Episode 108

“What is this?!”

Yvonne realized that the moment Yurian placed the flower crown on her head, her hair had returned to its original length before she cut it. Even though she had dyed it, it had now completely reverted to its platinum blonde.

“The priests wove a recovery orb into the crown.”

“…”

“I only did it in case you had any injuries… I didn’t expect your hair to grow back.”

Yvonne felt troubled, realizing she could no longer deceive him. Of course, she wasn’t foolish—she knew he had already nearly confirmed her identity.

“Now, all that’s left is to buy new clothes.”

“This is new clothing.”

“Even so, you’ll need another new set. Your breathing sounds strange.”

Yvonne sighed. Because he had enhanced physical abilities, he seemed to notice even the smallest details—it was exhausting.

“It sounds like you’re gasping for air.”

“…”

“Just like when you wore a dress.”

Yvonne let out a deep sigh and handed the rose crown to Yurian.

“Wear it.”

“Alright.”

He had hoped she would put it on him herself, but since she seemed to be in a low mood, he didn’t push. Even as he followed her request, he observed her quietly. Her mood had shifted again—subtly, yet noticeably.

“Yvonne, can you tell me how you’re feeling right now?”

“Ha….”

She suddenly felt foolish, wondering if he was really trying to change for her. She turned to say something, but when their eyes met, she stopped.

Bright red eyes.

They held genuine curiosity about her reaction. And yet, there was a cautiousness to them.

“I’m just… surprised. My hair suddenly grew back.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Honestly, I hesitated before cutting it too.”

“Sincerely, I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize twice….”

“But I want to. You only cut it because of me.”

Yvonne was surprised—his apology was different from what she had expected. Was he really being this considerate?

“Yurian, you’re really strange.”

“Is it a good kind of strange?”

“…I think so.”

“Then I’m glad.”

Yurian smiled brightly again and looked at her as if asking for permission to hold her hand. She didn’t resist when he reached for it. Gently, he intertwined their fingers and spoke.

“There will be fireworks later.”

“This is a volcanic island, isn’t it? And they’re setting off fireworks?”

“Pfft…”

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because your thought process is adorable.”

Yurian chuckled as if he genuinely found it amusing and tightened his grip on her hand.

“You’re quite peculiar, Yurian.”

“I hope it’s not just peculiar but special.”

“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say.”

Yvonne responded nonchalantly, yet she wasn’t uncomfortable. That, in itself, was strange.

They headed toward the town square.

“Mom! Over there!”

“Didn’t I tell you not to run?!”

“Hurry up!”

Children dashed through the streets, ignoring their parents’ scoldings. In the square, an elegantly dressed older woman was singing a song. Yurian immediately noticed that Yvonne had no interest in it.

Instead, perhaps she would enjoy trying the festival food.

“They sell alcohol over there.”

“Alcohol… I’d like a drink.”

“Do you like drinking?”

“I don’t like when others drink, but I like drinking myself.”

“Then I won’t drink.”

“Drink with me. Just don’t get drunk.”

Yurian knew exactly why she said that—because of Hildebrandt.

The Emperor’s worst flaw was his drinking. Whenever he drank excessively, he would torment Yvonne.

It was an open secret among the palace staff that whenever Hildebrandt lost control in his drunken rages, it was Francis, the captain of the knights, who would take Yvonne away to safety. The servants all had eyes and ears, and their mouths were far from silent.

“Yvonne.”

“…Yes?”

“I don’t get drunk.”

“What do you mean?”

“Because of my ability, I can’t get intoxicated. So you can drink as much as you want.”

Yurian spoke with such gravity, as if reassuring her of her safety. Yvonne couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

“Why are you saying that so seriously?”

“It’s important.”

“Hahaha. Why would that be important?”

“Because I like you.”

“I told you not to confess.”

“Sorry. If I don’t stay alert, it just comes out on its own.”

Yvonne realized that his confessions were no longer as bothersome as they had been. At first, they had made her break out in a cold sweat.

But now…

Now, the way he actually held back when she told him not to—

There was something strangely unpolished about it. It wasn’t quite the Yurian Leonhardt she had read about in the original novel.

“Yurian, the flower crown suits you.”

“Not as much as it suits you. You look like an angel, Yvonne.”

