Ivy was a character with a kind heart, and it was said that she would willingly sacrifice herself for the empire or for the suffering male leads. As befitting an R-rated novel, Ivy increasingly enjoyed and was satisfied with such times as the story progressed. Not only the male leads but Ivy herself felt plenty of pleasure. That’s why it could end with everyone living together happily.

Except for Edan.

I didn’t realize it then, but thinking about it now, I wonder if the reason he didn’t keep any women around him with that handsome face of his was because of that trauma I mentioned last time.

But to me, he clearly…

Recalling Edan’s contradictory attitude, my face flushed hot. Thinking about it that way makes it even stranger.

Even if it’s because of my healing power, I’m not Ivy. Can he be that tempted by me, who only has an insignificant healing ability? This was still a mystery.

“Aack!”

The memory of Edan’s sensual gaze and greedy touch flashed through my mind.

Anyway, I can’t. Absolutely not. No. I can’t do it. No matter how many times I think about it, I can’t.

Watching it and actually doing it myself are completely different stories, right? Because there’s no love! It’s unfair to have to give my body because of healing power!

There’s no love! Love! Well, love is useless now anyway. And I swear, unconditional kindness is useless too.

I was scammed by trusting a kind man. Crack, Jenald came to mind.

“Damn it.”

Never again will there be a kind man in my life. I’ll be on guard no matter what.

I didn’t have such a dark history in my past life, but that bastard made me into a stalker and an idiot. I scrunched up my face with all my might.

“Princess Lati.”

I hadn’t sensed his presence, but Edan called out to me from behind. When I turned around, he was staring at me from the entrance, not by my side. It was already evening.

“Either call me Lati or Princess, not both together.”

Combining the two is cheating. I meant to say just call me by my name because it’s cringeworthy and gives me goosebumps. Edan nodded slightly as if he understood when I grumbled.

“Then, Princess.”

Eek! I really hate it.

“Come here.”

To think I have to move at a single word.

As much as I want to say “you come here” in response to his arrogant attitude, this is a strict class society, and Edan is my master, isn’t he?

Besides, I can’t defy Edan anyway.

“Usually… don’t people choose the name option? Why are you deliberately choosing that one?”

“Because it’s fun to see you get embarrassed.”

Suddenly, Edan grabbed my hand. I had gotten quite used to him grabbing my wrist by now, but this time it was my hand. So I ended up flinching.

The wrist that Hillstain had grabbed before was all healed now.

“I thought this last time too, but why are your hands so small?”

“…”

Humanly speaking, don’t you think your hands are big? Grabbing someone’s head like a ball.

Saying strange things like it might break.

Are you picking a fight because I missed dinner time, saying I’m not hungry?

I glared at Edan with narrowed eyes.

But why is this man dressed up so nicely? I sneaked a glance at the clock hanging inside the house through the open front door.

It was just past 7 PM. In about two hours, it would be time to go to the Unbreakable Wall.

At this time, he would usually be in his knight’s uniform…

Edan was wearing a uniform jacket with gold trim, a neat black shirt, and even a white cravat. As if he was going to an important event. At a glance, Edan and I reflected in the window looked exactly like a prince and a maid.

We really don’t match. Looking at my shabby clothes, I look like a criminal being dragged to the prince for committing a crime.

Following Edan to the library, the portal was fully charged with blue light. I looked up at Edan and asked.

“Where are we going?”

“Mm.”

The place we arrived at after passing through the dazzling light was in front of a splendid building, but the situation was completely different from when I came with Ruben last time. For one thing, it was evening now.

“Welcome!”

What, what’s this? A sudden welcoming greeting rang out loudly.

Startled by the people in front of me, I slightly stepped back.

With that reaction, I almost let go of Edan’s hand, but Edan tightened his grip and pulled my hand again.

“Don’t let go.”

Edan’s calm voice.

Dozens of people lined up on both sides of the red carpet, bowing deeply with no one raising their heads.

As if they weren’t allowed to look at me.

I wanted to ask what was going on in this unfamiliar situation, but Edan led me down the middle of the red carpet without hesitation.

I looked around at the people on both sides, and even though they were bowing, it was clear that everyone was wearing neat uniforms and maid outfits.

Suddenly, when I saw people’s shoes, I felt embarrassed.

Because I, walking in the center of the soft carpet, was the person who fit in least here.

I looked at Edan with eyes full of “Tell me what’s going on!”

“It’s nothing, just come.”

The perceptive Edan replied as if he knew exactly what I meant without even looking at me.

