Chapter 9

Against her will, Hazel found herself plagued by intrusive thoughts, to the point that she could barely remember how she managed to get through her lectures. 

To make matters worse, word had spread that the new swordsmanship professor was her academy colleague, and she was constantly bombarded with questions in every class about whether it was true. 

‘Why is everyone so interested in other people’s affairs? Can’t they just accept it and move on?’ 

With a deep sigh, Hazel dragged her weary body home after work. On the way, she noticed Enoch surrounded by several professors. 

“Professor Meyer, I heard you’re really popular with the students! You didn’t teach somewhere else before this, did you?” 

“Haha, no, this is my first time. I’m still lacking in many ways, so I’d appreciate any advice you can give me. I don’t want to make any mistakes, even in this short time.” 

His modest demeanor, as if the compliments were too much, made Hazel feel somehow indignant. 

I thought I was going to die after my first lecture, but he’s just smiling and laughing like it’s nothing? 

Their eyes briefly met, but Hazel quickly turned away and walked on. She knew she was being petty toward him, but she couldn’t help her emotions. It wasn’t just about what had happened between them—it was also envy that he had handled his first lecture so well. 

What can’t he do? 

Even though she knew his weakness—that he was a deviant—she couldn’t deny that she had her own vulnerabilities. 

Even though she knew she couldn’t turn back time, Hazel swallowed the bitter regret of wishing she had waited instead of opening the door that day. 

Her awareness of Enoch’s subtly changed demeanor made the day pass in a blur. 

How could it not, when she lacked the composure to face her first love after spending a night with him? 

If that night had been mediocre, she might have been able to brush it off. But it had been so good that it felt unfair to have discovered such sensations only now. 

The visual stimulation of his face, the overwhelming pleasure that left her breathless every time he thrust deeper, the warm weight and heat that pressed down on her entire body. 

“…Why does he have to be a deviant!” 

Hazel stopped in her tracks and shouted, realizing in just one experience why physical attachment could be so terrifying. Even after venting her frustration, she was still fuming, her breaths coming out ragged. 

Despite everything, she couldn’t deny it. 

Enoch Meyer was still Hazel Hoover’s ideal type. 

It wasn’t that she wanted to pursue something with him or deepen their relationship. It wasn’t because he was a deviant but because he was ‘Enoch Meyer of the Meyer Marquisate.’ 

The Hoover Earldom was a prestigious family that had upheld its lineage since the Empire’s founding. Its only shortcoming was its dwindling fortunes, leaving its coffers far from full. 

In comparison, what about the Meyer Marquisate? Known as the Emperor’s Sword for their exceptional swordsmanship, they had led countless wars to victory and safeguarded the Empire. 

Though their lineage wasn’t as long, the Meyer family commanded the Empire’s citizens’ respect and support. 

A few years ago, they had discovered a massive gold mine in the land granted to them by the Emperor, significantly increasing their wealth. They were one of the most talked-about families in the Empire. 

As the successor of such a family and a key political ally of Crown Prince Theodore, Enoch Meyer stood as a pillar of the Empire. Hazel knew she could never stand beside him. 

‘I liked him a bit when I was younger, but not anymore. So let’s not entertain any foolish thoughts. I don’t want to ruin my life by giving him something to hold over me.’ 

The more she dissected it, the more the gap between them became clear, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. 

If she were to date him, the best-case scenario would be marriage, and the worst-case scenario would be a breakup. While the former posed no issues, the latter… 

Just imagining it made her frown in horror. 

‘I never planned to aim that high anyway. I’m not naive enough to think one night means anything, and I don’t want to be Cinderella either.’ 

Even if she didn’t want to acknowledge it, she had to admit the disparity between them. 

As her overwhelming negative emotions began to subside, the cold, harsh reality set in. 

That night had been nothing more than his insistence that they become accomplices to something no one would think twice about. 

Despite what had happened, was a first love still a first love? The more she tried not to dwell on it, the more Enoch’s disheveled, darkly excited eyes from that night came to mind. 

‘I know it’s stupid, but I still like Enoch.’ 

Even though her first love had betrayed her so cruelly, her rekindled feelings for him grew steadily stronger. 

Fine, let’s admit it. Back then, I liked him for his personality and looks. Now, I like him for his body and looks. 

His face alone was enough to cancel out all his flaws, including being a deviant. His physique was as perfect as if sculpted by a master artisan, and even that was robust. Not to mention their incredible physical compatibility. 

‘Is this what it means to grow up?’ 

The romantic ideals of youth had faded, leaving only cold reality, and Hazel couldn’t help but feel bitter. 

Her walk home, which should have been a pleasant end to the day, was anything but. Her face darkened, and her gloomy aura made others avoid her. 

Suddenly, an old woman appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Hazel’s arm. 

“You there, pretty young lady! Let me tell your fortune for cheap! Come take a look!” 

“I’m not interested in fortunes. Please let go.” 

The woman was clearly a scammer, the type who lured people in with enticing words and then forced overpriced charms on them. 

Hazel tried to shake her off, but the woman’s grip was surprisingly strong. 

How is an old woman this strong? 

Trying not to show her surprise, Hazel strengthened her resolve, but the woman was persistent. 

“Come on, just one look. I’ll give you a discount!” 

“I said no! I’m not interested—hey, let go!” 

Despite her protests, Hazel found herself dragged into the woman’s shop. Once inside, the woman locked the door and sat across from Hazel, laughing softly. 

How much does she plan to scam me if she’s locking the door? 

The old woman placed her hands on a crystal ball, likely meant to create a mystical atmosphere. 

Let me guess. She’ll say I have a lot on my mind. Probably about money, men, or marriage—one of those three. 

It was a predictable trick. Hazel stared at the woman, calculating the best moment to escape. 

The old woman stared deeply into the crystal ball, then suddenly let out a dramatic “Oh!” 

Does she actually see something? 

Hazel wondered briefly but quickly dismissed the thought. If she had real powers, she wouldn’t be running such a shabby operation. 

The woman, who had been building suspense by gazing into the crystal ball, abruptly looked up. Her eyes, glowing with a mysterious hue that wasn’t quite red or blue, startled Hazel. 

“You have a troubled look.” 

The woman’s words made Hazel feel embarrassed for having been momentarily tense. Of course, everyone has troubles. Who doesn’t? Maybe not someone like Enoch Meyer, who has everything. 

Hazel didn’t bother responding, finding the statement too obvious to merit a reply. Misinterpreting her silence, the woman chuckled knowingly. 

“You’re worried about a man, aren’t you? You don’t know how to deal with him, and it’s driving you crazy.” 

“Well, yes…” 

Hazel decided it would be quicker to play along and hand over some money. After all, the locked door made it clear the woman wouldn’t let her leave easily. 

“It’s fate.”

Of course, she’d say that. Hazel, her eyes devoid of light, stared at the old woman in response to the predictable development.

The old woman slammed the table as if she were making some grand prophecy.

“It’s fate. You’re destined to be together, even your physical compatibility is perfect. It’s hard to find a man like that.”

How typical. What if I’ve never even been with anyone before? 

Hazel thought to herself as she quickly rummaged through her bag, intending to give the old woman her fee and leave.

“You think it was a mistake, don’t you?”