ã€ŠYou are the Supporting Roleã€‹


 Chapter 1

    My body, aroused by the aphrodisiac, was like warm honey. It was that hot, sticky, and sweet. The almost invisible hair of the body that had become too sensitive stood tight. As the texture of the cloth flowing down my skin passed over it, I felt a creepy strong sense of lust.

    ¡®Ah, is this the power of the drug?¡¯

    It tasted terrible, but it was handy.

    Lilian gasped and laughed inside. I knew it was a dangerous drug, but what about it? If you don¡¯t die, it¡¯s okay. She blew it in his mouth. To get the man in front of you.

    ¡°Ah, the body. My body is so weird.¡±

    She twisted her fascinating body and leaned her neck to emphasize the pure white nape and plump breasts. Then I felt the man¡¯s passionate gaze sweeping all over me. It was an intense gaze as if he would tear my clothes right away. But, as expected, he wasn¡¯t willing to touch Lilian.

    ¡®Yes, that¡¯s how it is even more fun.¡¯

    So Lilian gladly tore off her clothes on behalf of the man. Still, I was so hot that I couldn¡¯t breathe due to the drugs.

    As if she knew nothing, she ripped off her clothes with an innocent face, like a person gone senseless with intoxication, only looking for instant relief.

    The thin summer cloth was caught in my hand and torn, making a ripping noise. The stimulating sound stirred the man¡¯s throat a little. He might have gulped.

    Lilian takes off her clothes and deliberately stops at the most tempting line.

    It was more exciting to have some parts covered and suggestive than to take it all off at once.

    Her white, soft arms and beautiful legs, which were newly revealed in the sky, had flower petals on them.

    Even to my own eyes, it was the type of skin that enticed me to bite and suck. So, would it be ugly for a man?

    But the man still stood tall and didn¡¯t think to move. As a result, Lilian began to get annoyed. No matter how difficult it is for the main character, it¡¯s too provocative.

    ¡°Help, please. Please¡­. Ugh!¡±

    Lilian deliberately shed a couple of tears.

    Her red-tinted eyes were moist and glittery. A trembling white hand arced out weakly towards the man. It was the so-called last match.

    Fortunately, the man responded to her plea. Slowly one foot in front of another, he approached the bed and looked down at her with an expressionless face, frozen frown.

    At first glance, it was a cold face that seemed as if it was not interested in her spectacle.

    But Lilian could feel it. The temperature of his gaze shattering her body. It was a terribly fierce look as if he wanted to press her down and crush her right away.

    Under those eyes, Lilian broke into a play of vulnerability and innocence. As if she didn¡¯t know what was going on. She shakily twisted her body at seductive angles as if she didn¡¯t understand why she was doing this.

    She licked her red swollen upper lip and as her body trembled with innocent eyes. One hand grasped her nicely shaped breast, and the other crawled through her slender legs. The man stared tenaciously as if licking her through his eyes.

    ¡°Oh! Oh, My body¡­ my body is strange. I¡¯m scared¡­ !¡±

    She gasped and cried desperately, pleading for something to do.

    Her beseeching gaze met his and seemed to cling on to him as if he were her only saver.

    That moved instigated not only lust but also a sense of superiority as a male.

    The man hesitated, slowly reaching out and then holding her hands.

    The woman¡¯s hand certainly learned the sword but felt femininely thin. They were surprisingly hot.

    I couldn¡¯t believe that a person¡¯s body temperature could rise this far.

    Only then did he realize the seriousness of the situation.

    ¡®If you don¡¯t help her detox from the drugs quickly, she might die.¡¯ His reason whispered coldly. I don¡¯t know the pills were ingested, but I couldn¡¯t let Lilian die like this.

    She was still a useful tool to himself, and to his fiance, Aleyna.

    Yes, so this was inevitable. Just do what you need. It was nothing more or less. The man who tried to rationalize himself finally got himself on the bed¡ªhis big hard body pressing against the woman¡¯s stomach.

    At that moment, a dizzyingly sweet and rich aroma stimulated his sense of smell.

    ¡®What¡¯s this smell? Is it the drugs?¡¯

    It smelled good that reason flew away. Without realizing it, he lowered his head and breathed in at her exposed nape. Like a little bird, the scent spread out with her pulse that beats steeply. As his breath touched her sensitive neck, Lilian trembled.

    ¡°Haaaaaa¡­¡­¡±

    The woman was exquisitely beautiful and sweet. He easily peeled off her leftover clothes. It was dazzlingly beautiful because the body had trained with a sword. Her natural curves leading to the constricted waist, full butt, and firm thighs were perfect.

    His taste was, by nature, a gentle and slender woman, but seeing such a stimulating sight seemed to change his mind.

    He tried hard to ignore the sharpness in his lower body, which had been fully erect for a while.

    ¡®For Lilian, it¡¯s probably her first. I have never heard of any rumors that she met men. So it wasn¡¯t possible to rush to grab that body and hit it. No matter how enchanting she is.¡¯

    Not knowing his consideration, Lilian repeatedly twisted and added wood to his flame.

    She gasped like a horny female cat, rubbing her thighs against his tight body.

    At the dizzying temptation, he clenched his teeth and struck her ass.

    ¡°Ahhh!!¡±

    ¡°Stay still. If you don¡¯t want to be torn.¡±

    The man broke his silence and ordered her in a cold tone. The man spread her beautiful legs.

    Then, he was greeted by a truly magnificent spectacle that was truly obscene with an unparalleled view.

    Her petals, covered with sticky honey, were burning red and fluttering. It may be an illusion, but it seemed that there was a scent of nectar with humid heat. The eyes of the man who saw this became even deeper.

    ¡°Shi, no. Don¡¯t look at me like that.¡±

    Lillian shook her head as if embarrassed and tried to close her legs. But before that, the man put his head down and started to suck the honey from the petals.

    The tongue¡¯s elastic tip licked up and down the vaginal opening and then sucked the tip of the swollen clitoris that was twitching¡ªcontracted and trembled. At that moment, Lilian¡¯s pure white body contracted and trembled.

    ¡°Ohhh huuuhhhh¡­ !!¡±

    The orgasm was layered, long and merciless perhaps her body was so heated up that she could not endure even a small caress.

    She shivered, helplessly convulsing and crying. But the man thought it wasn¡¯t enough, he pushed his tongue into the mouth and began to lick the twitching inside.

    ¡°Ahhhhh! Ah, uh!! Ha, ah ah¡­ !!¡±

    The sound of saliva slurping filled the room. Every time he touched his tongue, small orgasms came in endless waves.

    Sparks soon grew and consumed my blank mind.

    Now I couldn¡¯t even close my shaking legs. My limbs, my body trembling with pleasure, stopped listening. Whether this was due to the drug or not, she could not tell a distinction.

    Lilian begged her throat hoarse, cried, and climaxed again. Until the sheet was covered all over with her love liquid. Finally, the man raised his head and wiped the lower half of his wet face with the back of his hand.

    He looked down as if admiring her artful spread in front of him.

    The white skin, which was not burnt well even in training, was covered with flowers. The face, which had always been prim and proper, now looked loose and Lustful. She had innocent yet lewd eyes and a half-open mouth with puffy lips that were soaked with saliva and sparkling red. I can¡¯t take my eyes off her beauty.

    ¡®Did¡­..I ¡­. just think she was pretty just now?¡¯

    The man was shocked by his thoughts. He had never thought of Lillian Rossetti as pretty. Her face wasn¡¯t bad, but she was a very boring woman.

    A woman who always insists on a wide knight¡¯s clothes puts her hair tied back, and has no fun with a stern tone and a stiff expression.

    In fact, Lilian was more like an ornament or a tool more than anything else. At least it was for him. She was also his fiance, Aleyna¡¯s accessory.

    Nevertheless, he was in heat and rutting with the accessory now. She was breathtakingly beautiful; he admired her lying naked on a white sheet, her loose black hair like clouds, and a strikingly flushed

    face. He had suddenly awakened to the incredible reality. Naturally, her hand stretched out her thigh, losing strength.

    It was then.

    ¡°Please, come. I ¡­. Am no longer¡­¡­¡±

    The woman who held his hand rubbed her cheek and coquettishly begged.

    The woman who seemed to be the most modest and chaste in the world was currently soaked in love juice, longing for him in such an indecent and explicit manner.

    A drop of a tear from her sparkling eyes with heavy lids and flirty wet long lashes dropped on his palm.

    The lukewarm warmth did not pierce the flesh but instead pierced the wall in his heart.

    He realized there was no escape, and he couldn¡¯t think of turning away from her. As if my whole body was stuck to her like sticky glue.

    ¡°Fuck.¡±

    The man who lowly growled with abusive language, spread her legs, moved in between them and paused.

    As if waiting, the woman¡¯s white and graceful arms hugged his neck. Like a seductive trap that binds it¡¯s prey.

    A smile spread secretly on Lilian¡¯s heated face.

    Although I could hide my expression, I couldn¡¯t hide my body¡¯s reaction. His rapid movements to find my entrance to thrust his head in, his excited panting spoke to the fact he was in heat too.

    She was delighted.

    Lilian Rossetti, one of the supporting actors, caught the male lead of the novel.

    To be precise, he was caught by himself. By taking a deadly aphrodisiac, she thoroughly calculated over and over again.

    How much you are worth now? I reviewed many times to see if I was prepared enough to take this adventure. Luckily, her calculations fell right, and the male protagonist had a good look at her.

    I even made up the excuse himself because ¡®it can¡¯t be helped¡¯.

    How stupid could he be?

    All good things are mine. I¡¯ll have it all.

    Lilian, who hugged the man¡¯s nake a little harder, smiled contently like a cat licking cream.

    Do you want a supporting character to live quietly like a supporting character? That¡¯s not fun.

    I will have everything I want. Honor, power, and attention of people. Even the male lead and fiance of Aleyna, the heroine.

    If there is something good, she deserved it. Otherwise, someone else will take it anyways, right? What else am l not supposed to have?

    Lilian, with her head bent over, kissed the protagonist¡¯s muscular shoulder slowly. As if taking the victory over him in a leisurely manner.

 Chapter 2

    Don¡¯t try to stand out because you¡¯re a sidekick, a supporting role.

    Help the main character stand out.

    That¡¯s the role of an assisting part, right?

    It was an ethos she heard the most in her life. It was also a damn boring mantra to live by.

    I want to be the main character too. I want to stand out. Why do you get to decide my role?

    You want me to live as a bridesmaid in the background, forever?

    Follow behind the protagonists, and be satisfied with the life they give me?

    Don¡¯t be ridiculous. She thought maliciously. If someone says ¡®supporting¡¯ in front of her one more time, she will tear their mouth apart.

    But the forbidden word just flowed directly out of the mouth with a gloomy nuance.

    ¡°Again, another supporting role.¡±

    Lillian looked at the mirror, grinding her teeth, and groaned.

    Now I am sick of a reality that cannot be denied.

    Then Sam, the maid who was organizing the bedding from the back, looked up. She asked with a confused face, blinking her eyes

    ¡°Have you called me, lady?¡±

    ¡°¡­.No. Work.¡±

    Lillian replied shortly without looking back. Right now, she was desperately trying to curb her rising rage.

    Just the premise of possessing a character in a book by some happenstance was ridiculous. But she didn¡¯t even get the leading role!

    I was so indignant; I was tempted to scream somewhere.

    I recently realized that this is the world in a novel called ¡°The Princess Aleyna.¡±

    As the title suggests, the main character of the novel was, of course, Aleyna.

    Because of this, she had initially looked forward to it.

    ¡®Would I¡­ Was I Aleyna?¡¯

    What Aleyna? According to the original work, she was a beautiful woman with bright platinum hair with shiny amethyst eyes.

    Whoever saw her couldn¡¯t help but know she was the main character.

    In fact, because of her beauty, she became famous and was sold to this place, a faraway country, the Legonian Kingdom.

    On the other hand, myself? Lilian gazed at her visage in the mirror with an analytical face.

    White skin, pitch-black hair, and blood-red lips.

    The appearance of this supporting actress, who she possessed, reminded her of Snow White.

    Pretty innocent, graceful, pretty. To a certain extent. But that was it.

    Standing next to Aleyna,  the world¡¯s most beautiful woman, I must have looked like a hag.

    Those who are blinded by Aleyna¡¯s sparkling white hair will not even recognize Lilian¡¯s existence. This was the sad reality of being a minor supporting character.

    ¡°And even my death¡­¡±

    As she looked in the mirror, she muttered, annoyed. The owner of this body Lillian Rossetti was the first supporting actor among supporting actors. Perhaps that¡¯s why the writer didn¡¯t even see the value of keeping Lilian alive. Maybe even typing her name felt like wasted movements.

    Thanks to this, she is going to die again in the book.

    ¡°That¡¯s only a year from now.¡±

    ¡°Miss, what are you muttering to yourself now?¡±

    Sam, who tilted her head, came beside her. When she looked at Lilian¡¯s reflection in the mirror, she smiled broadly.

    This maid, who had been with Lillian since childhood, was ignorant of the difficulties that plagued her master.

    She smiled so wide that her bright red gums showed.

    ¡°My lady, how pretty you are! Why are you crying with such a pretty face? Follow my example, smile, and laugh! Now! Like this!¡±

    ¡°Am I in a situation to laugh? You don¡¯t know anything! Get out of here when you¡¯re done with your work!¡±

    Lillian pushed Sam back. Why is there such a lack of common sense?

    Lillian¡¯s green eyes were full of irritation.

    What¡¯s the use of serving Lilian since childhood? You¡¯re so obtuse.

    Sam didn¡¯t even notice Lilian was now a completely different person.

    I am grateful for her dense personality; it made life less complicated. But from time to time, l was so tired because of Sam.

    Watching the maid, she felt sad that he couldn¡¯t trust and explain everything to her adequately.

    However, Sam, who did not seem to understand English, did not leave.

    Instead, she blinked and stared at her young lady, who was rough today.

    She clapped her hands as if she belatedly thought of a brilliant idea.

    ¡°Oh, you are hungry, aren¡¯t you? Ahh, yes¡­ in the past, you¡¯ve been grumpy when you don¡¯t eat. Just wait a minute, miss. I¡¯ll go down and prepare a meal¡­.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Ughhhh, read my lips!! Get out!¡±

    Lilian, anger filling her up to her head, burst into tears, and threw her pillow.

    It was true that I was hungry, but my fury was so much more.

    I guess because Lilian was a knight, her body ate very well. Her belly clock was so accurate that I didn¡¯t even need a smartphone.

    Sam surprisingly evaded the pillow.

    Rather than leaving, she continued to approach Lilian and trapped her in a hug. Lilian was crying in wrathful vexation, while Sam patted her back.

    ¡°Oye, why is our pretty lady so upset? Come on; you can tell me, miss. I¡¯m Sam! Sam, your one and only loyal maid!¡±

    Lillian, who was half forced into Sam¡¯s arms, cried even louder in frustration.

    Ugh, it¡¯s so annoying! Nothing goes my way! Her cry filled with venom and resentment echoed throughout the room.

 Chapter 3

    Her name, the soul who possessed Lilian¡¯s body, was Chae Sang-yeon.

    Well, like most of them, Chae Sang-yeon had a history of living.

    I encountered various kinds of joys and sorrows¡ªthe experiences that we undergo as human beings.

