In the Yukai Forest, Ertel opened her eyes.

“Ah…”

Her tears had dried up and shriveled from crying so bitterly.

Before she could even grasp the reality of having returned, the bright sunlight brushed past her cheek.

Ertel instinctively lowered her gaze. The chest that had been savaged by a blade was intact.

The forest, dense with oak trees, and the light filtering through—was that what had awakened her?

‘This place…’

It was where she had first met Icarus.

Thud.

Ertel felt as if her heart had dropped to her feet. What had once been a place of ticklish, romantic memories became a source of terror for the single reason that the truth had been revealed.

At that moment, she saw a figure approaching in the distance.
Closer and closer.

‘What was this feeling?’

As she realized the source of her irregular breathing and mounting fear, Ertel’s heart pounded violently.

How should she face him? She wasn’t ready yet. The man who was approaching with the intention of killing her.

‘I will never fall for Icarus.’

The heavy footsteps treading on the grass drew nearer. Icarus smiled as he caught a glimpse of Ertel through the branches.

‘A scent that would appeal to any man.’

An inexplicable desire pulled his entire being toward her. Then, the words she had expected spilled from his lips.

“Are you gathering firewood here, my lady?”

He spoke exactly the same words, not a single syllable different. Ertel simply looked up at him.

Dressed impeccably in a well-fitted redingote, he gazed at her with an intense stare. The air, the gaze, the voice from that moment. Everything unfolded just as it had before.

And yet, he was still as captivating as ever. Though she hated to admit it.

‘I mustn’t give in.’

Ertel repeated the thought to herself, over and over again. She wouldn’t let herself be taken advantage of this time.

But part of her wanted to grab hold of his shimmering coat and ask,

‘What exactly were you thinking when you approached me?’

His aura, which revealed a cruel nature hidden behind a kind impression, was simultaneously overwhelmingly attractive. His sharply defined brow ridges and neatly combed earthen-colored hair stood out.

With a faint, mesmerizing smile that seemed to ensnare anyone who looked at it, Icarus extended his hand.

“Even sitting on the ground, you look beautiful.”

“I tripped over a rock while walking.”

“Then it seems you’ll need my help.”

Ertel, trembling slightly, took his hand and stood up.

‘I already know the future. There’s no need to be so rigid.’

Yes, she should smile. The colder her heart felt, the more she needed to maintain her composure.

“I wasn’t just gathering firewood. I was also checking to see if there were any fruits worth harvesting, nameless gentleman.”

“This forest is famous for its delicious figs.”

“Yes, that’s right. They seem to be perfectly ripe now, so I was planning to gather plenty.”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll help you.”

Hiding his sinister side, Icarus chuckled slyly. He then snatched the basket, tucked it under his arm, and began picking fruits.

Icarus moved quickly through the trees laden with fruit, all the while flashing smiles at her.

‘At that time, I really thought he’d fallen for me at first sight.’

What good was it to feel bitter about it now? Why hadn’t she realized it sooner? Was it because he had hidden his true intentions so thoroughly?

No. She had simply been blinded by love.

This second chance she had been given—she couldn’t just let it slip away. Ertel clenched her fists tightly as she recalled the past.

“What are you thinking about?”

Icarus’s deep, seductive voice startled her.

Ertel, lost in thought, raised her head.

“Pardon?”

“Now that I think about it, I haven’t introduced myself.”

“Oh.”

“I’m Icarus de Juan. Eldest son of the Duke of Juan, from the capital.”

“The esteemed heir of the great Juan family—how humbling.”

“Don’t say such things. May I have the honor of knowing your name as well?”

He already knew.

He had approached her knowing full well. Seeing him act so naturally, Ertel couldn’t help but laugh bitterly to herself. He truly was a masterful actor.

So, she played along, pretending to be cheerful.

“I am Ertel Leslie.”

“Ertel.”

“Yes. Compared to a noble duke like yourself, I am of humble birth. My mother was a maid.”

Thinking of her mother, Anna, made Ertel’s chest ache.

“Don’t say such things. Ertel. Your name is as beautiful as your appearance.”

At the same time, sunlight filtered through the trees, wrapping around Ertel. Her orange hair sparkled, accentuating her youthful face.

If any man had seen her in that moment, his heart would have wavered. Icarus, too, looked at her as if entranced.

However, Ertel dismissed his words as mere flattery and let them pass in one ear and out the other.

“Shall we stroll through the forest together?”

“Sure, my lord.”

