insisted that he would not yet announce that she had awakened. And, of course, she was excluded from the subjugation that would take ce the next day.
She fell asleep first because of exhaustion, so she didn¡¯t know whether Cassian had gone to sleep or not.
When she opened her eyes, the barracks were empty, and food was ced on the table.
¡°No! So, I can¡¯t even go out of the barracks?¡±
Though it was very embarrassing if the wizards knew she ran out of magic.
Of course, as the situation was urgent, everyone would understand, but there was no way to know if the knights that didn¡¯t know would understand.
¡®When I think about it, if anyone in the Empire talks about this...¡¯ Elysia raised her hand and rubbed her arms. Ramote couldn¡¯t let her go if he caught the wind of this ever.
Suddenly, she felt someone approaching the barracks.
¡®Should I hide? No, I¡¯m still down.¡¯
Thinking so, she hurried to bed and covered herself with a nket. Elysia wondered who that person might be.
The sound of theyers of fabric covering the barracks was lifted.
As themander-in-chief¡¯s barracks, the space inside was quite spacious, so she heard only the footsteps approaching first. Elysia could feel the light footsteps carefully stepping into the space.
There was a sound that felt like a hem of a skirt, and a refreshing scent she had smelt before.
¡®Did Lumiere also leave out the subjugation today?
She said she wasn¡¯t seriously hurt, so it was peculiar that she didn¡¯t join them.
There must be a knight of the Esteban Knights in front of the barracks. How did she get in? The questions that kepting up stopped at the sound of footsteps approaching closely. Lumiere was just around the corner, she could feel the piercing gaze stung her.
She tried very hard to resist opening her eyes.
¡°Lady... You have to get up. I¡¯m so upset that you¡¯re lying here like this.¡±
Her voice mixed with feelings simr to impatience. It was a slightly different kind of emotion than worry.
Lumiere reached out and grabbed her hand. Elysia felt as though she was holding it with strength, but she felt her paused momentster.
Lumiere¡¯s finger struck the ring which Elysia was wearing.
¡°This is...pretty.¡±
¡®It¡¯s a ring that will always look pretty no matter how long.¡¯
The ring that Cassian gave to Elysia was well known. It was because the information was leaked by the wizard who crafted the gemstone on the ring. Up to this point, it was Lloyd¡¯s intention.
She could feel Lumiere turning behind her. And eventually, Elysia couldn¡¯t ovee her curiosity and opened her eyes. She could see her gazing at the food on the table for a while.
¡®Oops. Would she notice when she sees that?¡¯
Food wasid out in the owner-less barrack, and Elysia wasn¡¯t in a state where she could eat. If Lumiere didn¡¯t think too deeply, she might not know that Elysia was awakened already.
She passed the table without any reaction.
Elysia, checking to see if Lumiere had gone out of the barracks, slowly raised her body.
¡°I can¡¯t do this. I¡¯ll tell you when I get back.¡±
She nced in the direction where Lumiere had disappeared.
Then, peering at the ring on her finger, she felt somewhat shy out of nowhere, but Elysia shook her head in no time.
***
When Cassian returned from the subjugation, Elysia¡¯s face was full of rebellion.
At a nce, there was no sign of the food on the table getting touched. Herplexing looked much better than yesterday, but he still didn¡¯t like it.
Cassian touched his lips with his fingers. The wound hasn¡¯t healed yet. Compared to others, he had a monstrous resilience, but it somehow felt slowpared to Elysia in front of him.
He had naturally epted that he was her meal. Although she hasn¡¯t been aware of it yet.
¡°Why didn¡¯t you eat?¡±
¡°I did.¡±
Cassian raised his eyebrows. Elysia also saw his gaze turn to the food served on the table. There was deer blood that was kept fresh by magic, but she couldn¡¯t say that.
¡°How long do I have to stay down? It¡¯s frustrating that I can¡¯t go outside.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t have to anymore because I told them you woke up.¡±
Cassian was waiting for the person who had interfered with Elysia¡¯s magic to confess. The deadline was until today, when the subjugation was finished. So now, Bug was eagerly spreading the news that Elysia had awakened.
Elysia came close to Cassian and snooped around him.
¡°It¡¯s weird. Today you¡¯re the same as usual again. Last night you were suddenly cold.¡±
¡°You care too much about the little things.¡±
¡°It¡¯s annoying. We¡¯re going to be married soon, right?¡±
She replied lightly, thenughed seductively while tapping her lips with her fingers.
It meant that they were allies bound by a contract, but the word ¡®we¡¯ and ¡®married¡¯ changed the meaning to somethingpletely different.
Cassian walked past Elysia, took off his jacket, and hung it on the chair. And when his shirt was unbuttoned from his sleeves, his neck, forearms, and nape were revealed. Elysia¡¯s gaze naturally glued to his hand.
The magic light that dimly lit the inside of the barracks quietly illuminated the outline of his body.
Swallowing her saliva, she approached Cassian.
As they had gotten pretty close these days, her hand naturally reached out towards him.
¡°What are you doing?¡±
She was scanning his arm with her fingers. Elysia then slowly lifted her hand and covered her mouth.
¡°Oh my. I don¡¯t know. Then, I guess I¡¯ll call it a day. I can¡¯t stay here all the time.¡±
Even if they were known as lovers, it would not seem good that two men and women would use one barracks in subjugation.
She quietly rubbed Cassian¡¯s shoulder and quickly left the barracks.
¡°Hooo.¡±
He raised his hand and scattered his hair.
***
¡°Lady! You are awake!¡±
Upon returning to her own barracks, Elysia had a troubled face looking at the blonde-haired girl in her arm. Lumiere said she was really worried and cried because she felt sick, so she felt a little sorry.
¡®When did we be friends like this, female lead?¡¯
How did we have a fierce reunion like this? Elysia uttered a formal greeting as she slowly moved away from Lumiere.
¡°Thank you for worrying.¡± Elysia sat on her bed.
To be honest, she had a reason for resisting the temptation to eat Cassian. She nced back at Lumiere. She braided her bright blonde and was pulling it down to one of her shoulders.
¡®Definitely not a beauty of this world.¡¯
Just because she was sitting inside, it seemed that the interior was brightening.
¡°But you recovered really quickly. When magic runs out, normally, you have to lie down for ten days. I was apprehensive about that.¡±
¡°I must have been lucky.¡±
When Elysia said she was fortunate to have woken up early, she said it in earnest.
Elysia persistently looked at Lumiere while exchanging light conversations with her. ¡®Why doesn¡¯t she say that she came to the barracks today?¡¯ She wanted to be nice to her when she saw Lumiere kepting with such a clear smile, but Elysia didn¡¯t want to get close to her as some reluctant,plex emotions still made her confused.
¡°After two days, I¡¯ll be back, so cheer up a little. Did you keep skipping your schedule?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m going to subjugate again from tomorrow. You must be bored.¡±
¡°I heard you got hurt, are you all right now?¡±
Elysia asked with the intention of participating in the subjugation tomorrow. Then, Lumiere held out the sleeve of her right arm. There was a bandage wrapped around her elbow.
¡°It¡¯s a little scratch. It¡¯s embarrassing that I took a break today.¡±
¡°I hope there are no scars left.¡±
¡°Thank you. The Lady seems to be very... kind.¡±
She was feeling something reluctant about how Lumiere was acting again. Strangely, her words were annoying in some phrases. Opening up didn¡¯t really matter, but it felt strangely thorny. It was strange that she felt sincere emotions from Lumiere¡¯s worries a little while ago.
She asked an insistent question.
¡°By the way, did you ever find out who used the magic of the opposite property?¡±
¡°No. Most of them asked me if I made a mistake?¡±
It seemed that the Imperial Wizards were closing each other¡¯s mouth shut. Elysia had Lumiere in mind for the culprit. She was the least wounded among the assistant sorcerers, though she doubted that it might be Lumiere, she could be wrong.
¡°Was it a mistake?¡±
Elysia responded in a determined voice.
¡°If you make such a mistake, you¡¯re not eligible to be in the subjugation.¡±
And at that moment, the green magic came to mind instantly.
Usually, the color of magic follows the color of the eyes of the wilder, and Lumiere was the only assistant wizard with green eyes.
***
At dusk of dawn. Elysia carefully lifted herself up.
A red light lingered in the ss bottle she had taken out beforehand. Tracking magic was one of the magic that represented the tower.
The reason why each country¡¯s magic department and the towers could be clearly identified was because they did not share the magic developed by each other.
¡®Well, I¡¯m the member of the magic tower now?¡¯
Elysia learned from Ramote, the developer of this spell, before leaving her affiliation. Magic from the ss bottle fluttered around her, pping its wings in the shape of a butterfly.
¡®Go find the owner.¡¯
The green butterfly swung around Lumiere.
If her magic were correct, a pattern would appear on the wings that had no pattern.
In that state, it would follow the owner of magic until the caster confirms it. If not, it would then disappear as the light scatters.
¡®Are they disappearing?¡¯ The unexpected result made Elysia blink her eyes. She was convinced that it was Lumiere.
She smiled faintly at the scattering light. Now, she only had one more chance left to use the tracking magic.
She sighed, grabbed her robe, and stepped out of the barracks.
¡®This waspletely in vain. Is Cassian sleeping?¡¯
As she crept off, she headed to Cassian¡¯s barracks.
Unlike other barracks, the entrance to the barracks was long, like a passage, so she couldn¡¯t even see the magic lights turned on. As there was no knight guarding the entrance, it seemed that Cassian was really inside.
Elysia pulled out the tent¡¯s entrance and tried to go inside, but she recognized a familiar smell behind her.
¡°Cassian!¡±
As Elysia turned around, she weed him happily.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
¡°It¡¯s cold. Let¡¯s go inside.¡±
¡°Is it cold?¡±
Cassian nced at her robe that she wore with a puzzled face.
¡°Aren¡¯t you cold, too?¡±
¡°I¡¯m fine, but that¡¯s not the robe I gave you.¡±
¡°Huh? ... That¡¯s right.¡±
Come to think of it, she couldn¡¯t be this cold because the robe he gave her had cold protection magic cast on.
Looking at the robe again, it seemed to be Lumiere¡¯s.
¡°You must have mistaken it because it¡¯s white as well.¡±
Since she was cold, Elysia grabbed the hem of his sleeves and stepped into his barracks. When she entered, she felt the cold did not go away, so she shoved her hand in her pocket, but someone hard caught in her hand.
Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Elysia pulled out what was in her robe. Seemingly, it was just a normal stone.
¡°It¡¯s a spirit stone, but I didn¡¯t give it to you?¡±
It was a spirit stone that lost its light after using up all of its magic. Elysia recalled the result of her tracking magic in the barracks a while ago. If Lumiere hadn¡¯t used her own magic directly...
¡°What if... the magic was from the spirit stone.¡±
¡°Then, it would be useless to use tracking magic.¡±
Elysia turned the spirit stone over. It was distributed in the market that was designed to have an engraving mark.
Her mind turned chaotic.
To find out whether the tracking magic sample was the same as that of the Spirit Stone in Lumiere¡¯s robe, she needed to obtain the Spirit Stone mined in the same ce toplete the tracking magic. However, she had already used the sample of the tracking magic she had, so she had to use the one she gave to Cassian in order to do that.
The best method was to check with the wizards who participated in the subjugation at the trial and found out about it, but there was a problem.
Proving that this spirit stone was Lumiere¡¯s, and exining why she was holding this.
If it were truly Lumiere¡¯s, Elysia wouldn¡¯t take this with her until then, since she had to put it back in the robe like before.
¡®I have to give up one.¡¯
At the trial, she had to choose whether to check with the wizards or check separately with the spirit stone.
¡°Are you sure she is the owner of the robe?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know. There¡¯s no reason for her to do that.¡±
Even if it was revealed that Lumiere was really using the Spirit Stone, there was no way to punish her unless it has been proved in an official trial.
Elysia bit her lips.
Cassian was staring at her, who went back and forth in the barracks. He wasn¡¯t sure if he should disturb her train of thoughts since her expression was so serious. Cassian just decided to watch her on the side.
If it¡¯s Lumiere, then why? Why did she aim for Elysia?
Why would the heroine threaten her?
The only thing that came to her mind was Revos. Elysia shook her head at the lowly thought that was branching from her mind. She stood tall, stopped frowning.
¡°...Cassian. What did you say to Lady nche a few days ago?¡±
¡°Hmm?¡±
Lumiere tends to blush her face easily. Still, the blush at the castle was quite different with interest or heart.
¡®Why didn¡¯t I realize?¡¯
That was also a reason why she couldn¡¯t sleep properly, as she continued to grumble about that day. As Elysia put her hands on both waists, she went closer to Cassian.
¡°What did Lady nche say to you?¡±
As Cassian nced at her, wondering where to start, her red eyes that he encounters exude strange energy. The power that held the vampire¡¯s seduction disappeared. It was an instinctive behavior.
Cassian was alert to the change.
¡°I don¡¯t know what this is, but I would answer even if you didn¡¯t try to bewitch me.¡±
¡°Oh, I made a mistake. I¡¯m sorry.¡±
Humans who face the eyes of seduction be fascinated by the vampire in front of them without knowing.
Often, the powers sometimes didn¡¯t work for humans with strong mental powers. Whether this was such a case or because he was a master, it didn¡¯t work for Cassian. Elysia was a little surprised.
He raised his eyebrows and lifted Elysia. Cassian sat her on the table and sat back on the chair. She didn¡¯t realize she showed him her abilities.
¡®How much are you hiding?¡¯ Waiting for his answer, she stared at Cassian and pushed her thoughts away for a moment.
¡°The person she loves is the prince. I mean, I¡¯m being used for their love.¡±
Elysia¡¯s face shuddered without reason.
¡®What is this crap?¡¯
Lumiere had such an idea that she couldn¡¯t make progress with Levos. So, what should she think of Lumiere blushing her face at Cassian?
¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me...¡±
¡°Because you don¡¯t need to worry about it.¡± She grabbed his hem tightly. Elysia couldn¡¯t read the feelings in the purple eyes that were looking up at her. Suddenly, she realized what the identity of the emotion that had settled in the corner of her heart was.
¡®It was...¡¯
It was a gut feeling when she saw Lumiere¡¯s face that day. There was also a reason to doubt that the person who opened the magic circle was Lumiere.
Vignce towards one¡¯s opponents.
¡°I apologize in advance. I¡¯m sorry.¡±
Elysia bowed her head. And she put her teeth against Cassian¡¯s lips.
At that moment, Cassian¡¯s body stiffened with her lip biting. Before his wounds healed, another sharp sensation dug in.
She dug and sucked his lower lips, hard.
A terrible satisfaction. She was feeling possessive over Cassian. The deeply entangled kisses stopped, and she bit her lips.
¡°And, what did you say?¡±
She threw a question as she lowered her head before he could answer. Cassian grabbed Elysia¡¯s waist, who was barely sitting at the end of the table.
Her lips fell yet again, and it was his turn to answer.
¡°I said get lost.¡±
Cassian omitted his reply, warning Lumiere not to go around with such nonsense.
¡®...What?¡¯
Elysia blinked her eyes at the words that went against her expectations. She thought he would either say it didn¡¯t matter, or it wasn¡¯t something to share with her, or simply that Cassian knew she was mistaken. She expected those kinds of answers.
¡°Well, this is our problem.¡±
¡°That¡¯s what I like about you.¡±
She licked another drop of blood from his torn lips. ¡°You¡¯re mine for three years, you know? I¡¯m the only one who can bite your neck.¡±
It wasn¡¯t a word that was required for him to answer. It was for him to know.
She had no intention of sharing the man in front of her with another woman. He was going to be her prey for at least the next three years.
Vampires do not share their prey.
Elysia had a satisfactory face like a full beast. Then, she raised her hand and slid it under Cassian¡¯s chin.
¡°Only I can touch you like this.¡±
¡®This man is mine.¡¯
Before her rebirth, she could get a blood pack at any time, but it wasn¡¯t the only way to solve the problem. When she had a lover of her kind, she would drink his blood, and sometimes, the blood of a human man.
There were also humans that weren¡¯t as good as Cassian, but still smelled rtively delicious. For humans with a sweet smell, several vampires were bound to be twisted.
¡°Do you have any heart for Lady nche?¡±
¡°I¡¯m overwhelmed with just keeping an eye on you alone already.¡±
Most of the time, Elysia only took blood once and erased the memory of her prey. Meeting him was the moment when she understood the feelings of how her people wanted to monopolize humans through long ties with them.
Cassian grinned. That question left him without any room to look elsewhere. Even if he could afford it, he wasn¡¯t interested in such a pretentious woman like Lumiere.
A little bit heartbroken, Cassian bent his eyes, tilted his head at an angle, and smilednguidly. He knew what kind of expression she was weak at.
¡®...Why do you suddenly look so beautiful?¡¯ Elysia stretched her body backward. He rose from his chair and put his arms on both of her sides.
¡°If you¡¯re stimting me this much, you¡¯ll have to take responsibility.¡±
¡°Here? Ah...It tickles, don¡¯t do it.¡±
¡°If you¡¯re loud, they can hear everything.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry... Ugh.¡±
Elysia reinforced her thoughts of the consequence if she was caught now. Thinking so, she pushed him away. She was a little sorry, but before Luniere woke up, she had to put the robe back to where it was.
She hurried away before she was caught by Cassian.
***
The beast subjugation team returned to the Empire. They were able to reach the capital early by using the gate from the kingdom near the Jericho Mountains.
It was possible because there was a camp in the opposite direction to the direction in which her family disappeared.
¡®I was able toe back so quickly.¡¯
Elysia briefly nced at Cassian. He was already meeting Lloyd and was busy receiving reports. She then found her familiar family carriage.
¡°Old Man!¡±
The eyes of the wizards around her turned to Ramote in unison. They were in tears after being able to see him so up close.
Elysa stabbed Ramote on his sides.
¡°Is Old Man popr?¡±
¡°Let¡¯s just go.¡±
Ramote was disgusted and led Elysia in the direction of the carriage. They could hear the regretful words of the wizards behind them.
¡°Now, do you have anything to say?¡±
¡°Huh? ¡±
Ramote folded his arms and stared at Elysia fiercely as soon as they got into the carriage. The momentum of the air around the sses was unusual.
¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±
¡°I heard it, you copsed.¡±
¡°Who said that?¡± Elysia avoided his gaze.
Who already talked about it?
She grinded her teeth.
¡°Magic depletion? My disciple wouldn¡¯t do that, don¡¯t you think so?¡±
¡°...I couldn¡¯t help it.¡±
¡°How ignorant of you, you can die from magic depletion?!¡±
He raised his arms as if he was going to flick her forehead. Elysia opened her eyes wide as she crossed her arms and covered her face.
¡°Ack! It¡¯s a real p. That¡¯s violence.¡±
¡°If someone heard you, they would think I really hit you.¡±
Often, when Elysia had a dangerous ident, Ramote would try to flick her. Although she had never met that flick even once. Thanks to Elysia learning magic for quite a while, this scene wasmon in the mansion of Duke Lowell.
[ T/N: Koreans (or I think Japanese too?) like to do the finger flick to the forehead. ]
¡°I¡¯m ashamed, too. I didn¡¯t think there was going to be a situation like this.¡±
Ramote¡¯s expression sank as Elysia exined what happened and asked him to calm down.
¡°You¡¯re ignorant at how to subjugate. I can¡¯t believe you did it to that scale.¡±
¡°Because it wasn¡¯t impossible. It would have ended very neatly if I hadn¡¯t been disturbed.¡±
¡°Tsk. So, is your body all right?¡±
¡°Yes, as you can see, I¡¯m very fine.¡±
Hearing her words, he narrowed his eyes. No matter how, Elysia couldn¡¯t recover so quickly because of magic depletion.
¡°What are you going to do now?¡±
¡°I¡¯m going to find something simr to that spirit stone.¡±
¡°Even if you don¡¯t pass it to trial, you can still protest from the Magic Tower¡¯s side. Of course, if they cooperate.¡±
Ramote also seemed to be offended. He didn¡¯t seem to be willing to overlook this matter. Knowing Elysia¡¯s situation, he knew better than anyone how dangerous it could be.
¡®I have to find out if she really has a heart for Cassian.¡¯
It was as if Lumiere interfered with Elysian¡¯s life as coteral. She had no intention of being a heroine. To even think that she got hurt from running out of magic.
¡®Before the rebirth, I rarely got hurt...¡¯
When she came here, she was getting used to being sick or in pain.
¡°Did something happen here?¡±
¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be? Your father went to the Emperor, and it was a mess.¡¯
¡®I couldn¡¯t have done anything to soften the marriage proposal myself.¡¯
She didn¡¯t think the emperor would simply pass the marriage down, but her father was also a tough guy.
Cassian¡¯s hers for three years, so she¡¯s definitely putting a nail on him.
Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Elysia returned home and slept without opening her eyes for two full days.
She thought she had finished recovering after she ran out of magic, but it seemed that she wasn¡¯t. Initially, Elysia didn¡¯t think much of it, still, it was shocking that she had slept for the entire two days.
Since her family disappeared, it seemed to have yed a part in never letting her heart be relieved.
Cassian¡¯s words came to mind of how she seemed to be using her body too carelessly. ¡®I don¡¯t enjoy being sick either. Now, I have to be careful and live.¡¯ She didn¡¯t want anything to do near Jericho Mountains.
After the news of Elysia waking up, Ryan hurriedly visited her.
¡°Lady Elysia.¡±
¡°Come in.¡±
Ryan¡¯s expression lookedplicated as he entered her room. He pulled the chair to the side of the bed and sat down.
¡°I was worried. You left a note and disappeared.¡±
¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry. Did you worry a lot?¡±
Ryan nodded his head and peered at Elysia. He had already heard about the news that she had run out of magic. Thankfully, Elysia didn¡¯t seem to have any major wounds.
¡°Please take me with you in the future.¡±
After seeing the note she left behind, he was worried if she didn¡¯t need him. Ryan actually knew that he may not be very helpful even though he would be escorting her. In his view, Elysia was able to defend herself well without an escort.
Obviously, there could be any number of exceptions, so Ryan was focusing on training these days. Even if he was a master, the gap was different for different people, but in Ryan¡¯s case, he was barely able to wield a sword.
¡°I will. There has been nothing special in the meantime, hasn¡¯t it?¡±
¡°Oh, the duke came back to the mansion and was surprised to see me.¡±
While the duke was away from his mansion for a while, his daughter brought a man as an escort, so it was reasonable.
Though, of course, the word master convinced everything.
¡°Oh, Lady Elysia¡¯s scandal is also being settled.¡±
¡°Ahaha... Is it?¡±
The father¡¯s desperate fight, not wanting to let his daughter go, was still going on. Apart from the emperor¡¯s stubbornness, Duke Lowell had been striking out the sources of unfavorable rumors without mercy. Some media outlets had already reached the point of bankruptcy.
¡®There is not only one or two people to apologize for this.¡¯
Thinking that her father had seen the hot articles during the day, she wanted to hide.
Ryan also added that while Elysia vacated the mansion, he ended his knighthood and quicklypleted the butler¡¯s tricky education. After hearing his words, it was obvious to see that his tea-drinking posture seemed different as well.
¡°Good job.¡±
As Elysia pondered what to exin to her father, she stroked Ryan¡¯s head. He gently put his head in her hand.
¡®Hmm?¡¯
She saw a navy envelope on the table.
***
As soon as Cassian entered the pce, he went to Duke Lowell¡¯s office.
Duke Lowell nced at Cassian and was drinking tea with a quivering expression. Ted, who sat next to him, also looked no different.
¡°The tea¡¯s vor is good.¡±
¡°I¡¯m d it fits in your mouth, but what brings you here?¡±
¡°Please speakfortably.¡±
¡°It¡¯s all right. Duke Esteban and I are not that close.¡±
Even at the words of Duke Lowell, who kept his distance, Cassian¡¯s expression was rxed.
Even though the emperor ranted at how he could take care of this matter on his own, he eventually asked for a helping hand from Cassian.
¡°You¡¯ll soon be my father-inw.¡±
¡°Keuhk...!¡±
Ted spewed the tea. A tendon sprang up on Duke Lowell¡¯s forehead.
He once again tried to check his daughter¡¯s heart, but since Elysia had been asleep for two days, he didn¡¯t get a chance to talk to her yet.
¡°I¡¯m visiting you today because I have something to talk to you about regarding the marriage.¡±
¡°No matter how His Majesty approved it, it is a confusion thates and goes when the patriarch is not present.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re going to send your daughter to the imperial family.¡±
Cassian knew Duke Lowell¡¯s nature.
He was loyal, but he hated the imperial family more than anyone. He couldn¡¯t have wanted to send his beloved daughter there.
¡°If I had been in the empire, I would not have made an unconventional marriage to avoid the confusion at all.¡±
¡°You mean that if the Lady agrees, Duke Lowell would allow it?¡±
¡°No. I can¡¯t allow it because the choice is clear because of the imperial engagement.¡±
¡°Have you ever heard of a rumor of Lady Lowell¡¯s love affair?¡±
Pfftt! Tea spurted out from the two men¡¯s mouths.
Cassian spoke as he held out the handkerchief to the Duke. ¡°First of all, I want to tell you that the rumors are true.¡±
¡°Duke Esteban, let¡¯s be honest with each other. It is unavoidable that nobledies have a hard time getting married if such rumors fly around, but aren¡¯t you a duke, too?¡±
It is said that the poprity of love and marriage has changed a lot in recent years, but not all nobles thought that way. It was bitter for a father who had a daughter, but to spend the night before marriage to men was not at all faulty.
The scandalous two families were both Dukedom, so even if things don¡¯t work, things can still be somewhat easy.
¡°I have a different opinion. Do you need to differentiate between men and women there? Men are equally in trouble if that happens before marriage.¡±
Cassian sips his tea and opens his mouth again.
¡°Every actiones with responsibility. I can¡¯t even get married anymore unless I¡¯m with the Lady. Maybe it¡¯s a good thing. So, you have to take responsibility.¡± Not that he would take responsibility for Elysia, but Cassian also requested for her to take responsibility for him as well.
The duke¡¯s face turned into a chewed-up expression. Elysia would have screamed and said this was a threat if she was here.