    How can a person¡¯s life be summed up in a couple of words?

    But in the case of introverted and dull Yeon, it was possible.

    Bridesmaid, sidekick or supporting role. That was her inevitable fate.

    ¡®It¡¯s a pathetic life.¡¯

    She was born as the second child to three siblings, the middle child.

    Her parents were neglectful towards her, instead focused on the achievements of the eldest son or the cute youngest daughter.

    Meanwhile, So-yeon* (*her nickname?) tried to earn their praise by taking care of her younger sister and accepting the hand-me-downs from her older brother.

    Ultimately she became invisible. She didn¡¯t feel like a family member, but rather like an awkward mother-in-law.

    That was the setting of Chae Sang-yeon¡¯s so-called ¡°Jolly Life.¡±

    She didn¡¯t know, but her first friend was her mother¡¯s friend¡¯s daughter. While going to elementary, middle and high schools together with her, Chae-yeon¡¯s nicknames became ¡®maid¡¯ or ¡®servant.¡¯ Her so-called friend, she encouraged those nicknames behind her back instead of stopping it¡ªthinking herself a princess with a servant attending her.

    So-yeon became interested in theater and started volunteering in after-school activities, naively cherishing her dream of becoming an actress.

    She ended up entering a renowned theatre program.

    She later evaluated her decision at that time:

    It was a waste of money.

    Why are there so many pretty and wealthy people in the world? Sang-yeon was confident that her acting skills would shine through.

    Frankly, her acting skills were the only thing she had going for her, so it was a skill she honed with passion and perfection.

    However, the opportunity to display her hard work and talent was only given in the form of supporting roles and minor characters.

    I had to be ridiculously pretty to get a chance.

    Unfortunately, So-yeon wasn¡¯t born with a silver spoon.

    I paid my tuition by working part-time, so I didn¡¯t even have money for plastic surgery.

    Opportunities dried up. The only roles that Chae Sang-yeon were offered were 2-line roles or extra work.

    I couldn¡¯t give up even though I knew it was a pipe dream, and I knew I would struggle my whole life.

    Chae Sang-yeon continued to pursue acting while juggling part-time jobs to survive.

    Maybe, someday, I can become a stable supporting actress.

    But even that seemed too lofty a goal.

    One day, she got into an accident on her way to a public audition.

    And when I opened my eyes, I was in the book.

    Again, I was a petty supporting actor.

    ¡°Damn it.¡±

    Rough words protruded from So-yeon¡ªor rather, Lillian¡¯s lips.

    Anyone who is quick-witted would have already guessed, but the audition she was going to see on the day of the accident was ¡°The Princess Aleyna.¡±

    Not only do I know the storyline, but I also looked up the original novel. So-yeon, who had no money or a face, had to make such efforts to win a minor role. But she didn¡¯t know that her dedication would come back to stab her in the back.

    If I was forced to come into a novel world, why couldn¡¯t I also be the main character!?

    Just once, I wanted to be the center of attention.

    However, Chae¡¯s wish did not come true. Again.

    As always.

    Yeah, it¡¯s never gonna happen. Being a supporting role is perfect for you.

    Chae Sang-yeon seemed to hear fate sneering and mocking me.

    Her desperate eyes sank silently.

    I was at a loss of what to do in the future. If I could, I would borrow the devil¡¯s hand.

    Lillian Rossetti was destined to die only a year later by the hand of a young man. Rumen.

    ***

    You can read more here.

 Chapter 4

    Lillian came from a humble baron family. She became a knight early on for her family¡¯s livelihood.

    She was a former member of the Royal Knights and started escorting by the highly-precious heroine, Aleyna.

    Originally a princess of the Trill Kingdom, she became famous for her outstanding beauty. But her status and beauty didn¡¯t protect her from being sold to the Legonian kingdom.

    From there, the dramatic story of Princess Aleyna begins.

    For reference, Lillian was supposed to take on a minor role in the story. The role of quietly guarding Aleyna from behind, while she plays a tug-of-war of love with the admiration of this man and that man.

    Lillian wasn¡¯t amused, but she played the role of a badass quite faithfully.

    Then one day, he was caught in the trap of a group that was after Aleyna.

    Faced with danger, Lillian had to defend Aleyna alone.

    She fought to defend Aleyna until her whole body was covered with blood, her right eye was blinded, and one shoulder crushed terribly. But all her effort were not enough to defeat that many enemies alone.

    Aleyna was kidnapped, and when the male lead heard of it, he was furious.

    He called in Lillian in a rage; they already couldn¡¯t get along.

    ¡°The owner has been kidnapped, how is it that the escort is still alive?¡± said the coldly smiling male lead.

    Then he raised his sword by hand and slashed down on Lillian¡¯s neck.

    That was it.

    The end of Lillian Rossetti. A knight, with a short and humble minor role.

    After recovering the kidnapped Aleyna, he kissed her deeply, whispering undying love and vowing never to let her go again.

    Aleyna responded to his declaration of love by wetting her pretty face with tears.

    While this beautiful couple got married, had children, and lived happily, no one mentioned the poor Lillian Rossetti.

    It was as if such a person didn¡¯t even exist in the first place

    That¡¯s why Chae Su-Yeon, who possessed Lillian¡¯s body, was so angry.

    The male lead was a scumbag and originally OG trash of personalities, but at least Aleyna shouldn¡¯t have treated her as such.

    Lillian¡¯s death scene wasn¡¯t manufactured to cause sadness but just a production to show the depth of the male protagonist¡¯s fury and love for Aleyna.

    Poor Lillian Rossetti¡¯s death was just that. A poor plot device.

    Chae Su-Yeon, who remembered this, gritted her teeth.

    Deep anger rose from inside my heart.

    What? That miserable death is my destiny? Who the hell is dying like that, and for who? I¡¯ll never die like that!¡¯

    I would rather stab and kill all the characters.

    I¡¯d rather eat and live on my own.

    As she was eating, she thought bitterly.

    Because of this, I unintentionally bent the silver fork in my hand.

 Chapter 5

    Sam, who was coming in to bring in dessert, screamed at the sight.

    ¡®Oh, my God, miss!¡¯

    Sam, startled, rushed to my side.

    Her shaky eyes inspected Lillian¡¯s hand and spoon, seemingly worried if her lady¡¯s hand had been injured.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet for a while, and now you¡¯re doing this again.¡±

    Lillian couldn¡¯t help but warm up at the sight of Sam¡¯s eccentric face.

    Sam had taken care of Lillian more than her birth family did.

    Of course, you¡¯re worried about Lillian Rossetti, but where was she?

    Instead, the soul Chae Su-Yeon, hungry for affection and attention, filled up this body.

    Instead of ruminating further, she borrowed Lillian¡¯s lips and responded to Sam¡¯s concerns.

    ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to do it¡­ I didn¡¯t get hurt so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    ¡°No, the fork is crooked! Do you know how much this is?! Even if you don¡¯t, you know that our financial situation is bad.¡±

    Of course.

    Lillian, who thought Sam was concerned over her, was silent.

    It didn¡¯t matter if it was a different world or a different body. She would always be treated in the same manner.

    Sam grieved for the fork in her hand, saying that it was silver and made by a craftsman.

    Hearing that, Lillian studied the fork she had crushed with fresh eyes.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t pure silver, and although it was elegant in shape, it was a pretty strong fork.

    But she easily crushed it with just one hand.

    Realizing this, Lillian was a little satisfied.

    ¡®Hmm. My strong grip is quite useful?¡¯

    Unlike her innocent appearance, Lillian Rossetti was quite a sincere and hardworking knight.

    It was why she was selected as Aleyna¡¯s escort.

    When Lillian was reminded of her shabby basic setting, suddenly, her expression became pale.

    Wait a minute! Come to think of it¡­ I haven¡¯t learned anything like swordsmanship? What should I do now?

    I was so busy adjusting to my new life that I had forgotten it completely.

    You¡¯re a knight, but you don¡¯t have any skills with a sword! How does that make any sense?

    Soo-Yeon¡¯ s¡ªor rather Lillian¡¯s possessed hand was trembling.

    Thanks to the martial arts craze that once swept over Korea, I remember going to a dojo and studied Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Kumdo.

    Unfortunately, Soo-Yeon attended a Taekwondo gym where her brother was already attending so the school fee was discounted by 50 percent.

    Hence, Soo-Yeon never learned swordsmanship.

    What was the point of taking over the body of a nationally renowned swimmer if you didn¡¯t know how to swim?

    Realizing the seriousness of the situation, her face turned white.

    ¡®No, I can¡¯t do this!¡¯

    ***

 Chapter 6

    Lillian got up from her seat in a hurry, quickly stuffing her mouth with food and drink.

    Sam, who was serving the meal, was surprised.

    ¡°Miss, where are you going? You haven¡¯t finished eating yet! You¡¯re only going to eat this much?¡±

    Sam¡¯s mournful voice called after Lilian.

    She was astonishingly obtuse for an employed maid.

    But thanks to that, she didn¡¯t even realize that a different soul occupied Lillian¡¯s body.

    That was a huge relief, but that wasn¡¯t the problem.

    Hastily, Lillian entered her room and pulled out one of the many training outfits from her closet. Then, she hurried her steps and headed towards the mansion.

    The modest Baron¡¯s mansion wasn¡¯t very spacious, so she could see where the training ground was. But the short distance to it felt like a thousand miles.

    Fortunately, there was no one training, and the area was empty.

    Lillian, who meticulously checked over and over again to see if no one was around, picked up one of the dull swords scattered about.

    She began to rationalize with herself.

    ¡°Bodies can subconsciously remember movements even when the brain can¡¯t, right? It¡¯s obvious when I swing a sword; it will all come back to me!¡±

    With her heart and hope up, she started stretching.

    I didn¡¯t know much about the warm-up movements in this world, so I decided to do some simple gymnastics.

    Fortunately, Lillian¡¯s well-trained slender body followed national gymnastics well.

    Thanks to the gracefully completed movements, there was a little more hope.

    There was the hiss of a drawn dull blade that rang in the air accompanying her thundering heart.

    Lillian¡¯s knuckles turned white, and she took a sloppy stance.

    She started hacking with her sword.

    ¡°Yah!¡­¡­.¡±

    Her face twisted, and she swung the sword a few more times.

    ¡®Nothing is coming to me?!¡¯

    I couldn¡¯t remember the swordsmanship I had never learned.

    Unable to accept her desperate reality, she tried again and again again and again.

    Her grip was firm, and the weight was light to Lillian¡¯s well-trained arm.

    But that was it. Lilian could not perform with a sword.

    She only accepted it when she was out of breath and panting.

    ¡°*Gasp, gasp*, huh-nk¡­.¡±

    Sweat was falling off of her chin, but it wasn¡¯t just sweat that she shed.

    Tears poured down when fear gripped Lillian¡¯s already-stressed out heart.

    It was already nerve-wracking to enter a strange world with the possessed body fated to be a soon-to-die humble sidekick.

    ¡®As if my situation wasn¡¯t already bad¡­. I don¡¯t even have Lillian¡¯s one advantage: her skills with a sword.¡¯

    At the acknowledgment of this fact, Soo-Yeon¡¯s frantic soul was outraged.

    ¡®Why the hell should I live like this?¡¯

    She thought.

    When you look at transmigration novels, people are bound to eat and live well due to being high born.

    Their biggest concern was how to drive all the attention to the heroine.

    However, after the miracle of possessing another body, she was put in such an unfair situation.

    The things that were effortless to obtain for others were arduous and full of trials and tribulations for her to acquire¡ªand that was only if she was lucky enough to get it at all.

    She was always surrounded by people who did not have the hardships she had to endure, so perhaps she had expectations of a more comfortable life when she transmigrated.

    With that hope carrying her, Soo-Yeon had clenched her teeth and struggled to adjust to Lillian Rossetti¡¯s life.

    She consoled herself by telling herself, ¡°How can you be pretty even if you¡¯re from a poor baron¡¯s family?¡±

    But this revelation, Soo-Yeon had reached her limit.

    A miserable fate came this far and poisoned the soul of the vegetable kite. Full-fledged tears fell from her tired eyes.

    *Cha-Pangrang¡ª*

    Lillian angrily threw her sword with all her might.

    What¡¯s the use of holding onto something that you can¡¯t use it anyway?

    The sword that hit the floor of the training ground and rolled far away, splashing blue sparks.

    Standing in place, Lillian sobbed.

    It¡¯s all over now. Sam may not notice, but others who knew even just a little swordsmanship would soon be aware.

    The fact that Lillian Rossetti is a fake.

 Chapter 7

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you these days, young miss? Come on, try a spoonful of soup, please!¡±

    Sam pleaded, holding out a spoonful of hot corn soup. But Lillian turned around instead of answering.

    My heart was upset, and I couldn¡¯t stomach anything.

    The Baron Rossetti family have been humble impoverished nobles that had to work to live, mainly as knights, for generations.

    Because of this, Lillian never had a proper dowry, so she became a knight, too. To make a living with honor, naturally, she served as a full-time knight in the royal palace.

    She belonged to the 4th knights, which were only composed of knights from the most powerless and humble noble families.

    But even as the most insignificant knights, they were formally trained in swordsmanship. Lillian¡¯s strange swordsmanship would never go unnoticed.

    ¡®And I have to go to work tomorrow,¡¯ thought Lillian, who had finished eating.

    The original story began when Aleyna arrived here as a royal daughter of another country.

    There was still time before Aleyna¡¯s arrival, and so Lillian was still in the situation where she was eating and living with the Knights Templar.

    The day of work is now tomorrow.

    Fortunately, when she first came into this body, it was vacation time.

    So I could buy time to adjust to Lillian¡¯s life, refraining from exposing myself.

    But time had run out.

    She had to go to the royal palace tomorrow and mingle with her colleagues in the Fourth Knights as she did before.

    They didn¡¯t appear in the original work as colleagues of a supporting actor.

    The writer must have missed even the number of letters listing their names.

    Therefore, Lillian had to act as if she knew strangers who had no name or face.

    We¡¯ll even have sword training together.

    I didn¡¯t even have to wonder.

    There¡¯s a 100 percent chance of being revealed.

    ¡®Shall we run away now?¡¯ Lillian seriously thought.

    No matter how impoverished an aristocrat was, there had to have something worth some money.

    ¡®Why don¡¯t we sell it and raise money, and go out into the illegal loan business? Or make and distribute drugs to become the so-called drug king. You didn¡¯t have to stick to the fancy social world to be the heroine. Rather, it would not be a bad idea to become a criminal and become the number one boss in the underground world.¡¯

    Lillian was raking her mind to conjure up even impossible possibilities.

    ¡°Wait a moment, my lady!¡±

    Sam, who laid down the corn soup solemnly, suddenly went out of the room. Then this time, she brought a full bowl of hot steak and held it outright under Lillian¡¯s nose.

    Lillian, dumbfounded by the smell of meat in the room, turned around to her.

    Then Sam showed off her gums and smiled wide.

    ¡°Hehe. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t notice, miss. You can¡¯t be satisfied with just the corn soup. Ta-da! It¡¯s a lamb steak that melts gently in your mouth!¡±

    Lillian, looking down at the plate of her steak, smiled kindly.

    Then she took a deep breath.

