《The Count and the Maid》


 Chapter 0

    Her cheeks burned with the sting of a slap.


    Shada swallowed a tear, unable to touch her swollen face. If she cried, her master would probably set fire to her other cheek, ordering her to ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Shada hoped that her abuse would end shortly, but her foe took joy in prolonging her humiliation and relished that an excuse to step on her more appeared.


    ¡°You¡¯re an irritating girl¡ªyou¡¯ve been a thorn in my eye for a long time.¡±


    At Shada¡¯s pitiful stare, a maid, Anna, frowned and attempted to mediate.


    ¡°Princess Julia.¡±


    ¡°Quiet, Anna. That thing broke my favorite teacup, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    The Princess, enraged, kicked her self-proclaimed precious teacup.


    Princess Julia, the only royal daughter of the Mayer kingdom, was a royal that was famous for her beauty as she was infamous for her vile temperament.


    There were various tales to back up such an assessment, such as pouring hot tea water on a servant¡¯s face for wearing the wrong shoelace or forcing a fat maid to run around until she cried and the Princess laughed or whipping a young servant because he had stuttered.


    Objectively, it is standard practice that a servant is punished if she damages her owner¡¯s things. However. the Princess was a vicious master and held herself to no ethical norms when it came to her subordinates.


    ¡°You¡¯ve provoked me first!¡± Princess Julia stepped on Shada¡¯s hand with her heel.


    Anna and the rest of the maids swallowed their objections.


    Their master frequently abused and tormented Shada. It was to be expected in the Princess¡¯s palace for her to slap or pull servants¡¯ hair because she was bored.


    It was hell.


    Anna, who knew Shada¡¯s situation well, seemed to feel sorry for her, but she was forced to turn away from Shada¡¯s desperate eyes because she was wary of her master.


    No one knew why, but Princess Julia hated Shada.


    And no one knew that fact more than Shada, whose hand was being trampled by the Princess¡¯s sharp heel.


    Shada screamed and begged. ¡°Oh, it hurts, Princess! I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    ¡°Huh, is that all you have to say¡ªthat¡¯s all? Is it over if you kill someone and say sorry?¡±


    At the absurd parable, all the maids in the room murmured inward, lowering their eyes. What are you talking about, madam? What is she going to do this time?


    They all sympathized with Shada in their hearts.


    Perhaps Shada would be whipped¡ªbut that was basic; something nasty had to be in store for her because Princess Julia had been in a violent mood. Everyone felt sorry for Shada¡¯s lousy luck who, frankly, did nothing wrong but was simply a victim of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.


    Julia, with a deep smile, glared sharply at the crying maid as she crushed her hands.


    In fact, the reason why the Princess hated her was not a big deal, nor was it because of something Shada did.


    Shada was a timid and talkative maid with black hair like a crow, a pale face, and pink eyes. Only if you looked closely did you realize she had a striking appearance.


    Although Julia¡¯s beauty, which had been born and managed beautifully as a princess, it didn¡¯t compare to Shada¡¯s indescribable charm when her wet eyes sparkled like peach juice when she was in tears.


    You couldn¡¯t take your eyes off of her once entranced. Those large eyes had dramatic eyelashes that cast a shadow.


    Shada had a sad, sensual, and mouth-watering allure that stimulated one¡¯s sadism.


    So, to put it bluntly, Shada had a magnetism that attracted most men.


    She may not be an apparent beauty, but her vulnerable looks coupled with her innocent and pretty personality¡ªall the things that Julia lacked¡ªfascinated many around her.


    And so, from Julia¡¯s point of view, Shada possessed the most outstanding and stunning beauty.


    Julia was unpleasant and lacked this kind of charm, and it couldn¡¯t be obtained by status to Julia¡¯s humiliation. She marked Shada as her natural enemy.


    ¡°You were wrong?¡± laughed Julia, who was pleased with the conversation¡¯s direction.


    She sat cross-legged in a fluffy chair, glancing at Shada.


    ¡°Take it all off. Don¡¯t you think you should be punished if you did something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Ahh! Princess! Save me!¡± Shada opened her eyes wide and struggled when she saw the strong maids rip off her clothes and a scary-faced servant coming with the dreaded whip.


    After the King, who was in poor health, Princess Julia, usually arrogant, refrained from using her big whip. But today, she seemed to have no such self-restraint.


    What did I do wrong? Shada wept as her exposed shoulders shook.


    I have been working at the palace for many years, but I haven¡¯t had a day of comfort since I was assigned to the Princess¡¯s Palace.


    Why does the Princess hate me so much?


    She was trembling and opened her eyes as the whip went up, ready to strike.


    Everyone turned away, and the wicked Princess was laughing.


    Shada thought, looking at the slowly approaching whip, it was the shadow of the Reaper.


    I don¡¯t want to die. A former maid who was struck by that whip is still only half alive.


    She didn¡¯t know where such strength or courage came from, but Shada pushed down the maid who held her with all her might and ran out of the room.


    It was relatively easy because they never thought she would dare run away.


    ¡°What are you doing? Catch her!¡± Hearing the Princess¡¯s shouting curses, Shada grabbed her torn and half ripped off uniform, gasping and running.


    She looked back in horror. Her fellow maids that she had worked with were chasing her.


    A dreadful terror overtook her. No one would help her.


    I can¡¯t get caught and be beaten. I have to run!


    But amid her panting run, she bumped with someone hard and fell to the floor.


    ¡°Kak !¡±


    At times like this, who the hell is standing in the hallway!


    Tears of resentment came out and swelled around her eyes. Through her blurry vision, Shada found a man looking down at her with a jarringly calm face.


    His platinum blonde hair gleamed, and his eyes were a vivid cold analytical green that had a mysterious depth. His eerie perfect sculpture-like features completed the impression of a being that was intelligent and icy. Add the blade at his hip that dangerously shined in her eyes¡­ Shada gulped, numb with a weightless panic.


    ¡°Hey! Bitch, you dare to run away¡­ Huh, Count Kirchner.¡±


    Jill, a servant of Princess Julia, approached, and her words trailed off in embarrassment, bowing to the Count.


    The man¡¯s glance passed Jill by, and then returned to Shada, who was lamenting.


    Shada knew who he was. She couldn¡¯t help but know. He was famous throughout the royal palace.


    Count Huey von Kirchner.


    He had gained fame during a dangerous and great naval battle several years ago. The Count was a descendant of a prestigious family and a promising knight.


    Shada heard the maids chattering about him winning a great victory at sea and being bestowed a Count¡¯s title.


    Another time, he also prevented rebel republicans, who opposed the monarchy, from assassinating the King.


    In fact, what was even more remarkable and attracted the most interest, was that he was the fianc¨¦ of the foul Princess Julia.


    Count Kirchner¡¯s green eyes swept over Shada¡¯s torn maid uniform. Shada felt his stare and covered her chest with a red face.


    Her heart thumped with fear, an instinct that there was a great and unknown adversary in front of her.


    Shada¡¯s moist, wet pink eyes resembled a shivering rabbit. His eyes flashed as he looked at her red-hot eyes heavy with tears, shame, and panic.


    The Count¡¯s mouth bent like a loose beast. Shada dropped her head in a hurry; his strange, dark smile was weird and unnerving.


    Her hands and feet trembled as his eyes traveled up her bare skin during a prolonged silence.


    Slowly, a black-gloved hand approached Shada¡¯s bowed head.


    ¡°Oh, Huey. I didn¡¯t know you would come without a call.¡±


    The Count¡¯s hand withdrew.


    He politely bowed to the beautiful Princess, who shyly blushed while looking sideways at Shada¡¯s distraught appearance.


    ¡°I greet the Princess.¡±


    ¡°Ah-cham, just call me by my name.¡±


    At the graceful and flawless greeting, Princess Julia was satisfied, but she pretended to be depressed.


    Interestingly enough, this fierce Princess was infatuated with her father¡¯s savior.


    Even though they did it in secret, no one dared to speak ill of the cruel Princess to the Count¡¯s face.


    The Count should have seen the real face of his fianc¨¦ by now. So what was he thinking?


    Count Kirchner softly spoke to the Princess, who couldn¡¯t hide her envy with her picturesque grace as a cover.


    ¡°How could I be so rude?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Huey. Is that rude between us?¡±


    At her grumbling, he just smiled lightly and asked a question. ¡°Is this a maid of the princess?¡±


    ¡°¡­ Yes. She is so disrespectful, so my head maid was going to teach her a lesson.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, a rude maid. I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll be of any use to the Princess.¡±


    Julia nodded shyly as her cheeks happily blushed when she heard her fianc¨¦e taking her side. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I was going to get rid of it today.¡±


    Hearing a casual conversation about her life going back and forth over her head, Shada forgot to breathe.


    ¡®I¡¯d rather be beaten, and quickly get it over with.¡¯


    The problem was that Julia would never let her leave with an intact body.


    Count Kirchner glanced at Shada¡¯s trembling form and smiled at his fianc¨¦e, who looked at the Count eagerly.


    He said something that no one expected.


    ¡°Good. Then there will be no problem if I take this maid.¡±

 Chapter 1

    Truly, life was unpredictable; Shada thought that described her current situation perfectly. Unpredictable. Unexpected. Nerve-racking.


    Her hands and feet twisted in anxiety as she stood in a new maid uniform.


    Heavy silence weighed down on her shoulders.


    The man crossed his long legs and watched the distressed maid right in front of him.


    His expensive pants, one aristocrats could only afford, was well-tailored and drew a slender line leading up to smooth leather shoes.


    He spoke to her with his fingers crossed in front of him. It was a soldier-like voice with a sweet yet monotonous accent.


    ¡°Name?¡±


    Little shoulders jumped. Shada politely bowed her head, trying to conceal the pounding of her beating heart and her trembling fingers as much as possible.


    ¡°It is Shada.¡±


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    Count Kirchner rolled her name again with that elegant tongue. Although he was a famous knight, at a glance, he looked like the type that had nothing to do with bloody or brutal battles.


    In the eyes of Shada, all she could see were occupational hazards in the Count¡¯s cold, hard eyes, and unknown facial expressions. Alarms went off, sensing danger in every corner.


    The worst thing for a maid was an unreadable master.


    He didn¡¯t even don his usual mask with a languid smile since he took Shada to his mansion.


    She recalled a nasty sight that terrified her in her childhood, a cold snake slowly dislocating its jaw to accommodate the whining mouse it was crushing.


    ¡°Do you know why I brought you?¡±


    ¡°No?¡±


    Was there any way to know?


    Regardless, she was rescued by his hand and stood here, but Shada had no gage of the current situation. She tried to ignore the sweat on her nose and recollected the series of events that occurred before she came into the mansion.


    ***


    ¡°What was that¡­ ¡­ ?¡±


    The Count was calm in front of his fiancee, whose face hardened in an instant and cracked.


    ¡°My mansion has recently run out of maids. This is great.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Ho ho ho. If that¡¯s the case, a maid other than this defective would be better. I am a capable person.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    The Count languidly cut off the Princess¡¯s reply. The voice that followed was firm.


    ¡°I want her.¡±


    Shada was stunned even amid her haze when she spotted the Count¡¯s usually cold and refined visage suddenly sporting such a sweet smile that it elated the heart and melted reason.


    Princess Julia, the direct target of his alluring smile, turned red.


    Barely cognizant, she shouted angrily. ¡°Why that girl?¡±


    ¡°It is a matter of course.¡±


    The Count grinned.


    ¡°I think she will do well if she works.¡±


    His remark left the crowd¡¯s mouths open in surprise.


    Meanwhile, the Count hugged Shady, lifting her up and raising her head.


    ¡°I thank you for your favor. Well, then.¡±


    He left without an opening to stop him.


    While being held by him, Shada stupidly gaped, not being able to grasp her situation.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know what the hell is going on¡­ one thing is certain though, I¡¯m alive right now.¡¯


    She gingerly lifted her head over the back of the Count, and when her gaze met the Princess¡¯s distorted expression and murderous glare, she bowed her head in fright. Thanks to this, she had dug into the arms of the strange Count. She was preoccupied with soothing her palpitating heart vibrating in her ears.


    If Shada had been sharper and registered her reflexes, she would have died a hundred times.


    But she was dizzy with the extreme emotional turmoil that happened within the span of minutes.


    Just a moment ago, she had crossed the pit of death, rebelling for the first time in her life, but now the frightening Princess¡¯s fianc¨¦ saved her. And took a maid personally in his arms!


    What was going on?!


    ¡°Miss maid.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes?!¡±


    Shada asked back, trembling at his low call.


    ¡°How about stopping the shakes? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s very good.¡±


    ¡°Sorry!¡±


    Shada replied a little too loudly.


    Count Kirchner looked down at her frozen form, barely daring to breathe, and curled his lips.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mind,¡± but it wouldn¡¯t do you any good, was the inferred rest of the thought.


    Shada couldn¡¯t figure out what his unsettling words meant.


    After putting her in the carriage, the Count¡¯s face was expressionless, watching Shada.


    He suddenly laughed.


    With his rapturous smile reappearing again, Shada openly gawked.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad we have a lot of time.¡±


    The door closed with a finality.


    Shada had no clue what his mysterious words meant.


    ***

 Chapter 2

    Returning to reality, Shada was only sure of her survival from certain death.


    Perhaps if the Count had neglected her presence or had passed her over to the Princess¨Cshe would have been beaten until her bones stuck out and thrown out in the cold weather. Eventually, she would be subjected to more horrors and killed.


    Shada gulped when she recalled how many of her colleagues became paralyzed upon earning the witch-like Princess¡¯s anger.


    Undoubtedly, the Count was her benefactor and savior.


    If it weren¡¯t for him, no matter how far she ran, she would have been caught in the end.


    How could a weak woman survive and escape from that bloody royal palace?


    Shady, torned inside, spoke in a whisper.


    ¡°Sir¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Tell me, Miss Shada.¡±


    Courage arose when he replied in a smooth tone that reminded one of dark chocolate.


    Maybe, he¡¯s a really good nobleman. It¡¯s said he was a hero, and he might be a wonderful person with a rare and sincere sense of chivalry. Maybe he just felt sorry for the maid about to be murdered by his vicious fiancee.


    Shada put all her heart in her best 90-degree angle bow, expressing her gratefulness through the best courtesy she could offer.


    ¡°Thank you for saving me, Count.¡±


    ¡°¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    Within her limited view, she saw his impeccable shoe.


    With the strings neatly trimmed and tied in flawless knots, the mansion¡¯s servants and maids must be excellent employees who do meticulous work. Or maybe the butler is very competent.


    Of course, Shada didn¡¯t even entertain the idea of the Count tying his shoelaces on his own.


    She swallowed and chewed the flesh inside her mouth.


    Polite, impeccably neat¡­¡­.


    ¡°I will definitely pay back your grace. If you let me do the housework, I will do my best¡ªbetter than anyone else¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°Pfft.¡±


    Shada, who was firmly determined, was distracted by the brief laughter.


    What, what is it? Her big pink eyes reflect her confusion; she brought her hand to her mouth and peeked up at the Count.


    He was smiling, and then at Shada¡¯s surprised-rabbit-like expression, his beaming expression grew wider.


    ¡°You sound like a first-time soldier before going to the battlefield. What are you trying to fight?¡±


    Shada became dumb with honey, and as his words sunk in, she worked hard to keep her face from turning red.


    He treated her oath like a diverting jest.


    Even if the Count didn¡¯t intend to laugh at Shada, in that careless attitude¡ª Shady realized again that he was a nobleman.


    Shada knew that many people missed the Republican era of 50 years ago before the monarchy was restored. Still, Shada was of a generation who had never enjoyed a period where the division between royal, noble, and commoner broke down, where the masses had talked about freedom and equality.


    But Shada couldn¡¯t help but be hyper-aware of the vast difference between nobility and commoner.


    Aristocrats could effortlessly control you and make you unhappy.


    Fear, at her immense powerlessness, made her feel hollow and weightless.


    When Shada didn¡¯t respond, the Count stopped laughing and looked at her. His eyes, directed at Shada, were as beautiful and sharp as emeralds.


    ¡°Oh no, don¡¯t be scared. I like you.¡±


    ¡°M..me, me?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Speaking of which¡­¡­..¡±


    The Count stood up, and Shada held her breath.


    Not only was he beautiful, but he was surprisingly tall and came close to her within a few steps.


    As he confidently walked with his hand in his pocket, he looked down at the woman who had become ice again.


    Long fingers held her frilly apron straight.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t even know why I brought you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    Shady absentmindedly responded, distracted by his elongated index finger rubbing her ribbon.


    ¡°By the way¡­¡± The Count came suddenly near her as if he was bowing his head to smell flowers. The man who put his lips near her red ear and spoke softly.


    ¡°Do your best to figure out that puzzle and devote your body and soul to fulfill your duties.¡±


    Her hair stood edge, hyper-aware, and sensitive to his breathing.


    Sensing an unfamiliar and sensitive atmosphere, Shada became nervous and full of anticipation¡ªof what she wasn¡¯t sure¡ªbut she felt as if she was being hypnotized and on the verge of stumbling.


    The Count, looking down at the woman who swallowed her drool, suddenly laughed. The delicate atmosphere that lingered between them was immediately shattered.


    ¡°It¡¯s the first day and you¡¯re tired. Go and take a break, Miss Shada.¡±


    Shada blinked her pink eyes.


    The Count came back into focus looking proper again, smiled neatly. Shouldn¡¯t you see the place where you¡¯re going to sleep?


    ***

 Chapter 3

    The work given to Shada was very simple.


    She was the Count¡¯s dedicated maid.


    She serves him, waits on him, prepares meals, makes tea, and cleans.


    It was much easier than working at the Princess¡¯s Palace in the past.


    Shada savored the fact that she could enjoy her breaks without being harassed, it was delicious.


    The salary was good too.


    If there is one thing that bothered Shada¡­ Compared to her former master, this owner is so much quieter and kinder.


    I have nothing to say when asked what¡¯s wrong with my treatment and comfort, and I have no rational explanation as to why I¡¯m so anxious, but I just sense an uneasy vexing suspicion.


    She wiped the window sill and touched the fringe at her neck.


    Since Count Kirchner¡¯s had a neat and tidy character, he had an immaculate mansion. He even had the tendency to fix his bed after waking up, and as such Shada had little to work on.


    ShadA touched her tender cheeks as she polished an object that little to wipe.


    It was where the Princess had vented her anger on. The day after, it had swollen up so much that it had been challenging to see.


    I tried to calm it down with cold water, to no avail.


    Eventually, I erratically put some makeup over it with my abysmal skills and headed to work, accidentally running into the Count in the process.


    As soon as I saw him in a horseback riding suit, I remembered the voice of the butler who told me that the Count went out to ride once a day.


    I quickly stepped aside and lowered my head. And immediately, my face lifted up.


    Shada stiffened, the Count, who held her chin with his long fingers, frowned. I guess the bruise wasn¡¯t covered.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened? Why are you like this?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    I was beaten by your fiance for no reason. And I almost died.


    Shada averted her gaze and pinched her lips closed. It was difficult to tell the inconvenient truth, and to lie was also awkward and disloyal.


    Thankfully, he didn¡¯t inquire further; maybe he had remembered yesterday¡¯s events. Instead, he asked about something else.


    ¡°Did you put on the medicine?¡±


    Medicines for wounds are costly. Commoners who had some money appear to use it often, but Shada grew up so poor that she had to work relentlessly from a young age to make her way to go to the royal palace, so of course, she didn¡¯t have the money to spend on medicine.


    In the royal palace, the plethora of people dying thanks to the Princess made it a necessity to have medicine in the maids¡¯ rooms. But Shada, a new maid who had just arrived, did not know how to heal wounds in this mansion and could not afford it.


    The man, looking down her loss-for-words expression, used his index finger to sweep over her sore cheeks gently. It was a feathery light touch, but Shada frowned.


    It wasn¡¯t exactly painful, but it was anxiety-inducing.


    To be exact, my heart was pounding with this handsome face that was too close.


    He grinned as she frowned. But he didn¡¯t put his hand down. ¡°Are you sick?¡±


    ¡°¡­ a little bit.¡± His hands were rough and large; it was natural because he was a knight, but it was unexpected because his aura was of a refined and elegant gentleman.


    The bare palms without gloves were vivid on the warm flesh.


    His fingertips glided down and brushed my chin and earlobe. Before they fell, I took a step back in amazement. But relief didn¡¯t come. Instead, my wrist was grabbed and dragged.


    ¡°Uh!¡±


    ¡°Go and get treated. It¡¯s ugly.¡± It was a dry and kind tone, but it was unrelenting.


    With nothing to add, and not in a position to refuse the master¡¯s orders, Shada kept quiet and went over the Count¡¯s doorstep as he led her.


    The Count turned to her, and at the same time, the doors closed behind her back. More impressions of the room came to her full of antiques, quiet lights, dry scents of juniper. The man with a backlight shadowing most of his face was looking at her wound expressionlessly.


    It¡¯s natural, not a big deal, and even though the place is calm, I¡¯m weirdly nervous.

 Chapter 4

    ¡°Has she ever raised her hand on you before?¡±


    Shada looked at her master, who was sitting in a chair of authority and hesitated.


    She stilled her head, wondering if she should nod or shake.


    Indeed, her master is not the Princess anymore, but this strange Count. She wasn¡¯t sure how to answer.


    He sighed with difficulty. ¡°She¡¯s a nasty-tempered fianc¨¦¡­.. and she¡¯s a pain in the neck.¡±


    He didn¡¯t seem to be comforting her but rather venting.


    Shada blinked blankly.


    ¡®So you knew that your fiancee was a donkey.¡¯


    I thought to myself. Well, if you didn¡¯t know it, you¡¯ll either have been an idiot or an outcast¡ªwholly divorced from society.


    It was hard for there not to be rumors when the Princess was so violent. Shada had often wondered if the pretty Princess had a mental illness that didn¡¯t allow her to control her anger.


    Then suddenly, I felt a burning sensation on my cheek. It was sore, and soon it was cool.


    Shada was flustered because her master was applying the medicine himself, by hand.


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯ll take care of¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    Dark green eyes and pink eyes met. Unconsciously, she groaned from the hot and cold sensations on her cheeks, and he quickly lowered his hand that had been put on her back.


    It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll do it. If you keep doing this, I¡¯ll die of a heart attack. My heart has been pounding since a while ago.


    ¡°Okay, Miss Shada, go ahead.¡±


    But surprisingly, the Count retired without her having to say another word or any fanfare.


    To the point of it being anticlimactic.


    Just a moment ago, he insistent as if the act of him tending to her personally could prevent disease.


    Shada, taking the ointment he handed over nonchalantly, she applied it to her sore cheeks.


    It stung like fire, so I frowned. Because of the lack of a mirror, I was concentrating so hard on my senses and applying the ointment, my toes curled.


    I felt his gaze with his arms folded as I was in the middle of applying the salve.


    What? Why are you staring at me like that? Am I weird?


    Shada tried hard to think of something else.


    By the way, aristocrats seem to have a different way of thinking. He knew that the Princess, who is his fiancee, was so abnormally cruel and vicious.


    If I were him, I¡¯d run off to the outskirts right away.


    Yes, Princess Julia was the only child of the King¡ªshe may not have personality but she has power, title, wealth, face and figure. Even though it wasn¡¯t worth it to her, Shada could see why a noble would want to marry her.


    If you get married in the future, you¡¯ll be given a vast land and a Duke¡¯s title, and if it goes well, you may even succeed the throne.


    Shada didn¡¯t know much about politics, but she knew that the conditions for Count Kirchner to abandon the Princess weren¡¯t good. When the Count first came back with a big banquet and ball, the King couldn¡¯t engage the war hero and his daughter right away, but he had been persistent in pushing for the ceremony.


    Of course, Princess Julia was pleased. She had a crush on the Count.


    Wait, was it unrequited love? It seemed like one side had affection one-sidedly. Does the Count have any feelings for the Princess?


    ¡°That¡¯s terrible too.¡±


    Suddenly a cold palm wound around my wrist. He smiled at my fit of surprise.


    I don¡¯t know anything else but he is handsome, handsome enough to make me understand how the Princess feels.


    You have charms. Overflowing charms.


    I peeped at the man who lowered his eyelashes and gently spread the clumped ointment meticulously.


    He is a handsome, capable knight, and has the honor of being praised by the people of the entire kingdom¡ªa young and proud count.


    How does it feel to promise to marry a man like this?


    A scene came to mind¡ªShada never envied nor admired the devilish Princess, but suddenly, in a moment, she changed her position with the Princess¡¯s fiancee.


    With that scene in mind, my mouth opened with a bow.


    Wow¡­ my God.


    Aren¡¯t you going to die laughing at how happy and ridiculous that image was? I tried to hold in my laughter.


    ¡°Why are you laughing?


    ¡°Yeah? That¡¯s¡­ hic -hip.¡±


    Green eyes filled my vision and were so startlingly close that I started hiccuping. Our noses were almost touching.


    It was too close. His breath tickled my lips, and my neck began to throb. Having instinctively stepped back, he simply touched the back of my chair. Even though we didn¡¯t have any contact¡­ My breath became rough.


    With a simple gaze, close distance, posture, and space alone, I never imagined that my head would turn white like this.


    An unfamiliar, secret air slowly licks my ears.


    Why is it so loud when I swallow?


    The Count, who noticed her embarrassment, grinned openly, chuckled lightly, and slowly moved away.


    Even after he stood perfectly upright, Shady was stunned and hardened on the spot.


    I couldn¡¯t see his expression as I looked up blankly. Shadows covered his face.


    He unbuttoned his collar. *Tok, tok* the sound of the black onyx button peeling off was ringing in my ears.


    ¡°Miss Shada. You can leave now.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    I said, gulped down, and stood up with a strength in my legs that I didn¡¯t know I had.


    I feel like I¡¯m being watched every step of the way. I bowed and walked to the door, careful not to go against decorum.


    ¡°You may rest today. Take care of yourself.¡±


    As I turned my head, a man leaning against the sofa was propping his chin. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder at his tranquil and indifferent face.


    Maybe¡­ Shada couldn¡¯t see him beating her for one question.


    I was convinced.


    So I asked with a big heart.


    ¡°Why are you so good to me?¡±


    Shada felt his analytical green eyes gaze at her down from head to toe. Her eyes fixed to the hem of her white lace underskirt contrasted with the black maid¡¯s chimadan. Her pink eyes, flickering anxiously.


    ¡°Because I want to ¡­?¡±


    It was concise but insignificant and half-hearted. He laughed at her dumbfounded countenance.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I want to. Go and rest.¡±


    I¡¯ve never felt so grateful in my life, thought Shada, whose head had otherwise turned blank.


    ***

 Chapter 5

    Time passed quickly, and it was a month since Shada came to the Count¡¯s estate.


    Meanwhile, Shada worked hard.


    She wiped, swept, changed sheets, and made tea.


    Her skill at making tea was mediocre, but Count Kirchner wasn¡¯t picky in that respect and always drank the tea she boiled.


    Shada gradually got used to this quiet, stable life; dedicated to serving the Count well.


    It was a great place to adapt and live as a maid without undue stress.


    There wasn¡¯t much work, and the few servant-maids all spoke sparingly and were shy. It wasn¡¯t easy even to run into each other, nevermind get close.


    This was mainly because the Count disliked people coming on the second floor, and Shada¡¯s duties were primarily on the second floor.  It was where the Count lived and spent most of his time.


    Above all, the biggest perk to her job is that her Master was kind and generous.


    There were moments where Shada felt inexplicably embarrassed, caught up in some strange, thick atmosphere with the Count, but if asked, she couldn¡¯t pinpoint precisely why her heart pounded or her cheeks reddened.


    Maybe it was because his consideration for her felt too sweet; Shada had never met a master that respected her¡ªa mere maid¡ª before.


    In most cases, he was lenient and understanding.


    But one thing he hated was his maid silently leaving the room or changing charge for a while.


    One day I felt weak and decided to take a break. I asked Molly, a nearby maid, to cover my duties while I took a rest.


    I was resting when suddenly a loud call came to my room. I jumped up and ran out, grabbing the hem of my skirt.


    When I arrived in a hurry, panting, I saw the Count sitting in an empty room with a cold teacup in front.


    He slowly unfolded his arms while he watched me gasp for air.


    I, who barely managed to catch my breath, asked politely,


    ¡°Master, did you call?¡±


    ¡°¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°Master?¡±


    I asked one more time, in wonderment.


    After a moment, he opened his mouth.


    ¡°You have a bad work ethic. It¡¯s been less than two months, but you already have an absence.¡±


    ¡°My apologies.¡±


    ¡°What is the reason?¡±


    I had told the butler.


    Shady replied with a slight cringe.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel well. Sorry, Master.¡±


    He raised his eyebrows as if surprised.


    ¡°Are you sick?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not very painful¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    Shada closed her mouth when his index finger crackled while trying to talk. As he approached, he held her hand without hesitation.


    Shada was surprised. Her Master had no qualms about touching her. But it doesn¡¯t seem creepy or dirty, or for ridicule, but it looks straightforward and ordinary at first glance.


    As if there a kind of equity and pure favor.


    I couldn¡¯t face him and felt the warmth on my forehead, avoiding his eyes.


    He measured my temperature and spoke calmly.


    ¡°Do you have a headache?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡±


    And Shada was surprised at herself, who was becoming more and more honest and forthright than needed.


    The Count was strangely comfortable and calm; perhaps it didn¡¯t matter how she answered.


    However, it is natural to feel shy if one side was holding her and not saying anything.


    ¡®My heart is going to fail.¡¯


    ¡°Lord, Master?¡±


    ¡°Stay still.¡±


    At his soft command, Shada¡¯s eyes fluttered back and forth in confusion while nailing her sight to the ground.


    But when he headed to his bed with her in tow, Shada¡¯s heart thumped again like a fish in a boiling pot.


    In a short moment, all sorts of thoughts ran through her head.


    Shada was dazed, and when the Count laid her on the bed like a dignified gentleman, she blinked¡ªstunned, as she saw the Count cover her with a blanket.


    What the hell is going on?


    Leaving her to her sheepish turmoil, the Count casually pulled out his pocket watch from his fitted vest and checked the time.


    ¡°First, get some rest. Did you take any medicine?¡±


    ¡°Yes, in the morning. Excuse me, Master. Thank you very much, but this is too much¡ª¡±


    ¡°I think I said it before.¡±


    The look in his eyes cut her off; they turned to the light damp nape of her neck down to her slightly sweaty chest. He adjusted the quilt on her chest and legs.


    His fingertips rubbed against the skin of her slightly exposed legs as if by chance.


    The Count continued in a low voice.


    ¡°I want to do it.¡±

 Chapter 6

    His eyes smiled at her. ¡®So there¡¯s no reason to feel burdened, Miss Shada.¡¯


    Shady heated up a little, feverish at how he unspokenly commanded and comforted her.


    The Count¡¯s voice kept buzzing in my ears.


    You want to do it? What? Do you want to be nice to me? Why?


    As questions ran through my head, the Count took off my maid¡¯s white lace cap. I tried to avoid flinching when he touched my hair, but I lost all my energy and tension when I met his eyes.


    Count Kirchner undid my braids.


    It was a strange feeling to have someone touch my hair. When his hard fingertips touched my scalp, he lightly but firmly massaged my scalp.


    When I was young, nobody touched my hair like this except my mother. It was unfamiliar and awkward, but I didn¡¯t hate the gentle movements that seemed cautious.


    I felt a surge of sleepiness as the medicine went up. Shada slept under his hand and then repeatedly tried to keep herself awake.


    Soon her black hair was scattered over the white pillowcase and sheet.


    Count Kirchner lowered his hand, looking at the tiny heart-shaped face and the heavily hooded sparkling peach-yellow eyes wrapped around his shiny black hair. He spoke a beat late.


    ¡°Miss Shada.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my master.¡±


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    Shada opened her eyes round. It was the first time that the Count removed her ceremonial title and only called her name.


    ¡°Who named you?¡±


    ¡°My father.¡±


    ¡°He has a peculiar taste.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve heard several times that the name is unique.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s like a dog¡¯s name.¡±


    I was dumbfounded, not angry. It was amazing, and such an absurd remark said so casually with such a noble face.


    Besides, it was funny to think, I, a maid, could protest or be angry at my Master.


    The Count added a critique to my bewildered face.


    ¡°You look more like a cat than a dog.¡±


    Is that a compliment or a curse?


    As Shada¡¯s nose twitched amid her ill health, the Count raised his lips silently.


    He grabbed a handful of her hair and touched it with a smooth hand gesture.


    Shada was forced to say something else so she could distract herself from his contact.


    ¡°I guess you really like animals. You also enjoy horse riding.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    The Count was pointlessly affirming.


    ¡°I like¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it because horses are beautiful animals?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s one thing but¡­.¡± He kept talking softly. ¡°But I¡¯m thrilled that I¡¯m the only one that climbs on top and rides it.¡±


    Shada stopped talking.


    The Count whispered drowsy, staring at her with her mouth open.


    ¡°Pretty and beautiful are good, but if you can¡¯t ride on top, nothing is as sad.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Yes¡­ Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Because I can¡¯t enjoy it.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off the man¡¯s lips. She thought she was getting weird. Even though there was no sexual nuance in his monotonous tone¡­ maybe I was the strange one who wants it to sound obscene.


    Shada faintly thought, hazy with a fever higher than before.


    No, but¡­ Does it really mean anything? Would he look at me with those heavy eyes, saying such things casually?


    My mind was chaotic.


    Her red eyes reflected his peridot-colored ones.


    Slowly, as if there was a rising emotion, his calm expression changed completely. His eyes grew tight as if holding something in as his upper body leaned over her.


    His head bowed to the side of her face.


    In the blink of an eye, the man who got close to her locked her up in the shadows.


    ¡°Mast¡ª?¡± He did not answer the call.


    Her lips were swallowed like a bolt of lightning.


    Her reflexively struggling hands were interlocked and pressed into the mattress by his clenched fingers.


    Hot lips licked and spread lips apart. Then his hot tongue teased her red inner flesh and drank her saliva.


    It was an intense kiss that was as wild and harsh as swallowing a storm.


    Shada was so overwhelmed with his lust and mascline sensuality that she moaned.


    Haa- He sighed with a low growl, a momentary pause.


    And with an even wilder spirit with a tougher momentum, he rushed into Shada¡¯s barely breathing lips.


    In the midst of being kissed insanely, Shada felt the bed tumbling as if something weighty had gotten on it.