¡°Did Elysia first talk to Duke Esteban to help her avoid the imperial engagement?¡±
¡°No. As the article stated, it is true that we fell in love with each other at first sight.¡±
¡°It¡¯s hard to believe.¡±
Cassian shamelessly spoke with confidence. He promised to get Duke Lowell¡¯s permission today himself, that was why he decided to meet him today. To be honest, he didn¡¯t want to do this much, but he knew that Elysia cares for her family, so he at least wanted to get their permission.
¡°I promised her I would get permission from both of you today, but... Elysia must be upset. I nned to meet her in the evening and tell her what had happenedter today.¡±
The eyes of the two men shook without mercy. To them, it sounded like Elysia wanted this herself, so they should give the permission to let them marry.
After finishing the matters with Cassian, they rushed back to the mansion; they weren¡¯t able to return to the estate until nine p.m. due to sudden work from the Knights.
Upon returning to the mansion, they looked for Elysia, but she had already gone out.
¡°Father... I guess she really went to see Duke Esteban.¡±
¡°I think so...¡±
¡°I guess she was too shy to speak honestly.¡±
Cassian didn¡¯t know that Elysia only just opened her eyes today.
Somehow, the timing was on his side.
***
Elysia used her ring to go to Cassian¡¯s bedroom.
In the envelope on her table, he said to use the ring toe to him at eight.
¡°You are here.¡± Having just washed up, he entered the room in a robe.
¡®Why do you look so moist every time Ie here?¡¯
¡°Whenever you called me, I would still be wearing some clothes.¡±
¡°I¡¯m a littlete because something urgent happened.¡±
Cassian then told her to wait for a moment and headed to the dressing room.
¡®I thought I had adapted to him.¡¯
Elysia waved her hand at him as he came into the room with his shirt on. She magically dried his hair, which was a little damp. It was quite convenient.
¡°You¡¯ve been running away well.¡±
Cassian locked Elysia, who was sitting on the sofa, tightly in his arms.
She nced at the nice-looking muscles between his shirts, and moved her gaze into the air. Elysia knew that his sturdy chest felt good even if she only stroked it with her hand or smeared her lips on it. She remembered that some time ago, she had provoked him from the subjugation, and she ran away.
Embarrassed to say that he would be hers for three years and then escaped, she avoided him a little.
¡®No, I just avoided you for one day...¡¯
She started avoiding Cassian on the way to the empire, so it couldn¡¯t even be called a day.
Cassian smiled and grabbed Elysia¡¯s chin. It was the moment she was about to close her eyes as he bowed his head and came closer. Lloyd came in with a knock.
¡°Your Excellency, this is Lloyd. I have something to tell you...¡±
No matter who sees this, the two are just trying to... It was a scene that led to...
Lloyd¡¯s cold sweats ran down as he turned his head and eyes away from peering at them.
When Cassian gave Elysia the ring with magic enchanted, he strictly restricted employees from entering his room. All employees knew that they should never go in until they were called first, but Lloyd wasn¡¯t aware of it because he was away.
He didn¡¯t realize the habit of just entering the room after knocking would cause such a disaster. The face of the butler, who hastily ran after receiving the tip-off from the maid, turned pale.
¡°Hoo... I¡¯ll be back in a little.¡±
Cassian swept his head and smiled coldly at Lloyd as he led him outside.
At that moment, Lloyd started calcting how much his family could live with the wealth he had saved.
¡°So, what do you want to tell me?¡±
Hearing so meant that if it wasn¡¯t an important report, he shouldn¡¯t think about going out alive.
¡°Duke Lowell has sent a document stating that he will ept the marriage.¡± Lloyd pushed the documents he had brought.
Although it was approved by the imperial family, there were no documents exchanged between the families. Even without it, there wouldn¡¯t be any big problem in the progress. However, it was better for Cassian to be certain about this. That was the main reason why Cassian visited Duke Lowell today.
Because he tried to follow all the necessary procedures.
¡°It¡¯s faster than I thought. You can leave.¡± After telling him toe to the office tomorrow, his master had already gone back to his room.
Looking at his boss, Lloyd quickly rolled his head. He had to hold onto Elysia as his lifeline, not Cassian, to survive in a day-to-day job like an ice sheet.
Elysia became a madam to Lloyd today.
Lloyd, who cried as he looked in the direction of Duke Lowell¡¯s mansion, was supported by the butler and moved.
Upon returning to the room, Cassianid the papers down on the table in front of the sofa. He then kindly pushed the documents for her to take a look.
¡°Huh? What is this?¡±
Elysia blinks her eyes and checks the papers again. She hasn¡¯t even spoken with her father yet, but what is this?
¡®What the hell did the emperor say...?¡¯
Elysia has flooded the emperor with letters. She didn¡¯t think that Cassian would have visited her father himself.
¡°I¡¯m thinking of making an engagement announcement right away.¡±
¡°Well... yes, we were supposed to do that.¡±
She idly nodded her head in agreement.
¡°The wedding would be in a month, is that okay?¡±
¡°Are you kidding?¡±
However, Cassian¡¯s eyes remained the same. He was serious.
¡°It¡¯s too fast. Even if I agree, we¡¯ll need at least six months to prepare... Uhk.¡±
Cassian didn¡¯t seem to be listening to her.
He bowed his head to the side of her face, biting her earlobe softly. ¡°What did you say?¡±
¡°Six months... Wait a minute, heup.¡±
He kissed her shallowly.
Elysia didn¡¯t know if he was blocking her words, meaning that they would do it a monthter, or if he was arousing her and running away.
She pushed his chest lightly, with a look that she was going to bed right away.
Although the problem was that the other person seemed to have no intention of losing ground. Because her father was at home, she couldn¡¯t really stay out.
¡°There¡¯s no ce to run away from here.¡±
Cassian smiled satisfactorily.
Chapter 29
Chapter 29
The aides of Lowell Duchy and Esteban Duchy were busy.
Elysia couldn¡¯t tell others to postpone the wedding because she was dealing with the rushing Cassian. When she opened her eyes, he had gone to work at the Imperial Pce.
It has already been three days.
¡°No, does it really make sense to hold it in a month?¡±
¡°How can you say that you are a duke¡¯s aide while you are not capable of that?¡±
Elysia raised her hand and squeezed her forehead before the aides in front of her eyes.
¡°Lloyd, Reid.¡±
Lloyd was Duke Esteban¡¯s aide, and Reid was Duke Lowell¡¯s aide. It was quite well known among the aides that these two were in a feud.
¡°Yes,dy.¡±
¡°Yes, Madam.¡±
Reid opposed after hearing Lloyd¡¯s words. ¡°How can Lady Elysia be your mistress?¡±
¡°Because she¡¯s our mistress now?¡±
Lloyd raised his hand with a sneaky smile.
¡°Let¡¯s just do the wedding a yearter. It would be better to correspond the letters slowly that way, too. Now, go.¡±
Elysia had always spoken up to Lloyd, but he just recently becamefortable with her not so long ago. As soon as the marriage was decided, he cried and hung on to her. When asked why he was so obsessed with her, Lloyd said how he was jealous of her being friendly only to Reid.
¡°No, Madam!¡±
¡°Lloyd, I¡¯m not your Madam yet.¡±
His Master¡¯s voice seemed to be heard in Elysia¡¯s firm answer echoed in his ears.
¡®The preparations are going well, Lloyd. It¡¯s next month.¡¯
Lloyd knew that it was ridiculous to do it next month, right away. As he had expected, he had no opportunity to object to the madam at all, but the expression of His Excellency giving the order was very serious. Lloyd had no power to refute his master¡¯s will.
And so, he decided to run to a person who had the right to decide!
¡°Madam, please save me!¡±
¡°Who is your Madam? Get away from mydy!¡±
Ryan, who was watching from behind, pulled him away from Elysia¡¯s skirt. Eventually, Reid grabbed Lloyd¡¯s back and took him outside.
¡°I¡¯m tired...¡±
¡°Lady Elysia.¡±
¡°Huh?¡±
¡°I wish Lady Elysia to be happy.¡±
At Ryan¡¯s unexpected words, Elysiaughed and patted his shoulder. ¡°Me, too. I wish you to be happy.¡±
¡°By the way, Lady Elysia. Are you taking me to the duke¡¯s?¡±
¡°If you don¡¯t mind, shouldn¡¯t it be that way? You¡¯re mine, not my family¡¯s.¡±
¡°Of course, it¡¯s all right for me.¡± He closed his eyes andughed.
Ryan¡¯s smile, full of dimples, was fatal.
¡°Ryan¡¯s, it¡¯s a big deal if you go somewhere andugh like that. How many scary sisters have gone crazy these days. You know?¡±
¡°Is it weird?¡±
¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡±
It seemed like he wouldn¡¯t understand even if she exined it for some reason. So, Elysiater decided to catch and drink with Ryan¡¯s sister.
¡°Justugh like that in front of me.¡±
Ryan tilted his head and replied yes, confusingly.
***
Elysia climbed into the carriage with Ryan.
She has only been in a forest full of trees, so she wants to feel the taste of the city. Elysia smiled insidiously. She was going to do a lot of shopping today.
¡®While I¡¯m out, I¡¯ll buy some gifts for Cassian and Ryan.¡¯
She needed a couple of help from Cassian recently, so she wanted to give something back to him. As he sits across from her, she gazes at Ryan¡¯s harmless face and wonders what to buy for him.
¡°I think I will find out what Lady Elysia asked me to do in a day or two.¡±
¡°Already? That¡¯s fast.¡±
Lumiere¡¯s spirit stone was left to Ryan. She read it in the original novel, so she knew that Ryan was very quick at finding information in an illegal way.
¡°I don¡¯t think there will be any big difficulty in finding out information.¡±
Elysia did not ce a cost limit on asking for the spirit stone mined in the same ce. He was even doing investigations in addition to what she had asked as well, from finding out the list of people who bought the spirit stone, or the reason why Elysia asked him to check it out. Ryan had already investigated what happened to her in the beast subjugation.
¡°By the way, there is someone other than me who is looking into it.¡±
¡°What do you mean by that?¡±
¡°There was someone who was randomly collecting the list of purchases of the Spirit Stone.¡±
¡®What?¡¯ Elysia was nervous for a moment.
Ryan was the first person to attempt to get the original list. Normally, a copy was made by default in the business, so there was no problem with the investigation, but the original document was essential for data purposester. But, there was someone else who¡¯s also looking for it?
¡°Who would be on the list, among the imperial wizards?¡±
She asked Ryan a sharp question. The answer was Lumiere, the person Ryan was supposed to be guarding now ording to the original novel.
¡®Is this something I shouldn¡¯t ask Ryan to do?¡¯
Even so, she didn¡¯t mention anything about Lumiere because it felt like she was doing something terrible. In the original, it was Lumiere who he swore allegiance to and followed. So, Elysia was sorry to let Ryan dig into Lumiere¡¯s back. She should have expected Ryan to be doing more research on his own, but she made a mistake.
¡°You don¡¯t have to do it if it¡¯s too difficult.¡±
¡°That¡¯s not it. I just have to collect everything about Marquisate nche.¡±
¡°Okay.¡±
Ryan engraved the name Marquisate nche in his mind.
¡®Still, I don¡¯t feel sorry.¡¯
Even if Elysia went back to that moment, she would still save Ryan.
This was because his heart was portrayed so desperately after losing his sister in the original novel. So, for Ryan, Lumiere was his sister¡¯s recement.
***
She headed to thergest jeweler in the capital. Upon the news that Lady Lowell was visiting, the chief designer came to greet Elysia in person.
¡°If you had called me to the mansion, I would have gone right away! You didn¡¯t have toe here yourself.¡±
¡°It is also fun toe see everything in person. I¡¯m looking for something for men, so please get it ready.¡±
¡°You cane this way.¡±
The designer led Elysia upstairs.
Other aristocratic youngdies in the shop nced at Elysia a little since it was surprising that she was in the men¡¯s section. Following that, their attention was gathered at the knight who followed Lady Lowell.
¡°Have you seen the knight?¡±
¡°His looks are no joke. His ability is good, too. Where did she find such a knight?¡±
¡°Oh, couldn¡¯t she just take him as an escort?¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t you hear the rumors? Duke Esteban was also taken.¡±
¡°Shh. Be careful with your words. They¡¯re engaged now.¡±
¡°All the men around her are good looking.¡±
Elysia and Ryan, who were ascending up the stairs, could visibly hear the words from the youngdies. Unaware, those youngdies didn¡¯t notice that fact. Opposite to Elysia, Ryan was bothered by their words. He squeezed his fist tight.
¡°Do you have anything in mind, mydy?¡±
¡°I¡¯m thinking of seeing everything.¡±
While the designer went to pick up the goods, an employee brought out teas. Seeing Ryan¡¯s expression standing next to her, Elysia opened her mouth, wondering what was wrong.
¡°What is with your expression?¡±
¡°Are you okay, Lady Elysia?¡±
Though he didn¡¯t say it outright, she understood what he was talking about right away.
It was already expected what the scandal would say. And even if it wasn¡¯t necessarily a scandal, it was something Elysia had been hearing countless times just by her appearance, even before her rebirth. So, even though she passed on it lightly since it was something she had gone to as amon experience, Ryan didn¡¯t seem to think the same.
¡°Ryan, you¡¯ll have to get used to this in the future. They¡¯re not going to say it outright in front of us.¡±
¡°Are you going to just leave it?¡±
¡°You seemed to have been offended today, so I¡¯ll get them out.¡±
In the original, Lumiere was called a saint for both her appearance and heart, but would the people around her think the same way, too?
Elysia wondered if there were many who envied her and wished for her to fall to the bottom. She was convinced that there would have been so many people who would have rushed like wildfire if Lumiere was a little wrong.
She just ran into rumors of a love triangle in her case. She didn¡¯t even care what kind of person they were.
¡°Get the general manager.¡±
¡°Yes? I-is there anything you don¡¯t like?¡± The employee avoided Elysia¡¯s eyes with a cold sweat as the presence of the noble Lady in front of him was too powerful.
After a while, she was able to see the manager running and panting her way.
¡°I heard you called me! Maybe our designer made a mistake?¡±
She raised her body and Elysia went down to the ground floor. When Ryan looked at the boss with his eyes asking what he was doing without following her, he hurriedly followed.
Elysia said as she stared at the youngdies who were browsing the showcases on the first floor.
¡°I know this is definitely the biggest shop in the capital.¡±
¡°That¡¯s right! I can confidently say that there was no other ce that had been opened for generations just like ours. We only handle the best pieces of jewelry.¡±
This shop was famous for protecting the craftsmanship of designers. And to never overy designers.
¡°But what should you do? The customers whoe to your store aren¡¯t so educated.¡±
It was too obvious where Elysia¡¯s gaze was pointing at. After her words, all the attention of the nobles in the shop immediately turned to thedies.
The youngdies¡¯ faces turned red and green, but no one disputed Elysia. They were embarrassed to learn that she had caught a conversation they were having, and when they faced her directly, they did not have the courage to speak up.
¡°Because we¡¯re in the same space with poor mannered people, I can¡¯t see things too well.¡±
Indirectly, she was indicating for the manager to take them out.
The boss didn¡¯t think long.
Starting with her scandal that swept the capital, Elysia has proven herself a disciple of the great wizard with great prowess as well. Apart from everything, she was also Duke Lowell¡¯s daughter, and she was the future duchess. Elysia and the youngdies could not be put in the same boat.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please visit next time.¡±
Right away, the manager simply said that and ordered the employees to escort the twodies out. A while after, she could hear the head designer, who brought the goods, looking for Elysia.
Ryan saw the description of the youngdies and remembered the name of their family. When he was educated by the butler, he had to memorize the family and faces of the nobles as well, so he could recognize them at once.
¡°Ryan, let¡¯s go up. I¡¯ll look over it while drinking tea. Let¡¯s go.¡±
There was no case where the apanying knight would sit and drink tea with their master, but the manager decided not to think too much about it. All he had to do is to make sure Elysia wasfortable.
Elysia chose cufflinks for her father, her brother, and Ramote. Then, she had a light smile and nced into Ryan¡¯s eyes.
¡°Ryan, let¡¯s buy your clothes first. Show me everything you¡¯ve got, general manager.¡±
This shop also handled men¡¯s clothing on the third floor. Needless to say, she spent her money on Ryan, trying all sorts of clothes.
Shouldn¡¯t she be nicer than the original female lead? Elysia thought she would be more generous to him. ¡®No matter what you wear, it goes well with you. You are like a saint.¡¯ Ryan insisted on paying his own share, but she didn¡¯t ept it.
¡°Lady Elysia.¡±
¡°Huh?¡±
¡°I¡¯m worried that something bad might happen if you are buying me stuff like this...¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. They are just jealous of me for having you.¡± Elysia grabbed Ryan¡¯s cheek and pulled it slightly while grinning.
¡®I couldn¡¯t pick a present for Cassian. The cufflinks are too ordinary.¡¯ However, since he was her lover, it was necessary that she must get something for him.
Elysia called the employee to fill out her order.
¡°Can you make cufflinks with red diamonds here?¡±
¡°Of course.¡±
Red diamonds were rarely big, and they were rare enough to make into cuff buttons.
¡°Then, please do it with this design.¡±
Elysia wondered whether she should match it to the color of Cassian¡¯s eyes, but it seemed to be meaningless. ¡®Whenever you see a gift, don¡¯t you think of the person who gave the gift?¡¯
The red diamond cufflinks were the most valuable object she ever bought today.
The general manager once again admitted that his judgment was right.
Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Ryan headed to the first floor to call the carriage.
Something caught his gaze after he nned to go back to Elysia after asking the employee. It was Lumiere, showing off her neat appearance in a pure white dress.
¡°You have to wait a bit for the cufflinks.¡±
¡°Would it be long?¡±
¡°Someone is looking at them upstairs right now. Please wait just a moment.¡±
It seemed that she was also shopping here.
Ryan¡¯s eyes were cold. She was the person who might have endangered Elysia. Lumiere turned her head as she could feel a gaze staring toward her. The two looked at each other for a few seconds, and Lumiere first smiled and approached him.
¡°We... Have we met somewhere?¡±
¡°This is my first time seeing you.¡±
She tried hard to recall where she met him, but failed to remember it. Curious, Lumiere wanted to know.
Ryan could feel Elysiaing down from the upper floor. ¡®I can¡¯t shake her off... How annoying.¡¯ He hated that Elysia would run into Lumiere and be offended.
Ryan smiled, revealing his dimples towards Elysia.
¡®Lumiere?¡¯ Elysia looked at Ryan. She was surprised to see Lumiere behind him.
Not with the feeling that she stole Lumiere¡¯s knight, but because the two looked so good together. The appearance of Lumiere and Ryan in the original was spontaneously imagined in her mind. Thebination of the two fairies seemed to be harmful to the viewers¡¯ hearts in many ways.
¡°Lady Lowell...! I think we¡¯re really fated to meet here like this.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t know I would bump into the Lady here.¡±
As Ryan naturally moved to Elysia¡¯s side, Lumiere opened her eyes wide and looked at the two alternately.
The long golden eyshes fluttered quickly.
¡°Lady... Are you very busy?¡±
She then grabbed Elysia¡¯s hands. ¡°I was wondering if we could choose something together!¡±
¡°Something?¡±
¡°Yes, I¡¯m trying to buy cufflinks, but I¡¯m not very good at it.¡±
Lumiere had an embarrassed face and gave strength to her hand that held Elysia¡¯s hand.
Elysia¡¯s atmosphere, for a moment, became fierce, but it slowly subsided. ¡®I don¡¯t think she¡¯s going to choose something to give to Cassian.¡¯ Especially, not after the announcement of the engagement.
¡°Cufflinks... Are you giving it to your family?¡±
¡°Oh, no. That¡¯s... I want to give it to someone who has my heart.¡±
¡°If that¡¯s the case, wouldn¡¯t it be better to choose by yourself? I have a schedule next, so it may be difficult to do together.¡±
¡®No. Maybe this is good, I could use this opportunity to check things out as well.¡¯ Elysia pulled out her hand that Lumiere was holding.
What did Lumiere say to Cassian?
She struggled to sharpen her mind and told herself that nothing was certain yet.
¡°That¡¯s too bad. It can¡¯t help. It was nice to meet you, though.¡±
¡°Yes. I hope you choose a pretty one.¡±
Elysia didn¡¯t know how to define her feelings that were erupting. ¡®Well. As a reader, I guess I feel betrayed by the heroine¡¯s personality?¡¯ That may be the case.
As she left the shop, Lumiere¡¯s gaze persisted on Elysia. Following Elysia, Ryan nced behind. Ryan¡¯s eyes, staring at Lumiere, were full of hostility. Lumiere looked embarrassed at thepletely unsavory nce.
Because of Elysia¡¯s presence, he couldn¡¯t show it too much, but he acted impulsively to his desire to threaten her even the slightest.
After getting into the carriage, she asked Ryan for information about the cufflinks that Lumiere would buy.
Who would those cufflinks go to?
***
Elysia was caught by her maid, Gray, and was being nagged every day. She wanted to tell Gray that even if she had been doing skincare every day, she wouldn¡¯t notice any noticeable change.
¡®I would rather drink blood.¡¯
Will the maids retire if she treated the skin with a bit of blood? No, for some reason, it seemed that they were going to run.
¡°The wedding date hasn¡¯t been set yet.¡±
¡°Others prepare for a year, so you should do that, too! Mydy might be more attractive than you are now.¡±
As Elysia ate the fruit on her face, she saw a spark in Gray¡¯s eyes. She lowered her hand slowly, trying to get another piece.
¡°The dress sample will be avable tomorrow.¡±
¡°...Wasn¡¯t it two days ago that I asked for it?¡±
¡°Is that so? I just listened to the aides.¡± Gray tilted her head at an angle.
¡®This is crazy, this marriage is a scam.¡¯
Elysia was certain that this was a contract marriage, but why would she think this way? Everything went smoothly, as if it was a match. It was as if you could really have a wedding in a month.
¡®I think that¡¯s what¡¯s going on.¡¯
¡°Now, the two aides are staying together.¡±
At those words, Elysia shuddered. The two aides demanded toe to make this choice if they couldn¡¯t find an agreement. How often will theye to see her if they were stuck together for twenty four hours?
She wondered when would a peaceful daye?
One of the maids handed out a ss to Elysia. ¡°It¡¯s a drink that Gray has ordered.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t like it. I won¡¯t drink it.¡±
¡°Mydy, it¡¯s good for your health. Sir Ryan went to find the ingredients.¡±
¡®Why did Ryan ask to do this...¡¯ Still, there are so many things that he had been doing already. How much is Gray asking for this busy kid to do.
However, after seeing the drink that was sticking out in front of her nose, Elysia realized this wasn¡¯t the time to be worried about Ryan right now.
The mere sight of the dark liquid evoked rejection.
¡°I said I¡¯m not drinking it. This is an order.¡±
¡°...His Grace, too.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry, mydy. This is something His Grace has allowed me to do.¡±
¡®What about my father?¡¯
At Gray¡¯s nce, the maids gathered around Elysia. They were willing to grab her arms and forced her to drink if they had to.
She knew that her father was full of worries when he heard she copsed. The reason she copsed from magic depletion, which was something that was never heard from her family.
¡°Give me. Stop the massaging. I¡¯m going to drink it, so go back.¡±
¡°Mydy, you must drink all of it. You must drink it in the evening, too.¡±
¡°Yes, I see. This is difficult...¡±
¡°Drink it and grab the candy here. I¡¯ll be back in 2 hours!¡±
¡®What else are we going to do in two hours? I thought today¡¯s treatment was over.¡¯
Elysia gave a look, telling the maids to leave the room. Noticing that Gray and the maids had finally withdrawn, she thought she would take some rest. However, she spotted a maid with a drink.
¡®Was there a maid like that before?¡¯
Come to think of it. She had been told that they had recently been busy preparing for her wedding and had hired arge number of workers to work for the short term.
¡°You¡¯re not leaving?¡±
¡°W-when you finish drinking it, I was ordered to take the empty cup away.¡±
Elysia looked puzzled at the maid stuttering her words.
...Is she going to watch me drink it all?
With a small sigh, she lifted her ss and swallowed the drink. ¡®Ugh, what is this taste...?¡¯ It tasted far worse than its appearance. Her face was crumpled at the horrible taste she tasted for the first time in her life. Elysia, who had emptied it at once, handed the cup to the maid. She had a big smile on her face as she left the room.
¡°I think I should drink this and eat Cassian, not candy.¡±
The idea that she had to drink it every day made it terrible to just think about it. It seemed that Elysia had to talk to her father again.
***
¡°Ryan!¡±
Elysia, running away from the maids in her mansion, waved her hand excitedly when she found Ryan returning after going out. The tail of her mouth rises to the warm, rewarding appearance of her money well spent.
¡°Lady Elysia, I was about to go find you.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry. Are you so busy these days? It seems like the maids asked you to do something weird.¡±
¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±
Elysia led Ryan to the corner of the mansion. He followed her with a confused look.
¡°If I get caught now, they¡¯re going to squeeze my life out for five hours.¡±
She sat down on the floor, not caring if the dress was ruined or not.
¡°At least, a handkerchief...¡±
¡°What did you say? Rather than that, the ingredients you¡¯ve been looking for... what¡¯s that?¡±
¡± It¡¯s nothing. I just bought medicinal herbs that are hard to find.¡±
He then started listing the ingredients he had been looking for one by one. Elysia, who imagined something more terrible, rxed her shoulders. After exining everything he got, Ryan opened his mouth again.
¡°Lady Elysia, this is the spirit stone you mentioned.¡±
He took out a little box and lifted it up in front of her. There were two spirit stones in the box. One was Lumiere¡¯s possession, and the other was a spirit stone mined in the same ce.
Elysia tapped the box with her finger and fell into agony.
¡®He said the wizards were uncooperative.¡¯
Cassian reported that the magicians had pressed about the fact of not giving the magic samples. In addition, they also mentioned how they could not cooperate without a formal trial. If it was revealed that Lumiere did, in fact, meddle with Elysia¡¯s magic, it was difficult for the Imperial Magic Department to cooperate.
Even if Elysia thought Lumiere would respond easily and denied it wasn¡¯t her, she didn¡¯t do so.
She was convinced that it was Lumiere and had to choose whether to check through her spirit stone or hand it over to a formal trial.
¡®I should first check who she gives the cufflinks to.¡¯
It wasn¡¯t toote to decide what to do after that.
***
Elysia found a temple in the capital. In the Empire, it was customary to visit temples and pray before marriage.