“That kind of talk is banned too.”

“That’s a bit too much.”

“Oh, is it?”

“What if you end up banning everything I say?”

“Then I’ll take that one back.”

Yvonne realized she had fallen right into his trap. She let out a laugh, shaking her head in exasperation.

“Even the way you shake your head is adorable.”

“Ugh.”

Deciding not to respond, she simply followed where he led.

“What kind of alcohol do you prefer?”

“You never said we were going to a liquor store.”

“But you never know what they put in the alcohol sold outside in cups. It’s probably cheap, barely fermented, and the taste isn’t guaranteed.”

Hearing that, Yvonne hesitated in front of the liquor store. The stalls they had passed on the way were selling drinks in disposable cups. They were likely just beer—low in alcohol content.

And Yvonne didn’t particularly like beer. She preferred something stronger—rum.

“I’ll have rum.”

“Of course.”

Yurian met her gaze deliberately and smiled. For a moment, Yvonne froze. His expression was almost mesmerizing, like a beast luring in its prey. She shuddered, unsettled.

“Don’t smile like that.”

“Why not?”

“It makes it hard to breathe.”

“I always feel that way. Whenever I see you, I forget to breathe.”

“Stop it.”

“Alright.”

She used to think Yurian’s presence was like that of a wolf. But now, he felt more like an incubus, seducing people without effort.

“What kind of man do you want to marry, Yvonne?”

“Someone broad-shouldered with a knight’s physique.”

“And?”

“Someone who doesn’t get drunk and isn’t scary. Oh, and someone who respects me.”

She answered casually, and when Yurian suddenly stopped, she pulled her hand away and entered the liquor store alone.

Yvonne found it odd how he looked almost… sad about letting go of her hand. He was covering his flushed face with both hands, head lowered. She had no idea why he was acting that way, so she ignored it.

“Welcome.”

“Show me the strongest rum you have.”

“Of course.”

The store clerk stared at her intently, and Yvonne responded with a polite business-like smile.

“Why are you smiling?”

“You came in.”

“Why are you smiling about that?”

“Am I not even allowed to smile now?”

“…No, I like it when you smile. But you smile at everyone, so I don’t like that part.”

Yurian’s face was still flushed, but his eyes glared sharply at the clerk.

“Stop glaring like that. You’re scaring people.”

“…Alright.”

Yvonne placed her hand over his eyes, blocking his gaze. Strangely enough, he liked it. Every time he blinked, the soft touch of her fingers against his eyelids made him tingle. She didn’t remove her hand, finding the sensation amusing.

“The rum is over here, miss.”

“Alright.”

Yvonne finally lowered her hand and followed the clerk. Yurian immediately reached for her hand again, gripping it tightly as if trying to justify himself.

“I was jealous just now.”

“I know.”

“…Oh. That’s a relief.”

“What’s a relief? That I know how petty you are?”

“Exactly. I’m extremely petty. So, please be mindful of that.”

“You should be the one being mindful of me, not the other way around.”

“…You’re right.”

Even as he admitted it, he gave her a pleading look, trying to meet her gaze. But Yvonne found his expression both amusing and ridiculous, so she deliberately avoided his eyes.

“Th-These on the top shelf are the strongest ones.”

“I’ll take two bottles of the strongest.”

“And this one, too.”

Yurian picked another bottle, identical in shape to the ones she chose, but the liquid inside was an unusual shade of purple.

“I’ve never seen purple alcohol before.”

“It’s quite sweet.”

“Can I try it later?”

“Whenever you’d like.”

Just the thought of her drinking from the same bottle as him made Yurian’s heart pound wildly again.

“Why is your face so red? Anyone would think you’re already drunk.”

“I can’t control this.”

Saying that, he squeezed her hand tightly. Yvonne sighed softly and, after paying, stepped outside with him.

“If you want to see the fireworks, we should head to the bridge.”

“Then let’s go.”

“But the bridge will be crowded. How about the docks instead?”

“Can you see well from there?”

“Yes.”

Yvonne wanted to be around people, but not so many that she would feel suffocated. So, she decided to follow Yurian to the docks.

“Did you know? There’s a legend that says if you kiss on festival night, you’ll be together forever.”

Yurian looked at her as he spoke.

But Yvonne wasn’t listening in the slightest.

 

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