    Now his body was completely on top of her.


    His big hand intertwined with her black hair caressed and covered her heated cheeks.


    Every part he touched was hot.


    Struggling with unfamiliar excitement, Shada instinctively clung to him.


    Count Kirchner rubbed and massaged her thighs and lower back, then turned her head and mixed his tongue with her tongue and grabbed her breasts. Shady, stunned by the blatant sexual gesture, gasped, and he slowly lifted his lips.


    Chok- The saliva was drooping with a sound.


    The man with shiny lips was erotic. Even those longing eyes like a hungry beast.


    The exchange of gazes continued in the midst of silence. I closed my eyes deeply and then opened it. Green eyes were shining more intensely than ever. My head was dull and blank. Even in the midst of dizziness, the man was so clear that I was dizzy.


    Shada closed her eyes darkly as she watched him lower his head to kiss her quietly again.

 Chapter 7

    Shada woke up with the morning sun.


    After sitting absentmindedly for a while, I blinked blankly at my surroundings, which were familiar and unfamiliar.


    At least I knew it was not a place where I usually woke up.


    Why am I here? What happened?


    I wondered, perplexed, scratched my head, and tore through my messy hair.


    Then, the memory floated into my mind like a piece of a hazy dream.


    Shada touched her lips with trembling hands.


    The colorful afterglow of the kiss he had left, the traces of his touch, made my whole body feel numb at the moment.


    Oh my god, what the hell¡­?!


    I tried to organize my thoughts by holding my red-faced forehead.


    Did I dream? ¡­.Yeah.


    Isn¡¯t that right?


    I was half asleep because of the medicine, so it¡¯s possible.


    Otherwise¡­ Why all of a sudden¡­ ¡­ .


    But at the word ¡®sudden¡¯ my internal voice choked a little on my subconscious.


    Was it really out of the blue? Was it really sudden?


    The Count¡¯s strange behavior and words have often been¡­ ambiguous.


    I just thought it wasn¡¯t or outright ignored it.


    Because¡­ Because I didn¡¯t believe I could handle it.


    Was I just a one-time plaything taken away from the Princess that he resented?


    Noblemen often coveted pretty commoner women and no qualms about enjoying a night with them.


    If a nobleman was infatuated with one, they often took her in as a concubine.


    Recalling such, a corner of my heart started to throb.


    For a short period, I was curious about why I received kindness and care, and now I saw it as a tempting spiteful affection that the Count gave me.


    Aristocrats were a completely different creature, meant to be protected and worshipped.


    Without even knowing¡­ Well, Kirchner was a very charming man, too sweet and too attractive¡­ for me to be utterly insensitive to him as a woman.


    *I* was a woman.


    As a woman, I couldn¡¯t help but be swayed by such a man.


    Shada helplessly buried her face in her knees.


    Oh gosh, what should I do?


    I pondered over the question¡­ but the answer was obvious.


    I had to pretend that nothing ever happened and make sure nothing would happen in the future. I had to destroy this seductive ambiguous atmosphere.


    It didn¡¯t matter if the Master saw her as a plaything or was sincere towards her.


    The only certain thing was that he was a noble, and I was nothing but a commoner maid.


    And I had foolishly forgotten that the Count had a dangerous fiancee.


    In the end, no matter how much love and sincerity there might be, the best she could hope for was being a concubine alongside the terrifying Princess.


    I hated even entertaining the thought.


    Shada realized she had nothing to hope for other than just getting a decent salary and spending her days peacefully.


    The Count¡­ Wasn¡¯t he too excellent of a man anyway?


    Yes, I had a brief dream.


    And it might come true¡ª Realistically, it¡¯s possib¡ªWait! No, time to wake up!


    She shook her head and hurried up from the bed.


    I checked my black and white uniform, put the apron, and my cap back on.


    An image of him releasing my braided hair overtook my mind for a moment¡ªI shook my head and erased it.


    Looking out a window, I noted that the sun was high in the sky, but the Count was nowhere to be seen.


    He probably had an errand and went out. Or went for a horse ride.


    Lucky for me.


    Shada couldn¡¯t figure out how to treat her master when she did see him.


    A heavy sigh came out of her.


    First of all, I have to go down to have breakfast and lunch.


    Still, at least she got to avoid the Count and sleep in¡ªthat was good news.


    ¡®Eventually, you¡¯ll have to face the Count today.¡¯


    Shada walked the mansion¡¯s halls, belatedly realizing that her inner turmoil distracted her from discovering the atmosphere was strange.


    But she was already too late.


    ¡°Are you still here?¡±


    Shada walked in a trance, raised her head, and became pale.


    A familiar and frightening click of shoes and a beautiful woman in a gorgeous dress walked in, twisting her lips.

 Chapter 8

    The fear engraved in Shada aroused all her alarms.


    It seemed that she had returned to the days where the Princess vented her anger on her again; stripped and whipped.


    All of the courage and pride she had mustered up in the short time away from her disappeared in an instance in front of that vicious expression.


    Shada, trembling, put her head down.


    The Princess approached her briskly, looked down at her, and smirked.


    As her stunning face twisted, the emerald earrings on her ears fluttered and made a noise.


    It was the moment before she was about to open her mouth when a hurried butler intervened between them.


    ¡°Welcome, Princess. My master is away at the moment.¡±


    ¡®If you had contacted us in advance, there would have been no confusion,¡¯ was left unsaid.


    The Butler, Franc, spoke apologetically and discreetly glanced at Shada.


    Get the hell out of here.


    Shada backed away, but when the Princess¡¯s ice-like eyes pierced her, she stiffened on the spot.


    ¡°Butler. Why is that girl still here?¡±


    ¡°She is a maid hired by the master.¡±


    After all, it was Count Kirchner¡¯s will, which meant that he could not object to it.


    But the Princess responded with nervous irritation. ¡°Isn¡¯t it your job to clean up strange things if your master has them next to him?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just follow my master¡¯s will.¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡±


    The Princess stamped her feet in a fit, and Shada experienced deja vu. The Princess had a habit of having a temper tantrum when things didn¡¯t go the way she wanted them to.


    In that state, Princess Julia ran around like a madman even more than usual.


    Count Kirchner was the only thing that made her quiet.


    This is because even her father, the king, indulged the Princess and said, ¡°If she doesn¡¯t cause a serious accident¡ªmy royal daughter can do what she wants.¡±


    While staring at Shada, the Princess suddenly smiled sweetly, increasing the ominous aura.


    ¡°I will have tea until Huey comes. You.¡±


    Princess Julia didn¡¯t even know Shada¡¯s name, although she had tormented with all her heart and soul.


    Shada bowed her head, clenching her sweaty fists.


    ¡°Get me my tea. Just like before. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°¡­ Yes.¡±


    She hated it but nodded in a numb daze as the past flashed over her eyes.


    There was no justification to refuse.


    Shada was so anxious; she felt as if she was being dragged to a death sentence. She fervently prayed for the Count, who she was too embarrassed to face just moments before, to return as soon as possible


    Shada pushed the tea tray and started to serve with shaking hands. She resembled a prisoner being led to the guillotine.


    As Shada poured the tea and stood stiffly, the Princess tilted her teacup.


    Her eyebrows frowned as soon as she took a sip.


    Shada winched and closed her eyes, anticipating the loud shattering noise.


    ¡°It¡¯s terrible! How can you serve me something so bitter?¡±


    ¡°I apologize.¡±


    Still, her reaction wasn¡¯t as violent as she expected.


    Shada thought the Princess would throw the cup in her face.


    As she quickly knelt and bowed her head and prostrated to the floor, Princess Julia looked down on her with an arrogant face and started to trample Shada¡¯s trembling hands.


    Shada stopped herself from shouting but couldn¡¯t stop groans of pain escaping her lips.


    Hearing her whimperings, the Princess¡¯s red lips turned into a smile and paused for a moment to mock her.


    ¡°Humph! Remember, you are trash, and wherever trash goes, it is thrown away.¡±


    ¡°Princess.¡±


    As the Butler intervened, Julia narrowed her eyebrows and looked at him¡ªmeanwhile, in the back of her mind, the urge to smash Shada¡¯s hands again was intensifying.


    Shada clenched her teeth tightly in an effort to be silent.


    ¡°She is an employee of the master. If anything goes amiss, even you will have to face the consequences.¡±


    ¡°I am the person who will soon be the mistress of this place. You think I can¡¯t discipline a maid like this?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do. But until that day, everything in this mansion still has only one master.¡±


    Though unruly, Julia also knew basic common sense and manners.


    But she didn¡¯t bother to entertain those thoughts.


    She now knew that she was at a disadvantage in regard to finding fault with Shada¡¯s behavior, but Kirchner was her fianc¨¦, and she was a princess of this country.


    There¡¯s no way she would be reprimanded because of one insignificant girl.


    But she decided to put her feet away for now.


    Shada grasped the back of her hands and held back her tears silently.


    ¡°Okay, then I leave this bitch¡¯s punishment to the butler.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯d like to be certain that this girl who insulted me, gets the appropriate discipline. Even in a mansion without a hostess, there must be a whip, right?¡±


    The Princess chuckled at the stiff-faced Butler.


    ¡°Finally, I didn¡¯t want to dirty my own hands and save my energy, so this is great. I want to witness it! Go ahead and teach that thing what happens if you run wild without knowing your place.¡±


    Princess Julia¡¯s beautiful face was brimming with envy and cruelty of an irate woman.


    Jealousy.


    Yes, those were definitely the red-hot eyes of jealousy.


    Shada¡¯s womanly intuition read the Princess¡¯s feelings in her sharp eyes.


    Many times I¡¯ve seen how scary a woman gets when she has those eyes.


    But why? Shada is, at best, just as she said, an insignificant and tacky maid.


    Conflicted, the Butler kept looking at the Princess poisoned by hatred and the maid.


    ¡°Princess¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°Hurry up.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no whip?¡±


    As Julia laughed loudly, the maid standing behind her handed her a rod.


    As if she had brought it with the intention of knowing she would use it.


    Shada turned white.

 Chapter 9

    The alarms of death¡¯s immediate arrival¡ªthe same crisis she felt on the day she ran into the Count¡ªcame back again with full force.


    I ran away then¨C but where should I go now?


    Retreating footsteps abruptly stopped when a thought occurred to me.


    If I run away, the Count who took me will be in trouble.


    Even if the Princess killed her today, in the end, she had the king on her side.


    The Count is a knight and royal servant; he cannot just ignore the Princess¡¯s opinion and will.


    She was an ignorant maid who didn¡¯t know anything, but she knew about her position.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡±


    When the Butler hesitated for a moment with the cane he was forced to receive, Julia, impatient, stood up and snatched the rod from him. Don¡¯t be like Julia


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to do it, I¡¯ll do it myself. Afterward, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯ll pay for the crime of deceiving a member of royalty, Butler.¡±


    She yelled out savagely and lifted the cane aiming for Shada¡¯s face.


    Closing her eyes, Shada gave strength to her shaking legs.


    You can¡¯t run away. If you run out¡­ ¡­ .


    ¡°What are you doing now, Julia?¡±


    It was then that I heard a low sweet voice that was jarringly out of place.


    Shada lifted her head quickly.


    A picturesque man was sauntering towards her with his hands behind his back.


    It seemed as if their gaze met in an instant, but he immediately turned his head.


    For some reason, a side of Shada¡¯s chest started to twist.


    The Count¡¯s green eyes moved to his fiancee.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you would come without notice.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay if it happens between us¡­ Oh, my God! Huey, did you call my name?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m shy. It¡¯s so sudden.¡±


    The Count laughed softly as he watched the woman who called his name freely and asked him to as well, long before they got engaged


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be shy because of it¡­. ¡­.. ¡­.. Between us,¡±


    He added, a beat late.


    Then Julia was so happy that she couldn¡¯t stop the joy from reaching her eyes.


    Already her anxiety and jealousy of Shada seemed long gone.


    With the maids¡¯ support around her, Shada staggered up, quietly holding her hands together and lowering her head.


    The Count¡¯s expressionless face returned after the brief interlude.


    ¡°By the way, why is Julia holding a rod to a maid of my mansion?¡±


    ¡°Oh, well¡­¡±


    An excited Julia was at a loss of words when he asked the straightforward question.


    It hurt her pride to admit that she didn¡¯t sleep well all month because she didn¡¯t see him. But that this vulgar woman got to see him.


    While she hesitated, the tip of his lips pulled into a straight line.


    First taut, then loose, like a tight rubber band relaxing slowly with great care not to snap or break.


    Count Kirchner muttered sadly.


    ¡°It hurts my heart.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°No matter how much I might be the King¡¯s servant and knight, I am your fiance, and I must have been foolish to expect my authority to be respected.¡±


    His melancholy eyes, indeed, looked very heartbroken.


    That impeccable face hosted an expression that even strangers who witnessed it would be affected by¨Cnevermind the Princess who loves him passionately.


    Julia helplessly closed her mouth with her hands.


    ¡°No, Huey! That¡¯ s¡ªjust.. I! Sorry. I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be so upset. Just¡­ I didn¡¯t like that little girl.¡±


    The Count covered her eyes with his hands without a word, and the Princess was all the more restless.


    The harsh atmosphere quickly changed in an instant.


    Shada was in a position where she could see the Count from the side, so she glanced at him carefully while she bowed with the other maids.


    She was dumbfounded when she saw her master with such a face for the first time.


    Under his long fingers, those lips of his were sneered up. A contemptuous, degrading, eerie cold cynicism. And twisted disgust.


    Huh?


    Shady¡¯s eyes were swollen with the sensation of her heart sinking and pounding at the same time.


    But it had quickly faded away.


    When for a brief moment, her mouth was left agape, her eyes met with the Butler who had been expressionless throughout this ridiculous comedy.


    He hurriedly lowered his gaze.


    Shada¡¯s pounding heart didn¡¯t subside.


    I felt like I had seen something I should have never been privy to.


    My palms were filled with a cold sweat that was different from before.


    In my dazed ears¨Cthe voice of the Princess, who seemed to have given up her hunger for my death, and Count Kirchner, reservedly coaxing her like a zookeeper to lead her to a private parlor¨Cechoed.


    While escorting the Princess, his fingertips brushed past and rubbed by Shada¡¯s wrist very naturally.


    In that short moment, he had held her tightly and released her.


    Her wrist tingled strangely as though it had been stamped with fire even though he hadn¡¯t gripped her hard.


    Shada stood, astounded, for a little longer holding her wrist gingerly even after all the maids scattered.


    She only came to her senses after the Butler called her politely.


    He handed over a small note to me and left.


    I hesitated for a moment, and then I opened it up.


    The words seemed to be scribbled in haste, but the handwriting was still elegant.


    [To the library on the second floor.]


    Fortunately, I had been in the royal palace for a long time, so I knew how to read letters.


    And Shada, who cleans the Count¡¯s room every day and picks up his mail, knew whose handwriting this was.


    Even if she hadn¡¯t had those clues, she would have known by intuition alone.


    For a long while, Shada fiddled the paper to the point it¡¯s edges were in tatters before she climbed up the stairs.


    As a maid, she had no choice.


    But even if she had one, she was confused about whether or not she would reject his invitation.

 Chapter 10

    Huey lowered his gaze with his eyes half-closed.


    For a war hero, he was an easygoing and laid-back man.


    But, contrary to other people¡¯s perceptions, Huey Von Kirchner was a man on edge, ready to pull out a sword anywhere at any time.


    He stood on a battlefield, at every moment.


    Whether it was the royal palace or a party hall, he never, without exception, lowered his vigilance.


    It was no different from being in the middle of the enemy¡¯s camp.


    Feeling annoyed and upset, he lifted the teacup and had its liquid moistened his dry throat.


    It had a strong scent.


    ¡®Her tea is softer.¡¯


    Even though the inside of his mouth was moistened, his tongue felt grimly.


    ¡°Huey, you haven¡¯t been coming to the palace lately. What happened?¡±


    Asked his fiancee, who sat opposite him and twisted her legs anxiously; she could not stand silence.


    Princess Julia.


    The only cherished daughter of the King.


    Perhaps because of that, she had a severe personality disorder.


    Of course, she has been quite docile since she had that little party that could barely pass as an engagement.


    But she was only docile in front of him.


    It was a curiosity as to why the Princess didn¡¯t already know that he knew about all the incidents and crimes she had committed.


    It was hard not to know, as Huey remembered everything he saw and heard.


    The memories from quite a long time ago were still fresh in his mind as if they had occurred yesterday.


    Huey answered her succinctly. ¡°I¡¯ve been busy.¡±


    ¡°What¡­. what kind of work is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been pursuing a new hobby that has kept me on my estate.¡±


    ¡°Oh my. What is that?¡±


    Julia responded eagerly and wanting to overcome her hurdles to connect with him more.


    ¡®She is a woman who can¡¯t hide her feelings and thoughts at all.¡¯


    Maybe it was because she had grown so cherished that she didn¡¯t have to or simply she just didn¡¯t want to.


    There were countless possibilities and reasons, but to Huey, Julia was merely just such a woman.


    The word ¡®nature¡¯ did not exist for nothing.


    ¡°I am growing a flower.¡±


    ¡°Flower?¡±


    She tilted her head.


    She was polite, but it didn¡¯t go well with him, a great and brilliant knight.


    Julia was embarrassed but asked, pretending she didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°What kind of flower is it?¡±


    ¡°Well.¡±


    The Count rubbed his square chin. His green eyes gleamed mysteriously.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pinkish soft, sensitive flower. Delicate. It shrinks with just a little touch. I want to take good care of it and see it¡¯s flowers in full bloom and have it bear fruit on the spot. But it¡¯s more difficult than I initially thought.¡±


    ¡°It must be a tricky plant to care for. You can leave it to the gardener.¡±


    His expression was monotonous, even when he was sprouting confusing words.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it riding on other people¡¯s hands.¡± (leaving it to other people¡¯s hands)


    ¡°What kind of flower is it, Huey?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a flower I¡¯ve been eyeing for a long time.¡±


    Huey laughed deeply and grinned, amused, and removing his mask for the moment.


    ¡®And yesterday I picked it up and put it in my room.¡¯


    His smile was rather beautiful, as if he were a rose in full bloom.


    Julia was struck dumb and deeply moved by the sight of his genuine smile.


    After a moment, she coughed with a red face, trying to calm her fluttering heart.


    ¡°Next time, show me the flower, too.¡±


    ¡°You would be disappointed.¡±


    ¡°No, it can¡¯t be! Huey, it¡¯s been through your hands¨Cthere¡¯s no way it isn¡¯t pretty!¡±


    ¡®No, you¡¯ll be upset for sure.¡¯


    But he did not necessarily refute her statement.


    Apart from his amusement, he did not stop the Princess from unleashing her imagination as she wished.


    Huey was an economic man who returned safely from the battlefield, where practicality was the top priority.


    Don¡¯t do unnecessary things.


    I didn¡¯t like the tea, so I put down the teacup.


    ¡°Princess. Do you have anything else to do at this Count¡¯s estate today?¡±


    Although respectful in tone, it was formal, and the titles were creating a desolate distance and implying boundaries.


    Excited, Julia did not know this and said that she came just because she wanted to see Huey. She didn¡¯t even notice.


    Like a child, she vented her sorrow and frustration.


    ¡°You never came to see me after you took that ugly maid. You are too much. Don¡¯t you have any feelings for me?¡±


    ¡®Those questions should have been asked before cornering and pushing me into the engagement hall.¡¯


    Huey thought. But instead he asked quietly and kindly.


    ¡°What are you sad about? The frequent entrance of decorated war veterans doesn¡¯t look good. Originally, I thought you knew I wouldn¡¯t step into the palace unless there was a special reason or event.¡±


    ¡°But now, if you marry me, you will become King father¡¯s son-in-law. Is that so important? I want to see you!¡±


    Today was particularly grueling; the Count glanced toward the clock over the Princess.


    ¡°Exactly, as the Princess said, after the wedding there will be no problem to see them. What are you so nervous about?¡±


    ¡°I hate that girl.¡±


    ¡°¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°I hate it so much. Why are you keeping it? Can¡¯t you just throw it out?¡±


    What had been bothering her finally burst.


    Even the Princess thought she was tactless but decided she was just being a woman.


    This time, Huey¡¯s eyebrows and forehead came together in a frown.


    ¡°She is a sincere and capable person. I¡¯ve already accepted her as my family. Are you saying you want me to kick her out for no reason?¡±


    ¡°Why is there no reason? I don¡¯t like her!¡±

 Chapter 11

    This time her jealousy won over her love.


    She didn¡¯t even bother with her ¡®coy¡¯ ¡®shy¡¯ act.


    Huey watched her without responding to her tantrum.


    In his silence, the Princess turned red and green and snarled stubbornly.


    ¡°I do not like it! I don¡¯t like it!¡±


    ¡°Haa.¡±


    The Princess¡¯s incoherent tantrum was cut off with his long sigh.


    The woman, emboiled with her own emotions, suddenly realized the other person¡¯s tiredness and injured pride.


    He sat languidly in his chair with his hands hanging down.


    It was effective without moving a single muscle.


    When she shut her mouth, the man threw a carrot after the whip had struck elegantly.


    ¡°Why does the most beautiful woman in the country care about a maid?¡±


    ¡°That¡¤¡¤¡¤ that lewd-looking girl might tail after my Huey¡­¡±


    ¡°Pfft, ha!¡±


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    Huey was intrigued by her inquiring eyes. Julia blushed.


    ¡°Her eyes are weirdly red, and they look promiscuous. It¡¯s also disgusting to sob and flirt as if you were a pathetic victim. Do you know that all the court servants of the palace, the coachman and the knights¨Cthey all glance at the girl? She¡¯s probably possessed many. Then it¡¯s definitely dirty¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that speaking more than that will undermine the princess¡¯ dignity¡­¡±


    Huey cut off the horse quietly and sharply.


    Julia, who was going to protest reflexively, stopped when she spotted those cold green eyes.


    A normal lady would have paused due to the shame of speaking so nakedly, but Julia wasn¡¯t normal; that wouldn¡¯t stop her.


    Instead, what stopped her was the shock of seeing the Count¡¯s eyes become so cold.


    The chilly gaze was creepy.


    The Princess thought that he was upset because he was disappointed by his fianc¨¦e¡¯s crass sexual remarks.


    Still, this silence lasted a little longer.


    Huey spoke again in a low soft voice.


    ¡°This is my mansion and my jurisdiction. And I don¡¯t like irresponsible behavior. This includes our friendly Julia.¡±


    It was a moderate coercion.


    Dissatisfied, Julia was still full of discontent but couldn¡¯t protest further and put her hand on the back of his hand.


    After being sent off by the Count, she climbed into the carriage and stomped on the floor to soothe her anger until she arrived at the castle.


    After Julia left, Count Kirchner went to his room.


    Standing alone, his hand loosening his tie slowed to a stop.


    ¡®¡­promiscuous look¡­ ¡­ .¡¯


    ¡®¡­ it¡¯s also disgusting to sob and flirt as if you were a pathetic victim.¡¯


    Suddenly in front of my eyes, I remember the appearance of a maid who was disturbed by yesterday¡¯s fever. Pink eyes that were moistened, shiny with unspilled tears of lust and black, long shadowy lashes, and her slightly swollen and parted lips¡­


    ¡°¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    My still hand moved again.


    My eye spotted a teacup that was barely touched.


    Suddenly I was thirsty. (understatement of the century)


    It was the kind of painful dry thirst that gives a refreshingly cool relief once it is satiated.


    Eventually, he gave up changing clothes and quickly left the room.


    * * *


    After cleaning up and organizing items that didn¡¯t need it, Shada couldn¡¯t distract herself with useless busy work and couldn¡¯t pay attention to anything.


    Instead, Shada ended up sitting on a chair; first, she was still¡ª then clenching her toes in her shoes, scratching her nails, and jumping up thinking she should stand ¡ªand then sitting back down again as if re-thinking her behavior.


    The bright sunlight came into the study, and only her vision was blurry and unfocused.


    Oh, what should I do?


    Oh what to do?


    Princess Julia¡¯s long-standing tyranny was horrible but the vision of the Count, who was leaving with her, kept haunting me.


    That kiss from yesterday.


    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


    I was screaming silently, slapping both of my cheeks.


    I didn¡¯t want to remember. I shouldn¡¯t have remembered!


    It¡¯s useless to think about it.


    It¡¯s just an accident. Like when you bump into something.


    Yes, the Master didn¡¯t even intend to do all of that, but somehow, by the tense, ambiguous atmosphere, he was swept away¡­¡­ But the slightly cracked sound of a husky sigh¡­¡­ When the hot heat emerged, my whole body turned red like an apple.


    I was feeling hot and sticky as if the heat hadn¡¯t gone down yet.


    Shada tried to stop thinking about it, but without realizing it, she was probing her lips.


    ¡®It was my first kiss.¡¯


    Everyone fantasized about the first kiss, as did Shada, but the first kiss she envisioned for herself wasn¡¯t that intense and provocative.


    Just a sweet, candy-like kiss in a romantic place¡­ ¡­ ? A light kiss¡­ like yesterday¡­


    ¡­ . I had a strange and unusual feeling again.


    Shada unconsciously rubbed her knees together and was startled.


    My underwear was damp.


    Ugh, this is weird.


    No. It¡¯s not because of this but really¡­ ¡­ .


    Just as she was about to rip out her hair, the door slammed behind her.


    As common sense dictates, a closed-door cannot close again. But it opened and closed again.


    This time someone entered.


    Shada swallowed and turned around. Count Kirchner, Huey, stood there.


    His collar, which he had always neatly tied, was disheveled, and the breathing of the man who pierced her with his gaze was rough.


    Shada barely tore her eyes from his roaring muscular neck and his adams apple with a slight sheen.


    ¡°Master? What¡¯s wrong? Why are you¡ª¡±


    With a hurried stride Huey, clasped the back of her neck and hugged her.


    When he pulled Shada into a hug, he kissed her.


    His hot breath touched her tender flesh, and his searing tongue opened her lips.


    Helplessly swept away, Shada gave herself to him, who coveted her lips.


    It was different from yesterday when I was hazy.


    Now, it was very clear and even more intense.


    Strong arms surrounded her waist. His hands wrapped around the back of her head as if they were bound, and the heated flesh and saliva that devoured her were so terribly clear.


    Shada gasped.


    Like a bird caught in a trap, she didn¡¯t know what to do and tried to push him away, but he didn¡¯t even budge.


    Instead, he rushed deeper and deeper, as if the fire had been stirred more.


    Saliva dripped between the lips of the man and woman, with a warm sign and a groan.


    The man who was sucking her wet upper and lower lips, stuck out his long tongue and licked up her wet chin.


    Shada¡¯s whole visage was burning hot, head dizzy from his seductions. Huey laughed low at her red face. His smiling lips were charming to the point of magnetic attraction.


    And to think those handsome lips were shining with her saliva was deadly sexy.


    They made eye contact as if possessed.


    His green eyes were a little hazy, and Shada thought that they were both looking at each other with the same expression.


    Again their lips overlapped, and their heat mingled.


    Shada wrapped her arms around his neck. Joy and excitement color her mind red¡ªdisregarding everything else.


    There was only this man. He was everything.


    She crashed against the desk with her leg while they mixed their tongues frantically.


    He picked her up and sat her down on the desk.


    The man tasted her parted red lips, her tongue, and then kissed her neck and licked her collarbone.


    When the man¡¯s rough hands that had been stroking her back clasped both of her breasts over her clothes and squeezed, Shada faintly surprised exclamation became a moan.


    He took her sounds of pleasure and swallowed it, greedily grasping her breasts and rubbing her nipples blatantly.


    A thrilling flash bursts.


    His ministrations moved down, and the tips of his fingers massaged her thighs, traveling higher up her skirt.

 Chapter 12

    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Shada unwittingly clung to his arm.


    The sudden strange, and sensual whirlwind struck me in a daze; my heart pounded in my ears. Unfamiliar pleasures and intimate stirrings added to my confusion.


    His touch entered and settled in my skirt. The big hand that teased my garter belt and rubbed my tight thighs felt hot like an iron brand.


    My head was going to explode with shame and excitement.


    I wanted to run away, and at the same time, I didn¡¯t want him to stop.


    The elongated index finger quickly unbuttoned the white maid clothes. Huey, who threw the white apron roughly on the floor, laid her on the desk and kissed her exposed collarbone.


    Shada¡¯s face blurred with redness as he undid her ribbon with his teeth while holding her eyes with his own intense gaze.


    It was as if a hungry beast had finally been released.


    Her revealed white bra incited a mixed sound of admiration and worry.


    As if he was fretting over her soft bare skin beyond that thin laced cloth.


    ¡°You smell of peaches.¡±


    As he whispered, her nipples announced themselves and stood up.


    ¡°Here, can I wash it?¡±


    His red tongue tenaciously licked a peak over her underwear and sucked gently.


    Shada¡¯s white body that was covered black clothes lightly convulsed.


    She whimpered under him and called him with a sob: ¡°Master.¡±


    ¡°Master¡­¡±


    Huey muttered subtly as if savoring the syllables.


    ¡°At first, I thought it would be nice if my name came out of your mouth, but this is not bad either.¡±


    Actually, it¡¯s quite my taste.


    As the corners of his mouth, which had seemed neat, went up smoothly, he looked awfully sensual. He whispered as he lowered her bra and exposed her breasts. ¡°Sing it again.¡±


    ¡°M-Master. Huu!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    He never spared praise and kissed her cold breasts repeatedly. As the man¡¯s mouth swallowed the tip of her breast at a gulp, she twisted and jiggled. It felt weird.


    Huey held down Shada¡¯s wriggling shoulders as her Master was licking and burying his head in his maid¡¯s breast. He tasted and crushed her white flesh and took in her fragrance to his heart¡¯s content.


    Shada¡¯s arms flared as if they were struggling. The noble Count¡¯s beautiful golden hair poured over her skin dazzling her eyes and tickling her.


    A treacherous urge to push and hug that head arose.


    ¡°Ahhhh!¡±


    As he rolled her sensitive nipple into his mouth, his beast-like hand voraciously tormented the other side.


    Like a drunkard getting drunk and kneading a whore¡¯s chest, he was relentlessly indomitable, driven by instinct, and depravedly lustful.


    It was like a man in heat who was experiencing a woman for the first time in his life.


    Huey pushed his fingers on her lips and into her mouth, whose moan merged with her wail.


    ¡°More delicious than I imagined, Miss Shada.¡±


    As he stirred around her defenseless lips, he laughed alluringly. The aristocratic face was devilishly captivating when it was stained with desire.


    ¡°What does it taste like down here?¡±


    ¡°Hngh! Wait, uh!¡±


    He slipped his fingers out from between her lips and slipped in her underwear like a snake. He stroked her pussy. Shada felt as if her mind was going blank as the soothing hand caressed her leaking wetness.


    It¡¯s weird! Uh, what do I do? T-The Count, is my¡­


    Huey looked down at her helplessness with pleased, heated eyes. It was dangerously cute that she didn¡¯t know that she should spread her legs when he was fondling her sensitive core.


    He bowed his head and kissed her surprised lips tenderly.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right. Miss Shada, just stay still.¡±


    ¡°Master¡­¡­¡±


    Her teary pink eyes were so prettily erotic¡ª enough to make a man go wild.


    Huey licked his lips. The princess was right. She¡¯s erotic. She¡¯s just crying, and it¡¯s kind of lewd and provocative.


    There was something so suggestive about her being so weak and soft, like a rabbit¡¯s tail being coquettish, provoking brutal passion.


    How sweet is your body again?


    Even if he didn¡¯t intend to do it, such a vulgar and indecent desire to pursue her innocent back and crush her in a grotesque place disturbed his head and heart from the first time he saw her.


    When she was chased by her tormentors and bumped into his chest, clenching on to her torn maid¡¯s dress and weeping, he stood pretending to be decent, but he was already in heat.


    Is there a man who won¡¯t move even when he sees the moist flaming eyes that hang on to you desperately?


    ¡°Ahhh! Wait¡­ ah, it hurts.¡±


    ¡°Shh. Hang in there.¡±


    No, never. It¡¯s only natural unless it¡¯s a dead man.


    Where is a woman who looks so delicious?


    On the edge of the desk, her underpants and underwear hung from her loose white legs.


    He grasped the inside of her thigh and opened it wider while persistently taunting her damp crotch. Another finger gently squeezed in, stirring and beating her inner wall.


    A secret red crack that is wide open, a wet, glistening, sticky bush and twitching¡ªa man¡¯s finger that broke in through, feeling her clench. Huey¡¯s adams apple moved. The heat splashed out of his green eyes at the racy sight. Erotic. It was bloody erotic.


    ***

 Chapter 13

    I then looked at the woman¡¯s tearful face, which was blurrily whimpering.


    I wanted to put my hardened rod into her body, at this very instant.


    Whether crying, scared, or shy when receiving mine, I longed to see her changing looks.


    What kind of expression will you make? How can naughtiness, passion, and pleasure alter it?


    It was vindicating that I endured a month.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    With a half-expressionless face, he asked quietly.


    Shada was blocking her lips with the back of her hand, trying to suppress a strange moan that threatened to spill out.


    She hesitated at his wild, weirdly friendly eyes and nodded.


    The mysterious and dangerous temptation to see the painful source of pleasure was scattered all around her, but at the same time, it was terrifying.


    But the man who always cared about her to the point of being overbearing laughed embarrassingly.


    ¡°I am in trouble. If you can barely take this, how could you bear me?¡±


    Then he pulled his buckle, and there was a sound of something falling on the floor.


    His penis, tightly restricted, had firmly erected under his clothes since from before and was finally released.


    As if his tenderness was a lie, it seemed his real intention was to ravage her right away.


    He moved his waist and rubbed his own against Shada¡¯s tender thighs.


    Shada was amazed at his debauched and lustful touch.


    Her face resembled a frightened and startled puppy.


    Because of her cuteness, Huey briefly burst into laughter and kissed her wavy pinkish eyes.


    ¡°Would you like to touch it?¡±


    His gentle, big hand took her hand and traveled down.


    Soon, a thick, hot chunk of flesh was caught in her thin fingers.


    Huey¡¯s jaw stiffened.


    Now his eyes were burning dark.


    Shada trembled with his terribly unfamiliar, veiny, savage-like texture as he slowly adjusted her hand to touch his cock.


    She felt like she was going to lose her mind. Her mouth was watering, and she felt herself get wetter between her legs.