¡®Customs are like losing money.¡¯
No one ever came to the temple empty-handed. Most of the nobles made donations, and themoners visited the temple with whatever that suited their circumstances.
Elysia bowed her head as she looked at the statue.
She could not sincerely pray.
No, she had so much to say.
¡®If you really exist, I have many words that I want to say. Why did you do that to me? If you have any conscience, please pay attention to calls even if it¡¯s now. Why did you make me some kind of predator? Why...?¡¯ Elysia put down her hand, which she had been gathering, weakly.
¡®What¡¯s the use of doing this while just looking at the statue?¡¯
The priest next to her nced at Elysia and gave a warm expression. The priest named Amon was said to be the priest who healed her during the carriage ident six years ago.
Elysia had a memory of him that she saw right after opening her eyes in this world.
¡°I¡¯m so happy to see you so healthy. It must be a gift from God.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
Amon led Elysia to a quiet ce inside the temple. Then, he peered around and opened his mouth with a serious face.
¡°Does the divine power still work?¡±
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
¡°Maybe the divine power you have still does not work?¡±
¡°I haven¡¯t checked it yet, so I¡¯m not certain.¡±
It was a significant problem that the divine power did not work. Since it was usually the case for those who have done forbidden things, such as messing with ck magic or calling out evil spirits.
In Elysia¡¯s case, the divine power didn¡¯t work from the beginning, and Amon knew that she had no time to be doing anything forbidden because she was lying motionless.
Thanks to that, it wasn¡¯t rted to the case mentioned above, but it was still not good for others to hear a word about this.
Fortunately, Amon was from a nursery school sponsored by the family. The secret was never leaked because the butler from the mansion brought him in since he liked his personality.
¡°Would you like to check it out now?¡±
¡°Now?¡±
¡°Yes, just a minute.¡±
She didn¡¯t really want to try it.
Even in the world before she was transmigrated, there was a saying that vampires could be wounded with silver or with holy water. Of course, it wasn¡¯t true at all.
Though it sounds a little ufortable, there is a legend in this world that sprinkling holy water on a demon or attacking it with divine power can cause injuries.
¡®I could be a demonic being here. Still, I feel bad.¡¯
¡°All right.¡±
Amon took Elysia¡¯s hand and let the divine power flow out. She once heard that when receiving the divine power, one¡¯s body feels warmer and lighter. However, it appeared as though the intangible energy was flowing out.
¡°Oh...I can¡¯t.¡±
¡®I knew it would be like this.¡¯
Still, the feeling of it being bounced off wasn¡¯t bad. Soon, Elysia was able to rationalize that the divine power was rejecting her.
¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, it may be because you received too much divine power at the time of the ident.¡±
¡°Is there such a case?¡±
¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen it, but... I¡¯m only expecting that.¡±
¡®I just don¡¯t know why...¡¯
In an awkward atmosphere with Amon, when they exchanged non-spiritual rted words, a scene from the original story came to mind.
In the second half of the work, Revos suffered a fatal injury from the Second Prince and took refuge in the temple and hid himself in a ce that sealed an ancient spellbook in the basement of the temple. The Second Prince who was pursuing him couldn¡¯t step into the ce, so Revos passed the crisis.
¡®It was said that he couldn¡¯t lift his feet because he used ck magic, right? Will I be like that...?¡¯
As the divine power did not work, it was a natural question that popped into Elysia¡¯s mind. She wondered what ancient magic is like. Of course, as a wizard, she had little to no curiosity or passion for research.
¡°Your fiance ising. I will go back first.¡±
¡°Thank you for today.¡±
¡°No. I would obviouslye to see you. Then, I will see you at the wedding.¡±
Elysia, who sent Amon back, greeted Cassian.
It was because he appeared in the ufortable atmosphere with Amon. Cassian looked at Amon¡¯s back and wrapped Elysia¡¯s waist.
¡°This is the temple.¡±
¡°So?¡±
Elysia felt like she shouldn¡¯t feel a vampiric desire in the temple, but she couldn¡¯t simply exin it to him.
¡°Are you done?¡±
Cassian nodded his head. Seeing so, she moved her steps with him, agonizing over when to visit the ce. First of all, since she did not know the way to the basement of the temple, there was no way that anyone could enter such a ce in the first ce.
¡®How do I get there? Could I just pretend to be lost and go? It would be nice to have a drawing or something.¡¯
The drawings showing the structure of the temple were ssified. Elysia didn¡¯t check if the Lowell family had it, but at least it wasn¡¯t in the library.
She had to ask her father to find out.
¡°Lady Lowell. Nice to meet you.¡±
¡°Madam, long time no see.¡±
It was Marchioness Melissa. Melissa was a family close to the Lowell family in terms of business. Since there are not so many aristocrats that Elysia was close to, it was rare for her to talk to others like this.
She was told before that Marchioness Melissa was also acquainted with Elysia¡¯s mother or the previous Duchess Lowell.
¡°I heard about your engagement. Congrattions.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
The nobles who were around, led by Marchioness Melissa, approached.
A few months ago, she would have just left the ce without saying anything, but now, she couldn¡¯t.
Her reputation will lead to Duke Esteban¡¯s.
Elysia had already heard that today is the day that people regrlye and pray at the temple, but there were more people than she expected.
¡®I should havee another day. I¡¯m so tired...¡¯
It was difficult to face several people in the building like this. It was because there were too many feelings and sounds mixed together. Fortunately, because Cassian was next to her, she could feel a little better as Elysia could focus on him.
¡®Wasit this much before the return...¡¯
¡°There is news that you are preparing for the wedding ceremony, did youe to the temple because of that?¡±
¡°Yes, that is correct.¡±
It was a sign that the wedding was imminent. Most visited the temple just before the wedding. And so, congrattions were given everywhere.
Husbands, who followed their wife and went to the temple, approached Cassian with their eyes lit.
Seeing Elysia¡¯s face, Cassian opened his mouth slowly, pulling her tightly at the waist.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m not very well.¡±
¡°Ah...the Duke¡¯s health... I see.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll talk more about it at the wedding reception.¡±
¡°Oh, yes, I¡¯ll see you at the wedding.¡±
It wasn¡¯t convincing to say that he wasn¡¯t feeling well, but they nodded as Cassian said they would talk at the wedding reception. Because it meant they were invited.
Elysia exhaled her breath, which she had been holding out from where the nobles were.
¡°You don¡¯t have to deal with it on purpose.¡±
¡°If you keep saying that, I may really do nothing.¡±
Cassian has said a lot these days that it was all right for her not to do much. If he keeps on saying that, Elysia may really think that she didn¡¯t need to.
¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m good enough to take away some paperwork.¡±
¡°...That¡¯s a little scary.¡±
Cassianughed, saying that it wasn¡¯t so bad.
Since no one else could handle the Duchess¡¯s business for her, it would be Cassian¡¯s job. The butler and Lloyd are taking care of what they can handle, but it¡¯s still a lot.
The nobles chattered as they watched the two move away.
¡°I don¡¯t know about anything else, but the Duke of Esteban seems to be in love.¡±
¡°I know. I¡¯ve never seen him smile before.¡±
¡°Heughs often, but it¡¯s a bit... bloodyughter.¡±
A nobleman who works in a department that often faces the knights nodded.
***
Elysia disliked seeing the nobles outside the temple.
She beckoned him to lower his head. Cassian expected her to say something, but she just blew a wind out of her mouth.
His hand, which was wrapped around Elysia¡¯s waist, tightened.
¡°What are you doing?¡±
¡°Just... Why are youing here?¡±
Somedies blushed their faces and chatted among themselves.
Seeing his reaction, Elysia thought it was pretty funny that she would do it one more time. After deciding so, she put her mouth to his ear.
¡°Do you... do you have any drawings or materials that show the internal structure of the temple?¡±
¡°Perhaps.¡±
It wasn¡¯t the definitive answer, but he seemed to have it for some reason.
Elysia pped her hands excitedly.
¡°You really have everything.¡±
¡°It will be quicker to find what you¡¯re missing. It¡¯s something we¡¯ve had since our predecessors.¡±
¡°That¡¯s cool. If I was normal, you¡¯re just a perfect husband in every sense.¡± She said the sentiment without much thought.
When Elysia saw the nobles moving away, she turned to the carriage with a happy expression.
¡®I can¡¯t figure out why...¡¯
Meanwhile, Cassian was saddened by the feelings that were rising up, not understanding what it was. He nced at her with a troubled face. However, Elysia didn¡¯t notice his reaction. She appeared to be worrying about something else.
¡°But, why did you ask that?¡±
¡°Well... I wanted to check out something.¡±
¡°Somehow, I think I shouldn¡¯t show it to you for some reason.¡±
Tsk. Elysia wasn¡¯t pleased with his answer and clicked her tongue. It seemed that she had to look for it once more at Lowell¡¯s mansion.
¡°What are you going to do?¡±
¡°If you¡¯re curious, then show it to me. Well, I¡¯ll see youter.¡± Smirking, she turned her head and climbed into her carriage.
Cassian beckoned to the coachman standing behind him to follow, as he got into the Duchy of Lowell¡¯s carriage. She nced around confusingly as she watched him ride on her carriage. No matter how much she looked at it, this was her carriage.
¡°Let¡¯s go to my house.¡±
¡°You want to show me now?¡±
¡°If you tell me what this is all about.¡±
¡®He really has to check it right away what I¡¯m asking you for? He doesn¡¯t need to take the time to figure it out?¡¯
Elysia moved to the seat next to him and spoke with a small voice in his ear, even though they were the only two people in the carriage.
¡®Is she doing this on purpose?¡¯ Cassian thought so as she had been whispering in his ear many times today.
¡°I¡¯m going to go to the basement of the temple.¡±
¡°Basement? Do you want to see the ancient spellbook?¡±
As she ced her finger on his lips, Elysia nced at him to speak quietly.
It seemed that Cassian also knew what was in the basement of the temple. Although some were saying that it was nothing, others would say that there were just materials down there.
Heughed, grabbing Elysia¡¯s finger andying it down.
¡°So, no one can enter there?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right. Pdins are guarding them.¡±
She can¡¯t believe the pdins are guarding the entrance. In the original novel, there was no story of pdins. Suddenly, her strength fell on the unexpected barrier. It seems that sneaking in or secretly entering is only possible in the novel.
Cassian tangled Elysia¡¯s hair around his fingers and blinked his eyesnguidly. ¡°You want me to let you in?¡±
¡°What? Can you get me in and out of there?¡±
Is it possible to get separate ess permits or something? She wondered if there was such a system in the temple.
¡°No, it¡¯s an off-limits area.¡±
¡°But how do I get in?¡±
¡®Are you making fun of me now?¡¯ Elysia pouted her lips for a moment without knowing it.
¡°We have to sneak in.¡±
Surprised, she had never thought such words woulde out of his mouth. ¡®Really... Sometimes, he just does what he wants to, huh?¡¯
Thinking about it now, Elysia realized that Cassian¡¯s image was an upright and respectable knight. Though when she thought about it again, there was a little distance from that kind of image.
Shouldn¡¯t this kind of man y the protagonist or a sexy eminence grise?*
Elysia grabbed his hand that was touching her hair.
¡°I like it when you do this.¡±
Fondling with his hand, she leanedfortably against the carriage.
Seeing no reaction, Elysia turned her head to look at Cassian, whose face was stiff. She knew that a brazen response woulde back.
Elysia opened her mouth, still stroking the back of his hand.
¡°What¡¯s wrong with you suddenly? Was it because of my way of speaking? Did it make you feel bad?¡±
¡°No.¡±
¡®Is that so?¡¯
The air in the carriage seemed heavy.
Elysia contemted what was wrong and tried to move away her hand, though Cassian gave strength again and tightened the grip on her hand.
He doesn¡¯t know why he keeps feeling this way, but he didn¡¯t want to let go of her hand.
Chapter 32
Chapter 32
After arriving at Cassian¡¯s mansion, she sent an employee to her mansion to inform that she would be a littlete. Since her father would have a light in his eyes every night whenever she stayed outte.
She had even been told to go home early because of the curfew.
¡®I have to check it quickly and go home early.¡¯
Elysia stared at the culprit who caused this situation in the first ce.
¡°I¡¯m not allowed to stay overnight.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t know that.¡±
¡°As soon as I came back from subjugation, I stayed overnight thanks to someone.¡±
¡°To say that, you also liked it...¡±
As she felt the employees¡¯ attention, Elysia covered his mouth and shouted at him with a gentle voice.
She med herself for bringing it up first.
¡°Can you just talk about that in the bedroom? No, actually, just don¡¯t.¡±
Come to think of it, she had a way to enter the mansion. After pretending to be asleep, she could just use the ring. Thinking so, She thought that could be an option if there was a hassle on days when she had to go inte.
After arriving at his bedroom, Elysia naturally paused as shey down on his bed.
It had been more than a few times she came to Cassian¡¯s bedroom that it became sofortable.
¡®Well, it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been out, so I just wanted to lie down...¡¯
She nced over her own dress and shocked her head lightly, worried about lying down while using the cleansing magic to clean herself first.
¡®Let¡¯s just lie on the sofa, then.¡¯
As Elysia turned to the sofa, aughing voice was heard from behind her.
¡°Why, just befortable.¡±
It seemed that her thoughts had been discovered. She turned to the sofa, hiding a look of disapproval.
Lloyd¡¯s voice was heard with a knock as Cassian went to change his clothes. And although she wasn¡¯t even the owner of the room, Elysia told him to enter.
¡°It¡¯s been a while, Lloyd.¡±
¡°Mad..dy. His Excellency asked me toe.¡±
¡°Is it the drawing? You can give it to me.¡±
Lloyd handed over the drawings and turned around to uncover them. Suddenly, his eyes twinkled. Curious, Elysia was wondering why as she approached Lloyd.
¡°Why?¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t the wedding date postponed?¡±
¡°We didn¡¯t have that kind of conversation.¡±
In fact, Elysia had no intention of postponing the wedding at all, even though the preparation part felt quite challenging.
Besides, the maids wouldn¡¯t postpone preparing it just because the date was dyed. Others would be ridiculed for how they managed to do that every day for a year.
¡°A monthter is still definitely early.¡±
¡°That¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it? Because the date of the wedding is scheduled to be released tomorrow.¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Cassian appeared behind her as Lloyd was about to shed tears of emotions. He frowned lightly. ¡°What did you do?¡±
¡°Heuk, Your Excellency.¡±
She left Lloyd behind and pushed him into the room. If it were Cassian, he would have heard it all. Elysia, who was going to talk about the date, remembered what she was holding in her hand, and headed to the table instead.
A strange excitement and anticipation stood in her red eyes.
Even though she had already experienced that she is different from the whole world, she is somewhat excited to hear that it¡¯s ancient magic. She had once heard Ramote talking about ancient magic, but Elysia didn¡¯t really remember what he was saying.
Lloyd has long been forgotten.
¡°Is it here?¡±
Cassian stretched his arms behind Elysia and pointed to one side of the blueprint. ¡°No, here.¡±
¡°When are we going? At dawn?¡±
¡°Well. If you want to go, it doesn¡¯t matter if we go now.¡±
Cassian knew in detail how the temple worked, even down to when the pdins have shift changes. It was because he had previously tried to look for a relic, though he didn¡¯t tell Elysia that far.
¡®Hmm. I think it will be tougher if we go at night.¡¯
Elysia spoke as she turned her body, Cassian¡¯s chest was right in front of her nose. As she lifted her head, she saw a face that was already gazing at her.
¡®No. I may not be able to go to the temple.¡¯
Ponder intensely, she brought her torso towards the table, crossing her arms to cover her body.
¡°I haven¡¯t done anything yet.¡±
¡°...I know.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t know you were looking forward to it like this.¡± Cassian leaned over her, cing his hands on either side of her.
It was embarrassing since she had been lost in thoughts with all the temple stuff, so she covered her face with her hand.
He bit her body gently, then kissing her lightly on the back of the hand that was covering her face.
¡°Uh...¡±
¡°Why? More?¡±
¡°No.¡±
Feeling as though she had a fever, Elysia fanned her hands towards her face quickly. ¡®What just happened...? Why do we seem like lovers?¡¯ Because they were giving and receiving skinships and the light touches increased, so the thought suddenly raised in her head.
Cassian faced Elysia, who had finally gone through all of the drawings, and asked.
¡°Shall we go then?¡±
¡°All right.¡±
***
At the back of the temple stood an ordinary carriage without a crest.
Elysia, who got off the carriage, walked around and stretched.
Since she was wearing a robe, which was handed over by Cassian, the dress she was wearing was covered and only half of her face was exposed. As she strode on the robe, the hem of the robe kept getting into her eyes, so Elysia had to use her hand to put it back repeatedly.
¡°Why am I like this when you are revealing yourself?¡±
¡°Your silver hair stands out too much.¡±
¡°If you put it like that, then you have to cover your face first.¡±
¡°Thank you for the praise.¡±
It was nasty for him to admit it inly like that, but in fact, it was true, so there was no reason for Elysia to refute it.
¡®Where are we going?¡¯ All she could see was the wall of the temple. After a moment, Cassian grabbed Elysia¡¯s shoulder softly from behind and turned her the other way.
¡°This way.¡±
As they walked in for a while, she saw a part where the wall was slightly lowered. Of course, it wasn¡¯t significantly low. Looking closely at it, it should be over three times her height.
He paused in front of the wall.
¡°No way?¡±
¡°Right.¡±
¡°Is The Duke crossing over the wall?¡±
Elysia was wondering if there was a secret passage or something like a side door hidden. Then, he spoke as if he had read her thoughts.
¡°The side door and the secret passage are opened only with divine power. If you destroy the magic, an emergency bell will sound. The simplest method is the safest method.¡±
¡°...Ah, yes. That¡¯s true.¡±
She nodded her head agreeingly, and stood next to Cassian while staring up at the wall.
¡°Can you go over there then?¡±
¡°No.¡±
¡°...?¡±
Cassian pulled a dagger out of his arms and threw it to the wall at about medium height. Elysia blinked her eyes, looking at the dagger neatly embedded in the wall.
¡®Simple and...an ignorant method.¡¯
¡°Excuse me.¡± He said as he carried Elysia on his shoulder and crossed the wall with the dagger as support.
In an instant, the scenery changed into the inside of the temple.
¡°If you enter through the main gate of the temple, you won¡¯t be able to enter this way. So, you have toe through the back door no matter what.¡±
Even though she was looking at the drawings with him as well, why didn¡¯t she know this?
Elysia raised her thumb at him.
¡°I can¡¯t do anything without you now.¡±
As she crept her body to the corner of the building, she kept adding praising words of how great Cassian was.
Since Elysia had identified the location of the temple building, she knew which direction to go, so she tried to take a step forward, but her shoulder was caught from behind.
¡°Wait.¡±
At his words, she stopped right away because she had no pretensions, and Cassian could sense things a lot faster than herself sometimes.
After a while, she felt a sensation herself as well after passing a few buildings and stopped at the fountain.
¡°There you go.¡± Cassian whispered into her ear.
Her nape was tickling as he whispered in a position that almost hugged her from behind.
¡®Oh, why are you doing this again. Good idea...A good idea.¡¯
The space where they hid their body was so tight that they had no choice to be so close with each other. Elysia listened to Cassian¡¯s words which calmed her heart eagerly.
¡°Are you listening?¡±
¡°Uh, that... yes. That door over there?¡±
¡°You didn¡¯t hear me?¡±
There was a fountain in the direction he was pointing, and a pdin was seen guarding a certain door a little further away. Cassian mentioned that they had to go to the fountain, which was not in front of the gate guarded by the pdin.
¡°It¡¯s time for them to change the shift soon.¡±
¡°We just need to hide with magic...¡±
¡°But, the emergency bell will ring.¡±
She immediately nodded her head.
Elysia felt as though she couldn¡¯t talk anymore since she might reveal her fangs in the lower temple.
Fortunately, soon, she could see the pdins leaving their ce.
¡°Come.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Cassian picked up Elysia again and headed to the fountain. It was as swiftly as if she was running at full speed.
When she asked why he was going this way again, Cassian stepped on the rim of the fountain and the statue once, and headed towards the back of the fountain.
In Elysia¡¯s sight, she saw the appearance of pdins approaching from afar. If they had moved separately, it seemed that they would have been discovered.
His quick judgment amidst the situation made her admiratione out again.
¡®He¡¯s good.¡¯
She felt as if she had to express it out loud.
***
There was a staircase going down the back of the fountain.
To be precise, the space on which she was standing could also be seen from the inside of the fountain.
¡®Well, who made it so crude.¡¯
It seemed to have an illusion spell on it. However, seeing that it was visible only to people above a certain level, it didn¡¯t seem like a high level of magic.
Did Revos know all this and escaped this way? It was amazing because there was no description mentioned of himing his way here in the novel.
¡®...How did the Second Prince pursue him here again?¡¯
Cassian first stepped his foot down slowly and reached out his hand.
¡®He knows I can see well enough even in the dark.¡¯
Smiling, Elysia took his hand. As she went down the stairs, there were several passages. She eagerly thought of the drawings and determined the direction.
¡°That way.¡±
The direction she thought was right.
Perhaps because she had been getting all the help from Cassian, a sense of triumph rises in her heart in a strange way. She let him follow her quietly while pondering if it would be all right if she came here alone.
The achromatic space was connected like a maze.
¡®My God... Surely, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to enter this alone.¡¯
Then, how will Cassian think of her like that?
¡®Why would he think about it, anyways?¡¯ While rebuking herself, the color of the surrounding space changed.
¡°Wow...¡±
The door before her had an enormous size.
On the door, the image of the goddess seen in the prayer room was carved. Elysia¡¯s mouth widened to the pressure she felt from the entrance.
She questioned, ring at the door. ¡°Are there no devices here?¡±
There wasn¡¯t even a trace of simple magic.
With a sudden thought, she passed Cassian and approached the door. The carving on the door was crossed by two goddesses holding spears. Under the spears was a beast with a tail.
She remembered the part that said ¡®drops of blood from Revos¡¯ wound seeped into the demon¡¯s eyes and opened the door.¡¯
It didn¡¯t look like a demon at all.
Maybe it¡¯s a lion... no, a big cat...is it?
Moments after, Elysia cut a wound by biting the tip of her finger with her fangs.
It was said that the door would open, unless it¡¯s someone who broke the rules or the demon.
Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Elysia ced her finger on the eyes of the sculpture. She could see the drops of blood dripping and seeping in slowly.
¡°How did you know this?¡±
¡°I heard from an Old Man.¡±
When she saw the door had no response, anxiety rushed into her.
As she frowned on whether she should have asked Cassian to do so instead, he pushed the door with his hand. Maybe the door didn¡¯t open by itself, but had to be pushed?
Contrary to the fear that was building inside her heart, nothing happened while she got inside.
The inside was abination of the prayer room and the altar of the temple. Unknown letters were densely engraved on the wall.
¡®Is it magical?¡¯
It didn¡¯t seem like simple letters.
Striding towards the center, Elysia could see an old book on the altar.
¡°...I¡¯m just here to see this?¡±
The book didn¡¯t even contain ancientnguages, just the legends in the country¡¯snguage. It was all about ck magic. Unlike her, whose gaze was on the book, Cassian seemed to be looking for something, as he was constantly ncing around.
¡°What are you doing?¡±
¡°I heard that there is a relic here.¡±
He came here with her for a reason.
Elysia leaned over her body on a statue next to her with a grim look. It was the same beast as the one carved on the door.
¡°No matter how you look at it, it¡¯s obviously a cat.¡±
With her hand, she stroked the face of the statue. Its eyes were raised up, giving a ferocious impression.
She tapped the head of the statue idly and waited for Cassian to turn around.
His face contained a surprised expression, gazing at her.
¡°Come this way...¡±
¡°Why?¡±
Suddenly, Cassian hurriedly pulled Elysia.
At the same time, there was a loud roar. There was a ck cat in the ce where she was standing. The floor on which the big cat was standing got dented, but not enough to shatter.
¡°I didn¡¯t do anything... oh, no way.¡±
Arge, unknown thing continued to rush towards them, and the floor was dented at every step.
¡°Let¡¯s go out.¡±
¡°You¡¯re just going to leave like that?¡±
Elysia began to get annoyed.
As they kept avoiding it, she seemed to realize who the cat was aiming for.
Cassian was standing as if blocking her, but she moved past him and went in front. It was also rather bothersome that the divine power doesn¡¯t work here, so they couldn¡¯t evenmunicate with each other. Since it was only aiming at her, Elysia felt worse.
The cat looked scary because it had the shape of a beast, but it wasn¡¯t magical. It just looked strong.
¡°What are you doing...!¡±
Instead of avoiding the oing cat, Elysia rushed in.
An attempt to snatch her neck failed, they got entangled and rolled on the floor.
¡°...?¡±
The big cat rolled its body over Elysia¡¯s body.
Cassian exhaled his breath and unfastened the button on her shirt to release the cat. The purple eyes glowed sharply and stared at Elysia.
¡°Please. Give me a heads up beforehand, and move.¡±
¡°Uh... I¡¯m sorry. Stop getting mad. But this isn¡¯t the devil, is it?¡±
It didn¡¯t seem like an illusion magic.
¡°The devil? What are you talking about.¡±
¡°It¡¯s the same as the one on the door.¡±
¡°You¡¯re wrong.¡±
ording to Cassian¡¯s exnation, the cat¡¯s eye color is the same as the devil¡¯s, so it is sometimes called ¡®the devil¡¯s eye.¡¯ Though it was not a demon, but a guardian who sensed ck magic.
Elysia frowned her eyebrows, ncing at the purple eyes.
¡®Ah, it¡¯s heavy.¡¯
As she frowned and pushed the cat down, its strength was no joke. The more the cat pushed, the more hurt she was.
¡°There¡¯s room for something much bigger than you. Get out of the way.¡±
¡°Kyaang.¡±
¡°What Kyaang? Why don¡¯t you help me? It¡¯s very heavy.¡±
Hearing her words, Cassian grabbed the cat¡¯s neck.
She was confused about whether he was holding it or the cat was standing because it was the size of his height. Though it seemed that Cassian was holding the cat, judging from its drooping shape.
¡°It doesn¡¯t look like we could just run away like this.¡±
***
As they were taken to the temple while being surrounded by pdins.
Cassian sighed. ¡°I think it¡¯s following you.¡±
¡°I can see it, too.¡±
The cat did not fall from her.
