Chapter 105

The greatest damage was suffered by the assassins.

Having undergone bodily modifications to gain heightened senses, they could not withstand the stimulation Evelyn had poured into the event.

In particular, the dazzling lights and rhythmic thudding sounds caused photophobia-induced shock. The Royal Knights gathered the assassins foaming at the mouth as if harvesting acorns.

“What are these people? Assassins?”

“Wherever they’re from, they must have sent rookies!”

“Search their bodies and make sure they can’t commit s*icide.”

“Yes, I’ll leave it to those with expertise in this area.”

Thus, the infamous assassination group ‘Eyes of Darkness’ and the persistent ‘Werewolves’ suffered a devastating blow, with their elite assassins entirely captured.

Meanwhile, Evelyn, who had achieved what no knight could, was facing her colleagues.

“Everyone, you’ve worked hard. Although we didn’t get the desired reaction, you all did your best to create an amazing stage. Thank you so much.”

Evelyn bowed deeply. Those who had expected to be reprimanded were taken aback.

Raising her head, Evelyn continued.

“All the responsibility for the failure lies with me! I promise that none of you will face any disadvantages.”

“Miss…”

“Your stage was the best. Her Majesty will surely recognize your abilities.”

The expressions of the people wavered greatly. As the frozen atmosphere thawed, they began to speak one by one.

“This wasn’t your fault, Miss. How could you have known the guests would be so fragile?”

“That’s right. Who would have thought they’d faint just from seeing clothes flutter? Is this scary? Is this?”

A dancer flapped their wing-like costume, causing everyone to burst into laughter. The military band members also chimed in with jokes.

“I saw five people faint when I played the drum!”

“When I blew the horn, ten people collapsed!”

Amid the warm atmosphere, the royal composer spoke.

“The new music and production Miss Evelyn showcased were truly remarkable. Even if people don’t understand it, its value doesn’t change.”

“I, too, have realized new directions for light magic. I’ve become eager to research more.”

The White Tower Lord followed suit. Each person nodded in agreement, expressing that it was an enjoyable and innovative attempt.

“We’ll speak to Her Majesty as well. This was merely an accident; she won’t issue any punishment.”

“Don’t be so downcast. Everyone knows you gave it your best, Miss!”

“…Thank you, everyone.”

Moved by the unexpected encouragement, Evelyn’s eyes glistened with tears.

At that moment, the door opened, and the King entered the waiting room with Fiona, the head maid.

Startled by the King’s sudden visit, everyone hurriedly offered their greetings. Surveying the group, the King spoke.

“Raise your heads and look at us.”

Hesitant, the people slowly lifted their heads. The King solemnly declared.

“Your efforts today were truly outstanding!”

“…!”

“You exceeded our expectations with an incredible stage. Even the ignorant masses must have realized the Priestess’s majesty through this. Evelyn Hynes!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Evelyn quickly stepped forward and responded.

“You deserve the most credit for planning this stage. Evelyn Hynes, you are hereby promoted to senior maid and granted the position of managing the ‘Rest Department.’”

“I-I am deeply honored, Your Majesty.”

Evelyn bowed her head in astonishment. Fiona, the head maid, handed her the badge of senior maid.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Evelyn.”

“Thank you, Head Maid. But, um, where exactly is the Rest Department?”

Unable to bring herself to say it was the newly created ‘Cuddle Room,’ Fiona gestured that they would discuss it later.

Meanwhile, the King turned to address the others.

“For creating the best stage alongside Evelyn, you shall all receive ten times the promised payment and be awarded honors.”

“We are deeply honored, Your Majesty!”

Everyone shouted in unison. From bracing for punishment to suddenly receiving rewards, they were overjoyed.

“Do not mind us and celebrate freely. Today, you are the stars of this event.”

As soon as the King finished speaking, the room erupted in cheers. Amid the jubilant embraces and celebration, the group turned to Evelyn and began clapping one by one.

“Miss, congratulations!”

“Your stage was the best!”

Swept up in the celebratory mood, Evelyn looked bewildered. At that moment, the King gestured for her to approach.

“Evelyn, come to us.”

Receiving congratulations from the crowd, Evelyn hurriedly approached the King.

The King stared directly at Evelyn before raising her left hand.

“We made a promise to Seth, so we have no choice.”

On Evelyn’s left ring finger was a simple silver ring.

It was a token of the King’s promise to prioritize Evelyn’s life over national interests just once. It also came with an order never to remove it.