    ¡°This.¡± Her hand stuck to his skin on his male organ. His lips, with a short groan, twitched dangerously. ¡°Is going inside you.¡±


    Huey tore her legs and hands apart.


    Then he grabbed her bare ass cheeks and fitted the tip of his virile manhood into her wet opening.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Her entrance bit his tip a little, and soon, his head was stuck in her flesh. As Shada cried out, Huey, sweating and narrowing his eyebrows, put his finger in her mouth.


    As she bites and sucks it, Shada endured an unusual sensation of a foreign body crawling between her legs.


    I saw a beautiful man looking down at me with a hard-looking face.


    He grasped her waist firmly and itched forward inside. It hurt. There was a dull pain all over my lower body.


    However, at the same time, it was a sense of inseparableness even between strangers¡ªlike me, and a figure from a completely different world could merge more vividly and more realistically than ever before.


    This man was inside her. I felt his pulse beating terribly. After moving forward so slowly, I felt awkward; he completely filled me up and buried himself in me.


    The belly was full.


    She realized it with her whole body only then. Shada was having sex with Count Kirchner, the great knight, most handsome and noble unmarried man in this country¡ªand the fiance of the nasty Princess Julia.


    When she encountered his breathless green eyes, she recognized a strange feeling of satiety, greed, and joy mixed in with immoral ecstasy robbing her of her senses.


    I never expected to have this man, something unimaginable was happening. I, a maid, had little to look forward to, nevermind dream of such a thing.


    He was still motionless as if considering her pain, sweat dripping off his usually straight forehead was now in a pained frown.


    Shada wanted to touch the wrinkles.


    Our bodies are already mixing, so I did as I pleased.


    Huey¡¯s eyes narrowed as she touched his face, and he kissed her finger.


    ¡°Shada is too¡­Very¡­¡±


    The man whispered, panting. He pulled his back all the way, then slammed back into it and mumbled: Pretty.


    Then, as if a dam that was blocked burst, he began to extort like a beast.


    He held Shada¡¯s hands on the desk and shook his waist wildly.


    Oh, oh, ah, she moaned and whimpered as she twisted her abdomen, and he grabbed onto her and poured out his desire.


    The love liquid spilled from the inside of the woman soaked their entangled cores, and she tightened around his hot penis.


    Huey growled.


    ¡°Ha! Fuck¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Ah! hgnnnh!¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s killing me.¡¯


    While I was holding it, I felt like I was being eaten, as if her insides were pulling and sucking.


    Dangerously distorted, he immersed himself frantically in the maid beneath him. Every time their soaked flesh collided, their straight eyebrows twisted, trampled by pleasure.


    When I entered her, she squeezed my member. Even though I didn¡¯t do much, it wouldn¡¯t take long now; it seemed like it would come easily to her.


    Nearly half of my reason had already flown away; my eyes travelled to where I was plunging into her center, and I focused on my rhythm and technique.


    Really¡­ It was beyond my imagination.


    I grimaced and looked at Shada, who was gazing up at me in tears.


    Her flickering pink eyes were so exquisite. She looked like she wanted to scold me and her glare was lovely.


    I want to monopolize this woman who gives me extreme pleasure. When she sobbed under him it was overly pretty, and that naive gaze gave me a tremendous longing.


    This feeling couldn¡¯t be compared with winning honors or making a contribution on the battlefield.


    This woman is mine.


    He murmured as he raised her leg against his body. Stroking it and kissing it, he thought, It¡¯s so pretty. What kind of woman is this?


    I kept moving my back and panting, coveting her with my passion.


    I called out the name that I thought was amusing when I first heard it.


    It felt like swallowing a sweet candy.


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 14

    ¡°Ah! Ooh Count, something¡¯s strange¡­ Ahnng!¡±


    ¡°Huu, that¡¯s not strange.¡± It¡¯s a good thing.


    Shady exclaimed when he pulled out his member and then struck her deeply. A large, blunt weapon opened up a narrow, hot, and unfamiliar inner wall and rushed in vigorously. She was suddenly aware of her sensitive flesh that she didn¡¯t know existed before.


    It was thrilling and hot.


    I trembled from this fervent man coming in and out of me without a break. It was an indescribable feeling of fullness and pleasure.


    At fast, it hurt but the more he did, the more I felt¡ªa phenomenon running lightning running through my body.


    The lower part was hot and worn.


    ¡°D-do you like it?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I like it.¡±


    At least I am enjoying it. The Count whispered as he kissed Shada¡¯s brightly heated cheek.


    His voice, deep with excitement, was erotic. It made my navel fluttered as his heat had blown into my ear. I felt my bottom getting wetter.


    The man who was pummeling again deeply mumbled vaguely¡ªit was so low it was almost a vibration.


    ¡°Haa¡­ It¡¯s tighter.¡±


    ¡°Stop saying things like that!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    His feverish penis stabbed the sensitive part of her inner wall.


    Shada gasped like a crane, out of breath.


    It was arousing and cute.


    Huey briefly burst into laughter.


    ¡°You¡¯re terribly cute. Hoo, I wasn¡¯t going to say this because I was being cheap¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ah, ah, oh! Oh! S-slowly¡­ Ah!¡±


    ¡°Oof, did you ever have a boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Puhk puk puk, he entered several times as if hitting the door. Her shaking legs were completely held firmly in his hands; Shada moaned and wailed, her fists clenching. He bowed his upper body and kissed her, sucking hard on her neck. Huey was pleased with the result and kept kissing.


    ¡°Answer. Quickly.¡±


    ¡°None. Huhoo¡­..¡±


    ¡°Is that true?¡±


    Huey slowed down, his eyes wide. To assuage his disbelief, his overwhelming stare searched her gaze and was met with her sincere red eyes, and she nodded.


    Shada never even wrote a common love letter because she was too busy working, eating, and living.


    Although there was an unusually hefty amount of flirting, there was no one with a heart that was suitable for a romantic relationship that Shada thought about or desired.


    In fact, she always felt sticky and unpleasant at the lustful gazes that were directed at her.


    Obviously, one or two of those gazes belonged to people maids, and ordinary women had good opinions about¡ªbut Shada was perplexed by their thoughts.


    The Count read the truth from her face wet with pleasure and saliva, and his eyes bent happily. At that moment, his lust turned inside. It was a clear satisfaction.


    ¡°How unexpected. A real man wouldn¡¯t have left you alone.¡±


    ¡°Ooh¡ª what?¡±


    ¡°Shada is sexy.¡±


    There¡¯s something about her that stirs one into a passionate heat. With that said, the graceful Count swung his lower arm and crushed her.


    The sweat from his handsome forehead fell onto her naked jiggly swaying breasts. At the sight he swallowed and sucked her peaks like drinking water.


    Haaaa, Shada tilted her head and sighed.


    ¡°Everyone wants to sleep with you.¡±


    The man¡¯s rough breathing next to her ears whipped up an obscene ache. He laughed as she moaned. Your ears are sensitive, aren¡¯t they?


    ¡°Shall I lick it?¡±


    ¡°Haa!¡±


    Shada quivered, holding her breath. The Count¡¯s wet tongue licked her ear gently, bit the earlobe, and then put his tongue in.


    The strange sound of water completely dyed one¡¯s hearing. She felt like a butterfly drowned in a swamp of pleasure. And this man¡­ is the spider that eats her.


    After clutching her cheek and poured out a dense stream of kisses, he raised one of her legs over his shoulder and violently violated her.


    His desk shook; her teeth-marked white breasts, inkwells, and books shook like an earthquake.


    Shada shook her head half-crying at a strong stimulus as if a hot pillar came in.


    The face of the handsome man who was panting with a frown sweat dripping off his nose became blurred and clear. It seemed as if there was a fire underneath him as he entered¡ªstroking his member in and out of her.


    Because of the overwhelming stimuli, Shada opened her teary pink eyes, flushed red, in wide-eyed shock.


    She didn¡¯t even know what she was doing or what she was saying.


    ¡°Ah! Master! Please!¡±


    ¡°Please, big, what?¡±


    ¡°Stop! Stop¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t hear you. Hoo, what should I do, umm?¡±


    He teased her, pretending he couldn¡¯t hear her pleas, trying to escape from the excessive pleasure, without stopping to taste a pretty and delicious woman. He rushed and continued as if eating well-prepared food.


    He banged into her white ass, wholly drenched, including his rough pubic hair, and slapping balls.


    Her lower mouth was soaked with lewd body fluids, so every time he pistoned, the racy sound of smacking flesh and a squishy wetness filled the study.


    Huey squeezed her ample breasts as Shada tilted her head back. Her vision turned red and then whited flushed by the vulgar, thundering flesh.


    In the end, he thrusted into her depths all the way until his scrotum, and he ejaculated. Instinctively, he gripped the maid¡¯s hips and pelvis tightly and pulled it towards him.


    Shada climbed and climaxed with him and quaking and flinching, feeling the Master¡¯s organ poking inside and stretching her¡ªa torturous and pleasing extrapolation.


    Not stopping his slow thrusts and stuffing something hot inside me.


    It was a sense that couldn¡¯t be described. It seems like a man burying himself into my body while leaving a mark deep inside.


    It was a strangely quiet feeling of despondency and fullness.


    After his flood and my waves stopped, there was a long moment. I felt the rough breath of a man who had collapsed on me through his firmness pressed against me.


    His rumbling back muscles glistened wetly with sweat under his white and now transparent shirt. It was a wild and sensual sight.


    The smell of the night flowers and the sweaty man¡¯s body scent mixed into my tingling nose. And as soon as I smelled that strange, alluring smell, a realization hit me like a bat to my head.


    I slept with this man.


    I had sex with Princess Julia¡¯s fiancee¡ªme. No one else.


    ***

 Chapter 15

    Suddenly, the Princess¡¯ venomous face when she tried to beat me like a beast appeared.


    A big hand stroked Shada¡¯s apprehensive shoulder.


    Huey rubbed her cool skin and wrapped it warmly. He blew his warm breath and kissed her gently.


    It was an affectionate gesture as if caring for a small wildflower.


    At that moment, her paralyzing fear went away, and a sense of ecstatic satisfaction filled Shada. There was a mixture of revengeful joy and elation as a woman that had the princess¡¯s belongings, and that it was her ¡ªnot the evil beautiful princess¡ªwho was desperately wanted by the handsome Count and had mixed bodies with her.


    I knew I was being nasty and childish, but what choice did that princess give me who harassed and hurt me purely for her amusement. Of course, I hated her.


    Shada mumbled inwardly, seriously questioning if she was a good person.


    Huey gently stroked her back, kissed her tenderly, and moved slowly with his still-inserted object. The excited man rubbed and groped her red ass cheeks again. He turned Shada over, and she was over his desk.


    Soon after, a man who had a firm erection pierced her.


    ***


    She couldn¡¯t remember how many times they mixed bodies while changing positions and places.


    He was softer and more relaxed than the first time, but instead, he teased and persistently caressed her, making her overflow with liquid.


    With affections and struggling with pleasure, she peaked in his arms.


    Later, he made her beg for him, slowly melting her while moving his back slowly. Please, please¡­¡­!


    She whimpered without knowing what she wanted. And with her head like a blank paper, her intuition told her the Count seemed to be enjoying her appearance.


    Shada got titillating goosebumps as she remembered his last groan while embracing the helpless Shada; he had captured her on the carpeted floor, chewing and swallowing her whole.


    A stimulating sentiment mixed with incredible excitement and extreme shame filled her navel.


    She could never have imagined that a nobleman who looked so perfect and dignified would turn so suddenly into a passionate beast.


    He had eaten her until he was full.


    There was a bite of dinner, locked in his study, having sex until midnight.


    Later, she became perfectly naked and weeping while receiving him, and all her shame disappeared, leaving only her instincts to scream, moan, cry, drool, and cling to Huey.


    Perhaps during that time of joy, we were like beasts.


    At the time, I didn¡¯t know because I was out of my mind, but it seemed that the butler also went there while he was holding me. No, it certainly happened. I fell asleep for a while in his arms, then woke up, and the meal was ready.


    I suddenly thought of it. While coveting her, the Count had growled in a short tone to ¡®leave it there.¡¯ Then he even kindly asked Shada, who was dizzy and was shaking under him. ¡®Do you like veal stew¡¯¡­ ¡­ . Do I like veal stew? Crazy!


    ¡°Ouch¡­¡­.¡±


    Shada tried to get up but her backache forced her to lay back down.


    ¡®It hurts. I can¡¯t move.¡¯


    My whole body was sore and throbbing. It hurts like I was beaten with a stick, so tiny young tears gathered in my eyes.


    It was strange because, since childhood, Shada has been bullied by girls of similar age and fellow maids. She wasn¡¯t a stranger to pain, but this was the first time pain penetrated her entire body.


    Shada was oddly unhappy and buried her face in the fluffy pillow.


    The perpetrator, Count Kirchner, Huey, had already left after he had washed her clean, even dressing her in soft pajamas, laid her on his bed, held her, and left a good morning kiss on her cheek. Telling her to take a good rest today.


    Bizarrely, Shada has been told to relax more than to work recently more than the last ten years of her maid¡¯s life.


    If you only look at it with the purpose of her serving her Master, the work Shada did with the Count yesterday would be considered hard labor.


    My face was burning again, so I wiggled under the blanket for no reason.


    I felt a bit drowsy; before leaving Huey had given her some medicine saying it was good for muscle pain and body aches.


    Shada still couldn¡¯t believe she had slept with him. Her now-tingling body didn¡¯t help.


    ¡®Believe it or not, a really extraordinary thing has occurred.¡¯


    Of course, I do not deny it. Isn¡¯t the pain between my legs and the ache in my back shouting right now?


    ¡®Shada, you¡¯ve caused a major accident.¡¯


    What should I do about this situation? I tried to clear my head to come up with a solution to no avail. I just wanted to rest. I felt a bit anxious, weak with an unusual longing. I am not sure if there is any regret mixed in.


    Soon she opened her eyes, and the owner of the room was already sitting in front of her.


    He was reading the newspaper with a serious look while drinking tea by the table. Then he looked up as Shada peeked at him.


    Shada was a bit stunned, this man who shines cleanly was beautiful.


    Now I secretly relished the knowledge that his smooth, shiny platinum hair was thicker than it looked and had a tough elasticity.


    With those softly curved lips, he had sucked and teased my lower part as hard as he could.


    His eyelids and dimples shined, and his smooth-child-like skin glowed in the sunlight coming through the window.


    I belatedly registered that the man stood up in my daze. Gosh, he is striking.


    ¡°Have you woken up?¡±

 Chapter 16

    I almost hiccuped when he knelt down in front of the bed and made eye contact with me without any warning.


    Originally, he was sweet and friendly, but he was even more caring and attentive after last night.


    It felt like a thin wall of breathtaking tension had been lifted. It was as if he had nothing to distance himself from or guard against as he lifted my limp hand and kissed it tenderly as I looked on stupidly.


    There was no sense of reality as those stunning features, and shaded eyes looked back at me.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    He took off his lips and ended up having to ask again, jolting me into reality so I would answer.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m fine¡­ sir.¡± (she belatedly adds an honorific to her words)


    ¡°Really?¡± (t/n: Huey regularly speaks to Shada in an even more respectful honorific form)


    Huey held her chin as he inspected her and touched her disheveled black hair.


    Shada turned her eyes because it was challenging to meet his green eyes concentrating. But on the one hand, she wanted to see if those elegant eyes were focused on her.


    It¡¯s strange.


    As if yesterday, while mixing with him, I simultaneously desired to push him away and wished he would not stop.


    Huey silently stared at her and noted that she was hesitatingly avoiding his eyes. Huey bowed his head and kissed her forehead. Then he smiled at her, staring deep into her pink eyes that had his gaze with surprise.


    His husky breath touched her skin.


    It was thrilling.


    ¡°Then, can I do it again?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡ª?!¡±


    ¡ªAre you even human! I almost shouted back at him.


    Huey chuckled at her frightened face. Only then I realized that he had been teasing me, mischievously grinning at me as I sulked and sealed my mouth disapprovingly. How evil.


    I realized after sleeping that this man looks and acts like a gentleman is secretly surly and persistent. He is also very impudent.


    He¡¯s like a fox. The ravenous and wild love affair yesterday, and witnessing his face that was distorted by lust, the unruly ardor and sharp gaze that was revealed from time to time resembled a hungry wolf more than an elegant aristocrat.


    ¡°I¡¯m kidding. Your body hurts, and I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    He gently kissed Shada¡¯s round cheeks.


    After she swallowed a sigh of relief at his reassuring words, she moaned.


    It was because he licked the area where his lips touched before.


    Amidst his innocent straight forward eyebrows, his brilliant green eyes gleamed at her.


    ¡®It¡¯s amazing how he does not hesitate to do such obscene things with such a reverent, pious face.


    Haaa haa¡ª His rumbling breath is low and wetly sticks to my skin.


    ¡°Actually, I want to do it. Can¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°How confident you are.¡±


    Huey¡¯s mouth rolled up. It was a soft and profound smile, but in Shada¡¯s eyes seemed to be heartbreaking.


    He kept fiddling with her black hair, touching her fingers, wrists, cheeks, and earlobe, as if he didn¡¯t want to let her go. He couldn¡¯t hide his desire, as if this had been on his mind the whole day, and somehow, he had endured it. The Count¡¯s eyes had a strange heat. She called the Count.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    He replied by kissing her hands held in his big, callused ones.


    ¡°Please speak.¡±


    ¡°I am a maid.¡±


    He lifted his head.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°The Master¡­ is the Count and my owner.¡±


    ¡°It is.¡±


    ¡°And¡­ There is a fiancee.¡±


    As expected, he stayed silent.


    I kept talking while avoiding his gaze because my heart was scared for some reason when his face that had some kind of softness, slowly turned expressionless.


    ¡°So, I don¡¯t know. What are your intentions towards me?¡±


    A short silence fell.


    Shada clutched her fingers as she felt awkwardness, a subtle shame, and strange heartaches piled up with the seconds that passed.


    In fact, it was a natural question. In her situation, Shada had to think about it with that in mind. This kind of relationship between men and women always has the low-ranking person and the woman having to bear in silence.


    It would not be surprising if the Count just had a passing fancy to play with her once, or if he tried to pass it off by saying pleasing sweet words comfortably and lightly pass her question with ¡®enjoy the moment¡¯ saying things are good the way they are.


    To be frank, assuming the worst, it wouldn¡¯t be farfetched to be asked to leave the Countdom and pay her off.


    I closed my eyes and prepared for those things.


    It won¡¯t be okay. But I had to try even if I started seeing him as a man.


    Huey, who looked at her fingertips, squirming like an impatient caterpillar, quietly intertwined his hands with hers.


    It was through that that she was startled and flinched.


    ¡°Do you think I held you because of a momentary impulse?¡±


    I opened my eyes.


    Shady was still confused as to what his serious expression meant.


    His calm, hard-set face seemed bitter.


    He carefully touched her blinking eyes. He spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Maybe, it could have been impulsive.¡±


    My heart sank.

 Chapter 17

    ¡°I wanted to cherish Miss Shada even more. Enough to bring myself to be bound. I guess I thought that it didn¡¯t matter if it happened now or waited until then.¡±


    What is he talking about? Shada¡¯s head was jumbled and blank at the same time. By all means, he was talking as if he liked her. She managed to shake herself and wake herself up.


    No. How can you believe the words of high nobility? Is this the first time you¡¯ve heard about men confessing in the throes of lust? In the end, I¡¯ll be just another petty maid to him.


    Wake up. You need to pull yourself together. How do you know if that¡¯s a play-like feeling or bluff? Maybe he doesn¡¯t even know. Perhaps he¡¯s inflating his shallow crush because of the pleasures of sex.


    All sorts of noises echoed. I don¡¯t know what might be right, but I couldn¡¯t ignore all of it.


    At the same time, Shada couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him; for the first time, his eyes closed. It had been just a moment ago she had assumed he had thick skin and was shameless, but now he seemed embarrassed¡­?


    Yes, he was embarrassed; his voice betrayed his bewilderment and frustration.


    ¡°I lost my reason. I saw you in my own house, in front of me¡ªyou were scared and trembling¡ªbecause of someone other than me¡­ ¡­ . I couldn¡¯t control my emotions.¡±


    Green eyes that had been looking down now looked back up at her. They were livid.


    ¡°Maybe it was revenge against her. Or maybe I wanted to make sure Miss Shada was mine.¡±


    He whispered to himself, mumbling low, and suddenly his lips turned up.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s all an excuse. I always wanted to sleep with you.¡±


    After a moment of hesitation, his inner heart that was revealed was utterly smoldering.


    The man with his thirst-like lust dripping down was terribly alluring. Shada¡¯s heart fluttered, her lips pounding with a heartbeat, panting¡ª smothered by the sight of this dangerous man.


    This was real.


    He had been desiring her all the time. This finally explained why he took Shada despite unquestionably offending the princess.


    On the one hand, while the unsettling questions were resolved, on the other hand, the reality was cold.


    He grabbed her little chin, so Shada¡¯s shaking eyes were full of him.


    ¡°But don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯ll become too miserable if you dismiss it as a cheap desire to sleep together once and throw it away afterwards.¡±


    He drew her face closer.


    ¡°If it was just because I wanted to do it once with you¡­ Everything would have been easier.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­¡­.¡±


    When Shada opened her mouth to say something, Huey covered her lips with his long, firm hands.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me. I know Miss Shada doesn¡¯t fully believe in me yet. Rather than feeling good, desiring, or liking me, you would be worried and afraid for your own well-being, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    I felt relieved that my mouth was blocked.


    There was nothing to say when he made a bluntly accurate comment.


    The man¡¯s eyes, looking down at the soft shaking face, suddenly dimmed. He slowly skimmed his lips, and politely kissed her small forehead.


    Soon he laughed languidly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about anything today. And in the future¡­ Miss Shada can do as she pleases.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Because I will do the same.¡±


    It was sweet but like a warning.


    ***


    Shada¡¯s routine did not change much since that day.


    She still slept in the employee¡¯s dormitory, woke up, washed, and changed clothes at dawn. After the Count went out for a horse ride, she emptied and cleaned his room and had an early lunch. At first glance, nothing had changed.


    However, it was a significant change because it became difficult to face the butler Shada encountered occasionally.


    The seasoned butler never showed any sign of knowing anything, but Shada wasn¡¯t shameless enough to act along with him.


    First of all, it was challenging to work diligently because, above all, Count Kirchner, the owner of the mansion, began to blatantly reveal his innermost thoughts as if he was friendly to her.


    He acted like an indifferent but considerate owner when others were around, but when Shada was serving him tea¡ªher main task¡ªhe seemed to be completely different.


    It was hard to pinpoint the difference; he still acted like a gentleman and didn¡¯t touch her too much.


    The dark eyes that stay on her all the time? His subtle and low voice? Or that look that makes you strangely hot just by glancing at it?


    ¡°Miss Shada.¡±


    When I answered with a ¡°Yes?¡± he said nothing.


    Even in a short silence, I was staring at my toes with all my strength, with pink eyes that became anxious for nothing. I heard a soft chuckle.


    ¡°My eyes are here, not on the floor.¡±


    He was telling me to look him in the eyes and talk.


    As soon as I raised my head, I almost fell in amazement.


    This is because Huey, who wore a tie after a bath, was in front of her. Seeing her stumble, he quickly approached her.


    Her flustered body stiffened as he stretched out a hand and caught her by the waist.


    His shiny, clear green eyes that watched her through damp hair were too close. Straight nose, healthy skin and lips flushed by his hot bath, and a white shirt with a tight neckline.


    He was freshly washed, a pleasant soap scent coming off of him.


    They stared at each other as if time had stopped.


    Dark green eyes grew deeper like shaded greenery hiding passionate lovers.


    I thought it was beautiful when I first saw it, but now there was a strong sense of sensuality: a gloriously polished male, a refined masculine beauty.


    Looking up at him as if possessed, Shada managed come to her sense¡ªabate belatedly.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m okay.¡±


    ¡°¡­ ¡­ .¡±

 Chapter 18

    His arm got a little harder, then he gently let her go.


    Shada had to work hard to pretend nothing was amiss. His unexpected touch reminded her of ¡®the night.¡¯


    Unaware, her gaze was directed with his softly closed lips and his long moving fingers.


    She has a pent-up sigh that she suppressed. That was the very same finger that caressed and fondled her whole body.


    ¡®Haaa *sigh* Shada.¡¯


    Her eyes were distracted. She participated in such a passionate love affair, but then pretending to be okay was a deception.


    Shada¡¯s eyes searched the floor while her mind searched her heart.


    Contrary to the warning he gave that he would do as he wished, Huey didn¡¯t do much. In fact, he acted casual in contrast to an ashamed and confused Shada. Just looking into his eyes turned her hair white.


    The power of the first night was great.


    Shada was dejected; how could someone not even turn red at all after all of that?


    How could he manage to look so proper and composed?


    I couldn¡¯t even sleep well.


    How many women have you met so far? The number must not be small for a man who has achieved power, fame, and wealth¡ª and with his beauty??¡ªnot small at all.


    And what was I? A poor maid.


    Shada deliberately tried to maintain her composure by crushing her expectations and self-esteem. Her heart twisted.


    So embroiled in depressing thoughts, she didn¡¯t see the hand approach.


    ¡°Your lipstick smeared.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    As soon as his fingertips touched her soft lips, she flinched with an exclamation and shook off the hand in a fit of surprise.


    It was loud enough to startle the pair, and then the awkward stillness subsided as his face twisted slightly. Shada panicked and turned white.


    Crazy. What did you do? Don¡¯t be fooled because he¡¯s a little kind. After all, this man is also a nobleman from different blood than a commoner like herself.


    ¡°Sorr¡ª I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry, Master!¡±


    I tried to bow on the ground and lie flat, according to my habit at the palace but stopped moving when a clear voice resounded, and a cold hand suddenly came up and snatched me.


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    ¡°Yeah? Yes?¡±


    ¡°Are you doing this on purpose?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Shada repeated foolishly.


    Heat flashed in his eyes, with a careless, cold smile.


    Suddenly he became enormous, and she was completely buried in his shadow as she held her breath.


    Cold sweat dampened my quivering cold palms.


    His green eyes glanced at the movement and narrowed. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards himself.


    Expressionlessly, Huey looked down at her pale face and put her hand in his neck.


    ¡°Please tie my tie.¡±


    This time Shada didn¡¯t say ¡®Yes?¡¯ to his words.


    As if her ten years working as a maid accounted for nothing, she held the soft silk tie as he put it in her hands. She hesitated a little and then moved her hand clumsy.


    Shada had rarely tied a man¡¯s tie, but she used to do her father¡¯s as a joke.


    Fortunately, commoners and nobles in commerce had the same way of tying ties.


    When I felt a sense of crisis, my hand managed to move on their own.


    After a few mishaps, the tension disappeared from Shada¡¯s face, who concentrated on tying the knots prettily, and her mouth was slightly open because of her zealous concentration. Huey looked down at her shimmering pink eyes.


    A glittering sunlight, a starry noon Shada put his tie on in the Count¡¯s room covered with warm silence.


    Her face completely enthralled him.


    Her thin fingertips moved slowly and rubbed against his throat. It was a little crooked, but it was all tied. When Shada looked up with a smile of relief, Huey immediately bowed his head and kissed her small open lips. He held her by her shocked shoulder and pulled her towards him. He licked her reddish lips and sucked it sweetly.


    She moaned lightly. Unknowingly, she grabbed and pulled on his tie like a lifeline.


    Huey was being lightly choked, but he coveted her apricot-like lips.


    It looked like a wild beast with a leash swallowing its owner whole.


    After her lips were swollen and smudged, even her lipstick was ravenously sucked into his mouth, and he raised his head.


    Shada, who was burning red all over, took a shaky breath; her eyes teared up.


    When Huey saw his stubborn tie, he laughed.


    ¡°It¡¯s all crumpled.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Shada quickly released her hand and wandered in the air for a moment.


    Huey, pretending not to know, wore a vest over his wrinkled crimson tie and cufflinks to his sleeves.


    The man seeing the confused Shada looked at her again.


    ¡°How long will you avoid my eyes?¡±


    He knew that the woman would never refute that she never did.


    Shada picked up her gaze reflexively, then pouted.


    Huey, pleased, was smiling again.


    ¡°I left it alone because I told you to do what you wanted, but I think I was wrong.¡±


    He spoke, watching her blinking pink eyes.


    ¡°What I want to do maybe the opposite of Miss Shada¡¯s will. Because of Shada¡¯s personality, there is a high probability, but we didn¡¯t decide what to do in this case. So I just decided.¡±


    I will do whatever I want. Obscene desire poured out of his smiling mouth.


    ***

 Chapter 19

    ¡°I¡¯ll hug you, kiss you, touch you ¨Cas much as I want, whenever I want. No matter your health, wherever we are¡ªeven if Miss Shada protests¡ªI¡¯ll hug you freely. You¡¯ll get used to it if you keep sleeping with me. Won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Master!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Shada.¡±


    Huey looked at her with a gentle manner and mildly enough to make Shada doubt whether this same man just declared he said he would ravish her at will.


    But his eyes sparked and throbbed with heat as if on fire. It was like the eyes of a hungry crocodile rising.


    He had an appetite.


    Shada instantly felt her lower abdomen swell and burn as if she had also been caught on fire,


    It was dangerous.


    It wasn¡¯t just the instinct of a woman facing sexual perils; it was a sign of danger as a whole mixed up and setting off her alarms.


    After this man in front of my eyes shook her and swallowed her up, it seemed that the very small identity of herself would disappear without a trace.


    He was a man who had that capability, and Shada was ridiculously insignificant compared to him.


    The difference was so clear that she wanted to run away.


    And she was also madly attracted to him, terrifyingly so.


    The blood drained from her face, and Shada stepped back and turned away.


    Before crossing the threshold, a voice with dry laughter struck her eardrums.


    ¡°Did you hate what you did with me?¡±


    Shada¡¯s throat was dry.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, I don¡¯t know what to do. Because I am going crazy with how much I liked it. Actually, I can¡¯t stand it. I still want to drag you from there and lock you up in my bedroom. Please turn around. Just look at me¡ªonly me.¡±


    Shada wished he would stop talking¡ªshe was vulnerable and exposed defenselessly to his naked voice¨C raking her heart and loins with raw emotion. She was unable to neither cover her ears nor run away.


    ¡°Will you hate me if we do it until you scream from pleasure?¡±


    She fled the room at a run.


    ***


    Huey stood without expression until Shada¡¯s footsteps faded away, calmly arranging the cufflinks on the other side.


    A knock rang.


    It was the butler. He, in a polite tone to the owner wearing a blazer, informed him,


    ¡°Sir Cedric is here.¡±


    ¡°Tell him to come up.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Shall I have them visit you later?¡±


    Huey glanced at the butler. He bowed his head politely.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    The quick-witted butler retired without further provoking the anxious master.


    On the surface, the man¡¯s face, which was sheer like a sculpted man with neatly combed blonde hair, seemed calm and without any distraction.


    He sat in an armchair languidly with his chin reclining in the palm of his hand.


    In that state, he became lost in thought and silent. So lost in rumination he was¡ªthat even his revere wasn¡¯t interrupted by the sound of someone¡¯s clattering shoes echoing closer outside the door that soon bursted open. The newcomer greeted him.


    ¡°It¡¯s been such a long time since I¡¯ve seen you with such a face!¡±


    Huey didn¡¯t respond, only offering a seat with a hand gesture to the person.


    Cedric grumbled, complaining that he didn¡¯t get a better reaction.


    ¡°How are you?¡±


    ¡°Did you see it?¡±


    ¡°I guess not.¡±


    Cedric nodded softly.


    He looked closely at Huey, who nervously tilted the teacup so as not to show his feelings.


    Whether it was because of the observational gaze or his signature self-control, another person¡¯s presence quickly helped him return to putting on the mask known as ¡®Count Kirchner.¡¯


    His calm and dry eyes turned to the guest seated across from him.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you saying you have not been getting along with Princess Julia these days?¡±


    Huey¡¯s gaze, which had first paid a little attention, quickly became dull.


    Cedric shrugged his shoulders at an unspoken gaze that asked him as to whether he had come to this place to only ask about something like that.


    ¡°It¡¯s important. Isn¡¯t she the only daughter and precious gem of the King?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, a great nuisance.¡±


    He laughed cynically.


    Cedric was startled.


    Such words would never be said to the precious Princess¡¯s face, but his hate was rarely expressed so honestly.


    Contrary to popular belief, the great knight Count Kirchner was, in fact, a man with a superior political sense and potential even more exemplary than his mastery over all-out warfare.


    It was because, on the political battlefield, he knew how not to stand out so far.


    He was persevering and patient, not like those typical of his age, and knew how to wait.


    Restricting oneself to only their needs and going with the flow discreetly was much more complicated than talking and being attention-hungry.


    What was even more frightening was that few of the kingdom¡¯s powerful knew about the Count¡¯s thoughts even though he was the successor to the next King and a war hero who received all kinds of attention both inside and outside.


    Cedric asked in a much more serious tone than he did at first:


    ¡°Has the Princess poured tea water on you? Or maybe slapped you on the cheek?¡±


    He knew that the vicious and ugly Princess was crazy about the man in front of him, but it wouldn¡¯t surprise him if her instincts took over and she revealed her true nature¡ªlater, she could easily say not all her facilities were at her disposal.


    Cedric worked as a court customs officer under his mother¡¯s family¡¯s influence that hailed from upper-class gentry. He stayed in the courts, mingling to and fro, and was quick on the uptake on circumstances, incidents, and accidents in the palace.


    The graceful mustache, refined dress, and humble etiquette were regarded as Cedric¡¯s symbols to his acquaintances were gained from time and experience.


    The first time Huey met Baron Cedric, he found it hard to believe that his grandfather was a serf and his father was once a commoner.


    Huey laughed at the breathless question.


    ¡°Fortunately, or unfortunately, it has not happened yet.¡±


    ¡°Fortunately¡ª that would be unfortunate.¡±


    At least I could stop her from entering my house if she had slapped me¡ªit is rather cheap for the amount of peace I would get.


    Huey thought so in silence and without a reply.

 Chapter 20

    The mention of Princess Julia naturally reminded me of Shada, who had worked as her maid. In fact, it doesn¡¯t matter what I think of these last few days; everything ends and begins with Shada.


    There have been signs of me doing that ever since I first brought her to the mansion, but I was doing more and more¡ªand it was only getting worse.


