Chapter 15 - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

With a complicated heart, I finished my bath and went out. ...But Ruwellin was standing demurely, holding a towel, waiting for me.

W-what.

Glancing at him, I walked to the vanity. Ruwellin slowly followed behind me.

When he followed me like this, I was somehow scared. Like he might bite my neck.

undefinedAaaah, why is he coming close again!undefined

Suppressing the urge to make a face, I sat on the vanity chair. My expression reflected in the large mirror in front of me was very strange.

Swish. The man stood close behind me. Instantly, I tensed and swallowed nervously. Ruwellin asked in an impossibly polite tone.

"May I dry your hair for you, Roz?"

"......"

Come to think of it... I suddenly realized. The fact that his tone was sometimes polite and sometimes light.

undefinedWhatundefineds the pattern, the crazier he gets, the lighter his tone becomes. Last night...undefined

undefinedYouundefinedre really pretty right now...undefined

undefined...He was subtly speaking informally.undefined

Thinking back, it was a bit absurd. I glanced at him coolly and tried to snatch the towel from his hand. But Ruwellin quickly prevented it.

"Please allow me to dry it for you, Roz."

His tone implied he wouldnundefinedt accept refusal. Even though he was smiling, it was somehow a terrifying smile, and if I said no, he would surely pretend to be pitiful and deceive me again.

And foolish me would fall for it again.

Sighing deeply like a person who had lived a full life, I nodded vaguely. Yes, male lead, do as you please...

"Thank you, Roz."

Smiling brightly, Ruwellin began to slowly dry my hair with a fluffy towel.

I wondered if he might fail to control his grip and rip my hair out, but surprisingly, his touch was quite professional(?). So much so that I felt drowsy.

"Does it feel good?"

"...Yes."

"Iundefinedll do this for you regularly from now on."

"Thatundefineds a bit..."

Weundefinedre going to part ways anyway. Making a face that implied that, I smiled weakly. Ruwellin paused in drying my hair.

He looked at me silently for a moment, then spoke in a low voice.

"...It seems you donundefinedt trust me at all."

"......?"

Why was he suddenly saying that?

It seemed I didnundefinedt trust him at all? Well, wasnundefinedt that only natural? How could I trust a crazy person!

I hesitated, then answered.

"Arenundefinedt we not exactly the kind of relationship where trust can sprout? Weundefinedve... only known each other for a short time."

"......"

"Spending the night together was also just to suppress your Mana Rampage, Duke. There were no other intentions..."

I said what I wanted to say, but I felt like I shouldnundefinedt have.

Because Ruwellinundefineds face looking at me was unusually cold, unlike his usual self.

"...Are you really sure there were no other intentions in us spending the night together? Are you really that certain?"

Ruwellin asked with a hardened expression. I didnundefinedt know for sure, but he seemed displeased with what I had said.

But I hadnundefinedt lied. Wasnundefinedt it all true? I was flustered, not understanding why he was angry.

What should I answer? After hesitating, I finally spoke.

"I... donundefinedt think I had any other intentions. I was truly just trying to save your life, Duke."

"......"

Ruwellin continued to have a cold expression, and I was afraid. My heart pounded uneasily. What on earth did this man want from me?

As I fidgeted with my hands, feeling confused, Ruwellin suddenly smiled.

"......?"

Surprised by his sudden change in expression, my eyes widened. Ruwellin put his hands on my shoulders, smiling kindly.

"I see. So my efforts were lacking."

"...Huh?"

"I should have satisfied you more properly. Iundefinedm sorry."

"No, thatundefineds not it... Excuse me?"

"Iundefinedll work harder in the future. In that sense—."

He grabbed my shoulder blades and lifted me up in one go. Lifted as easily as a doll, I flailed in shock.

"W-why suddenly—."

"If you stay still, Iundefinedll do everything."

No, what exactly would you do!

