As expected, Ascan’s attitude toward me was extremely dry.

Knowing well his cold personality, I had hoped to create some point of contact—even if it meant demanding compensation—but after failing at that, approaching him became even harder.

“Hey, Count…!”

When we briefly halted our journey for a meal, I immediately went to find Ascan, but he had already moved far away.

Even when I deliberately asked for water or requested someone to pick fruit from a tree, it was always another member of the royal guard—not Ascan—who brought it, leaving me no chance to speak with him.

It was just a repetition of the same thing.

I kept looking for opportunities to strike up a conversation, but Ascan was either busy handling matters with his guards or positioned himself far enough away that I couldn’t easily approach.

After several days of gaining absolutely nothing, I realized one thing clearly.

Ascan was treating me strictly as a guest.

It felt as if an invisible wall stood between us.

‘Ah, how could it be like this?’

In truth, ever since I became active as an arms dealer, many people had wanted to get close to me.

Wherever I went, people approached me so excessively that it became exhausting—but Ascan acted as if my background didn’t exist at all, showing not even a sliver of interest.

He seemed to take care that I remained comfortable during the journey and paid special attention to my safety, yet he never came near me.

If it had been anyone else, his measured attitude might have been appreciated—but for me, who harbored ulterior motives, it was simply agonizing.

‘At this point, isn’t he deliberately keeping his distance?’

Apparently, I’d earned his dislike by demanding compensation.

Unconsciously, I ruffled my hair and stared out the carriage window.

The sky was dyed red—the sun was setting.

We’d set out after staying up all night, and because I’d been preoccupied with Ascan, I hadn’t slept, making the dark circles under my eyes even more pronounced.

I had just resolved to force myself to sleep tonight, when—

Thud. Thud.

The sound of hoofbeats drew nearer, and unexpectedly, Ascan appeared.

Though he still wore his black mask, I could unmistakably identify him among dozens of royal guards.

Ascan spoke to me inside the carriage in his flat, even tone.

“The bridge we intended to cross collapsed recently due to an accident. It seems we’ll have no choice but to camp outdoors tonight.”

Just as he finished speaking, standing outside the carriage window, I instinctively grabbed him and called out.

“Wait, hold on!”

Ascan turned his head slightly toward my voice.

Gulp—I unconsciously swallowed hard.

This was the first time since departing for the Karua Empire that he had initiated conversation with me.

I couldn’t afford to miss this chance—I’d impulsively grabbed him, but I hadn’t thought at all about what to say next.

“Is something bothering you?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Think. I had to fabricate some reason, any reason.

I quickly wracked my brain and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“This carriage is too uncomfortable. After just a few days, the cushions are completely flattened. Sitting like this nonstop is making my whole body stiff.”

Ascan, who had been silently listening, replied.

“So?”

Despite his cold response, I refused to back down.

“So? So we have to figure something out, obviously.”

I gently opened the carriage door and looked up at Ascan, who was standing outside.

“Come inside and talk with me.”

Ascan’s expression remained unchanged, but I knew he might find my stream of complaints annoying.

Still, I had no other choice.

I couldn’t randomly strike up a private conversation with someone as impenetrable as him—without some pretext, I’d never get to talk with him at length.

With a resigned air, Ascan quietly spoke to the coachman driving the carriage.

“Stop for a moment.”

Immediately, the carriage halted. Ascan dismounted, fully opened the door I’d left ajar earlier, and stepped inside.

This was only the second time I’d been alone with him in the carriage.

The first time had ended in disappointment—I couldn’t afford to waste this opportunity too.

As soon as Ascan entered, I leaned my body against the carriage door to prevent him from leaving abruptly, just as I’d done last time.

Perhaps sensing my intention, Ascan’s eyebrows twitched slightly—but he said nothing.

Before Ascan could take control of the conversation, I spoke first.

“Don’t you think trust can only be built when we face each other directly? Since you’ve already seen my face, why not remove your mask when we’re alone like this?”