From a distance, she saw Amon running and panting. Elysia¡¯s eyebrows wriggled. Seeing Amon here meant that her father would soon know about the situation as well.
¡°Nyaang.¡±
When the cat rubbed its face once on her leg, Elysia¡¯s body wobbled. Cassian continued to support and hugged her, though the cat would just run up and went berserk so he had to put her back down.
Thanks to that, if she were staggering while walking, he would repeatedly support her.
A vein sprung up on her forehead.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. Getting stabbed in the side.¡±
¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m used to it.¡±
There was no day to be quiet around Elysia. Cassian red at the cat as he supported her staggering body.
¡°Lady Elysia! What is this?¡±
¡°...Haha, Amon. That¡¯s...¡±
Because she couldn¡¯t possibly say that she had been hiding because she wanted to see some ancient spellbooks, so Elysia just smiled awkwardly.
Even after entering the temple, the ce they had walked towards for a while was like arge conference room. There were round tables and chairs.
At the top of the conference room, Arbel, the High Priest, sat waiting for them.
The High Priest was a middle-aged man with a kind impression. She had seen it only once at a banquet held at the temple.
¡°Hoho. Duke and Lady, nice to meet you.¡±
¡°Long time no see.¡±
Cassian seemed to have already known the High Priest.
The Pdins went out, and Cassian and Elysia sat down. She thought Amon was going to be with her, but he followed the pdins.
The problem was that the guardian cat was causing a fuss, wanting to sit on her legs. The cat that broke one of the chairs, made Elysia sit up on the round table with tears on her face.
¡°I can just stand.¡±
¡°No, don¡¯t mind it.¡±
The High Priestughed as she couldn¡¯t keep standing and kept on stumbling. The table was filled as the caty with its face on Elysia¡¯s legs. It looked like a cat for sure now.
¡°Can I ask for a detailed exnation of what happened?¡±
¡°I just stroked the statue, and it turned out like this.¡±
The High Priest wasn¡¯t interested in how they got in. To be honest, he was wondering how the cat came out.
¡°In fact, I knew for the first time today that an existence called a tomb guardian exists. It used to be just a legend.¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t it in the records of the temple?¡±
¡°No. There is a record, but rather, humans cannot control tomb guardians.¡±
A quiet silence circled at the words of the High Priest.
Elysia bit her mouth. It was because she is not a human, and Cassian, on the other hand, could not open his mouth because he knew that she was not ordinary.
Sheughed awkwardly. ¡°Haha, that¡¯s... weird.¡±
¡°I heard the situation of the Lady from Amon. He said that the divine power does not work on you.¡±
Cassian raised his eyebrows at this newly learned fact.
Even so, he opened his mouth with a fierce manner toward the High Priest.
¡°High Priest. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s something that you can just put out of your mouth like that. I don¡¯t think your mouth should be so light anywhere else.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no way I would. Since the two of you are getting married, I was able to just said itfortably.¡±
Cassian was threatening the High Priest by raising his voice at him, even though he was the one who had sneaked into the temple himself.
Elysia opened her mouth after a while.
¡°What is the connection between myck of divine power and the tomb guardian?¡±
¡°It seems to be returning alive from the threshold of death, at least that¡¯s my thoughts.¡±
¡®It¡¯s not rted at all, right? Just say you don¡¯t know if you don¡¯t...¡¯
Elysia narrowed her eyes at the High Priest. Cassian also seemed to have the same idea.
As he listened to the High Priest¡¯s words a bit more, he decided to say the amount of money for the temple. Contrary to his light tone, the content was the amount that would be more than enough to build five or six temples.
¡°Then, we¡¯re leaving.¡±
He gave a promise so they could get out of there quickly. Elysia clicked her tongue and opened her mouth to the feeling of the weight, as she tried to raise her body.
¡°What about this one?¡±
¡°You have to leave it behind.¡± He replied without any hesitation.
¡°Kyaaang!¡±
The cat, who was quietly closing its eyes, cried fiercely toward Cassian, like it could understand his words.
Elysia frowned at the weight of the cat.
¡°You can take it with you. However, if you know anything, please share it with us. Of course, you have to keep its identity quiet.¡±
She replied with a resolute face.
¡°I can¡¯t take it with me.¡±
¡°As far as I know, tomb guardians only follow one owner.¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t you say you don¡¯t know anything, except that humans can¡¯t control it?¡±
¡°It was a saying in the data rted to ck magic, not the record of the temple.¡±
¡®I can smell it. The smell of a con-man.¡¯ Elysia peered at the High Priest with eyes of disbelief. Yet he justughed as if he was gracious.
¡°Ah!¡±
Out of nowhere, the cat suddenly bit her finger.
¡®Ah, really. You do really think you¡¯re a cat now?¡¯
For a short time, Elysia frowned her forehead at the pain that pierced her finger. The inside of her wrist tingled. Cassian immediately removed the cat and put her off the table.
¡®My precious blood...¡¯
She could feel the cat drinking the blood.
Last time in Jericho mountains, she bled from a strange monster, and this time, it was a cat...
Her face was dumbfounded. ¡°Hoo- This again.¡±
As Cassian observed her fingers and inside her wrist thoroughly, he could see that on the inside of her wrist, a strange red pattern was engraved. It was so light that it could only be seen when viewed up close.
¡°...Oh, God.¡±
Seeing Cassian, Elysia thought. ¡®Mister, talk about that somewhere else.¡¯ It was clear that he called out God without knowing it.
As proof of the spur of the moment, there was no word from the High Priest, too.
Cassian called him in a cold voice.
¡°High Priest.¡±
¡°Hmm. We¡¯ll try to figure out more about the patterns on our side as well.¡±
Seeing the situation, Elysia was contemting in her head whether she had to call Ramote to clear the situation.
The hand that touched the statue was also the hand that had the wound, which was also on the same hand as the finger that the cat bit before the pattern was formed.
Both of them seemed to be rted to her blood.
It seemed that she had to consult with Ramote after this.
However, no matter how cute it is, how could she take a cat who is so big and ignorant that runs around and even bites her.
¡°Nyaang.¡±
The cat jumped from the table and jumped into Elysia¡¯s arms.
Though, it was in a smaller shape.
***
Elysia was dragged back to her house by her father, who had reached the temple. On the way back, she was sweating away from soothing her angry father, who kept saying, ¡®do you know how surprised I was?¡¯
¡°Should I name it?¡±
¡°Nyan!¡±
¡°How about Der? Um. I think I should cover the color of your eyes first.¡±
She engraved magic on a little magic stone that she had the next day, turning the cat¡¯s eyes red like herself.
Elysia had also bought a chain and ordered a ne from the shop she normally buys jewelry to hang around Der¡¯s neck. It was because she wanted to send the magic stone to entrust it, so she didn¡¯t want to hide the color of its eyes.
She didn¡¯t forget to send Ramote the pattern and ask him to find out.
¡®I don¡¯t think it¡¯s as bad as it is.¡¯
Even though Elysia doesn¡¯t know if this cat is a real guardian cat, it might have helped if it properly sensed ck magic.
At least, as long as she has this cat, she could be said to be one step away from the ck magic incident of the Second Prince.
Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Elysia spent the whole day waiting at her mansion for Cassian the next day. Since she was somewhat banned from going out, he decided to visit instead.
As the amount of time in her mansion increased, the amount of time she was held back by the maids also naturally increased. Though fortunately, since a guest ising today, she was able to get away from the hands of the maids.
¡®Should I tell him toe every day?¡¯
The guest was her fianc¨¦, so the maids rushed over to get her dressed. Though Elysia barely managed to shake them off, lying telling them that Cassian might have arrived now.
She idly stroked Der, sitting on herp.
¡°I want to do nothing.¡±
Elysia sighed as she peered at the box that was ced on her table. Even after the subjugation, Lumiere never met Revos. Is this really the end of the rtionship between the two main characters?
¡®Is it because she thought I love Revos and just pretended to approach Cassian?¡¯
Now that she is preparing for marriage, Lumiere¡¯s thoughts must have changed as well. So, who did she give the cufflinks to...?
At least, she hoped Lumiere wasn¡¯t crazy enough to give it to a man who was getting ready for his wedding.
¡°Mydy, I brought a drink.¡±
¡°Come in.¡±
After she replied, Elysia raised her body that was lying on the bed. There was still that drink that she needed to consume, showing off its awful dignity. Still, she knows that drinking it all at once would be less painful, so she just silently epted the cup.
¡®...Hmm?¡¯
There was a slight annoyance in her sense of smell.
It wasn¡¯t the scent she wanted to remember, but it was so shocking that she remembered it exactly. However, it smelled oddly different from what she drank yesterday.
¡®I can¡¯t believe they added more...¡¯
Annoyed, she looked away and nced at the maid waiting in the distance for her to empty the cup.
Even though she couldn¡¯t erase the feeling of something strange, Elysia first held the ss to her mouth. Then, she saw the maid¡¯s expressions and seemed relieved. Seeing so, she corrected the thoughts of taking a sip into her mouth while the sleeping Der cried and put its nails on her.
Meanwhile, Elysia¡¯s gaze never fell from the maid.
¡°Nyaang!¡±
¡°Der, stay still.¡±
What she had already swallowed felt biting. Curious, she was confused and put her mouth onto the drink again. But Der lifted its nails and scratched her arm that was holding the cup, again.
¡®Wait... Is Der detecting ck magic?¡¯
Elysia put her doubts on Der aside for a moment and turned her gaze back to the maid.
¡°You,e here.¡±
¡°...Yes?¡±
¡°No, actually, I¡¯ll go there.¡±
She raised her body while holding the cup and turned to the maid, who was sweating profusely. Elysia pushed the cup in front of her to the maid.
¡°Drink.¡±
¡°This is a drink made for thedy. How can I...¡± The maid responded calmly, hiding her agitation as much as possible.
Elysia moved closer to the maid.
¡°Drink it.¡±
The maid¡¯s eyes shook violently. Elysia could see her hand trembling, holding onto the hem of her skirt tightly.
That made it clear, this drink contained poison.
From the feeling of something slowly spreading through her body, it seemed that it was not the kind of poison that was immediately effective.
It seemed that it was fortunate that she was a vampire at times like this since it feels like her body is trying to heal itself when something is wrong.
The maid fell on the floor.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry, Lady. Please spare me.¡±
¡°Of course, you¡¯re going to live. Well, depending on the answer you¡¯ll give.¡±
With my words, the maid trembled her body and raised her head. It was such a flimsy approach. If she was normal, it was unpredictable.
The maid started uttering her words.
¡°My father is sick... and it costs a lot to treat. B-but, it¡¯s not life-threatening...¡±
Well, I didn¡¯t think the poison would take effect immediately because it was not life-threatening. ¡®It¡¯s a real predictable development.¡¯
Indeed, it was the easiest to use.
It seemed true that there was no harm to life. Although the poison continued to spread, it was different from when she sucked Ryan¡¯s poison.
¡°Who did it?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know. A man in a robe came and told me to enter Lowell¡¯s mansion as a maid.¡±
It wasn¡¯t a face that lied. The maid continued her words on the subject she had all caught. So, Elysia thought that whoever it is, they wanted her to live with the unknown poison. After the confession, she left the maid behind and pulled a fluttering rope.
Momentster, Gray came into her room, surprised to see the maid lying t on her face.
¡°Call Ryan.¡±
¡°...Yes!¡±
Gray peered at Elysia. It felt like she wanted to ask what was going on, but she soon turned around and left the room hurriedly.
After confirming that Gray was gone, she approached the maid and leaned over her. The slender fingers grabbed the maid¡¯s chin and lifted it up lightly.
The maid¡¯s pupil, who met Elysia¡¯s eyes, was shaking.
¡°Who else knows?¡±
¡°No one knows...¡±
¡°I already told you, everything you know, tell me, because it will save you.¡±
¡°Huh...After thedy drinks... Leave a mark...¡±
It seemed that Elysia¡¯s energy was overwhelming that the maid started to cry and sobbed. There was a sense of fear in her eyes.
She could feel that someone was approaching the room. Following Ryan, Gray entered the room with him.
¡°Did you call me, Lady Elysia?¡±
¡°Gray, step back. Don¡¯t let anyone go on the second floor.¡±
¡°...Yes.¡±
As Ryan was trying to figure out the situation, he saw the maid who was lying on the floor. Elysia started exining why she called him in a calm voice.
¡°The drink is poisoned.¡±
¡°Are you all right?!¡±
Ryan ran and grabbed Elysia¡¯s arm with a surprised face. She held his hand and nodded her head reassuringly. After he was certain that she was okay, Ryan stared at the maid and approached her. ¡°Excuse me for a moment.¡±
He pulled up one of the maid¡¯s arms and rummaged through. Realizing she couldn¡¯t ovee her ugly fate and she cried.
Finally, he caught something in his hand.
¡°I think I found it.¡±
What Ryan brought out was a small ss bottle, which seemed to be a bottle into which she had put the poison.
¡°Lock her up and call the doctor.¡±
With all the constant cries from the maid, Elysia was annoyed. As she raised her magic with a wave of her hand, the maid fell asleep as if fainting.
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Stay with the doctor until you can figure something out.¡±
¡°I will be as fast as I can.¡±
Saying so, Ryan left the room, turning with the maid.
He escaped the gaze of other employees and headed for a prison in the basement of the mansion.
Just as Elysia was safe when she sucked out his poison, he thought it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal this time as well. Still, even if he thought so, Ryan couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious.
.
***
About an hour has passed since Elysia drank the poison. Hearing someonee running to the room, she thought someone had found out what the poison was.
¡°Lady!¡±
The doctor who entered the room with Ryan was empty-handed. Seeing so, raised her mouth and squeezed her chin.
¡°So, what poison is it?¡±
¡°It is...¡±
Elysia, frustrated by the appearance of the trembling mouth, gazed at Ryan. Though he struggled to find hisposure by her casual appearance. ¡®Maybe she¡¯s okay...?¡¯
¡°Just tell me.¡±
¡°It is a drug that causes infertility... even in very small amounts.¡±
¡°What about an antidote?¡±
The attending doctor bit his mouth firmly.
Since Ryan was still by the doctor¡¯s side, no information must have leaked out. So, if she only erased the memory of the doctor, no one in the mansion would know of this incident except for Ryan and the maid.
Elysia raised her body and approached the doctor.
The red eyes gazing at the attending physician exuded a strange energy. The attending doctor felt a suffocation choking him intensely and swallowed his dry saliva.
¡°After a nap, you¡¯ll forget it all.¡±
As Elysia stretched her lips, she had a cynicalugh. The middle-aged man, who was staring at Elysia nkly, fell to the floor seconds after.
It was the first time Ryan had ever seen her use her ability, so he stood there nkly, blinking his eyes. Although he didn¡¯t feel the use of magic power, he just thought it was magic.
¡°Ryan, take him to the doctor¡¯s room. Take the medicine in the room, too.¡±
¡°Yes, but Lady Elysia...¡±
Ryan hesitated, unlike himself. The aftermath of the word infertility was great.
¡°It¡¯s okay. Get going quickly.¡±
Elysia tapped her finger on the table and immersed herself in thoughts.
Not for her life, but infertility...? This even happened while preparing for her marriage. It seemed that it was somebody trying to prevent the two Duchies from being united. Maybe, it was somebody who was against Cassian.
If she had been an ordinary human, she would definitely have drunk it all.
¡®...Infertility, huh?¡¯
It wasn¡¯t a body that could conceive anyway. Because of the toxicity in her body, Elysia could not have a human child. Since that was only the case for humans. Pregnancy was possible between two humans.
¡®It¡¯s because I¡¯m not one.¡¯
Elysia frowned, realizing that her abdomen was getting cold. She seemed to be recovering slower than she thought.
¡®Still, originally, this body was a human¡¯s body...¡¯
When she ingested these poisons, Elysia wasn¡¯t certain that she would recover cleanly. Unlike aplete vampire, the heart in this body beats.
In a world without vampires, she wondered what good she would be?
¡°Lady Elysia.¡±
Elysia, sitting on the bed, beckoned to Ryan toe closer. There were still clear worries visible on Ryan¡¯s face.
¡°You have to help me out.¡±
¡°Tell me anything.¡± He replied swiftly.
Elysia smiled at the approaching Ryan, saying that she had done it once, so he would be fine. Even though she would like to wait for Cassian, she couldn¡¯t because of the pain she felt in her abdomen.
¡°Ah...¡±
As she grabbed him and put him down on her bed, Ryan realized what she was going to do. His face turned bright red.
After taking off the jacket he was wearing, Elysia, who was looking around the hem, frowned. It was because Ryan was wearing the Knights of Lowell¡¯s uniform, which was covering his whole neck.
Although she could bite him somewhere other than the nape of the neck, the neck was perfect to finish with only one bite. And the problem was, there was no button.
¡°Ryan.¡±
¡°...Should I take it off?¡±
Elysia nodded her head.
¡°H, hmm.¡±
At first, he took off his clothes slowly, though after he grasped that they were in a hurry, he sped up his actions. Knowing that Elysia was just trying to drink his blood because of the poison, he could help but blushed his face. Ryan felt pathetic.
Seeing so, she giggled as she watched the man¡¯s face change from moment to moment. He quickly opened his mouth as he felt a fever rising up to his ears.
¡°I¡¯m not having a strange mind.¡±
¡°I know. Don¡¯t mind it.¡±
She patted Ryan¡¯s shoulder, who had taken off his clothes and sat upright, ncing at her nervously.
The heat from Ryan¡¯s body was transmitted through her hands.
¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m eating you.¡±
¡°...Yes.¡±
¡°I won¡¯t hurt you.¡±
¡®That¡¯s not it. Does it usually hurt?¡¯ Pondering the matter, Elysia tilted her head and paused. She then sighed, thinking that it was like a word to reassure an inexperienced lover.
Eventually, she ced her hands on Ryan¡¯s shoulders with a gentle touch, turning his head to the side.
Ryan¡¯s body tightened.
¡°Ryan. Rx.¡±
¡°Oh, I apologize.¡±
Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Ryan could feel a sensation in his ear, whispering that he didn¡¯t have to be sorry. Elysia slowly bowed her head and buried her lips on the back of his neck as his hand squeezed the bed sheet to the sensation of a sharp thing breaking through his body.
Felt as though a groan might escape out of his mouth, Ryan stiffened his chin. A feeling that was iparable to the day he first met Elysia hit him instantaneously.
¡°Ugh...¡±
At that time, it was less because he was suffering from poison.
Ryan, who wasn¡¯t able to stand the peculiar sensations spreading all over his body, starting from the nape of his neck, let go of the sheet and grabbed Elysia¡¯s waist. Touching her body, he was surprised and tried to release his hand, though his body did not listen.
It was difficult to get his act together at the soft-looking curve in front of him or the scent of Elysia.
Tears started to form in Ryan¡¯s eyes.
¡®I can¡¯t do this anymore...¡¯
Elysia, feeling Ryan¡¯s condition, clicked her tongue inside. Although it wasn¡¯t enough, if she tried to take more, it really seemed that she would make him cry.
His tears were already forming, but it was invisible to her gaze.
¡°La...Lady Elysia. Ugh...¡±
Eventually, the sobbing bursting through Ryan¡¯s lips made Elysia decide to quit. As she took away her lips, she licked the blood on his neck with her tongue, like a habit.
¡°Oh my, sorry.¡±
¡°I¡¯m...sorry.¡±
At that moment, she could see tears that were welling up in his dark green eyes. Still, Ryan couldn¡¯t help but keep on saying that he was sorry and made her feel like she had done something terrible again.
He touched her body in this situation, and he could not tolerate himself. Thinking so, tears flowed down his face, ashamed.
¡°Shh. Don¡¯t cry, Ryan. It¡¯s inevitable.¡±
Elysia wiped his eyes with her fingers, and she hugged him tightly. As he buried his face on her shoulder, Ryan took a short breath.
Realizing that his breathing couldn¡¯t be calmed down in her arms, Ryan carefully pushed her away.
¡°Then, the poison... are you okay now?¡±
¡°Thanks to you.¡±
¡°I¡¯m d it helped. I¡¯m really sorry to touch you.¡±
Ryan, again, apologized for holding her waist. With all the words, Elysia hesitated on how she would exin to him.
¡°Well, it¡¯s really unavoidable. It¡¯s all right.¡±
¡°...I will be more careful in the future.¡±
¡®Hmm... I¡¯ll put it on the agenda to try my best as well, then.¡¯ When she peered at Ryan¡¯s face, she kept feeling guilty and thought only to herself.
At that, Ryan remembered the maid, who was locked up in the basement and dressed himself. He was cautious of people even to touch the tip of Elysia¡¯s fingertips, let alone dare to do such a thing.
He had no intention of letting whoever was behind it go. In addition, he also vowed to wear a shirt-type uniform in the future.
¡°I¡¯m going back. Call me if you need anything.¡±
¡°Okay. Take a rest today and start tomorrow.¡±
She replied, telling him not to dig out behind her right away but to take a break first. Ryan simply nodded his head and left the room.
¡°Lady Elysia, too, should take a rest today.¡±
¡°Yes, I will.¡±
Ryan left the room. He was even more heartbroken by Elysia¡¯s casual reaction. Though the poison doesn¡¯t affect him, is it possible to have such a reaction?
At that time, he saw someone approaching without losing any energy.
Obviously, there is no way to know the situation, but by looking at his expression, he seemed to know what happened to Elysia. The face of the maid who followed him was pale. Ryan gave a greeting and told the maid.
¡°Please stay back. I got it from here.¡±
The maid hurriedly bowed her head and rushed away.
It was Cassian.
Ryan frowned his eyes, recalling everything that happened today. Elysia had to rest.
¡°Is it Sir Ryan? Let¡¯s talk for a moment.¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
In the beginning, Cassian wanted to rush straight to Elysia, but seeing Ryaning out of her room, smelling like blood, he changed his mind. It seemed that she had taken emergency measures on her own. Even if he felt a sense of relief, unknown emotions soared.
¡°Let¡¯s move somewhere else first,¡± Ryan said, leading him away from Elysia¡¯s room.
Cassian rubbed his chin thoughtfully, gazing at the man who wasn¡¯t hesitant at all when facing his energy.
¡°Is it poison?¡±
¡°May I ask you how you know first?¡±
¡°The doctor asked my family for an antidote.¡±
Ryan recalled the situation with the doctor. Cassian was obviously watching him, at some point. It must have been the Duke of Esteban who said to ask his family, not the apothecary, for medicinal herbs if they have it.
¡°I want to take care of it with our side.¡±
It meant that he wanted to take care of it himself, implying Ryan to get his hands off.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, but Lady Elysia ordered me. Though I can¡¯t do anything about the Duke moving separately.¡±
¡®He¡¯s pretty good.¡¯
Cassian fell into agony while looking at Ryan. It was obvious that he was the one she was going to bring in after the marriage because Elysia came forward to save him herself.
Including that he also knows Elysia¡¯s secret.
¡°Then, let¡¯s do it together. After we get married, we are all moving in together, anyway.¡±
There was a lot of ovep as Elysia continued to keep Ryan as an informant because moving separately would be inefficient. Regardless, he also needed him by her side when he couldn¡¯t be there like today.
¡°Understood.¡±
Ryan hesitated for a moment but finally nodded his head.
Cassian was to be Elysia¡¯s husband.
There weren¡¯t any feelings, but the Duke of Esteban was well aware of the abilities of the informant. Obviously, there are more benefits. Ryan, who expected he would have a lot of work in the future, thought he should get additional permission from Elysia.
¡°What¡¯s the situation so far?¡±
At that, Ryan briefly conveyed what happened at Cassian¡¯s question.
Except for that part that Elysia drank his blood.
¡°Let¡¯s start with the maid¡¯s position. There¡¯s a suitable ce.¡±
¡°Okay. Will Your Grace go to Lady Elysia first, then?¡±
Cassian nodded his head. So, Ryan took his steps first. Eventually, they both arrived in front of Elysia¡¯s room, and Ryan knocked on it.
¡°Lady Elysia, the Duke of Esteban hase.¡±
¡ªTake him to the parlor. ¡ª
If he knew that they were going to the parlor, he wouldn¡¯t have brought Cassian all the way here from the beginning.
After a while, Ryan said again. ¡°Duke Esteban is already here... Should I still take him to the parlor?¡±
¡ª What? ¡ª
Moments after, he heard an answer to let Cassian in, and bustling sounds in the room followed.
¡°Well, see youter.¡±
***
As Elysia came out from the dressing room, she could be seen wearing her chemise. She was thinking of lying in bed and rxing.
¡°Why did youe so early? What happened?¡±
Elysia spoke as she offered Cassian a seat.
¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡±
When he briefly exined how he knew, a feeling of frustration ran over Elysia¡¯s face.
¡°I guess you weren¡¯t thinking of telling me about it?¡±
¡°Well, it¡¯s not really like that.¡±
Cassian¡¯s voice subsided. Elysia said, shrugging her shoulders. ¡°Because even if more people know, there is still nothing good thates out of it. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±
And so, she asked if he could keep his mouth shut, and Cassian nodded his head.
Because it was a poison made for infertility, if any information leaked out, it was clear that the impact would be significant even if she found and drank the antidote.
¡°Are you okay?¡±
¡°Yes, it¡¯s okay because I took some measures...¡±
¡®Should I have more?¡¯ As Elysia touched her lips, she agonized. Drinking Ryan¡¯s blood didn¡¯t feel like it was enough. However, Cassian¡¯s face didn¡¯t look good enough for her to ask.
¡°You...¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°You can¡¯t take your eyes off me for a second.¡±
He had thought about this other time, but this time, it¡¯s different. Who dares do such things? Cassian couldn¡¯t understand why everyone had such a casual face right now. Even if the poison didn¡¯t work, Elysia still drank the poison.
¡°Well, I have something to tell you...¡±
Elysia recalled the time when she was writing the contract with him. After what had happened today, even if it was a contractual rtionship, it seemed that Cassian should at least know about this.
¡°Remember when I said I would give up cleanly if I had a child?¡±
¡°The poison... didn¡¯t you recover?¡±
At Elysia¡¯s words, he asked if something went wrong. To be honest, he was also quite upset that someone had dared to use such poison on someone who would be the Mistress of the Duchy of Esteban.
A sharp energy again came out. Elysia swiftly waved her palm.
