As Rowaine feared, word of her actions quickly spread rumors and soon reached Dimitri’s ears. The story was completely distorted to show that the devilish Rowaine was harassing innocent victims.

“It seems Madam Rowaine caused such a commotion during the day.”

Hyle reported to Dimitri with a complicated face. Even though he firmly believed that rumors of Rowaine being a villain were merely misunderstandings, now faced with this situation, he wore a slightly shocked expression.

Dimitri, upon receiving the report, furrowed his brow with a serious expression.

“Hmm.”

Hyle, who saw his expression, came forward and defended Rowaine even though it wasn’t necessary.

“There must have been… circumstances. Shall I investigate?”

“It’s okay.”

Dimitri shook his head coldly and decisively. Because of that, Hyle opened his mouth again as if pleading.

“Don’t you know she’s not someone who would do that for no reason?”

At his words, Dimitri frowned and looked at his aide.

“Why are you defending my wife?”

“Yes? That’s…”

Hyle thought Dimitri must have been completely disappointed in Rowaine. However, his master’s following words were completely different from what he had expected.

“If my wife doesn’t like something, can’t she just hit someone?”

“Yes…?”

“Maybe she’s just in a bad mood and got into an argument with a passerby.”

“….”

“You said the other person ran away first? Well, that means she won, so what else do I need to know? If she needs my help, she’ll talk to me directly. She’s a straightforward and reasonable person.”

Dimitri nodded proudly as if he was proud.

Hyle, who was speechless, stared blankly at her master before he asked.

“Then what were you thinking about with that serious expression just a moment ago?”

“I was thinking about how I could make my wife feel better. Hyle, tell the chef to prepare plenty of ginger cookies and custard cream that Rowaine likes. Coldly.”

“….”

“Rowaine likes those.”

It was late evening when I returned home.

I was so caught up in shopping and sightseeing for the first time in a long time and had so much fun walking around with Agwen that I didn’t even realize it was so late. I then headed to the bedroom, thinking I should talk to Dimitri again about sharing the room.

However, Dimitri, whom I had thought would still be in the study, was waiting for me in the room.

“Have you been here?”

When I asked Dimitri, who was leaning in front of the window, drinking wine, he greeted me with a drawn smile.

“You’re late, Rowaine.”

“Oh, shopping was fun. I didn’t realize how time was flying.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Did you have dinner?”

“I did.”

I was a little hungry, so I had an early dinner. As I trailed off while patting my stomach as I spoke, he took me to the table as if that was a good thing.

“I asked them to prepare some snacks.”

I looked up at Dimitri, a little surprised to see all the desserts beautifully set out on the table.

He smirked.

“Ginger cookies dusted with lots of sugar, chilled custard cream, and a little sweet alcohol.”

“Dimitri, did you prepare all of this?”

“You like them, don’t you?”

Unknowingly, a smile spread across my face.

‘…What is this feeling?’

Having someone greet me with things I enjoy preparing… it was a feeling I had never experienced before. Then, I went to sit on the sofa beside Dimitri. Since it wasn’t placed facing the bedroom, it naturally turned out that way.

“I heard that something unpleasant happened outside today. I thought you might not feel good, so I asked for these to be prepared.”

“Ah, that’s right. Rumors spread fast.”

“It’s inevitable. I have eyes and ears everywhere.”

Feeling already worried, I defended myself to Dimitri as if I were a guilty thief caught in the act.

“If by any chance you prepared these thoughts to blame me for what happened, I’ll tell you now that I won’t apologize. They should be the one to—!”

“The one to?”

I hesitated before finishing my sentence.

‘I wonder if I’ll just hurt his feelings by saying something he doesn’t need to know.’

I wasn’t sure if it would be wise to say that I was angry because people were mocking him.

“No, it’s nothing. I was just a bit angry. Still, I won’t apologize. I’m sorry.”

As I firmly stated this, Dimitri tilted his head and asked earnestly.

“It seems like something happened that offended you. I can take revenge if you want. In any way Rowaine wishes. Shall I?”