“It’s more comfortable this way.”

His brief reply left no room for argument.

As I silently swallowed my disappointment, Ascan immediately shifted to the main point.

“Please state your exact request clearly. What would you like me to do?”

“Will you do everything I ask?”

“I’ll do my best.”

It was a polite response—but one that firmly maintained boundaries.

Sitting face to face with Ascan like this, I felt as if I’d returned to the moment I first met him.

Back then, he was a slave and had no choice but to follow my lead—but now, circumstances had changed, and he couldn’t simply indulge me anymore.

I studied Ascan, whom I hadn’t seen up close in days, and asked,

“Are you eating properly?”

“…What did you just say…?”

“Are you sleeping well?”

“…”

“Are you injured anywhere?”

I worried that the devices I’d installed in the lab might have hurt him somehow—but since I couldn’t confirm, I kept stealing glances.

As my questions continued, a puzzled look grew in Ascan’s eyes.

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“I was just curious. You said you’d do anything I asked, so I tested you.”

Ascan’s pupils narrowed slightly as he looked at me—a sharp, suspicious gaze, though not threatening.

“This has nothing to do with the carriage being uncomfortable.”

I wanted to ask him to answer my earlier questions, but I feared if I kept digressing, he’d leave—so I held back.

I pressed my hand against the perfectly fine carriage cushion and said,

“Look, if I keep sitting here, my butt’s going to rot off.”

“Didn’t I just say? State your specific request.”

“Hmm… then how about giving me a massage every day?”

The likelihood was slim, but if I could receive daily massages from him—even if just to exchange a few words—it’d be perfect.

At my slightly joking remark, Ascan’s brow furrowed. He spoke in a voice lower than before.

“If you wish, I’ll do it.”

His unexpected agreement startled me.

“Really?”

“Didn’t I say? I’ll do my best. Starting tomorrow, I’ll assign a subordinate to give you a massage every day—feel free to enjoy it.”

“No…”

I didn’t want anyone but Ascan.

Frowning, I looked at him and spoke again.

“I want you to—”

That was when it happened.

The carriage stopped—apparently, we’d reached our destination.

I couldn’t finish my sentence, but the sharp-minded Ascan couldn’t possibly have missed its meaning.

Ascan fixed me with his cold gaze and spoke.

“Lady Brellof, I don’t know what your intentions are, but you’d do well to moderate yourself.”

It felt like a final warning. But I couldn’t be intimidated by such words.

How we’d met… it had taken a full ten years to meet again.

I’d never once given up searching for Ascan, yet every day I’d lived in fear—what if he’d died?

The person I’d longed for even in my dreams now stood before me—and holding back this much was already impressive.

It was frustrating that he’d forgotten so completely the deeply memorable confession he’d made to me ten years ago—but there was nothing I could do.

Even if he’d forgotten, the boy from back then still lived vividly in my heart.

“You’ve noticed I’m interested in you, haven’t you?”

Ascan seemed momentarily flustered—he hadn’t expected me to be so bold.

Perhaps I was hopelessly smitten, because even that flustered look seemed adorable, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“So then.”

I looked straight at Ascan.

There was only one way forward now.

“Pay some attention to me.”

It was a declaration of war.

As Ascan had said, we ended up camping outdoors tonight.

Once the sun fully set and darkness fell, everyone in our party and the royal guards prepared their sleeping spots and lay down comfortably.

I’d anticipated such a day might come, so I’d prepared outdoor bedding in advance.

Resting my head on my interlaced hands, gazing up at the night sky, I was lost in thought about my earlier conversation with Ascan, when—

Ssshh—Zen quietly approached me and whispered,

“I know you’re not the type to submit quietly, so I’ve been watching—but please, avoid being alone with the captain of the royal guard whenever possible.”

Hearing Zen’s words, heavy with concern, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Zen, I think you’ve misunderstood—I’m the one desperately trying to be with Ascan.”