Ruwellin held me carefully in his arms and walked to the bed. Laying me down gently on the bed, he looked down at me from above.

Trapped in his arms, I blinked blankly. Ruwellin stroked my cheek with a gentle touch and whispered.

"I know how to make you happy."

"No, you donundefinedt have to..."

"Please donundefinedt refuse. Itundefineds my wish to repay you."

Then he slowly lowered his head.

Before our lips met, he gave me a moment, as if letting me escape.

But I couldnundefinedt escape. Just looking at him this close made my hands and feet tingle, my blood run hot.

As if knowing that, Ruwellin smiled softly.

And finally, our lips met.

Every time he stole my breath and sucked on my lips, a moan escaped my throat. When I stirred from the ticklish feeling, Ruwellin slowly undid the tie of my robe. Feeling his hand intrude, I flinched heavily.

"Haah...!"

When our lips parted briefly, I exhaled shakily and looked up at him with hazy eyes. He looked down at me with a soft smile on his lips. His eyes were incredibly kind, like he was looking at something very lovable.

Ruwellin whispered in a gentle voice.

"If you stay still."

"......"

"Iundefinedll do... everything."

"......"

"I will never disappoint you."

In the passion that soon began to bloom, the thought that crossed my mind was very simple.

undefinedI just took a bath...undefined

undefined...I think Iundefinedll have to bathe again.undefined

* * *

"Ugh..."

The manundefineds hand, which had slipped into my private parts, found my highly sensitive bud and flicked it. Instinctively, I twisted my hips and closed my legs. Ruwellin kissed my shoulder soothingly and licked my neck with his tongue.

His moist, hot tongue tickled my skin, and his hand, reaching from behind, slowly kneaded my breast. His other hand had been touching my vulva, moving in circles.

"Ha, haa... Hueung..."

Moaning at the increasingly heated stimulation, I twisted my body. The ticklish, pleasurable feeling made my heart pound and my breath quicken. When the hand that had been pressing on my clitoris began to move faster, a scream erupted from my mouth. I wanted to relieve this ticklish, maddening feeling quickly. Grabbing his forearm, I arched my hips. He laughed in my ear and whispered.

"Good?"

"Ugh..."

I shook my head, meaning undefineddonundefinedt ask such things.undefined Ruwellin laughed more clearly, then bit my ear and sucked on my neck. Along with the thrilling stimulation of those pecking kisses, the pleasure in my heated lower part exploded.

"Ahh...! Haah...!"

My vision flickered, then returned. My whole body trembled. As I lost strength and slumped against his chest, he held up his wet, sticky hand for me to see. A warm liquid clung to his long, white fingers, stretching like a thread. Overwhelmed by shame, I blushed and squirmed. Ruwellin laughed mischievously.

"Was my service satisfactory? I could do more if you want."

"I-Iundefinedm fine...!"

Annoyed by his teasing, I struggled to push him away. Ruwellin laughed happily and hugged me tightly with both arms. Then he kissed my cheek and said.

"Now, let me wash you."

"No, I donundefinedt want..."

Before I could even finish saying undefinednoundefined, he lifted me up and stepped into the bathwater. Holding my waist firmly with one arm, he picked up the soap and began to lather it skillfully. I glared at him, dumbfounded. Ruwellin used his slippery, soapy hands to gently caress my chest.

"Just stay still. Iundefinedll wash every corner."

"......"

I couldnundefinedt tell if he was washing me or teasing me... I made a face and bit my lip. Ruwellin, looking very pleased, was grinning broadly.

* * *

Time flew by. After bathing again, I came out to find the clock already pointing to 3 PM.

undefinedLiving like a jobless bum...!undefined

Even though I usually lived like a jobless bum in the Magic Tower, I thought that.

I pinched the cheek of the cause of my laziness, Ruwellin Rashiane. He looked at me with wide eyes.

"......"