“Yes? Oh, no. No, there’s no need for that…”

“It’s not an issue to secretly break a limb, so just tell me if you need it. Or perhaps…”

“What? Now, wait a minute. Why would you say such a scary thing?”

“Didn’t they make Rowaine angry? The Rowaine I know isn’t a person who gets angry easily over trivial matters. Surely, something unbearable must have happened to provoke you.”

Then, he nodded to himself.

“Hmm. Now that you mention it, that seems to be the case. Leave it to me. I’ll make sure it’s taken care of.”

His expression was so determined that I hastily waved my hand.

“No! No, that’s not what I meant! I just meant those people were mocking Dimitri… Ah.”

Even though I blurted it out without thinking and then closed my mouth, Dimitri had already caught on.

“They were mocking me?”

“Ah… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…”

“Are you angry because they mocked me?”

“Yes?”

“Did that make you angry?”

He stared at me intently. His jewel-like emerald eyes were solely focused on me. I stared blankly into his eyes as if I was caught up in his gaze.

His eyes softened, and he smiled gently.

“For me?”

Many emotions could be read in his expression as he smiled happily. He was looking at me in a loving way, without any intention of hiding it. How could I resist smiling when someone looked at me with such warm and sweet eyes?

Despite biting my lips tightly, I couldn’t help but smile along with him. It was irresistible.

“Is that good?”

“Couldn’t be better.”

“Then, I’m glad.”

At this point, I would’ve expected Agaliaept to intervene and disturb me, but strangely, the demon was quiet today. After all, it was Agaliaept who always brought back memories of the past to me whenever the atmosphere with Dimitri changed.

My shadow overlapped with Dimitri, who was sitting close to me, and I was swept up in the atmosphere without realizing that Shedim was imprisoning Agaliaept.

As we laughed and talked about everyday things that weren’t particularly interesting, we exchanged countless touches, brushing against each other’s arms, shoulders, and fingers with gestures more intimate than usual.

All the while, I was constantly fighting with myself.

‘…Is this okay?’

Even as I laughed along with Dimitri, I was terrified of him. His presence was intruding on me, pushing its way into me.

‘Is this really okay?’

Joy, trepidation, and the fear associated with my changing mind were stirring within me.

But…

‘I don’t want it to stop.’

I stared at Dimitri, who was facing my direction, clinking his glass against mine.

‘My cat.’

I rolled the words around in my mouth before changing one word.

‘My… person.’

My heart was pounding so hard that it hurt.

Dimitri observed Rowaine’s ever-changing expressions without revealing his own thoughts.

Just by watching her, he could tell just by looking at how complicated her mind was at this moment.

‘So cute.’

Maybe now…

‘I think I can catch her.’

Despite that assurance, he chose to take a step back rather than move forward.

“It’s getting late, so you should probably go to bed.”

“Ah…”

“The weather isn’t bad today, so you shouldn’t be scared to be alone.”

“Yes?”

At his words, Rowaine looked at him as if she hadn’t expected that.

Dimitri spoke calmly.

“I’m sure it must be burdensome.”

It was inevitable for Dimitri to act like this since pushing and pulling was a cat’s instinct.

Rowaine asked cautiously.

“Where are you going to sleep?”

“The bed in the guest room is still being custom-made, so I have no choice but to go to the study.”

“I feel a little bad about that.”

“Don’t worry, then.”

As Dimitri bid her goodnight like a gentleman before turning away, Rowaine followed him to see him off. However, at that moment, he suddenly staggered.

“Dimitri!”
[ T/N: OMG THIS MAN’S FLIRTING GAME THIS WHOLE CHAPTER!!! (づ>/////<)づ AHAHAHA ]

Rowaine hurriedly ran over and grabbed his arm.

“Are you okay?”

Dimitri smiled a little weakly as if to assure her it was nothing.

“Oh, I guess I’m tired because I traveled a long distance yesterday for the first time in a long time. I’m fine.”

Rowaine’s eyes wavered as she faced his weary expression.

“Um… well…”

Dimitri patiently waited without pressuring Rowaine to resolve her inner turmoil. After hesitating for a while, she finally made a suggestion.

“How about… just sleeping together in the bed?”

 
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