    Lillian¡¯s shriek rang out throughout the mansion.

    ¡°Get out now!!!!¡±

    I¡¯ll burst into flames and die and turn into ashes because of her one day. Lillian thought as she ground her teeth.

    Impulsively, she jumped up from her seat and searched her closet. Lillian, who took out the best of countless training suits, left the room.

    It was true that I didn¡¯t want to see Sam in front of me right now. But that¡¯s not why I wanted to leave home.

    In any case, I had to prepare for the worst-case scenario, as my identity would be revealed tomorrow.

    If we wanted to find a way to make a living, we needed to see what the world was like. She trudged out of the house with her hair tied roughly. Baroness Rossetti was a poor noble family. Thus the estate in the mansion was not very large. In fact, it was just a big three-story house, and it was slightly embarrassing to call it a mansion.

    There were few employees, so Lillian could easily get out of the house without having to deal with curious eyes.

    She walked along the road leading from her front door.

    I only walked for about an hour, but I could see a village far away. At first glance, there was an exotic scene that was different from Korean villages.

    A small stone street with tiny houses with colorful walls and roofs. People with exotic looks and clothes who are busy going back and forth.

    Along the main road, there were also carriages of aristocrats moving from side to side down the wide boulevard.

    This place was breathing and exhaling its vivid vitality.

    ¡°Only 5 Bronze for freshly baked bread! Come on, everybody, taste it!¡±

    ¡°I have some fresh fish that just came in this morning! Seven for one, but three for 17 special!¡±

    Lillian looked around.

    There was a more significant downtown than I had thought.

    I can¡¯t believe this place is close enough to come on foot.

    Unexpectedly, Baron Rossetti¡¯s mansion looked like it had a reasonably good location.

    Well, that¡¯s why Lillian rides a horse to and from the palace every day.

    It was as if we were in Europe or in a fairy tale.

    Chae Soo-Yeon was a dirt spoon that had never traveled abroad in her lifetime.

    That¡¯s why the exotic scenery in front of me was impressive.

    ¡®Oh, no. It¡¯s not the time to be distracted like this.¡¯

    Lillian, fascinated by the sights for a moment, came back to reality, tense.

    She looked around eagerly, as initially intended. However, she did not find any particular type of business that she could live on.

    I started to despair. So it made me sadder. In the book, other fates are usually warm and full.

    If only my biggest worry was why the male lead was obsessed with me instead of the female lead.

    ***

 Chapter 8

    ¡®Meh, why make it about him? If you remain in the Order of the Knights, you will become an escort of the female lead, and your neck will be cut off, and if you leave the Order of the Knights, you will die of starvation while sucking your fingers!¡¯

    It was a real beggar¡¯s life.

    With a sigh, Lillian flopped down the stairs near the flower bed in the square.

    I felt a little dizzy because I hadn¡¯t eaten for a day.

    The savory smell from a nearby bakery seemed to pierce my side. ¡®In the meantime, I¡¯m hungry.¡¯ Lillian grabbed her hungry belly and smiled dejectedly.

    She was in a situation where she might be caught and kicked out of the knights by tomorrow.

    If you¡¯re unlucky, you could be burned side by side with a bunch of witches. Then you¡¯ll meet your fate the goal without having to see the gorgeous face of the heroine Aleyna.

    ¡®Whatever I choose, I¡¯m done. It¡¯s over!¡¯

    But even in this difficult situation, this body left me dumbfounded.

    I should have had the lamb steak. Meat is innocent.

    Lillian bowed her head to endure her dizziness.

    Then, someone popped out of the alley and suddenly ran into her arms.

    No, it wasn¡¯t a hug; it was actually a bump.

    ¡°Akkk!¡±

    Someone bounced off Lilian¡¯s body and fell to the floor. It was a young girl who looked like her late teens. Lillian, seeing her, thought to herself:

    Isn¡¯t this one of the most common clich¨¦s in fantasy fiction, the pickpocket event?

    ¡°Catch that bitch!¡±

    ¡°She went over there! Don¡¯t lose her!¡±

    Of course not. From the inside of the alley where the girl emerged, two men even ran out. Their harsh gaze was focused on the girl in front of her.

    The moment she saw this, Lillian was overwhelmed with an ominous foreboding.

    ¡®Damn it. It was an event to save the good girl, right?¡¯

    Anyway, fantasy novels are all obvious. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s all mass-produced.

    Lillian quickly backed away, feeling irritated. Getting caught up in this kind of thing was puke-worthy.

    I didn¡¯t know why this girl was being chased by men for; it was none of my business.

    Don¡¯t ask. The soul of Soo-Yeon came from a place where crime was rampant, believed in being a thoroughly selfish spirit.

    But unfortunately, the girl was not willing to let Lillian go. The girl¡¯s eyes glistened suddenly as she looked at Lillian¡¯s shoulder that had a snail-like figure.

    ¡°You¡¯re a knight, aren¡¯t you? Those people are after me and will drag me away!¡±

    The girl hurriedly hugged Lillian¡¯s waist and hung on.

    At times like this, I had to deal with it calmly.

    Lillian, who kindly smiled as if it had been painted, brazenly attempted to extract herself from this situation.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m just a passerby. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Lies! You have a family crest on your shoulders! It¡¯s only for knights!¡±

    Damn it. It didn¡¯t work.

    I had to pick up the most obvious of a knight¡¯s training uniform of all times.

    The snail-like figure was probably the pattern of the Rosetti family. How can you be so unlucky without any luck?

    I was just amazed at myself. Properly held by the ankle by the girl, Lillian frowned.

    In the meantime, two unidentified men came around the corner and eyed them.

    Their eyes touched Lillian¡¯s shoulder. Then they whispered to each other and glancing this way.

    ¡®You¡¯re just wondering if you dare to challenge the knight or not.¡¯

    I hope you¡¯ll just go on your way, Lillian thought as she annoyingly pushed the girl that kept clinging to her.

    The shoulder family crest of a knight¡¯s uniform seems to be a status thing in this world.

    The original narrative was all focused on Aleyna, so I didn¡¯t know this was the case.

    That¡¯s the limit of the text. Unfortunately, the unidentified men¡¯s conclusions did not seem to be going in a very good direction.

    The men with their fists clenched narrowed the distance between us.

    Lillian¡¯s not wearing a sword right now. They must have noticed and thought me easy pickings.

 Chapter 9

    Betting on my lack of fighting abilities was actually a wise decision.

    Lillian, who had Chae Soo-Yeon¡¯s soul in it, was an outsider who did not know a lick of swordsmanship.

    Soon the two men who drove them into a corner shouted.

    ¡°We¡¯re exercising our rightful rights to her! If you interrupt us, even your knighthood won¡¯t shield you!¡±

    ¡°Get away from her right now!¡±

    Thank you for giving me a choice!

    It goes without saying, Lillian decided to abandon the girl and leave her post.

    She lifted her arms and shook her head to indicate that she had no intention of fighting.

    ¡°Okay, okay. All right. I got it. Let¡¯s back off.¡±

    But Chae¡¯s incredibly lousy luck caught her ankle again.

    It wasn¡¯t a metaphor; Lillian was really dragging her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that, Knight. Please help!!¡±

    The girl on her knees wept as she wrapped herself around Lillian¡¯s leg.

    Lillian, who was staring at the unidentified men in front of them, could not find a helping hand.

    Naturally, with the girl wrapped around her feet, she fell forward ¡­.

    ¡°Koook!¡±

    All at once, Lillian faked her fall and hit the first man with all her might. He was struck by her skull, which was harder than expected, and his front teeth fell out.

    As he fell, sprinkling blood spit from his mouth, grotesquely. The second man shouted.

    ¡°Coward! You¡¯re attacking under the pretense of surrender!!¡±

    Lillian just decided to forego excuses.

    Fortunately, although she did not remember the swordsmanship, her body was exceptionally well-trained, and her mind retained the training she received in Korea.

    In Korea, she was like a female boxer who has been boxing for more than ten years.

    Lillian evaded the fists of the second man with ease.

    In return, she stuck him on the chin with her elbow.

    Kaaack- With a heavy sound of impact, the man collapsed.

    Lillian looked back at the knocked out stranger.

    I didn¡¯t know that professional wrestling, which brother forced me to watch, would be so helpful.

    She was about to be impressed with herself and her unexpected fighting poweress when¡ª

    ¡°Knight, behind you-!!¡± cried the startled girl, pointing behind Lillian.

    Startled, Lillian quickly turned around, but it was already late.

    The first man, bloodily and with two fewer teeth, swung his fist at her.

    Unfortunately, I couldn¡¯t avoid it this time.

    Lillian¡¯s eyes flashed when she was hit by her temple.

    The world was spinning, and she was lying on the ground.

    I tried to get up quickly, but my body didn¡¯t listen.

    Her eyes were spinning, and her arms and legs trembled, and Lillian fell back to the ground. It seems that the aftereffects of having starved for the whole day hit her now.

    When the girl saw Lillian, who couldn¡¯t get up, she jumped up and ran off. She seemed to have decided that there was no more hope for her.

    When Lillian saw the girl¡¯s actions, she thought to herself. ¡®I envy you.¡¯

    She also had to live selfishly to survive.

    She glared with jealous eyes at the back of the girl disappearing before her eyes.

    Lillian was selfish enough, but bad luck was too hard to overcome with just one narcissistic mind.

    ¡°Banducey-Duggy-dugger-go, you dragon-lun!¡±

    The pronunciation of a man with missing front teeth was ridiculous.

    However, the anger in his eyes was very serious.

    There would be no implants here in this world, so who wouldn¡¯t be angry at the thought of having to live without their front teeth for the rest of their life?

    The irate man raised his leg, ready to stomp and kick Lillian.

    Lillian closed her eyes and prepared for the upcoming pain.

    However, the next moment, the man¡¯s big body slowly crumbled down, with an unexpectedly loud ¡°Ugh!!¡± blow.

    ..No pain?

    Startled, Lillian opened her eyes wide and raised her head.

    The face of the man standing behind the fallen man could not be seen.

    ¡®It¡¯s dazzling.¡¯

 Chapter 10

    Lillian squinted at the blinding light and tried to shield her eyes with her hand. It was not empty words, but it was so blind that I could not see the face of her Savior.

    Someone with the hair the color sterling silver was looking down at Lillian with the backlight behind, multiplying her suffering from his excessively shiny hair.

    It felt like an ophthalmologist was shooting sliver flashes into her pupils.

    ¡°Dame Lillian of the Fourth Knights?¡± asked the culprit who blinded Lillian.

    The low, grave voice had a cold texture, just like mercury.

    Lillian quickly sealed her mouth, afraid she would be found out as an imposter if she spoke.

    Fortunately, the man didn¡¯t care much about Lillian¡¯s silence.

    The man nodded at Lillian¡¯s face and spoke again.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Isn¡¯t it the last day of vacation for the Fourth Knights? You¡¯re patrolling off duty? You seem to have been caught up in the common people¡¯s quarrel. You did it in good faith, but it¡¯s a pity.¡±

    The man was speaking with a look of admiration. So Lillian belatedly realized his great misunderstanding.

    It must look like Lillian is a workaholic who frequently patrols on her own feet while on vacation, or as a lover of justice who tried to help a poor girl because she couldn¡¯t simply pass by.

    Neither assumption was correct, of course.

    Lillian, or Chae Soo-Yeon, was an ordinary selfish person.

    Perhaps I¡¯m just a little worse than others.

    But I couldn¡¯t say it straight out.

    The man with a frown on his brow knelt on one knee to check her condition.

    ¡°You¡¯re not answering. Is it because you got hit in the head? Let me see your wound.¡±

    He was friendly, believing Lillian was a knight of justice.

    As he lowered his head, the backlight that covered him and stung her eyes went away, and her vision came back belatedly.

    Lilian narrowed her eyes and looked at the man¡¯s face as he approached her nose. At that moment, Lilian¡¯s green eyes widened.

    The man had a breathtakingly attractive face. His straight forehead, sharp nose, and brilliant purple eyes were like jewels.

    But the reason Lillian was surprised wasn¡¯t just because the man in front of her was super handsome. It was because she quickly realized who this man was.

    ¡°Sir Enrique Evans¡­ ?¡±

    Enrique, who had rare silver hair, was the commander of all the knights in the palace.

    And, as you can see, just by looking at that gorgeous appearance, he was a sub-male lead who would fall in love with Aleyna in the future.

    He feels sorry for the beautiful royal daughter who has been taken to a faraway place and tries to block the threats posed to her.

    Then, at some point, he realizes. The fact that his feelings were not out of altruistic compassion.

    Just as Lillian finished recalling his story, Enrique scrutinized Lillian¡¯s complexion and eyes, murmured.

    ¡°Fortunately, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve hurt your head. Can you get up?¡±

    My body moved faster than my head, belatedly telling my mind the game plan.

    Lillian pretended to get up from her seat as he asked and staggered loudly.

    Then she fell forward. It was dangerous gambling behavior where she could have crushed her head into the stone floor, broke her nose, or even lost a tooth.

    But I believed it would be okay.

    Because before she face-plants, she believes Enrique will somehow help her.

    ¡°Dame Lillian!¡±

    Sure enough, just as I expected, I felt the man¡¯s strong arms holding me tightly.

    Enrique was a man with a deep sense of sympathy and justice.

    He was the Knight of knights; the nicknames in the novel fit him perfectly.

    He could not have let Lillian, a Knight, get hurt, especially if it was a unique subordinate who was injured while saving a poor girl.

    Half-wrapped in his arms, Lillian gasped for a breath and slowly lidded her eyes.

    Under the pretext of fainting, I would be able to win Enrique¡¯s favor.

    If I lied to him that I was injured, there was a high probability that I could increase my vacation time. Then, going to work tomorrow could be avoided.

    ¡°Dame Lillian? Dame Lillian! Get it together, Dame Lillian!¡±

    Lillian closed her eyes, pretending to be oblivious to Enrique¡¯s voice and his hand waving before her eyes.

    Even amid her mindlessness acting, she suddenly felt that she was horrified by her actions. She just threw herself to trick Enrique, without any hesitation. This was done after a thorough and shrewd calculation.

    ¡®What the hell am I¡­ Am I really doing this?¡¯

    The question stayed in her mind. And the answer did not immediately appear.

    ¡®I¡¯ll think about it later.¡¯

    Lillian unhurriedly closed her eyes.

    Maybe it was because I was hungry, and I got beaten, so my eyes easily closed on their own.

    Enrique, who had shaken her limp body several times in embarrassment, soon lifted her up.

    ¡°Be patient, Dame Lillian!¡±

    What are we waiting for? Lillian happily smiled inwardly and was willing to lose consciousness.

    ¡®This will certainly earn Enrique¡¯s sympathy vote.¡¯

    The thought comforted me as I let exhaustion settle over my body and decided to sleep.

    Her little, evil spirit soon fell into the world of the unconscious.

 Chapter 11

    When Lillian opened her eyes, she found herself in a luxurious bedroom.

    Lillian sat up and looked around the room.

    This was probably the guest room of Enrique¡¯s house, Marquis Evans¡¯ mansion. Lillian, who looked around the bedroom full of gold and velvet, her brain shorted for a moment.

    ¡°You live well.¡±

    Even though they both may have been nobles, the difference between Baron Rossetti¡¯s simple bedroom to this guest room was too vast.

