Come to think of it, they had shared two kisses, but for some reason, this current contact felt more embarrassing and awkward.

In broad daylight, fully exposed to the public eye. Or was it because of Leon’s extremely polite and chivalrous demeanor?

Leon moved slowly, taking care as if he was holding the most precious thing in the world in his arms.

No one had ever treated Kasha like this before. With these eyes, with these hands.

It was a completely contrasting attitude to Simon, who was always ashamed of and hid Kasha’s existence.

In the midst of it all, seeing his reddened ears in her shaking vision was a bit reassuring and made her heart tingle. Because it meant that Leon might be feeling embarrassed just like her.

Kasha lowered her gaze, pretending not to notice, and buried her head in Leon’s chest. So that he could walk more comfortably.

But she was startled by the loud heartbeat that suddenly reached her ears. An honest and violent heartbeat that made even the listener’s face turn red.

Leon’s body temperature, which was warmly conveyed through the awkwardly wrapped arms – but clearly different from the curse of lust.

His scent, which seeped into her nose and strangely calmed her heart.

The strength felt in Leon’s long arms that were preciously and firmly holding Kasha’s back and legs. A presence that seemed strong and solid enough to protect her no matter what happened.

All of that was much more intense than the sea she was seeing for the first time in her life, and Kasha felt an even worse dizziness than before and buried her head.

The days at the villa were relatively quiet, contrary to expectations.

Kasha woke up at dawn, read books, and wrote letters needed for magical tool production.

After entrusting the letters to a servant who brought in fresh water, she went to the room where Eve was sleeping and checked on her safety. Afterwards, she went downstairs with Eve and had breakfast with Leon.

The Grand Duke had not shown his face since fighting with Leon on the first day, and Anthony had not yet arrived at the villa due to receiving treatment at the temple. Thanks to that, the three of them were able to spend an intimate and peaceful vacation.

Kasha used the room right next to Eve’s bedroom. The two bedrooms were connected by a small door. It was what the excited Eve wanted since she was staying with Kasha, but in fact, it was also what Kasha herself had intended.

Despite the guards outside the door, Kasha often woke up at the slightest noise in the middle of the night and opened the door connecting to Eve’s room. Only after hearing her peaceful breathing could she feel relieved and go back to bed.

Kasha asked for more security personnel under the pretext of confidentiality related to magical tool production, and Leon agreed without a word.

But in fact, having guards was meaningless except for sleeping hours. Because Leon never left the two’s side for a single moment.

To be precise, Leon never left Kasha’s side, who never left Eve’s side.

Leon was always precisely seated at the table in time for Kasha to come down for breakfast.

When she sat by the window reading a book, he would silently stay by her side and watch over Eve’s studies.

Even when going for a walk on the beach, going canoeing, or even shopping in the village, he was always by Kasha’s side.

He offered his hand to escort her even when climbing small stairs, and whenever passing through a door, he would appear like lightning to hold it open.

To anyone’s eyes, they looked like a flawless, devoted couple in a public relationship. Kasha was once again amazed by Leon’s sincerity.

‘To put in so much effort even in a contract relationship. How happy would a woman be to have a real relationship with him.’

Having such unnecessary thoughts was also due to the sweetness of the excitement and sense of stability his presence gave.

‘I’ve never felt this way in my previous life, in this life, with anyone, not even when living with my mother.’

The feeling of being perfectly protected by someone.

The illusion that no matter what mistake she made, he would silently bear it with her and take care of it on the spot.

One day, seeing Leon jump into the sea to find a ribbon that had come loose from Kasha’s hair and flown away, Kasha even felt a bit of unease.

‘I shouldn’t get used to this, to a person like this.’

She and Leon were in a contract relationship formed out of necessity. She was hiding a huge secret from him, and strictly speaking, she was using him. As a tool to reach the mastermind.

Of course, she had lifted Leon’s curse, but that was just her resolving the karma she had brought upon herself.

‘So, I shouldn’t get used to his sense of responsibility. Because one day, when I solve all these things and confess everything to him, he will despise me like the dirtiest thing in the world and leave without looking back.’

And that was the right thing to happen.

Because Leon Aranias was a holy knight in both his inner and outer self, and Kasha Lyuschino was just a lowly illegitimate child at her core.

But on the nights when she thought that way and turned away from his faithful escort, it was a little, no, very lonely and difficult to fall asleep.

Of course, it was good that she could stay up all night with her eyes open to protect Eve’s safety.

A week passed like that.

Eve, Kasha, and Leon reached the seventh night amidst affectionate, intimate, yet strangely misaligned times.

“Leon elder brother, that’s too much! You won this round too!”

Eve, who had been playing cards with Leon after dinner, kicked her feet.