    Even today, he looked at the teacup that was lighter than the tea she had made, and he fell in thought.


    She is very gentle and quiet. No greed. A woman named Shada was a maid who worked hard at her job and was introverted, and she had a lot of worries and thoughts.


    She had the great qualities of a small citizen. A good woman who cannot commit serious wrongs, illegalities, or immorality in her lifetime.


    At the same time, his excessive natural charm did not match the weak inner side.


    Like a worm twisting in a sweet flower, Shada became the target of all kinds of desires, jealously, and harassment¡ªeven though she didn¡¯t even do anything special or seek attention.


    The flower had no thorns to protect itself, so she must have cried a lot all this time.


    Thinking back and recalling her white cheeks that had been beaten and swollen due to Princess Julia¡¯s abuse, he lowered his line of sight, looking down expressionlessly.


    Overly seductive charm and beauty are what everyone covets, but it is a heavy poison for a vulnerable and powerless woman like herself.


    Even a human being like me is also possessed and fascinated by it.


    The only difference was that if the Princess or others were ugly mites and pests that tormented her and harmed her, I was a greedy spider who would devour the whole flower.


    As if I instinctively refused, as if I wanted to avoid the truth, the back of my hand was itchy.


    I flexed my flinching fingers.


    In fact, my personality was far from being gentle and good. From the background of my growth ¨Cto my half-life on the battlefield, I was exposed to a violent and harsh environment throughout my life. So it was challenging to have a good personality.


    If there is only one virtue, I had fostered better than others; it was my unwavering patience.


    However, my one advantage seems to have an exception.


    My best organs became useless for almost a month. I was amazed and perplexed in my heart. It was bizarre to behave and talk impulsively as if I had no control of myself.


    This was a very anomalous and disturbing change, considering the goals I had set for myself since childhood.


    Naturally, I felt a sense of crisis and thought to distance myself from her¡ªShada, the eye of my chaotic storm¡ª but I didn¡¯t want to.


    Every time his maid tried to escape and create distance, he became angry.


    Of course, he understood her position and feelings because he was an understanding, patient, and caring master.


    If Shada had been shrewd, she might understand the unreasonable things she and Huey might face in the future and how unfair he was being and not tolerate such annoying and irritating things like now.


    In fact, he didn¡¯t like being vociferous either.


    It was better to spend time alone in a quiet place rather than in the midst of public admiration, and he preferred rural estates on the outskirts to the magnificent capital.


    Nevertheless, here he was, obeying the order to be engaged with Princess Julia and acting like a ridiculous clown¡ªalbeit semi-forced¡ªbecause he had good political reasons to decide and choose so.


    But Shada had no good reason ¨Cunless she loved him.


    But that didn¡¯t mean she wasn¡¯t attracted to Huey. He wasn¡¯t a stupid man that he couldn¡¯t even read the gestures, facial expressions, and eyes he encountered.


    She was hesitant and scared. And she should be; if he was careful and wise, he would be too. But burning greed and selfishness were shouting at him constantly.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want her to see all that and simply just see me. May you desire honestly, open your arms and yell and moan. My dream¡ªone day¡ª I want to see her clinging to lust, hanging on to me with passion, just like her inner embrace when I am inside of her. I hope you will look me in the eye and call me.¡¯


    I endured it dozens of times a day¨Cwhenever her light pink eyes avoided and turned away, I had to resist forcibly holding onto her.


    Unlike me, she didn¡¯t seem to have a significant change in her daily life with or without me.


    That hateful, stony face that doesn¡¯t look at me at all.


    ¡®Well, I guess you don¡¯t like me that much yet.¡¯


    Huey twisted his tight lips.


    ¡°It looks like his Majesty the King will call you.¡±


    As if Cedric¡¯s polite address was funny, Huey raised the corner of his lips.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Did you not hear? The western border area is noisy these days. Amongst the nobles, it seems like they are talking about the republican rebels and terrorism. His Majesty is also listening to their talks.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t finished talking yet.¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m not going. If he wants to clean it up, let him go.¡±


    It was a stubborn rejection. Cedric was a bit taken aback by the readily replying figure opposite of him.


    He recalled recent gossip that mentioned the Count was confining himself to his mansion and estate.


    As rumored, Huey didn¡¯t seem to have any desire to leave his nest. Frankly, there were also some unsavory speculations about his absence among the rumors¡ªperhaps even¡ª¡®dismissal?¡¯


    Although Princess Julia¡¯s bloody glances only allowed a few to gossip about it.


    When he first heard the rumor, Cedric, who had known the Count even before he was given the title, thought it was nonsense and felt uneasy.


    Even if such a thing was happening on the surface, Cedric knew there must be another¡ªmore profound¡ª reason for him to act that way. But is there any possibility that it is not just rumored?


    Cedric fiddled with his mustache. Interesting.

 Chapter 21

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not telling you to go. Instead, they would ask you to take responsibility for your escort and guardianship. Security in the capital has been on alert lately. Wasn¡¯t there an emergency recently concerning the water supply?¡±


    Of course, he knew well.


    ¡°There has been intelligence that the remnants of the Republic¡ªeven a spy¡ª have sneaked into the capital. You must be very anxious.¡±


    Huey watched Cedric fiddling with his old-fashioned mustache, leaning his head on the back of the sofa as he was told that someone else¡¯s house was on fire.


    His anxious face kicking his tongue is severe and gentle. Huey, who is close to the common people, knew that the Baron was in some ways nobler than all the aristocracy in the capital.


    He felt fortunate that he liked his personality, and they fit on the same wavelength as friends.


    So he paused for a moment, wondering about why he said this.


    ¡°So¡­¡±


    In perfect Count Kirchner form, he casually squeezed his chin.


    ¡°Are you requesting I soothe the uneasy king?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what a son-in-law should do.¡±


    Cedric laughed, and Huey moved only his lips, his mumbling blurred, audible to Cedric, but it was as if he was talking to himself. He straightened up like a swan gracefully bending its long neck.


    ¡°Indeed, I am a loyalist engaged to his daughter.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°Reliable and trustworthy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the correct stance you should take.¡±


    ¡°Okay. That¡¯s not difficult.¡±


    It¡¯s something you should do. Tea water flowed in behind a murmur.


    Cedric tapped his gloved finger holding the cane at a constant beat. He was always wearing gloves, like fashionable gentlemen. Today he wore black buffalo leather gloves that matched with his nice cognac-colored suit.


    There was a silence between the Count, who drank tea quietly for a moment, and the Baron, who seemed to have fallen into thoughts of a different kind.


    He opened his mouth as if the song that had been suddenly cut off, resumed.


    ¡°A party should be splendid. It will be the King¡¯s birthday soon, so there will be more to worry about.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huey slowly stirred the teacup with a teaspoon.


    Cedric laughed as if he was apologetic.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t like being bothered and social, but please understand. It won¡¯t take long.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll believe you.¡± No, I don¡¯t believe you.


    Cedric laughed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk more tomorrow at midnight. I¡¯ll discuss more details at the club.¡±


    Ah. Cedric, who just got up from his seat with his hat in his hand, made a sound and movement as if he had just remembered something.


    ¡°I thought it was a frivolous gossip, but are you in a relationship?¡±


    ¡°I think you said it with your own mouth.¡±


    ¡°Umm, yes, that¡¯s what I think. But I am not the person involved.¡±


    Cedric sat his hat on his head and lifted the brim with the tip of his cane.


    Underneath it was a light, playful mischief and outright curiosity that was buried in his glistening eyes.


    The Count, sitting on the sofa like an indolent beast even when a guest arose, leaned back on his upper body and folded his arms.


    He asked after a beat.


    ¡°What rumors?¡±


    Ho-oh, look at this.


    ¡°Are you admitting that you did something rumor-able?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a good idea to interrogate the landlord while visiting his estate.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a question. Why are you doing this when it¡¯s just between us?¡±


    Cedric, who asked mischievously, raised his hands defenselessly to Huey¡¯s icy chuckle.


    ¡°It is a simple story. The Princess¡¯s fianc¨¦e carried a mysterious woman out of her palace.¡±


    ¡°She is a maid.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s even more surprising than what they thought. From their point of view, they will say ¡®the famous Count Kirchner is with a mere maid.¡¯¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    In fact, he did not refute. Unquestionably, his expression sank colder than before.


    The other party commented on the unusual appearance carefully and concisely.


    ¡°You look angry.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, Huey spit out as if he had been waiting:


    ¡°I understand, but what is this about being angry?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t. If you really understand the other person¡¯s circumstances, you won¡¯t get angry. Because I fully sympathize with and accept that feeling.¡±


    said Cedric, who was flatly unclean, raised his bloody mouth.


    He fiddled with his mustache as he observed Huey¡¯s sharp icy eyes. He gently advised:


    ¡°Let¡¯s give the other person some time and distance. How hard it must be to be in a relationship with a man like you.¡±


    Cedric patted his shoulder and left. Even after he left, Huey was staring into the air.


    Give some time? Of course, he might be right. If I wait patiently, I am confident that your eyes will eventually turn this way. But Cedric overlooked one thing. She was timid. Very much so.


    We must abandon the expectation that her feelings will indeed determine her actions.


    Maybe you are already preparing to run away.


    From this situation, he summed up his feelings, and her confused feelings.


    He tapped the armrest with his hard folded index finger.


    Miss Shada.


    If I give you room, won¡¯t you surely run away?


    ¡°So, you should keep taming it without giving it time or room to run away.¡±


    Until vigilance and shame are inertia with wetness.


    I can¡¯t miss the moment, so it¡¯s not unusual.


    It would be much easier to seduce her gentle sexual spirit.


    No, in fact, above all, he couldn¡¯t afford to give Shada any more room or time¡ª because of himself.


    ***

 Chapter 22

    Just as the kind and caring Master anticipated, Shada ran out of Count¡¯s room and fled to her dorm room.


    She sat idly for a long time, dumb and numb¡ª and stayed up all night with her eyes open, but as soon as the morning appeared, she jumped up and packed her luggage.


    Things were happening that she couldn¡¯t handle, and Shada wasn¡¯t confident of holding on to it or her ability to take responsibility for her actions.


    So the first tempting option that came to mind was to run away.


    After all, they were an employee-employer relationship, and it would be over if she quit her job.


    Even while I thought about it, it hurt deeply, and I felt the beginnings of heartbrokenness. I tried hard to capture the fissure and hold the pieces together, but it was already too far and deep.


    More than that was overwhelming and too much to bear.


    It was not easy to quit work. When she said she would leave the mansion, the butler Fran pulled up his glasses and stared at Shada.


    As if he knew everything ¡ª and perhaps he did indeed ¡ª she shriveled up under Franc¡¯s deep blue gaze.


    ¡°This is quite sudden. Why? What is the reason?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a personal matter. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Shada said, bowing deeply at her waist, making a perfect right angle.


    Franc seemed to think deeply for a moment. ¡°Does the Master know of Miss Shada¡¯s resignation?¡±


    ¡°¡­ not yet.¡±


    Shada closed her eyes as she felt an even stronger gaze that seemed to be piercing her.


    She felt as if she was sitting on a cushion made of thorns.


    Shada¡¯s fingers twisted with anxiety but plucked up her courage. Although her voice got smaller, she still said something to say.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think the Count¡¯s permission would matter if I quit my job. I mean, I haven¡¯t been paid this month yet.¡±


    She spoke quietly, but her heart was pounding. Her thumb was crushed like a rat in a mousetrap between her fingers.


    It was correct, and it was reasonable enough.


    Although she lived in the era of kings, she had the personal freedom to quit a job in a country that was once a republican.


    Franc unexpectedly affirmed her statement.


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡±


    ¡°But Miss Shada, what about moral responsibility?¡±


    ¡°Moral¡­ Responsibility?¡±


    Her pink eyes opened wide like circles.


    Then the butler with a stern impression, who seemed to have prepared for such a situation, eloquently elaborated,


    ¡°If Ms. Shada suddenly quits, it will be difficult to find someone to fill the vacancy. If you can¡¯t, you have to do the right thing and quit. If you leave, you will stop, but the rest of you have to fill that share and work more.¡± [man give this manipulative wingman butler a raise, he¡¯s just as shrewd as his boss]


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    This was also true. Suddenly, Shada seemed to have become a big nuisance.


    She wasn¡¯t offended but very embarrassed.


    The butler was correct. From the standpoint of the butlers, maids, and servants, Shada¡¯s complicated personal circumstances made their work more difficult.


    She felt sorry for being self-centered and not considerate of her colleagues. [*bangs head against the wall*]


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°No. You just have to work hard for about a month until we hire a new maid. What do you think? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to get paid as well? From your resume, I know you have no immediate family members to rely on. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to have a little more money until you get your next job?¡±


    Shada flinched at the advice Franc had offered so freely and unfeelingly.


    As he had said, Shada¡¯s parents died in an accident, and Shada was left alone in this world.


    Fortunately, she was a maid in the royal palace, so she didn¡¯t have to find a place to stay, but at that time, she sobbed every night until her pillow was soaked with salty water.


    Being left alone was so scary and lonely.


    She had been working as a maid from a poor family since childhood. She had never seen them often, but Shada missed her mother and father. Working at the palace was never easy.


    Certainly, Shada had never been unemployed before, she had always been working as a maid, and she had never lived alone.


    Her vague preparedness was pointed out, and her anxiety that Franc dexterously pressed on started to fill her mind with doubts.


    Franc gently added, watching her darkened expression:


    ¡°In fact, it¡¯s best for Ms. Shada to work long hours. A meticulous and capable maid is always welcome.¡±


    Suddenly her nose was tingling.


    Shada was forced to return to her dorm room, red-faced reddened and courageously holding her cheap bundle.


    A sigh burst forward.


    One month. Can I hold out that long?


    And from that very day, the meaning of the Master¡¯s warning was immediately revealed.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Shady bit her lips and bowed her head to resist a nasal moan.


    He broke through the dark hair flowing in front of him and buried his lips on her white neck.


    In the meantime, gentle and intense caresses of her waist followed, one after another; although it was affectionate like one pets a dog Shada struggled with her growing arousal and his sensual stimulation because he got lower and lower.


    ¡°Master!¡±


    She was getting rid of his messy desk and tea set. As always, the Count smiled and focused on the papers, and Shada carefully lifted the teapot so as not to disturb him.


    Then Shada had jumped in surprise when a hand gripped her ass.


    ¡®I almost broke an expensive teapot¡ª no!¡¯


    Suprised, Shada looked back at her damn owner, her mouth open.


    He was calmly signing the papers. His green eyes met her startled pink ones¡ªmaking her blush.


    Unlike his neat, composed, and refined face, she felt a faint mischievous desire there. It wasn¡¯t surprising; they had given into their lust for each other before.


    He laughed seductively, squeezing her bouncy butt


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Miss Shada?¡±


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t do this.¡±


    There were a lot of things to say, but what came out of her mouth was a common coy, timid rebellion.


    Huey stared at her pink eyes, shaking helplessly¡ªat a loss at what to do¡ªthrough his half-hooded eyes heavy with lust.


    He licked his lips.


    ¡°Let me tell you a secret.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±

 Chapter 23

    ¡°In this situation, right now, it sounds like you are asking for more if you say that with that tone, that face, and those eyes.¡±


    No¡ª what¡ªnot at any point!


    Shada was frightened by the advice of an all-knowing pervert.


    She was alarmed and tried to shake his hand away. His hand fell easily, but again, like a sucker, it touched her thigh. She felt a bit of affection from his touch fondling the back of her knees and her tender flesh.


    Shada was embarrassed.


    Why do you feel this way about a man who clearly wants to pounce on you? Shada are you crazy?


    ¡°D-don¡¯t do it,¡± Shada stuttered.


    Even when I listened to myself, it was ridiculous because I had no power in my voice. I was confused about what I wanted to do myself.


    The restless red face looked so naive and defenseless. So, with an uncertain stuttering word, Shada looked even worse.


    Are you doing this on purpose? The Count groaned with the teeth clenched.


    ¡°I was just kidding.¡±


    ¡°Kidding?¡±


    No, how is this a joke?


    At her stunned reply, he held his chin like an innocent boy.


    His outrageous words left her speechless. He laughed meanly at her dazed face.


    ¡°When I saw Shada¡¯s reaction, I really wanted to do it. Would you like to do it?¡±


    You can look elegant even if you are lewd, Shada realized.


    She shook her head, suddenly coming to her senses, and got up. It was burdensome and scary, and above all, it was her work hours.


    At her refusal, he lifted his hand from her thigh and only touched Shada¡¯s fingers and hair as if he was regretful. It was an acceptable amount of contact, so Shada left it alone after a moment of consideration.


    Maybe it was because he¡¯s so handsome, or he¡¯s my master ¡­ because even though Huey touched Shada from time to time, she honestly didn¡¯t feel bad. It is also because of this that her rejection had no effect and wasn¡¯t convincing.


    Huey, who read her like an open book, raised the level of skinship day by day.


    Was it a big deal to hold hands when our bodies have already mixed?


    Huey, who was fiddling with Shada¡¯s hand, abruptly stated:


    ¡°You have short nails.¡±


    ¡°Because they get in the way of work.¡±


    Moreover, when I was doing chores, my nails were worn out without any growth. But I didn¡¯t bother to add that part in.


    He kept his eyes on the small but hard back of her hand and fingers.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty because they are short. It is much more pleasing to look at than well-groomed hands that have only been taken care of without any struggle.¡±


    His lips touched her rough, callus fingers.


    Admiring words and his sincere compliments pierced her heart and heated it up.


    Shada turned red and gulped, nervous that the room would hear her beating heart.


    She looked at this man who, as if bewitched, gently caressed her ugly, short fingers.


    What. Isn¡¯t it a foul to say that with those eyes and expressions?


    Enchanted, their eyes met.


    When Shada slowly closed and opened her eyes, Huey¡¯s face was very close.


    Pulling her wrist and seating Shada on his thigh, he swallowed her lips right away¡ªand Shada was unable to find the will to push him away.


    A soft and warm sensation lingered in her mouth.


    Her hand that had come up to push him wandered in the air and slowly rested on his hard chest. Their tender kiss quickly became urgent. Shada couldn¡¯t keep up, so helplessly, she was dragged around, blind sighted by his tongue and passion that ardently coveted her.


    She was giddy and dazed.


    He released her only when he came up for breath.


    Shada looked at his roaring neckline, sharp jawline, and slippery masculine lips with a helpless expression and soft, tingling eyes.


    Belatedly she noticed that her skirt was almost completely rolled up, and the man¡¯s hand was grasping the inside of her thigh and thick ass.


    He smiled like a wild, mischievous Siamese cat at her frightened pink eyes.


    Long fingers came under her panties.


    A thrilling heat spread as he touched her bare skin under the thin fabric.


    Shada¡¯s eyes blushed helplessly. Watching her face with painstaking attention, Huey licked his lips as his mouth became dry.


    ¡°Say what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Master, wait¡ªoh!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so erotic.¡±


    Like wriggling little demons, his hand touched and stabbed her wet pussy until she soaked his trousers.


    Shada crumpled the Count¡¯s shirt without knowing it and then quickly relaxed her grip, suddenly mindful of how expensive that silk was.


    But he pulled back by her waist as if it didn¡¯t matter, sticking her closer to him.


    She wailed and struggled at his playful hand, touching her underneath her dress as her arms wrapped around his hard neck.


    In the quiet, leisurely afternoon office, a loud, lewd sound echoed through her ears.


    Shada shook her head as if crying as his squishy ministrations gradually increased.


    I was embarrassed.


    I hated myself for reacting like this and looked resentfully at Huey, who looked so charming as I struggled with punishments.


    ¡°Do you like it? It¡¯s so wet.¡±


    ¡°Uh, oh, oh-ah!¡±


    She cried briefly, then moaned and bit her lips.


    Complex emotions of joy, pleasure¡­ and strangely, embarrassment and disappointment filled Shada.


    I wanted to talk to him about it. I hated him. a lot.


    Her tearful pink eyes resentfully glared at him. He groaned quietly, muttering a profanity.


    Huey laughed dangerously, teasing her with his adult male hands and tearing her poorly stretched white underwear to pieces.


    As Shada stumbled rebelliously at the ripping sound and sensation, he wrapped her waist firmly like grabbing prey. Like a snake wrapping up and crushing a poor victim.


    ¡°Where are you going.¡±


    ¡°No- no¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°No way. It¡¯s good.¡±


    He growled low, biting her chin and sucking her lower lip with a snarl. The transparent saliva stretched between like a spider web.


    The sound of a buckle releasing came from below. Shada felt the head of his firmly manly erection with her back lifted, standing up and rubbing against her crotch as his shoulders stiffened.

 Chapter 24

    His head stroked against her vagina, blindly looking for her hole, and then went inside strongly. She was pulled by her waist and pierced by his hard penis, like beads threaded through a stiff thread.


    A strange and weird moan broke out. The black skirt of her maid uniform fluttered and covered their tightly interlocked lower bodies like a tent.


    It was heavy and deep. Shada was at a loss, weeping, flinching, and bound by the Count¡¯s arms. She instinctually rubbed her clit as she wiggled her lower full belly, grabbing Huey¡¯s wrinkled shirt, raised her nails, eventually calling him and wrapping her arms desperately around his neck that had an extended tendon.


    ¡°Master. Oh, Master.¡±


    Damn it. It was cute.


    ¡®She is so lovely, so adorable that I want to chew everything.¡¯


    This woman who clings to him like a pathetic baby cat or helpless white rabbit is so pretty.


    Huey hugged her tightly and felt her interlocking heart beating. He felt like he was going to burst from below.


    ¡°Hnghh¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    As if calming down for a moment, the hands holding her tightly grasped her white ass checks and moved her waist slowly.


    Her body swung as he pumped her like a rabbit.


    The chair in the office shook.


    ¡®Oh, it¡¯s broad daylight now. I should be working. I am out of my mind.¡¯


    Shada grumbled and faced the Count as he gripped her firmly, hammering her from bottom to top.


    His breath was hot with a fine sweat. A few strands of sparkling platinum hair, like sharp knives, were stuck to his handsome forehead, and his green eyes that stared at her shined darkly and deeply.


    His lips were slightly open, panting, and whenever Shada accidentally contracted her lower kegel muscles, his smooth marbled cheeks twitched.


    Everything was so dark and clear under the bright sunlight. The harsh noise and heated atmosphere of sex filled the room, causing her skin to tingle.


    Under the skirt, he was penetrating her, and his head was filled with the taste of moving in and out.


    He looked at the woman he was holding like a precious vessel and was silent. It was only hot eyes and gentle movements. A hot sigh and a minute groan flowed from the open mouth occasionally.


    Shada knew he was completely immersed in her.


    It was hard not to know when their bodies were connected.


    Big hands embrace her softly bent waist.


    Shada felt like a poppy flower rooted in hard soil. Huey¡¯s hot and persistent gaze collapsed with pleasure. The hot object that dug inside her pulsates, pokes her, and shakes her.


    The two, man and woman, looked into each other¡¯s eyes while listening to the sound of their rhythm.


    The damp, shaky pink eyes met the solid, blazing green eyes as the lower body was entangled sticky in love.


    Haaa haaa¡­ ¡­ . My hot breath broke out. They looked at each other for a long or short time and reached their peak together.


    Shada trembled as Huey kissed her hard.


    As he gently mixed his tongue, his lust filling her with his hardness again betrayed his urgency.


    His whole body was stained with a sensualness that stimulated Shada as much as the greed he revealed.


    Sticky with sweat, Shada panted and drooped in his arms.


    She was tired and drowsy as if she had been squeezed dry, leaving only a ragged outer shell.


    Huey stroked her sweaty black hair and rubbed her back.


    If it weren¡¯t for his cock that was still inside of her, it would look like he was dealing with a child.


    He whispered while kissing her ear. Well done.


    She was praised. She didn¡¯t even know what she did. Actually, he did everything.


    I was tired, and I felt like I wanted to sleep like this. But there was work to be done.


    Although it was a sensitive subject, Shada did not like to play and eat like his mistress, although she did something like this with the owner of the mansion, the Count.


    Even though he was a Count, it would be obvious that Shada would play and eat as his mistress, and others would laugh at her. Even if that wasn¡¯t the case, she didn¡¯t want to live her life that way; she wanted to maintain her independence and make her own path.


    Besides, she did it again. It wasn¡¯t one-sided; she liked it and was so excited that she was dizzy¡ªleft with complicated thoughts.


    She muttered helplessly, pushing the sweaty the Count, who was kissing her lightly on the back of her white neck.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to go.¡±


    ¡°¡­ already?¡±


    ¡°I have to clean up.¡±


    Huey, brokenhearted, stared at her stubbornly, trying to get down.


    It wouldn¡¯t be hard for him to manipulate her thoughts and convince her otherwise, but Huey was too nervous and curious to push it.


    He smiled as he watched her, avoiding his gaze due to her shyness.


    ¡°Is that so? Okay, then.¡±


    He nodded, and Shada trembled as he bit her.


    When his full erection that had filled her came out, Shada felt empty.


    He lowered her, swaying, as if hugging her, and except for the slightly disheveled hair, heated skin, light sweat, and loose waist dance, he was neat and tidy with his vest and the angled shirt and straight tie.


    There was a visual sense of disparity between the sexy rigid gentlemanly neatness and the opposite, wild, promiscuous lower part of his body.


    Moreover, it was as if he couldn¡¯t feel any shame; he was only facing her, who couldn¡¯t lift her face because he hadn¡¯t organized his clothes.


    ¡°Master, please¡­ put¡ª Some clothes¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Your clothes¡­ I can see everything.¡±


    Why should she feel ashamed when it was him that was exposed? It was funny to think they were just having passionate sex, but she was so shy she could die.


    Huey tilted his head and smiled mischievously.


    ¡°Oh. This?¡±

 Chapter 25

    He stroked his wet swollen rigid member as he spoke. Shada¡¯s chin fell¡ªwithout even knowing herself, her gaze had been fixed on his cock since before.


    Encouraged by her gaze, his penis twitched, nodding and beckoning her. Of course, I fixed my gaze there without my knowledge.


    As if excited.


    Her whole body was burning and her mouth-watering¡ªshe gulped.


    As if amused, the Count laughed slowly. Shada turned her head belatedly in shame. He whispered,


    ¡°Are you embarrassed? It¡¯s been in you many times.¡±


    ¡°Master!¡±


    Shada was amazed at his shameless smirk.


    Was he this kind of person? In everyday life, a polite and friendly gentleman is skillful and shamelessly naughty when it came to sex.


    The more Shada was embarrassed, ashamed, or tried to avoid him, the more he did. It was as if he enjoyed teasing her and testing her nerves.


    As she gulped, he beckoned.


    His smiling face was dangerously shaded. ¡°Going to clean? Then, would you clean here for me?¡±


    I think it¡¯s a little messy down there.


    Shada couldn¡¯t bear to look directly at the mess he was referring to, she turned red and bowed her head.


    That¡¯s mean. He¡¯s doing this on purpose. Count Kirchner, who was well-known for his gentleman hood, honestly had a terrible personality. Shada sniffed the feeling of grievances rising within her. She was embarrassed and didn¡¯t know what to do, so she was about to tear up.


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t possible at other times, but she felt herself slowly becoming a child in front of this man.


    It was partly because she had exposed her instincts and vulnerabilities to him, and he had made her feel safe and been generous enough to melt her


    As she pouted while holding back tears, the semen and love juice he had ejaculated on her legs spilled out on the ground beneath her skirt.


    The secret sensation exposed made her feel a deep sense of shame and anger.


    Shada flew into a fit of rage.


    ¡°Oh, you* are so mean. Hic-up! No¡ªI mean¡ªMaster is bad!¡± (*¡± you¡± is considered a disrespectful/casual address)


    Even though she couldn¡¯t stand the shame, she quickly amended her address to his title because in the end, he was her boss, and she was a maid.


    It was a timid protest that was sad and polite.


    When she burst into tears, Huey was silent.


    Shada couldn¡¯t see well because of the tears clouding her eyes, and when she was able to blink a couple of them back to clear her vision, she saw him get up and approach her.


    Her shoulders naturally shrunk away from him. Even though she had sex with him and became more comfortable, she was still afraid of him because of his power over her as a nobleman.


    ¡®You¡¯re crazy. Have you really lost your sense of reality?¡¯


    But her emotions were out of control.


    This was all because of him.


    Shada hiccuped in surprise as his big hand grabbed her little face and gently wiped away her tears.


    Facing her, Huey smiled sheepishly, as if he was embarrassed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would cry like this because I was a little mean.¡±


    ¡°Huh, eh?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I felt like I was the only one excited, so I was spiteful.¡±


    Her pink eyes were wide open, like an owl.


    Regardless her expression struck him as funny or cute, so Huey smiled again and kissed her little lips that were salty due to her tears.


    It was a touch full of affection as if a parakeet rubbed its beak against its mate.


    His soft touch and warmth quickly melted Shada, and her sorrow and resentment were quickly swept away.


    However, her tears wouldn¡¯t stop like a spring, and they continued to fall.


    Huey, looking at it silently, muttered in a slightly muddy voice. I¡¯m in trouble.


    ¡°Did I not tell you?¡±


    ¡°Ek! What?¡±


    The man who put his lips in her ears whispered. A heated breath flowed through her auricles.


    ¡°Miss Shady crying is very tempting.¡±


    Her shoulders trembled. Her body hair stood up, getting goosebumps from his passionate whisper.


    The green eyes that met Shada¡¯s was flashing darkly again.


    His lips dropped and he chuckled brutally and shrewdly.


    Her legs shook. As if ready to have him enter her again, her lower mouth opened and the fluid remaining inside of her again fell to the floor with the sound of wetness.


    Their eyes met when they had both heard it.


    The moment Shada tried to run away, her wrists were grabbed and pushed on the desk.


    Huey, who came close to her ass, spoke low. It was a strange feeling of pressure despite the gentle respect that entered her ears.


    ¡°Stand on the desk.¡±


    Her skirt was rolled up as the excited man touched her bare ass.


    When she hesitated, he slapped her ass without it hurting.


    Hurry.


    His breath became more excited and rough than before rang in her ears terribly.


    As soon as she stood crying, his fully erected penis was stuck her lower mouth from between her buttocks.


    Ah! As Shada tilted her head back, dark hair poured down like feathers. The man, held her by the hair and her weak shoulders at once, squeezed his ass back and thrusted into her.


    His solid rod fills in the inside that has already been moistened once. Her soft inner skin that was damp and relaxed also stimulated the man gently.


    He urgently turned Shada¡¯s tearful chin towards him and as if he had become someone else, and kissed her as if he was going to swallow her.


    Her body, which was eaten by him, trembled. ¡°Oh, ha! Do you know how delightful it is when your insides chew and bite me?¡±


    Her nape became red.


    The man weakly grasped the maid¡¯s black hair and smacked her with just enough force to turn her on.


    Her white ass turned red. It was delicious, like a ripe peach.

 Chapter 26

    When he slapped her buttocks again, Shada was surprised and cried.


    He groaned and growled low as if in trouble.


    ¡°Damn it. You¡¯ve become such a pervert. Cry more. Oh?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Master!¡±


    ¡°Haaaa¡­¡­.¡±


    He clenched his teeth, kissed her, and grabbed her hot ass. Smooth cheeks twisted and kneaded in demonic-like pleasure.


    Shada¡¯s body rattled and shook wildly.


    Hmm, uh! She wept pathetically.


    He swallowed a sweetly ripe red fruit in one bite, sucked and chewed her thin nape with a drunken expression. As if drinking fruit juice, and put his teeth on her cheeks wet with tears and pounded her.


    Shada felt as if I was being swallowed whole.


    She couldn¡¯t wrap her mind up to the hot man¡¯s desire that was continually shaking and digging through her lower part. This man was manipulating her whole body and soul. Despite him being greedy enough to be insulting¡ªbeastly violating her¡ª her brain was soaked with pleasure.


    Her excitement in her cries, the fervor in his voice, and the scorching fever swallowed up their five senses.


    Shada heard all of Huey¡¯s debauched vulgar whisperings and felt all of him, as strange joy and ecstasy rose within her.


    I felt like I was strangely losing myself and becoming a degenerate.


    He was making her that way.


    A hard, swelling, bloody penis pierced Shada incessantly. Like crushing, breaking, crushing, breaking her in to create a new female body.


    The hot, damp, narrow vagina opened up to conquer the flesh of others.


    Strange.


    It¡¯s strange! Strange, but weirdly good.


    Shada cried, giving strength to her lower belly and kegel muscles, and heard the man growling in her ear.


    His thrusting became more passionate and intense.


    Shada was pushed back and stuck to the rattling desk as she received him roughly.


    Huey groaned and shook his waist, holding and hugging her tightly.


    Her wrists were limp. Sweat-soaked black hair fell onto the papers.


    The man¡¯s wicked, gentle hands grabbed her dainty shoulders and pushed them down onto his smooth desk.


    The sound of slapping flesh between them grew louder.


    Shada was quivering, lying on her back. Half of her breasts were exposed, her delicate collar bones were seen through her maid uniform.


    It was a pathetic, lovable, tragic, and sadistic sight. Huey¡¯s torso loomed over her as his pillar pierced her with deeper and quicker thrusts.


    Afraid the desk¡¯s tip, which was constantly rubbing against her, was hard and would hurt, he covered the edge with his hand as he sucked on her red earlobe.


    ¡®Haaaa, I want her. I still have her, but I want her to yell after I embrace her. I¡¯d like to see her crying because of my rough handling. I want her to beg me while hanging off of me. I would do anything for you¡ªeven if it were outrageous¡ªas long as you look at me with those wet pink eyes of yours.¡¯


    He whispered in a cracked, dark voice while biting her soft ear:


    ¡°Cry more.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Ah! Ka!¡±


    ¡°Try crying.¡±


    Huh? He told her to cry more, and instead, she laughed as if he had gone insane.


    He raised the corner of his mouth, held his upper body up, grabbed his pelvis, pulled his penis all the way out, and then hit it deeply again.


    As he continued to do that, Shada shook her head as she sobbed and clenched her little fist.


    Huh! Ow! Master!


    Huey¡¯s slightly distorted face was filled with a feeling of satisfaction and lack of fulfillment.


    As if opening a wrapped gift, he unwrapped the string behind the maid¡¯s clothes with one hand, exposing her smooth back.


    It was white and pretty¡ªto the point he wanted to dirty it.


    With his red tongue, he licked his lips and pounded his waist into her, splitting her pale ass cheeks on both sides while swallowing his cock.