    Lillian pushed aside the blanket and came out of the bed.

    The touch of chiffon was unfamiliar to me, and I looked down with surprised eyes. I was wearing a long chemise, please read this on that1villainess.com and my black hair had been tied in a haphazard manner¨Cbut was also loosened by a gentle comb.

    Perhaps the employees of the Marquis of Evans had provided me the service.

    The smell of the subtle perfume from my long hair was pleasant.

    ¡®What¡¯s different about the Marquis¡¯ employees?¡¯

    Lillian clicked her tongue when she recalled Sam¡¯s easy-going face at home.

    The difference was as vast as the space between heaven and earth.

    Well, to be fair, the gap between Lillian¡¯s family and Enrique¡¯s family was probably just as vast.

    She flopped down on the sofa, brooding over the bitter reality.

    Then a sweet and sour smell stimulated her nose.

    When I raised my head, the table in front of the sofa was full of fruit.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    After starving all day, Lillian was moved.

    It looks like it was left for me to eat.

    Without having to worry, she began to cram the fruit into her mouth with greed. Although it wasn¡¯t as good as meat, the fresh juice in my mouth was sweet.

    At this time, someone knocked on the door. Lillian, who swallowed pomegranate in her mouth, hurriedly cleared her voice and asked.

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me, Dame Lillian. May I come in?¡±

    The voice heard over the well-crafted door was familiar. It was Enrique. There was no reason to refuse his visit¡ªEspecially since I threw myself to get a chance to talk with him more.

    ¡°Come in, Knight Commander Evans.¡±

    Lillian rose from the couch to greet him without much thought. Even with permission, he hesitated to come in, and then he saw Lillian¡¯s long loose hair and in a chemise.

    Seeing this, his face suddenly turned red.

    ¡°You, that¡­. excuse me.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± asked Lillian, who did not know what he was talking about, with her eyes wide open.

    Enrique then hurried out of the door and added.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be dressed¡­¡­..Uh¡­No. I¡¯ll leave. Um. Call me back when you¡¯re done with your clothes.¡±

    As if to represent Enrique¡¯s extreme embarrassment, the door was slammed with a bang.

    Lillian, left alone in the room mystified, gazed down at herself.

    By Korean standards, she was now wearing a long pajama dress. She was also covered from her fingertips to her toes. But is this inappropriate to have on in front of a man?

    ¡®Maybe¡­¡­ it¡¯s because it¡¯s pajamas?¡¯

    What a strange world.

    Lillian thought of a lady¡¯s attire she had seen earlier in the downtown area, on the main street.

    The woman had been wearing a dress that was deep enough to show her full breast.

    Those sexy clothes are fine, but a chemise covering her neck isn¡¯t allowed because they are pj¡¯s?

    Anyway, this was not Korea. There was no use in insisting on common sense.

    While looking around the room, Lillian found an indoor gown and shawl and wrapped around her.

    This would be okay, right?

    Lillian, who opened the door under the guise of a shy face, invited him in again.

    ¡°Excuse me. Come in.¡±

    ***

 Chapter 12

    ¡°No, excuse me.¡±

    Enrique, who had returned with a calm expression, followed her inside.

    Lillian, who was athletic and had trained hard, wasn¡¯t short, but he was really tall.

    Lillian was barely able to reach his shoulder.

    Enrique sat on the sofa in a dignified manner as the lord and beckoned her.

    Lillian assumed he meant for her to sit down, so Lillian sat down.

    I was so hungry that I couldn¡¯t stand.

    Enrique blinked his silver eyelashes and asked her with a cautious look.

    ¡°Do you remember what happened before you fell down? You quarreled with two men to protect a girl.¡±

    ¡°¡­. Yes. I remember, I am ashamed of my lack of skills, and I apologize for causing trouble for Commander Evans.¡±

    Lillian lowered his head, pretending to be humble to buy his sympathy.

    Her long black hair rolled down the waterfall, covering her white face.

    In fact, Lillian¡¯s neat and innocent face looked even younger. Seeing this, Enrique¡¯s eyes slightly softened.

    He was weak against women, especially for a woman in a difficult situation. Maybe because he had a sister who died of illness, sure enough, Enrique¡¯s voice sounded gentler than before.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. Although you are not under my direct command, all the knights under the royal palace are my responsibility. So don¡¯t think you¡¯ve caused any trouble. You did your best for the right reasons. I¡¯m proud to have such a talented person like you within our Knighthood.¡±

    Lillian blushed as if she was moved. And looked at him with shiny, moist green eyes and whispered back.

    ¡°Thank you very much, Commander.¡±

    Enrique did not reply but looked away from her eyes.

    As if he didn¡¯t know what would happen if he looked straight at Lilian.

    Enrique was really a man with no immunity to women.

    After seeing this, Lillian laughed secretly.

    She shamelessly dug into his weakness, using the source material for help.

    She collapsed in front of Enrique and acted weak, drawing his sympathy and reminding him of his late, sick sister.

    But surprisingly, there was no guilt. The reason was simple.

    ¡®I¡¯m about to die right now. I can¡¯t afford guilt.¡¯

    I couldn¡¯t fence, and I couldn¡¯t make a living. I had no money because my family was poor and weak. Indeed, Lillian Rossetti was nothing more than a dirt spoon, pretending to be a silver spoon.

    Before being kicked out of the Knights Templar, she had to figure out a way to live.

    I didn¡¯t have enough time to think about it, so I had to do this kind of play.

    Suddenly, by recalling her plight, tears welled up in Lillian¡¯s sad eyes.

    ¡°Dame, are you crying? Are you still in bad shape?¡±

    Enrique was shaken to see Lillian¡¯s green eyes tear up.

    I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re so restless.

    Enrique of a stone constitution but was also the type who offered everything at her feet when Aleyna just sniffed a little.

    Lillian was inwardly relieved because that would make things easier.

    ¡°Yes, I think I got hit a little¡­. something feels wrong¡­ My head keeps pounding, and I¡¯m unintentionally tearing up, too.¡±

    Lillian mumbled weakly, tucking her fingers between her rich black hair.

    Her delicate eyebrows were wrinkled, and the big eyes were filled with tears. Her appearance looked so fragile that it was unthinkable that she would be feigning an illness.

    ¡°Oh, no. That¡¯s a big deal.¡± Enrique frowned, his manly eyebrows coming together in concern, and muttered, ¡°Let¡¯s keep an eye on you and take sick leave if necessary.¡±

    The moment she saw favor in his purple eyes, Lillian¡¯s heart throbbed. Of course, it wasn¡¯t because Enrique was handsome. It was because she was thrilled at the idea she could put off work.

    ¡°Let me see. Excuse me for a moment.¡±

    Said Enrique, who rose from his seat and moved her hair very carefully.

    Enrique narrowed the middle of his forehead after seeing the reddish marks left near her white temple. Lillian seemed even sadder when he saw the injured place with his eyes.

    Lillian, who left her head in her hands, thought to herself.

    ¡®That must have been a sleep mark.¡¯ (T/N: LMAOOOO)

    It was. She had a habit of sleeping with her head in one hand. Naturally, temples that had been pressed throughout sleep often had red marks. Thankfully it was the place Enrique inspected.

    But, well, a good thing is a good thing.

    Lillian decided to keep pretending to be sick.

    Fortunately, Lillian¡¯s lily-like appearance looked entirely innocent and fragile ¨Cas long as her mouth was shut.

    Enrique, who saw her shivering eyelashes, sympathized with her without knowing anything.

    ¡®It must have been a bad hit to the head that shook you.¡¯

    But why were you being beaten by the common people who didn¡¯t learn martial arts?

    Enrique, who had thought casually, frowned. No matter how poorly trained one was from the 4th Knights.

    They had been trained professionally in swordsmanship since childhood and could not have been defeated by commoners. The training of knights was rigorous.

    Enrique felt that this situation was strange. And he had the right to ask Lillian. He stared at Lillian with purple eyes and immediately asked the question.

    ¡°Well, what happened? I can¡¯t believe you, a knight, lost to a commoner even without a weapon.¡±

    Crap. I¡¯m ruined.

    Lillian, who was asked the most worrying question, tore her head apart.

    How should I answer here to avoid Enrique¡¯s suspicion?

 Chapter 13

    ¡°Tell me. Was your condition bad? Or did you have any problem beforehand?¡±

    Enrique wasn¡¯t waiting for an answer. Frowning, he asked again and again. It was apparent that he would think it strange if Lillian kept taking her time to answer.

    Lillian, in a hurry, opened her mouth.

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain everything, ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤ Cough cough caaa kik!¡±

    But her bad luck wasn¡¯t go anywhere.

    Lillian started to choke. Bending her waist, she coughed violently.

    The fruits that I pushed into my mouth because of hunger earlier seemed to have caused a problem.

    ¡°Coughcough, hugh, haaa!¡±

    ¡°Are you all right, Dame Lillian? You, ¡¤¡¤¡¤!!¡±

    Enrique rose up when Lillian¡¯s first started her unusual cough.

    He was about to pat her on the back. But at that moment, a red liquid came out of Lillian¡¯s mouth, and the front of her new white chemise was instantly wet with red liquid.

    Seeing this, Lillian secretly frowned. ¡®Oh, the last fruit I ate was pomegranate¡­.¡¯

    What Lillian vomited was not blood but pomegranate juice. But Enrique didn¡¯t know this. He was so surprised that he stiffened in place. Lillian thought it was strange when she saw Enrique¡¯s face turn white.

    ¡®Why is he so surprised? A Knight Commander should have seen his fill of vomit, gore, guts, blood¡­ blood¡­?¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s trail of thoughts suddenly made her think of something.

    According to the source material, Enrique¡¯s sister, who died, was a lung disease patient. Therefore, he would have seen coughing and spitting up blood as he did now.

    The reason behind Enrique¡¯s shock was because Lillian was overlapping with his dead sister.

    Not surprisingly, Enrique hurriedly wiped her ¡®blood¡¯ off her mouth with his sleeve.

    It was a very kind attitude and intimate gesture towards a subordinate he barely knew. With his unsteady purple eyes, he shakily asked Lillian.

    ¡°Are you okay? Do your lungs hurt? Do you hear a strange sound when you breathe?¡±

    Lillian then knew for sure.

    It was clear that Enrique was now equating her with his dead sister.

    At that moment, a sudden chill, with goosebumps ran up Lillian¡¯s forearm.

    ¡®I think I just realized something.¡¯

    Just as the main character has the route of a protagonist.

    Even a petty supporting actor like Lillian can have her own trivial route and space.

    At this moment, she was convinced that she had finally found her way to survive.

    In this body, there was only one advantage she had over Aleyna.

    It was knowledge¨Cknowledge of the source material.

    She studied the personal history and likes and dislikes of all of the characters that will appear from now on.

    If she uses her one windfall and hits the players before Aleyna does¡­.. wouldn¡¯t it be possible to get burned from all the spotlight that will focus on her instead? Couldn¡¯t she turn this humble life into a life of substance?

    Look, already, you¡¯ve won Enrique¡¯s favor.

    Lillian¡¯s ears were filled with the sound of her thumping heart.

    In an instant, the workings of her mind completed the massive puzzle that was this life has posed for her.

    Enrique, who had no idea what Lillian was thinking, said anxiously. ¡°Wait a moment here. I¡¯ll go get my family¡¯s doctor now.¡±

    ¡°No, cough! Don¡¯t go. Knight Commander Evans. I think my mouth was torn when I got hit in the head. It¡¯s blood coming out late, so don¡¯t mind it.¡±

    Lillian looked around nervously; if the doctor came, he would know it was pomegranate juice, not blood that stained the dress.

    She hurriedly pulled the shawl to cover up the traces of the fruit juice buried on her chest.

    When the liquid hardened, it would be evident it wasn¡¯t blood.

    ¡°Please sit down and listen to me. Please.¡±

    Lillian bowed her head and begged Enrique. There was no way he could have refused her.

    He wanted to go get the doctor right away, but he was forced to sit back down.

    Lillian quickly opened her mouth so he wouldn¡¯t change his mind.

    ¡°¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤In fact, there is¡­ an illness.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s face was pale, like a cloud between her rich black hair.

    Her green eyes shimmered strangely and held Enrique¡¯s eyes.

    Enrique felt as if he was in a trance, unable to take his eyes off of her.

    As Enrique looked into her eyes, a tear fell from her beautiful green eyes.

    ¡°¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤!¡±

    It was a moment of surprise for Enrique.

    Lillian, who did not miss her opportunity, bowed her head and sobbed sadly. Shocking words popped out of her mouth.

    ¡°I can¡¯t be a knight anymore. I¡¯m sorry, Knight Commander. I¡¯ll come to work tomorrow and hand in my resignation.¡±

    ***

 Chapter 14

    ¡°What are you talking about, Dame Lillian? Are you really suffering from lung disease? Or another chronic disease?¡±

    Asked the startled Enrique, frowning his eyebrows. His face was still cautious, and the speed of his questions belied his agitation.

    He was invested. Lillian, who confirmed the effect of the rice cake she threw, looked even sadder. Her play began now.

    ¡°In fact¡­. I¡¯ve had a severe fever recently, and I¡¯ve been sick for a few days. I think I lost the fight because I haven¡¯t recovered yet. I¡¯m so embarrassed.¡±

    After speaking, Lillian blushed. Because of her innocent look, she seemed more sincere than necessary. Add in Chae Soo-Yeon¡¯s polished acting skills, and she was completely believable.

    Enrique nodded without a hint of doubt.

    ¡°That¡¯s a big deal. Yes, your movements were bizarre. At first, I didn¡¯t think you were a knight because your fighting skills were so clumsy.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s shoulders betrayed her subtle shock.

    That¡¯s why I don¡¯t like quick-witted people.

    But she didn¡¯t make it obvious and began to scatter the underbelly she designed.

    ¡°I can¡¯t fool the Commander¡¯s eyes, either. It¡¯s embarrassing, but when I had a high fever, I think I had partial amnesia.¡±

    ¡°¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤Partial amnesia?¡±

    ¡°Yes. There¡¯s some other memory left, but I¡¯ve forgotten all about particular things. No matter how hard I¡¯ve tried, I can¡¯t remember a thing.¡±

    The water in Lillian¡¯s green eyes started to flow down her face and neck. Her face reflected her misery and the agonizing predicament she was in. Her hands looked pale and clammy as she twisted them.

    More tears fell from her eyes like heavy diamonds.

    Enrique, who couldn¡¯t bear the sight, took a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her.

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯m dying¡­.. Thank you.¡±

    Lillian, who answered with a hoarse voice, buried her face in the handkerchief, pretended to weep and shed some more tears elegantly.

    She pretended to wipe her tears and looked up at Enrique¡¯s expression.

    A satisfied smile came to her lips, covered in the handkerchief.

    ¡®Good. It¡¯s working well.¡¯

    Ji-Yeon¡¯s acting skills were still strong.

    Well, it was a skill that I worked hard to compensate for my appearance.

    I¡¯ve practiced crying hundreds¡ªno, thousands of times, and now I can¡¯t be intimidated.

