“Wow…”

I exclaimed in awe, my face slack with astonishment. At that moment, she looked less like a vampire and more like a succubus born to seduce humans.

“After saying that, leave immediately. The key is to leave a lasting impression. After that, he will initiate the conversation.”

“Well, it sounds convincing when you say it… But if I try, won’t he just think the moon is bright and dismiss it?”

I couldn’t say I was particularly smart, but I wasn’t a fool either. Janet’s beauty was so extraordinary that it lent credibility to her words, but the lines themselves felt like something out of a third-rate romance.

‘Am I just going to embarrass myself again?’

“Trust me, lady. I’ve never failed.”

Janet declared confidently.

***

The opportunity to test her teachings came sooner than expected. On the way back to the mansion from Mount Acheron, I visited a nearby temple to have my silver jewelry blessed.

Since being severely punished by the coal, Janet hadn’t caused any trouble. In fact, she was more polite than Seren. However, I still couldn’t fully trust her. To prevent her from approaching the household staff recklessly, I planned to distribute blessed silver jewelry to everyone. The cost would be covered by the money from selling the hydra’s magic stone.

The temple was crowded, and the number of items needing blessing was substantial, so by the time I left, it was already night. While the church servants loaded the carriage, I massaged my stiff shoulders and took a short walk around the area.

Then I spotted a man standing in the distance. Despite the darkness, I recognized him immediately. The holiness he exuded, his softly glowing silver hair—it was Gined.

Even after rubbing my eyes, he didn’t disappear, proving he wasn’t an illusion.

‘When did he come to Arcadia?’

Despite our last parting, I was glad to see him. Unfortunately, he wasn’t alone. He was with a priest who appeared to hold a high position.

I hid behind some bushes and slowly approached them. I had no intention of eavesdropping, but I couldn’t just leave after seeing Gined.

As I closed the distance, I heard the priest’s shocked exclamation.

“A demon has infiltrated Arcadia?”

He must have raised his voice unintentionally, as he looked around in surprise. Luckily, he didn’t notice me and asked again.

“Then, what should we do?”

“All the knights, including myself, are tracking it. It will reveal itself soon.”

“A demon that craves human blood… Even though there haven’t been any victims yet, it’s worrisome. We must find it before innocent citizens are harmed.”

The demon they were discussing was undoubtedly Janet. And here I was, receiving special lessons from that terrifying demon to seduce the very head of the Holy Knight Order.

If Gined found out, he would surely condemn me. But if I did nothing, I would drift further away from him.

‘Might as well take a chance.’

After a while, the priest left. Finally, Gined was alone.

“Come out.”

‘So he knew I was here.’

I stood up awkwardly. Gined looked at me without surprise.

‘Will Garnet’s method really work?’

I still wasn’t sure. To be honest, I didn’t even dare to look him in the eye. Since the misunderstanding hadn’t been cleared up, he probably still thought I was a pervert.

I lowered my gaze and subtly avoided his eyes. Gined greeted me first.

“It’s been a while, lady. Have you been well?”

His unexpectedly gentle tone gave me courage, and I hesitantly raised my head.

“Hello, Sir Roengreen.”

‘Oops, I wasn’t supposed to speak.’

“This is the first time I’ve seen you at the Arcadia temple.”

“……”

“As you may have heard, a vampire has appeared in the capital. It’s best to avoid going out late at night.”

“……”

“Of course, you have Shahar with you, but it’s still best to avoid dangerous situations.”

“……”

Seeing my silence, Gined seemed a bit perplexed.

With a sigh, he stepped closer. His long legs came into view.

“Lady, are you still upset about that day?”

“……”

“I apologize once again for what happened.”

When I remained silent, Gined also fell quiet. The air grew heavy, and all I could hear was our breathing.

I realized this was the moment Janet had described.

“Sir Roengreen.”

Recalling Janet’s seductive gaze, I tried to mimic her expression. I also lowered my voice to sound languid.

“Tonight…”

Though my voice trembled slightly, I managed to start speaking.

‘Stay composed.’

“The moonlight…”

I smiled as seductively as I could.

“…is beautiful.”

Then I quickly glanced at Gined’s face. He looked at me with an unreadable expression.

‘What kind of look is that?’

He seemed too calm to be mesmerized, but since he wasn’t angry, I hadn’t completely failed either.

“Isn’t it…?”

Finally, he spoke. Those few seconds felt like an eternity.

“Lady, there is no moon tonight.”

I quickly looked up at the sky. The stars shone brightly in the absence of the moon.

‘Damn it!’

But it was too early to give up. There was still a way to handle unexpected situations.

I erased my smile and tilted my head innocently, another move Janet had taught me. She had emphasized the importance of naturally highlighting the neckline. Though it felt eerie coming from a vampire, I had learned it anyway.

“Oh my. I was sure I saw it. Was I bewitched by something?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

Despite my efforts, Gined didn’t even glance at my neck.

“……”

“……”

Silence fell again. I could hear Gined’s breathing, and the atmosphere remained awkward.

The timing Janet mentioned couldn’t repeat infinitely, so there was only one conclusion.

I had failed.

Reality hit me like a cold splash of water.

‘What have I done…!’

But it was too late. I hurriedly left without even saying goodbye. I followed Janet’s advice to leave an impression, but not for the intended reason. I was too ashamed to face him any longer. I wanted to hide in a hole.

In the end, Gined’s opinion of me might have changed. From a decent pervert to a fatal pervert.

As I climbed into the carriage, I cried out in despair.

“I’m going to kill you, Janet!”

***

Knock, knock.

There was a knock on the window. I opened it with a sinister smile.

“Hello… Lady?”

Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Janet’s eyes darted around nervously.

“Did something happen…?”

“Shahar, grab her.”

“Ah!”

An invisible force restrained Janet. As she struggled, I scooped up a spoonful of minced garlic I had prepared. Janet’s already pale face turned even whiter.

“W-Wait! Why are you doing this all of a sudden?”

“You deceived me, Janet. Now it’s time to pay the price.”

“Please explain first! Did you meet that priest?”

“Yes, today.”

“Did you do as I taught you?”

“Of course. And I failed miserably.”

“That can’t be…! My methods never fail!”

“Quiet. I don’t need excuses.”

I cut her off coldly and brought the spoon closer. The strong smell of garlic made Janet gag.

“Wait! Did you mention the moonlight tonight?”

Her accurate guess made me hesitate.

Janet screamed.

“I knew it! It’s not just my fault. You should have checked if the moon was out! Please, put that away!”

“I even used the improvisation technique, but it didn’t work!”

“What did you say?”

“……”

I was about to tear her apart when I suddenly fell silent. I couldn’t bring myself to repeat the line. Reluctantly, I admitted,

“Fine, it’s not entirely your fault.”

I simply wasn’t as seductive as Janet.

Hope flickered in Janet’s eyes, but my next words made her pale again.

“But you were still useless, Janet. Following your advice only led to embarrassment.”

“Please, spare me! I’ll teach you another method!”

“I don’t need it.”

I mercilessly forced the garlic into her mouth.

“Wait! I have important information! I saw a suspicious person lurking near the mansion!”

“If you don’t swallow, it’ll get worse.”

“Leon! Leon is in contact with him!”

As I scooped more garlic, Janet screamed. I stopped and glared at her.

“What?”

“I saw him while traveling to and from the capital. That handsome, ridiculously strong man, it’s Leon, right? He’s been meeting with that person frequently. Give me the order, and I’ll capture him immediately! Just please, no more garlic…!”

My mind went blank.