    He slowed down to enjoy the sight of the visual abuse and penetrating her deeply, savoring each sensation of her insides.


    It was sweet to make gentle love, but this fierce loving making suited his taste more.


    ¡°Shada, ha, you are delicious¡­ ¡­ . Shada.¡±


    ¡°Master, Ohh! Master!¡±


    ¡°What? Oh?¡±


    You told me to cry! When she was crying, he sweetly soothed her as if comforting a weeping child.


    Huey shook his back even more violently, wiping her tears as she bawled with pleasure. He slapped the apple of her ass, and she became even wetter. Lifting her up and he slammed her ass at the same time. Shada, lost her words, and burst into tears. Like a person whose reason has been blown away by constant sexual stimulation.


    Haa, she¡¯s pretty. Fuck. I felt sorry for her crying under me, but she was so cute that I almost went crazy.


    He repeatedly soothed her and fucked her, Shada¡¯s soul left her body many times, and then he pulled out, holding her hand-printed ass.


    With a penis that was almost disgustingly swollen to its limit, he rubbed it like a whip and swung it against her exposed back.


    An inhale of suppressed exclamation, and his white ejaculate splashed over her delicate soft back.


    As if he had planted his seeds on the fertile, rich earth, he grabbed his half-withered member and shook it, spitting out all the remaining drops.


    The white semen covered black hair, red swollen buttocks, and even the hip bones. It was so sexy.


    His handsome face was soaked in sweat, rough breathing, and filled with twisted satiety.


    Only now had my thirst gone a little bit.


    But,


    ¡°It¡¯s not enough.¡±


    Shada fell half enraptured, unable to hear his ominous murmurs.


    Her whole body was thrilled with the climax of supreme pleasure and its lingering aftertaste. Her body was electrified, damp, and dizzy with the body odor of a fishy man as if intoxicated with strong musk perfume


    She felt the touch of hands gently comforting her naked back.


    He kissed her black hair and tenderly kissed her tingling ass.


    He was gentle and caring, wholly different from when he coveted her like an animal before.


    ***

 Chapter 26.1

    When he slapped her buttocks again, Shada was surprised and cried.


    He groaned and growled low as if in trouble.


    ¡°Damn it. You¡¯ve become such a pervert. Cry more. Oh?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Master!¡±


    ¡°Haaaa¡­¡­.¡±


    He clenched his teeth, kissed her, and grabbed her hot ass. Smooth cheeks twisted and kneaded in demonic-like pleasure.


    Shada¡¯s body rattled and shook wildly.


    Hmm, uh! She wept pathetically.


    He swallowed a sweetly ripe red fruit in one bite, sucked and chewed her thin nape with a drunken expression. As if drinking fruit juice, and put his teeth on her cheeks wet with tears and pounded her.


    Shada felt as if I was being swallowed whole.


    She couldn¡¯t wrap her mind up to the hot man¡¯s desire that was continually shaking and digging through her lower part. This man was manipulating her whole body and soul. Despite him being greedy enough to be insulting¡ªbeastly violating her¡ª her brain was soaked with pleasure.


    Her excitement in her cries, the fervor in his voice, and the scorching fever swallowed up their five senses.


    Shada heard all of Huey¡¯s debauched vulgar whisperings and felt all of him, as strange joy and ecstasy rose within her.


    I felt like I was strangely losing myself and becoming a degenerate.


    He was making her that way.


    A hard, swelling, bloody penis pierced Shada incessantly. Like crushing, breaking, crushing, breaking her in to create a new female body.


    The hot, damp, narrow vagina opened up to conquer the flesh of others.


    Strange.


    It¡¯s strange! Strange, but weirdly good.


    Shada cried, giving strength to her lower belly and kegel muscles, and heard the man growling in her ear.


    His thrusting became more passionate and intense.


    Shada was pushed back and stuck to the rattling desk as she received him roughly.


    Huey groaned and shook his waist, holding and hugging her tightly.


    Her wrists were limp. Sweat-soaked black hair fell onto the papers.


    The man¡¯s wicked, gentle hands grabbed her dainty shoulders and pushed them down onto his smooth desk.


    The sound of slapping flesh between them grew louder.


    Shada was quivering, lying on her back. Half of her breasts were exposed, her delicate collar bones were seen through her maid uniform.


    It was a pathetic, lovable, tragic, and sadistic sight. Huey¡¯s torso loomed over her as his pillar pierced her with deeper and quicker thrusts.


    Afraid the desk¡¯s tip, which was constantly rubbing against her, was hard and would hurt, he covered the edge with his hand as he sucked on her red earlobe.


    ¡®Haaaa, I want her. I still have her, but I want her to yell after I embrace her. I¡¯d like to see her crying because of my rough handling. I want her to beg me while hanging off of me. I would do anything for you¡ªeven if it were outrageous¡ªas long as you look at me with those wet pink eyes of yours.¡¯


    He whispered in a cracked, dark voice while biting her soft ear:


    ¡°Cry more.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Ah! Ka!¡±


    ¡°Try crying.¡±


    Huh? He told her to cry more, and instead, she laughed as if he had gone insane.


    He raised the corner of his mouth, held his upper body up, grabbed his pelvis, pulled his penis all the way out, and then hit it deeply again.


    As he continued to do that, Shada shook her head as she sobbed and clenched her little fist.


    Huh! Ow! Master!


    Huey¡¯s slightly distorted face was filled with a feeling of satisfaction and lack of fulfillment.


    As if opening a wrapped gift, he unwrapped the string behind the maid¡¯s clothes with one hand, exposing her smooth back.


    It was white and pretty¡ªto the point he wanted to dirty it.


    With his red tongue, he licked his lips and pounded his waist into her, splitting her pale ass cheeks on both sides while swallowing his cock.


    He slowed down to enjoy the sight of the visual abuse and penetrating her deeply, savoring each sensation of her insides.


    It was sweet to make gentle love, but this fierce loving making suited his taste more.


    ¡°Shada, ha, you are delicious¡­ ¡­ . Shada.¡±


    ¡°Master, Ohh! Master!¡±


    ¡°What? Oh?¡±


    You told me to cry! When she was crying, he sweetly soothed her as if comforting a weeping child.


    Huey shook his back even more violently, wiping her tears as she bawled with pleasure. He slapped the apple of her ass, and she became even wetter. Lifting her up and he slammed her ass at the same time. Shada, lost her words, and burst into tears. Like a person whose reason has been blown away by constant sexual stimulation.


    Haa, she¡¯s pretty. Fuck. I felt sorry for her crying under me, but she was so cute that I almost went crazy.


    He repeatedly soothed her and fucked her, Shada¡¯s soul left her body many times, and then he pulled out, holding her hand-printed ass.


    With a penis that was almost disgustingly swollen to its limit, he rubbed it like a whip and swung it against her exposed back.


    An inhale of suppressed exclamation, and his white ejaculate splashed over her delicate soft back.


    As if he had planted his seeds on the fertile, rich earth, he grabbed his half-withered member and shook it, spitting out all the remaining drops.


    The white semen covered black hair, red swollen buttocks, and even the hip bones. It was so sexy.


    His handsome face was soaked in sweat, rough breathing, and filled with twisted satiety.


    Only now had my thirst gone a little bit.


    But,


    ¡°It¡¯s not enough.¡±


    Shada fell half enraptured, unable to hear his ominous murmurs.


    Her whole body was thrilled with the climax of supreme pleasure and its lingering aftertaste. Her body was electrified, damp, and dizzy with the body odor of a fishy man as if intoxicated with strong musk perfume


    She felt the touch of hands gently comforting her naked back.


    He kissed her black hair and tenderly kissed her tingling ass.


    He was gentle and caring, wholly different from when he coveted her like an animal before.


    ***

 Chapter 27

    Although his lips were a little too stiff to be called delicate, he caressed her as gently as possible.


    He turned and held her, massaging her limbs as if treating a child; he asked, ¡°Did it hurt?¡± and ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± It seemed as if he would carefully lick and caress even the smallest scratch and swollen red flesh. No, are you already doing that?


    One day he was scary, the other melting her with love, and other times overly sexy and utterly seductive.


    Shada gawked as the Count licked down where his palm printed on her skin.


    It amazed her that he didn¡¯t seem to be humiliated at all. It was a solicitous sensuality.


    It felt somewhat dangerous, as if hungry for the scars of prey caught by beasts.


    Shada looked on dumbly at him, taking off her clothes. It seemed fine now. After having a stormy affair, struggling in pleasure, being trampled, and being served by her Master, it felt like all the common sense she knew and the general standards on which her life was based were overturned.


    Her mind collapsed, and Shada was absent-minded.


    Some of the feelings of addictive pleasure still had not released her fully. So when she saw she was fully naked in broad daylight in front of Huey in his office, she was still dazed and couldn¡¯t muster up the wherewithal to be shy.


    Huey kissed Shada¡¯s cheeks, her eyes glistening with exhaustion.


    He asked if she was cold and wrapped a towel around her shoulders.


    At times like this, he was such a sweet man.


    ¡®And to think, I tried to leave this house just a while ago.¡¯


    His face was full of satisfaction, holding her back and forth and spreading his desires everywhere as if reality was now a dream.


    Huey hugged her and headed for the bathroom; Shada leaned against his hard chest as if tuning out. His footsteps slowed down, but it became constant again.


    The deep sweaty scent of the man rose and tickled Shada¡¯s nose. Unexpectedly, he smelled clean and fragrant, as if from a blanket that had been cleaned and dried out in the sunlight in the morning.


    Shada thought he would have a rich, sensual, luxurious musk scent. But this was better. Because he felt the same¡­ like himself¡­ and a little more friendly.


    He measured the temperature of the warm water, and he murmured carefully as she soaked her body. Is it too hot? Are you sore here?


    As I shook my head, I thought for a moment. I couldn¡¯t help but feel this intense regret. It would be better if you were not a nobleman.


    My heart was sore, and I felt dizzy. And as soon as I recalled that thought, I tried to erase it. It¡¯s just a foolish wish, and nothing will change in the end.


    It felt somewhat stuffy.


    This strange tightness grew stronger as Huey rolled up his sleeves, carefully washed, and soothed her body with caring touches.


    Even the silk shirt Shada had hesitated to hold on was badly messed up, and his pants were wet¡ªand he didn¡¯t seem to care.


    All this trouble¡­ all this effort¡­ he seemed to enjoy it.


    Being pampered by a Count was a luxury that a maid couldn¡¯t even dream of.


    Shada deliberately bowed her head and avoided his gaze, as if she was tired from his eyes full of affection so clear that it was cruel.


    She hadn¡¯t dated a lot of men, and she wasn¡¯t self-centered enough to distort what the other person showed her through their actions.


    Sitting on cold, slippery tile, carrying a grown-up adult into a tub, and washing the other person could only occur if you were attached to them.


    Especially for a man like that.


    Aristocratic men never lower themselves. They, whom she had seen a lot in the palace, and they had a line of investing themselves into a courtship that they never crossed. There wasn¡¯t much value in stealing the hearts of pretty underlings¡ªand it certainly wasn¡¯t worth their pride or ego getting injured for them.


    Even if it was courtship, all of those half-hearted actions were evaluated as romantic even among the nobles.


    In other words, affection was passion at a level where noblemen could still be self-absorbed, maintaining their honor, narcissism¡ª and drunk with self-congratulations of their worldly romanticism.


    They called this romantic indulgence among themselves and the women¡ª who threw themselves into forbidden love and risking everything by being with noblemen ¡ªthey treated as cute and cheap pets.


    They would never be able to put themselves down on the floor like a servant. It was below common sense from the nobility¡¯s point of view¡ªas it should have also been with Huey.


    This was a sentimental indulgence, so it couldn¡¯t be packaged as a nobleman¡¯s performative romantic theatre.


    Shada vaguely knew this, but she wanted to stop herself from noticing it.


    No. Don¡¯t think about it anymore. Shada shook her head.


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    Completely free from burdens, he called her name. He brushed her hair over and dropped a soft kiss as she flinched weakly in the hot water, but didn¡¯t avoid kissing him.


    As if she had done well, his big hands gently swept over her white neck with black hair. His considerate touch was delightful. It was exhilarating. Ah. Why is he noble? Why am I a commoner? Why is this man the fiance of the monstrous princess?


    At the moment, there was a shout of protest at this immense injustice in there, but I quickly grabbed it and hid it. Oh my god, no. The water level was already dangerous. No, this is¡­ It¡¯s just a lament of disappointment.


    What woman in the world has such an attractive man who is so good and covets her and gives pleasure? But I will not be shaken.


    It¡¯s just¡­ it¡¯s a shame. It¡¯s too bad¡ª regrettable and regretful.


    Huey stared into her hazy face, exhaling a feverish sigh. He raised his mouth. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±

 Chapter 28

    ¡°Just.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    He raised his arms on the ridge of the bathtub, his chin down as he stared at Shada.


    She avoided his gaze as if she were watching something captivating.


    Huey didn¡¯t forcibly hold eyes with her.


    Instead, it looked like he was observing a sheep locked in his cage and said:


    ¡°Sometimes, I want to open up that little head of yours to see what you¡¯re thinking.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no.¡±


    She was so nervous that she responded reflexively before she realized her reaction was silly. Immediately, her cheeks turned bright red.


    Huey burst into laughter at her timid murmur. His clear, cheerful laughter echoed in the bathroom. Shada was so stunned her hands covered her heart. It was the first time she saw him laugh so openly and geninuely.


    He chuckled and covered his mouth. His red lips were now in a smile.


    ¡°Ah, Miss Shada.¡±


    Huey called her name like a daydreaming sigh. The man bent forward toward Shada and whispered:


    ¡°Why are you so cute and pretty? What have you done to me?¡±


    His husky breath and strange laughter made her feel unusual, so Shada clung to the wall of the bathtub.


    Usually, if his eyes changed like that, that meant they would have sex again. As if he was impatient, his overwhelmingly alluring pheromones would rush in; she couldn¡¯t resist and would embrace him.


    Invariably. And it seemed like it would always be like that in the future.


    She swallowed a loud gulp.


    Again? I already did it twice¡­¡­. No, when I first slept with him, it seemed possible to do it once more, given his energy.


    But this man shocked Shada in an entirely new way:


    ¡°I like Miss Shada.¡±


    What did this person just say?


    Her mouth opened in bewilderment and astonishment.


    He calmly stared at her surprised face, reaching out and rubbing her soft lips. His callus thumb pressed gently like crushing a delicate fluffy petal.


    ¡°I like you.¡±


    Slowly he pulled his hand away. However, her lips were burning. Huey was smiling.


    Shada thought that she might look funny with her mouth open at the back of her mind, but her head couldn¡¯t get out of the vacuum and shut her shocked mouth.


    What did I hear?


    Not stopping there, Huey continued. The thicker his smile, the greater her confusion.


    ¡°I like you a lot too. Sometimes I feel like I¡¯m not sane. It didn¡¯t happen suddenly. I watched you for a long time, and then from some point on, this feeling naturally grew, and it happened.¡±


    Now he didn¡¯t laugh.


    Maybe he had been bewitched since he first saw her.


    The blurred, buzzing voice, whether favorable or unfavorable, could not enter her ears.


    ***

 Chapter 29

    Shada came from a poor commoner family. Her father was an industrial laborer, and her mother picked up, cleaned, and delivered laundry.


    When she was very young, she had two younger brothers; one died of smallpox, and the other died from tuberculosis.


    Since they passed away when she was very young, the fact that Shada had younger siblings was sometimes hazy.


    What I did remember was when my second brother died, my mother wailed, shrieking and sobbing. My father got furious, fighting while begging a man who was supposed to be a doctor.


    Shada, then a young girl, put her eternally slumbering younger brother into a basket and buried him behind a nearby mountain because burying him in the cemetery cost money.


    She could barely bring up her past feelings¡ªeverything was blurry, but she vaguely recalled crying a lot too.


    Although there were such tragedies ¡ª which were familiar to ordinary people ¡ª fortunately, Shady grew up sheltered and became a maid in the royal palace. This was because he was a native of the capital, and her face was pretty and gentle.


    Although she was skinny and plain in her young age, she was inconspicuous and mixed with maids her age, diligently learning to work.


    She started working as a maid because she didn¡¯t want to burden her family with an extra mouth to feed and wanted to make money.


    It was her life¡¯s joy to send a penny or two to her parents. Shada diligently saved money and dreaming of meeting a good man, marrying him, and having children, and so on.


    As Shada became fourteen, her life became arduous. Her breasts swelled, her feminine figure emerged, her face turned creamy and charming, and the atmosphere around her changed little by little.


    More and more men flirted with the pretty maid.


    Among the dogs was the lover of the maid she was closest to.


    Naturally, Shada was blamed. She became known as a bitch who snatched a friend¡¯s man and was ostracized by the maids.


    But the most painful thing was that around that time, both of her parents died in an accident. However, the hard work continued without stopping.


    Being hit with a strict routine, Shada became increasingly passive and introverted¨Cescaping reality and her thoughts by working like a donkey.


    I was lonely, but at least I was less hurt if I chose to be alone.


    She learned to hold on her own. She had lived for years like that until she met Princess Julia, and her life plummeted again.


    Why do you hate me so much? I didn¡¯t do anything. What great wrong did I commit?


    Princess Julia¡¯s beautiful face overlapped with the expression of her fellow maid and ex-best friend who slapped her in the face, inflamed with betrayal and jealousy.


    In fact, Shada didn¡¯t do anything to make her angry, but the Princess was malicious and unreasonable. Such evil came from insecurities and fears.


    Shada became terrified and despised the Princess.


    At first, she felt hesitant about whether she had done something wrong, but then one time, Shada was blamed when her hair got thicker.


    At least, Shada knew she hadn¡¯t done anything wrong that warranted being whipped.


    For the first and last time, I ran away like a rebel. Then I met a man.


    ¡®I like you.¡¯


    My heart and spirit that had shrunk with a lifetime of abuse, tension, and hypervigilance¨Cwas pounding crazily.


    Oh, what should I do? What should I do? I am scared. Why is it him?


    But¡­ I knew I did not hate him approaching me.


    Shada closed her eyes tightly.

 Chapter 30

    Butler Franc knocked on the door politely. After a while, he was given permission to come in.


    As soon as he opened the door and entered, the sight that entered his eyes did not deviate much from his expectations.


    He lowered his eyes as his master laid the dark-haired maid on the bed, swept back her hair, and stared at her endlessly.


    It was a morning full of white sunshine. The butler was curious for a moment as to how long the man in a light shirt sat on a chair and attended to the maid¡ªbut he quickly erased the useless thoughts and speculation from his mind.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    He didn¡¯t think it was for breakfast. Huey¡¯s eyes traveled to Franc, while he was twisting Shada¡¯s black hair with his fingers.


    The faithful butler apologized first.


    ¡°My apologies.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡±


    he replied concisely.


    Franc pondered for a moment.


    ¡°Both of them aren¡¯t good news.¡±


    ¡°Two?¡±


    Huey grumbled and looked back at Shada.


    Her white face that was sleeping like a baby, was very pretty.


    When I confessed that I liked her, she had been surprised, and her cheeks, face, and neck turned into a magnificent red.


    To be precise, her whole white body turned red.


    She looked quite appetizing, so I thought about doing it one more time, but I left it. Last night, I decided to soothe her and let her sleep peacefully in my arms.


    She must have been surprised and scared enough.


    The expression of Franc did not change even when the man who was so elegant on the outside and drew a hard boundary with the Princess, held the hand of a maid, kissing it.


    ¡°Unfortunately, yes. Should I start with the lesser of the two first?¡±


    ¡°Try.¡±


    ¡°Princess Julia¡¯s attendant arrived in the morning.¡±


    His master¡¯s expression was distorted.


    He didn¡¯t like Princess Julia before, but recently it developed to intense disgust. Probably because of that maid sleeping in his bed.


    In fact, Franc was very anxious when he saw Huey¡¯s face when he found out the Princess was trying to beat Shada. He thought he might slap or kill her.


    He had been with him for that long. At that moment, he had been confused whether the place was a battlefield or Count Kirchner¡¯s estate.


    ¡°Send them back. Could it be that they weren¡¯t going until I directly ordered them to?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. He¡¯s leaving the manor now. The Count hasn¡¯t come back from hunting since yesterday.¡±


    Franc¡¯s tone was polite and subdued, but it was also a metaphorical expression of what he devoted to Shada all day yesterday.


    Huey laughed at his refined and slightly mischievous way of speech. It was a cheeky attitude with common sense, but neither outwardly addressed it.


    ¡°It looks like the Princess is missing you. Why don¡¯t you go and show your face?¡±


    ¡°Why should I?¡±


    Rather than being sincerely curious, he was spitefully showing off his indifference.


    But the butler solemnly countered him with a textbook answer, ignoring his facetiousness.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she your fiance?¡±


    As the blue-green eyes turned around, he wisely added:


    ¡°If you don¡¯t feed a beast exercising patience on time, you will be dead.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t happy with the answer, but it was the right advice.


    Huey said, playfully touching Shady¡¯s nose:


    ¡°I¡¯ll see her at the celebration banquet anyway. That day¡¯s hard work is enough.¡±


    ¡°Then I write a letter instead. Can I write it in moderation?¡±


    Huey nodded dryly.


    In fact, he was slowly regretting it.


    No matter how reasonable and convenient the reason was, he should have endured it and resisted the engagement.


    In the past, it was enough to ignore her before, but now he was utterly repulsed.


    Externally, Princess Julia was a beautiful woman, but she was a terrible psychopath with revolting insides. She had virtually every condition that Huey loathed and abhorred.


    If he hadn¡¯t had to do it, he would have avoided her without even sparing her a glance. Huey thought his famous persistence and patience would pay off.


    Moreover, the Princess tried to hurt Shada.


    The moment I saw this little girl, who was just waiting to be beaten helplessly and shivering, my eyes almost turned over.


    He still couldn¡¯t remember how he had endured it. Rarely, anger rose to the tip of his head, so the hand about to strangle the Princess¡¯s thin neck was pressed down with superhuman force


    Indeed. Let¡¯s hold it in. You have to be patient. It isn¡¯t time yet. His chilled eyes turned from the smiling Princess to Shada, who was tired.


    After all, he had to be like this woman again. He was angry as her and must persevere like her.


    He laughed again and asked the woman who was sleeping soundly: What the hell did you do to me?


    ¡°And the second¡­¡­. Did Miss Shada say anything?¡±


    ¡°No. What is it?¡±


    The Count¡¯s eyebrows, which had been moderately curved, swung upward.


    For the first time, Franc had a difficult time meeting his eyes.


    ¡°Yesterday, she said she would quit her job.¡±


    Franc swiftly spoke, avoiding his frozen eyes.


    ¡°Of course, I refused her with a good reason. She agreed and said that she understood. I think she will stay here for a month or so, depending on her will.¡±


    ¡°And in the meantime, I have to make sure I hold onto her.¡±


    Huey answered gently. However, his expression was not soft at all.


    In a different sense, Franc looked at him, Holding his breath, the Count¡¯s countenance completely twisted. This emotion completely overshadowed his previous annoyance. He was furious. He seemed anxious at first glance, but his feelings were likened more to a sense of hurt or betrayal.


    The butler had seen his owner¡¯s fury a few times, but it was the first time in the case of the latter emotions, so Franc glanced at Shada, who was asleep, completely unaware of what was happening. In many ways, she was a great woman.


    And she was exceptionally unlucky. Huey von Kirchner was extraordinarily persistent and patient.


    ***

 Chapter 31

    As soon as I opened my eyes, the white sunlight shined into my eyes, making me frown.


    While yawning, I made eye contact with Huey. I froze. He was looking at me, surprisingly up close to my face.


    When Shada was unable to yawn properly and hiccuped, he smiled and kissed her round forehead.


    Good morning. A voice that was sinking low tickled my still dubious ears.


    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡±


    Did I sleep well? I did sleep well. I was so tired and sleepy yesterday, that after a hot bath my mind seemed to boil down. The place ¡­. and that happened yesterday¡­¡­.


    Such a thing? Suddenly, his sweet, soft voice rang in my head.


    ¡®I like Miss Shada.¡¯


    ¡®I like you.¡¯


    He looked at Shada stupefied, staring at him in a daze; her eyes were hazy as the blood drained out of her face.


    Huey laughed. Without intending to, his eyes curled with mirth. Unknowingly, my eyes narrowly folded and then came back casually.


    ¡°What is so shocking¡ªespecially between us? Is it that bizarre to see my face in the morning?¡±


    ¡°No! No, it¡¯s not th¡­¡­.¡±


    What to do? What can I do?! What¡¯s going on? How the hell did this happen?


    Yesterday, the reality that had fled came up to the surface of her consciousness as soon as morning broke.


    Shada was in a state of chaos.


    That great Count likes me? That person? What the hell is going on? No, why would he do that? Why? Why would he want me¡­¡­. No, ¡ªrather, what am I supposed to do now?


    Excitement and palpitations were brief and replaced with fear and anxiety that pressed down on my chest like a rock.


    The most enormous rock being that bitch¡¯s face, the vicious Princess Julia.


    Next was my old maid¡¯s clothes, my ugly thick hands with worn, stubby nails rough due to frequent mopping and chores, and the envious gazes that followed the noble Count Kirchner, who no one did not know of, as he walked down the corridor of the royal palace.


    Shada spontaneously grabbed the pleasing scented quilt. She was utterly embroiled in her confusion, not knowing that he was paying attention to her ever-changing expressions transforming from moment to moment.


    ¡°Miss Shada.¡±


    That person can¡¯t really like me. It was self-defensive denial. Even if he says he¡¯s sincere¡ªEven so, nothing changes.


    She tried hard to focus on that one fact.


    It was a luxury for Shada to hope that her partner would give her strength, to doubt or test the other person¡¯s heart, not wanting to be hurt.


    It was foolish to run to the cliff even though the end is obviously decided. Regardless of this man¡¯s will, the circumstances and status surrounding her and him were already clearly determined.


    After all, he is a noble Count while she is a maid. And Shada was used to accepting those realities. In this way, she was less hurt.


    So Shada didn¡¯t ask about yesterday¡¯s confession¡ªshe locked away the part of her heart that wanted to ask for reassurance to deepen her feelings.


    Instead, she chalked it up to trivial infatuation for a maid.


    I don¡¯t even want an answer. In fact, please don¡¯t say anything.


    Shada thought to herself that if he said anything, it would make her sad.


    If you don¡¯t have expectations, you won¡¯t get hurt.


    All the wounds in the world were just different forms of disappointment¡ªwhen expectations were betrayed.


    The expectations she promised herself to throw away were her illusions, dreams, and unrealistic love affair.


    I have to cut it off, she stood up and thought.


    Oh, but I have to last for a month. No, how would that man react if she refuses? Will he get angry? He won¡¯t do that. Even if he is an aristocrat, he is not that kind of person.


    Or will he throw her out because his pride would be hurt and wouldn¡¯t want to look at her?


    When she remembered Huey¡¯s face coldly turning away from her, saying that he had been insulted, her chest started to throb as if she had been stabbed.


    Ah. Shada was torn and flustered. It would be so difficult to refuse and avoid him. She wanted to cry.


    What are you doing? Don¡¯t you want to be ignored and have him turn away from you??¡ªYou¡¯re scared!


    ¡°Miss Shada.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    Huey frowned, and Shada blinked in surprise.


    His hand grabbed Shada¡¯s hand, who had been biting her nails.


    It seemed to be bleeding, already started to get swollen, her skin opening up a little more where it met the nail.


    As his green eyes sank and stared at her silently, Shada wanted to hide in a mouse hole.


    At this moment, she was mortified that he saw her biting her nails like a child instead of facing her anxieties with the stoicism of a strong, immovable mountain.


    Wielded by her sheer emotions, she tried to soothe her tumultuous stomach.


    ¡°You have that look again.¡±


    He smirked shortly at her pink eyes that were blinking quickly.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re about to cry. I told you yesterday that it was dangerous to cry in front of me. Are you seducing me?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Shada thought about it for a moment before his words registered. She shouted her protest quickly.


    Huey laughed with a sensitive and bold look. He probably joked around with her to ease her mood. It was a little mischievous.


    But one of the heavy corners of her mouth became warm as if being touched by sunlight.


    His cherishing affection was a sweet poison to Shada.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t say it.¡±


    He said, looking into her puzzled eyes.


    ***

 Chapter 32

    ¡°You¡¯re trembling and scared just because I said I like you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    It was as if he was looking into Shada¡¯s heart.


    Shada avoided his gaze when she met his green eyes and saw her confused face reflected in his eyes.


    My chest was sore, and my heart ached as I remembered his wet pants again.


    As a deep sigh poured out, my shoulders trembled. I felt stuffy, as if I was a puppy that had disappointed my owner, and I felt strange feelings of desire.


    ¡°Miss Shada.¡±


    I was afraid to see what kind of expression he was making. He called me again. Shada. Before I could gather my courage to look back, his big hand stretched out tightly, holding my chin, turning it towards him, and kissed me.


    Oh! Shada turned his head and pushed his shoulder to reject him, but her wrist was held firmly and held over her head.


    He opened her lips and kissed her roughly as if he were hungry. The noises of sticky kisses flooded their eardrums.


    She followed him with a struggling head and mixed her tongue with his. Soon after, her moans turned into weak sobs, and then the slightly softened movements slowly tasted her tingling lips.


    He caressed her soft flesh.


    His body scent was on the tip of her nose as she heard his pounding heart touching her. Unlike his soft kisses, his heart jagged with the thumping pulse that even overwhelmed her.


    Shada worried that his heart would explode.


    It was as if this man¡¯s body was knocking on the door and talking to her body.


    A strange feeling that was difficult to express in words paralyzed Shada:


    ¡®I like you.¡¯


    Tears were about to fall. Shada fell limp. Huey squeezed her cheek and licked her little lips as if to melt her like sweet icecream with his hot tongue.


    Now the two, immersed themselves in each other, one hanging off from the other¡¯s neck, kissing each other feverately while embracing each other.


    The weighed-down wrist was already released and wrapped around the neck of the man with her eyes closed.


    As Shada hugged him tightly like a child who had found refuge, she moved to his liking. Now she clung to him more. After a passionate kiss, she was breathless, and her lips slowly fell. Huey stared down at her as she panted wildly.


    His green eyes were dark and calm, like a shady forest. He was very caring as he stroked the cheek of the messy maid in a long silence.


    Suddenly he laughed.


    ¡°I was mistaken. He was right.¡±


    ¡°Master?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t understand you at all.¡±


    What¡¯s unfortunate is that I still may not understand you. I¡¯m sorry.


    ¡°If I seem still angry, I don¡¯t understand. No, I won¡¯t.¡±


    He said stubbornly.


    Shada was distracted by Huey¡¯s burning green eyes as he spoke. It was a beautiful and dangerous light like a sorcerer¡¯s mysterious green flame.


    I¡¯m losing my mind.


    It wasn¡¯t until Shada saw his tightly repressed expression and a rigid chin filled with power that she realized:


    He was getting angry.


    As if he may explode after enduring it. But ironically, even though this terrifying owner was angry, he wasn¡¯t scared at all.


    ¡°My feelings¡­ Do they only scare you?¡±


    Because, for the first time, those attractive and strong green eyes seemed to be full of hurt. But the exposed emotions colouring his eyes disappeared in an instant.


    Did I imagine it?


    Huey got up from his seat after touching Shady¡¯s small chin with her thumb. Shada almost grabbed his arm without knowing it, then caught herself and paused.


    What were you planning to do by grabbing him?


    I felt like tears were coming because my heart was sore and sad. If I did as I wanted, even sobbing and screaming, will everything that¡¯s accumulated in my heart be resolved?


    At the moment, something I had endured all this time burst out impulsively and spontaneously.


    ¡°I¡­¡­ !¡±


    It was the first loud sound I made.


    When he turned around, Shada held her hands tightly and closed her eyes tautly.


    It was overwhelming to see herself reflected in that person¡¯s beautiful green eyes.


    ¡°I¡­¡­ .¡±


    Her shoulders rattled.


    She felt frustrated and awful; Shada didn¡¯t have the strong passion or courage to throw her whole body into love. That had been beaten out of her long ago by the despicable abuse of being one of the lower class who could barely live day to day. [t1v: damn, that¡¯s so real]


    She was just a maid who worked hard day by day, feeling grateful to just survive.


    I knew my status well, and I wasn¡¯t very greedy. I didn¡¯t have much luck. I don¡¯t have a family to fall back on.


    But Shada whispered with all her courage and heart:


    ¡°Sorry, Master¡­ I.¡±


    She felt his silent gaze. Shada bowed her head.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m scared. I¡¯m scared to death¡ªI¡¯m so scared to die. I am just a maid.¡±


    This was her true heart.


    ***

 Chapter 33

    Love can only fully bloom when basic survival, trust and serenity are the foundation.


    Some stories romanticized that danger and crisis could spark love, but at least it was not true for Shada.


    She was that kind of person.


    Suddenly Shada started to breathe hard¡ªtrying to hold back sobs with whimpers. Although she felt stupid, she was endlessly sad and resentful of the reality that was only harsh on her, so it was difficult to suppress her painful feelings.


    Oh, how ugly can you be, Shada¡ªhere you are, daring to cry in front of him after hurting him?


    ¡°*Gasp*! I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. Huh ughhhuh [crying sfx]!¡±


    It¡¯s unfair. It¡¯s unfair. In the next life, I will surely be born a noble.


    Shada was weeping, wailing words that she herself couldn¡¯t figure out what she was saying:


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate my master. Hiccup! You¡¯re a good person¡­ I know. But, what can I do if I¡¯m scared? I¡¯m afraid of Princess Julia! I don¡¯t want to be whipped! I¡¯m even frightened to get sick. What if I die like my younger brother and can¡¯t get treated because of money. I¡¯m afraid that there will be no one to engrave a name on my tombstone later! I¡¯m afraid of the wagging tongues and pointed fingers that will accuse me of being a maid that doesn¡¯t know her place¡ªa bitch that has her fangs ¡ªwho wants a Count! In the end, I will be settled with all the blame and thrown away!¡±


    The fear that had been solidified deeply like a conviction emerged forth.


    Huey¡¯s face, while listening to Shada¡¯s confession without a reaction, became distorted when she was done.


    He lowered his eyes, then slowly raised his head again, staring at the poor, adorable woman who was crying.


    He walked and grabbed her and hugged her in his arms.


    He sighed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you cry when I show my sincerity.¡±


    Shada hiccuped, jolting in his arms.


