So, it was only a situation that required playing games with each other, not one where one side had an advantage.

When Zion made this clear, Evie spoke in a suddenly polite voice,

“You’re right, Count. I never think I’ve got the upper hand over you or that I’m above you. I’m just…”

Evie seemed to submissively back down, but this was a cute act for the next line.

“I’m just, after all, your landlord.”

Zion doubted his ears.

“What are you talking about?”

“I bought this house today. I look forward to working with you, although I don’t know how much we’ll see each other.”

When Zion asked in surprise, Evie cheerfully extended a piece of paper.

It was a certificate of purchase for the twostory house.

At this unexpected turn of events, Zion’s eyes became fierce, and Evie quickly jumped in.

“Don’t misunderstand. I bought it to keep memories, as it’s a precious house to me.”

Evie explained, but Zion’s eyes didn’t soften.

“I have no intention of inconveniencing you, Count. Rather, I want to get along well with you.”

So Evie said again, with an innocent voice.

Zion doubted the truth of those words, but realized there was no need to worry alone and asked Evie,

“Is that true?”

“It’s a little bit of a lie. Just a little, very little.”

Caught in her real feelings, Evie added slyly without much surprise.

So Zion, forgetting to be on guard, unknowingly sighed.

He was taken aback by Evie, yet he made such a slip of the tongue, and his guard was naturally lowered.

As Zion’s eyes softened, Evie casually said,

“There’s a lot going on, so it would be better to get along, don’t you think?”

Subtly tangled matters.

That included Zion’s exile, Evie’s curse, rumors of Tienda’s nobility, and even things about the astrologer.

With that said, Evie asked in a slightly reproachful voice,

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier that the person I was looking for was the astrologer living here?”

Zion had nothing to say in response.

So he hesitated for a moment and then just answered honestly,

“I couldn’t tell you because you didn’t think of it.”

“It would have been nice if you’d told me first.”

“I thought he wasn’t very important because I didn’t expect it at all.”

“You really only pick words that make me want to drive you away.”

The two people, exchanging words, glared at each other for a moment in a sudden surge of anger.

After a while, Evie was the first to relax and asked.

“Where are you now, sir?”

Zion did not answer.

“Are you alive?”

So, when asked again, he answered slowly after a while.

“Perhaps.”

At that vague remark, Evie neither felt relieved nor disappointed, and forced a smile.

“Can I ask where you met, and what relationship you have?”

“It’s not possible.”

“That’s mean.”

Evie widened her eyes and glared at Zion’s firm refusal.

Of course, she did not expect him to open his mouth just because she did so.

Indeed, the unfriendly count said nothing in the end, and Evie sighed and returned to the main point.

“Anyway, I bought this house. But don’t worry. As I said before, I know the value of everyday life. So, I will protect your daily life too, Count.”

I will protect it. It was the first time he had ever heard those words.

So Zion stared in disbelief, but Evie remained undaunted and said,

“I have a favor to ask in return. First, never block my way again. I’m a person, so I have my own goals and directions. So please don’t force your way on me anymore, Count.”

Evie drew a line with a very fresh face, and at that, Zion felt mixed.

Don’t block the way, she says well without even knowing what is in front of her.

“And secondly, please help me break the curse. If you grant me these two favors, I will also protect you, Count.”

Evie called it a favor, but to anyone, it was a command.

And Zion was not accustomed to taking commands at all.

So, Zion’s proud face distorted under his glasses again, and that made Evie quite pleased.

So Evie wondered how to enjoy this feeling more and remembered something the count had once said and imitated it.

“I’ll need time to think, so I’ll hear your answer tomorrow.”

.

.

.

“Didn’t you provoke the count too much……?”

As Evie came down from the count’s room, the waiting D’Eus casually said.

Then Evie, rather blushing, replied,

“I was happy. I didn’t actually hit him, but it feels like I slapped his cheek or shin.”

Evie, saying so, looked truly happy.

She had suffered so much because of the count that this moment of tormenting him was too sweet.

“I didn’t realize it when I was pleasing the nobles in Tienda, but I think this suits me much better.”

“You must be naive.”

At Evie’s excited voice, D’Eus shook his head.

Then he pointed to this house’s cozy living room cum reception room.

“It just arrived.”

Evie, soaked in happiness, came to her senses at D’Eus’s hint.

A few days ago, encountering the count in this village led to numerous unexpected events for Evie.

So the real reason she came to Bis was passed without even touching, but D’Eus rearranged the schedule and secured the spot again.

It was much later than planned, but they finally met.

D’Eus’s collaborator, the Night Tribe that would break Evie’s curse.

Evie headed straight for the reception room where the Night Tribe was waiting.

“Hello, Watermaster.”

There, a whitehaired boy who looked about sixteen was sipping tea.