Episode 109

Yvonne and Yurian were heading toward the docks. Yurian was walking in silence, holding her hand, while Yvonne’s gaze lingered on the red flower crown sitting atop his head.

“Wouldn’t it be better to buy clothes first before we go?”

“Can you hear my breathing?”

“Yes. It sounds even more strained than when you wore a dress.”

Yvonne thought he was right. When she wore a dress, the corset squeezed her waist, but it hadn’t been this difficult. More than anything, a corset focused on cinching the waist, whereas right now, she was binding her chest tightly.

She couldn’t take a deep breath, making her feel as though she were submerged in deep water with only her head above the surface—where the water pressure was crushingly heavy.

“There’s a tailor shop on the way.”

“Are you planning to buy ready-made clothes?”

“Yes. And besides, that outfit doesn’t suit your hair at all.”

“Fine.”

If it meant getting rid of this stifling bandage, following his lead didn’t seem like such a bad idea. Yurian slowed his pace. He didn’t want her to struggle because of his naturally fast stride.

His legs were long and his physique well-trained. As a warrior, he had better endurance than anyone, and his usual pace was wide and quick. But now, he walked as slowly as a cat.

“I could carry you. That would be much easier.”

“I’ll pass.”

“Alright.”

Yurian felt a tinge of regret at her firm refusal, but he was still pleased. In the past, she had seemed slightly afraid of him, but now—

That fear was gone.

“By the way, those shoes are quite ugly.”

“Pick one—change the clothes or change the shoes, not both.”

“Hmm.”

He walked in deep thought but had to pause once they arrived at the tailor shop.

“Commoners buy their clothes in places like this.”

“Oh…”

Yvonne found the shop somewhat fascinating. Ever since she became a princess, designers had tailored her clothes from scratch. Even when she was pretending to be a duchess, the same applied.

Here, Chris—the errand boy from the inn—had handled her clothing purchases.

“This feels strangely nostalgic.”

“Does it?”

“Yes.”

The shop reminded her of something from her previous life. Most stores here seemed to make clothes in bulk per order, but this one displayed finished garments with price tags attached.

“Welcome!”

“A dress for a lady.”

“What color are you looking for?”

“I want sky blue.”

“Then, sky blue.”

“Of course.”

After giving his quick order, Yurian watched Yvonne as she looked around. He found her utterly adorable.

“All our sky-blue dresses are over here. What kind of design do you prefer?”

Yurian examined the selection carefully, but Yvonne simply picked one at random and held it up.

“This one.”

“Oh, excellent choice, miss!”

“I’ll also take a negligee.”

“Of course!”

After grabbing what she needed, Yvonne headed straight to the fitting room.

While she was inside, Yurian activated his ability, scanning their surroundings to make sure there were no threats. The problem was—

He needed to concentrate on the outside, but the sound of her changing distracted him so much that he had to stop.

“Sir?”

“…”

“Why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?”

“Mind your business.”

His voice was sharp as he glared at the clerk, but his flushed face made the employee a little concerned. If someone collapsed inside the shop, it could bring bad luck and ruin business. The owner would scold him endlessly.

However, seeing Yurian’s demeanor, the clerk suspected he was a noble pretending to be a commoner to enjoy the festival. So, he decided not to worry any further.

“Yvonne, are you done?”

“Almost.”

When she finally stepped out, she looked adorable.

Her platinum-blonde hair, violet eyes, and the light blue dress with delicate white lace suited her perfectly.

“This dress comes with a matching headband. Would you like to see it?”

“No, she already has a flower crown.”

“Ah, I see. Very well.”

Yurian quickly settled the payment and retrieved the crown he had given her earlier. Then, they stepped outside.

“Please come again!”

Ignoring the clerk’s farewell, Yurian turned to Yvonne and placed the flower crown back on her head.

“This really has healing properties?”

“Yes.”

He lowered the crown slightly, showing her the small glass bead woven between the flowers.

“It’s a one-time use, but this is it.”

“It’s pretty.”

“Not as pretty as you, Yvonne.”