¡°No, that¡¯s not it. It¡¯s... There¡¯s something I didn¡¯t tell you. That¡¯s... I can¡¯t have children.¡±
Although the way she talked was as if it was not a big deal, it wasn¡¯t something light at all. Cassian bit his mouth as he couldn¡¯t find anything to answer and asked, ¡°Does today¡¯s incident have nothing to do with it?¡±
¡°Yeah. It has nothing to do with that. I should have said it before signing the contract. I¡¯m sorry.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t mind it. It wasn¡¯t the purpose of the contract anyway.¡±
Elysia was relieved to hear that. Suddenly, realized that she trusted him much more than she thought because actually, there was no reason to even tell him this.
He certainly had more questions, but she thanked Cassian for not pressing further.
¡®Well, that¡¯s true, it doesn¡¯t matter, so why would he ask?¡¯
She was barking up the wrong tree.
Nheless, Cassian was confused by the bomb that was thrown at him all of a sudden. Could her body not perceive children originally?
There was a subtle part of him that thought so. So, even if it feels like there was something more, it wasn¡¯t a good time to ask. Besides, Elysia wasn¡¯t someone who would just answer him when he asked something.
¡®Is there going to be a day when she can speak her mind?¡¯
Elysia didn¡¯t seem to tell him everything because of the three-year contract period. Cassian doesn¡¯t know why but the thought of it was frustrating him. He raised his hand and loosened the cravat roughly.
No, he may have already known. He just didn¡¯t want to admit it.
¡°Are you tired?¡±
¡°No, why?¡±
Elysia got up and approached him. Her gaze was already fixed on his neck. Knowing that was going to happen, Cassian swept his head and pulled her in closer.
ncing at Elysia, who was in his arms now, he wondered if she had downyed it a little and questioned again if she was all right.
¡°You¡¯re too quick to notice.¡±
She sat on his leg and murmured dissatisfied. Inside, Elysia was trying to manage her facial expressions. While on the other hand, Cassian didn¡¯t seem to be in a good mood as a very dangerous atmosphere surrounded him.
¡®Well... This atmosphere isn¡¯t bad either. After all, I¡¯m a rotten girl.¡¯
¡°Did you not drink the blood of a knight named Ryan?¡±
¡°You know? Yes, but... I don¡¯t think it¡¯s enough.¡± Elysia replied, tilted her head, and nced at Cassian. Then, she could see him raising his hand and rubbing his neck.
Elysia drew his hand and bit his finger softly.
¡®Let¡¯s have a little bite first... Where should I eat next?¡¯
As she couldn¡¯t consume any more blood, she continued her agony, staring at him. Cassian sighed and covered his face with the back of his hand.
¡®Why is he suddenly covering up his face?¡¯
Pulling his finger out of her mouth, Elysia made a sound of dissatisfaction.
Chapter 36
Chapter 36
After sucking his blood, Elysia raised her body with a fresh expression.
Cassian grabbed her wrists, which were escaping over his legs, and pulled her back. She peered back at him with a puzzled look.
¡°You...¡±
He buried his face on Elysia¡¯s shoulder.
It was only after the cool temperature had reached his head that Cassian could ponder clearly. He doesn¡¯t know if he can just let her not tell him.
With a calm look, she says she can¡¯t have children, and that it was okay.
¡®She can¡¯t be okay...¡¯
Is it really not because of the poison?
What the hell does he even know at this point?
She looked so precarious, unlike the nonchnt face speaking with indifference. Cassian couldn¡¯t deny it any longer why his heart seemed to sink like this...
When he visited the temple earlier, he also felt simr emotions.
He didn¡¯t even know when his heart started to feel this way. Until then, it was funny that he drew a line just because Elysia was likeable. He was so excited about her body.
¡®I¡¯m the worst. I¡¯m going to regret somethingter...¡¯
Regret was enough to realize one¡¯s feelingste.
Elysia pushed him out with a puzzled face. She asked worriedly, ¡°Cassian? I was sure I didn¡¯t drink a lot of blood... are you okay?¡±
She raised her hand and nced around, covering his face.
Since when did these cool handse to have such warmth to him?
To be honest, he didn¡¯t even know why he came all the way here today. Although he knew her resilience would detoxify the venom, he only remembered that he was just frantic with anxiety after hearing about the news.
If the poison would harm her life, Cassian had no idea what he would have done. With that thought, it seemed necessary to put Elysia in a safe ce.
For example, his own house.
¡°Are you all right now?¡±
¡°Yes. I¡¯m fine. I think it¡¯s enough.¡±
Cassian frowned at the words.
It was because he thought she would say that even though she wasn¡¯t okay, it was okay. Thinking so, he grabbed her hand that had touched his face and buried his lips on the back of the white hand.
With the kiss, he felt Elysia¡¯s heart rate speeding up.
Cassian satisfactorily raised the corners of his mouth. As he tilted his head and smilednguidly, her heart rate was faster than before.
At that time, the voice of the employee was heard with the sound of a knock.
¡°Mydy. It is said that the master will return home soon.¡±
¡°I understand!¡±
Elysia hurriedly released her hand from his holding as soon as she finished talking, and Cassian left the room with regret.
***
The next day, Cassian visited Duke Lowell.
Duke Lowell was ufortable with the fact that Cassian was in Elysia¡¯s room the day before. Even if they were engaged, it is still before marriage.
¡°So, what do you have to say?¡±
¡°I want to take the Lady with me before the marriage.¡±
¡°What? What is that nonsense? Absolutely no.¡± Duke Lowell stiffened his back and raised his voice.
There weren¡¯t just one or two things he didn¡¯t like.
Of course, starting from the ridiculous wedding date.
¡°You must be well aware that the security of the Duchy of Esteban is better than the Imperial Pce.¡±
¡°She would go to the Duke¡¯s in due course, anyway. Why the sudden rush?¡±
¡°Yesterday, the Lady almost drank poison.¡±
Duke Lowell roughly lowered the teacup and raised his body.
It was a fact he had no idea at all.
Cassian knew that Elysia didn¡¯t want to let her family know that she had drunk poison. Probably because she doesn¡¯t want them to worry. So, respecting her will, he changed the story slightly and said that she almost drank the poison instead, not already drunk the poison.
¡°Please, calm down. There is no problem with the Lady right now.¡±
¡°I have to go see my daughter. So, Duke, I¡¯ll have to talk to you next time...¡±
¡°Why do you think I told you that the Lady is trying to hide it?¡±
At his words, Duke Lowell, who seemed to have aplicated head, went seated again. He seemed to think deeply about something, sweeping his hand down his face, though he didn¡¯t seem toe up with a desired conclusion.
It was because he didn¡¯t know that infertility was the purpose, so it was understandable.
¡°Is it because of this incident that you are taking her with you?¡±
He also knew that there are many employees who have recently entered the mansion on a temporary basis.
Duke Lowell nced back at Cassian. The momentum of the Duke of Esteban was unusual. ¡®Was he much more mindful of my daughter than I thought?¡¯
¡°That¡¯s right, and I don¡¯t think it will end with this one time.¡±
¡°...If she agrees to go as well, then I will allow it.¡±
It wasn¡¯t just rumors that the youngest of the Knights of Esteban could face the dozen of the Imperial Knights alone.
So, at least, he was sure that an assassination attempt would never happen again.
It was said that the employees also never easily epted outsiders, and even ordinary maids were made up of only talented people who could sign as knights.
¡®I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s all true, but... it¡¯s a beastly family, anyway.¡¯
***
Elysia was resting with Der on the ground of the back garden.
She was, to be precise, dragged by Der and forced to y. While Der is like an innocent cat... No, beast, chasing a butterfly.
¡°Nyaang! Nyaang!¡±
She doesn¡¯t know if it¡¯s meowing or crying. As time went on, Elysia was confused whether she has a cat or a dog.
Apart from the shrinking body, Der still boasted a shocking power.
The ce where it swung its paws to try to catch a butterfly was ruined. A gardener watching from a distance was seen wiping away tears with his handkerchief.
¡°That¡¯s the cat you talked about?¡±
Ramote changed his sses and sat down next to Elysia.
¡°When did youe? I didn¡¯t think it had been a month?¡±
¡°It¡¯s because of that cat. I¡¯m very curious.¡±
¡°Look at this.¡± He continued as he grabbed her hand and peered at the inside of her wrist.
Elysia trembled as her wrist ticked when Ramote let his magic flow.
¡°Do you know anything?¡±
¡°How many people know this pattern?¡±
¡°I usually cover it with magic. As for the people who knew, it¡¯s the High priest and the Duke of Esteban.¡±
¡°The high priest? Are you talking about Arbel?¡±
Seeing Elysia nodding her head, he frowned his eyebrows.
The High Priest Arbel was the only one on the continent of the same age as Ramote. He muttered annoyingly.
¡°If that swindler knows... this must be a headache.¡±
¡°Swindler?¡±
¡°If he speaks ten words, you can take nine of those words as lies.¡±
Because he is the High Priest, the thought of him lying doesn¡¯t match at all. Though Elysia nodded her head as if she seemed to understand for some reason.
¡°Then, we can¡¯t believe everything the High Priest said? He seems to have other materials separately.¡±
¡°What material do you think he has? You can say that when you figure out what he was holding.¡±
¡°What about that humans can¡¯t control it? Is it true?¡± She asked and leaned eagerly while pulling Ramote¡¯s cor.
¡°It¡¯s true. That cat is famous for being of the demon race. To be precise, it shouldn¡¯t be in the human world in the first ce.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡®Now, there are even demons?¡¯ She had only read about it in a novel, but it was real.
Der was said to notice evil things faster than anyone else. Something unclean, someone like a human¡¯s ugly mind...
¡°But I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard it in person. Still, I don¡¯t know how you managed to be its master.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think the High Priest knows much at all... Is that a lie?¡±
¡°That¡¯s the problem. You don¡¯t know how much he knows.¡±
At Ramote¡¯s words, Elysia again realized that she had picked up something far more troublesome than she¡¯d thought.
Though on the outside, it might just look like a cute cat. But look at that, by now, the fence around the newly nted tree was terribly broken already.
The tree that Der¡¯s pink jelly paws touched had been long broken as well.
¡°Is there any way to get Der back where it should be? Look at that... I was wondering where the ignorant power came from, and now I understand a little.¡±
¡°Pfft. It¡¯s like I¡¯m looking at you. What do you think when your body changes and you can¡¯t control your strength?¡±
When she listened to Ramote¡¯s words like that, it seemed as if he was her master. At first, she wondered if he didn¡¯t mean it like that, but ncing at him, he nodded, implying that what she thought was right.
¡°It was said that abilities and strengths vary depending on the master. All I know is that.¡±
There was no way to get Der back.
¡®If you want to be alike, you need to be like Der... Though I don¡¯t think we are that much alike.¡¯
Five hundred years ago, there was an agreement that the demons would never enter the human world again.
Elysia opened her eyes wide to the words of an agreement that were made with the dragon, who was the watchman of the human realm. And since then, only some of the stories about the dragons and demons have remained as legends, and all materials have disappeared.
Because it all sounded unrealistic.
¡°How does Old Man know that?¡±
¡°Because I was present as a representative of human beings.¡±
¡°What...? I thought you were two hundred years old?¡±
¡°I never said my age out loud?¡±
¡°You¡¯re a lot older than me! You¡¯re Old Man, of course! You said no, but it was the right title.¡±
Elysia was transmigrated, and she was a hundred years old at best. So, to be fair, she barely reached adulthood by the standards of a vampire.
When she talked about age, Cassian came to mind. When ites to humans, it seems like an elderly woman that followed the bachelor blood which was delicious.
¡®No, isn¡¯t that too extreme? I was a vampire that was barely an adult...¡¯
¡°How was Der sealed in the temple, then?¡±
¡°That, I have to go see it myself.¡±
As she was mumbling how she only had her Old Man, she hugged his arm. Elysia didn¡¯t even want to imagine what it would have been like without Ramote.
Her family was also a great strength to her, but Ramote was more than that.
He was the only one in this world whom she shared her secret to. Someone who helped her settle in this world...
¡°You¡¯re only like this when there¡¯s trouble.¡±
¡°Not something to be ashamed of.¡±
She raised her mouth. Then, Elysia peered at Ramote, who was rubbing his chin, and said, ¡°Now, don¡¯t grow a beard. If you grow it again, I¡¯ll burn it all up. It¡¯s a lot cleaner and you also look kinder like this.¡±
¡°If I go around like this, it¡¯s annoying because I caught too many gazes.¡±
¡°You¡¯re bragging about it, aren¡¯t you?¡±
After what he said, she stared at him a little before looking away as if she had not heard what he said.
Elysia, who was ying around with the grumpy Ramote by her side, felt a presence entering the back garden.
¡®...Huh? Who is it?¡¯
It was amon practice that the employees of Lowell¡¯s mansion would never go near Ramote and Elysia.
Though it was also somewhat her fault who frequently touched him, it was because of their familiarity of the times she had been learning magic from him until now.
So, knowing that there was a person who didn¡¯t know that in Lowell¡¯s mansion right now, it was bugging her.
As the presence stepped into the back garden, Elysia turned her eyes towards the direction.
Chapter 37
Chapter 37
¡°Sir Bug? What brings you here?¡±
¡°...How are our Lady... Uh, our Excellency...¡±
His eyes widened as he saw Elysia still holding Ramote¡¯s arm.
It was obvious what Bug was thinking. He might have thought she was thinking of his pure and innocent Master, then threw him away mercilessly.
Ramote clicked his tongue.
Der walked... no, running and thumping toward Elysia as it¡¯s not interested in ying with butterflies any longer.
¡°Please tell me it¡¯s a lie. I¡¯ll keep it a secret. Keuhk.¡±
¡°Nyan.¡±
Der was staring at Bug as if he was like a flying worm passing by.
Elysia hugged Der and stood up from her seat. ytime in the backyard seemed to be over, so she decided to go back to her room.
¡°By the way, Sir, what are you doing here?¡±
¡°Since Sir Ryan was absent, I was ordered to serve the Lady.¡±
Come to think of it, it seems that Cassian had said that he would have her escorted the day she drank the poison. She wonders if it¡¯s necessary, but then it¡¯s Bug.
He would be sure to say something about Cassian if she poked him in the side just a little, though Bug was also a little distracting to have by her side. It was annoying for him to shed tears, continuously saying, ¡®how could she do that.¡¯
Still, she nned to carefully dig up information about Cassian from him in the future.
Elysia said, hiding her sly expression.
¡°Then, please take care of me.¡±
¡°Just call me Bug. But, you really have nothing to do with the wizard...¡±
¡°Bug, Cassian knows it too, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡±
¡°Heuk... what happened to our Excellency...¡±
Bug seemed to have his own interpretation. Realizing it was useless to say anything, she shook her head lightly and began to move her steps.
¡°I have no ns to go out today, so take a rest. I¡¯ll go to my room anyway.¡±
Bug, who had unintentionally nodded his head saying that he understood, took a deep breath.
Then, he shouted at Elysia and Ramote, who had already started pacing away.
¡°...Lady?! Are you going to go to the room alone with the wizard right now? Lady?!¡±
***
As soon as Elysia returned to her room, she rummaged through the chest of drawers immediately. It was because she had left the bottle of magic that Cassian had extracted with the tracking magic.
She ced the bottle along with the magic stone on the table before turning to Ramote.
¡°Old Man. Is there any other way? This tracking magic is what Old Man researched.¡±
¡°You want to take it to trial?¡±
Elysia nodded her head.
No matter how much she thought about it, it wasn¡¯t enough for her to just figure out who it was. It was not like after she found out who it was, put a p on their cheek and everything was going to simply end like that.
¡°I wish I could use this twice.¡±
¡°I think that would be difficult.¡±
Still, as she was wondering if there was really any other way, Der suddenly jumped up on the table.
The table wobbled a little, but it didn¡¯t break.
It was thanks to Elysia¡¯s enchantment on every piece of furniture in the room. On the first day she brought Der to the mansion, a few pieces of furniture were broken right away, so she couldn¡¯t leave it alone.
¡°Der, you can¡¯t touch it. Breaking it will cause serious trouble.¡±
Saying so, she retrieved the bottle as she nced at Der heading towards the bottle of magic, interested.
Der was staring at the bottle, which was hanging from its cor, and turned its head.
However, Remote stopped Elysia from trying to put Der down by pointing with his chin at Der¡¯s front paws that touched the magic stone.
¡°Hold on. Just let it go.¡±
Der was absorbing the magic in the magic crystal.
Ramote watched the scene for a while before picking the stone up to see how much it had absorbed its magic. After taking away the magic stone, Der raised its ws.
¡°Kyaang! Nyangnyang!¡±
As if interrupting the magic it had absorbed, Der raised its ws that came out sharply.
Elysia, who was standing on the side, took the magic crystals to check how much magic had been absorbed. It was an expected matter that the magic would be spilled out like that.
She was surprised by Der¡¯s ability for a moment, then realized that the magic it spewed out did no damage. Contrary to the sharp outstretched ws, the harmless energy made her smile.
¡°Haha. Are you calling that a threat, Der?¡±
It was so cute as she patted Der as she smiled softly.
Elysia, who was stroking Der, opened her mouth as a thought suddenly came to mind. She turned her head towards Ramote and asked, ¡°Old Man, can you extract the magic that Der is spilling right now? I didn¡¯t use any magic.¡±
She hurriedly took the flower from the vase on the table and tried her tracking magic.
There was no change in the vase.
The principle of using the tracking magic itself was to extract the remaining magic after using the magic, so there was no way it could be done.
¡°Tsk. Didn¡¯t I tell you to study? You just need to change it a little.¡±
¡°How am I supposed to do that, Old Man? This is why you¡¯re the great wizard.¡±
As he stirred his hand, the magic that had been circling around Der flowed into the vase. Elysia looked at the vase with a curious expression.
¡®Will I be able to handle this well?¡¯
Ramote, who recognized her thoughts, nced at the magic stone and opened his mouth.
¡°Are you sure?¡±
¡°...Perhaps?¡±
When she finds the culprit when she used the tracking magic on the magic gemstone she had, Elysia could use Der to get them justly punished.
Without hesitation, she took the magic stone andpleted the tracking magic.
Green butterflies, like the ones she saw in the barracks during subjugation, hovered around the magic stone.
¡®I hope that¡¯s not the case.¡¯
She really hoped Lumiere wasn¡¯t as messed up as she thought, that her intuition was wrong. Elysia wanted to believe that Lumiere had told Cassian that she had misunderstood the rtionship between her and Revos.
Because she¡¯s a good person. At least, she knew that Lumiere was the original book¡¯s heroine.
Patterns began to appear on the wings of butterflies that were hovering around the magic stone. Soon, a brightly patterned butterfly sat on the magical stone, waiting for confirmation from the caster, Elysia.
She shut her eyes tightly before opening it to the oue she didn¡¯t want to believe.
Elysia even winds it a few times, but the result does not change.
¡®Lumiere¡¯s magic...¡¯
¡°It¡¯s right.¡±
¡®Really... It¡¯s Lumiere¡¯s work...¡¯
Power entered her hand, which was holding the vase. It cracked and crunched, before breaking in a loud noise.
The surroundings became tranquil as Elysia, who had been thinking where she had gone wrong, woke up from her deep thoughts at the sound of Der¡¯s crying.
¡°Nyan?¡±
Der stared at the butterfly and ran into her arms as it flew into the air. Then, it grabbed her hand with its front paw and licked the blood flowing from her wound.
As Ramote was trying to nag Elysia to be more careful, he muttered a small whisper when he nced at Der with an astonished expression.
¡°Huh. Does it even drink blood?¡±
¡°It shouldn¡¯t be... When I first saw it, I thought that was the only time.¡±
Because they presumed the contract was made through blood, she thought it happened only then, but that didn¡¯t seem to be the case.
¡®Are you drinking only my blood?¡¯
A pet cat that drinks vampire blood. In the meantime, the front paws holding her wrist were so cute that a smirk leaked out Elysia¡¯s lips.
Her wrists were starting to hurt because of the weight.
Meanwhile, Ramote¡¯s hand, which was about to cast healing magic, stopped in mid-air. With a troubled look, he looked at Elysia and the ck cat alternately.
It was strange to see her, who had a wound on her hand, grinned, while the small cat was grabbing her wrist and licking her blood eagerly.
However, her wounds were more severe than he thought. So, it was when he tried to pull the cat apart, Der¡¯s eye caught his sight.
Remote¡¯s heart was weakened by the way it appeared so simr to Elysia¡¯s eyes, even down to the same color. Even more so after seeing it sticking around its master with eyes the same color as Elysia¡¯s.
With Der destroying everything like this, it was just like the cat version of Elysia when she started to learn magic.
Barking like a puppy... No, except for the crying.
***
The Duchy of Esteban¡¯s carriage was heading towards the Duchy of Lowell.
Cassian closed his eyes and listened to Lloyd¡¯s report, sitting opposite him. In his head, he thought of how to convince Elysia to take her to his mansion.
Hisdy seemed to ept everything, but still, it was like a secret wall of iron.
Although he seemed to know the usual flow of events, he couldn¡¯t understand herpletely. It seemed like she was just telling him to do whatever he wanted.
¡®If it bothers you even a little bit, you can say no...¡¯
Recalling what happened in the past and trying to figure it out on his own, he opened his closed eyes at Lloyd¡¯s next words.
¡°Sir, it looks like Sir Ryan has caught the lead. I¡¯ll take another look and report again as soon as the background is revealed.¡±
¡°Do it fast.¡±
Cassian raised the corner of his mouth and rubbed his chin with his hand.
As expected, he was young and he was quicker to figure the matter outpared to Lloyd.
Of course, it is said that the two are conducting an investigation together, but it was only on the surface as there was still at the level of information sharing. Contrary to the fact that Ryan agreed when asked to do it together, he still seemed to be quite wary.
¡®He¡¯s pretty good.¡¯
¡°This must never leak out. I¡¯m sure you know that, Lloyd.¡±
¡°Yes. The investigation is also being conducted by Sir Ryan alone.¡±
¡°If you grab the lead, you¡¯ll get a rough outline. Now, get rid of all the useless ones and those who know a little bit. Leave just thest one, the mastermind.¡±
Lloyd broke out in a cold sweat and swallowed a dry saliva.
When Cassian said to leave only one person who did the work, it meant that he was going to handle this matter himself. Whoever was behind it will be firmly caught wrong. Even if they try their best, he will watch their every move.
¡®His Excellency and Sir Ryan... They¡¯re all very nice to the Madam.¡¯
Lloyd shook his head and thought of Elysia.
He already knew that during the investigation phase, Sir Ryan had dealt with a couple of people. This may have been to prevent information leakage.
¡°Try Marquisate nche. There is no limit to the surveince.¡±
¡°Yes, I understand.¡±
¡°Ah, put someone on the nche¡¯s Lady. Don¡¯t miss out on who she is meeting and what she is talking about.¡±
Cassian had just heard from Elysia in a letter yesterday about who was responsible for the subjugation.
Heughed bitterly as he recalled the words Lumiere had said during the subjugation. She was already annoying enough and he wanted to get rid of her, but he was kind enough to let it slide then.
¡°It would be nice if the name nche disappeared from the Empire.¡±
¡°...Yes?¡±
Lloyd rummaged his ear with his finger, wondering if he had heard it wrong.
Was he trying to get rid of Marquisate nche?
Even after the wedding preparations were over, it seemed difficult to sleep at home for a while.
Lloyd tried to figure out Marquisate nche¡¯s fortune and calcte how many months it would take to destroy it.
¡®Two months or so... When this is all over, I¡¯ll have to take a vacation even if it means to hang on by the Madam. If it¡¯s the Madam, I might even get a bonus.¡¯
Lloyd thought so, but corrected his thoughts again because she had recently said she would dy the wedding date in front of His Excellency¡¯s bedroom.
However, didn¡¯t His Excellency say that he had never heard of such a thing?
¡®Madam... please.¡¯
He prayed and prayed that Elysia would not turn away from him again.
***
Ramote is leaving after one day of his stay, and Elysia is out of the mansion to see Ramote off.
After licking her blood for a long time yesterday, Der fell asleep and did not wake up after a day. She was worried that Der had slept too long, but she let it sleep soundly.
¡®I remember when I drank Cassian¡¯s blood and passed out.¡¯
¡°If possible, don¡¯t meet Arbel until I stop by the temple and check things out first.¡±
¡°Yeah. I don¡¯t really want to see him either.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t have a day off because of you.¡±
¡°You know, I have no one but Old Man, right?¡±
¡°Yes, yes, I know.¡±
Elysia rushes from behind Ramote and forces him to answer, saying that he really doesn¡¯t know.
As soon as Lloyd got out of the carriage, he bumped his face into Cassian¡¯s back, who was standing still in front of his nose.
He didn¡¯t see Cassian because he had a lot of documents in his hand.
¡°Your Excellency? Why don¡¯t you go in and stay still...¡±
Cassian¡¯s gaze was very piercing. He was staring somewhere.
Lloyd followed his gaze with a puzzled face, and the Madam and the Archmage were there.
The Madam... She was whispering while hanging on the Archmage¡¯s back. Behind them, Bug was also seen wiping tears with a handkerchief.
At the strange sight, Lloyd crept back to the carriage.
¡®Let¡¯s run away.¡¯
¡°You...Your Excellency, then I will go back to the mansion first.¡±
¡°Lloyd.¡±
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°I told you to prepare a room connected to my bedroom.¡±
It was only the day before when His Excellency had ordered to prepare the Madam¡¯s room on the floor where his bedroom was.
¡®...If you want to imprison the Madam... No¡ª¡¯
Chapter 38
Chapter 38
¡®How many people are there?¡¯
When he said to send a suitable guy to be Elysia¡¯s escort, it was Bug. Though, isn¡¯t he already a guy with a history of flirting with Elysia?
There were too many annoying people around Elysia, including Ryan and that Archmage.
Bug was rather on the better side. Ryan and the Archmage were on Elysia¡¯s side, so they could not be removed.
¡°Haa... I¡¯m going crazy.¡±
Cassian¡¯s heart toward Elysia inted to the size that he was terrified of realizing. It would have been better if he could just reveal his heart¡¯s content to her.
¡®Then, she¡¯ll run away. Would she thank me for enjoying the good-tasting blood?¡¯
It was already a fact that he knew that Elysia was weak with his physique and his face. Cassian was determined to seduce her within three years, using everything he had avable to him.