>><<

Feather-like clouds, scattered as if by hand, drifted across the sky.

In the otherwise silent forest, a single cabin stood alone—it was Ertel’s modest home. The eerie sound of the wind blowing through the trees was her only companion.

Ever since meeting on the forest path, Icarus had visited her every day.

When he arrived at the cabin’s door, he hesitated slightly.

The door was open. He wondered how he should face Ertel inside.

Hearing the sound of someone stepping on a branch, Ertel came outside.

“Isn’t it the duke?”

“Yes, it is.”

“What brings you here again today…?”

Icarus, who had been looking at her leisurely, tilted his head slightly.

“I can’t help but worry since you’re always alone.”

“As you can see, this forest is safe. What is there to worry about…?”

“It’s because it’s you. I can’t help but worry.”

“…What?”

“How could I leave such a beautiful woman living alone in a vulnerable place like this?”

Icarus looked beyond his shoulder briefly, then met her eyes directly.

“Because it’s you, I can’t leave you alone.”

Icarus brought her ample supplies and food, and even sent servants to gather firewood for her.

The once-empty cabin quickly became filled to the brim with his generous support and affection.

As time passed, the cabin grew so abundant that there was hardly any space left to step.

To outsiders, it seemed as though they had grown close quickly and deeply, like a fairytale about a beautiful country maiden and a nobleman who had fallen for her.

And when he thought the time was right, Icarus proposed.

“I can’t stand to see you living alone like this.”

“If you can’t stand it, then what?”

“Come live in my mansion.”

>><<

The afternoon sunlight streaming in made the mansion even more majestic.

The high, intricately crafted ceilings and the enormous crystal chandelier captivated Ertel’s gaze.

It was incomparable to the humble cabin in the forest where she had struggled to live alone.

“Wow…”

Though she had already been here before, she pretended to be newly awestruck.

The grandeur of the mansion was complemented by the vast, picturesque countryside surrounding it. Starting from the parlor, the staircase leading to the second floor seemed endless.

‘Yes, this was the house…’

A flood of emotions washed over her.

It was, without a doubt, the grandest mansion in the Tiamor Kingdom, befitting the noble Juan family. It would probably take days just to explore the whole place.

This house, which had ultimately become her grave.

“From now on, this will be your home.”

“It’s magnificent.”

Now that she had entered his domain, the atmosphere felt entirely different.

With each cautious step, Ertel felt the soles of her feet grow warmer.

“I don’t even know what to say; everything here is so beautiful.”

“I’m glad to see you like it.”

Icarus looked at Ertel with affectionate eyes.

“You need to live safely under my protection.”

He gave her a room to use independently. He also provided her with a variety of dresses and daily necessities.

“When I’m not home, tell my steward if you need anything.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Now you won’t have to sleep worrying about thieves in the forest anymore.”

At night, the dark Yukai Forest had been a haven for bandits and thieves.

Anna had trained Ertel from a young age to protect herself. She had taught her basic martial skills and how to handle weapons like knives and arrows with ease.

Even so, Ertel had often gone to bed with weapons propped by the door and arrows strapped to her side, unable to shake her unease.

But starting today, she wouldn’t have to worry about such things anymore.
She now had a comfortable bed and a protector, even if it was all just a facade.

>><<

The aroma of scones topped with ivory-colored clotted cream filled the air.

“What an amazing smell…”

Soft candlelight beautifully illuminated the table, which was set with a tempting three-tiered tray.

From the bottom tier to the top, there were wine jellies, whipped cream, fish soup, sponge cake, and custard.

It was a grand dinner prepared by Icarus for Ertel.

Yes, it was moments like these that had made her believe he loved her. But to think it had all been a lie.

Feeling an ache of bitterness, Ertel forced a smile and spoke.

“This is so luxurious.”

“It’s a proper meal, fitting for you.”

Icarus gently pulled out her chair for her.

“Have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

With a fork and knife in hand, Ertel looked around the table with a face full of excitement.

The first thing she picked up with her fork was the wine jelly. Sitting across from her, Icarus rested his chin on his hand, watching her intently.

He observed as she placed the jelly in her mouth and chewed.

“How does it taste?”

“It’s amazing.”

“Really?”

“It’s so delicious.”

Though it was a flavor she had already experienced, it was still just as delicious the second time.

The chef employed by the Juan mansion was renowned as the best in Elruk.

As everything continued to unfold exactly as it had before, Ertel couldn’t help but wonder.

‘Will everything go as expected?’