I slowly withdrew my hand. I had acted impulsively out of sudden irritation...

undefinedIundefinedm really... acting childishly.undefined

As I sighed inwardly, checking his reaction, he suddenly asked.

"Do you find me annoying?"

"......!"

What a direct pitch! Wrapped in his arms, I squirmed. But I was rolled up in a large towel like a happy gimbap, so I couldnundefinedt move at all.

Seeming to like my predicament, I clearly saw the corner of Ruwellinundefineds lips twitch as he looked at me.

This guy... My hands trembling, I finally blurted out.

"You know, Duke, sometimes you are a bit annoying."

"Iundefinedm truly grateful that you think of me even in that way."

"......?"

Another incomprehensible answer. Frowning in confusion, he set me down on the sofa and said kindly.

"Iundefinedll prepare a meal, so please wait here."

"...Youundefinedre going to prepare a meal? You, Duke?"

"Yes, me."

No way!

The Duke of Rashiane cooking! If anyone saw, theyundefinedd faint. Ruwellin Rashiane was a high-ranking noble far removed from household chores!

Forgetting that I needed to escape from the happy gimbap state, I stared blankly at Ruwellinundefineds back.

From the living room, I could see into the kitchen, so I could clearly see what he was doing.

Ruwellin took out cooking ingredients very skillfully, like someone who had lived in this villa for 20 years, and began to wash and prepare them.

"......"

He even tied on an apron neatly.

Astounded by the sight, I thought his vassals might faint if they saw the Duke of Rashiane like this.

About 20 minutes or so passed? After struggling for a while, I escaped from the happy gimbap. Ruwellin approached, carrying a large tray.

When our eyes met, he grinned, then set the tray down on the low table. Feeling awkward about the situation, I examined the food he had brought.

Nicely toasted bread, a salad with tomatoes and cheese, a fluffy omelet made with whipped cream, and cool orange juice. Plus, there was even pudding for dessert!

The pudding looked like something Adrian had left for me, but anyway, it was a quite appetizing meal.

"I finally get to show off my cooking skills. I made it diligently for you, Roz."

"......"

Too confused to answer immediately, I just stammered.

Setting aside the fact that the food looked delicious, I didnundefinedt remember the setting that the male lead was a good cook from the original story...

undefinedWhat on earth is going on...undefined

I needed to say something to Ruwellin, but the words wouldnundefinedt come easily. I just smiled awkwardly.

"You must be hungry, so please eat."

Fortunately, he just offered the food without further comment. Mumbling "Thank you," I picked up my fork.

What should I eat first?... Even though it wasnundefinedt a big deal, I felt nervous.

undefinedO-okay, the omelet first.undefined

The fluffiest-looking thing was the omelet. I cut it into bite-sized pieces with my fork and put it in my mouth.

undefinedMmm... Hmm?!undefined

It was so delicious that I was inwardly surprised. I thought it would be a plain omelet, but the texture was very fluffy, and the seasoning was perfect. Plus, a hint of herb added a clean aftertaste.

undefinedWow, delicious.undefined

It was skillful enough to believe it was made by a professional chef. And the Duke of Rashiane made this...

Very surprised, I glanced at Ruwellin. As if enjoying my reaction, he smiled proudly.

"How is it?"

"...Delicious. Really."

When I said it with surprise, Ruwellin smiled brightly. He sat down next to me and urged me to try the other things quickly.

I took a bite of the toast and the salad as well. The toast was savory and crispy, and the salad was light and refreshing.

I also took a sip of the orange juice. The sweet, tangy, cool taste instantly chased away my fatigue.

undefinedHe can even juice... Why on earth did he learn to do this?undefined

That point puzzled me, but anyway, the lunch Ruwellin made was very delicious.

After finishing all the dishes, I even ate the pudding cleanly. Feeling deeply full, I leaned back on the sofa. Ruwellin suddenly kissed my cheek.

At some point, he had pressed close to my side, hugging me with both arms. And he kissed me frantically.