“There you go again.”

“That’s your fault. You’re so close—how am I supposed to hold back?”

“How is that my fault? You’re so ridiculous, Yurian.”

“If I made you laugh, then let me hold your hand.”

“Hah.”

Yvonne let out a small chuckle—but when he reached for her hand, she let him take it.

“You’re doing a great job reflecting on yourself.”

“Yes, unlike someone else I know.”

“I’d love to punish that ‘someone.’”

At her provocative remark, Yurian immediately responded.

“Should I be spanked?”

“Would you like that?”

“Such… thrilling words….”

“What did you just say?”

“Nothing. My true thoughts slipped out again.”

Yurian sighed and covered his mouth with his hand. But the mere thought of Yvonne’s cat-like hands smacking his backside—no, that wouldn’t even be punishment. It would be more like a gentle caress.

Yvonne touching his backside.

Yurian’s face grew even redder.

“Yurian, I can tell when you’re having indecent thoughts. Your face gives it away.”

“Have you awakened a mind-reading ability?”

“Maybe I have.”

That made Yurian uneasy. Right now, she was treating him this way because she didn’t know what went on in his head.

But Yvonne was undoubtedly a Guide. How could she have such powerful magic?

Her magic was so potent that it could pass as imperial blood. If she really did awaken mind-reading abilities, she would be an extraordinary force.

The strength of a telepath depended on their magic and class. Given Yvonne’s lineage and power, she could likely extract an entire person’s past with a single word. If she told Yurian to recall his memories, she could see everything.

The thought made him shiver.

“Why do you have that expression?”

“I’m afraid.”

“Afraid that I’ll become a mind-reader?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“What do you think I’d be thinking about whenever I look at you?”

Yurian tightened his grip on her hand, making it impossible for her to pull away.

“Something indecent and inappropriate?”

“Yes.”

“You’re being honest even though I’m not a mind-reader yet?”

“I promised not to lie to you.”

For a brief moment, Yvonne’s face turned bright red—an amusing contrast to Yurian’s pale complexion.

The unease he had felt moments ago vanished completely at the sight of her flushed cheeks.

“Yvonne, you’re too cute.”

“Shut up.”

“Are you embarrassed because you can imagine what I’m thinking?”

“I said shut up.”

Yvonne tried to yank her hand away, but Yurian refused to let go. She was flustered, worried he might feel the way her heart was pounding.

“Whenever I see you, it feels like I’m standing in the middle of a desert at noon—burning hot.”

“Ah….”

“And when I touch you, it feels like taking the first bite after starving for days.”

“What kind of comparison is that?”

“I could use a much filthier one, but you might abandon me if I did.”

Yurian’s head was already filled with obscene thoughts. But even now, he was filtering himself, selecting only the most innocent metaphors.

If Yvonne ever did gain the ability to read his mind, she would abandon him in less than a day.

His desires and cravings—

He wanted to hold her, to love her, to fall asleep with her in his arms every night.

He wanted to have children with her. If they resembled him, he would be disappointed, but if they looked like her, he would adore them, even if they were boys.

More than anything, he wanted a life with her.

The problem was that the details of his “happiness” were so audacious that if she knew, she would be horrified.

“Give me an example. Now I’m curious.”

Despite her bright red face, Yvonne was stubborn.

They had started walking again, but Yurian looked troubled.

Yvonne was pleased. Seeing him turn just as red, avoiding her gaze like a guilty man, was strangely satisfying.

“If you promise not to abandon me after hearing it.”

“Fine. I won’t abandon you.”

After making sure no one was around, Yurian stepped closer.

For some reason, Yvonne suddenly became aware of his height, his broad shoulders, his sheer physical presence.

He was an imposing man. His eyes were sharp and intimidating.

And yet—

He wasn’t as frightening as she had initially thought. He didn’t scare her at all.

Even now, as he loomed over her, there was no fear in her heart.

She knew, instinctively, that he would never harm her.

“I want to kiss you.”

It was only then that Yvonne realized—

They had reached the docks, beneath the darkening evening sky.

 

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