Looking at Elysia and Ramote, who were still together, he took a long breath and moved his steps.
Even if he told the Archmage not to touch her, it was unlikely that she would listen. It was clear that she would smile and stroke the nape of his neck while asking if he¡¯s jealous. Then he can do nothing and give her the nape of his neck.
Even these days, the parts that she sucked blood from are bing more diverse.
¡®Who wants to seduce whom, now?¡¯
Elysia turned her head slightly, clinging to Ramote at the approaching figure.
¡°Huh¡ªCassian?¡±
He grabbed her waist and pulled her away from Ramote. With a nod to him, Cassian gave a greeting, took Elysia in his arms, and continued his steps.
Elysia smiled awkwardly as she watched Ramote move away from the situation where she was just picked up by Cassian.
Ramote looked at the two and clicked his tongue.
¡®What about surveince? The Duke must¡¯ve had a hard time.¡¯
Elysia, who did not notice it, was even more amazing. She¡¯s obviously smart and quick-witted, but sometimes there was a blind corner.
¡®Tsk. Look at those eyes.¡¯
Are those eyes looking at delicious food?
It¡¯s a thought he had heard every time Elysia talked about Duke Esteban, but she didn¡¯t seem to be drawn to him simply by his physique. Although it wasn¡¯t like that when he saw her from the Jerciho Mountains, now, it¡¯s clear that they have feelings for each other.
Of course, Elysia doesn¡¯t seem to have the same heart as Duke Esteban yet. Even so, it was only a matter of time before they felt the same.
¡°Is it okay if I leave them like that?¡±
Ramote¡¯s face darkened as he remembered what Elysia had said to him earlier. It was because he wondered if it would be a good idea to let them be on the same page and even confirm each other¡¯s feelings.
Because he cared for her, he didn¡¯t want her to be hurt.
***
Cassian entered the room and ced Elysia down on the bed.
As she straightened her messy hair, she gazed up at him and grinned.
Cassian sighed at her. He seemed to have no idea what¡¯s wrong with him. Even though he made up his mind not to show jealousy, it was annoying that she was being pulled by another man¡¯s body, so his hand moved first.
Elysia was quick-witted, so he thought he¡¯d be in trouble because his intentions would be caught, but it seemed like he was worried for nothing.
¡®I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a good or a bad thing.¡¯
¡°Cassian. As I said before, Old Man is, uh...¡±
As Elysia tried to exin about Ramote, he raised the corner of his mouth.
Cassian ced himself on the bed and locked her in his arms and brought his face closer to her, smilingnguidly before tilted his head at an angle.
He gave her a nce from within the reach where their lips could touch with just the slightest movement, telling her to keep talking as he was listening.
¡°...Why, why do you want to seduce me as soon as youe back...Eup.¡±
He digs deep and raises his hand to hold Elysia¡¯s head firmly.
Cassian wanted to praise himself from the past for epting the contract Elysia had proposed. Even if he had to hide his heart right now, he wanted to find a rtionship where he could give and receive even skinship.
¡°Huh...¡±
Elysia let out her moans at the kiss that relentlessly stirred in her mouth.
Cassian now seemed to know how to seduce her with just a kiss.
In order not to attack the man in front of her, she engraved a seal of patience and gripped his cor tightly. The only sound that echoed in the quiet room was the murmur of saliva mixing.
Elysia, who had been sitting on the bed, suddenly slipped backward.
Cassian licked her lower lip before pulling away. A shaky breath leaked from her slightly gaping lips.
¡°Come to our house.¡±
¡°...What?¡±
Not understanding his words at first nce, Elysia asked.
¡°That¡¯s safer. Your room is already ready, all you have to do is move your things.¡±
¡°Ah...¡±
She was already worried about seeing his face every day after the marriage, but it was absurd to hear that he wanted her to move in already.
¡°No. The wedding is only two weeks away. My father won¡¯t approve of it.¡±
¡°Your father¡¯s permission has already been obtained.¡±
In spite of the fact that she had tried to refuse with the excuse of her father, a knife-like answer came back.
¡®When did you and my father say things like that?¡¯
Just looking at him, Cassian seemed to be able to persuade her father well.
Didn¡¯t he also get the word that her father would allow them to marry?
In fact, it ended with Elysia showing her cuteness to her father, who was upset with her, saying that she was sorry for not being able to tell him ahead of time.
¡°Your safety as the Duke of Esteban¡¯s mistress.¡±
¡°That¡¯s it, but...¡±
Elysia felt the purple eyes clinging to her body, and she couldn¡¯t finish her talking. From the red lips, swollen from the kiss a moment ago, to the slender nape of the neck, from the straight corbone down to it.
As the feeling of his gaze intensified, Elysia rubbed her legs as she felt a tingling sensation somewhere in her body.
The moment Cassian¡¯s hand finally reached the ribbon on the front of the dress she was wearing, a pair of red eyes popped in from her side.
¡°Nya¡ª¡±
¡°...¡±
¡°...¡±
¡®When did this wake up?¡¯
She recalled seeing Der sleeping until she entered the room. It seems that neither of them felt Der¡¯s presence because of the kiss a while ago.
Der ¡®tapped¡¯ Cassian¡¯s hand with its front paw and rubbed its face against her chest.
As she watched the series of situations in front of her, Elysia narrowed her eyes. ¡®Obviously, it was... It sounds like a popping sound. Is it an illusion?¡¯
It seems that Ramote¡¯s statement that it resembles its master was wrong. If that was the case, it should approach Cassian first and put its head there.
Meanwhile, Cassian was feeling the same way as what Ramote had felt, now.
It wasn¡¯t enough to hit his hand, but it had to bury its face in the ce where his hand was headed?
The red eyes blocked his thoughts as he sumbed to the rush of annoyance and was about to move next to her.
¡®Now, everything is...¡¯
There was no hesitation in Der¡¯s red eyes. Still, it had the same eyes as Elysia, so he couldn¡¯t help it. Knowing that she had changed it by magic, it can be resolved by loosening the ne.
Cassian peered at the ne, contemting what to do, and saw that there was a scar on Elysia¡¯s hand that was stroking Der.
¡°What is this?¡±
¡°Ah, this? Because I can¡¯t control my strength, I got hurt yesterday. It¡¯s all right, it will heal quickly.¡±
The wounds from breaking the vase the day before had not fully healed as several pieces of ss were embedded quite deeply.
If it had been a shallow cut, it would have healed immediately.
Cassian, who was aware of Elysia¡¯s resilience to some extent, noticed that it wasn¡¯t a small wound. It was the moment that added one more reason to take her home.
¡°Hoo¡ª I¡¯ll have to take you today.¡±
¡°But, I haven¡¯t answered yet?¡±
Even so, Elysia nced as she saw Cassian raising his body. She was thinking of not letting him go even though she said she would endure it.
¡®I¡¯m rotten.¡¯
Elysia stroked Der and raised her body as well.
¡°Today seems a bit odd, I¡¯ll move tomorrow.¡±
There was only one reason she epted his words. Lumiere, the culprit of the incident in the subjugation. The concern that Lumiere might have had feelings with Cassian was gradually turning into certainty.
¡®Not this guy. He is mine.¡¯
Elysia wanted to grab Lumiere¡¯s shoulder and shake her, asking why she couldn¡¯t feel the fateful love for the male protagonist.
Gazing at Cassian, she opened her mouth slightly. As soon as he came into the room, he kissed her first, so she couldn¡¯t see him properly. He had been wearing a uniform for a long time.
¡®After all, men in uniforms are good. Oh, he got his hair down today.¡¯
It¡¯s good to have his bangs down, but it¡¯s best to see it in the morning. When he¡¯s dressed up, Cassian likes to turn it over halfway and show his forehead.
It was as if Cassian¡¯s sassy heart had shifted to Elysia, who had nced at him in the bed.
¡®I can¡¯t figure it out.¡¯
He was granted permission sooner than expected.
If he couldn¡¯t persuade her with words, he was going to convince her with his face, and if that didn¡¯t work, even with his body.
Elysia¡¯s criteria for epting requests were also too difficult.
Besides, he couldn¡¯t understand at what point she was looking at himself so passionately.
***
¡°Ugh... I told you, so save me...¡±
The man, who was wearing the ck robe, could not finish his speech and lost his life. Ryan put his sword into its sheath and exhaled a long breath.
It was the maid¡¯s house where she had poisoned Elysia¡¯s drink.
Since there is no immediate indication of whether she drank poison or not, he thought that the person who ordered it would show up to receive the results.
¡°Did that person do it?¡±
Lloyd, the aide, said Cassian would leave it to others to take care of the people, but Ryan had no intention of doing so. Instead, he thought of killing their own breath one by one.
...She wasn¡¯t someone to be touched.
Ryan bit his lip as he remembered the first time he had met Elysia.
¡®Does the heart that the Sir have... love?¡¯
He remembered the question Duke Esteban had asked him. How did he answer that question?
¡®To me, she¡¯s not the kind of person who I dare to have those kinds of feelings for.¡¯
It was. It was a feeling that couldn¡¯t be expressed in words. It wasn¡¯t just that she had saved his sister and his own life.
When they first met, he thought he realized what it was like to fall in love at first sight. To the extent that he realized what it was like to shine as a person.
Ryan wanted to see her a little closer, under the pretext of repaying her with an oath of allegiance. It seemed that the feelings that grew as time passed were not what he wanted to be expressed in words of love.
Even more so because he knew that Elysia was not an ordinary human. Miss Elysia was a beautiful and wonderful being, and she even felt sacred.
He did not dare to hold such feelings, and he did not dare to touch her. When she sucked his blood, he was greedy to touch her, but that was only then.
It was enough if he could just stay by her side as he is now.
¡®Is it almost over?¡¯
With just a few more people, he¡¯ll find out who¡¯s behind this incident.
Chapter 39
Chapter 39
The butler and Lloyd weed Cassian, who returned from Duke Lowell¡¯s residence.
Cassian hated the inefficient custom of having all of the employeese out and greet him when he returned home. He was usually greeted by a couple of maids and the butler, but at such ate hour, the butler was often alone without a maid.
The butler picked up his jacket and followed him.
¡°I¡¯ll take a bath first.¡±
¡°Your Excellency, before that, I have something to tell you about the room the Madam will be using.¡±
Cassian nodded and headed towards his bedroom.
He had uttered these words impulsively when he saw Elysia¡¯s clinging to Ramote, so he had forgotten hismand to Lloyd.
Although had an unused room that was connected to his bedroom, it was too small for Elysia to use. Maybe that¡¯s why the butler brought up those words.
¡°That room seems too unreasonable for the Madam to use. She¡¯ll need a dressing room as well, and she¡¯ll only be able to get to it through your bedroom.¡±
When Cassian arrived in the bedroom, he unbuttoned his shirt and listened to the butler.
Besides being narrow, there were many minor problems as well.
¡°How about sharing the Master¡¯s bedroom?¡±
Cassian, who was just about to get him ready for the room he had originally nned, rubbed his chin.
It wasn¡¯t a bad idea.
He then made a proud face at the butler¡¯s answer. Thinking that the butler was as he expected.
Butler Philip has been with Cassian for over ten years. He could tell whether or not the master was satisfied just by looking at his face.
¡°I¡¯m really sorry that the room the Madam is going to use isn¡¯t ready yet. Wouldn¡¯t it be rude to give out a guest room to someone who will soon be the mistress?¡±
Lloyd, who followed along, looked at the butler and clicked his tongue.
The butler is probably the only one who can say such a brazen thing to His Excellency. There, in front of His Excellency, he was also very good at talking about the Madam.
Lloyd also called her Madam in front of Elysia, but he had never brought it out in front of His Excellency.
Cassian hardened his expression as he thought there was a point.
There was a problem that the wedding was soon and the room was still not ready.
¡°Isn¡¯t the room ready yet?¡±
¡°No. There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying right now, but it has to be perfectly prepared.¡±
Raising the corners of his mouth, Cassian nced at the butler.
It meant that it was already ready.
¡°The Mistress will leavete tomorrow afternoon.¡±
¡°We will prepare it by then.¡±
¡°Do that. Oh, you better shut down all the other rooms on the second floor.¡±
The butler widened his eyes for a moment, then smiled softly and lowered his head.
¡°The bath is ready.¡±
Before Cassian entered the bathroom, he said to Lloyd. ¡°Get the report by tomorrow. You may leave work tomorrow.¡±
¡°Understood.¡±
***
Lloyd hade to the kitchen thinking to have a quick meal and go home. While he was eating, the butler came into the kitchen with a hum.
¡°Kitchen chief, please prepare a drink for His Excellency. Something good for stamina.¡±
¡°Understood.¡±
Lloyd peered at the butler with an astonished look on his face.
It¡¯s already shocking to watch as he speaks tantly against His Excellency, let alone ask to prepare a drink good for stamina.
There¡¯s no way His Excellency couldn¡¯t have known what that meant.
A drink good for the stamina for His Excellency, who doesn¡¯t seem to shed a drop of blood even if you stab him¡ª
¡°Butler, do you need something like that?¡±
¡°Pft. You still have a long way to go. Lloyd.¡±
He wrinkled his face, asking what that meant. Seeing his expression, the butler sat across from Lloyd with his eyes gleaming sharply.
¡°His Excellency¡¯s lips seem to be chapped a lottely, shouldn¡¯t you be more concerned?¡±
Lloyd, who was eating the soup, stopped his spoon.
He was a frighteningly quick-witted butler, but this time, it didn¡¯t seem like it.
Lloyd opened his mouth with a victorious smile. He said, ¡°You don¡¯t seem to understand why his lips were chapped.¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°The butler will find out soon.¡±
Then, he continued his meal with a meaningful smile.
It wasn¡¯t the first time he did his business while waiting as Cassian and Elysia met. The appearance of His Excellency who enters with a normal face andes back with a scar on his lips? Lloyd shook his head.
He absolutely does not want to know that the kiss between His Excellency and the Madam is passionate, but what can he do with what he saw?
The butler was trying hard to figure out what Lloyd¡¯s words meant.
¡°Maybe.....the Madam is using hands ...¡±
[ T/N: Meant to physicallymit violence to someone with the hands. ]
Lloyd nced around and screamed.
¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡±
¡°That is fine. I¡¯ve been worried that His Excellency won¡¯t get married, but I didn¡¯t know he would have that kind of taste.¡±
Though he added a few words to clear the butler¡¯s misunderstanding, the butler was already not listening to him. He just couldn¡¯t understand how a deep, strong kiss could lead to sexual taste.
Looking at his reaction, Lloyd was disgusted with the butler, who was getting more and more out of his mind about what he was thinking.
It was difficult to eat more.
¡°More than that, butler. His Majesty doesn¡¯t like sharing a room, so what are you going to do?¡±
¡°Is that possible? The two get along so well?¡±
¡®You¡¯ve never seen it, have you?¡¯ Lloyd couldn¡¯t utter those words at the butler¡¯s sparkling eyes and swallowed it.
The butler must have had nothing to do with that.
¡°I think we should prepare a new room as a shared bedroom in advance. The bedroom is too small for two people right now, anyway.¡±
The butler smiled slyly and turned to the chef again as the preparation of the drink seemed to take too long.
Contrary to what he had told Lloyd, there was no doubt about the Master¡¯s physical strength, but the Madam wille the next day, so he should replenish energy in advance.
***
¡°Lady nche?¡±
¡°Yes, what should I do?¡±
Revos, who was handling papers in his pce, frowned at the servant¡¯s words.
He had met her a couple of times, driven by the idea that she looked a lot to his taste, but he didn¡¯t bring her to bed because it was around the time he was going to break up with Elysia. Because it was the time when he cut off the girl, with the intention of catching her again.
¡°Tell her to wait.¡±
He opened his mouth again to the servant who was leaving, after receiving his order.
¡°...No. Just let her in here.¡±
It was because he was reluctant to bring other women than Elysia to the parlor. Revos still did not know how terrible Elysia thought of the parlor.
As he continued his thoughts of Elysia, Lumi¨¨re entered the office.
¡°Greetings, Crown Prince.¡±
¡°It¡¯s been a while. Please sit down, Lady.¡±
He greeted Lumiere with a friendly smile.
Wearing a mask in order not to reveal his true feelings whenever he was dealing with anyone was half ingrained in his body already.
¡°I apologize foring without a message in advance.¡±
Revos beckoned the servant toe over with tea.
Then, he nced at Lumiere and admired how great her appearance was. She had the opposite charm to Elysia, who had a strong impression. That thought reminded him of the first time he met Elysia. Until then, she was rather simr to Lumiere.
When he asked her to stay by his side, she was obedient and would give him everything. He still wondered how she had changed so much.
Recently, Elysia haspletely changed her personality as well as her impression.
Now, the woman who acted as if she would give him everything had changed so much that his desire to suppress her slowly rose.
Revos opened his mouth when he saw the servant handing over the tea and leaving.
¡°Why are you here?¡±
¡°Please withdraw your surroundings. These are words that only you should listen to.¡±
Lumiere¡¯s eyes lit up in a different light in an instant.
Her transparent eyes gave the impression of a kind and innocent person, but there was poison in her eyes that came to mind in an instant.
Thinking it was quite interesting, Revos beckoned the waiting attendants.
¡°Lady, I hate wasting time on useless things.¡±
Lumiere smiled faintly as if she already knew. She continued, ¡°Before we get to the point, I want to ask you a question. Do you still love Lady Lowell?¡±
Revos¡¯ hand, which was holding the teacup, stopped for a moment.
Elysia and the word love was something he had never thought of. She was his own, so she was just something to get back.
¡°I don¡¯t see any reason why I should have such a conversation with the Lady.¡±
¡°I can help.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°If Your Highness still has feelings for Lady Lowell, I would like to help.¡±
She wasn¡¯t thedy who looked like she would shed tears just by shoving her.
He stared at her as if exploring with his sharp eyes before opening his mouth again.
¡°Is there any reason for the Lady to do that?¡±
¡°Because I also have something I want.¡± She answered. Lumiere did not avoid the Crown Prince¡¯s gaze and looked at him confidently. She received Revos¡¯ gaze and waited for his answer with a calm expression.
¡°What do you want?¡±
It wasn¡¯t an answer to affirm that he still had a heart for Lady Lowell, but it could be interpreted in a positive way. Lumiere thought ording to his answer.
¡°I want Duke Esteban.¡±
She continued her words, ¡°I think there is something attractive about the Duke.¡±
Revos raised the corners of his lips crookedly.
His judgment was twisted as the woman who once could havee to his bedroom said that she wanted the Duke of Esteban.
It was all because of that damn Duke of Esteban...
If he hadn¡¯t seduced Elysia, this wouldn¡¯t have happened. However, it seems that he seduced not only Elysia but also other women with that handsome face.
And so, he quickly decided that he had to save Elysia from the Duke of Esteban.
Since she¡¯s being fooled now, she¡¯d be grateful if she came back to him.
¡°I¡¯m sure the Lady didn¡¯t know that the two were getting married soon.¡±
¡°There is a way I have thought of. If Your Highness will make your mind up, I will tell you.¡±
The fact that she did not give up even though they were about to get married made him want to hear more.
Nheless, there was no reason to reveal one¡¯s true self first.
¡°Let¡¯s hear about the method first.¡±
Revos was the person who benefited the most from Elysia and Cassian¡¯s engagement.
Thanks to the support of the Duke of Esteban, he was in the midst of widening the gap with the Second Prince.
There were not a few people who escaped from the power of the Second Prince as the age of the King was clearly declining. If it goes this way, the second prince would never again threaten his position.
It had been a long time since he had forgotten that his father, the current Emperor, had offered the card of support from the Duke of Esteban in exchange for giving up Elysia.
He himself is going to be the emperor, so why should he give the woman he wants to another man?
Lumiere finally opened her mouth to the light of Revos¡¯ eyes that were gleaming with desire.
¡°Now, Your Highness...¡±
Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Duchy of Esteban¡¯s butler politely greeted Elysia, who had arrived from the carriage.
The butler looked to be younger than forty. His hair was all grayed out and the fine muscles that could be felt even though he was wearing outerwear, seemed to be someone who was very thorough in self-management.
¡°A formal greeting to you. My name is Philip, the general butler. Please call me Philip.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you, Philip. I look forward to working with you in the future.¡±
¡°Please speak at ease, Madam.¡±
¡°I will.¡±
She wasn¡¯t married yet, but she was well known for Lloyd or Philip as Madam.
In Lloyd¡¯s snarky style, when she heard the name Madam, there was no part that touched her much, but when the word ¡°Madam¡± came out of Philip¡¯s mouth, it felt so real that it struck her that she was getting married.
The employees, who were waiting in line for Elysia to enter the hall on the first floor, greeted her politely.
They all had very healthy-looking bodies, and it didn¡¯t seem like a false rumor to say that all of the employees did basic physical training.
¡°Are all the employees of the mansion gathered?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right.¡±
It had about half the number of employees at her family, the Duchy of Lowell,
It was questionable how they could manage the mansionrger than the Duchy of Lowell with this much personnel. Is one person doing the work of two people? Looking at the employees, it seemed possible enough.
Philip noticed Elysia¡¯s question and added an exnation.
¡°Since we do not ept outsiders as much as possible, the number of employees is small. Still, there is no big problem in managing the house, but if the Madam wants, we will hire more.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s time to discuss this. I¡¯ll ask you againter.¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Following the butler¡¯s hand gestures, the employees greeted Elysia one by one.
¡®I haven¡¯t married yet... Why is everyone¡¯s face like that?¡¯
It was ironic that she was already greeted one by one even before she officially became the mistress, but the employees¡¯ expressions were even more bizarre.
Everyone was polite, but there was no way Elysia could not see the twitching. She did not know that all the employees of the Duke of Esteban were looking forward to the day Elysia came.
It was because it wasn¡¯t for a day or two that they were worried that his icy-like personality might prevent him from marrying for the rest of his life.
Finally, the two maids who will serve Elysia greeted her.
Gray, who had been Elysia¡¯s full-time maid from the Duke of Lowell, followed Elysia to the Duchy of Esteban and withdrew with the maids to attend to her.
¡°Then, would you like to see the mansion?¡±
¡°I do.¡±
The ?-shaped building was separated into two parts, the furthest for the main building, and the other buildings beside it was the whole building used by the Esteban Knights.
She acknowledged it.
The range the Knights used was fairly wide.
There were also buildings for employees, guest annexes, and several other buildings for various purposes. Among the residences in the capital city, the Duchy of Lowell¡¯s house was one of the spacious ones, but the Duchy of Esteban¡¯s house was overwhelming.
If the mansion in the capital city, not the estate, is of this size, what would the mansion in the estate be like?
Elysia thought that the Lowell family was not far behind in terms of financial resources, but that idea has changed a little today.
As she listened to Philip¡¯s continuous voice, she learned the structure of the mansion.
On the first floor, dining rooms and parlors were located, and Cassian and Elysia¡¯s bedroom was on the second floor. While Cassian¡¯s office and study were on the third floor, and Elysia¡¯s office would be on the same floor.
Der, who was eagerly moving its steps at her feet, rubbed its face against her legs as if bored and whined.
¡°Now, I will guide you to your room.¡±
As Elysia hugged Der, she thought it was finally over, and she followed Philip.
After she looked around at the Duchy of Esteban, it was really luxuriouslyvish. There were many noble families who decorated with jewels everywhere to the point it was inducing a furrowing brow.
However, the Duchy of Esteban¡¯s color itself was unified in cream color, and expensive decorations and sculptures were ced here and there, giving it an antique feeling.
If there was one peculiar thing, it was a magic stone that could be seen everywhere.
Like a doorknob or a window, everything called a door was studded with magic stones. There were several magic spells for security, and the level of the magic circle was quite high.
So much so that she wondered what kind of wizards they hired.
She thought there were no surprises anymore, but when she got to go up the stairs to the second floor, she corrected her thoughts.
Elysia followed Philip and stopped in front of the room closest to the stairs. Since it is the household where the head of the household mainly lives, a higher level of magic is at stake.
¡®I don¡¯t think I can solve this either...¡¯
There was no doubt that it was made by requesting the magic tower.
She had a rough guess of who it was. There were fewer than five people to engrave this kind of magic.
Seeing this, Elysia put it on the scales to see which would be more secure, the defensive magic that Ramote had ced on the Duchy of Lowell or the magic of the Duchy of Esteban¡ª
The magic hanging on the Duchy of Lowell¡¯s house was just a magic to block attack magics and dampen the impact on the building. On the other hand, all kinds of defensive magic were engraved in this ce, that hers felt ignorant.
If she were here, at least, she would not lose her life at the hands of an assassin.
Elysia paused to follow Philip again with a tired face. For some reason, he stopped in front of a familiar door...
¡°This is the bedroom the Madam will use.¡±
This is weird.
She felt a strange feeling as she saw the room behind, where the butler was standing. Elysia hesitantly asked, ¡°Philip. This room...¡±
Contemting whether it was true or not, Philip coughed and answered.
¡°Hmm... that¡¯s right. It is His Excellency¡¯s bedroom.¡±
Elysia wiggled her eyebrows and entered the room.
She had been in Cassian¡¯s bedroom, by using the ring. If there was a difference, all the furniture in the room, such as curtains and beds, had been reced with new ones, and it was transformed into a space that gives a slightly brighter feeling.
One of the spaces connected to the bedroom, which until recently had been vacant, became her own dressing room.
There were rows of new clothes hanging in it.
¡®No, why don¡¯t I have my own room! Does one bedroom make sense?¡¯
It wasmon for couples to have their own bedroom, even if they stayed in the same bedroom more often if they got along well.
Elysia tried to ask Philip for an exnation, but she stopped.
It was Cassian, not Philip, who could decide this.
¡°Philip. When will His Excellency return home?¡±
¡°He will be here soon.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve worked hard. I want to take a break, so you can go.¡±
¡°If you need anything, please let me know.¡±
***
Elysia was lying on the bed, which somehow seemed bigger than before.
She had already been worried about how she would see that handsome face every day, but this was torture. She jumped to her feet at the presence she felt in front of the door. He appeared sooner than expected.
Cassian gazed at Elysia¡¯s expression and noticed why she was doing this, before approaching her.
¡°Please exin. Duke.¡±
¡°It is as it appears. In the Duchy of Esteban, couples originally shared one bedroom.¡±
Do you know that Elysia? She nodded her head with a sound and nced at him.
¡°...Do you think I would believe that?¡±
He spoke casually enough to be passed on as something true.