Smack, smack, smack smack.

"W-wait, Duke?"

I was worried he had lost his mind to Mana Rampage again and got scared. But his emerald eyes, looking at me and curving into half-moons, were clear, not clouded.

undefinedChecking carefully, he has no fever and doesnundefinedt seem to be rampaging...undefined

Then why did he keep kissing me?

Relieved but blushing, Ruwellin looked at me with sweet eyes and asked subtly.

"Were you satisfied with the meal I prepared?"

"Huh? Ah, of course... It was all delicious."

"I see. Iundefinedm glad."

Smiling softly, he tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. Then he played with my earlobe, stroking down my neckline.

His touch made me heat up again, and I felt pathetic. Could I ever break away from him like this? Now, truly, his gaze, his touch, his kisses, everything about him felt familiar rather than strange.

undefinedMaybe I should draw a line here.undefined

Before this feeling grew too big to handle, shouldnundefinedt I send him back to where he belonged?

Oblivious to my thoughts, Ruwellin was smiling seductively with his pretty face. Swallowing a sigh, I hesitated for a moment, then opened my mouth.

"Um, Duke."

"Yes, Roz."

"When are you planning to return to the Rashiane Dukeundefineds castle?"

"......"

Next came a heavy silence. I tensed reflexively and clasped my hands together. I felt Ruwellinundefineds arms around me tighten.

He smiled. It was a smile as soft as a spring breeze, yet somehow felt chilly.

"Do you want me to leave?"

"Huh? Itundefineds not that I want you to..."

"Then, why?"

"Well, I mean, if youundefinedre away for too long, Duke..."

As I blinked and stammered an answer, Ruwellin gently stroked my cheek. It was an affectionate gesture, like a loverundefineds.

undefinedItundefineds problematic if he keeps acting like this...undefined

As if our night together had a meaning beyond suppressing his Mana Rampage. It was very problematic if he kept being so kind.

I subtly grabbed his wrist, still stroking my cheek, and tried to pull it away. He paused and looked at me silently.

"Do you not like me touching you?"

"Well... itundefineds a bit uncomfortable..."

"You seemed to like it earlier."

"Wh-when did I?!"

"Before the meal, in the bedroom, in the bathroom. I think you liked it."

Th-this crazy! Are you sure youundefinedre the male lead?

My face flushed bright red. As I struggled to escape his arms, he hugged me tight and kissed my cheek. Smack.

undefinedNo, this man really...!undefined

Just as I was about to get angry, Ruwellin returned to a low voice and said.

"Iundefinedm not returning to the Dukeundefineds castle. Not yet."

No, but why not?!

Now that youundefinedre feeling a bit better, you should go home quickly! Why do you keep staying here? In the villa of a family thatundefineds practically your enemy!

undefinedIf Adrian comes back early like this...!undefined

"Not yet, because I havenundefinedt pleased you as much as I want to."

"......?"

Hearing that, confusion came again. Why did this man need to please me? Unless he had some other ulterior motive...

undefined...Wait, an ulterior motive?undefined

That could... be.

"......"

It could be possible. Come to think of it.

It was strange from the start that he was collapsed alone on the Hill familyundefineds property, and it was very suspicious that he, knowing he could suffer a Mana Rampage at any time, had no attendant or safety device with him.

undefinedHis constant kindness towards me might also be for some other purpose.undefined

"......"

Thinking that, my blood ran cold. My heart pounded for reasons other than excitement, and for some reason, my chest felt tight.

With a hardened expression, I pushed Ruwellin away firmly. This time, he let me go easily without holding on.

"Roz."

He called my name. I looked at his face quietly, then subtly distanced myself. Ruwellinundefineds expression froze like ice.

"...You should eat too, Duke. You havenundefinedt eaten anything yet, right?"

"No, Iundefinedve already eaten."