“Why would you…”

“Have you forgotten? Ascan is the page boy I’ve been searching for ten years.”

“But he’s lost all memory of that time. That means he’s no longer the boy you knew. We have no idea what he’s been through or what he’s thinking now.”

“That’s why I’m curious. But he won’t give me an opening.”

It was a complaint, entirely contrary to Zen’s intentions.

Zen stared at me blankly for a moment, utterly dumbfounded—but my mind was entirely filled with thoughts of Ascan.

Then, suddenly, I spotted Ascan, who’d been absent since our conversation in the carriage.

Somehow, he was also watching me as I spoke with Zen.

Our eyes met in midair—I happily waved at him, but Ascan turned his head and began speaking to someone else.

‘Huh? Didn’t he see me?’

Just as I awkwardly lowered my hand—

Peeeeee—

A shrill whistle suddenly pierced my eardrums.

Not knowing where the sound came from, I scanned my surroundings—but all the royal guards instantly jumped to their feet and began scanning the area warily.

Only then did I realize this was the royal guard’s danger signal.

Zen quickly stepped in front of me, shielding me protectively.

At that exact moment—

Shhhk, shhhk, shhhhh—

Arrows rained down from the darkness like a storm.

Whoever they were, they were clearly attacking me and the royal guards.

I hastily crouched low and hid behind a tree. Just then, one of the guards assigned to night watch shouted loudly,

“It’s the remnants of the former emperor!”

Former emperor?

The Karua Empire had recently stabilized after endless civil wars, with Helsion ascending the throne.

Apparently, followers of the former emperor had targeted the royal guard.

The royal guard were foremost among those who’d helped Helsion become emperor—making them prime targets of resentment for the former emperor’s remnants.

Ascan had been standing quite far away moments ago, yet in the blink of an eye, he appeared beside me and spoke in a low voice.

“My apologies. Since the civil war in the Karua Empire ended only recently, incidents like this occur from time to time. They’ve come for us—Lady Brellof, please remain safely out of the way.”

Zen, visibly angered that my safety was threatened, gritted his teeth and replied,

“Our side is obligated to protect the young lady—we won’t assist you.”

Ascan nodded without the slightest hesitation.

“Understood.”

Before moving, Ascan glanced briefly at Zen and me. Judging that my safety was not seriously compromised, he hurried toward where the royal guards had gathered and began issuing orders.

Watching Ascan rush to the front, directly toward the source of the arrows, sent a chill down my spine.

It brought back memories of ten years ago.

Back then, too, the three of us—me, Ascan, and Dekain—had been present when arrows fired by Lazent Empire soldiers came flying.

I remembered the words spoken by Ascan, then still a boy, as he looked at me with dark, solemn eyes.

—I’ll stay here and hold off the soldiers of the Lazent Empire.

I couldn’t possibly stand by and watch Ascan face danger again right before my eyes.

I sprang up from behind the tree where I’d been hiding to avoid the arrows.

Zen looked at me in shock.

“Young lady!”

“Zen, stay here and protect the others.”

“What on earth are you doing—”

“I have to help Ascan.”

“No!”

Zen’s eyes widened in genuine alarm, but I wasted no time—I sprinted after Ascan and reached for the magical engineering weapons I’d brought along.

Whhhhhrrrr—

Because they bore blood-activated locking mechanisms, the weapons recognized their owner and emitted a humming cry.

I wore a bracelet on my wrist that magnetically attracted magical engineering weapons—so in an instant, the weapon I wanted was in my hand.

Click—I immediately pulled the safety pin out with my teeth and tossed the device into the air.

The bomb, enchanted with Light magic, exploded midair, illuminating the surroundings as bright as midday—allowing us to pinpoint the exact positions of the hidden assailants.

Even Ascan, who’d been ahead of me, turned to look back at me.

This time, I gripped a bomb with powerful explosive capabilities and smiled.

“If even a single hair on Ascan’s head is harmed, know that you’ll all die by my hand.”