“So, now you don’t have to worry. I know how to cherish what I receive. You are my friend who saved me.”

“…You’re tearing too much for someone saying that.”

“I’m a good friend even for tearing.”

“You’re subtly a bad person.”

“Still, I’ll be your friend.”
Yuvia didn’t change his indifferent expression even as he uttered the unfamiliar word “friend.” Adding to that, he said, “And I hope you’ll do the same.”

“What?”

“Treasure what you receive. Just like now.”

Unexpectedly urged, Ivy’s feelings became even more perplexed. What does he know to say such things?

Really, he’s a strange fellow. Not just strange but incredibly cute, clearly dangerous, and truly bizarre.

However, Ivy wasn’t afraid of him anymore.

She might not fully comprehend his perplexing mental world, but still, becoming friends seemed possible.

When Ivy and Yuvia returned home, Dias was preparing lunch.

“You came right on time.”

With her hair tightly tied, Dias heard the sound of the front door and peeked her head out of the kitchen.

Perhaps, after living in this house for the past week, moving around the kitchen seemed quite natural for her.

However, Ivy was startled by that sight. The ingredients laid out in front of her and the sight of butter being sliced were exactly the same as the illusion Yuvia had shown her earlier.

‘It wasn’t like a dream but real?’

She thought he had shown her an illusion to aid her understanding, but it turned out to be real.

Then, does that mean he can freely peek into other places? That’s too unfair, isn’t it?

“Wash your hands before coming. Yuvia too.”

“Okay.”

Leaving surprised Ivy behind, Yuvia disappeared with casual steps.

Ivy followed the mysterious figure with her eyes and then looked back at Dias.

It was just a few minutes ago that Dias was lying upside down on the sofa, yet now, she was calm as usual. So Ivy, momentarily conflicted, approached the maid.

“Do you need any help?”

“For what reason?”

“Just to keep busy. I felt awkward because of what happened earlier.”

“You’re quite clever.”

Ignoring Ivy’s brazen approach, Dias let out a big sigh. So Ivy, more actively, began to press her.

“More importantly, why didn’t you mention it?”

“What are you talking about?”

“How you met Yuvia.”

Upon Ivy’s probing, Dias finally murmured, “Ah,” and stuck her head out while spreading butter on bread.

“Just didn’t want you to get scared for no reason.”

“Who said I would get scared?”

Ivy brazenly teased about the actual scary topic. So Dias, handing Ivy a tomato slice she had casually cut, nonchalantly added, “Anyone might get scared by someone who flips chairs.”

“Ugh…”

In response to Dias’s bone-chilling words, Ivy let out a short groan. Then, she quickly retaliated.

“More like the one constantly chewing might have some responsibility.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t betray you.”

“Why do you talk like I’m worried about that?”

Without any conscience about the actual fear, Ivy retorted. As a result, Dias, sighing deeply, handed Ivy a piece of tomato she had sliced.

“Don’t be so sure. It’s partly the fault of the one who kept prying.”

“Thanks to that, the atmosphere has gotten heavier.”

Ivy responded to Dias’s discontent but accepted what she was given. Dias, still sighing deeply, added casually, “If you keep prying into things, you might be bewitched by some strange guy and lose your mind.”

“That’s well said.”

Ivy groaned briefly at Dias’s sharp words. Then, she promptly replied.

“Don’t worry. I won’t betray you.”

“Do you think I’m worried about you betraying me?”

“Then why do you think so?”

“I’m afraid I’ll get carried away by some weirdo and lose my sanity?”

“You know well.”
Ivy, who was speaking spitefully for no reason, soon revealed her true feelings. Dias chuckled at Ivy’s unexpected honesty, causing Ivy to feel embarrassed for no reason.

Due to this curse, Ivy became more honest with Dias. So now, when Ivy tries to hide her feelings and insists stubbornly, Dias, who used to step back with a sigh, sometimes smiles like that these days.

Ivy, who was spacing out due to the maid’s unforced laughter, recalled his past appearance.

The Ivy from the hunting dog days, who didn’t smile or say a word, who was as empty as a shadow.

When Yuvia talked about it earlier, Ivy denied it persistently, but in reality, Ivy knew. The ruthless hunting dog changed because of her.

Making someone else change sounds arrogant, but it was not just pride; it was a fact. Watching Dias’s gaze change as she observed the process, Ivy was convinced and admitted it.

So her heart felt heavy.

Yuvia was right about everything. Ivy learned longing from the astrologer and chose Dias. As a result, Dias abandoned the tower.

Yuvia said it was fortunate, but well, was it really fortunate for Dias?

If Ivy hadn’t held onto him to endure loneliness, he wouldn’t have been cast away by the tower.

With a bitter smile at this irony, Ivy swallowed her bitter laugh when Dias suddenly said, “And you can betray me.”

Startled by the abrupt words, Ivy looked at Dias in surprise. However, Dias fixed her gaze on the plate in front of her and continued speaking.

“If you feel like it’s impossible, you can go back alone. You don’t need to fall with me.”

Saying so, Dias moved her hands leisurely, making those words feel as light as inquiring about the dessert menu.

“Yes, if you apologize and beg for forgiveness, the tower will forgive you. I’m incredibly special and outstanding, after all.”

So, even Ivy, who was momentarily stiff, retorted in a similar tone.

“So, don’t worry. If it seems impossible, I’ll find a way to live alone. Unfortunately, those who can live must live.”

“Really?”

“It’s fake, you idiot! Don’t say weak things like that! I hate being alone!”

But Ivy’s arrogant lie collapsed as soon as it began, and she covered her face in self-disgust, sobbing.

“I really hate this curse…”

As Ivy felt embarrassed, Dias burst into laughter. It was a lively laughter, not at all like the gloomy hunting dog.

Dias, belatedly suppressing her laughter, patted Ivy’s head. Angry Ivy forcefully pushed away that hand, and even in her anger, she hit the innocent maid a few times. Meanwhile, Dias continued to laugh.

The connections among living things are indeed cruel.

It’s miserable when weak beings join hands and struggle.

The boy said to treasure what you receive, but that’s not just precious for these pitiful ones; it’s desperate. So, it became another leash and curse.
If I hadn’t longed for someone, I might have settled for the treatment in the depths of the tower.

If Dias hadn’t met me, she would still be an unattainable and lofty existence.

Perhaps it would have been better if we hadn’t known. However, we are punished for not knowing what we should have remained ignorant of.

Ivy found that fact always sad and sweet.

Three weeks until the Saint’s Ascension Ceremony, Ivy has not given up on anything yet.