I had finished preparing to travel with Ascan as planned.

He had chosen our destination but kept it a secret from me until the day of departure. Apparently, he wanted to surprise me.

It didn’t particularly matter to me where we went, so I didn’t press him. As long as Ascan was by my side, nothing else was necessary.

While I was watching our luggage being loaded onto the carriage, Jerin, the maid I had parted with in the Karlua Empire, spoke with a disappointed tone.

“Hiiing. Miss, you’ve barely returned home and already you’re leaving again? I’m so sad.”

“Sad? I’ll be back again soon.”

Currently, Noxia Brellof had also left on her honeymoon with Rohel. I had been worried about Orland being left alone after I departed, but he was so busy handling Harrison’s affairs that it was nearly impossible to see him.

Since my presence or absence didn’t seem to make much difference, I had decided after some hesitation.

“I’ll return in time to match Noxia’s return from her honeymoon. Please take good care of Father while I’m gone.”

On her wedding day, Noxia had suggested that once she returned from her honeymoon, the four of us—herself, Rohel, Ascan, and me—should meet up.

I intended to return promptly, both to catch up on missed gossip and to let Rohel and Ascan properly greet each other.

Jerin replied reassuringly.

“Don’t worry. After Lady Noxia’s marriage, His Lordship was briefly gloomy, but lately he seems to have regained his vitality.”

True to Jerin’s words, Orland had initially seemed hollow after Noxia’s marriage but soon returned to his daily routine.

Unexpectedly, tracking Harrison’s crimes had helped him. Orland had developed a sense of mission in exposing his brutal deeds.

“Good. If anything happens, send me a messenger bird.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Oh, by the way, I haven’t seen Master Barunen lately. Have you heard anything?”

Ever since I returned to the Arwen Empire, Barunen had mysteriously vanished. Matela had also disappeared without a trace, which seemed odd.

“Hmm, I’m not sure. He’s always been eccentric—perhaps he’s gone off into the mountains again to research something, like last time?”

“Then that’s fortunate…”

True to his genius, Barunen had his quirky habits. As Jerin said, he often secluded himself somewhere when engrossed in research.

Matela had most likely vanished alongside him to take care of such an unpredictable master.

Assuming this was just another such incident, I didn’t dwell on it deeply.

“When Master returns, tell him to contact me. I only trust him with matters concerning magical engineering weapons.”

“Understood, Miss. I’ll inform you immediately upon his return.”

“I won’t forget to bring you a gift when I return from the trip.”

“Really? Just the thought of you remembering my gift makes me so grateful!”

Touched, Jerin gazed at me with sparkling eyes. Finding her adorable, I unconsciously smiled and patted her head—

when Ascan, having silently approached from behind, spoke up.

“Are you all ready?”

“Yep. You?”

Ascan naturally slipped between Jerin and me, blocking her from view behind his back.

I tilted my head, struck by a sudden suspicion.

‘He’s not… jealous, is he?’

Noticing my curious gaze, Ascan smiled faintly and spoke.

“Shall we set off, then?”

If he truly was jealous, Ascan appeared far too composed. But if my suspicion was correct, he was so adorably endearing I wanted to pinch his cheeks.

Smiling helplessly, I replied.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Thus, Orland, Zen, and Carlton came to see us off. Since this was meant to be a relaxing getaway, we traveled with minimal personnel—Zen and Carlton did not accompany us.

Orland spoke first.

“You’ve been entangled in one trouble after another since the Karlua Empire. Go rest properly and return refreshed.”

“Yes, I plan to forget all complications and fully relieve my stress. And Father, don’t skip meals just because I’m away—take good care of yourself.”

“I’m not a child. Stop fretting over nothing.”

Orland chuckled wryly, then turned to Ascan and added quietly,

“I’ll see you again later.”

“Yes, Marquis. I heard there’s famous wine near our destination. I’ll bring some back.”

“Good. I’ll look forward to tasting it.”

I didn’t understand their exchange. I looked curiously between Ascan and Orland. Somehow, their atmosphere felt more intimate than before.