Kasha, who had been dozing off while reading a book, was startled by Eve’s voice and looked to the side. Fortunately, it seemed to be just simple whining, as Eve’s cheeks were cutely puffed out.

Confirming that, Kasha looked out the window at the darkness, feeling a little relieved. It had been raining lightly since the afternoon, making the air humid.

‘The raindrops seem thicker than before.’

Whether it was because of the weather or because she hadn’t been able to sleep properly for days, her eyelids kept getting heavy.

Not knowing that Leon, who was sitting across from Eve, had been watching her like that the whole time, Kasha leaned back in the armchair and let out a small yawn.

Seeing that, a natural smile and worry appeared on Leon’s lips at the same time. And when Eve made a playful expression as if to tease him, noticing his gaze and expression, Leon solemnly declared.

“…Since I won three games in a row, as promised, you have to eat carrots at breakfast tomorrow.”

Eve instantly made a tearful face.

“You’re too much, elder brother. You don’t go easy on me at all!”

“Games aren’t meant to be played while going easy.”

“But Kasha elder sister goes easy on me! It’s more fun to play with Kasha elder sister after all. Hmph!”

As Eve pointedly crossed her arms and pouted, Leon lowered his voice as if embarrassed and tried to appease her.

“Still, you shouldn’t bother a guest too much, Eve. Miss Kasha came here to rest.”

“Hmph.”

But Eve really seemed to be sulking, sticking out her lips. Then Leon hesitated for a moment, then reached out and gently stroked Eve’s platinum blonde hair.

As if she had been waiting for it, Eve’s expression softened and she giggled. Her brightly smiling face was as innocent as a freshly bloomed flower.

“Leon elder brother.”

“Yes?”

“Everything seems good since Kasha elder sister came. Don’t you think?”

“…Yeah. I think so.”

Looking at the small woman dozing off in the armchair, Leon quietly agreed.

Being able to stroke his precious youngest sister’s hair like this and getting perfect sleep and maintaining top condition for days were all thanks to Kasha solving the curse.

Of course, her true intentions were still completely incomprehensible.

Leon had been observing her behavior with a clear mind for the past week.

She seemed to be peacefully enjoying her vacation at a glance, but upon closer look, it was evident that she was very tense.

The shadows under her eyes deepened day by day as if she hadn’t been able to sleep properly, and even during the day, she always kept Eve by her side and was wary of her surroundings.

However, despite her suspicious behavior, her eyes were too clear. There was sincere warmth in her touch towards Eve.

Eve, who had grown up being mindful of others since childhood, seemed to instinctively feel at ease with her.

If Kasha had any bad intentions or ulterior motives, Eve would have definitely noticed.

Because a child who grows up unwelcome develops an abnormally keen sense of others’ feelings.

Leon turned his eyes away from Kasha and looked at his pitiful youngest sister. Then, as if reading his thoughts, Eve smiled at him.

At that moment, rough footsteps were heard, and the small peace was shattered. At the same time, an unwelcome voice echoed loudly in the drawing room.

“Leon, get ready at once! We’ve been invited to the Crown Prince’s villa! Hurry!”

Looking disapprovingly at Kasha, who had woken up as if struck by lightning, Leon slowly got up from his seat.

“Father. You’re back.”

“Yes. Did you sleep well after chasing your father out? You ungrateful boy.”

The Grand Duke, whose features had hardened even more in a few days, spoke gruffly.

His shirt front was covered in some unknown food stains, and countless rings were crammed on his fingers, flashing tastelessly.

‘Did he drink alcohol? But I don’t smell any alcohol.’

Suppressing an ominous premonition, Leon firmly cut off his words.

“Please greet her first. This is Miss Kasha of the Lyuschino Count family, whom I am courting.”

‘If you treat Kasha rudely, I will also withdraw what little courtesy I have left for you, Father.’

Perhaps remembering the warning Leon had given a few days ago, the Grand Duke obediently accepted Kasha’s greeting, although still with a displeased expression.

“…Right. I heard about it. You look quite comfortable even in an ownerless villa.”

But his rude expression and tone remained the same.

Just as strength entered Leon’s eyebrows, Kasha gently retorted to the Grand Duke.

“Thanks to you. Thank you.”

“Hmph.”

When Kasha showed no sign of being provoked by his nagging, the Grand Duke turned his arrow back to Leon.

“Didn’t you hear me tell you to get ready quickly? I said we’ve been invited to the Crown Prince’s villa!”

“I haven’t received an invitation.”

“Invitation? Between family! The Crown Prince sent a messenger directly to me!”

Family, he said.

As if he couldn’t bear the nausea, Leon’s handsome brows twisted.