    Enrique, who had fallen for her outstanding acting skills, asked with a worried look, ¡°So, what memories have you lost?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so ashamed to say it¡­¡­.but¡­¡­ I forgot how to wield a sword.¡±

    Lillian, who managed to speak with trembling lips, finally burst into tears. Her face, stained with misery and grief, looked heart-wrenchingly sad.

    Along with this, Enrique¡¯s eyebrows signalled his compassion.

    ¡®What a pity. That¡¯s why you offered to resign.¡¯

    Indeed, a knight who didn¡¯t know how to wield a blade was useless. As the Knight Commander, he knew it was best if Lillian Rossetti retired.

    In fact, he had even witnessed it with his own eyes that she had lost to an untrained commoner.

    Enrique had to accept her resignation. That was the right thing to do as the Knight Commander.

    But while looking at her sobbing in front of him, the words couldn¡¯t leave his mouth.

    Lillian Rossetti had a look of the desperate look of despair as if the world had ended.

    When I saw her swollen red eyes in tears, I remembered my late sister.

    ¡®You look good in a knight¡¯s suit, Enrique. If I were healthy, I would be a knight too. Wouldn¡¯t that be wonderful?¡¯

    The voice of my sister seemed to be ringing faintly in my ears.

    Enrique breathed a small sigh. Lillian Rossetti, he remembers, was a pretty hard-working knight. Although she was a woman, she was formidable and earned her spot as a Knight of the Royal Palace even if she was a part of the inferior fourth knighthood.

    But one day, if I suddenly forgot about the swordsmanship¡­

    Enrique was honestly unable to imagine what the loss would be like.

    With Lillian in that state in front of me, how can I say, ¡®Yes. You¡¯ve done a great job. Hand in your letter.¡±?

    Enrique, who swept up his silver hair, sighed and opened his mouth.

    ¡°Take a break today. It¡¯s too late to go home. I¡¯ll send someone to your house to fetch your necessities, so don¡¯t worry. And on the issue of resignation¡­.. let¡¯s talk about it tomorrow. When your heart calms down a little.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your kindness, Knight Commander. But I have to return tomorrow¡­¡±

    Lillian¡¯s words blurred as her face looked increasingly gloomy. Unlike her masked face of a sincere knight, her heart was desperate.

    Please, please do something! Come on!

    Enrique was a loyal man and knew how to pity the weak. Lillian was counting on this; it¡¯s why she had invested in his sympathy.

    As she pondered whether her efforts were in vain, Enrique slowly opened his mouth.

 Chapter 15

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll postpone your return to work by one day under my authority. Never mind that, just get your heart in order.¡±

    One day? Only one day?

    If you count my tears, you¡¯ll have to subtract at least a month, right?

    Lillian was steaming. Perhaps because her body changed, her acting was less effective. Now that her face has changed, the feeling she gave off would change too. Even if the expression was the same, there were small differences that gave off different perceptions.

    Lillian decided to study her facial expressions as soon as she returned.

    Negotiations were impossible under the current circumstances anyway. Rather, the moment she tried to bargain, Enrique¡¯s feelings would turn from sympathy to doubt.

    Knowing this, Lillian bowed her head with tears in her eyes.

    ¡°Thank you very much, Knight General Evans.¡±

    ¡°No need. I¡¯ll leave you alone, then, so let¡¯s talk about the details tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Good night.¡±

    Lillian, whose eyes were as red as a rabbit, nodded while she clasped her handkerchief.

    Her appearance was pitiful but cute. Enrique¡¯s usually stern mouth loosened a little without him even realizing it. Perhaps that¡¯s why the unexpected words came out of his mouth.

    ¡°It¡¯s just us, and it¡¯s not working hours right now, so just call me Enrique.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your kindness. Enrique-nim.¡±

    ¡°Then, good night.¡±

    Creak-

    The door of the guest bedroom closed with a click. The moment Lillian confirmed Enrique¡¯s footsteps had disappeared, her face slowly changed. She wet the handkerchief Enrique gave her and put it around her eyes. Then she stretched out her legs and lay back.

    ¡®Good. No work tomorrow.¡¯

    But how should I strategize for the future? Lillian was lost in thought, her face blank. Even if she had a plan, she wasn¡¯t sure if it would work out. So she decided that at each step, she needed to review her schemes.

    If she resigned from being a knight, what would be her future? The answer was automatic.

    ¡°You¡¯ll get married.¡±

    Baron Rossetti, Lillian¡¯s family, was poor and couldn¡¯t even imagine paying a daughter¡¯s dowry. So Lillian gave up marriage early and became a knight. And with her own salary paid for the maintenance of the mansion and the wages of her employees.

    But what if Lillian loses her salary? Maybe if Lillian were going to get married, her parents would sell their daughter off so they could receive her ransom. It was a common development in fantasy novels, thinking a daughter could be exchanged like an item at a pawn shop.

    ¡®Lillian had no mother, only a father, who was wasteful with money. A true prodigal.¡¯

    Sam, her attendant, was talkative.

    Thanks to her, Lillian was able to get a glimpse of her family¡¯s condition in just a few days.

    Her mother was the only daughter of Baron Rossetti. So he received the second son of another family as his son-in-law and handed the title to him.

    The lucky man was Lillian¡¯s father, but the unlucky one was Lillian¡¯s mother.

    Her father pretended to be a good man before their marriage but showed his true colors after the ceremony. A terrible alcoholic, he wasted his fortune in a flash, going in and out of bars where women served.

    Thanks to him, her mother passed away early due to the stress.

    Lillian and her father were the only ones left.

    ¡®That means life would be much easier without him.¡¯

    Is there any way to get rid of him?

    Lillian agonized over and over again.

    I learned that gambling addiction and alcoholism were separate issues, but in this case, they were combined?! [T/n: nah my girl, once you¡¯re an addict, it¡¯s so easy to transfer the addiction to something else.] Already it would be a headache if we were just friends¡ªbut family!? It indeed was a life without luck.

    From what Sam said, Lillian¡¯s salary seemed to be spent on her father¡¯s drinks. A daughter giving up her marriage and using her hard-earned money for her father¡¯s trysts and liquor. It was a genuinely abhorrent ¡®family.¡¯

    ¡®It would be perfect if you could just drop dead.¡¯

    Lillian thought with relish. Then there was no hole for the money to leak out, and she would inherit the family¡¯s wealth. Lillian Rossetti was an only child.

    But it wouldn¡¯t have happened. The more horrible people are, the longer they live because of the number of curses they accumulate.

    Lillian¡¯s father will live longer than shit if left be.

    He was sucking Lillian dry.

    Just thinking about it distorted Lillian¡¯s face.

    ¡®Umm¡­ this father problem¡­.¡¯

    If there were too many problems, we had to prioritize what to worry about first. It was truly a beggar¡¯s concern.

    However, it was also a natural routine for Chae, who was used to bad luck.

    ¡®What kind of life is this?¡¯

    A bedside table came into Lillian¡¯s eyes, turning in a disturbed mood. On top of it was a small statue of a goddess.

 Chapter 16

    I remembered seeing something like that in Lillian¡¯s bedroom. In this world, people seemed to erect a statue of a goddess instead of a cross.

    Lillian, who was staring at the statue without blinking, smiled. Then she reached out and struck the goddess figure and let it drop it down to the floor as if it were a mistake.

    Lillian¡¯s eyes, looking down at the statue that fell on the floor, were unfeeling.

    She didn¡¯t believe in God. No matter how earnestly she prayed in her past life, God never answered her. Even though what she wished for was not a success¡ªonly an opportunity.

    ¡®That¡¯s too much for me, I guess.¡¯

    A bitter smile spread around Lillian¡¯s mouth. If God didn¡¯t answer her prayers, she had no choice.

    Instead of God, we¡¯ll just have to hold the devil¡¯s hand. Like Aleyna did.

    There was only one character that came to mind. A man capable of solving every situation Lillian was in. But he was a very dangerous man who would demand a price. She wanted him to bring the same heart he had given to Aleyna to her when she tried to do business with him.

    ¡®But I am not even the heroine. Will you even give me a chance?

    Lillian sighed.

    I wish I had time to think.

    But this woman¡¯s misfortune was chasing and threatening her without a gap like a malicious spirit.

    Rather than looking far away, Soo-yeon was too busy avoiding the sinkholes in front of her.

    That was the life of Lillian¡ªor Chae Ji-yeon.

    ¡°Haah¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±

    With a heavy sigh, Lillian closed her eyes, trying to leave her mixed mind behind.

    I couldn¡¯t sleep in this situation, and my mind plagued me with worst-case scenarios. But tomorrow, I needed some rest to talk to Enrique.

    She managed to fall asleep after tossing and turning for a long time.

    ***

    ¡°You don¡¯t look well. Was the bed unfamiliar?¡±

    Asked Enrique, facing Lillian over breakfast.

    At his words, Lillian smiled and touched her cheek.

    ¡°No, thanks to you, I slept well. Thank you for your consideration.¡±

    In fact, I couldn¡¯t sleep well because the discomfort of my mind was ten times worse than the body.

    But I couldn¡¯t say that to Enrique.

    He was a knight through and through, and he didn¡¯t like people whining about convenience. That¡¯s why he fell in love with Aleyna, who was one that had a habit of pitifully crying alone.

    Sure enough, Lillian¡¯s answer was ¡®correct¡¯. Enrique¡¯s expression directed at her softened.

    At first glance, Lillian seemed to have a lot of worries. Nevertheless, considering the landlord¡¯s position, it was admirable and pitiful to pretend otherwise. Naturally, a soft voice came from his mouth.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve considered your intention to retire yesterday.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Is that so.¡±

    I think it would be responsible to look sad here, right?

    Lillian responded with a lonely smile. Somehow, that smile looked familiar to Enrique.

    ¡®Where have I seen that look?¡¯

    Enrique unintentionally narrowed his eyes as he looked through his memories.

    That face¡­. yes.

    It was the common expression his deceased sister made when she had to give up on the multitudes of wants and desires because of her health. After giving up everything, she had a smile instead of tears.

    ¡°You¡­.¡±

    Enrique asked incoherently, impulsively, not knowing why Lillian and his sister always seemed to overlap.

    ¡°What about your doctor? Do you want to quit the service like this? Give me an honest answer.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s eyes were wide and round to his unexpected query.

    Why is he asking this all of a sudden?

    This is why the supporting role, which rarely appears in the original work, was unfair. The settings and characters were not detailed, so there was nothing to refer to. But Lillian¡¯s brain went faster than ever. There was little information about herself, but there was quite a lot about Enrique.

    Based on this, she was soon able to come up with an Enrique-target answer. ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t want to quit. I swore to devote my life as a Leogonian knight¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤. But I can¡¯t stay in the knighthood without remembering how to wield a sword. I¡¯m in a position where I can¡¯t even take care of myself.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    This was dangerous.

    I almost forgot the name of the kingdom ¡ª¡®Legonian.¡¯ A narrow miss.

    Lillian, who managed to revive her memory, finished answering and wiped off her cold sweat. A satisfactory smile spread accross Enrique¡¯s face.

    ¡°Then, Dame Lillian. I have something to tell you.¡±

    Enrique opened his mouth with a visibly friendly look.

 Chapter 17

    ¡°I called in my doctor last night and found out that partial amnesia is surprisingly easily treated. Maybe it¡¯s because it¡¯s not a complete memory loss.¡±

    Enrique¡¯s words weren¡¯t over yet. However, his introductory remarks were already setting off alarms.

    Lillian felt a sudden ominous foreboding and fastened her sight to his fascinating lips. Somehow those angelic lips seemed to be spitting out hellish bullshit.

    And her ominous premonition, as always, became a reality.

    ¡°I also feel uneasy about throwing out a faithful and sincere person like you. So, why don¡¯t you try for a month?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Yes? Sorry, but I don¡¯t understand,¡± asked Lillian, feigning a vaguely puzzled look.

    But her innermost thoughts were already blazing down on the table, crying, ¡°I¡¯m doomed.¡±

    Sure enough, Enrique¡¯s scary proposal fell from his mouth:

    ¡°It just so happens that my aide Lord Kale is getting married. While he¡¯s on leave, he¡¯ll be gone for a while for his honeymoon, I¡¯ll appoint you out as my temporary assistant. So during his honeymoon, before work, you¡¯ll train with me for an hour and help me with my work during the day.¡±

    ¡°Your ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤ be your aide? ¡°

    ¡°Yes. You¡¯ve been training with the sword all your life. Your mind can¡¯t remember now, but your body is bound to remember. So if you learn fencing from me for an hour every day, your memories will soon come back.¡±

    No! I¡¯ve already tested that theory ad nauseum. What¡¯s the point of practicing with swords when it¡¯s a different soul? There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll remember it even if I practice for a 100 days!

    Lillian despaired inwardly.

    It seemed she had made too much of a favorable impression on Enrique.

    He felt sorry for Lillian and was anxious to help her with anything. He had been deeply impressed by Lillian¡¯s courage to throw herself in harm¡¯s way for a commoner girl. There was even a corner of his heart that overlapped his dead sister¡¯s image with Lillian so that he couldn¡¯t regard her as a stranger.

    ¡°Think about it. If you were to learn fencing from me, it would be a great deal for you.¡±

    It was a problem; he was overflowing with enthusiasm.

    Lillian nodded reluctantly with a pale face. She was making a case for her ¡°unavoidable resignation¡± so she could move on, but if she rejected Enrique¡¯s proposal, he would be suspicious and whatever plans she made in the future, she wanted to capitalise on her knowledge of the main characters and future events.

    ¡°Good. Then come to work next week. Though it¡¯s a short time, I¡¯ll look after you, Dame Lillian.¡±

    Enrique laughed broadly after getting Lillian¡¯s consent.

    His face shone like a little boy. She couldn¡¯t spit on a smiling face and certainly not on a handsome smiling face.

    Lillian gladly laughed along while she shook her fists secretly.

    ¡®My plan is to buy some time until I find something else, and then resign from the knighthood¡­¡¤¡¤!!¡¯

    Now that it has come to this, I had to make a new plan.

    Even though I was upset, breakfast was delicious.

    The hot ham and bacon were so juicy that the flavor was excellent. The eggs boasted a soft texture; Salad was sprinkled with sour citron juice, and a small soup with broccoli was also fantastic.

    Usually, because of Lillian¡¯s well-trained body, and her rapid metabolism, the amount of food she consumed was no joke. But additional, her appetite was carried over from yesterday¡¯s hunger.

    Enrique smiled again after seeing Lillian attacking breakfast.

    ¡°You seem to like it. I¡¯m glad, eat a lot, so you¡¯ll be healthy.¡±

    ¡°¡­Yes. Thank you, Enrique,¡± laughed Lillian, gave up hope while swallowing her tears.

    In the meantime, her fork and knife were busy with food.

    Yes, my problems will still be there whether I eat or not, so let¡¯s first fill my stomach.

    ***

    ¡°Well, then, treat my house as your own and take a rest.¡±

    After breakfast, Enrique went straight to work. He generously ordered his butler to let Lillian get as much rest as she wanted, but after shaking her head at the offer, Lillian took off the clothes that were loaned to her and left the Marquis¡¯ estate.

    ¡®What¡¯s the point of staying if the Lord isn¡¯t in?¡¯

    She strolled back home.

    The Marquis of Evans offered to send her off in a carriage, but she also refused.

    In order to receive Enrique¡¯s special training next week, she had to maintain her physical strength. As she walked, she quietly pulled at her hair in distress.