Then Zen, standing behind Orland, spoke up.

“Please take care and return safely, Miss.”

After being guarded by Zen for so long, parting felt strange. But truthfully, he suited standing beside Father even more than beside me.

“Don’t worry. I’m not traveling alone.”

I smiled, glancing up at Ascan standing beside me.

Though we kept our travel party minimal for a cozy experience, we’d packed an overflowing abundance of magical engineering weapons—just in case.

No matter what situation arose, with these weapons, we could escape safely.

Once all farewells were exchanged, Carlton bowed deeply to Ascan and said,

“Return safely, Commander. We’ll await you here.”

“Good. Even in my absence, follow the instructions I’ve given.”

“Understood.”

Instructions?

I looked at Ascan questioningly. He explained casually, as if it were nothing.

“I expect to stay long in the Arwen Empire, so I’ve acquired a few businesses. I’ll show you when we return.”

Knowing Ascan commanded multiple organizations, I vaguely understood. After all, the Adel Trading Company was also relocating its roots from the Karlua Empire.

“Alright, show me when we return. Until then, forget work and let’s have fun.”

“Of course. I’ve waited so long for this day.”

Ascan and I exchanged happy smiles.

The weather matched our excited mood—bright and sunny, with warm sunlight bathing us.

Ascan and I traveled by carriage, then disembarked midway to board a ship. I was startled—I hadn’t expected to cross the sea.

Our destination turned out to be a small island.

Located roughly between the Arwen Empire and the Lazent Empire, it wasn’t particularly distant, yet I’d never heard of such an island existing.

Perhaps it was only natural—this was an uninhabited island, with no human residents.

Staring at Ascan with astonishment, I asked,

“You mean… it’s just the two of us on this island?”

“Yes. I didn’t want anyone interfering.”

His calm reply left me speechless.

Suddenly, a past conversation with him resurfaced in my mind.

—This is nice too.

—What?

—Feeling like you and I are the only ones existing, even amidst crowded streets.

—True. Not bad at all.

—I want to someday go somewhere only you and I can stay. I want your face to be the first thing I see when I open my eyes, spend the whole day chatting and cuddling, then fall asleep beside you again.

Back then, I’d taken it as a simple wish to travel together alone. I never imagined he’d actually bring me to a place with absolutely no one else.

I gazed around, mouth agape. The untouched natural scenery was breathtakingly beautiful.

Moreover, our lodging was more luxurious and immaculate than any famous hotel—nothing lacking, even surpassing my imagination.

“Just to confirm… you’re the owner of this island…?”

“Yes. I bought it thinking of our trip. I signed the contract based on photos alone—this is my first time actually visiting, but I like it.”

Once again, I was stunned by Ascan’s scale. I never expected he’d buy an entire island just because I agreed to travel.

As I stood flustered, the crew of the pirate group Theron—who had brought us here—passed by, carrying our luggage.

Having finished, the crew approached Ascan.

“We’ve moved all the luggage, Captain.”

“Good work.”

“Yes, rest well.”

They bowed respectfully even to me before departing. I watched the small ship that had brought us grow distant.

I stared at Ascan with renewed wonder.

He had many titles: “Commander” to the Royal Guards, “Master” to the Adel Trading Company, “Chief” to the underworld guild Parusa, “Captain” to this pirate group Theron…

Truly, he was like an onion—peel back one layer, and another new facet appeared.

As I gazed blankly at Ascan, a sudden thought struck me.

“But… once the ship that brought us leaves, how are we supposed to return?”

I scanned the small dock—no vessels were visible anywhere.

Ascan replied reassuringly.

“A ship will come to pick us up on our scheduled return date. Also, though you can’t see it from the dock, there’s a small fishing boat prepared behind the island.”

A fishing boat too?

I stared at Ascan, astonished again. He chuckled softly, took my hand, and led me toward our lodging.

“Come inside. I built this for you—do you like it?”

“Y-you built this too?”