¡°Your room isn¡¯t ready yet. Be patient.¡±
Cassian swallowed the word that he was going to share the room with her.
Actually, it wasn¡¯t very wrong.
He had epted the butler¡¯s suggestion, ¡®How about preparing the Madam¡¯s room again as a shared room?¡¯ The ce that was supposed to be Elysia¡¯s room was going to start redecorating by tearing off the wallpaper.
¡°I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s a guest room.¡±
¡°That¡¯s not possible. You¡¯re the future mistress of the Duchy of Esteban.¡±
¡°Then, I¡¯ll go back home...¡±
Elysia couldn¡¯t finish her words and bit her mouth.
She knew she couldn¡¯t go back and forth at will. From today until the end of the contract period, she will stay in this mansion.
She then opened her mouth with a smile as she had a sudden thought.
¡°There were a lot of other rooms on the second floor beside this one. The second floor is a space used only by members of the family, right?¡±
Saying so, Elysia got her body up as if she was going to another room at any moment. Cassian naturally wrapped his arms around her shoulders as he walked along with Elysia to look around the other room.
Because she was wearing a half exposed back dress, he struggled to hold back his hands.
Elysia lifted the hand that had wrapped around her shoulder and smiled a victorious smile.
¡°I¡¯m going alone.¡±
But, Cassian raised his hand again and turned her around.
Elysia peered at his smile and raised her eyebrows. She had a strange conviction that something was not going to go her way.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you can¡¯t do that. There aren¡¯t any rooms avable in the main building.¡±
¡°What do you mean? I looked around today.¡±
¡°I guess you haven¡¯t opened the door. It¡¯s all closed.¡±
¡°....¡±
It was undoubtedly intentional.
What the hell is that useless precision detail?
Cassian¡¯s face was just as calm as if there was something wrong with what he was saying. Even though she wanted to confirm if it was true, Elysia did not feel a single lie in those purple eyes.
¡°If so, I can use the annex. You won¡¯t tell me that there aren¡¯t any rooms there either.¡±
¡°You can¡¯t do that. I brought you here for a purpose. The annex is dangerous.¡±
By now, Elysia was staring at him with an astonished expression on her face.
Looking at Cassian¡¯s attitude, he didn¡¯t seem likely to back down easily. She had already arranged her things, so she raised her hands in a sign of surrender, wondering what to do more.
It was not only once or twice that she spent the night in this room, but it also felt different.
¡°Do whatever you want. Are you going to shower first? I need to wash myself.¡±
¡°Together?¡±
¡°Of course, separately. Don¡¯t tell me there is only one bathroom...¡±
Cassian closed his eyes and smiled.
The Duchy of Esteban is famous for being thergest mansion in the Capital. He¡¯s also a Duke. So, why is there only one bathroom on the floor where the Head is staying? And, when did all those rooms and bathrooms shut down...?
Even if Elysia wanted to spit on his smiling face, Cassian was smiling so beautifully that she could not even curse at it.
She came to a conclusion about his attitude that dared to use the same bedroom.
¡°...You perverted man.¡±
¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard of such a thing, but I¡¯ll have to work hard to live up to expectations.¡±
Replying with a slight smile, Cassian wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body tight to him.
Elysia swallowed her saliva at the sensation of the firm body against her.
¡°By the way... what do you think about what I said? You haven¡¯t answered anything yet.¡±
Noticing the yfulness in the purple eyes, she thought perhaps the one bathroom is fine.
¡°Do you want to wash together?¡±
Chapter 41
Chapter 41
Elysia hugged her knees in the bathtub and nced at the maids.
Heat seemed to rise on her face. It was because of Gray and the maids Renji and Jenny who served her. Wherever she looked, there were all kinds of perfumed oil the maids had brought.
¡°It¡¯s the first night...¡±
She never thought of tonight in that sense.
She was supposed toe into the Duke¡¯s house on the day of the wedding, though she was here now, so the maids deserve to think so.
Elysia didn¡¯t think much of it, but when she heard it was the first night, she was tickled and nervous for nothing.
She then frowned and muttered a little.
¡°It¡¯s all because of Cassian... Why did he ask to use the same bedroom?¡±
It wasn¡¯t the first time she had spent the night with him, yet her heart was racing. Her face seemed hot and she exhaled as she fanned her hands.
Elysia reached out her hand and turned the hourss upside down again, which she had ced next to her.
It¡¯s already on the third flip, so it¡¯s probably been over an hour.
...Why can¡¯t she go out boldly?
Finally, she jumped up to her feet.
¡°Let¡¯s pull ourselves together. It¡¯s not something new.¡±
As she got up and walked out of the bathroom, the maids, who were waiting for her, approached. Even after her bath, she told them to go away because she would do it alone, although Gray was insisting on her.
¡°Lady, I will help you.¡±
Two maids, with Gray in the lead, approached her with stern eyes.
As soon as Elysia had finished wiping her body, she wasid down on a lounge in front of the bathroom.
The maids began to apply all sorts of unknown things to her body.
¡°Oh my... Madam, your skin is really soft.¡±
¡°That¡¯s right. I think even a little bit of management would make a huge difference.¡±
With a proud face, Gray began to show how much work she had put in the mansion over the years. Needless to say, she looked too happy for her to stop it.
Elysia¡¯s mouth, who had resigned as she entrusted her body to the hands of her maids, opened.
¡°What about dinner?¡±
¡°His Excellency on the days he went to work at the Imperial Pce, did not eat separately at the mansion. Madam, are you hungry?¡±
¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡±
Gray, who normally would have made a fuss with her saying that she should eat something, was quiet.
¡®Eating that small amount of food won¡¯t make your stomach full.¡¯
¡°It¡¯s over, madam!¡±
¡°Yes. I¡¯ll wear the clothes, so you can leave first.¡±
¡°Yes, I understand. Call me if you need me.¡±
Elysia nodded her head and raised her body.
She peered at the clothes ced in front of the mirror as she reached out and lifted the pale pink silk pajama gown. Elysia¡¯s eyes trembled incessantly at the same time as the slip that was a part of the gown fell.
¡°What is that...¡±
Slips of the same color as the gown seemed to cover only the ces that were barely covered.
No, are they even hidden properly?
¡°Should I ask them to bring it back?¡±
Elysia, who remembered the eyes of the maids, wept at the thought that they would never give her the chance. She then picked up the slip with her fingertips as if she didn¡¯t want to touch it.
When she looked closely, it didn¡¯t seem that bad.
The very thin slip, fortunately, didn¡¯t look sheer.
It was just above the knees, though she was okay with it because, before her return, she used to wear it. It¡¯s such a soft material, so when she untied the ribbon on the front, it seemed like it woulde off her skin, but at that time she was already... already¡ª
Elysia¡¯s face turned red as if it was about to explode.
¡°Good thoughts... Good thoughts.¡±
She didn¡¯t think anything would happen in one bedroom, but she might not have thought that Cassian would.
Looking at her attire, she hoped he would not be misunderstood.
Eventually, Elysia put on the slip, thinking as positively as she could.
She tied theces from the gown, covered the slip as much as possible with the gown.
At the same time, Philip, the butler, was restricting the employees from entering the second floor with a proud face.
***
Returning to the bedroom with a delighted face after her bath, the corners of Elysia¡¯s lips twitched.
Because the appearance of the bedroom was different from before her bath.
In the bedroom, candles scattered throughout the room were dimly lit. Red rose petals were sprinkled on the floor and the bed and cheese and fruit were ced on the table along with wine.
It was the scene of a bare first night.
Cassian entered the room with a click while Elysia was ncing inside the bedroom nkly from the doorway.
At that, he also looked around the room as her gaze was directed to him. His gaze continued from the bed to the table.
Elysia took a step away from him and opened her mouth.
¡°You have to prepare...¡±
The answer came quickly.
¡°No.¡±
Cassian never remembered giving such an order.
Seeing that, she narrowed her eyes as if to figure out if what he said was true.
He opened his mouth as if talking to himself, looking at the rose petals that stretched all the way to the bed and table.
¡°I think I¡¯ll have to hold you to bed.¡±
¡°...Yes.¡±
Elysia agreed with his words and nodded her head with sympathy. She rolled her eyes and gazed at Cassian with her body fixed towards the table.
The atmosphere in the room seemed to be getting more and more mysterious.
Elysia headed towards the table at an unnatural pace.
Heughed loudly at her gait, which wouldn¡¯t be strange even to hear a squeak from her walk. Cassian, who watched as she sat down on the sofa, followed Elysia as she walked.
¡°You seem nervous.¡±
¡°No? No way. It¡¯s not the first time.¡±
¡°What¡¯s not the first time?¡±
As Cassian leaned closer to Elysia, who was sitting on the sofa, he bowed his body. Looking at his rxed face all the time made her angry.
She swiftly reached out her hand and stroked his chest.
¡°What? What can I do? I don¡¯t n on doing that until the wedding day.¡±
¡°Hmmm...¡±
Cassian grinned and grabbed her hand on his chest before raising it. He gently bit her finger without causing any pain.
Elysia, who had been trying so hard to disguise her calmness, opened her mouth nkly at the soft touch on her finger.
She almost groaned.
Because of that, she red at him with a face that looked as if he had stolen even the innocence of her fingers.
¡°You¡¯re constantly conscious that I want to bully you.¡±
Elysia stared at the wine ced on the table and licked her lips. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s earlier than expected, but would you like a drink to get along well?¡±
¡°I do.¡±
And so, Cassian sat down next to her.
There was only one sofa.
Pour. The sound of wine sses being filled rang out.
Elysia, who was looking at the red wine in the ss, frowned at the thought that suddenly came to her.
She was going to have to eat here in the future. Although she could eat while he was away, so as not to give him the bizarre appearance of pouring blood into a ss.
As she continued to think about it, Elysia thought she was really d that Revos and her engagement had been broken.
Taking the cup, she gently brought it to him.
¡°Do you enjoy drinking?¡±
¡°I drink asionally. How about you?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t enjoy it that much.¡±
Elysia drank the wine with a surprised expression on her face. It was stronger than she expected.
Cassian opened his mouth as she drank the wine. He picked up the cherries and opened his mouth and said, ¡°Do you get drunk when you drink, too?¡±
¡°Tes, I get drunk when I drink. I just don¡¯t have a hangover when I wake up.¡±
The drunkenness also heals over time, so when she woke up it was nothing.
Even though it is almost impossible to get drunk with weak alcohol. If she drinks wine now, Elysia doesn¡¯t think she¡¯ll get drunk to some extent.
¡°I¡¯m envious of that.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t drink well?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve never drank until I got drunk, so I don¡¯t know.¡±
¡°Just say you drink well, then.¡±
She continued sipping the wine to her liking.
The bottle of wine was quickly emptied between light conversations. While neither Elysia nor Cassian showed any signs of drunkenness.
¡°One more bottle?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Seeing Cassian pouring the wine, Elysia moved closer to him. She put her knees up and hugged it, supported her chin, and gazed at him intently. She had never imagined it would be like this when she first opened her eyes in this bedroom.
When she came to the mansion, he gave her a ring and had asting rtionship with him.
¡°You know what? The day you first gave me this ring...¡±
Elysia spread out her hand and showed the ring with the magic stone. Cassian also filled his ss and waited for her next words.
¡°...I thought you only wanted my body. I thought that was all you wanted from me.¡±
Hearing her remark, he frowned, thinking he wouldn¡¯t think so.
¡°I guess not now.¡±
¡°It wasn¡¯t like that up until now, though I think it¡¯s right because we¡¯re going to use the same bedroom.¡±
Elysiaughed yfully.
¡°It¡¯s love at first sight and even marriage, isn¡¯t it natural to have one bedroom? I was just faithful to that.¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t you say the room wasn¡¯t ready?¡±
¡°There is that, too.¡±
Lies.
¡°Even couples who are married because they love each other have their own rooms.¡±
Of course, there are cases where one bedroom is used, but that was rare. Still, Cassian just smiled with a look of cluelessness.
They reached the point where they emptied three bottles of wine.
By that point, Elysia was feeling the slowly rising drunkenness.
¡°You drink well considering you say you don¡¯t really get drunk.¡±
¡°No. I¡¯m a bit tipsy right now.¡±
She smiled and emptied herst ss. While Cassian stretched out his hand, remembering that she was constantly picking the cherries.
Elysia took it and ate what came into her mouth.
¡°That¡¯s not food.¡±
His words were towards Elysia, who had pushed the cherries in and snapped his fingers instead. She shut her eyes and grinned softly, before letting go of his finger and chirped.
Cassian raised the corners of his mouth and unbuttoned his shirt as if feeling cramped.
As always, Elysia¡¯s red eyes followed his hand.
¡°Don¡¯t provoke me. Like I said, I¡¯m going to wait until the wedding.¡±
It was the first time since she realized her heart, so she didn¡¯t have the confidence to restrain herself.
Nheless, Elysia¡¯s gaze turned to Cassian¡¯s hand.
Perhaps Cassian had heard her words, but her gaze continued to stay in one ce.
¡°Why don¡¯t you unbutton the sleeves?¡±
¡°Well?¡±
¡°We always do it together. I¡¯ll just watch.¡±
Elysia moved closer to him and grabbed his arm. She then slowly unbuttoned the sleeves and rolled up his sleeves a bit.
¡°This looks nice, as expected.¡±
Saying so, she ran her fingers down from his forearm to the prominent veins on the back of his hand.
Cassian put down his ss and made a troubled face.
He knew that she liked his body, though she never expressed it so openly.
As Elysia grazed her hand softly, the hem of the sleeves of her soft robe brushed against his flesh.
Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Then, he saw her outfit.
The tight-fitting gown had long been ruffled while drinking wine. The ribbon that was fastening her waist was also loosened, revealing a slip with her neckline nted open.
The thin slip was revealing her curves.
Cassian let out a sigh of relief before pulling away the hand that Elysia was fiddling with and buried his face in the palm of his hand. Because of that, she tilted her head and unbuttoned the sleeve on the opposite arm.
Something was missing. If that¡¯s the case, wouldn¡¯t it be better to strip her off?
¡°Shall I just take it off?¡±
She whispered a small whisper as if to herself, but Cassian couldn¡¯t miss that voice. In addition, although Elysia was speaking quite eloquently, she was slightly slurred in her pronunciation.
¡°You... you¡¯re drunk.¡±
Thinking so, he thought it would be better to stop and sleep, so he reached out to hug Elysia. She graciously wanted him to hold her in his arms, and she soon grabbed him by the shoulders and pressed him down.
Sitting on the sofa armrests, she grabbed Cassian¡¯s hand and raised it.
¡°I want to eat.¡±
Elysia¡¯s eyes as she ced Cassian¡¯s hand on her lips and asked for an answer were begging.
As if he should nod his head right now.
Because her eye level was as high as the armrest of the sofa, the ce where Cassian¡¯s gaze reached was showing a dizzyingndscape.
¡°I can¡¯t stand it like this. So...¡±
¡°I mean... If you hadn¡¯t unbuttoned it, I would have protected you tonight.¡±
She then cut off Cassian¡¯s words and urged him to give her permission. At that, he grabbed Elysia¡¯s waist, who was barely sitting on the armrest.
Receiving it as a sign of permission, Elysia¡¯s lips bit his finger.
Ever since he took her cherries, she had a hard time putting up with it.
She lifted her teeth and cracked it with a little more force, and she felt the scent of his body spread through her body.
She seemed to be drunk.
Elysia frowned at Cassian¡¯s face, not closing his eyes. Slowly pulling her lips apart, and said as she licked the drops of blood from his fingers.
¡°Your eyes are wide open. It¡¯s too naughty.¡±
Elysia ran her finger across Cassian¡¯s eyes.
This is the reason why these days when she sucked his blood, she didn¡¯t bite his lips or the back of his neck first, though continued to bite her finger first.
Being able to see Cassian¡¯s expression without missing out.
He had never made such an expression even on the bed. An expression that onlyes out when he is holding on to something he wants to rush to. So, the easiest way to see that expression was to suck his blood.
Elysia lowered her hand that had been stroking his eyes a little and grabbed Cassian¡¯s chin. She gazed down at him, and she smiled enticingly beautifully.
Cassian held his breath for a moment and stared at her.
¡°As expected, the lips are swollen after the fingers.¡±
Elysia lifted his chin and lowered her head.
Her normally cool lips were hot. As she bit his lip, she smelled the blood mixed with the smell of wine. Elysia then moved her body closer to him.
Cassian swallowed a groan and grabbed Elysia¡¯s waist, and lifted it over his legs.
¡°Hngg...¡±
A moan of satisfaction escaped from her throat.
The kiss that started lightly to suck blood then deepened instantaneously.
Elysia covered his cheeks with her hands and dug deeper. The sound of suffocated breathing and sticky wetness reverberated throughout the room.
¡°...Haa.¡±
She was convinced when drinking Ryan¡¯s blood recently, but when she drank Cassian¡¯s blood, her body became even hotter.
It was like that evenpared to when she was a vampire before the return. When she sucked blood, she felt only moderate stimtion, and when she lifted her lips, only a feeling of satiety remained.
However, that wasn¡¯t the case when drinking Cassian¡¯s blood.
The heated state continued, so she wanted to kiss him again even after the bloodsucking was finished. Her lips parted for a moment as Elysia thought of it.
Cassian frowned, she said.
¡°I can¡¯t stand it like this... Eup.¡±
Elysia kissed him again and stopped him.
Their saliva mixed up, and Elysia sucked at his lower lip. Again her lips fell, she opened her closed eyes.
At that point, she realized that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. The purple eyes seemed unusually dark.
Could her own eyes be that hot...?
She slowly lowered her head, and she whispered in his ear.
¡°I don¡¯t think I can stand it. So, don¡¯t stand it.¡±
She licked Cassian¡¯s earlobe as if urging him.
In an instant, there was a spark in Cassian¡¯s purple eyes. He took Elysia and moved his steps. Instantaneously, Elysia¡¯s legs were wrapped around his waist as she hugged him. Cassian bit Elysia¡¯s lips and swallowed it passionately. A deep kiss continued as they headed towards the bed.
¡°Haa......¡±
Elysia let out a shaky breath and clung to him. Her body was hot.
Cassian, whoid Elysia on the bed, swept her hair and whispered lowly. The reddened corners of his eyes and moist lips were visible. Her robe was already half off, revealing the white nape and her shoulders.
He drew his attention to her chest, which went up and down like she was short of breath.
Red rose petals scattered across the bed were mingled with Elysia¡¯s shimmering silver hair, exuding a sensual mood. As soft as possible, he murmured and buried his lips in the nape of her neck.
Elysia wanted to see his face and lowered her gaze.
¡°...It¡¯s against thew to look like this.¡±
She could see Cassian unraveling the ribbon in front of the slip by biting it with his teeth. Elysia¡¯s eyes darkened. She grabbed his shoulders and pushed him aside.
Then, she went up on top of Cassian, who had just been pushed away.
¡°Stay still. I¡¯ll do whatever I want.¡±
Pluck.
The shirt button was unbuttoned by Elysia¡¯s hand. She liked the rare sight of him lying down with a bewildered expression on his face.
No, she would have liked him no matter what shape he was...
The red eyes slowly nced at him. Her gaze moved from his straight forehead to the corner of his pretty eyes, past his high nose, and toward his red lips.
Elysia gently pressed her finger to Cassian¡¯s lips.
Drops of blood leaked from the wound she had made by biting him, before sucking the drops of blood from her own fingers.
¡°Why do I like you so much?¡±
At the same time as Elysia¡¯s words, the force that was felt in her body became stronger.
She raised the corners of her lips and pressed her hips down.
Elysia¡¯s words a while ago and her continued actions were enough to blow away Cassian¡¯s reason. Cassian¡¯s eyes shed dangerously.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll let you do whatever you wantter.¡±
¡°Ah...!¡±
Cassian put Elysia under him again. He felt something he had been holding on to break away, and sucked Elysia¡¯s lips aggressively.
As the kisses continued roughly, saliva flowed down between her lips.
He did it all the way and lowered his lips. And, he etched red marks.
Elysia let out a breath, which she had been holding back by the sensation of biting on the nape of her neck.
¡°Ah, Cassian...!¡±
The name from her lips sounded too sweet.
As Cassian¡¯s hand untied the ribbon of the slip that had not yet been untied, the hem of her robe was easily pushed down. It had grabbed his attention from the moment he entered the room.
Elysia¡¯s fingers gripped his hair as Cassian¡¯s hand stroked her thigh softly and dug deep inside.
A moan escaped between his lips as he felt his fingers rubbing.
¡°Ugh...¡±
His lips gradually descended where his fingers were. As she trembled, feeling a tingle sensation on her whole body, Elysia squinted her eyes at the shallow sensation.
Slow and weak stimtion followed as if burning her¡ªthis was not enough.
¡°...Ahkk... Cassian...Hurry.¡±
¡°Who¡¯s really crazy to want to be in a hurry...¡±
¡°Hurry up. Hmm?¡±
Cassian parted his lips and met Elysia¡¯s gaze, pushing his back. There was a deep desire in his purple eyes. Her body trembled as she felt the great stimulus she had been waiting for.
A shrill breath escaped from Cassian¡¯s lips.
Without waiting for the tremors to stop, he moved his body again.
¡°Ahh...wait a minute.¡±
¡°Even if you ask me to stop, I can¡¯t stop. You started it.¡±
***
Lloyd and Ryan went to the Duchy of Esteban to post a report. Ryan had yet to meet Elysia because he had entered the Duke of Esteban¡¯s residencete.
There, Philip weed Ryan.
¡°I¡¯ve been told of you in advance, Sir Ryan. You have a ce to stay in the annex.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
Lloyd, who was next to him, tilted his head and asked. ¡°It¡¯s on the annex, not the knights building?¡±
¡°This is His Excellency¡¯smand. And, Sir Ryan is not a member of the Esteban Knights.¡±
Ryan simply nodded his head. Seeing Philip, he thought that he had not been able to be Elysia¡¯s side for several days.
¡°Where is Lady Elysia?¡±
At his question, Philip began to twitch.
As the wicked look made Ryan bewildered, Lloyd wrinkled his face.
¡°If it¡¯s not an important report, you¡¯d better take a break first.¡±
¡°...Yes?¡±
¡°Maybe it will be difficult to meet His Excellency and Madame for a few days.¡±
¡°Then, I¡¯ll go back to my room and wait. Please tell Lady Elysia.¡±
Philip called the maid and ordered to guide Ryan to his annex.
Because of that, Lloyd gave him envious nces as he watched Ryan follow the maid.
Why wouldn¡¯t he just want to rest peacefully and wait? But, he was so overworked that he had a pile of things to report.
Lloyd then opened his mouth in a rebellious voice.
¡°Butler, there are no unimportant reports.¡±
¡°Hmm. I don¡¯t really rmend it unless you want to lose your job.¡±
He narrowed his eyes and looked at Philip.
Philip was resolutely signaling that he should never think of going up to the second floor.
Lloyd was thinking about whether there was a report that he was going to post today, and if it had been dyed, he would have put his life in more danger than it would now be to seek His Excellency.
Recently, there was one of the things that he was asked to do as a top priority.
¡°Philip, may I have a word with His Excellency?¡±
Philip raised his eyebrows. Even after all this, he still said that it was really important to find His Excellency.
At that, Lloyd asked a question that came to mind.
¡°By the way, it hasn¡¯t been three days since His Excellency came to the mansion. How long has it been since the two ate in the bedroom...¡±
¡°It was three days ago. Soon, it will be the fourth day.¡±
Philip, with a happy expression on his face, guessed when thest meal was served to him.
By now, he thought he might go up one more time.
Chapter 43
Chapter 43
Cassian, who had been gazing at Elysia¡¯s sleeping face, rose up to his feet at the presence approaching the room.
He put on his robe and quietly walked out of the room, fearing he would wake her up.
¡°Philip, don¡¯t bring food until I call.¡±
¡°Eh! Yes, I understand. But, the aide has an urgent report.¡±
Hearing that, he raised an eyebrow.
As he nced at him, Cassian turned his head and looked into the room, then closed the door. She has just slept, so he can go visit her after a while.
¡°What about Lloyd?¡±
¡°He¡¯s waiting for you in the office.¡±
***
Lloyd looked at Cassian strangely as he entered the office in his gown.
His master had a full on beastly face.
¡°So, what¡¯s the important report, Lloyd?¡±
Wouldn¡¯t it be enough to stay in the bedroom for three days?
Lloyd swallowed the tears and took a sharp energy.
¡°Young Lady nche has made contact with the Crown Prince.¡±
¡°The reason is...?¡±
¡°She had a private conversation with the Crown Prince at the Ayre Pce. I couldn¡¯t figure out what kind of conversation they had.¡±
Cassian fell in thought, supporting his face with the back of his hand. It¡¯s been a while since Revos called a woman to the pce. He didn¡¯t even intend to call her into the bedroom, but he met Lady nche.
¡°After meeting Lady nche, the Crown Prince¡¯s visits to the central pce have be more frequent. They say he visits several times a day.¡±
¡°His Majesty? He hasn¡¯t recovered yet.¡±
Lloyd nodded his head.
Few people knew that it had been a while since the emperor, who had recently deteriorated due to a chronic illness, had been locked up in his bedroom.
Cassian furrowed his brow at the thought.
He always thought that the Crown Prince would not give up on Elysia easily. Despite the fact that they have the Imperial approval, getting engaged to be married. However, there was nothing Revos could do about it, so he left her alone.
¡°Are you trying to interrupt the wedding...¡±
Then, why the Lady nche? The question followed.
Cassian remembered Lumiere¡¯s eyes as she looked at him during the subjugation. He was not so foolish as to not notice such a clear mind. Seeing Lumiere, Elysia thought that she might be in love with him, but it was different.
It was possessiveness, a desire to have only him.
The problem was that those feelings were rted to Elysia. Cassian knew that Lumiere often looked at her¡ª
Jealousy, greed, hate, and all kinds of dirty emotions were contained.
¡®Perhaps she wanted to take Elysia away.¡¯
Cassian thought that it no longer mattered why Lumiere felt that way to Elysia, he just wished that she didn¡¯t know about these things. He only hopes that she doesn¡¯t suffer anymore and stays within his fence safely.
It was time to let Lumiere grasp the subject.
¡°Where does the poisone from?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not sure yet, though I think I got the material from a business that seems to belong to the Marquisate of nche.¡±
Cassianughed bitterly at the answer he had expected.