"If you say so, but... Anyway, Iundefinedm not feeling well right now... Iundefinedm going to my room to rest. Thank you very much for the meal."

As I backed away, he reached out his arm as if to stop me. But before his arm could reach me, I quickly turned and ran away.

When I reached my favorite attic on the second floor, I finally felt like I could breathe.

Sighing, I approached the bed and flopped down. After burying my face in the sheet for a while, I turned over and lay on my back, staring at the ceiling.

The light streaming through the large window that covered one entire wall colored the ceiling.

undefinedI hope we can just get through tonight without incident.undefined

It wasnundefinedt that I disliked my relationship with him. Rather, the problem was that I liked it too much. I was even a little disillusioned with myself for rationalizing that spending the night with him was to save him.

But it was problematic to continue having such a complacent attitude. For him, and for me.

"Kkiing, kkiing..."

A whining sound interrupted my quiet meditation. The familiar, which had somehow passed through the wall and entered the attic, was whining as it looked at me from under the bed.

"What, you want a mana ball?"

Annoyed by the familiarundefineds gluttony, I sat up.

It was a bit of a bother, but a promise was a promise. Just as I was about to make a mana ball and toss it to him, the familiar floated several transparent bubbles in the air.

"These... are from Adrian?"

These transparent bubbles were a way for mages to contact acquaintances far away.

I poked a bubble with my fingertip. It popped, and Adrianundefineds voice came out.

—About ten more days. It wonundefinedt take as long as I thought. Donundefinedt cause any trouble and stay healthy until then.

undefined...Ten days?!undefined

Ten days! My plan, which had been comfortably set at about a month, was in an emergency. If Adrian found out before I could send Ruwellin back nicely...

undefinedTh-then itundefineds a complete disaster.undefined

I made a mana ball and tossed it to the barking familiar, thinking quickly. Ten days meant I had about seven days of leeway.

In that time, I had to somehow bring Ruwellin to his senses so he could contact the Rashiane Duchy.

undefinedIf absolutely necessary, Iundefinedll have to contact the Rashiane Duchy without Ruwellin knowing...undefined

Since he kept saying he wouldnundefinedt return to the Dukeundefineds castle, I was at my witundefineds end. Did the Dukeundefineds vassals know? That their lord was half-crazy and suffering from Mana Rampage in the enemyundefineds lair!

Not only that, but he had also slept with the enemy familyundefineds daughter. Aaaah! This was a total makjang drama. If this got out, it would be a huge scandal and the whole world would be in an uproar.

undefinedFirst, I need to reply to Adrian.undefined

I made a single pinkish-red transparent bubble and put my voice inside it. I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible, as if nothing was wrong.

"Ten days? Thatundefineds sooner than I thought? Iundefinedm so happy I can see you soon, Brother. Iundefinedm doing well, so donundefinedt worry!"

That was dripping with artificiality... But I could guarantee that Adrian would be very pleased with the words "Iundefinedm so happy I can see you soon, Brother."

undefinedGood, this shouldnundefinedt look suspicious.undefined

I put the transparent bubble into the familiarundefineds mouth. Now this bubble would be transmitted to Adrian through the familiar.

undefinedAbout seven days left... I need to stay sharp too. I canundefinedt fully trust Ruwellin.undefined

Regardless of my heart pounding whenever I saw him and my growing fondness for him, there was a chance he really had some other intention.

undefinedWhether heundefineds pretending to be crazy or really is crazy, itundefineds getting harder to tell.undefined

If only I knew what Ruwellin was thinking. He was a very difficult person to read.

Moreover, he wasnundefinedt someone on whom mind-reading magic, i.e., telepathy, would work. He would have been trained to defend against such mental magic since childhood.

So I had no choice but to keep suspecting and watching Ruwellin carefully.

undefinedTruly... Thereundefineds no romance at all.undefined

He might be something like my first love, in a way. It was sad that I had to be so realistic about it.