“Of course. Why else would a small island like this have such a lodging? Only for our trip.”

Thinking about it, he was right. The building looked sleek and modern—impossible unless recently constructed.

Ascan had not only bought an island for our trip but also built a lodging…

I looked at him with an expression of helpless admiration.

‘What am I to do with this man?’

He looked as excited as a child the day before a picnic. Others might not notice, but I saw it clearly—he was eagerly anticipating this trip alone with me.

That he’d prepared so much purely for me filled me with overwhelming gratitude.

He was so lovable, my heart felt pricklingly warm.

“Ascan.”

At my call, he stopped and turned to me. I threw my arms around him and continued happily,

“Thank you. I love it.”

Hearing my praise, Ascan’s smile brightened further.

He embraced me in return—and suddenly, he lifted me up.

In an instant, I was cradled in his arms, legs dangling freely.

“Wh-what?”

“Since you like it, you owe me a reward.”

“What?”

I reflexively echoed, thinking, ‘Again?’

Ever since long ago, whenever Ascan did something for me, he’d ask for a reward. It felt so childlike I couldn’t help giggling.

“Seeing how you always ask me for rewards, I think I’ve spoiled you. Alright, tell me—what do you want this time?”

Despite my playful tone, Ascan’s expression remained serious. He answered in a slightly deeper voice,

“You know. What I want.”

“Huh?”

“What I want has always been you.”

With those words, Ascan stole a kiss from my lips. Kissing on the pure white sandy beach felt incredibly romantic.

Though outdoor kisses in such open spaces were unfamiliar, we had no need to restrain ourselves.

After all, on this island, only Ascan and I existed.

Thus, we entered the lodging—and without needing to decide who moved first, headed straight for the bedroom.

One entire wall was made of windows, offering a beautiful view. But neither Ascan nor I had time to admire it—we sank into each other, consumed by passionate desire.

From the first day onward, whenever our hearts aligned, Ascan and I became one—on the sandy beach, in the surging sea, atop the roof beneath the stars…

Whenever I turned my head, Ascan was there—and in his eyes, only I existed.

It felt as if we were the only two people in the entire world.

We greeted several mornings together, feasting on seafood and tropical fruits. The days flowed so leisurely and peacefully, time seemed to slow.

Until the day we spotted a warship approaching us.

Lying on a sunbed enjoying the sunshine, I watched the steadily nearing warship with curiosity. I gestured toward it and asked Ascan,

“Ascan, is that ship also owned by the pirate group Theron?”

Ascan turned at my question, saw the warship, and his eyes widened. Instantly, his expression hardened as he spoke.

“No. That’s… a Karlua Empire battle warship.”

“What?”

I echoed involuntarily, unable to believe it.

The presence of a Karlua Empire warship near our island was certainly not good news.

In the blink of an eye, Ascan gripped Calspeliver and moved close to me. But before he could act, a massive explosion roared out.

Kuuuuuung!

The Karlua Empire warship had fired cannons toward our island.

Whooshhhhh—

Instantly, a tremendous gale howled, and the tiny island transformed into a sea of flames.

The event unfolded so swiftly that even as I witnessed it, it felt dreamlike.

Unlike my stunned self, Ascan swiftly wrapped his arms around me, shielding me from the blaze.

Regaining my senses, I hurried toward where I’d stored the magical engineering weapons. I’d brought many powerful weapons, prepared for any worst-case scenario.

Sinking a single attacking warship into the sea would be no difficult task.

Click, click… click.

But no matter how I operated them, none of the magical engineering weapons responded.

Something was wrong. It felt as if something had drained the magic stones of their power.

How?

I stared at Ascan, bewildered. Incredibly, I could no longer sense any magical energy from the magic stones installed in the weapons.

“Ascan… something’s definitely wrong.”

Even before I finished speaking, Ascan had already grasped the severity of the situation—his expression hardened into stone.

To make matters worse, armed navy soldiers began disembarking from the Karlua Empire warship that had attacked us.

On this tiny island, we had nowhere to run.