    He stroked the little back of his head, mumbled for sorry, and held it up as if she were a child.


    Naturally, Shada buried her face in his chest and swallowed a cry.


    She seemed to have done something ugly and terrible, but apart from that shame, her heart was less cramped. Shada worked hard to endure this embarrassment.


    The man¡¯s hand fiddled with the tips of her reddish ears. It felt hot like coal.


    Huey hugged her, held her in his arms, and stood up as if contemplating her thoughts and organizing his own.


    His green eyes seem to see a far off place beyond the sunny window.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to understand you right now¡­¡­ .¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Did you think I was going to play with Miss Shada and throw you away? Or make you a concubine, or¡­ Shit. So you thought I was like the frivolous idiots out there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡±


    Shady denied it. But Huey ignored her reaction.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s understandable from Shada¡¯s point of view. Right? But I don¡¯t know why I feel so dirty.¡±


    It was a smooth voice, but it seemed as if a boiling heat was rising. Shada looked up at Huey¡¯s dry expression feeling anxious. Huey who glanced at her and frowned. Suddenly, he seized her fingernail that she was biting with strength.


    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed it before, but you have a bad habit. Don¡¯t do that. Doesn¡¯t it hurt?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a habit I¡¯ve had since I was a child,¡± she murmured.


    Besides, it didn¡¯t hurt very much because she had calluses. Huey frowned as if a thought had appeared on his face. He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped her bleeding fingers.


    Shada stared blankly as she felt unfamiliar with how he was looking carefully at her wounds.


    He kissed the thickly wrapped thumb as if he had said that her rough hand was pretty, thanks to her hard work. A surprise question flew in:


    ¡°Even though I said that I liked Miss Shada, did you believe that?¡±


    Did you believe I would abandon you? Shada shook her head. Just, she couldn¡¯t turn a blind eye to reality¡ªthings like your identity, status, rumors, and surroundings.


    She grabbed Huey¡¯s shirt a little nervously, in case she would see his hurt green eyes again.


    The passive and timid personality was resentful again.


    I want to express my stance and heart coherently, but that didn¡¯t work. My heart is throbbing and stuffy.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡­ I am just a maid.¡±


    I tried my best to express myself; perhaps that was the ultimate reason.


    Shada¡¯s eyes clung on to Huey, not knowing what to do as he gazed directly into her red eyes.


    He narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, his big hand stroked a dry cheek.


    ¡°Anyway, the fact that you are so distressed and were holding in so many worries inside¡­ It means you are afraid to give me up and lose me. I don¡¯t know how to take this.¡±


    Huey¡¯s lips turned into a slight smile.


    Shada¡¯s heart rate had accelerated.


    ¡°I really like this situation.¡±


    A voice shattered dangerously low.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you try to leave me? Without saying a word?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­!¡±


    He leaned his head closer to Shada, who was surprised.


    He had the angry face from before. In fact, it was as if it had never been extinguished; the fire that had been burning all along seemed to have come out.


    Shada vaguely discerned that this man was terribly patient. Even though he was kind and seemed to melt in sweet love with her, he was undoubtedly a terrifying person.


    It may feel dangerous, but the difference made her heart flutter even more strangely.


    Huey lightly chuckled and then smiled charmingly.


    ¡°You are a great woman. Pretending to have no power and then shaking and swinging me around. According to Miss Shada¡¯s words, ¡®I¡¯m just a maid.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Master. I¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Do you remember what I said when I first held you?¡±


    ¡®Maybe, I was impulsive. I wanted to cherish Ms. Shada even more. Enough bound myself to you. I guess I thought it wouldn¡¯t matter if we waited or not.¡¯


    He continued succinctly.


    ¡°Yes, when I said I liked you, it was on impulse.¡±


    His eyes watched as if the blood was draining from Shada¡¯s face.


    ¡°I was trying to hold it in, afraid I would frighten you¡ªbut my emotions were so overwhelming that I ended up whispering it without even intending to. Do you know the feeling of being so happy that you can¡¯t control it? You don¡¯t know, Miss Shada. So you¡¯re making up a cute, ridiculous scenario that I¡¯m going to abandon you. I¡¯ll teach you one more while your mouth is closed.¡±


    A chillingly low voice penetrated her ears.


    ¡°I can¡¯t abandon you, even if Shada sees my feelings as trivial and thinks nothing of my heart. How dare you.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 34

    ¡°I can¡¯t abandon you, even if Shada sees my feelings as trivial and thinks nothing of my heart. How dare you.¡±


    Pink eyes shaking in confusion and stern green eyes met in the charged air.


    He had a light, bitter smile.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know me any more than I understand you.¡±


    It was self-deprecating.


    Shada couldn¡¯t figure out what his bitter look meant.


    Amidst her perplexion, she received a kiss that gently fell on her forehead as if a feather fell.


    She had no idea how much he felt about her.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t know. Miss Shada only needs to know one thing.¡±


    Her master, who became calm again, smiled.


    ¡°Nothing I have is more precious than Miss Shada. It would be better not to judge me prematurely as if outer appearance is everything. If the mistake is committed, it will only needlessly cause anguish.¡±


    In the end, he gave a mischievous warning and kissed her lips.


    Shada quickly turned red.


    He said something about Shada playing him, but it was this man who was playing her.


    Somehow she felt wronged.


    He was so elegant and relaxed.


    She tried to turn away from that hateful languid face, stuttering she said,


    ¡°Sir, I have to leave. I have work and have to start my day today¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°No need to do that. Today, Ms. Shada has an outside job.¡±


    ¡°External, work?¡±


    Huey smiled at her tilting her head.


    ¡°First, get ready to go out. I¡¯ll pick you up while the sun is still high. Wear your prettiest clothes.¡±


    * * *


    Shada was rummaging through her tiny closet in her dorm room. The small room was messed up because she had hastily packed up her luggage.


    She scratched her cheek.


    ¡®I need to clean up my room today.¡¯


    Shada was very comfortable since Molly, her roommate, decided to do all the laundry, even for her.


    It was a huge load off her shoulders since she often stayed out overnight because of the Count.


    Molly was similar to her in many ways, shy, moderately easy-going, and not interested in Shada¡¯s private life.


    She had a peculiar personality for a maid.


    Shada smiled with relief when she found an old dress in her bag. It had a simple design, with faded blue but was precious to Shada as it was a memento from her mother.


    Her mother said that when her wedding date was set, she inherited the dress from her maternal grandmother. So, it was a very old family item and Shada¡¯s treasure.


    Shada carefully pulled it out and looked around. Fortunately, nothing was torn or stained anywhere.


    When the Count approached her, she worried that her luggage would be taken, but somehow, her luggage was well organized and delivered to her intact.


    Did the Count order this too? Her face turned red.


    Even though she fought with herself and knew she should not do it, she thought about Huey all the time.


    Maybe it¡¯s too late? Perhaps she was taking too much time getting ready?


    Her anxiety rose.


    But¡­ ¡­ . While donning the dress, she looked blankly in the mirror.


    Her pale face and her eyes, like pale pink cherry blossom petals, were blinking and facing her.


    Shada knew that she was pretty for a maid.


    But it was clear that a great man would be surrounded by great beauties so, why¡­ ¡­ .


    ¡°¡­ it¡¯s been a long time.¡±


    If what he said was true, then that the first meeting between Huey and Shada was not in the hallway at that time.


    At least the for the first meeting on Huey¡¯s side.


    Was there an opportunity for such a high-ranking aristocrat to discover and pay attention to a maid?


    Shada¡¯s mind was swirling with questions and doubts.


    To try and focus on something else instead of imagining fantasies in vain, Shada took out her rouge and applied it.


    The red color looked vivid. She hesitated and, upon inspecting her rough face, took out lotion and applied it.


    Why am I wearing makeup?


    Yes, this is overkill.


    Exactly¡­


    But didn¡¯t it sound like a date?


    Shada, who muttered to herself, surprised herself. A date?


    ¡®First, get ready to go out. I¡¯ll pick you up while the sun is still high. Wear your prettiest clothes.¡¯


    Shada stared blankly at herself in the mirror.


    Why did he tell you to dress pretty?


    Ugh, she needed to separate her emotions when she couldn¡¯t understand anything to keep her sanity.


    It was better to be safe than sorry.


    Let¡¯s just pretend you don¡¯t know have a clue or any expectation, so you don¡¯t get disappointed, especially for this ambiguous, emotionally entangled situation.


    Shada stared into her pink eyes with determination as her finger fidgeted, betraying her nerves.


    ¡®I can¡¯t abandon you, even if Shada sees my feelings as trivial and thinks nothing of my heart. How dare you.¡¯


    Without even being aware of it she started to pick at her hand.


    Sometimes when others noticed her self-destructive habit, she quickly hid her battered hands, earning others¡¯ ire with their clicking tongues and ridiculing glares. And although she felt shame, she had never thought to change her habit until Huey¡¯s green eyes touched her scabbed fingers.


    Shada pledged not to hurt her hands anymore. But it was in moments like these when her anxiety shot up that she unconsciously repeated her habit


    ¡°Oops!¡±


    She jolted herself from being vacantly locked in her thoughts and worries and ran out.


    She was late.


    He probably wasn¡¯t waiting on her anyway.


    Wouldn¡¯t it be absurd to have the owner wait on a maid?


    But perhaps, with all the unexpected occurrences, she shouldn¡¯t assume that the surprising was impossible.


    Shada hurried and ran down the stairs.


    Out of breath, she finally spotted the front door. Her heart pounded.


    There was a man with platinum hair that became such a huge presence in her mind that it would be strange not to see him for a whole day.


    His gaze was fixed on her descending the stairs and looking up at her from the landing, as if he was waiting for her the whole time.


    ***

 Chapter 35

    Shada froze, his green eyes piercing her.


    Even if he was far away, she could easily feel the warmth of his eyes, no different from being close to him.


    He looked at her with consistent regard and kind eyes throughout their relationship. Even when he first rescued Shada from the princess.


    ¡®Nothing I have is more precious than Miss Shada.¡¯


    Her panting was gone, but her heart was still pounding.


    Shada had already come down the stairs and slowly descended towards him and his outstretched hand waiting to escort her.


    It was like crossing an irreversible bridge. With every step, the green eyes that did not move from her became closer.


    Soon, when there was only one step left, Shada hesitated to place her hand on his hand.


    It felt like handcuffs would be snapped on her wrists right away.


    Huey kissed the back of her hand.


    Just like a knight bowing to a lady.


    From a distance, Shada had often seen many men greet Princess Julia that way.


    It felt strange to receive such a greeting.


    Huey raised his head from her hand and smiled at her stunned, blinking eyes.


    ¡°You are pretty.¡±


    ¡°T-Thank you.¡±


    She stuttered and hesitated to say thank you.


    Thank you, was it a weird reply?


    As she fretted, Huey was slowly admiring Shada as she picked at her hands.


    Unlike how it was typically neatly braided, her black hair was loose and she wore a pale blue dress. She looked fresh and extremely pretty, like a newly bloomed forget-me-not.


    He stared at her lips that were a striking red.


    Holding her hand, they exited the mansion.


    Outside, a horse prepared by the butler Franc was waiting.


    Shada¡¯s eyes grew. She had never been so close to such a noble riding horse.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it pretty?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Exceeding so.


    She nodded blankly, dazed.


    It was a smooth, shiny black horse, except for the star-shaped white dot on her forehead and one white leg; it was jet black like ebony.


    Even when she looked deep into the horse¡¯s black eyes, it seemed to be a horse of good lineage, and the body was smooth, and the hooves looked solid like bronze.


    The horse blinked its eyes and studied Shada.


    Huey laughed as he watched Shada, who dared not get close even though she looked like she was possessed.


    ¡°You can touch it.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Unknowingly, Shada approached Huey, who was smiling heavily, as she alternately looked at him and at the beautiful black horse.


    The horse looked at her very gently, then stood still as Shada¡¯s small hand swept aside the horse¡¯s hair. In response, the horse tilted its head toward Shada.


    When she met those soothing eyes, she laughed.


    Shada asked Huey, who was looking at me, forgetting the tension.


    ¡°What is the name of this horse?¡±


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Huey suddenly burst into laughter; Shada only blinked as if she couldn¡¯t understand language anymore.


    He chuckled, hugged her, and put her on the horse.


    Meanwhile, the black horse was quiet. Huey climbed up behind her, took the reins, and whispered into Shada¡¯s ear.


    ¡°This is Shada. The name of this horse.¡±


    Shada was dumbfounded, wondering if her master was playing a prank on her.


    However, Huey¡¯s eyes, which met hers¡ª although there was a playfulness¡ªdid not seem to be lying.


    The horse¡¯s name was the same as hers.


    Was it a coincidence?


    As she struggled, he hugged her waist and drove the horse.


    It moved nimbly and lightly.


    Shada was nervous and had to lean back on the man who took the reins from behind.


    She could hear his low laughter above her head.


    Suddenly, she remembered a conversation they had before.


    ¡®Who named you?¡¯


    ¡®My father.¡¯


    ¡®He had a peculiar taste.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ve heard several times that my name is unusual.¡¯


    ¡®No, it¡¯s like a dog¡¯s name.¡¯


    It wasn¡¯t a dog¡¯s name but a horse¡¯s name.


    ¡°That¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    Shada opened her mouth with difficulty.


    She wanted to ask a lot of things, but instead the only words that managed to come out of her mouth were simple and weren¡¯t burdensome.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    Hmm, a quick thinking noise rang above her head that seem to say, I do not know.


    ¡°Where shall we go?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Is there a place you want to go?¡±


    Shada¡¯s eyes searched for an answer as she felt the horse lightly running through Count Kirchner¡¯s expansive estate.


    Where do you want to go?


    This is the simplest and most difficult question for a small citizen like her.


    When she answered that she was not sure, a simple answer came back as if he hadn¡¯t expected much of an answer anyways.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s meander.¡±


    I want to show you what I see every day.


    Count Kirchner¡¯s estate was beautiful.


    Shada had also admired it before when she had glanced anxiously through the glass window while riding in the carriage after she was rescued from the princess.


    But again, today, she admired the landscape.


    Beautifully lush shrubs stood gracefully hanging over the pale green lawn.


    There was a lush forest, well-groomed flowers, and lakes in several places, making it picture-perfect.


    These beautiful lands belonged to this man escorting her on a horse.


    ***

 Chapter 36

    Shada was even more conscious of his firm hands holding her waist.


    In fact, she had never forgotten his existence. A calm voice spoke to her first. As always.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s beautiful,¡±


    Shada said honestly.


    Even those who hated Count Kirchner would not be able to find fault with the magnificent landscape of his manor. Only the soft hooves of the horse and the occasional chirping of birds rang in the vast open fields and forest.


    Drunk off the refreshing air and serene greenery naturally made Shada quiet. Even her usually panicked mind and heart seemed to grow silent. However, it would never be that way.


    She fiddled with his hand around her waist and adjusted herself. Shada could understand now why this man went off on horseback every day.


    It would feel wonderful to ride a horse through such beautiful scenery.


    The horse entered the mouth of the forest, and there was an aura of comfortable tranquility.


    Although it was difficult, Shada managed to open her mouth,


    ¡°Ma¡ª Master.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    It was a gentle response as if he had been waiting for her words.


    ¡°Thank you. for¡­ Showing me such a beautiful place.¡±


    For a moment, he was silent.


    He muttered with a smirk.


    ¡°You felt burdened with me applying medicine or nursing you, but you like this.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s!¡±


    ¡°Then will you come every day?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Shada wished she could stop asking questions, but she was too perplexed.


    The horse slowly entered.


    It was a quiet place with thick trees and a cooler wind.


    He swept her hair down and felt the man¡¯s hand rubbing her neck and back.


    Shada¡¯s relaxed nerves were now sparkling with anticipation with that simple touch.


    He was able to joke, harass, and move Shada¡¯s senses very easily, whether intentionally or unintentionally.


    For example, right now, he was only touching her waist with his index finger; it tickled her, made her feel weird and shake.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Unintentionally, Shada had exclaimed. She blinked and was stunned at herself. Before she knew it, the horse she was on stopped.


    She saw a swelling of a blood vein on the back of the man¡¯s hand holding the reins. He was holding it tight.


    Soon after, a loose hand rested on Shada¡¯s thigh.


    She felt strange anxiety.


    The sound of birds had also stopped.


    In the wild greenry, they heard each other¡¯s breath.


    ¡°I like to ride horses.¡±


    Yes,


    answering in a whisper, Shada was coy.


    ¡°Horses are beautifully¡­ delicate. Yet they are strong creatures.¡±


    Huey¡¯s body clung closely to hers. His arms wrapped around her waist were subtly pulling her towards him.


    Shada moved away like a butterfly caught by a spider but was paralyzed by his strength, and after a whiff of his intensely seductive scent, she could not refuse him.


    Inevitably, Shada, who was against the solid man¡¯s riding pants, felt something and gasped.


    ¡°I think I said it before.¡±


    He was erect. He whispered as his voice licked her ears, making her breathless.


    ¡°What¡¯s better is when only I can ride them. Some of the precious horses don¡¯t let me ride unless I¡¯m their owner.¡±


    ¡°Ma-Master.¡±


    ¡°My Shada is so sensitive that she only allows me.¡±


    His fingertips rolled up her one-piece skirt and were coming up into her thighs. It was as if vines had wrapped around her tightly, and she felt helplessly inflexible.


    Shada¡¯s face turned red, and she was trembling.


    Oh, she moaned.


    He slowly moved his waist and rubbed between her asscheeks with his hard member.


    Shada grunted like a whipped horse.


    Her head was dizzy with embarrassment, shame, and excitement in this bizarre sexual situation.


    ¡°Haaaa¡­ ¡­ . Isn¡¯t it wonderful? Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°Ye-yes! Of course! That, please¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    No way. This couldn¡¯t be happening.


    However, the Count, who was openly in heat with her, seemed to have the ability to do everything ¡ªincluding the very lewd¡ª with a graceful and tender smile.


    At this rate, they would really do the unmentionable while on horseback.


    His words coxed and praised as he barbarically conquered.


    Secretly and wildly stimulating. His fingers entered her excitedly trembling lips as he licked her neck.


    ¡°Will our Shada like to do that, too?¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­ ¡­ . Ye-Yes.¡±


    Shada nodded her head.


    Like a kid with candy, she bit his finger and kept affirming. The overbearing and sensual pressure drove Shada up in a haze.


    He was entirely in control of her. That guy like this was hurt by her? Could she be mistaken?


    Once again, Huey¡¯s firm tip rubbed against her butt. Although it was over his pants, it felt like they were naked.


    Hiccup, his wet fingers came out of Shada¡¯s cute moaning lips.


    That lustful wet pillar went straight between her thighs.


    Shada was shocked as he entered into her already soaked underwear so smoothly as he stroked her horse mane around her entrance.


    ***

 Chapter 37

    The black horse that carried them flickered weakly.


    The vividness of being on top of the living thing while her erogenous zones were being stimulated shocked her.


    Shada shook her head as if crying.


    Meanwhile, Huey¡¯s fingers were harassing her pussy and her wet lips.


    ¡°That¡ªstop¡ªMaster.¡±


    ¡°Why? Do you want me to put it right away?¡±


    The elegant Count uttered vulgar words.


    His voice cracked from excitement.


    Shada was again stimulated by his husky voice. He was such a sensual man.


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous. I¡¯m scared.¡±


    Shada shook her head while her bottom got steadily wetter.


    This was a very, very unusual act. With Shada¡¯s common sense, she could have never imagined it.


    Is this possible or not?


    He swallowed her red ears as if soothing them.


    Huey laughed loudly as she pulled her back into his arms.


    ¡°Dangerous, scary¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    He caressed her with all five fingers into her panties and roughly rubbed up and down, and aroused her. The sound of wetness moving became loud.


    ¡°Why are there so many things that scare my Miss Shada? Is it because you are too timid?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Master, please!¡±


    It seemed like there was a fire in her abdomen. Shada struggled with both legs. It was a pathetic movement like a helpless child, but her squirming increased from above her legs as the stimulus increased.


    After putting her nails on Huey¡¯s hard forearm, she leaned back and whined and rubbed her head on her master¡¯s chest.


    It was throbbing and hot, and Shada felt she was going crazy. I¡¯m going to get out of my mind.


    Huey¡¯s fresh green eyes were frighteningly single-mindedly focused on Shada while holding her in his arms and while riding on a horse.


    He was staring intensely at the maid squirming with a man¡¯s hand¡ªhis own¡ª in there. It was a superb view.


    It seemed like his fingers would melt in the heat of the inside of her entrance.


    Huey kissed Shada on her sweaty crown, who was now starting to flutter weakly.


    ¡°Haaa [sigh], you¡¯re so pretty.¡±


    ¡°Huh! Oh! No¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. What are you afraid of? It doesn¡¯t bother me when I do it.¡± [referring to being on top of a horse?]


    It was like jumping off a wall when you were a kid. After jumping, you realize that you were afraid of nothing.


    He kept whispering and moving his fingers like a devil. She rubbed her limp black hair on Huey, and at one point, she shook her head wildly while groaning. Ah, ah! Her short nails were deeply lodged in his forearm.


    Huey felt electrified by her full climax, her eyes growing dark and languid. Her previously rigid female body was now like a baby beast floating in the sea in the afterglow. Satisfaction ran all over his body.


    He whispered, kissing her head, earlobe, and back. Well done. Pretty. He pressed the back of Shada, who was no longer willing to rebel and made her hug his neck.


    ¡®Shada¡¯ [t1v:the horse] shook her head as if grumpy such things were happening above her, only occasionally grazing and moving little by little. She was quiet.


    Huey pulled the buckle of the pants while smirking. Grasping Shada¡¯s hand, he told her to slowly sweep the horse¡¯s mane as if teaching her horseback riding. Contrary to his nice words, his face was full of lust. Miss Shada.


    ¡°Do you want me to teach you how to ride a horse?¡±


    Shada couldn¡¯t answer. She could feel a rough man¡¯s hand tearing her underwear. A cheap, thin undergarment was soaked with body fluids and fell onto the grass under the horse. It was somehow obscene.


    While she was fascinated by the sight, something hot and familiar came between her white buttocks.


    As he was attempting to sooth her, he growled. Maybe she was the target, not the horse, when it came to teaching her how to ride.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    His cock slowly but surely dug in.


    Shada, the black horse, fluttered blue. When Shada, who was scared by the movement of the horse, tried to move, Huey gave quick, gentle advice.


    ¡°Stay still. Because horses can go wild.¡±


    ¡°Oh, oh! master¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    As he said it was dangerous, he rammed his pillar in deep.


    He sighed deftly and stroked the tearful Shady¡¯s hair. She had a strange feeling that she had become his beloved Rottweiler.


    After completely burrowing himself in her, he pulled out a bit several times, clasping her ass cheeks apart. Her inner walls, which were overly tense by this strange sex, were tight. Huey groaned in pain.


    ¡°Shada. Unless you¡¯re trying to kill your master¡­ Whooo¡­ Relax.¡±


    ¡°Huh, uh. Please take it out. Take it out.¡±


    Shada was in tears, so she moaned and fell on the horse¡¯s back. The smooth hair of the black horse rubbed against her cheek.


    While riding, she was desperate to receive the goods of a man ¡ªher master. It was obviously weird, a disgrace. The biggest problem was her body pouring out sweetness in the midst of this. Shada was embarrassed. How did this happen?


    Huey chuckled, caressing the red earlobes of a woman whining for help with tears. It was a bad laugh mixed with sadism and a twisted affection.


    ¡°Haaa [sigh], you¡¯re cute. I¡¯m turning you around.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    A big hand grabbed her waist and changed it back to the equestrian, mounted position while he was still in her.


    They both groaned at the stimulus of their connected areas and their bodies overlapping. Huey smirked and then moved the reins to make ¡®Shada¡¯ [the horse] saunter. As the horse began to stroll slowly, Huey¡¯s member within her poked her vaginal wall, and made Shada gasped.

 Chapter 38

    ¡°Riding a horse, haaa, is easier than you think. If you can communicate, you can ride horses.¡± [t1v: this is a horribly corny ¡®word¡¯ play joke in Korean]


    Every time the horse walked, Shada¡¯s body trembled, and from time to time, Huey thrusted into her.


    Shada panted and stuck her nails in his arm around her waist.


    ¡°¡®Shada¡¯ is a horse I¡¯ve been raising myself from when I was a baby,¡±


    whispered Huey as he skillfully grabbed the reins and driving the horse.


    Shada held back a moan as his voice entered her red ears.


    There was nothing in her mind other than the hot flesh that pierced her, twitching and penetrating her incessantly. It was like a foal running ¨Clooking ahead and being chased by a red iron.


    ¡°From one to ten¡­ Everything, I taught, aah, and tamed her.¡±


    A small hill appeared.


    As they went uphill, Shada sobbed in a cold sweat. Master. Master. There were no gaps in their sticky wet union. They fit perfectly together, stuck to each other.


    As the horse climbed up the path, Huey¡¯s hard penis stabbed deeper and deeper.


    Shada¡¯s belly grew hot, and something overwhelming started to well up deep inside of her.


    As she cried, Huey grasped her breasts tenderly over her clothes.


    Judging from his subdued intense breathing, he was also struggling.


    He nuzzled and buried his sharp nose in the roots of her sweaty black hair.


    ¡°I wish my Shada, and I had done the same. I wish I had seen you in your childhood. I am greedy.¡±


    ¡°Master¡­ please. Please stop¡­¡­.¡±


    Her short, frayed nails scratched his hard forearms and back of his hands like a small beast. No matter how hard she struggled, it didn¡¯t hurt him. Those gentle and mildly worn hands resembled Shada herself.


    Those weak and scarred hands couldn¡¯t defend herself, let alone attack others. He didn¡¯t praise her hands for nothing.


    When the uphill road ended, and they strolled on a short flat surface, Huey thrusted his waist once and bit Shada¡¯s ear, whispering:


    ¡°Let yourself cling and depend on me more. If you had been tamed from the beginning¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡®Shada¡¯ carrying them went downhill.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t even have thought of running away.¡±


    ¡°Ahh!¡±


    Every time the horse ambled down, his muscular member in her core ravaged her insides without mercy.


    Shada rubbed her head against Huey¡¯s chest as if losing her mind and trying to hold on to something. She was going crazy.


    It was awfully raunchy and erotic.


    He grabbed her writhing form as if the top of his horse was his bedroom and held her unsteady state together. That short downhill trot was too long.


    Shada¡¯s shoulders trembled, and she peaked when there was an expected sway, and his genitals were roughly buried into her wildly.


    Overflowing love liquid saturated his pants and saddle. At that shameful sense of sodden, squishy dampness, she burst into tears.


    Huey gently soothed and wiped her tears. In the meantime, his pillar started to swell up even more considerably in Shada.


    Shada repeatedly cried, moaned, hung off of, and fluttered at his mean and affectionate touch.


    What was amazing was that this man continued to embrace her without a break. Without removing himself from within her, she moaned helplessly at him.


    Huey said, biting Shada¡¯s cheek, tired of continued pleasure.


    Now with excessive excitement, his voice also lost his composure. ¡°Haaa. I haven¡¯t even thought about horseback sex, but it¡¯s awesome. Fuck!¡±


    ¡°Ohh!¡±


    ¡°N-no. I have thought about it.¡±


    Huey laughed low. He suddenly made the horse speed up.


    Even if she wasn¡¯t sprinting, Shada felt as if she would die because her body was jostling even more. She bounced on his cock wildly, squeezing and tightening on him irregularly like a rutting animal.


    Huey¡¯s beastly groan growled above her head.


    His chin was rigid with intensity and his brows furrowed¡ªhis entire focus on riding the horse straight ahead.


    Indeed if he relaxed too much while doing something so crazy, there could have been an accident.


    But Shada wasn¡¯t a rider, so she literally lost her mind and went crazy with pleasure, screaming out exclamations. Every time the horse¡¯s elastic muscles shook, its mane fluttered, and strong hooves hit the ground, Shada was fucked recklessly.


    Shada moaned, wept, and drooled.


    She felt like she was going to die. In some ways, she was communicating with this beast of a horse, alert of its every movement.


    Even though ¡®Shada¡¯ slowed down, Shada still teared up. This is because, although the movements were slower, the penetration continued.


    Huey¡¯s rough hands held her pelvis and struck her waist rapidly and with force. Shada procured the man¡¯s harsh groaning as she squeezed the leather saddle. His hand that squeezed her breasts, and his hard penis struck her like a knife.


    Now ¡®Shada,¡¯ the horse, stopped and chopped on the ripped green grass beneath her feet.


    Shada¡¯s body swayed with her back arched, and she heard his climax. She felt something hot spray in her inner walls and saw the tendons standing up on his fists.


    After ejaculating, Huey breathed in deeply and kissed her white nape, where her black hair started.

 Chapter 39

    Again, slowly, the horse started to walk.


    There was a stable at the entrance of the forest. Exhausted, Shada prayed for the moment to get off this horse and on the ground would come sooner


    But another part of her didn¡¯t want this moment to end.


    Of course, it was because she was so shy to get down and meet Huey¡¯s face.


    The wind blew behind them as they entered the stables.


    Huey wiped her messy bottom with a handkerchief, arranged her skirt, and jumped down first.


    Shada avoided his gaze as he carried her to the ground and stood her on the floor. The long horseback ride was done.


    For a moment, she was relieved, and her knees buckled. Huey supported her staggering form.


    Shada wasn¡¯t sure if her legs couldn¡¯t hold her because her tension was relieved or if her limbs were weak in the shocking aftertaste of lovemaking.


    Shada was embarrassed, but Huey sweetly kissed her face saying he liked the way she leaned on him.


    She nodded blankly. I¡¯m okay.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    When Huey stared at her, she avoided his gaze.


    Instead, the Black horse, Shada, held her eyes.


    It looked like she held no resentment or awkwardness about bodies mixing on top of her?


    Shada¡¯s face burned brightly.


    She held her legs together. Her bottom was soaked, and she couldn¡¯t bear it.


    It wasn¡¯t just because of the traces he left in her.


    Her body was getting wet again so soon; it seemed to be not hers anymore.


    Shada didn¡¯t know that the man¡¯s eyes, focusing on her, were looking at her in satisfaction.


    * * *


    Shada blinked at the room bathed in white sunlight. She slowly woke up with slight muscle pain and a heavy ache wrapped around her waist.


    A scene of kaleidoscope lights passed through her head. A man¡¯s bare chest touched her back and arms. Where their skin touched, burned.


    As she tried to move away, Huey hugged Shada even tighter, so she huffed and gave up.


    The man she glanced at was the Count, naked and entangled with her on the bed¡ªstill deeply asleep.


    He was a man with sparkling blonde hair, serious eyes, with a sharp jawline balancing a finely sculpted toughness.


    At first glance, he looked so refined and elegant that one would not think he was a knight or a soldier.


    His sleek jaguar-like muscularity and scarring, the callous hands like a stone, and occasional fierce eyes like a beast reminded her that he was Count Kirchner, the famous hero.


    What would her deceased parents say if they knew she was in an affair with such a man?


    She recalled what happened yesterday.


    Huey took Shada to the beautiful manor¡¯s estate, and they enjoyed a picnic.


    Then, after sunset, he brought her to the room and embraced her again.


    Although she didn¡¯t know before, there were several sexual positions and concentrations of pleasurable places.


    Fear, awkwardness, and worries became tamed and dull if one got drunk off the atmosphere.


    And that¡¯s what happened to Shada as she hugged him tightly, screaming, clinging on to him.


    As he ordered, she shook her waist and felt like she was getting more and more infatuated with him.


    Shada¡¯s eyes only blinked as she embraced him tightly.


    She recalled the conversation she had with Huey as if she was flipping through a book she read yesterday.


    It was when the red sunset flickered and shimmered on the lake.


    As Shada sauntered by the shore of the lake, she asked carefully.


    ¡°May I ask you something?¡±


    The glances between them were warmer than the sunset.


    He laughed and smiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    ¡°¡­ What?¡±


    ¡°I was worried that you would not ask me anything.¡±


    His green eyes curled beautifully as if he had waited the whole time for her question.


    It was fortunate that she was bathed in red light. She held her scorching face. His smile gave her courage.


    ¡°When did you first see me? It wasn¡¯t it when you saved me, was it?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    It was a simple answer compared to what she was prepared for.


    Shada frowned.


    ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°When your hands were smaller than they are now, and they were swollen and cracked in lye and cold water.¡±


    ¡°Sheep lye¡­ By any chance, when I worked in the laundry room?¡±


    There was a time when she worked in piles and piles of laundry, and it was as if she was doing almost all the laundry in a royal palace alone.


    It was the hardest time in her life as a maid. Well¡ªuntil Princess Julia started tormenting Shada.


    She was bullied, lost her parents, dealing with so much slander and gossip that even the head maid thought of her as a problem and sent Shada to a distant laundry room.


    It was hard labor, so even the maids avoided it, but there was no choice but for her to hold back her tears and stick to it.


    If Shada got kicked out, especially without a recommendation letter, her money would quickly run out.


    Huey saw her at her lowest when she was only doing laundry day and night, never speaking except for a few essential words a day.

 Chapter 40

    Huey saw her at her lowest when she was only doing laundry day and night, never speaking except for a few essential words a day¡ªshe tried not to even think of those times.


    ¡°No. How did you get there? I don¡¯t remember at all.¡±


    ¡°Of course. You didn¡¯t do anything. I just happened to see Miss Shada.¡±


    How did she, who was nothing and did nothing special, become special to him?


    As if reading the question lingering in her mind, Huey raised the corners of her lips and sniggered.


    ¡°Why did I watch you? I must have observed you because I thought you were beautiful. Human, noble, or commoner¡ªit¡¯s the same. In time you¡¯ll know.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I was only 16 at the time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. My Miss Shada was in a different state of development.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Shada felt like she heard something dangerous. He smirked at Shada as he looked down at her with her mouth open.


    As expected, there¡¯s a lot you don¡¯t know about me. [Huey]


    ¡°Whatever the reason, when I found Miss Shada, something inside of me changed from the first moment I saw you. I didn¡¯t even know what it was for a while.¡±


    You¡¯d be surprised how many times I thought of you.


    As he said that, he looked at Shada seriously, without a smile.


    As their eyes intertwined, the things inside his deep eyes were so complicated that by looking at them, Shada couldn¡¯t figure out what he was thinking. Shada was too inexperienced¡ªjust a maid, to notice or read his gaze, and this man was a man as skilled as a beast and in many ways unknown.