    ¡®Is there a way I can hide the fact that I¡¯m a different person? It¡¯s too much to ask, isn¡¯t it?¡¯

    She didn¡¯t even know the first thing about fencing and felt intimidated to receive Enquire¡¯s training.

    ***

 Chapter 18

    He would have a good grasp of Lillian¡¯s ability, a knight under his command, and he was also good at reading one¡¯s current skills.

    If you want to avoid Enrique¡¯s suspicions, you¡¯d have to show at least your memory fails, but your body remembers.

    ¡°Haha.¡±

    However, it was the reality of Chae Soo-Yeon that even that was difficult.

    At this point, I really want to make a deal with the devil. If I had money, I would have already hired a summoner by now.

    Lillian headed home in distress over her dilemma.

    A small three-story house welcomed her¡ªso different from the residence of Marquis Evans.

    ¡°Oh, lady! You¡¯re finally back!¡±

    Of course, the first person to welcome Lillian was Sam. There were only four employees of this simple and pathetic house.

    Fran, a butler who helps her father and manages internal affairs, Sam, who serves Lillian, cooks and gardeners who also took charge of cooking and housework in the kitchen. That was all.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m here. Now go away.¡±

    Lillian pushed Sam away as she was rushing at her. Then she strode up to her room. Lillian took off her clothes without much thought when her coat caught her eye, and she threw it away resentfully, shaking with anger.

    The shape of the shit snail on her shoulder made her angry just by looking at it.

    ¡®Is it because it¡¯s a supporting role? You drew the family¡¯s crest very poorly.¡¯

    Considering the fact that I was beaten because of that pattern, it was too much!

    Lillian crawled into the bed, irritated. She was so worried yesterday that even though she was exhausted, she couldn¡¯t sleep.

    Still, because it was my bedroom, I fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow.

    Lillian soon sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.

    ¡°Aya!¡±

    ¡°Yes, you rotten girl! You know what you¡¯ve done wrong, you vulgar bitch!!¡±

    Almost at the same time, Lillian woke up with a scream, and there was a shout. She was still half asleep, and panic coursed through her body, causing it to sway as she got up.

    An unpleasant man¡¯s yell rang out in my ear.

    ¡°You¡ª you, you filthy bitch! You¡¯re like your mother, a loose cunt! How dare a virgin who has never been married stay over a man¡¯s house?¡±

    What the hell?

    While frowning, Lillian grasped the hand of the man who had grabbed her hair with all his might.

    Lillian¡¯s grip, trained to hold the sword, was surprisingly strong. Her hand crushed the man¡¯s hand, and it fell limp.

    ¡°Oh, you bloody bastard! Trying to beat your father! How could I raise a bitch like you¨C when I¡¯ve been so kind to you. Ah! Ouch!¡±

    The older man, who grabbed his hand, contorted his face as he registered his pain and took a few steps back. Then his face was revealed in the flames of the fireplace.

    A middle-aged man with dark hair, blue eyes, and a face that was swollen with alcohol.

    After seeing this, Lillian realized it belatedly. This man was Lillian¡¯s father, Baron Herbert Rossetti.

    Herbert hasn¡¯t been home for nearly a week. Maybe he just crawled in because he was broke from drinking to his heart¡¯s content. His breath oozed a foul odor of alcohol and tobacco.

    ¡°My hand is broken! Ah, it hurts!! You bitch! How dare you!¡±

    Lillian looked at Herbert with a doubtful look.

    He came into his daughter¡¯s room where she was asleep, grabbed her hair, and pretended to be the victim.

    However, the servants did not seem to think so. Sam, startled by Herbert¡¯s yell, rushed in.

    ¡°Master, are you all right? Can you give me your hand?¡­ Argh!¡±

    Herbert swung his hand and struck Sam. Sam was pushed back by a tremendous force. Her head hit the wall, and her arms and legs fell limp with a dull thump.

    When Lillian saw it, she ran to Sam.

    ¡°Sam! What the hell is this?¡±

    But Herbert kicked the fainted Sam on her shoulder, venting his temper. Lillian was also hit by the kick and fell backward. Herbert continued to hurl curses at Sam.

    ¡°You! I hired you to take good care of her, and what the hell did you do? You¡¯re not monitoring her properly, so she¡¯s become a whore and fighting back without shame! How brazen to sleep over a man¡¯s house!¡±

    Herbert even spit at Sam.

    I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.

    A furious Lillian rose from the ground to her full height, fire in her eyes.

    ¡°Do you have no limits? Aren¡¯t you ashamed to vent your anger on a fallen maid?¡±

    ¡°Y-you, you¡¯re a real brat¡­¡­!!¡±

    Herbert¡¯s face, terrified by his biological daughter, turned red. He probably remembered the strength of her grip and hesitated.

    After seeing this, Lillian was a little more confident.

    A well-trained body, even without knowing how to wield a sword, was still undoubtedly powerful.

    I was also able to deal with two stout men, nevermind a drunk middle-aged man. I could handle him.

    Lillian folded her arms and shot him an icy stare.

 Chapter 19

    Warning: this chapter has a pretty intense scene of domestic/parental [physical, emotional, verbal, financial] violence. You can skip to the next chapter if you want.

    ¡°The Knight Commander was only doing me a favor and let me stay at his home during a mission. He and I are the kingdom¡¯s servants before we are man and woman. What¡¯s wrong with returning home late because of work and taking care of a colleague? In fact, if there¡¯s anything wrong, it¡¯s my father¡¯s rotten head!¡±

    Lillian¡¯s comeback made Herbert even more furious. He was spitting as he made a ridiculous argument.

    ¡°How can you so shamelessly lie? You are your mother¡¯s daughter! The mission was an excuse, and you stayed in his house to catch the man. You¡¯re such a dirty bitch! What¡¯s the difference between you and those bitches who sell themselves in the back alleyways?¡±

    Dumbfounded, Lillian was speechless. How can a man compare his daughter to a whore? Lillian had never even done anything wrong like this terrible father has! Herbert was a drinker on his daughter¡¯s hard-earned salary.

    I couldn¡¯t believe that he could be so abusive to Lillian.

    ¡®This is total bullshit!¡¯

    Soo Yeon didn¡¯t know, but her father was very famous amongst the Knights¡ªactually, rather infamous. For this reason, even the men who had been interested in marriage or courting Lillian were put off.

    Who wanted to be family with that?

    That¡¯s why Enrique gave her a more generous offer than was necessary. It was because he was concerned about what Lillian¡¯s father would do if she resigned from knighthood.

    Of course, Lillian had no way of knowing Enrique¡¯s consideration.

    She stared at Herbert¡¯s trashy face in shock.

    ¡°You know what you did well, raising your head like that! What a shameless bitch! (t/n: someone kill this fucker already ughhh!) You must have been trying to seduce Marquis Evans by pushing your petty little body in! Do you want to enjoy riches that much? You shallow girl!¡±

    ¡°Kyaa!¡±

    When Lillian was silent, Herbert mistook her for being crushed by his words. So he kicked Lillian in a surprise move. Lillian, who was standing dazed by the shock, was hit in the stomach and fell backwards.

    Then Herbert¡¯s eyes glistened, and he picked up the poker by the fireplace.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let you muddle the name of Rosetti again!¡±

    Herbert was scarily sincere. Lillian was not allowed to marry.

    She couldn¡¯t even meet a man. Because she was the only cash cow and purse for this Baron Rossetti. So Lillian had to make money without going anywhere and was made to think a child was a slave to their parents. It was unacceptable for her to dare to give up the ¡®grace¡¯ she had received by being born and run away with a man.

    ¡®I¡¯ll get rid of that smooth face just¡­¡¯

    Herbert swung the hot poker at Lillian¡¯s face. She was a knight, but she was also a girl.

    There was no hesitation in the hands of Herbert, who had calculated that if she had an ugly scar on her face, no one would take her.

    Fortunately, Lillian reflexively raised her arm to stop the poker.

    He didn¡¯t touch her face, but an iron poker struck her arm. Tears welled up in Soo-Yeon¡¯s heart.

    It was a big deal. If Herbert was bare-handed, it was easy to handle him, but if he had a weapon in his hand, the story changed a bit.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how far the bitch will go¨Clet¡¯s see you stop me! Let¡¯s die together today!!¡±

    Herbert, spat in his fury and swung the poker at her again.

    In response, Lillian hurriedly got up and avoided it.

    If I had to block with my forearm again, there was no guarantee my bones would be intact, or I could retain my arm¡ªnevermind it¡¯s ability to function.

    Fortunately, drunk Herbert¡¯s oncoming attacks were less accurate.

    A couple of times, the poker which cut through the air became stuck into the floor in awkward ways.

    In response, Herbert murmured a curse and struggled to pull out the poker stuck in the floor.

    Then he thrusted out, its pointed end at directed at Lillian, who was cornered.

    ¡°Ahhh!¡±

    Lillian reflexively turned and was struck on her shoulder.

    My shoulder, which hit hard by the poker, rattled again against the wall. It was so painful that my eyes flashed white, and the ends of my arms twitched.

    Herbert¡¯s greasy eyes flashed with cruel joy.

    ¡°You bloody bastard! How dare you avoid me?¡±

    Alarms shook my body, I¡¯d be in big trouble if I got hit by that poker one more time.

    ***

 Chapter 20

    Before he swung the poker again, Lillian rushed in and grabbed the end. Then she started a power struggle with her father.

    Herbert grabbed and pulled on one end, and Lillian held on.

    He made a big face and shouted. ¡°You, you?! You dare¡ª Aren¡¯t you letting go?¡±

    ¡°Stop it! Stop it!¡±

    Even Lillian, who had reached her emotional limit, shouted at him. She¡¯d had enough.

    Lillian¡¯s life is as bad as Chae Soo-yeon¡¯s, and the problems kept coming at her.

    Literally, my head was about to go crazy. I was fed up with everything and just wanted to smash it all into pieces.

    ¡°Let go! Let go! Oh, shit!¡±

    Herbert swore and tried to pull the poker out from her hands.

    The plan was to kick Lillian so the poker would fall out of her hands but instead, when he kicked her, she was so strong that she didn¡¯t move, and he ended up letting go of the poker and falling back by himself.

    ¡°Oh oh!!¡±

    The place where Herbert had fallen was inside the fireplace.

    The blazing flames quickly caught on to his hair and shirt. In an instant, Herbert was suffering from extensive burns to his face and ears. He sprang to his feet, struggling, and ran to put out the fire that spread all over his body.

    ¡°Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! Fire! Fire!¡±

    Lillian was so surprised that she looked at Herbert stunned while clutching the poker.

    Frantically rubbing his back against the wall and running around, his skin was already melting, peeling, and burning.

    The great pain of burns was as if the skin had been stung by countless bees millions of times. Out of his mind, Herbert rushed towards Lillian.

    I didn¡¯t know if he wanted me to help get the fire off of him or he was trying to attack me in Lillian¡¯s body.

    But I was in a terrifying situation¨Ca man embroiled with flames all over his body was rushing at me.

    It was evident that if Herbert touched something, another fire would spread.

    ¡°Argh! Don¡¯t come!¡±

    Lillian, unwittingly, swung a poker at Herbert, who rushed at her. It happened so quickly. She wasn¡¯t yet used to Lillian¡¯s strength, so she didn¡¯t even know how swinging the iron poker would be like striking someone with a boulder.

    Her poker, swinging with a tremendous strength, hit Herbert¡¯s head.

    Boom! Crack! Thump! Splat!

    A sickening sound rang out in the air. It was as if a watermelon was breaking, and an old earthenware jar was splitting.

    But the reality was that these were the sounds of Herbert¡¯s decayed skull being smashed and breaking apart.

    A warm liquid splashed on Lillian¡¯s face. It was Herbert¡¯s blood.

    With a rattling sound, Herbert¡¯s body convulsed.

    His limbs were burnt and resembled a squid and soon drooped¡ªlifeless.

    There was no doubt that he died instantly. The last gasping sound rang from his mouth, where he had a blood bubble.

    ¡°Crang¡ª!¡±

    Lillian¡¯s hands lost strength in her hands and dropped the poker.

    Her face turned pale.

    Lillian was trembling uncontrollably, wiping the blood off her face with shaking hands.

    ¡®I-I can¡¯t believe you killed a person ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤!!¡¯

    Of course, I didn¡¯t want to die as a supporting character.

    I still wanted to push away the main characters and stand up for myself by stealing their spotlight, but that never included killing! Even if it q? an abusive father who got in my way.

    Chae Soo-Yeon, who lived in South Korea, was never a murderer, although she was selfish.

    Lillian was shocked, utterly confused, and dazed. She really couldn¡¯t figure out what was going on with her; it seemed like she was floating outside her body, watching her physical self stare at her bloodstained hands and looking alternately at Herbert¡¯s body.

    ¡°Huh¡¤¡¤¡­¡­.¡±

    A groan came out of Sam¡¯s mouth, who had fainted, stayed knocked out, and missed all the chaos.

    The moment she saw Sam¡¯s silly face with her mouth agape, Lillian came to her senses.

    ¡®Yes, this is not the time to lose your wits!¡¯

    She hurried out of the room with Sam in her arms and laid her down in a random room.

    It was fortunate that Lillian had a trained knight¡¯s strength, Sam wasn¡¯t light, but Lillian managed.

    Returning to the room with shivering steps, Lillian looked at the floor, trying to avert her gaze.

    From the corner of her eye, she saw the man¡¯s half-burned body with a broken head on the floor, making a horrendous skeleton.

    The smell of burning flesh in the room was suffocating.

    Lillian quickly opened the window and put her head in the cold air outside.

    ¡®What are we going to do with the body?¡¯

 Chapter 21

    Now I have perspective.

    Getting kicked out of the knighthood isn¡¯t the problem. Being hung for murder is an actual problem.

    ¡®I can¡¯t let that happen to me.¡¯

    Lillian swallowed her saliva in a sense of crisis.

    ¡®It¡¯s all right, there¡¯s no witnesses for now. No one will know if you take care of it well.¡¯

    Baron Rossetti was poor; therefore, there were few employees, and even those few employees usually lived in the village and commuted to and from work.

    So only Sam was around at this time, but Sam was also knocked out, so she wasn¡¯t a witness to Lillian¡¯s crime.

    Lillian reached out in a hurry and grabbed Herbert¡¯s leg. She was going to drag him out of the mansion and bury him in the grass. But suddenly, she seemed startled, and Lillian, who had grabbed his leg and shook off her hand.

    Fearful tears fell from her eyes.

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t!¡±

    The feeling of touching a corpse, and the sensation of fading warmth from recent death was horrendous.

    It was a feeling similar to touching a chunk of meat hung to drain blood at a butcher¡¯s shop.

    With an unpleasant squash, blood poured out like juice.

    The warmth left on the body was even more horrifying and creepy.

    Lillian had no confidence to touch the corpse again.

    Even if she did have the confidence, Lillian started to count up the many problems that would arise.

    Herbert, who had been addicted to alcohol all his life, was quite fat.

    Dragging his body down to the first floor, burying him in the backyard would be an arduous task. Carrying him while all this blood was flowing out would make a mess of the whole house.

    Cleaning it by morning would be an impossible task, especially when there are no lights and only candles could light up the night.