The people never raised their bowed bodies even as we walked up the stairs of the majestic building after passing the carpet.

As we entered the building, I saw several round tables covered with cloth.

A restaurant out of nowhere…

It’s my fault for not preparing dinner. I understand you’re hungry! But if we were coming to a place like this, you should have at least mentioned it!

After briefly glancing at the crystal chandelier that was almost blinding with its light reflection, I lowered my gaze and saw Edan and my reflection very clearly in the mirror on one side of the wall.

Damn. I want to cry. I know this is my current situation, but somehow… I feel ashamed.

Edan’s handsome face in fancy clothes and his body showing off the perfect fit of his uniform.

Next to him, me with my small stature and rustic clothes.

Since there were no separate maid uniforms in the castle, I usually wore a light white T-shirt with frilly lace and a brown skirt.

Of course, I’m dressed like that now, so I can’t help but be flustered. Coming to such an elegant and luxurious place in shabby maid clothes.

Regardless of my circumstances, Edan headed to the second floor, passing through the empty first floor.

Only then did I blurt out words to Edan, as there was no one in sight.

“If we were coming to a place like this, you could have at least told me. No one else is dressed like me.”

Even the staff who greeted us so earnestly downstairs were dressed more nicely than me.

“Don’t worry about it. No one cares about clothes.”

I! The person concerned cares!

Edan led me to the terrace.

My sullen expression quickly changed to surprise when I saw the table prepared in the middle of the terrace.

Strangely, there was no one to serve us on the second floor, but everything was perfectly set on the lone table.

From drinks to water, to an excessive amount of high-class food.

I was momentarily distracted by surprise, and Edan naturally seated me in a chair and lightly tapped my head while smiling.

I frowned as Edan immediately turned around and went to his own seat.

And in my shock, I blurted out words I had never even thought of before.

“If I had known this, I would have bought at least one dress…”

I wasn’t serious. I had no intention of buying a dress, and since I was going to run away anyway, the less luggage, the better.

I could feel Edan staring down at me, but I decided not to care about what he was thinking while looking at me.

He said I was ugly, so maybe my appearance is bothering him now.

Starting from the complicated tableware like forks, knives, and spoons, this was my first proper meal like this, so it was very difficult. However, thanks to Edan, who neither pointed out my fumbling nor looked at me strangely, the meal was finished without much trouble.

After the meal, Edan and I headed to the lounge on the opposite side, circling around the terrace.

When we went to the lounge extending outside the building, a completely new scenery unfolded.

I thought it was a two-story building, but the opposite side was a cliff, and a river flowed below it.

“Wow…”

I could only exclaim in admiration.

A cliff that looked as if it had been neatly carved with a knife. The blue river flowing below, reflecting the moonlight. Small boats emitting light floating above it.

It was like a scene where a beautiful masterpiece had been taken out of its frame in an art gallery and placed right there.

It was a breathtaking sight that made me forget everything for a moment and lose myself in appreciation.

Edan, seemingly unafraid, sat askew on the railing, straddling his thigh.

“Princess.”

Again. Calling me teasingly, he extended his hand towards me, and I hesitantly reached out.

As soon as my fingertips touched Edan’s hand, he pulled my waist sharply.

In a split second, before I could even try to resist, my body was between Edan’s legs.

Surprised by the close contact, I tried to step back and push him away with all my might, but of course, he didn’t budge. He’s disgustingly strong.

Edan firmly supported my waist with one hand, and with the other, he pulled my hand up near his face.

“Touch.”

What?

What did I just hear?

“You find me attractive, don’t you?”

What… what kind of logic is that? I can’t say it’s not true, but what does that have to do with me having to touch your face at this timing?

“…So?”

“You said you wanted to touch my face last time. I’m telling you to touch it.”

Ah, he’s talking about when I hurt my hand. But I couldn’t understand why such words were coming out at this moment.

He’s always been an incomprehensible man anyway.

Edan was the one who uttered the terrifying words, but I was the one who was flustered.

Moreover, Edan was even raising the corners of his mouth as if he was very pleased.

“No…”

“It’s okay to touch.”

“No! I have no intention of doing that.”

Refusals should be firm.

“Touch when I tell you to touch.”

However, Edan’s voice, even firmer than mine, was heard. It sounded menacing as it lowered.

Is he angry? Still, I have no intention of touching.

“No, I mean, I don’t want to…”

“Lati.”

Ugh. I stopped talking. It was because Edan slipped his hand behind the nape of my neck.

Edan, who had wiped off the slight smile he had been holding, whispered in a low voice.

“I’m telling you to touch, aren’t I?”