    Considering the nobleman she was acquainted with, he repeatedly broke her expectations of him.


    Could love really explain it all?


    Shada was dumbfounded at the thought and suddenly woke up from her thoughts as a hand caressed her breast.


    A moan erupted as the sticky tongue entered her ear.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, that¡ªoh!¡­ Huh!¡±


    Slowly, his hand crawled up and tickled her between her legs.


    In an instant, she groaned and rasped as he touched her wet, squishy skin and gently rubbed it together.


    Huey stared intently at Shada¡¯s expressions, whose eyes fluttered and flushed with pleasure, as he poked his finger into her vagina and caressing her as if his fingertips could taste it.


    Maybe it¡¯s because she had been repeatedly tamed by him multiple days in a row, so she easily opened her legs, her entrance widening, and closing as liquid leaked out.


    Shada¡¯s eyes widened, surprised at the sensation that her body immediately heated up. Her body got weird.


    Now, just by him touching her, a strange tickling, something sweet, thrillingly spread.


    This man completely changed her body.


    She squealed when his hand gripped her breast and kneaded it like dough.


    Ah, it feels so good¡ªSo Good!


    Her heart, mind, and body were held tightly in this man¡¯s grip¡ªfeeling as if she were violated and possessed.


    The firm genitals rubbed between her wet buttocks.


    ¡°If you lie, you can¡¯t touch it.¡±


    ¡°Master! Oh!¡±


    The man bit her ear while growling as the woman protested at the injustice.


    ¡°Were you thinking of me?¡±


    ¡°Hnnugh! Ye¡ªYes!¡±


    A large hand slid between her thighs and lifted a leg up, flashing the skin of prey.


    Shada lay on her side, her legs spread apart, and distracted by the phallus rubbing wildly on her crotch.


    As if thirsty from below, her core spilled wetness lusciously.


    ¡°You were worrying again¡ªweren¡¯t you? Were you worrying for nothing again?¡±


    ¡°No! Master, please!¡±


    Shada shook her head vigorously. She was hoping he would do something.


    For example¡­ what he always did.


    It was something she could only admit to absentmindedly as she was passionately engrossed in this sexual thrill.


    As if reading her mind, Huey asked with a smirk,


    ¡°Do you want me to hit it?¡±


    She almost nodded my head involuntarily.


    As she shook his head violently as if in denial, his thick cock poked her red-hot bottom again.


    His big finders pinched her nipples and twirled them around again and again.


    Shada¡¯s torso bowed over, holding back shrieks and moans.


    ¡°Tell me you want me to fuck you.¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡±


    ¡°Hurry. Isn¡¯t it hard to bear?¡±


    Don¡¯t you feel empty? Right now it¡¯s not enough. Wouldn¡¯t it be great if I hit it and fucked it full? Like a devil¡¯s tempting whisper, lustful, lascivious words slid into her ears.


    Meanwhile, the man with bulging veins on his blood-filled cock slowly taunted her by slightly penetrating her in and out, and while continuing indirect friction.


    An unbearable sensation of lust grew in Shada, who was drunk with extreme shame, resentment, and pleasure, cast an imploring look.


    Huey raised his eyebrows and smirked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll taste you like this until you get sick of it. Up and down.¡±


    The tip of his penis was tightly wrapped in the vaginal entrance.


    Oh.


    Her pink eyes fluttered wide open. However, just as her thirst was about to be quenched, Huey bit her and kissed her on the nape of her neck, then grabbed her chin and kissed her more.


    ***

 Chapter 41

    Shada clung to that kiss until she sighed. It wasn¡¯t enough. She needed more.


    She needed more of what he engraved on her body and scratched his hard arm like a cat with razor-sharp nails.


    ¡°Master¡­ please. Oh.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Please.¡±


    She was about to cry.


    Huey exhaled and his member made a squeaky sound between her legs.


    Contrary to his relaxed expression, the blue veins stuck out ferociously on his neck.


    Say it.


    Shada finally burst into tears and enunciated like an ant crawling slowly.


    Please.


    Do it.


    She could only see the straight, closed line of the man¡¯s lips in her embarrassment.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stand it, Master¡­ ¡­ . please.¡±


    Huey watched her silently sobbing for a moment.


    Then he smiled and kissed him on the cheek.


    This would be enough for today.


    ¡°Because I am ridiculously weak when it comes to you.¡±


    A thick, ferocious organ immediately pierced her. He went all the way to the end in perfection.


    His rough pubic hair sloppy clung to her ass.


    Shada immediately felt her craving somewhat satisfied and opened her mouth.


    Transparent saliva formed on the corner of his mouth and then dripped.


    Her aching need kept filling up her strange lower abdomen.


    The man¡¯s ads were taunted, full of desire, and her sunken waist lengthened and rubbed against his strong abs and chest.


    The man¡¯s suppressed panting and groaning could be heard unfiltered in her ears.


    Under the white morning light, it was even more explicit and therefore more arousing.


    Shada shook as he thrusted into her, then turned and shook violently up and down with both hands pressed up. Huey held her tight with one hand and the other slapped her ass hard.


    He was the one who saw her vulnerability as a maid with a nobleman but it was as if he was the one at a loss, who was more fond of the subject.


    The bed creaked and shook. The moans of men and women and the sound of flesh clashing loudly mixed together.


    Shada felt a pillar of fire piercing beneath her as she was engulfed in the sea of pleasure, her feet fluttering like stuffed butterfly wings spread apart, and intense green eyes staring into her.


    And her back was shaking to the rhythm of his thrusts as if accustomed to it.


    To think that she was able to touch and coveted this beautiful man who held her on both wrists. She was in a dull shock.


    She liked having sex with him.


    No, Shada knew it from before, but the more she slept with him, the more that ecstatic fullness filled her mind and broke down her reason.


    She yearned for that touch that swept her body as if licking and caressing her tenderly in earnest.


    ¡°Ugh, *Gasp* Shada. Shada. Ah, ah!¡±


    She loved the sorrowful voice calling for her, his desire to subdue, and her desire to squeeze in all his traces of love inside her.


    As her pink eyes were slowly closing, Huey grabbed her ass cheeks and pulled out his member.


    Shada let out a small pained sound at the shocking withdrawal.


    He smiled softly at her.


    ¡°Call me Master.¡±


    ¡°Master.¡±


    Complimenting that she did a great job, he slowly moved his waist.


    He put his organ between her fluffy white breasts that he gathered with his two hands.


    The tip of the long object stabbed the tip of her chin and brushed against her lips. Huey kept making her call him master.


    Whenever Shada called him master as if by accident, his dark red genitals pressed against her soft pink lips.


    ¡°Ha, damn it. You are so sexy.¡±


    Shada looked stupidly at the distorted face of the man who was playing around like a beast above her.


    Her lower mouth that he had been in and out for a while was still hot. Her breasts tingled with his tight grip. Like a zookeeper wielding a stick and a carrot, the man who completely satisfies his desires was strangely erotic and lewd.


    It¡¯s like watching a male with overflowing sensualness going into heat on her.


    His disheveled blonde hair was wet from sweat and shined in the sunlight, his blurred green eyes were full of lust, and his strong muscular thighs trapped her between his knees while he gripped her waist wildly.


    Shada slowly lowered her eyes to see the man¡¯s object passing through her white breasts. Her body caught on fire as if her whole body had been thrown into hot water. It was too obscene.


    The firm and subtle texture of the thick erection was felt on her smooth skin.


    At that moment, the tip of the penis touched her lips, and gently brushed against her tongue in her slightly open mouth.


    Huey¡¯s forehead lost composure and his brows twisted.

 Chapter 42

    He grabbed Shada¡¯s dark hair and gave an expressionless order. Contrary to his calm face, his voice was unstable.


    ¡°Ha¡ªopen your mouth. Open your mouth.¡±


    Shada did as she was told. It didn¡¯t matter if she was possessed or tamed. It just seemed like she had to do what he wanted, and she wanted to.


    His savory penis slid through her open mouth.


    Huey grabbed Shada¡¯s head and shook his waist several times.


    Shada was mesmerized by the sight of him completely dissatisfied, even as she frowned as a huge thing came in and gave her a sore mouth with a strange taste.


    The man¡¯s appearance as if he was ruined and tortured by himself had a strange charm.


    She had a strange satisfaction, a subtle ecstasy lit her eyes.


    She felt really strange and warm.


    Rather than disgust, tears welled up in the corners of his eyes with excitement and arousal.


    Huey, who was gasping, frowned for a moment as a drop of tears fell across her cheeks, and then slowed her hips down.


    Shada saw his expression as he wiped away her tears and knew he was going to stop.


    A face mixed with sadistic excitement and tender consideration.


    Even Shada was getting a glimpse of the fact that sometimes he pushed her hard, but was careful not to cross a line.


    A man who always cares for you even without you knowing it.


    Unwittingly Shada sucked his penis, which was about to back off.


    She hadn¡¯t known what to do, it was an instinctive move. But she had done something right. Huey just let out a groan.


    She licked him with her tongue. like sucking candy.


    ¡°Shit. you¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    He grabbed her cheek again. and their eyes met.


    He was like a mad horse¡ª unbridled. Saliva dripped and drooling where groans and moans broke out.


    Suddenly, Huey pulled mine out and ejaculated on her face.


    A white liquid was smeared on his distraught facial features and the pink eyes he loved.


    Huey gasped as if he ran the length of the world, panting, grabbed and lifted Shada¡¯s chin, and kissed her.


    ***


    Princess Julia¡¯s hysteria was at its peak.


    She seemed to shrink dozens of times a day.


    It was difficult to keep up with the more demanding and vicious owner, but just yesterday, the princess nearly killed a maid while beating her.


    As always, the maid¡¯s crime was that she was dark-haired as opposed to doing anything special.


    Recently, Princess Julia hated black hair so much that the maid who accidentally caught her eye was also very unlucky.


    In fact, Jules felt his position was more pitiful than the maid.


    How many maids were dying these days? Had he had known this would happen, he wouldn¡¯t have let the maid named Shada run away then.


    Everything was messed up when Count Kirchner took her away. The restless Jules ran to the Count like the wind as soon as the princess threw the teacup over his head.


    His request to visit had already been rejected a few times, but shouldn¡¯t he persist?


    So he was sitting in the Count¡¯s drawing room today. Noticing the impeccable smile of the butler who politely served tea.


    ¡°You are here again.¡±


    His eyes looked tired and troubled. Or maybe it¡¯s because Jules himself felt that way.


    Jules coughed.


    ¡°Is the Count inside?¡±


    ¡°You know, it¡¯s early in the morning, so he¡¯s still sleeping.¡±


    This time he couldn¡¯t pretend to know; it was a gentle rebuke for arriving at the Count¡¯s doorstep in the early hours of the morning.


    Jules knew well enough that his actions were against the manners of aristocratic society, but he was so desperate.


    Jules skillfully avoided the butler¡¯s gaze and bowed his head.


    ¡°Because the princess suffers from loneliness a lot¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    He omitted how many people died because of her ¡®loneliness¡¯.


    Nobility or royalty had different ways of dealing with anger, and at least the princess only touched commoners at a level she could handle.


    So, this man, whose own safety was paramount, surprisingly saw Princess Julia as not good, but not too bad either.


    First, by serving her, he had a lot of responsibilities.


    He felt pity for those who were abused, but that didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t believe they shouldn¡¯t get whipped.


    The butler, who had been silently watching the servant¡¯s groveling, got up and said he would notify the master of his arrival.


    As butler Franc moved away, Jules¡¯ expression, which had a faint smile, faded away.


    Damn it, this was too much! He accepted his reality of having to bow down to nobles. They had a clear status, but wasn¡¯t that butler¡ªat best¡ªa middle-class commoner like himself?


    As his master was royalty he should have been on the top, but instead, it ended up like this every time.


    It was ridiculous.


    As he grumbled inwardly, he was startled out of his thoughts by a voice he heard from behind.


    ¡°The master is asking you to come up.¡±


    This time, it was a maid, not a butler.


    She looked quite ordinary, but he could tell she was from a background of no status, so Jules gently wrinkled his brows.


    ¡°What about the butler?¡±


    ¡°Another guest arrived, so he went to meet them.¡±


    ***

 Chapter 43

    Who else is there besides himself coming in the early morning?


    Somehow, it seemed like an excuse, so Jules licked his lips and eventually followed her without saying a word.


    The Count¡¯s mansion had a minimal and frugal appearance compared to the fame of Count Kirchner.


    It was famous as a luxurious villa from the previous generation.


    After all, as soon as the current count received the title, he put it up for sale, so there was a lot of talk.


    The maid took him and took him to a simple second-floor drawing-room.


    As soon as the maid saw the man in the purple robe, she bowed her head politely, Jules came to his senses and stood up straight.


    ¡°I brought the guest.¡±


    ¡°Good job, Molly.¡±


    Wearing a light robe with his slightly damp golden hair, the Count glanced at Jules, sipping his tea leisurely.


    As the cold green eyes pierced through him, a strange chill swept through Jules.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    He slowly crossed his legs. It was a movement that made Jules think of a male lion raising its head.


    ¡°What are you doing at this hour, vassal?¡±


    Jules, possessed by the count¡¯s elegant and cold atmosphere, barely regained consciousness and coughed trying to recuperate his composure.


    Oddly enough, this count was more difficult to deal with than royalty in some ways.


    His motto was being polite to whoever he was faced with. The Count¡¯s demeanor did not bring to mind his notoriety on the battlefield.


    ¡°This is Princess Julia¡¯s message.¡±


    He bowed his head and handed over the letter.


    The maid, unphased, put it on a silver tray and carefully delivered it to the Count.


    Jules peaked up and saw a long finger picking up a letter in my severed field of vision.


    The Count was silent for a moment. In the meantime, Jules stood by with his back straight and politely clasped her hands as he waited.


    The sharp shaved jawline of the man reading a letter with his eyes downcast looked as elegant as a work of art.


    It was as if he had been raised a Duke or high noble from birth without a single hair out of place.


    He understood why the princess, who was the only royal child, was enthralled and fallen in love. He really was the perfect groom. No, wait¡ªperfect?


    Now he recalled a rumor about the Count¡¯s origin, almost forgotten by the public.


    Strictly speaking, he was not born of a pure, blue-blooded bloodline. Count Jeon¡¯s children all died prematurely, so he adopted his younger brother¡¯s son born out of wedlock and raised him as an heir.


    Of course, it was a rumor, and only the Count, his biological parents, and the dead count knew the truth. After all, the young Count Kirchner was extremely noble.


    Jules¡¯ thoughts were shattered with a languid sigh.


    ¡°I think the princess is angry because I am absent.¡±


    he murmured, tapping the armrest with the envelope. Contrary to his tone of regret, the expression on his face was languid and calm like the flowing afternoon river.


    White sunlight glimmered on his handsome forehead and slender lips.


    Truly, his mysterious atmosphere disappeared like a ghost.


    Jules tilted her head. It had been several years since Count Kirchner became engaged to Princess Julia, and the man he always saw in the palace and the man he was seeing today seemed different.


    Somehow, the indescribable minute expressions and the air¡­ ¡­ . Jules glanced at the purple robe wrapped around his slender, masculine neckline, neckline, and collarbone, and suddenly he remembered the dark-haired maid, the subject on which the princess had committed evil.


    No way? But the beautiful neat appearance of the maid faded from his thoughts.


    In addition, the Count had not the nature to indulge in women.


    There must be another reason to take the maid perhaps¡­ ¡­ .


    But it wouldn¡¯t matter to Princess Julia whether they really slept or not, would it?


    At times, it seemed that she was looking for a reason just because she wanted to kill a maid named Shada.


    Because that maid easily bought the malice of the women around her to the point of it being strange.


    Even a small mistake committed by that maid seemed like such a big deal and made her stand out even more.


    In order to justify the hostility, everyone around her was relentless and cold, as if they had been looking for a chance to fault her. Sometimes, such subtle bullying is more frightening.


    Jules had actually told the others that Shada had quit her job.

 Chapter 44

    He thought it was impressive that she had endured it for so long.


    Certainly, she was pretty.


    Was it because of her unusual eye color?


    Indeed, she was memorable. Perhaps¡­ ¡­.


    ¡°Chief.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Cool green eyes startled him out of his thoughts.


    Confronted with a gaze that resembled a wild beast at night, Jules stopped breathing and got goosebumps.


    The Count was an odd person for an esteemed aristocrat, but Jules couldn¡¯t put his finger on why¡ªbesides, now wasn¡¯t the time to wonder¡ª the Count watched him for an eerily long time.


    Jules¡¯ spine grew cold. Just when he was about to break down and asked why he was being glared at, the Count gave him a welcomed declaration.


    He said he would go to the founding day in person.


    Even after Jules bowed and said his farewell the Count¡¯s eyes followed him.


    Jules returned to the palace, rubbing the goosebumps on his arms.


    However, Princess Julia, for some reason, was more concerned with something else other than the Count¡¯s message.


    It was that maid.


    ¡°That dark-haired girl. Is she still with him?¡±


    Of course, she was talking about Shada.


    Jules immediately responded that he had not seen any sign of her.


    But the princess was not satisfied.


    ¡°Where would she be hiding? She must have snared him in.¡±


    The princess, nervously arguing about what a lowly, ignorant girl might have done, stepped on the hand of the maid who was washing her feet and kicked the silver basin, saying the water temperature was unpleasant.


    Jules watched the confused and drenched maids mopping the floor, looked around, and asked,


    ¡°How are you so sure? The Count is not interested in women¡­¡­.¡±


    Perhaps something else happened, but he had heard no talk or rumors about the Count being promiscuous or being amongst the group of men who flirted with maids.


    Princess Julia, who was biting her nails, confessed something unexpected,


    ¡°His eyes.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I saw the eyes that Huey had for her. Is that the glaze you give a maid?¡±


    She had never seen the Count look at her like that before.


    She felt like she was going crazy with anger and jealousy.


    The deep eyes that flickered subtly as if on fire profoundly below belonged to a man.


    She didn¡¯t see it erroneously.


    After that, his subtle demeanor had been annoying.


    In fact, it was nothing, but everything bothered her.


    It happened after the black-haired foot maid followed him.


    In addition, Princess Julia, by happenstance, recalled an old memory.


    When they had been newly engaged, while the Count escorted her for a walk around the palace, he often watched the water flowing down the canal as they walked along the artificial stream.


    At that time, she thought it was just because the palace¡¯s striking waterways were beautiful, but that wasn¡¯t the case.


    If one wanted to see splendid scenery, the real view was upstream where there was an artificial island, there is no reason to be bewitched by downstream.


    But every time he entered the palace, he took a walk there.


    Downstream is where the maids did the laundry.


    According to what the princess recently found out from a maid, it was around that time that the maid was working all day at the laundry. Unsurprisingly, after her work moved, the princess¡¯ walks with the Count along the aqueduct were cut off.


    Wasn¡¯t that too coincidental?


    She was only a maid.


    Princess Julia gritted her teeth.


    How could she completely trample it and destroy it?


    The cruelest and brutal way¡ªso it would be impossible to recover.


    In particular, she wanted to thoroughly break that maid as a woman, so she couldn¡¯t even appear in front of Huey.


    Julia was very clever when it came to cruelty. She was very good at figuring out which torture would be the most painful for the other person.


    Princess Julia smiled with compassion.


    ¡°Come to think of it, there were quite a few guys who were seduced by that girl, weren¡¯t they?¡±


    She was a girl who excelled at attracting men with her looks, so shouldn¡¯t she give an appropriate gift that fits her character?


    * * *


    Huey had been in a terrible mood for a lengthy time.


    There were intrusive visits to his manor, one after another since morning.


    As a result, he could not enjoy the pleasure of holding Shada as soon as he opened his eyes.


    He bit his inner cheek and licked his lips.


    He wanted to sleep with his cock in her and hold her until he woke up.


    As he imagined her sleeping and tightening around his member, his lower body heated up.


    If Shada had been a little less shy, he¡¯d be willing to embrace her every morning.


    He hadn¡¯t even sated half of his needs yet. And he was thinking of trying everything with Shada, slowly step by step and learning.


    Shada was shy and cries well, but she was born physically gifted.


    If he embraced her every day and did it again and again, wouldn¡¯t it be possible to make her wet just by making eye contact?


    If she clings and wails, saying she doesn¡¯t know what to do, he thought it would be thrilling.


    But alas, it couldn¡¯t be this morning.


    ¡°Hello, it¡¯s been a while, Mr. Kirchner.¡±


    When the Count laughed silently, only then did the other party laugh happily, as if he had accomplished a feat.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Are you Count Kirchner? I¡¯m so happy to see you I can¡¯t believe my eyes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Marquis Baylem.¡±


    The marquise nodded his head in an immaculate greeting.


    They smiled at each other and looked like old friends that had not seen each other in a long time but the reality couldn¡¯t have been further from the truth.


    What was even worse, was the fact that both of them knew this very well. After spending some time over a cup of tea, without anyone speaking first, they put down their teacups and stared at each other.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to see your face these days. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I am not feeling well, so I am taking a break. I need to take care of myself.¡±


    If having sex in a row was recuperation, of course, Huey was resting well.


    He looked at his opponent with expressionless eyes. A sly elder, the Marquis of Baylem was an aristocrat that was an ardent worshiper of the kingship, insisting on the doctrine of the divine right of kingship from at least a century ago.


    His father was the man who executed the last President of the old republic and placed his dead body on the wall, so the marquis passed on power to the current king.


    And the Marquis was very displeased with the future groom of the princess, which was favored by the current king.


    This is because the young Count was a war hero who was rumored to be an illegitimate child from his point of view of pedigree-ism, was a threat to the throne.


    Kirchner¡¯s overwhelming popularity and prestige, he argued, was not necessary when the war was over.


    If one looked a little deeper, it was because he thought the Count was a threat to his position.


    Once upon a time, the Marquis tried to make his son the royal groom but failed because of the Count.


    In many ways, it was not surprising that the Marquis felt inferior to the young hero.


    Having a child was useless.


    The Marquis skillfully erased his displeasure and gave his political opponent a kind smile.


    ¡°The princess must be upset. She looked forward to the day the Count returned from the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°It is my disloyalty.¡± [t1v: also could translate to ¡®my inadequacy/my fault¡¯]


    Huey smiled without blinking an eye.


    The Marquis¡¯ brows subtly frowned while staring at the Count¡¯s smooth, flawless face, gently frowned.

 Chapter 45

    The average ordinary citizen of the kingdom loved the Count¡ªKirchner was young, handsome, polite, and a war hero.


    Even with overwhelming favour, he was prudent in his conduct ¡ªand exceedingly so for his age¡ª and was not reckless.


    At first glance, his seemingly humble deeds earned him a similarly humble following until it steadily increased and his reputation grew formidable.


    However, the Marquis had a premonition from the moment he first laid eyes on the Count at the victory ceremony.


    He was a beast that feigned his meekness. There was not even a grain of sincerity toward his fianc¨¦e, the Princess.


    Such an incongruent feeling was sensed even amid the presence of the King, to whom the Count was always obedient and loyal to.


    Indeed, the Marquis did not like Count Kirchner, even if he made a hundred concessions and his loyalty to the King made him wear rose-colored sunglasses.


    It was a conviction that came with meeting one¡¯s destined enemy.


    Naturally wary, Huey did not bow his head or try to please Marquis Baylem.


    The King and Princess may have not felt the need for such a strong courtesy, but it goes without saying that the Marquis despised the Count who did not send a friendly signal.


    ¡°By the way, have you come to squash my disloyalty?¡±


    Huey asked for an explanation for his visit with a lighthearted attitude.


    Marquis Baylem chuckled.


    ¡°Of course not. I came out of concern. I was worried about the Count.¡±


    You¡¯re funny.


    Huey laughed with his eyes.


    ¡°Besides, we¡¯re still in a new reign, aren¡¯t we? It would be reassuring to have a strong knight like you by His Majesty¡¯s side as he is fighting the Republicans.¡°


    ¡°You were worried for nothing. I am too incompetent, I wouldn¡¯t be able to stand by His Majesty¡¯s side.¡±


    ¡°Of course you will. What could a young man like you be afraid of? Haha. I¡¯ve just heard an interesting rumor. I know it¡¯s slanderous gossip.¡±


    ¡°I wonder what the rumors are.¡±


    In fact, Huey had a good idea of what he was referring to but he pretended to be ignorant. It was because of the Marquis¡¯ sharp gaze that followed his every move.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me if you were short-staffed? I¡¯d like to introduce you to a good maid.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s the story.¡±


    As Cedric said, rumors circulated about Count Kirchner and the maid. Although it did not spread much and faded due to the influence of various powers and the spotless reputation of the Count.


    The Marquis studied the serene countenance of the Count.


    ¡°How troublesome. I didn¡¯t expect it to be this complicated because of one act of pity.¡±


    ¡°Pity?¡±


    ¡°I have no reason to explain. And the loyal Marquis of Baylem [the Count is referring to his allegiance to the royal family], could hardly be interested in such gossip, right?¡±


    Huey, who smiled softly, elegantly turned his opponent into a gossip-addled old man and drank his tea.


    The Marquis of Baylem agreed, and stepped down¡ªbut his eyes grew colder, though.


    ¡°The Founding Festival is an important event. As you know, it was the day King Aleph and I drove out the Republican lunatics and re-established the foundations of the country.¡±


    The country had a brief republican period of about 50 years. The country was turned upside down by a coup d¡¯etat by the intellectuals, industrialists, trade unions and guilds in the capital.


    There were rumors that it was foreign intervention, such as scholars and politicians infiltrating from the distant neighboring country of the Nylan Republic, but no one knew for sure.


    The new history burned briefly and then faded away.


    Some reformist historians expressed opinions about the establishment of the republic being too early. It was too early for the citizens to become accustomed to such a new form of politics, and the backlash against the royal family had not ripened.


    It was before its time.


    In any case, the Republicans pushed a group of aristocrats who had been driven all the way to the South and besieged and occupied the capital, killing and annihilating all key figures.


    It was said that on that bloody day, every street in the capital was not found without corpses and blood. This is because there were a lot of innocent people who were victims of the Republican resistance and a large massacre of aristocrats.


    Nevertheless, the reason why people like the Marquis and royal loyalists still hated the Republicans was the suspicion that some leaders of the republic remained.


    Such suspicions had grounds. Now and then there were advocates of republicanism and ideas spread like wildfire just by the presence of a leader with exceptional and outstanding direction.


    Regardless, that was all in the past.


    Huey tilted his tea nonchalantly, wondering if Shada had woken up by now.


    At the right time, he declared the end of the conversation by getting up from his seat, asserting that if he didn¡¯t get proper exercise with horseback riding, his health would deteriorate. [t1v: ha!]


    ¡°I heard that the Marquis is also busy preparing for the Founding Festival. I made the person who was in trouble with the construction work hard because I wasn¡¯t enough.¡±


    ¡°Heh heh heh, no. Then take good care of yourself. I¡¯m just being a silly old man.¡±


    They exchanged well wishes and parted in front of the front door.


    As soon as Marquis Baylem alighted his wagon, he gave careful orders to his henchmen.


    Keep a closer eye on the Count.


    ¡°Has Count Kirchner been to the club recently?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He smokes and talks to gentlemen including professors, scholars, and journalists for a long time.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡ª¡± a henchman, who was carefully examining the troubled Marquis, opened his mouth carefully.


    ¡°Of course the Count is one to be wary of, but what exactly do you suspect? Eventually, he will marry Princess Julia. Isn¡¯t he the one who will further solidify the kingship? You will benefit from it too.¡±


    Each of the Count¡¯s personnel was carefully selected for their loyalty and were tight-lipped so even if Count Kirchner moved away from his realm, there was almost no way to confiscate information.


    Above all else, he is the future groom of the king.


    Truely, it was better to embrace him and assure their cooperation than to quarrel.


    The Marquis, in a subdued manner, agreed with the opinion of his henchmen.


    ¡°Surely, if you are a man, of course, you¡¯d have that kind of ambition.¡±


    Indeed, there was nothing special about the Count except for the minor flaws that all nobles had.


    But there was some aspect of him that kept provoking his nerves. It was as if a viper was passing by under his feet, while he was unawares.


    Even the Marquis sometimes wondered if he was being overly vigilant, but that man was somewhat reluctant to admit it.


    He felt the Count an indescribable nuisance, as felt doomed to dislike and collide against.


    Said the Marquis, after thinking deeply,


    ¡°Tell me everything. Ah, right¡ª¡±


    For example, the Princess¡¯s maid he took.


    ***

 Chapter 46

    Huey, Count Kirchner was well-read and read a lot of books even though he was a military officer.


    It was a bit different from Shada¡¯s impression of usual knights, but it seemed to fit Huey well.


    Sometimes he gave the impression of an elite handling papers rather than a knight with blood on his hands.


    In any case, the Count¡¯s library had an enormous collection of books. Shada, who was mopping in the place filled with the scent of paper, massaged her back and stared at the long, gigantic bookshelves.


    Shada wasn¡¯t particularly interested in books and didn¡¯t like cleaning spacious areas, but she liked this place. Because It was enjoyable to see Huey sitting in the study or reading a book.


    A man who is immersed in something has a soothing calm charm.


    Gentle, elegant and intelligent.


    It was surprising to see such a person change at night. Of course, not only at night.


    Shada slapped her red cheeks and hurriedly busied herself with the mop.


    Although Huey was disgruntled with Shada, who tried to get up in the morning to work even after rolling around all night, she was proud and optimistic that she was faithful to her job.


    Although he never said it outloud, the way he admired Shada¡¯s rough hands, and the way she stared at her determined chin at work was warmer than any other time.


    Unless she was sick and her body was alright, she was set on working. In his eyes, the work of a maid wasn¡¯t insignificant.


    As if she had completed a great and arduous duty, his face as he kissed Shada¡¯s tired hand after a day¡¯s work was not only friendly, but even reverent.


    At that, Shada felt like she had been possessed again.


    He was really a bizarre man.


    A knight who was loved by the whole kingdom and accomplished and competent¡ª but also kind and caring to a maid¡ªeven if his feelings were left out, to look at Shada without looking at the noble Princess, was ridiculous.


    Except for the fact that he was in a relationship, he respected and cared for her from start to finish. Even though he didn¡¯t have to at all.


    To put it bluntly, if Huey wanted Shada, she wouldn¡¯t be in a position to refuse.


    Shada¡¯s refusal, even indirectly, was proof that Huey cared for her.


    Had it been for the other nobles, Shada would have to sit and obey being a mistress, trembling and timid.


    So, now you are not a mistress? An inner voice whispered.


    Shada¡¯s slightly excited heart calmed down.


    Now their relationship was ambiguous. They mixed their bodies every day, have sex all day and night, and communicate deep emotions, but to the outside they were simply the master and the maid.


    She knew Huey wanted her. Maybe even a romantic relationship. No, he did want one¡ªprobably. But¡ªYes, the problem was herself, who was still hesitating mentally and mumbling, ¡®But.¡¯


    But, that¡¯s the way it is.


    Shada murmured like a foolish girl trying to rebuild a pillar that had already collapsed.


    Again, she resented her depressing situation.


    Why am I a maid?


    Had she been born as a noble at the very least, there would have been no sense of shame, guilt and fear of coveting things above her station.


    No, even amongst nobles, there were different ranks.


    Ah. Why was he Count Kirchner?


    If someone was too out of one¡¯s league, it was a burden.


    Haaaaa, sighing, Shada grabbed the books and stood up.


    What was the point of thinking about it? She pushed herself to do  some work and busied herself until her complicated situation left her mind for the time being.


    It almost worked. But the man named Hugh who drove her worried and timid to this point was too much of a great man.


    Shada¡¯s mind went into a vortex remembering how she went blank because of him drawing pleasure from her in all sorts of bizarre ways, making her cry, and eventually making her clinging to him as he made her twitch without skipping a day.


    She felt like a bird in a cage perfectly tamed by him.


    For a moment, she was terrified.


    Wouldn¡¯t this mean that she wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep a day without him? Wasn¡¯t it concerning that it was not unusual for her to feel strange emotions just by subtly touching his body.


    ***

 Chapter 47

    Even if it¡¯s rough and coercive in bed¡­ pretending to be someone else¡­ she didn¡¯t hate it¡­ at all. It was shameful and embarrassing that she couldn¡¯t help but cry out loud due to the sheer pleasure she felt.


    Sometimes she felt irritation and resentful but as soon as her eyes met his sweet ones she would automatically grow limp and helpless; yielding and vulnerable to him, as if she were seeing the most beautiful thing in the world, and automatically getting wet¡­¡­.


    Shada rubbed her blushing face and climbed the ladder to put a book away on a high shelf. Let¡¯s think about something different. She had to work.


    While inserting the books one by one, she tilted his head when he saw a leather-bound book. Was this the wrong book?


    ¡°Put it in the compartment to your right.¡±


    ¡°Ahh!¡±


    Shada jumped in surprise by the sudden voice. As a result, the ladder she was on wobbled.


    Fuck! Shada staggered and fell, closing her eyes tightly. But there was no pain or the sound of her falling.


    As her pink eyes flashed open, startled¡ª Huey who had caught her, burst into laughter.


    ¡°Was I too frightening? I was trying to be suave and helpful.¡±


    Embraced by his firm and warm arms, Shada, still holding her pounding chest, had tears in her eyes.


    ¡°My apologies. I really surprised you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true I jump at the smallest noise.¡±


    Originally Shada¡¯s mother was like that, but now in her adulthood she was like that too. She was like a small startled animal, there were some people who teased her because of it, and indeed it may have been amusing but Shada was seriously surprised.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m so small-chested [t1v: she¡¯s saying her heart is timid and she is easily startled] ¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°Hmm? That¡¯s not true.¡±


    Yes? Shada blinked, but as his eyes moved to her breasts, her white face turned red instantaneously.


    She shouted in a small voice: ¡°Master!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Shada.¡±


    He gently replied with a friendly smile.


    Shada was blushing and so flustered she had no choice but to keep her mouth shut.


    He pretended to be neat and wholesome but when she least expected it he made lewd jests, but unfortunately, in most cases, Shada did not know what to do with herself and only suffered steadily. And he seemed to enjoy her expressions.


    He was a bad master.


    ¡°Working is good, but take it easy. You haven¡¯t eaten lunch yet, have you?¡±


    Huey kissed Shada¡¯s flushed cheek, as he walked to the table and sat down on a chair and hugged her.