    Lillian stared blankly at the body, shedding tears. If someone could miraculously dispose of this body, she would do anything.

    At this time, a scene of ¡°Princess Aleyna¡± suddenly popped into her head.

    ¡®Yes, that¡¯s right! There¡¯s a way¡­¡­¡¯

    Aleyna, the main character, was favored by the male lead for her gorgeous beauty. And as romance fantasy novels usually do, she was kidnapped by someone.

    Here, Lillian, her escort, tried to protect Aleyna and was killed in the hands of an angry male lead.

    ¡®What was the next scene?¡¯ Lillian desperately searched her memory.

    The kidnapped Aleyna was sold to the slave market and was purchased by a cult worshipping the devil. They intended to use Aleyna as a top-grade offering to summon the demon.

    The devil liked beautiful virgins, and cruel slaughters.

    ¡®At that time, Aleyna witnessed the scene to summon the devil. Perhaps the order ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡¯

    Aleyna signed a deal with the devil on the spot¡ªa typical heroine buff¡ªand the summoned demon slaughtered everyone but spared and protected Aleyna.

    Not only that, he even made a deal with Aleyna. All she had to do was stare at the devil in tears with that pretty face.

    Lillian registered the date; there was still time before Aleyna arrived here, in the Legonian Kingdom, so she could make a deal with the demon instead.

    There was already a corpse needed for summoning, and there was no harm in trying. Judging from Aleyna¡¯s case If only the price could be paid, the devil was a pretty good deal.

    ¡°Okay. The situation has already reached this point¡­. Let¡¯s do this!¡±

    Lillian bit her lips.

    How could things get worse?

    In addition to murdering someone, she had fencing classes with Enrique.

    At this rate, she was bound to be caught in her partial amnesia lie.

    ¡®No matter how much you forget, if your body is too much of a beginner, they will get suspicious. Well, in this situation, you are going to face trial even before you even get trained.¡¯

    I had no choice but to gamble on the devil instead of God. God has never been on my side anyway.

    Lillian clenched her teeth and dipped her shoes into Herbert¡¯s blood. Then she began to use his blood to paint a star and a summoning circle on the floor.

    While drawing a rugged-shaped magic circle, a bitter smile came to her mind.

    ¡®Oh my God, how terrible!¡¯

    Until last week, she was an ordinary Korean wannabe actress, and now she was drawing a magic circle with the blood of the man she just murdered, hoping to summon the demon now.

    ***

 Chapter 22

    The reality was unbelievable. It felt like I was trapped in a nightmare where the boundary with reality was vague. In the meantime, the rough magic circle was complete, and Lillian dragged Herbert¡¯s body into the middle.

    A Magic Circle and the Sacrifice! Thus, the scene of summoning evil was complete.

    But Lillian¡¯s expression was perturbed.

    ¡®I think something¡¯s missing.¡¯

    Out of habit, Lillian tried to put her hand on her chin and then paused. When she was hit by Herbert¡¯s poker earlier, her arm had been torn. It started to ache with the movement, and blood began to run again.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Only then did Lillian realize what was missing.

    She quickly stood in the middle of the magic circle and sprayed her blood from her arms on the magic circle.

    The summoner¡¯s blood mixed in the Magic Circle played a role in protecting her from demons. She had almost forgotten this vital part.

    At the moment, her blood was mixed with the summoning circle that was painted with dark red blood ¨Cit started to give off a dazzling glow.

    ¡®Did it work? Did I do it right?¡¯

    Lillian hurriedly stepped back out of the Magic Circle. It was not long before the floor split, and something crawled out of the dark red crevice. It was a grotesque appearance like a scene in a horror movie.

    But what appeared was not the surprisingly amazingly beautiful man.

    ¡®¡­.What the hell.¡¯

    ¡ªKyyyaaa!! [cry sfx]

    A bizarre resonance shook the air and vibrated in her bones.

    Lillian looked into the two bright red eyes staring at her from inside the magic circle. What was trapped in it was a very terrifying demon.

    At first glance, it seemed like a strong, muscular man. But it¡¯s height seemed to be well over three meters, and the skin glowed like dark red lava.

    The sharp hands and feet, like the claws of an animal, and the large horns on its head, gave rise to its terrifying majesty.

    To make matters worse, the dark wings of the torn bat, running behind its back, fluttered.

    Lillian, who was still observing the devil with trembling eyes, soon realized:

    ¡®It¡¯s not the same one.¡¯

    There was a deep sense of dismay on Lillian¡¯s face.

    The demon described in the original work of ¡°The Princess Aleyna¡± was not in this form. His name was Ifos.

    Ifos was described as a handsome man with bright blond hair and beautiful red eyes like an angel.

    He was devilish but weak to beauty, so he fell in love with Aleyna¡¯s face.

    Lillian personally didn¡¯t like Ifos very much. It was because I felt the dynamic between the two was a story out of an 8th grade journal.

    Ifos saved Aleyna, who was in a crisis several times, so he was even more annoying. But that didn¡¯t mean I wanted to see him like this¡ªif indeed this was him?

    ¡ªKyAhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

    As soon as Lillian¡¯s eyes touched the demon¡¯s eyes, he roared loudly.

    ¡°Oh, my God.¡±

    It seemed as if he wanted to snatch her up and rip her with that dreadful claw. When Lillian saw Herbert¡¯s body being trampled around at his feet, she prayed quietly:

    ¡®Wouldn¡¯t you eat that for me?¡¯

    Then we¡¯d succeed in destroying the body anyway.

    She had summoned the devil to dispose of Herbert in the first place.

    But the demon seemed to have little interest in Herbert¡¯s body; instead, it was a cumbersome foothold.

    Lillian had a headache. Why didn¡¯t she anticipate the possibility of another demon being summoned other than Ifos?

    Unless she¡¯s the heroine Aleyna, the demon she summoned was unlikely to be Ifos.

    Nothing ever worked out the way it was supposed to.

    Lillian, who flopped into place, sighed and looked up at the devil in front of her.

    As much as it was the summoner¡¯s position anyway, I had to do something about that demon. So Lillian opened her mouth without much expectation.

    ¡°Excuse me.¡±

    -Krreeee¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.

    ¡°By any chance, do you know how to speak to a human?¡±

    ¡ªKee-chak! Kya-ha-ah!

    Lillian politely asked the first question for now. Like asking a foreign tourist, ¡®Can you speak Korean?¡¯

    But instead of answering, the devil in the Magic Circle glared at her with blood-red eyes. The dreaded fangs flashed through the red mouth. After seeing this, Lillian sighed and touched her forehead.

    ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±

    What kind of deal can you make with a demon who can¡¯t even speak?

    What a ludicrous situation indeed.

    This is why unplanned killings should not be done.

    ¡®I even called the devil to clean up the mess, but I can¡¯t use it because we can¡¯t understand each other!¡¯

    It was the moment when frustrated Lillian was about to wrap her head with both hands and fall into agony. I could hear a growing laugh from somewhere.

    ¡ªHoohoo.

    Huh? At the unexpected sound, Lillian raised her head and looked around.

    But there were only two of them here, herself and the devil. Lillian, who was wondering, was about to wrinkle her nose and frown¡ªwhen amazingly, the monster in the Magic Circle suddenly grabbed his belly and started laughing.

    ¡ª-Whoo, hahaha! Oh, my stomach!

    ¡­¡­ What¡¯s this situation?

 Chapter 23

    Puzzled, Lillian looked at the madly cackling demon.

    Is he insane? But is being crazy a normal state of a demon¡¯s emotions?

    There was no way to categorize these actions.

    Either way, the devil laughed his heart out. After breathing heavily, he finally wiped away his tears and straightened his back.

    There was an intellectual glow in his eyes and on his face, in which before only emanated the aura of a ferocious beast. But it was still the face of a monster.

    ¡ªOh, I¡¯m sorry about this. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve been summoned to the human world, so I wanted to play a prank and tease you a bit.

    Lillian quickly lowered her eyes. Otherwise, it seemed that the devil would know the hunger in her eyes. It was fortunate that she knew how to manage her facial expressions perfectly.

    The devil, who had not noticed anything, opened his mouth in a casual tone.

    ¡ªLet me introduce myself first. My name is Saleos. It¡¯s one of the 72 demons of the demon world.

    This was definitely better than before. He neither revealed his teeth nor made a hostile cry. Besides, he has politely stated his name. Of course, it¡¯s not a real name, but at least it meant he was willing to talk to her.

    But Lillian felt something became more dangerous now. It was an inexplicable chilling sensation.

    It¡¯s the fear that you feel when you see something that is not a person behaving like a human being. You might feel this way if you inadvertently went down to the living room one night, and a faceless mannequin was sitting on your couch reading the newspaper.

    ¡ªWell, then, let¡¯s hear why you summoned this body. And why you murdered the lord with your own hands.

    A smiling Saleos, showing his fearsome fangs, took a step closer. Lillian was startled and took a step back from him.

    Although Saleos was trapped in a magic circle, he was intimidating  because of his overwhelming visuals. Above all, what Saleos just said pierced Lillian¡¯s chest.

    ¡®The one who murdered the lord.¡¯

    Saleos managed to have realized that it was Lillian¡¯s father that he had been trampling on. The devil was the devil, whether or not he was polite and could not be trusted.

    I recalled the description of Ifos, the devil that Aleyna had summoned. Honestly, I was afraid.

    Soo-Yeon, from the common-sense world of Korea, was now facing the unprecedented existence of the devil in a fantasy world. He had a very terrifying appearance, and he had a horrible hoarse voice.

    Even under his feet, the dead Herbert¡¯s body was being repeatedly stepped on, turning into a very dreadful skeleton.

    But if I admitted I was scared and said, ¡®Okay, then I¡¯ll leave. Good-bye.¡¯ That was the route of death. The angry devil would snatch me right away and chew me up.

    So Lilian opened her mouth, pretending to be calm.

    ¡°The reason I called you¡­. is because I want to be your contractor.¡±

    ¡ªMy name is Saleos, a valiant warrior who leads the 30 legions of the Magi in the demon world, and I can give my contractor the magic that controls power and lust. To be my contractor, you must dedicate your soul to me. Forsake your God and serve me from now on. Do you agree?

    Saleos laughed as if he had been waiting for the contract. There seemed to be a business of hell overflowing in that black pit of a mouth. Perhaps if she promised to give her soul, she could soon swim in another sea of fire after an early death.

    Not only that, but my dim memories recalled stories where the devil deliberately put the contractor to death in order to get the contractor¡¯s soul faster. I couldn¡¯t do that because it was a short lifespan.

    ¡®So you have to sign on something other than your soul.¡¯

    Lillian shut up for a moment and thought for a moment.

    Saleos was not the devil she expected, but his ability was not so bad.

    ¡­.In fact¡­ It was quite useful, at least for the present Lillian¡­.mana that dominates power and carnal desires.¡­.

    Lillian, who arranged her thoughts into her mind, opened her mouth carefully.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t trade my soul or use it as collateral. Because my soul ¡­.does not belong to this world. You can¡¯t give things that don¡¯t belong to you yet and are not cleared. Because one day, my soul might end up going back to my original world.¡±

    ¡ªWhat does that mean? How dare you try to play the fool in front of this Saleos?

    ***

 Chapter 24

    As expected, Saleos was not easily persuaded. He growled loudly and trampled on Herbert¡¯s body. The body, which was already becoming ragged, was almost cut in half. Saleos directed his cruel gaze at Lillian as a warning. You¡¯ll be next.

    Lillian felt her spine cool. At any moment, his fearsome feet were likely to trample on her back. Biting her lips, she retorted with a trembling chin.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a lie. I don¡¯t belong here by nature. One day, I got into an accident in the original world and came into this body. I don¡¯t know what to say, but when I opened my eyes, I found myself in this world.¡±

    ¡ª¡­.Does that mean you are a traveler of dimensions?

    It was hard to tell the demon that we were in a book but, well¡­.

    Lillian nodded in agreement.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Saleos was silent for a moment. Lillian felt his blazing red eyes glancing over her face and held her breath.

    She was so nervous and felt her fingernails digging into her palms. After staring at Lillian without saying a word for a while, he opened his mouth.

    ¡ªThe devil is immortal, so he knows a lot of strange things that humans can¡¯t even imagine. I¡¯ve been told sometimes that there are people like you.

    ¡°So¡­Do you believe me?¡±

    asked Lillian, in a slightly breathless voice. Even she, a good actress, couldn¡¯t keep her nerves at bay. Her heart trembled so fast that she felt dizzy.

    Then Saleos smiled with a significant face.

    ¡ªOf course, I believe there is such a presence. But we¡¯ll have to check to see if it¡¯s true, right?

    ¡°Do you mean I have to prove that I¡¯m from another world?¡±

    ¡ªYes. The deal has to be clear. Inside this magic circle is a barrier between the demon and the human world. So the smell of your soul, the taste, can¡¯t be felt here.

    Lillian blinked, unanswering. She could predict what the next thing would come out of his mouth.

    ¡ªSo come close and prove it. That your soul does not belong here.

    Sure enough. The devil began his play. In the first place, the deal with the devil isn¡¯t a buffet, and I can¡¯t just pick out what I like. Saleos whispered stealthily toward Lillian, who was frozen in place.

    ¡ªCome here, now. Give me a taste of your soul. Come into this magic circle. It will be just a moment.

    Saleos¡¯ eyes shone brightly as he stretched out his hand toward her side. He said he couldn¡¯t feel Lillian¡¯s soul because of the protection of the magic circle, so he asked Lillian to come into the magic circle to identify her soul.

    ¡®Why are you spewing such bullshit?¡¯

    Lillian murmured irritably inside. The summoner¡¯s blood-mixed with the magic circle played a role in keeping the devil from crossing.

    That prevented the demon from arbitrarily hurting the summoner. That¡¯s why Lillian was able to maintain some composure, no matter how loud he was.

    But you want me to walk inside on my own two feet? Where the demon¡¯s fearsome claws and fangs can reach me? Just so he can smell me?

    Lillian¡¯s green eyes sank heavily with aversion.

    ¡®It would be an act of suicide.¡¯

    It would be nicer to throw yourself down a cliff.

    However, it was unclear what the devil would do if she did not comply with that condition. Aleyna was sold as a slave after being kidnapped in the original work, and all the devil-worshipers who bought her to use her as a sacrifice were killed by the devil¡¯se own hands. They wouldn¡¯t have died from a rough summoning.

    She was sure they had prepared much better than herself, Lillian, a layman. Nevertheless, they all ended up dead.

    There could never have been an ¡°absolutely safe¡± way of dealing with the demon in the first place.

    So Lillian held her breath and looked at Saleos, meeting eyes that watched her. He wouldn¡¯t give up until Lillian came into the magic circle. His voice, hoarse with sulfur and ash, strongly urged Lillian.

    ¡ª What are you hesitating about? It¡¯s just a process of sniffing out souls.

    ¡°¡­¡­do you really need my body to confirm?¡±

    ¡ª Of course. A demon can tell the body odor of your body and taste the soul in it.

    Lillian drew the desired answer from Saleos. Her eyes sparkled.

    Then there was a way¡ªa way to let the devil smell her body without having to go into the magic circle.

 Chapter 25

    Lillian slowly approached the magic circle. His eyes followed her with a tenacious hot gaze, painstakingly observing her every move.

