Chapter 6.2

“Are you crazy?”

“…Huh?”

“It was a mistake. I misspoke. I was just so surprised. So, you’re saying you made the first move? When? Weren’t you never interested in that kind of thing? I guess looks really do matter. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have done it. I won’t ask for details. So, how was it?”

Despite saying she wouldn’t ask for details, Hailey’s eyes sparkled with more curiosity than ever, and Daphne finally snapped out of her daze.

What on earth was she saying…!

She could have just brushed it off as if nothing had happened, like usual, but as she recalled Evan, who had been with her until just before work, her lips parted as if greased, without her realizing.

‘Come to think of it, did he get back in safely?’

What he did yesterday was an unauthorized absence, so it was only natural he’d be punished for it. Of course, only if he got caught. Remembering the morning, sitting across from him at the small table having breakfast, made her chest tingle inside.

Daphne scratched at her chest and swallowed dryly. It felt like she couldn’t breathe otherwise.

“Well, it wasn’t bad.”

“…Not bad? He looked like he’d be really well-endowed.”

“What?”

“Sir Clyde has a pretty face, right? Statistically speaking, people who look like that are usually the biggest. And they’re good in bed, too. Actually, the really burly, rough-looking guys are usually smaller.”

That’s why my husband’s handsome, too! 

Hailey burst into laughter. At the fleeting image of Hailey’s husband, Daphne found herself agreeing.

“I guess so. Sir Clyde too…”

“Sir Clyde too?”

Daphne quickly closed her mouth, startled, but Hailey’s eager expression made her finally hide her flushed face behind her hair.

“H-he was big….”

“…Oh my, are you really the Daphne I know? You’re not someone in disguise, are you?”

“It’s me!”

Overwhelmed by embarrassment, Daphne couldn’t help but raise her voice. Hailey, as if she couldn’t believe it, trailed off, 

“I was hoping for this, but….”

Among all the people she’d met since joining the company, Daphne was one of the younger ones, but she was more meticulous, responsible, and mature than anyone else, never really seeming like a girl her age. But these days, she seemed like a completely different person.

Not that it was a bad thing. In fact, it was nice to see her acting more like a girl her age.

‘She did act like a little old lady before. Her routine was to go straight home after work. Yeah, this is better. She’s much more human this way.’

It seemed the book she’d lent her last time had really helped. Hailey deeply regretted not being a better mentor sooner.

After a moment’s thought, Hailey spoke with a look of determination.

“All right, Daphne. I’ll teach you the secrets.”

“…Secrets?”

“Yes. There are all sorts of secrets to relationships, you know. Of course, Sir Clyde has some unique preferences, but you can overcome everything with love.”

“No, I mean, this isn’t love, it’s—”

“Hey, when an adult is talking, you listen. Haven’t you heard that if you listen to your mother, soup appears even in your dreams?”

At Hailey’s stern words, Daphne clamped her mouth shut. She never expected to hear something like this from Hailey.

Her goal was research, not romance, so she didn’t see the point in learning about this, but a curiosity beyond her control began to creep up inside her.

“Now you’re getting curious, aren’t you? As your senior, I’ll teach you everything, so are you ready to follow along, Sir Grey?”

“I’m not sure, but…”

As she trailed off, Hailey’s eyebrow arched slightly, as if annoyed. Why was she making such a big deal out of this? Daphne had felt an almost shocking pleasure with Evan, but did she really have to go this far?

Seeing Daphne’s eyes full of doubt and confusion, Hailey folded her arms and lifted her chin, as if to say, “Just trust your senior!”

“Just trust me!”

* * *

‘Do I really have to do it like this? I don’t think…’

‘Of course! Men love this kind of thing. Even if Sir Clyde pretends not to, he’ll absolutely love it. I can guarantee it with my experience.’

‘What if he doesn’t?’

‘How many times do I have to tell you, you blockhead! There’s no way he won’t! Think about that day—even someone as mild-looking as Sir Clyde turned out to be a slave to his desires. Isn’t that right?’

Every time Daphne tried to say something, Hailey would immediately counter, so she couldn’t help but agree. Still, given that Hailey had actually had a child, it seemed wiser to trust her than herself, who was only on her second time.

But unable to shake her anxiety, Daphne found herself lingering at the infirmary, unable to go home, when she suddenly felt someone’s gaze.

“Uh… Sir Clyde?”

Evan was standing at the door. As soon as she called his name, he slipped inside and closed the door quietly. Seeing his thoughtful expression, Daphne forgot what she’d been worrying about and spoke.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“…No. I just saw the lights were still on here and came to check.”

Despite his words, his voice sounded tight, as if something was weighing on him. There was only one reason the lights would be on: she hadn’t left work yet.

Of course, there were people on night duty, but those stayed in the building with the knights’ quarters, not here. So she was the only one left.

“I had a bit of work left. I’m about to head home. Are you sure you’re not sick?”

Worried he might have a fever, she reached out to check, but he stepped back, avoiding her hand. He seemed surprised by his own reflex.

“N-no, I didn’t mean to avoid you.”

Evan, now looking sheepish, brought her hand to his forehead.

“…No fever.”

Daphne quickly withdrew her hand. Her palm tingled as if it had been electrified where his forehead touched.

“Why did you come here?”

Only after asking did she realize he’d already told her. Evan straightened up, as if trying not to make her uncomfortable.

“I was worried because this was the only room with the lights on. You said you’d be leaving soon.”

“Yes, well, that’s right…”

But even after confirming her safety, Evan didn’t leave, as if he wanted something. Daphne, feeling awkward under his gaze, dropped her eyes—and saw his trousers, noticeably bulging.

‘…Oh my.’

The pleasure she’d felt the night before flashed through her mind, and she instinctively squeezed her thighs together. The sigh she had just let out wasn’t for him, but for herself.

She hadn’t even done anything, but her underwear was already damp. Her instincts, freed from rational control, seemed ready to do anything for more stimulation.

Startled by her own reaction, Daphne swallowed hard.

“So, when are we doing it next?”

There was a slight tremor in his voice. Even though he didn’t say what “it” was, Daphne understood immediately. But as she avoided his gaze, not answering, Evan’s voice grew tense.

“If I made you uncomfortable…”

“No! Not at all! Actually, I was thinking about it too. We can’t always go to my place, right? If you leave without permission, you’ll get in trouble, Sir.”

Uncomfortable? Not at all! Well… maybe a little, but still.

His passive attitude made her voice rise reflexively. But it was an issue they needed to discuss. They couldn’t go to her place every time, and they needed to set a schedule for how often they’d meet.

“So, what should we do from now on? I don’t really mind either way, but I think we should consider your situation, Sir Clyde. I can go out, but it’s harder for you.”

“I don’t mind anywhere.”

He looked like he wanted to say more, but kept his mouth shut, so Daphne just nodded.