    She felt like a little girl or a pretty doll. Shada had never been treated like this except by her father, who died when she was young.


    As her pink eyes stared at him, Huey tilted his head while taking out the sandwich and fruit juice she had brought from the kitchen.


    ¡°Why are you staring at me like that?¡±


    ¡°Err. It¡¯s just¡­ ¡­ .¡± you remind me of my father. It was a soft murmur she had spoken to herself, but it was clearly audible to Huey¡¯s ears. He looked at Shada with his head bowed.


    The sound of a chair being pushed back and sitting on it was heard.


    As Shada lifted her head, Huey opened her mouth, ripping off the familiar sandwich wrapper and pushing it towards her.


    ¡°Shada¡¯s father must have been a good man.¡±


    As one of many unexpected things about him, Huey had a very easygoing attitude, unlike his appearance, was also surprisingly tidy and wore basic clothes and shoes.

 Chapter 48

    In fact, her master did most things on his own.


    At first, she was surprised by the occasional task like making a light sandwich or toast.


    None of the nobles Shada had seen would enjoy a one food meal that commoners would enjoy. Nevermind Princess Julia.


    ¡°Yes. He was a sincere and responsible person. Although he was a little blunt.¡±


    Hmm. Huey picked up the sandwich she had made for him and took a bite, swallowing the food and rubbing his chin.


    ¡°Miss Shada must look like her father.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    Shada scratched her cheek. The thought had never occurred to her. Still, she must have resembled him.


    ¡°I heard a lot of people say that I resemble my mother. Personality as well as my nose and hair color.¡±


    ¡°Then, your mother was also a beauty?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡±


    She blushed slightly and averted her eyes.


    Huey was watching her happily.


    ¡°Why? If they resemble each other, it seems like a natural conclusion.¡±


    ¡°Master¡­¡­.¡±


    Shada stretched his title in protest. Gazing at the seemingly troubled Shada he licked the sauce off his lips.


    She was timid and stole glances at him often, but her expression was more varied the more he watched her.


    And the number of words and Shada¡¯s speaking skills improved by leaps and bounds. The more they talked and made eye contact, the more Shada felt at ease with him.


    Huey, who put in a lot of effort without realizing it, was happy with her seemingly small changes.


    Anything could be pretty, but honesty is the prettiest. For example, the honesty of enjoying sex.


    Huey inquired while fiddling with her black hair.


    ¡°How was Miss Shada¡¯s childhood?¡±


    ¡°My childhood?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    His green eyes gleamed with infinite interest.


    My childhood? Shada¡¯s eyes searched the floor and pondered, then said candidly.


    ¡°Uh¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say. It¡¯s just an ordinary story with nothing worth mentioning.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter though. I am interested because it¡¯s about you.¡±


    For example¡ª He blurted out words and suddenly stared deeply into her eyes, searching them carefully.


    Not knowing what his subtle expression meant, Shada was mystified.


    When she looked back and their eyes met, Huey smiled.


    ¡°For example, how many people were in your family, what made you laugh and what made them scold you when you were young. Even small things like that are fine.¡±


    He was a particular person.


    But even though she thought him particular was she any different when her heart was pounding this intensely?


    Shada looked away and murmured haphazardly:


    ¡°I was the only daughter. So, I grew up being the cute one. Ah, they had a second child, a younger brother after me¡­¡­.¡±


    Once she opened her mouth, more words flowed out than she had expected.


    As she chatted, immersed in memories, Shada was smiling softly.


    His dark green eyes did not fall from her face.


    Shada, belatedly realizing that she was the only one talking, blinked and smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°They were good parents. To the point, I feel guilty for not being able to do more for them.¡±


    ¡°You were only 16 when they passed. Miss Shada has nothing to feel guilty about,¡±


    Huey replied calmly but firmly.


    He already wiped the water that had amassed around her eyes with longing.


    ¡°They must have been very proud of their young daughter trying to do her part in a rough place. In fact, I am certain of it.¡±


    ¡°¡­ If anyone overheard you they would think the royal palace is a very dangerous place.¡±


    ¡°Because it is.¡±


    He spoke very coldly. Although it was only a second, an icy expression filled with a cold flame passed over his face.


    The mood and impression of when he was smiling to when he donned a numb, chilling expression was so incompatible that Shada couldn¡¯t comprehend it, so she blinked blankly.


    Huey, who quickly cleared his frosty aura, abruptly grinned.


    ¡°Can I tell you an interesting story?¡±


    His index finger tapped the tabletop.


    ¡°There was a child. And he grew up in completely different, extreme environments. One was a dirty gutter, the other was an abundant, wealthy place that resembled paradise. So let me ask¡­.¡±


    Looking at her pink eyes that were wide open in ignorance, Huey clasped his chin and smiled crookedly.


    ¡°Where should this child consider his home?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­ shouldn¡¯t it be the wealthy place?¡±


    ***

 Chapter 49

    According to common sense, yes.


    So Shada looked into Huey¡¯s eyes and gave a common-sense answer.


    Either way, he didn¡¯t seem to care much about whether her answer was correct or not. Huey flashed a bright smile. [t1v: ugh my heart hurtssss]


    ¡°I usually think so.¡±


    ¡°Am I wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ ?¡±


    Shada tilted her head.


    She looked even more innocent as her heart-shaped, mature, flawless face studied his countenance.


    Huey gazed at her as if he were looking at a flower that he had nurtured preciously.


    ¡°Actually, there is no right answer. What you think is commonsense, some cannot take for granted. Depending on the child¡¯s decision, his hometown will change according to the path he takes. It could be both.¡±


    It seemed like he wasn¡¯t sure of the answer himself. But to a certain extent, Shada got a whiff of a sense of what he was trying to say.


    ¡°However, wherever one is from, it must have had an impact on how the child grew up and became an adult. If he was a plant, it would be like growing on two soils. So, what I want to say is¡­¡­.¡±


    Huey caressed her cheek, as she concentrated on his words.


    ¡°That¡¯s how important one¡¯s environment is. It can turn people upside down.¡±


    That was correct.


    Originally, Shada hadn¡¯t been this shy and self-conscious. Even when she was young, she wasn¡¯t boisterous, but she trusted people and laughed plenty.


    Being hurt in her first relationship had also been a terrible blow, but one of the most difficult things was a couple of scary, strange men who creepily lingered around her.


    Whether it was Shada¡¯s odd fate or their weird constitution, as she got older, occasionally the boys got more and more twisted. But a few of them were really good.


    Most were scary and repulsive, many lacked character and others approached her with force.


    Afterward, Shada thought that there was something wrong with her causing these men to be twisted.


    That¡¯s right. If she kept encountering strange people and everyone disliked her, maybe there is something wrong with her. Is it because she was vulgar and cheap like her ex-best friend shouted?


    If the people around you repeat a lie often enough it is natural to start believing in it; brainwashed and tormented.


    Shada¡¯s self-esteem was utterly ravaged and she just kept shrinking.


    There was one time when a knight fell in love with her and he chased after her. Shada was put in a difficult situation because he pursued her wherever she went, courting her and offering flowers.


    Even a polite refusal was of no avail.


    He was convinced that Shada was arrogant and that a maid like her could not resist the proposal of a well-off knight like himself.


    On the surface, the circumstances of the knight were good. But Shada was overwhelmed by his reckless and blind emotions that were heavy and threatening.


    Because he declared he loved her, but he didn¡¯t care what Shada loathed or feared.


    It was strange.


    She was an innocent girl who knew nothing, but her innate vigilance spoke to her.


    No matter how much the people urged her to take the advantageous match around her and whispered it was a marriage that a maid like her could never dream of, she hated it.


    It was alarming¡­ Yes, it was dreadful.


    It had been extremely uncomfortable and painful to reject the other person¡¯s feelings for her, but strangely, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to like him, apart from feeling clumsy sympathy for him. But strangely he didn¡¯t get better.


    Sometimes, the job of a maid was tough, so she thought it would be okay if someone liked her through thick and thin but fortunately, she succeeded in rejecting the man in the end.


    Considering Shada¡¯s timid personality and environment surrounding her, accusing her of being arrogant, and witnessing such passionate love for her for the first time, it was really fortuitous.


    There were many cases of marriages that were not wanted because circumstances trapped them or people pushed them.


    Had that been the case, Shada¡¯s life would have fallen into hell.


    When she finally refused him, the knight couldn¡¯t contain his anger and struck Shada.


    She genuinely feared she might die.


    Compared to Shada, he was an adult man, who had lost control and slapped a young girl on the cheek hard enough to make her bleed.


    Her head had hummed, she could barely breathe and her legs lost their strength.


    Luckily she had been rescued by the guards nearby.


    If a lady passing by at the time hadn¡¯t reported it, Shada didn¡¯t want to imagine what worse thing would have happened¡­ ¡­ .


    It was terrible.


    That was not the end, the knight¡¯s stalking continued in earnest. Whether he sent creepy objects, threatening letters, or sensing she was being watched.


    The blood in her veins shriveled up; she lived in anxiety and panic.


    At that time she lost weight and didn¡¯t live like a person.


    But at some point, amid the haze of fear muddying her mind¡­ she realized it had stopped.


    Even afterward she had worried that he might appear again, but as the days, weeks and months passed it remained quiet and Shada finally regained her mental stability.


    She wondered if that scary man had gone somewhere else, but she didn¡¯t want to think about it, so she didn¡¯t inquire.


    Absent-mindedly, Shada had been enveloped by her memories of the past. Sullen


    Sensing Huey¡¯s intense, deep gaze she woke up from her stupor, and upon meeting his eyes she gave him a weak awkward smile.


    Shada was relieved that his green eyes did not move away from her.


    Standing next to such a strong and great person, strange men could not bother her. Huey had even saved her from the beastly Princess Julia.


    ¡°Miss Shada.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I think I will have to leave the mansion for a while.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Because of her recent thoughts, she had asked a daring question without realizing it. As Huey¡¯s expression darkened, Shada flinched and babbled an excuse.


    ¡°¡­ No, I¡¯m just, I mean, I was just surprised. Are you going far?¡±


    ¡°No. On the founding day, His Majesty the King gave an order from me to stay by his side. I¡¯ll be his escort.¡±


    As if he could clearly see Shada¡¯s stomach twisting in a knot while trying to be unaffected, Huey smiled strangely and gently rubbed her cheek with his curled index finger.


    It was like soothing a puppy who was sad about the owner¡¯s outing.


    Shada was embarrassed that she was a pet, but she didn¡¯t feel bad about it. Actually, it was good. His loving eyes and affectionate hands were so warm.


    ¡°I will be right back,¡± Huey whispered and kissed Shada on the cheek.


    I¡¯ll be back soon, so don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m safeguarding the house.

 Chapter 50

    Huey left for the capital and entered the palace in a carriage.


    Count Kirchner¡¯s manor was far from the outskirts of the capital, so he had to hurry to arrive on time.


    It was unusual for him to run late, but Shada enjoyed the sight of him looking at her hungrily all night long as he embraced her and kissed her until dawn as if he was reluctant to leave her.


    He left traces of lovemaking all over her white body as if stamping a seal. His low voice murmured as he chewed and sucked the nape of her neck.


    ¡°Ha. It would be great if I could mark somewhere that you belong to me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Days later, Shada was dazly watching the horizon where his carriage had disappeared, forgetting to clean the window.


    She shook her head. What was she thinking of when she should be working?


    She deliberately worked hard forcing her mind to clear and wiped the window. Even though there was no stain she urged herself to work hard and bury herself in her work; so she could ignore her blushing face reflected in the glass.


    It had been a week since he left.


    Shada¡¯s daily life went on without change or incident.


    It was peaceful except when she saw the Count¡¯s study, office, chair, and bed were empty.


    And as time went on, Shada spent more time thinking about Huey.


    She should have slept comfortably at night since she wasn¡¯t kept up with ¡®activities¡¯ but for some reason she felt empty and had trouble falling asleep. Often she had barely napped when it was time for her to get up again.


    Did she really become this dependent on him?


    It was as if she had become a leashed, obedient puppy. Shada was not only stressed out by this realization but also rather depressed.


    As usual, when she was distressed it was her habit to bite her fingernails so she was about to do that when she suddenly heistated and stopped.


    ¡®Don¡¯t do that. Doesn¡¯t it hurt?¡¯


    Huey seemed to be more concerned about her self-harming and the pain it caused her than it being an unsightly habit.


    She loved those attentive, watchful eyes.


    She had never tasted such a heart-fluttering, warm, and solid affection before.


    Even though, due to her strange fate, she had received a few confessions before, she had never felt particularly moved or felt them to be reliable. Indeed, none of those confessions felt as deep, attractive or as strong as Huey¡¯s attachment.


    At first, Shada was embarrassed and flustered by it and strived to not get hurt, but now she only vaguely thought of her previous reluctance.


    Even if she lived a whole lifetime, would there ever come a day when she would be treated so lovingly and passionately from such a great man again?


    Probably not.


    Shada¡ªherself, was not a lucky person.


    Strangely, things always became weirdly twisted when it came to love and friendships. There was a mixture of jealousy and envy, and disastrous events always seemed to pile up and happen all at the same time.


    Yes. Shada had first tried to run away, but these days she now felt that being with Huey was the luckiest thing that had ever happened in her life.


    If not now then when would she ever feel so alive and when was she allowed or should feel such a sense of exaltation and excitement?


    ¡°Miss Shada.¡±


    She glanced around and realized that it was the butler Franc who had called her. She was deeply disappointed.


    Then she was surprised.


    Because now she knew it without a doubt: Shada had been waiting for Huey since he left.


    ¡°A letter for you has arrived.¡±


    ¡°A letter?¡±


    There had never been a letter addressed to her before. She tilted her head, confused.


    Additionally, there was not one¡ªbut there were two letters addressed to her.


    She accepted them carefully and studied them one by one, when her eyes widened with surprise. Because the name of Huey von Kirchner was written in the sender column. And the date was just yesterday.


    ¡°A person coming soon even wrote a letter?¡±


    Franc said to himself, but Shada was so caught up in the letter that she didn¡¯t hear him.


    Such passion was why even religion and country couldn¡¯t stop the young from courting.


    The butler laughed and left.


    Shada had already carefully opened the envelope and was reading the letter.


    It wasn¡¯t long. But even those few sentences were enough to make her heart, which had been gloomily calm, now pound with fervor.


    [I¡¯ll be there soon. Will you come to meet me?]


    Of course. A maid should go out to meet and greet her master. Shada¡¯s heart leapt, but she calmly and carefully folded the stationery and put it in her pocket.


    It was because she considered every single of his wonderful writings a treasure.


    Her throat felt thick and hot with emotion, so she rubbed it to ease the pressure.


    He was coming soon. He had written from the royal palace, so maybe he would arrive the day after tomorrow?


    Unwittingly, Shada¡¯s face brightened and picked up the remaining envelope.


    There is now one letter left.


    This time it wasn¡¯t from an individual. It was from The Royal Palace Ministry of Interior Affairs?


    It was simply a notice from the Ministry of Interior Affairs that her severance pay for working at the royal palace for several years was delayed.


    As she read the last line telling her to go to a nearby bank, she suddenly remembered that she had yet to file a tax return.


    Wasn¡¯t there two days left?


    Suddenly, she grew anxious. By the time Huey returned, she wanted to be able to stay in the mansion all day.


    ¡°I should go to the bank before sunset.¡±


    Shada took off her apron, put on her coat, and hurriedly left the mansion.


    The friendly Count¡¯s coachman offered to take her, but she regretfully refused.


    It may have been pure kindness, but she didn¡¯t want to receive excess favors by the mansion¡¯s employees. Shada wondered if she was being too cautious and overly conscious.


    As she pondered such thoughts Shada diligently walked to the village and finished filing her taxes that she had postponed.


    It felt good to have money that she hadn¡¯t expected.


    More excited than usual, Shada bought one of her favorite licorice candies, sucked it up, and watched the peaceful townscape.


    It was a nice day, so there were many street vendors.


    One of the vendors stopped walking and set up a stall selling plain handkerchiefs.


    Suddenly, Shada remembered Princess Julia attempting to embroider a handkerchief, which she was not good at, saying she was going to give it to her fianc¨¦.


    Before long, she became annoyed and stabbed the back of the hand of a maid who was a better embroiderer than herself with a needle.


    Regardless, the princess¡¯ handkerchief would have been delivered to Huey. Shada had overheard her bragging to ladies her age about the handkerchief.


    Shada made an impulse purchase after looking at the white folded handkerchiefs.


    It was very unusual and spontaneous of her. Shada was one who only bought things that were absolutely necessary.


    She carefully put the handkerchief in her pocket and sucked on the candy.


    She was exhilarated. She thought of Huey¡¯s initials on the letter she received.


    His handwriting is pretty, so it would be nice to embroider it.


    ¡®Let¡¯s go and do some sewing after a long time¡­¡­.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t even have to embroider his name. Shada quickly walked into the alley, taking a shortcut to get home faster.


    ¡°Long time no see, Shada.¡±


    Shada flinched. She turned her head.


    A man was standing in the shadows. He was tall enough to make Shada¡¯s head look up. She stumbled and stepped back¡ªa terrifying chill rolling through her.


    She remembered belatedly where she had heard that voice before. And that moment she recalled that memory, the blood drained out of her face.


    [Memory:] ¡®You fucking bitch! Do you think you¡¯re something because I confessed to you?¡¯

 Chapter 51

    [Present/ Shada:] ¡°Y-y-you¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    ¡°You are still pretty. No, you¡¯ve become prettier.¡±


    The man that had reminded her of a brown bear spoke in an amused tone. But there was something twisted in his laughter.


    The face reflected in the shallow sunlight was sadly familiar.


    He looked warm when he smiled as if he was a normal person, but Shada was afraid of his unhappy eyes even though he smiled kindly.


    But now, his excessive charm from before seemed to have disappeared. Even though she didn¡¯t know what had happened to him, from his eyepatched eye, to a wooden prosthetic arm, to the traces of a torn lip, his appearance had changed a lot.


    But Shada wasn¡¯t particularly scared by his appearance.


    She acutely remembered the violence this knight had savagely wielded against her¡ªrevealing his true monstrous nature.


    Unknowingly, after that incident, Shada had developed a phobia of men.


    She knew that not all men were like that, but she feared the utter hopelessness and the feeling of despair being at the whims of a man she was overpowered by and couldn¡¯t physically retaliate against.


    As she stepped back, trembling as if she had seen a monster, he smiled harshly, his countenance looking particularly brutal.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to hate me that much, Shada. How much I loved you.¡±


    ¡°G-go¡ªstay away from me and don¡¯t come any closer.¡±


    Gathering her courage, she spoke sternly.


    But the man didn¡¯t listen to her words and said what he wanted to say:


    ¡°How many years ago was the last time we saw each other? Meanwhile you¡¯ve become more beautiful¡ªWait.¡±


    A sudden thought seemed to occur to the man making him crazily furious.


    ¡°During this time, have you been rolling around with another guy?¡±


    I want my wife to be a quiet bitch. The noises he was making as if he were talking to himself, utterly incomprehensible and strange chatterings, that Shada didn¡¯t want to overhear.


    Shada lamented in fear and disgust, then turned around and tried to run away. But she couldn¡¯t go any further because of the men blocking her way.


    She felt suffocated by the sinister and cruel eyes looking down on her. She took a step back and stuck to the wall.


    One of the boys chuckled meanly, gawking at Shada¡¯s breasts.


    ¡°Marcelo, do it in moderation. It¡¯s a pity. How could there not have been a single man who has touched such a girl? As soon as I saw her, I was moved too.¡±


    ¡°Whoo~ look at that face. A number of people should have hit that every day.¡±


    ¡°The boss said that it was Count Kirchner¡¯s.¡±


    A man pointed a finger at her as they chatted amongst each other. They laughed at her as if Shada was a funny clown¡ª a toy.


    Shada guarded her mannerisms not trying to give them an opportunity to mock her for acting cute or funny because toys got trampled on in the future.


    She felt like a helpless idiot. And what was worse¡ªwhat she couldn¡¯t stand, was how utterly terrified she was.


    The knight who had stalked Shada in the past, Marcelo, his expression became more brutal when the story of Count Kirchner left the man¡¯s lips.


    ¡°What? You pretended to be expensive to me and then went to another noble and spread your legs? Hahaha! Isn¡¯t that what happened, my Shada?¡±


    Shada couldn¡¯t even respond to his harsh question, and her lips trembled as she froze.


    The man uttered vulgar swear words.


    ¡°Well, we can check it out.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ !¡±


    ¡°Take it off.¡±


    ¡°Hey, can I do it too?¡±


    The men taunted her. A black shadow loomed over her.


    In this situation, she could only think of one person. She closed her eyes tightly and whispered quickly. Scared, scared, scared! Master! Master, where are you? Huey! Please¡­¡­.


    A disgusting hand reached out to pick up the hem of her dress.


    ¡°No!¡±


    Shada desperately slapped the hand away and ran into the alley on her right. But it wasn¡¯t long before they grabbed her by her hair and she screamed.


    She was thrown on the floor. Dazed, she crawled trying to run away.


    Shada felt like she was going to vomit. She must have been hit in the head and her mind was tingling. Her words screaming for help, to be saved stuttered out of her mouth. As if the devil¡¯s hand had emerged out of hell, she burst into tears as he grabbed her ankle and dragged her away.


    ¡°Help me! Anyone!?¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t you be quiet?¡±


    Marcelo slapped her as he roughly covered Shada¡¯s face.


    As she struggled, the other men rushed in and groped her limbs.


    Every piece of skin touched by rough hands was full of an accursed emotion deeper than revulsion or terror¡ªmaking her sting and ache.


    It was a far cry from Huey¡¯s fierce and tender warmth. With a hot love that was buried beyond desire. And most importantly, because he was Huey. Was there any other reason other than that?


    Shada shed tears between the thick, ugly fingers¡ªher mouth and face was painfully crushed. Shaking her head violently, the sight filled the men with lustful laughter in the shadows.


    No.


    No.


    She resisted even more violently.


    Even if she was beaten this moment was worse for her. I¡­ ¡­ !


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    Marcelo, who was just about to lift up her skirt, screamed.


    Shada bit his hand as hard as she could muster, making him bleed.


    This bitch! It was clear that the girl who had always been trembling and unable to rebel became more cocky after she had mingled with high-ranking nobles. As expected, it would take a few hits to calm her down.


    Shada closed her eyes tightly as the ferocious hand rose upward to strike her.


    But there was no pain. She heard a scream. A more terrifying and evil scream than before.


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    Shada gasped at the address. Marcelo was holding the bloody wrist and nursing his injury. On the back of his hand was a sharp purple dagger. Behind him, she saw familiar blonde hair.


    In her eyes, for an instant, Huey looked like an angel of death that had descended from heaven. Because it was the first time she had ever seen this elegant, relaxed man so angry.


    Already at his feet was the corpse of a gang member who had been guarding and on the lookout. He called Shada¡¯s name again. Soft and terribly low.


    ¡°Close your eyes.¡±


    Shaa-rung¡ª With the cool sound of the metal blade escaping it¡¯s scabbard, Shada closed her eyes.


    Soon after there were screams, clamors, and the eerie noises of flesh falling on the floor, reverbering loudly.


    For a different reason than before, Shada couldn¡¯t move.


    The brutality of the slaughter was heard vividly.


    Shada, who was shaking, opened her eyes at the sound of that evil man shouting:


    ¡°Die, Count!¡±


    Huey!


    But as she hurriedly raised her head, Shada was mesmerized. And she faintly regretted openly her eyes.


    ***

 Chapter 52

    Red blood splattered diagonally across the wall.


    Huey cut off his foe¡¯s arm as if it were tofu as the attacker rushed at him.


    With an indifferent face, he stepped on a knife that had been lodged in the abdomen of a corpse, blood flowing water.


    The vacant expression on his face, as if he was stepping on an ant, was more frightening than the sight of blood covering his entire body or the dead bodies that rolled at his feet.


    He swirled and cut off the legs of adversaries who dashed to attack him, grabbed their hair, smashed them into the wall, and kicked them until bubbles of blood erupted out of their mouths.


    As Huey wiped the blood-stained swords on the corpses¡¯ clothes, his eyes looked down on those who had lost their fighting spirit. It was as if a golden beast was choosing it¡¯s prey.


    While slaughtering Shada¡¯s assailants or bringing them to the brink of death, his sweetly beautiful face did not move. Occasionally, when blood spattered around his eyes, he had reflexively frowned.


    Slash- He blew off the neck of the man who was screaming and begging for his life, and he staggered towards Marcelo, who was already bleeding with strangely twisted limbs. Huey shook off the blood clots on his sword as he approached.


    The narrow alley was full of carcasses and fresh blood, making the ground slippery like mud after a storm. The dreadful bloody smell is as thick as a fog. Shada was dizzy.


    ¡°Co-Cou! C¡ªCount Kirchner¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t covet others¡¯ belongings, not knowing your place. You should have known better. You lack the ability to learn, Sir Marcelo Palmer.¡±


    A frightening vitality sprung out of Huey¡¯s previously stony face. Soft lips twisted, white teeth exposed, and a cracking sound was heard.


    Huey¡¯s brutal smile hardened on his face and stepped on Marcelo¡¯s wrist with a hook. There was a smashing noise and it looked like the bones had popped out.


    As Marcelo struggled like a worm, Huey pulled his scabbard and slapped him. A broken tooth rolled on the floor. Due to the force his mouth quickly became bloody.


    Huey frowned when all of his front teeth were gone, and threw his scabbard away.


    It was the first time Shada, his personal maid, had seen her master mistreat one of his belongings. This man, whose wrath made his reason disappear, was not the Huey she knew.


    Without a moment to spare, Huey threw away his sword and grabbed Marcelo¡¯s collar, punching his face into rags with his bare fists.


    Bash, bash¡ª He pounded his face like a leather drum.


    Marcelo, who was a little bigger than Huey, shuddered and tried to resist, but the force of his fists pushed him into a suffocating moan. With a face dripping with blood, Huey kept punching without letting go of the bear-sized man.


    It looked like he was trying to kill him.


    ¡°Once, I let you go, now you should eat it, huh?¡±


    By the time he couldn¡¯t even scream anymore, Huey growled with well-refined harsh profanities¡ªand stood up and picked up the hilt of his sword that was beside him.


    As the blue day flashed in his sight, Marcelo fell flat on his back, with his open mouth because he had no front teeth.


    ¡°Le-let me live¡ªI was ordered¡ª¡°


    ¡°That¡¯s your problem.¡±


    ¡°Huh! Wrong¡ªI was wrong! Ughh!¡±


    It was extremely ugly to see a man who was only mean and cruel in front of a powerless woman, crawling like a maggot in front of someone stronger than himself.


    Shada felt a tingling in her head from the shock of savage cruelty, but at the same time she felt the nausea of a loathing rage.


    He was such a disgusting and ghastly man. How many day¡ªweeks, did she tremble¡ªunable to sleep or eat because of such an insignificant person?


    Marcelo desperately rubbed his forehead to the ground and prayed.


    ¡°O-one moment! The Princess¡­ that woman ordered it¡­ ¡­ .¡±


    For a moment, it seemed Huey¡¯s eyebrows rose with his sword. Soon he muttered, twisting his lips coldly,


    ¡°I already knew that.¡±


    You¡¯re in front of me, so I¡¯m striking you first.


    A sharp blade cut through the man¡¯s neck as if it were killing a fly.


    Huey stepped forward over the collapsing corpse, closed his eyes  and let out a deep breath, like a sigh, and then opened his eyes.


    Shada and his gaze collided immediately as if they were connected by a vein.


    The two of them had short breaths, tangled eyes, and exploding emotions. He ran over and hugged Shada who was a weeping mess. He gently embraced her like a withered flower.


    ¡°Shada.¡±


    She burst into tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It was scary wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Uh, oh Master.¡±


    ¡°Yes. You¡¯re safe now.¡±


    A large, familiar hand gently rubbed her trembling head and back. His gentle touch was so reassuring.


    Now she is safe. Because he protected her.


    I¡¯m fine now it¡¯ll be fine.


    Hey. If this person hugs me like this, I¡¯ll be fine.


    Contrary to the inner self trying to control herself, Shada burst into tears with huge tears and completely collapsed.


    ¡°I- I was scared. So scared! Why did you come so late? How scared I was! Agnhhh!¡±


    As Shada sobbed like a child she started to hit and beat his chest.


    It¡¯s something she would have never imagined herself doing normally, but she was so relieved that her head was half full of relief and was busy pouring it out.


    Huey accepted it all and apologized over and over again, stroking her wet cheeks and her bruised round shoulders.


    Shada was sure she looked hideous, but the way Huey looked at her was always warm and sad. She liked it so much that she cried more. She squeezed out all her tears like a whistle.


    Soon the Count¡¯s knights arrived and cleaned up the bodies and Huey lifted up the exhausted Shada.


    Shada hugged his neck tight as he was her lifeline.


    He must have felt stuffy with a sore throat, but each time he stopped and kissed Shada¡¯s swollen face. Just like a mother chicken raises and dotes on a chick. In a sense it was insanely embarrassing but felt so good.


    ¡°I will always be by your side. Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    Ah. Why is he so sweet?


    The murderer, who had gone mad before, was nowhere to be found, leaving nothing but kindness and caring.


    In front of her, he was a man who changed people.


    She tucked her head deep into the nape of his neck. Her face is as hot as coal.


    At the moment of crisis, this man was the only one who occupied her mind.


    In the midst of feeling horrible, dirty and disgusting, one of the worst things I hated right before it was that the hand touching me wasn¡¯t Huey¡¯s.


    She didn¡¯t want to be with anyone other than him.


    And at this moment, Shada realized:


    I want to be next to this person.


    Continuously, perhaps forever.


    * * *

 Chapter 53

    Naturally, Shada was gently moved to the Count¡¯s room in the mansion, washed thoroughly, took a sedative, and fell asleep exhausted. And when she opened her eyes, it was dark outside the window.


    Not knowing what she was looking for, Shada looked around in a dazed state where her sleepiness and the medicine in her system had not completely disappeared.


    ¡°Are you thirsty?¡± [t1v: always]


    The tips of her ears perked up. Shada turned her head to look at the man who had just walked out of the bathroom, drying his wet hair with a towel.


    She glanced at his wide open white collar, smelling a mixture of the fragrant soapy scent of damp body pricking her hazy nose. [t1v: see, what did I tell you?]


    Huey approached quickly and looked at Shada with a blank expression except for a faint frown on his forehead.


    He looked like green-eyed child who was obviously worried.


    ¡°Are you okay? Why don¡¯t you sleep some more? It is not yet time to wake up.¡±


    With the towel hanging around his neck, he smiled gently and put a hand on Shada¡¯s forehead.


    In the meantime, she obtained time to closely observe him as he approached. Long, extended eyebrows were uncomfortably curved, and a well-shaped mouth was visible under the tip of his nose.


    His green eyes that fell down were as beautiful as the leaves on a summer day. It was even better that those eyes were exclusively directed towards her.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    Her voice was rusty. Huey furrowed his brow more and, without saying a word, procured a glass of water and slowly brought it to her lips. Shada took it quietly and drank without pushing it away. She was thirsty. [t1v: heh. heh.]


    She drank the water elegantly like a young deer because her face  stinged with Huey¡¯s intense gaze.


    Shada was always shy, but strangely, now she was thrilled and excited about it. It was a strange change. Maybe because she was still drunk on drugs.


    But Shada grabbed the hem of his shirt, as he rose to pour more water into the glass. She didn¡¯t want to miss a single moment. Despite her weak strength, Huey stopped immediately and looked down at her. When she met those clear green eyes, she was strangely thirsty again [t1v: take a shot], even though she had just drank water.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Miss Shada.¡±


    ¡°What did you mean, by what you said earlier?¡±


    Those gentle eyes mixed with concern tightened for a moment. It was a subtle change, but Shada who was so closely observing him, she didn¡¯t dare blink, noticed it.


    It was an obsessive concentration that would have been impossible for her before.


    Huey, who still looked peaceful on the outside, asked casually:


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You said that to that man. You let him go once.¡±


    Her senses were very clear, but the corners of his head were still numb.


    It was a strange feeling. But it wasn¡¯t bad.


    His sharp eyes staring at her made her exhilaratingly flustered.


    Shada mumbled, not knowing what she was talking about.


    ¡°¡­.¡®lacking the ability to learn¡¯¡­ ¡­.¡±


    ¡°Miss Shada.¡±


    ¡°Like a person who took care of me once before¡­¡­.¡±


    Huey silently stroked Shada¡¯s pale cheek. It was a careful and thick touch, as if he was caressing pottery. The place was still, and only his soft, submerged breath revolved around her like a lullaby.


    Shada whispered, closing her eyes, feeling serene.


    ¡°Are you the one who saved me from him in the past?¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond, and instead stroked her hair and earlobes with his fingers. She grabbed the back of his hand and buried her face in it.


    She felt Huey pause and stiffen.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it Master?¡±


    Was it?


    ¡°I¡­ I wish it was Master.¡±


    Shada¡¯s unfiltered inner feelings came out of her lips like a complaint. They were like soap bubbles rising, transparent and soft.


    Shada rubbed her cheek like a puppy against his rough fingers. His breathing, which had been constant, had a slightly different tempo.


    He suddenly lifted the tip of her chin, his fingertips passing through the nape of her neck.


    Huey came closer and looked down at her. Something that might be a smile or a shadow playing tricks on her lingered on his face, which was shimmering in the dimly lit room.


    ¡°The person who saved Miss Shada would be the good lady who called the guard.¡±


    ¡°You know about that?¡±


    ¡°I know. There¡¯s no way I don¡¯t know.¡±


    He grimaced. His eyes dimmed as he thought gruesome reflections.


    ¡°If you ask me if I am the idiot who couldn¡¯t come forward while you were being insulted and borrowed the name of an acquaintance to drive out the crazy dog, yes. You are right.¡±


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡±


    ¡°Because I was so confused about my feelings for you back then.¡±


    Huey answered honestly.


    His expression was calm, but his fury had not yet subsided.


    She disliked it, Shada carefully pressed her finger against his hardened cheek. It quickly relaxed as softly as ice being touched by the sun.


    Still, there was regret in Huey¡¯s eyes as he looked at Shada. Shada whispered softly as she grabbed both of his cheeks while he didn¡¯t move his hand from her right cheek, which was swollen and red after being beaten. She fixed her gaze on to him.


    ¡°He was missing one hand.¡±


    Did he do it?