Chapter 9

Phil carefully lowered Lyzbel into the bathtub and turned on the water. The bathroom was bright and well-lit, allowing them to see their bodies clearly for the first time.  

‘We spent a passionate night together.’  

Her body, marked with evidence of their intimacy, left no room for doubt. Turning her head slightly, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her neck and shoulders were covered in bite marks.  

Phil, who was filling the tub, was no exception. They had been so consumed by passion that both of them ended up in complete disarray. Recalling the events made her feel a flutter in her stomach.  

Still, as her body soaked in the warm water that gradually filled the tub, she felt her muscles relax. It must have been the aftermath of the night they had spent together, losing themselves in one another.  

Once the tub was full, Phil sat beside her and began to wash her. It was the first time a man had ever bathed her, and she felt awkward. It was like waking up from a fairytale dream.  

Phil gently and cautiously washed her, cleaning her body with soft strokes and shampooing her hair.  

If he had released himself inside her, it would have been a struggle to clean up, but fortunately, he had used protection.  

“It’s done.”  

It was a strange feeling. After drying her body with a large towel, he dried her hair. Then, Phil brought her clothes and helped her dress. Though the numerous fastenings seemed to give him some trouble, he managed to dress her properly.  

Once dressed, the kiss marks and other traces he had left on her were fully concealed. She lightly touched her neck, which still tingled.  

After washing himself, Phil attempted to put on the clothes he had worn earlier. However, they were soaked with their combined fluids and unwearable. In the end, he called for a staff member to bring him a fresh shirt and trousers.  

“…”  

The bedroom had a balcony, and the two of them stepped out onto it. The air on the balcony was refreshing, but the lingering scent of their passion from the bedroom made the atmosphere feel strange. Leaving the balcony abruptly seemed awkward as well. Looking down, Lyzbel saw the beautiful ocean for the first time.  

“This is my first time seeing the sea.”  

“Your first time? It’s not far from the capital.”  

“There were… circumstances. Actually…”  

She had intended to part ways with him immediately, but spending the night together seemed to have created a bond. Since they wouldn’t learn much about each other anyway, she decided to share a little. However, she chose to alter the truth slightly.  

As she spoke about her parents, Phil grew increasingly quiet. At first, he responded with sympathetic remarks, but as her story continued, his expression twisted. It struck her that he was someone who empathized deeply with others.  

When she finally revealed the reason she had come to this place, he let out a bitter laugh.  

“Your parents don’t act like parents at all.”  

“What does it mean to be ‘parental’? I’ve never experienced parental love, so I wouldn’t know.”  

It was something she had never shared with her friends. Even though he was a complete stranger, she appreciated his solidarity in her desire for revenge against her parents.  

Reaching out, she took Phil’s hand and gently pulled him closer. Then, she lightly kissed the back of his hand.  

“Thank you for listening to my story.”  

Phil’s eyes widened at the unexpected gesture, as it was usually the lady who received a hand kiss. His cheeks flushed slightly, and he turned his head, clearing his throat before looking back at her. It was amusing to see him blush over a simple kiss, even after they had been so intimate.  

“I’m glad you feel relieved, but… there’s something I’d like to ask.”  

Tilting her head in curiosity, Lyzbel looked at Phil. After a moment of hesitation, he carefully spoke.  

“If that nouveau riche insists on marrying you even if you’re not a virgin, what will you do?”  

“I’ll probably run away with the help of my friends.”  

“…Run away?”  

“There’s a chance I might fail. Well, it’s either marriage or a convent, but I quite like the idea of a quiet life, so a convent wouldn’t be so bad.”  

In truth, she didn’t want to marry or go to a convent. Perhaps she was pretending to be optimistic to make herself feel better.  

Glancing at the clock in the bedroom, she realized it was almost morning. She needed to return to Eugene’s estate in time for breakfast.  

Letting go of his hand, she stood up.  

“Is there nothing I can do to help?”  

“You’ve already helped me. Spending a night of indulgence with me was more than enough. Ah, if only I could find someone willing to marry me for just a year and then divorce me so I could gain independence.”  

“…”  

His embrace was so solid and comforting that she wanted to stay in it longer. If she ended up in a convent, she would never forget this night.  

Lyzbel turned her gaze to the sea. The estate of that nouveau riche, Viscount Wilstrong, was inland, beyond the mountains, far from any ocean. Most convents were also inland.  

This might be her first and last time seeing the sea. In truth, she wanted to ask for help. But their relationship was limited to a single night. Besides, he had mentioned that the enchanted earring he wore prevented him from revealing his true name. Perhaps that was for the best. Leaning on the warmth of someone whose identity she didn’t even know might lead to greater losses later.  

“Phil, thank you. I’ll be going now.”  

“Lyzzy.”  

“Don’t drink anything suspicious in places like this.”  

With those words, she opened her pendant and stared at the mana stone inside.  

“Thank you, Phil. Please take care of yourself.”  

“Lyzzy.”  

“Yes?”  

“Wait a moment.”  

As if he knew what she was about to do, Phil grabbed her hand. Looking down at his warm hand, she raised her head to meet his gaze.  

“I know this might be a burden, but I want to help.”  

“…What do you mean?”  

“I don’t want to force you. But if there’s any way I can assist you, I want to.”  

Could someone easily offer their help to another after just one night together?  

As silence settled between them, the sound of the waves grew louder. After some thought, Phil retrieved something from his coat.  

It was a small ring. As she placed it on her palm, it vanished as if absorbed into her skin.  

The fact that it disappeared so seamlessly suggested it was a high-quality magical artifact, likely crafted by a high-ranking mage and worth a fortune.  

“This is a magical ring. It normally resides within its owner’s mana but can be summoned whenever you need it. The ring is enchanted with a spell to call me.”  

Such magical artifacts were not easily obtainable by ordinary people. He must belong to a wealthy merchant family or a noble house.  

As she stared at her palm, Phil cautiously added, 

“It’s a single-use item, so it won’t harm you. There’s no need to worry.”  

“…”  

“All you need to do is clench your fist and call my name, ‘Phil.’ I’ll do whatever I can to support you.”  

Lyzbel stared at her palm before looking up. Phil’s gaze wavered with nervousness. She hadn’t expected such concern from someone she had spent just one night with.  

The sound of the waves echoed as her heart raced. His light blue eyes were fixed solely on her, and the warmth of his gaze made her eyes sting.  

Aside from her siblings and friends, she had never experienced such genuine concern from someone. She could feel his care for her as clearly as if it were tangible.  

Her heart pounded fiercely as she held his hand and met his eyes.  

Was this a fleeting emotion born of desperation? Or could it be the absurd notion of love?  

Gently caressing her palm, she slowly let go of his hand. She hoped she would never have to use the ring.  

“Thank you.”