The King moved the ring to her second finger.

“Moving this does not mean we are letting you go.”

“Pardon?”

Evelyn blinked in confusion.

To her, the ring was merely a ‘one-time life-saving token,’ and she couldn’t understand why the King was relocating it. The King pinched Evelyn’s cheek, still innocent and clueless.

“Adorable one, do not leave our side. Do you understand?”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Evelyn, wincing in pain, obediently replied. The King finally smiled in satisfaction.

***

Outside, Seth waited by the carriage as he sensed a silent presence approaching.

Turning his head, he saw Jester, dressed in his usual attire, tossing him a sword. Seth caught it effortlessly with one hand.

“Give this to Miss Evelyn.”

-Ding!

The Holy Sword, long separated from its master, rang softly in his grasp. Ignoring it, Seth looked at Jester.

“You won’t deliver it yourself?”

“Talk to her right after cross-dressing? If you can do that, I’ll consider it.”

Jester retorted sharply. Seth chuckled silently and stored the sword.

“Jester.”

“What?”

As Jester turned to leave, Seth called out again. Jester glanced back with an annoyed expression. Seth spoke slowly.

“I don’t want to fight you. So, give up quickly.”

Jester clenched his fists and glared at him.

“What’s your deal? Are you serious about Miss Evelyn?”

“…”

“You still wander around looking like you want to die.”

For the first time, Seth met Jester’s gaze. Surprisingly, he smiled.

“With her, I feel like I can breathe. So, even against you, I won’t yield.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I know exactly what kind of person you are. Do you think I’ll fall for that?”

Muttering curses under his breath, Jester turned and walked away. Within moments, he vanished like a mirage.

-Don’t think Miss Evelyn will stay by your side.

She can live well without you.

The words whispered past Seth’s ears, and he smiled bitterly.

“I’ve known that from the start.”

Then, he heard the light footsteps he had been waiting for.

Evelyn came running, her pink hair fluttering in the breeze.

“Seth!”

Waving her hands enthusiastically, Evelyn was followed by the massive black dragon.

Seth stared silently at the dragon. Sensing his disapproval, the dragon hesitated and whimpered softly.

Unaware of this, Evelyn threw herself into Seth’s arms. Looking up, she asked with sparkling eyes.

“Have you seen Mr. Jester? I went to the meeting place, but he wasn’t there—only the black dragon.”

“I just met him. He said he had urgent business and left.”

Seth’s lie was seamless, and Evelyn looked relieved.

“That’s good. I was worried he might be disappointed with the outcome.”

“Her Majesty seemed extremely pleased.”

Pleased? More like ecstatic. By now, she was probably watching the footage of fainting nobles and laughing heartily.

“…Her Majesty liked that people fainted? Did I choose the wrong genre? Should I have gone with something like Night of the Living Dead or a horror maze?”

Evelyn rolled her large eyes as she spoke.

At least she wasn’t crying from disappointment. Seth confirmed her unreddened eyes and gently replied.

“Whatever you did, it would have been fun because you were involved.”

“That’s only because you didn’t see the stage, Seth.”

Evelyn replied gloomily. Seth chuckled softly and kissed his adorable fiancée’s forehead.

“Why do you think I wasn’t watching?”

“Pardon?”

Blinking in confusion, Evelyn looked up at him. Seth continued calmly.

“I didn’t want to draw attention, so I watched from afar.”

It wasn’t a lie. He had been monitoring the event from the shadows to protect Evelyn from potential assassins.

“Really?”

“The first to faint was the lady in the yellow dress, wasn’t it?”

Evelyn’s eyes widened as she nodded. Her slightly parted lips looked innocent and defenseless. She seemed unaware of how much she stirred people’s emotions.

“I liked your stage. The production was excellent, and watching people collapse was oddly satisfying.”

“That sounds just like you, Seth.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes in mock exasperation before breaking into a radiant smile. It was an exceptionally lovely smile.

“I don’t know whether to be happy you liked it or sad that your focus was weird.”

“You’re smiling now, so it must be the former.”

“This smile is just because I’m happy to see you, Seth.”

Her casual remark made Seth’s heart race. To her, it was just a simple statement, but Seth felt alive whenever she said such things.

Smiling faintly, he held Evelyn’s hand.

On her pinky was the signet ring he had given her, while her index finger bore the silver ring from the King.

Seth stared at her empty ring finger for a moment before speaking.

“Eve, shall we get married now?”