Even if she didn¡¯t do anything anymore, it would be dangerous, but she must have wanted to gnaw at her.
¡°Put financial pressure on the Marquisate of nche. We should at least give them a warning.¡±
¡°Understood. What will we do with the Crown Prince?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll have to give some strength to the second prince.¡±
Since Revos had a solid position as the Crown Prince, he could do nothing. Even if the Emperor dies right now, there will be no harm to him.
Then, if the Emperor was in danger, it would be enough to create a difficult situation.
***
Cassian returned to the bedroom andy down next to Elysia again.
Slowly raising her eyelids, making a groaning sound as he moved.
¡°Uh...¡±
Elysia, who was raising her upper body, was pulled back into Cassian¡¯s arms as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
He whispered low in her ear.
¡°Sleep more.¡±
¡°...I¡¯m thirsty.¡±
¡°Just stay still. I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±
Elysia caught Cassian as he went to get a ss of water.
She didn¡¯t need water now. The thirst because of the deed, whichsted for three days without a break, was to suck blood. Though she hesitated because she thought it would be too difficult for her to drink Cassian¡¯s blood again.
He still seems to be fine when she sees his hand squeezing her waist.
It was impossible to eat another meal in front of Cassian, and it was difficult in many ways.
¡°...Ugh. Don¡¯t do it.¡±
¡°I¡¯m thirsty.¡±
¡°What does that have to do with this...¡±
Cassian smiled low and ced his finger on Elysia¡¯s lips.
As expected, he was too quick to notice.
¡°Aren¡¯t you tired? I don¡¯t know how many times it is already.¡±
¡°Yes. It¡¯s harder for me to push you because I¡¯m tired.¡±
Cassian gently rubbed Elysia¡¯s lower lip with his finger.
Elysia couldn¡¯t stand it and bit his finger. For a moment, she felt something be hard behind her back. Cassian must have been not human.
While she was thinking so, Cassian settled down and dug into her at once.
Unlike waiting for her lips to go as she sucked his blood, she bit his finger harder at the stimtioning up.
¡°Uuphh...¡±
Elysia protested, biting Cassian¡¯s finger.
She had been with him for about two days before the subjugation, but not this much.
Cassian, who rushed at her as if the appearance he had shown to her was only a taste, made Elysia hold up both her hands and feet and cried out for surrender.
As she lifted her lips from his finger, Elysia said discontentedly.
¡°Haa... you really¡ªif I was just an ordinary nobledy... Uph.¡±
Cassian moved strongly as if blocking her words.
¡°You wouldn¡¯t stand it. Is that what you want to say?¡±
He turned her body to face him then raised his hand and pulled her hair away from her face and kissed her lightly. Unlike his strong movement, Elysia smiled as she was stunned at the friendly touch.
Cassian smiled wildly as if he didn¡¯t know anything.
¡°I just can¡¯t stand... haa, it? Do you know...how many times I¡¯ve fainted¡ªAhhkk.¡±
At the more intense stimulus, Elysia opened her mouth and was moved to tears. Cassian leaned over and licked the tears from her eyes.
¡°If you cry like that.¡±
Thenguid voice continued, ¡°It¡¯s hard to bear.
Elysia raised her hand as he pushed her down with an astonished look.
¡®Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve been holding on until now...?¡¯
As Cassian interlocked her hand, he pressed it down to the bedsheet.
¡°Hoo¡ªElysia...¡±
She flinched at the sound of a low voice calling her name. It was not intended, but the reaction was immediate.
¡°Ugh...¡±
Elysia raised the corners of her lips and raised her upper body. She supported her body with her elbows, giving the same stimtion as before. Then, Cassian leaned over her body and hugged her tightly. He let out a suppressed moan in Elysia¡¯s ear.
¡°...Hoo. I¡¯ve been holding myself because it was difficult, but I can¡¯t do this.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t do it... like that.¡±
Elysia nibbled on his shoulder as she finished her words.
Cassian, who had paused for a moment and did not move his body, began to move tenaciously, only looking for where Elysia reacted to him.
A heated moan escaped from between Elysia¡¯s lips.
As if she had provoked him, the hand on his shoulder kept slipping.
Cassian supported Elysia¡¯s back with his firm hand and hugged her. When he raised her upper body, the stimtion was stronger.
¡°...Stop. Stop.¡±
She hurriedly shook her head with tears in her eyes. Though he now knew what Elysia¡¯s reactions meant.
That is a signal just before the peak is reached.
***
Elysia was lying face down on her bed with a sullen expression on her face as Cassian was loosening her shoulders and waist.
After what had happened, she vowed that she would never provoke him again.
She was tired of counting how many more times she had done it.
¡°...Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s really too much?¡±
¡°So, you shouldn¡¯t have been provoked.¡±
Cassian leaned over and kissed Elysia¡¯s neck deeply. She opened her mouth to say a word to him, though her lips parted softly.
...Yes, she shouldn¡¯t have tried to do more.
Her expression loosened as the hand pressed against her waist.
¡°You like it there.¡±
¡°Ugh...¡±
¡®Why are you doing that?¡¯ Contrary to Elysia¡¯s worries, his hands were rubbing the parts that she said were good, and Elysia was drooping. She thought she¡¯d say it¡¯s okay to stop, although Cassian¡¯s hand had already slid down.
¡°....?¡±
As his hand rubbed her thigh, Elysia swallowed her moan at the strange sensation she felt and bit her lip.
¡°Stop... I can¡¯t do it anymore.¡±
¡°No way.¡±
It was a confident tone. Cassian, who had measured Elysia¡¯s physical strength, knew how far she could go.
***
Elysia was only freed from him until five dayster.
The reason she was able to escape was that Cassian could no longer dy his visit to the Imperial Pce.
She leaned on the bed and gazed at Cassian, with the sheets wrapped around her body.
There were not one or two traces she left because of the stimulus he gave. The few marks that were left could be seen through the cor of the shirt.
¡°...You really aren¡¯t going to wear it like that, are you?¡±
When she saw Cassian, who had just buttoned up his shirt, she thought that he should wear a different outfit.
¡°This is the most covering clothes. So, should I stay at home until it¡¯s gone?¡±
¡°If you keep doing that, I will run back home.¡±
Cassian grinned and held Elysia¡¯s hair. As he bowed his head and kissed her hair, there was still a lingering heat in the eyes as he looked at her.
Elysia crept her body back.
Seeing so, he let go of her hair and tilted his head at an angle.
¡°You¡¯d better not do that because I don¡¯t know what to do next if I catch back the bride who ran away.¡±
She only said that she would return to the Duchy of Lowell, but what the hell is this?
At that, Elysia put away the thought of seeing him off. Then, Cassian stood up from the bed, pulling on her hand.
¡°Can you really hide this? Should I put a bandage on it?¡±
What was left on his body were not just red marks, but teeth marks. Isn¡¯t it natural that the tooth marks from fangs that dug in look strange?
She began unbuttoning his shirt at the thought of it.
¡°You don¡¯t want me to go?¡±
¡°No. Stay still.¡±
¡°Do what you want to do then.¡±
Elysia bowed her head no matter what he said. Power entered Cassian¡¯s body, as her lips pulled on where the marks were.
After a while, she finally removed her lips and smiled contentedly.
¡°This should be enough... At least, better than a tooth mark.¡±
¡°Unfortunately. They must have already seen it all.¡±
¡°...Did you show it to the outside?¡±
¡°Well...it happened somehow?¡±
Hearing that, Elysia somehow lost her confidence to see other people.
Chapter 44
Chapter 44
Elysia was walking with Ryan.
It was to look around the unfamiliar mansion a little more, and to have a conversation with him alone.
¡°Lady Elysia, is everything all right?¡±
¡°Yes. I¡¯m fine. If it¡¯s nothing special, but I came into this house a little earlier.¡±
¡°I was worried. I thought you were sick because you were still in the bedroom.¡±
¡°Huh? Uh... I¡¯m sorry.¡±
Elysia smiled awkwardly. She hurriedly opened her mouth to move on to another topic. ¡°So, did you know anything?¡±
¡°...Yes. I¡¯m pretty sure who it is.¡±
Elysia realized that Ryan meant the culprit who used the poison on her. She hoped that the name toe out of Ryan¡¯s mouth was not Lumiere.
¡®...Please. Not that.¡¯
However.
¡°It¡¯s the Marquisate of nche. We need to confirm whether it is precisely Lady nche¡¯s work.¡±
Ryan was told by Lloyd that he should keep it a secret from the madam, but he couldn¡¯t. Since Elysia asked for it, he couldn¡¯t hide it from his master.
¡°...Yes.¡±
Elysia exhaled with a disappointed expression.
Didn¡¯t she already expect it? So, what was she feeling right now? A sense of betrayal as a reader towards the female lead? Or... anxiety about an uncertain future?
With the thoughts flooded in her head, she stopped abruptly and buried her face in her palm.
¡°Lady Elysia? Where are you ufortable?¡±
¡°...Wait a moment.¡±
If it was really Lumiere¡¯s work, there was only one direction she was pointing.
That Lumiere has a heart for Cassian.
She couldn¡¯t understand. Anyway, how could she even use such a poison? If she really had a heart, she should have confessed, even if Elysia was still in a rtionship with Cassian.
¡°Ryan, does Cassian know about this now?¡±
¡°Yes, he knows.¡±
Elysia frowned.
Why didn¡¯t he tell her?
¡®I don¡¯t think it¡¯s because he knows Lumiere¡¯s heart.¡¯
Elysia grabbed her chest, feeling her heart pounding. Obviously, he had said he had no feelings for Lumiere.
***
Elysia called Philip from her makeshift third-floor office.
¡°Madam, did you call me?¡±
¡°Philip. I¡¯d like to invite someone to the mansion... Is that okay?¡±
After the wedding she wouldn¡¯t have to ask these questions, but not right now. Philip was still in charge of managing the mansion and weing guests.
¡°Are you going to have a tea party?¡±
¡°No, that has to be after the wedding.¡±
Philip smiled kindly and opened his mouth. ¡°Of course. If you want a tea party, there¡¯s nothing wrong with that.¡±
¡°That¡¯s good. We¡¯re just going to talk in moderation, so there¡¯s nothing to prepare.¡±
¡°Understood.¡±
Elysia then handed him the invitation that she had prepared.
She felt strange when she saw the navy envelope that Cassian had used.
After Philip left the office, Ryan, who was beside her, carefully asked. ¡°Lady Elysia, is that an invitation to the Marquisate of nche?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right.¡±
¡°...I don¡¯t want Lady Elysia to meet the Lady.¡±
Ryan then understood why Cassian had not informed Elysia of this.
He thought right away that if he had hidden the facts from Elysia, she wouldn¡¯t have tried to meet such a dangerous woman.
¡°Ryan, we have to meet at least once, anyway. There are things I really want to hear and things I want to tell.¡±
Elysia stroked Der and smiled wryly.
***
Elysia came out to meet him on the first floor at the words that Cassian wasing home.
With Philip¡¯s sullen look behind her as they waited for Cassian, but it didn¡¯t catch her eye.
How long has it been? As soon as the door opened, the scent of the familiar scent lingered on the tip of her nose.
Cassian moved his steps and stopped when he saw Elysia.
¡°You¡¯re back?¡±
Elysia smiled softly and approached him.
He felt strange at her words. While unsurprisingly, she crossed her arms and grabbed his arm tightly.
¡°Cough. Sir, the bathwater is ready.¡±
Cassian nodded his head.
She didn¡¯t care what Philip thought of her. Elysia hurriedly grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the second floor.
¡°What happened?¡±
¡°Nothing. I¡¯ve been waiting to ask you about something.¡±
As soon as Elysia arrived in the bedroom, she sat Cassian on the bed. The reason it wasn¡¯t the sofa was simply because the bed was closer.
She then opened her mouth in front of him as she crossed her arms.
¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°The poison. You knew who it was.¡±
Cassian frowned.
He warned them to watch out for their mouth, but in a few days Elysia found out. Still, he seemed to know who she was referring to, so he let out a small sigh.
Elysia covered Cassian¡¯s face and met his gaze.
¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell me?¡±
¡°I just didn¡¯t want you to know. I¡¯ll take care of that.¡±
¡°I should know, too. I almost had a cup of tea with Lady nche.¡±
In fact, Elysia was not even arguing, and she didn¡¯t know why he reacted so sensitively, but the words came out sulkily.
¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve invited Lady nche to the mansion.¡±
The purple eyes sank sharply. He didn¡¯t want Elysia to face Lumiere.
¡°The reason is?¡±
¡°I won¡¯t tell you. I¡¯ll find out.¡±
Cassian moaned with a troubled face.
At that, Elysia was also examining his expression thoroughly. Her thoughts kept wandering to the other side. He shook his head, saying it was useless, but it was to no avail.
¡°Are you really not going to tell me?¡±
He gazed up at her, rubbing his hand in her face.
Elysia¡¯s eyes had already softened at his actions.
¡°...Don¡¯t do that.¡±
¡°What did I do? I¡¯m sitting quietly and scolding you.¡±
¡°Do you know what kind of expression I¡¯m weak to?¡±
Cassian smiled slyly that he was caught.
¡°I called her because of what you said before.¡±
¡°I am thinking of taking Der out.¡±
He turned to look at Der, who was asleep on the bed. Momentster, Elysia sped his eyes again, tightening her hand as she grabbed his face.
¡°Is there something else I should know but don¡¯t know?¡±
¡°There are so many, I don¡¯t know what to say first.¡±
¡°Then, we should have a serious conversation all night long.¡±
¡°Seriously¡ª¡±
Cassian spoke as he grabbed Elysia¡¯s waist.
¡°Passionately?¡±
She frowned slightly.
¡°Don¡¯t talk with your body.¡±
He bit her hand, which was holding his face.
¡°Well. Then, only the lips...?¡±
***
Elysia ordered the maid who had been knocking toe in with a haggard face.
It was because she had a passionate and serious conversation with only her lips the day before. Cassian did everything he could with his mouth. All night long.
She was startled by what she had learned, and she came to the point of astonishment. He said he would tell her everything, and now she was in this situation.
Elysia looked down on her own body and hated it.
¡®I don¡¯t even have the strength to lift a finger...¡¯
It¡¯s because she was considerate to him and didn¡¯t drink his blood. However, due to the exhaustion, she was determined to think only for herself in the future. She casually put on the gown that had fallen on the floor at the sound of the door opening.
The maid who came in was Gray.
¡°Lady, the butler told me to bring it to you. He told me it was the reply to the invitation.¡±
Elysia opened her eyes and quickly took the envelope. It was stamped with the seal of the Marquisate of nche.
The reply was faster than expected.
¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll call youter. I want to take a break.¡±
¡°Yes, I see. Oh, oh well. Madame Shields said she wasing to the mansion this afternoon for a wedding dress fitting!¡±
¡°Yes, I see.¡±
After hearing the answer, Elysia struggled to ignore Gray¡¯s red face.
When she saw that Gray was leaving, she got her body up and went to the mirror. There were enough marks without having to take off her gown.
¡°It¡¯s really too much...¡±
Cassian seemed dissatisfied that the marks he had carved on the first day disappeared quickly.
He said, raising the corners of his lips after the marks had almost faded on the second day.
[ ¡°Quick recovery. I have no choice but to engrave it often.¡± ]
¡®Yes, the result was just lips...¡¯
No matter how it was, she couldn¡¯t lose the marks in half a day. She didn¡¯t want to imagine what the dressing room madam would think.
Elysia let out a resigned sigh.
Then, she took the invitation and headed back to bed. The pale green envelope had a faint scent of flowers as she slowly opened the envelope without even using a knife.
A letter that began with the sentence ¡®Dear Lady Lowell¡¯ could be regarded as a desperate love letter. When she received the invitation, she was told that she really couldn¡¯t believe her eyes, that she had trouble sleeping, that she wanted to see her soon, and so on.
Elysia admired what she had written over two pages.
It was because of the gap between what Lumiere had done and the appearance in the letters.
¡°Really...¡±
She thought it was pretentious.
After she finished reading the next page, Elysia folded the letter and put it in the drawer. The main topic was written in two sentences at the end of the letter.
Saying it doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s today or not, please tell her any time that is convenient for her.
Elysia finally took out a new letter and envelope.
She said today was good, so she thought she¡¯d meet Lumiere.
It¡¯s better to get things done sooner rather thanter. Anyway, she was going to do a dress fitting today, so it was just right.
Because of that, she went to write the reply without hesitation.
It was too shortpared to the letter from Lumiere, though she didn¡¯t feel like writing down the words she didn¡¯t even care about.
Chapter 45
Chapter 45
¡°Greetings, Lady Lowell.¡±
After her bath, Elysia greeted the dressing room Madame with a bare face. It was because the Madame was going to put on her makeup.
¡°Are you sure you haven¡¯t lost weight in the meantime?¡±
Madame Shields looked at Elysia¡¯s emaciated face and said anxiously. She began to unpack what the assistants, who had followed the Madame, were carrying.
¡°No. It¡¯ll probably be the same, so don¡¯t worry.¡±
¡°I¡¯m d. The dress is beautifully finished. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll look good on you.¡±
¡°Thank you. It must have been tight, but it¡¯s just amazing that you finished it.¡±
After a few formal words, Elysia took off what she was wearing to put on the dress. She wore only a thin chemise over the slip.
¡°Lady, you need to take off your chemise, too. Heuk¡ª¡±
¡°Oh, my goodness...¡±
Various exmations came out around Elysia.
When she took off the dress, what Cassian had left on her from her chin and under was shown. It was because the traces were clearly visible.
Even Gray and other maids, including the madame¡¯s assistants, blushed like ripe apples. Gray and the maids confirmed once again that the rtionship between the two of them was very passionate.
As Elysia had already expected it, she rolled her eyes with a calm look.
Madame Shields, the only one who didn¡¯t blush her face, raised her sses and said in a stern voice.
¡°From now on, absolutely never! You must not leave any marks on your body. There is a limit to covering up with makeup at the wedding.¡±
¡°It will be gone soon...¡±
¡°It seems like there may be bruising here. It would be better to get a prescription for an ointment to remove the bruises.¡±
Madame was busy looking at her body with her eyes shining. She was truly a professional, so in the end, Elysia couldn¡¯t do anything but nod her head.
¡°Well then, shall we try on a dress first?¡±
Under the Madame¡¯s direction, the assistants¡¯ hand movements became faster.
She shook her head as Elysia reached out to a corset.
¡°You don¡¯t need a corset. I¡¯m sure I said you wouldn¡¯t need to wear it.¡±
She was slender enough that she didn¡¯t even have to wear it.
Vampires don¡¯t gain weight. When Elysia was once again a vampire, so if she had to pick a good point, the first thing she could say was¡ªthat she doesn¡¯t have to go on a diet.
¡®It¡¯s amazing.¡¯
How hard it was during the period when she was on a diet and ate only vegetables when she was in a human body for a while.
She doesn¡¯t know how much she held onto the hem of Gray¡¯s skirt to ensure a freedom of food.
She wanted to give all the women a round of apuse.
Elysia didn¡¯t really understand how wearing a corset made your waist narrower, and who wanted to wear something like that. When she breathed in with strength, she thought that the corset might burst.
Her body would be enough to withstand that piece of cloth.
¡°Sorry. I haven¡¯t been able to tell my assistants.¡±
¡°I see.¡±
After a while, Elysia finished the fitting and moved to the front of the mirror.
The mermaid-line wedding dress was in an off-solder format, which made her neckline bold. What was unusual was that the material of the dress was made of Mikado silk.
In the world before her transmigration, it was a little thicker and heavier than normal silk, so it was mainly worn in autumn and winter, but there was no other silk fabric other than this in this world.
The Madame was surprised by her request to make a dress from this material. In fact, it was because the fabric was almost never used.
¡°The choice of fabric was excellent. How did it fall so elegantly.¡±
¡°You look really good. Madam! How can you be so elegant?¡±
The Madame was praising Elysia for choosing this material until her mouth was dry and worn, and the maid was busy telling her that she was always beautiful and it fits well.
Elysia, deciding whether she liked it or not, was looking at the dress.
Dozens of diamonds are encrusted along with thece pattern that starts from around the chest, and sparkles with every movement of her body. Lastly, the jewelry decorations matched well with the unique luster of silk fabric.
Then, a maid came in with a knock.
¡°Lady, Lady nche has arrived.¡±
Elysia pondered whether to call Lumiere here or whether she should go to the parlor. She was originally going to call her during the fitting, but she changed her mind.
She didn¡¯t want to show off her wedding dress.
¡°Please take her to the parlor. Madame, I hope we can do the rest next time. Is it all right?¡±
¡°Of course. The dimensions don¡¯t seem to change. Checking the makeup is enough to be done before the wedding.¡±
¡°Good work.¡±
Elysia took off the wedding dress again with the help of the assistants.
She then paused as she looked at the neatly striped dress. She really thought it was childish, too, but just in case...
Elysia¡¯s red magic hovered over the white wedding dress and faded away.
Because she¡¯s not having any luck these days, she wondered if something would happen to the dress.
She wanted to do everything she could do to prevent it.
***
Elysia went to Der after she changed into the dress she had worn before she put on the wedding dress.
Der was kicked outst night in the arms of the maid for disturbing Cassian.
¡°Nyan!¡±
¡°Are you upset?¡±
Seeing it, she smiled and grabbed the front paws that punched her violently.
¡°Der, you have to do something very important today. Hopefully, if you do well, I¡¯ll let you sleep in bed today.¡±
She didn¡¯t mind her words, which would make Cassian wiggle his eyebrows if he heard it. To be honest, she could actually say that this was timid revenge for what happenedst night. She needed uninterrupted sleep.
***
¡°Ryan?¡±
Ryan was waiting under the stairs going down to the first floor.
¡°Lady Elysia, I will take care of you.¡±
¡°Are you not busy?¡±
¡°I think I can be with Lady Elysia for a few days.¡±
In fact, before Cassian went to work at the Imperial Pce, he had called Ryan and asked for a favor. Since Lady nche mighte to the mansion soon, he asks Lloyd to put off his task for a while and stay by Elysia¡¯s side.
¡°It¡¯s fine with me. Actually, I¡¯m sorry for making you look so busy all this time.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t have to. It¡¯s what I want to do.¡±
She then patted Ryan on the shoulder and headed towards the parlor. When she arrived at the parlor, she saw a maid waiting.
As she saw Ryan go ahead and open the door, she opened her mouth.
¡°Ryan! Wait a minute.¡±
While holding Der in one hand, Elysia destroyed the magic circle by pouring magic through the magic stone on the doorknob. It was because outsiders could not use magic because of the magic circle hanging on the magic stone.
At the signal that it was over, Ryan opened the parlor door, and Elysia entered.
Lumiere rose from her seat, and she politely greeted.
¡°Greetings, Lady Lowell.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you, Lady. Sit down.¡±
Elysia sat in her seat, and Ryan stood guard by the doorway Lumiere nced at him, noticing that Ryan would still be here.
¡°Bring me some dessert and tea.¡±
¡°Understood, madam.¡±
Lumiere paused for a moment at the name ¡®madam.¡¯
Elysia looked at her with curious eyes.
Lumiere had lost a lot of weight in the meantime, so perhaps it was creating a pitier atmosphere than usual.
¡°I never thought the Lady would invite me in person.¡±
¡°Thank you for thinking so.¡±
Elysia put Der down.
Seeing that, she opened her eyes and saw the cat approaching her.
¡°This is my baby. The name is Der. It¡¯s cute, isn¡¯t it?¡±
¡°Yes. Very. I¡¯ve never seen such a pretty cat.¡±
¡°It seems that Der likes thedy.¡±
Elysia sped her chin and looked at Der with a happy face. She never asked Der to approach Lumiere, though she was proud.
Of course, she thought she would be a little upset if Der really liked Lumiere, though.
As Lumiere touched Der¡¯s jelly paws, she uttered the word pretty.
¡°If I had known there was such a cute cat, I would have brought some snacks.¡±
¡°Even if it¡¯s not a snack, there are many ways to y. It loves when you make flowers or butterflies with magic and chase after them.¡±
As Elysia showed the demonstration, she gathered her magic and flew a red butterfly to Der.
As soon as Der found the butterfly, it rolled its eyes and ran to it. Just before Der¡¯s paws caught the butterfly, Elysia scattered the magic in the air. It was difficult to even show the scene where she absorbed the magic.
¡°Wow, that¡¯s true. May I try it, too?¡±
Elysia took a sip of her tea and nodded her head.
She felt a strange feeling in the easy situation. Obviously, she was determined as she was guiding it.
Fortunately, the attendants went away after giving her a piece of cake just in time.
¡°Ryan, will you wait outside?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
It was because the words that Lumiere would bring out in the future could not reveal her true intentions if there were other people.
Elysia felt Ryan stop his steps right in front of the parlor and let out a smallugh.
At that moment, she also saw Lumiere create two or three butterflies with her magic.
¡®Ah, the color is different from the one in the Magic Stone...¡¯
It was a much paler light than the magic extracted from the Jericho Mountains.
Elysia sips her tea, hoping that the butterfly will soon be caught in Der¡¯s hand.
¡°....?¡±
However, Lumiere scatters magic just before Der catches the butterfly. She did exactly what
Elysia showed her.
Then, she turned towards Elysia with a face hoping for praise, asking if it was right for her to do this.
¡°...It makes me feel good to see Der having fun.¡±
She felt like she had been shot.
Fortunately, Der was no ordinary cat.
Der, who had missed the butterfly twice before its eyes, looked at the other two butterflies and quietly crouched its body.
Elysia was nervous, knowing that that posture was just before the jump.
¡®The wall won¡¯t break... I don¡¯t think it¡¯s okay to show her that.¡¯
At Der¡¯s sudden jump, Lumiere hurriedly dispersed her magic.
¡°Uh... A really smart cat...yes.¡±
Lumiere said in a bewildered voice.
Der jumped to the opposite butterfly instead of the one she was looking at. Not the butterfly where Lumiere scatters magic, but another butterfly.
At that, Elysia clearly confirmed that Der was absorbing magic.
¡°Der, stop ying ande here.¡±
¡°Nyaan¡ª¡±
She stroked Der with a lot of affection, who came up to her. The first objective was sessfully achieved, so it was time to get to the point.
¡°Actually, I called Lady today because there is something I want to ask.¡±
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