    Trying to ignore it, she knelt in front of the magic circle. Then she swept up her messy black hair. It was for a moment that her white fingers penetrated between her hair.

    Rip¡ª

    She felt a tremendous pain with the unpleasant touch of her hair being ripped off her scalp.

    Apparently, the grip was a handful, but not many were actually pulled out. But at the end of the hair, there was a little blood on the pieces of torn scalp.

    ¡®This should be enough.¡¯

    Hair, flesh, blood. It was a perfect body sample. Lillian threw it into the magic circle in the most polite manner she could manage.

    Saleos opened his eyes wide and looked down at her bloody hair falling at his feet. He stood in place and remained silent, seemingly unwilling to pick it up.

    Lillian was nervous. It was impossible to know how the fickle and evil devil would react. Are you angry? If he wanted to go wild and kill her, there¡¯s nothing Lillian could do.

    But Saleos¡¯ next move was unexpected.

    ¡ª¡­. Ha, ha, ha! Hahaha!

    He crouched down and laughed. Stomping his feet as if it was too funny to bear. Then he picked up Lillian¡¯s hair, which fell at his feet, and surprisingly swallowed it in one bite!

    After seeing this, Lillian tried to hold back her nausea. The demon closed his red eyes and savored the taste in his mouth. Soon after, his hoarse voice uttered a nasty exclamation.

    ¡ªIt sure smells very foreign. I¡¯ve swallowed the souls of the humans, but I¡¯ve never tasted this before.

    ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤ should I say thank you? Lillian¡¯s face was stiff.

    Saleos, who looked over to her as he stood up taller, murmured with glistening eyes.

    ¡ªWhat an exciting human being. You¡¯re smart, you¡¯re bold, and above all, you¡¯re a soul from another world! You are very fresh.

    ¡°Thank you. If you sign a contract, I¡¯ll try not to disappoint you.¡±

    After all, the trend was to have a mutually beneficial agreement. It was too old-fashioned to have one side forced to sign you.

    Lillian stole a glimpse at Herbert¡¯s mop-like body and appealed to her usefulness. If she couldn¡¯t sign the contract, that could easily be her.

    Fortunately, the capricious demon seemed to like her attitude. He nodded with a grotesque smile that seemed to tear his mouth off his face.

    ¡ªGood. I¡¯ve never had such a soulless contract, but I¡¯ll make a special exception.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Lillian, feeling relief sweeping down her chest, allowing her to release a breath she didn¡¯t know she was holding. But it¡¯s not over yet. Asked Saleos, who blinked on his thin eyelids,

    ¡ªThen tell me, summoner. What price are you going to pay me instead of your soul?

    Indeed, this was the hurdle behind the hurdle¡ªshe managed to protect her soul, but there was still the price to pay.

    Lillian pondered what she might have. But money and family seemed to mean little to the devil. Well¡­ there was nothing to give in the first place.

    In this case, it was better to allow the opponent to propose. Lillian tried to be as cooperative as she could and asked him politely:

    ¡°Because I¡¯m just a human being, and I don¡¯t know what¡¯s worth to the great demon¡­. If you don¡¯t mind, could you give some examples to this foolish mortal?¡±

    Her words and expressions were only polite, but she slyly with a polite question passed the ball in the opponent¡¯s court. You tell me a few things. Then I¡¯ll choose among them.

    Saleos, who seemed to be having a little fun, now looked a little repulsed. He fiddled with his slightly crumpled wings in the magic circle and soon opened his mouth.

    ¡ªMurder and sex.

    ***

 Chapter 26

    Both were shocking unconventional choices. It meant that whatever Lillian chose¡ªthey both sucked. At least for Lillian.

    Her expression crumpled. Saleos, who saw this, slowly added an explanation:

    ¡ªIt takes energy for a demon to be present in the human world. So most of the time, we use the contractor¡¯s soul as an energy source. If it¡¯s unavailable, the next best thing to have is to take a very intense emotional energy form as food. The best thing to evoke such feelings is slaughter and sex.

    ¡°Uh ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤I see.¡±

    ¡ªStill, it¡¯s a humble price compared to the soul. Because of this, I will also have limitations in exercising my power.

    Lillian nodded silently. If the input is weak, then the output would be weak, unless the soul is taken away¡­ that much should be taken into account.

    Maybe this demon, Sal¨¦os, seemed to be better than she thought. Of course, it was a little bit clumsy, but she appreciated the attitude of meticulously informing people of the warnings before signing a contract. Most of the time, con artists manipulated people by pressing and asking, ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡± and they didn¡¯t show the contract properly and instead pushed you to just stamp it with your seal.

    This demon was an extremely honest business partner.

    ¡ªHave you decided? Murder or sex. Which one will you choose?

    Lillian sighed before answering. Both were terrible choices, but she couldn¡¯t help it. With her eyes tightly closed, she spit out boldly:

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay in both. It¡¯s just a matter of time. Can I do that?¡±

    ¡ªHmm.

    Saleos cackled again; he found her interesting again. It seemed that he did not expect such an answer. He managed to hold back his laughter, shaking a little. And he nodded his head to say yes.

    Lillian looked at the demon in front of her eyes with a melancholy gaze.

    The demon had dark red skin that reeked of sulfur. His head had large horns, and its nails were sharp like a beast. His face with the dreadful fangs did not look human, even though he spoke intellect words.

    ¡®But I can¡¯t believe I have to do that with this devil!¡¯

    Lillian was about to cry. It wasn¡¯t easy to deal with demons. Especially paying the price. There was nothing easy, murder, or sex. But there was only one reason I chose both. Just in case I needed a backup.

    Lillian was determined to pay the price with the other if she was in a  difficult situation to pay. It was safe to use as many means of payment as possible. Didn¡¯t modern society do that in the first place? We use debit cards, but we use credit cards just in case. Then if one is stuck, you can pay with the other.

    ¡ªGood. What¡¯s your name?

    ¡°This is Lilian Rossetti,¡± Lillian replied with her eyes downcast.

    But Saleos smiled coldly and flatly refused her answer.

    ¡ªThat must be the name of the ¡®body.¡¯ You changed the framework of my contract, using your soul from another world as an excuse. But isn¡¯t it cowardly to name the husk instead of the soul now?

    Just in case. As expected, her trick was caught. The soul of Chae Soo-Yeon in Lillian¡¯s body became sad. I was going to sign a contract under Lillian¡¯s name just in case. Then even if there¡¯s a problem with the contract, Chae Soo-Yeon herself would be safe. But things couldn¡¯t go around that easily. She finally sighed and opened her mouth.

    ¡°My name is Soo-Yeon. It¡¯s Chae Ji-Yeon, ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±

    ¡ªGood. I, Saleos, will take you on as my contractor from now on. I will give you the strength of a warrior and the ability to seduce others. In return, Chae Soo-Yeon, you have to pay me the price of slaughter and sex. Do you agree?

    ¡°I agree.¡±

    ¡ªThis establishes our contract. My contractor from another world, Chae Ji-Yeon.

    Fresh energy seemed to penetrate her body. Lillian looked down. Her white skin was blazing red, giving off a subtle glow. At the same time, there was a strange wetness between her legs.

    My body relaxed, and my head became numb, making it difficult to even stand properly.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with me all of a sudden?¡¯

    It was the moment when Lillian was embarrassed by her body¡¯s unknown reaction. Salos led his great body and stepped over the magic circle for the first time. The magic circle, which played a role as a fence, would no longer lock up the devil. It was because he now had a medium of contractors.

    Saleos, who walked out, looked down at Lillian, who was not even close to his chest, and smacked his lips. There was an indelible desire in his eyes.

    ¡ªWell, let¡¯s get the first price of the contract.

    Now? Here? It¡¯s my first time! Lillian¡¯s eyes shook. She quickly protested, pointing her finger at Herbert¡¯s body left inside the magical circle.

    ¡°However, I have already offered a sacrifice ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤.¡±

    ¡ªThat is the price for summoning the devil, not the cost of the contract.

    In other words, Herbert¡¯s body was only an admission fee, but there was a separate fee.

    Lowering his back, bowing over to reach her, he wrapped his arms around Lillian¡¯s waist. His mouth was at her waist, so the upper body seemed to be encircled around her. She felt an overly hot body temperature from the approaching demon who came close. Scared of this sudden situation, Lillian pushed his arm and shouted:

    ¡°But it¡¯s my first time ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤!¡±

 Chapter 27

    ¡ªThis is your first time?

    Saleos paused at an unexpected remark. Then he loosened his arms around her waist.

    Lillian wrapped her trembling arms around herself and wondered:

    ¡®Are you going to let me off?¡¯

    ¡ªI¡¯m not going to let you go.

    The devil, who smiled a more profound smile than before, murmured, flashing a red lining.

    ¡ªThat¡¯s very appealing. It¡¯s perfect for your first contract.

    Lillian massaged her forehead without a word. Suddenly, a sentence of ¡®Princess Aleyna¡¯ came to mind.

    A demon¡¯s favorite things are blood, slaughter, and beautiful virgin maidens. Why did she forget?

    The demon¡¯s beastly claws grabbed Lillian¡¯s hair, consuming her lips wildly. And at the end, they kissed somewhat violently. Salores, who pulled Lillian close to him, muttered.

    ¡ªBut since it¡¯s your first time, I¡¯ll appease some of your human fantasies. I can¡¯t walk around the human world like this anyway.

    When he finished speaking, his body started making a creepy noise. There was a sudden chilling sound as if his bones were being broken and then recast again. His dark red skin expanded like a tear and then contracted again, and his body began to shake violently.

    Surprised, Lillian backed away from him. Her pupils shook wildly like an earthquake.

    ¡®It was so hard to sign the contract¡ªwhat¡¯s happening all of a sudden? You¡¯re not going to explode, are you?¡¯

    At the sight of this strange phenomenon, she literally wanted to cry.

    Fortunately, Saleos did not explode. His dark red skin gradually turned white while his bones were broken into smaller pieces again and again and again. His body, which was three meters in size, gradually diminished, making him look like a tall adult man. The horns on his head disappeared, and instead, vivid, gorgeous red hair flowed down. Finally, with his fingernails withdrew. Now, he was completely human.

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Saleos, who had finished his intense alteration, swept up his disheveled hair. Then he looked up at her and laughed deeply. His sharp golden eyes gave a strange glow. He was breathtaking and literally the most sexually handsome man she had ever seen.

    He reached for Lillian and kissed her ear.

    Salores, who was pressing her body down and biting her ears with his fangs, whispered in a terribly sexy dark voice.

    ¡°A man like this, you can spread your legs, umm?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­.!!¡±

    Saleos who turned human, was the most beautiful man Lillian had ever seen.

    In particular, his chest muscles, which were tall and stiff, were so stimulating that just looking at them made her heart beat faster. She didn¡¯t want to admit it, but he was a handsome man who was sexy enough to demolish people by just his looks alone.

    The devil, hugging her, bent over and pushed his tongue straight into her ear. His poison-like tip of his tongue swept through her sensitive interior.

    The sound of wet water filled my head, and my body trembled without even realizing it. I don¡¯t know if this is the power of the devil¡¯s magic or what it is, but my body was heating up.

    ¡°Oh. Uh-huh.¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re starting to smell lewd. It¡¯s very sweet.¡±

    The tip of his nose rubbed against my neck, and his hot tongue lapped up my white flesh.

    Saleos grabbed Lillian¡¯s chin, kissing and biting her.

    I don¡¯t know what magic this was, but his saliva tasted like chocolate with whiskey in it. It was sweet and bitter, but it made me drunk.

    His passionate tongue tickled the roof of her mouth and wrapped the tip of her tongue, and then he started to suck it.

    At the same time, large, nimble fingers easily pulled down her clothes. Her underwear-clad bosom was soon caught in his grasp

    ¡°Ah, no¡­.!¡±

    His fingers pinched her nipples over the thin clothes. The touch of pain and then skillfully gently rubbing her tips were extremely titillating.

    Lillian gasped and twisted his body, feeling a sensation of erotic tickling between her legs.

    His mouth covered hers, his tongue entering between her lips, and he swallowed her gasp.

    ¡°You have a lustful body that receives touch well. How cute.¡±

    The voice entering her ear was so obscene that her body rang. Lillian shook her head and turned her head.

    At that moment, her body stiffened. It was because Herbert¡¯s body, which he had forgotten for a while, entered her field of vision.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯

    Saleos turned his head. And when he saw the body remaining in the magic circle, he said, ¡°Oh!¡±

    She could tell that he didn¡¯t care at all.

    ¡°It¡¯s your first time, so it¡¯s going to be a little difficult doing it next to a body.¡±

    As he murmured, Saleos¡¯ golden eyes filled with annoyance started to glow red.

    At that moment, a hot flame filled the inside of the magic circle. The heat was so hot that it warmed up the whole room.

    Lillian closed her eyes reflexively because of the glare. As soon as she lifted her teary eyelids, she was stunned and dazed.

    Her surroundings had completely changed.

    The space was filled with dreamy red lights, with gold and silver treasures piled up high, shining like stars. And Lillian was now lying on a bed with a gold veil covering it with a vivid red blanket.

    ¡°What is this¡­.¡±

    Lillian looked around in bewilderment after experiencing magic for the first time. She looked down, wondering why the sensation of the blanket felt so soft, and found herself was naked to her amazement. Saleos smiled when he saw her huge eyes filled with embarrassment.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t even started yet, it¡¯s too early to be in awe.¡±

    ***

 Chapter 28

    After he finished speaking, he casually climbed onto the bed. Then he laid down Lillian¡¯s shoulder. In an instant, a solid man¡¯s body rose above her body and weighed her down. Lillian trembled with the feeling that she had become fragile prey. In fact, from the point of view of the demon, Saleos, she would look like a piece of cake.

    ¡°Shh, you need to relax.¡±

    Saleos¡¯ golden eyes came close and curved into a smile.

    His beautiful eyes, at first glance, were fascinating but had a sharp, predator-like energy.

    Saleos opened her legs as he looked down at Lillian.

    ¡°You¡¯re wet.¡±

    As soon as his words pierced through her eardrums, Lillian¡¯s face heated up.

    Even in her past life she had never dated. Perhaps that¡¯s why she was so ashamed in this situation where her legs were spread wide open in front of a man.

    However, Saleos bent down without giving her a chance to close her legs.

    With his tongue sticking out, he licked up her red-soaked pussy and stabbed her clitoris with his tongue. His tongue was indeed hellishly hot and as thick as the devil. So whenever the tip of his tongue poked at her vaginal mouth, her body tingled and bounced automatically.

    It was only his appearance that changed, but his essence was demonic, and even though she knew it, she felt so good that her head went blank.

    ¡°Ah, uh¡­ungh¡±

    ¡°It tastes like fruit. Very sweet.¡±

    Between her legs, his hot tongue rolled her puffy clitoris around.

    Every time he did that, her head was pounding, and her legs shook. There was a stream of sticky honey flowing from her entrance.

    Then, smiling, Saleos grabbed her thighs and pushed his tongue inside her vaginal opening.

    ¡°Oh, no! When you come in, ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤!¡±

    He didn¡¯t even pretend to hear her protests and pressed in and sucked her the inner wrinkles and lips. Digging in and out of the sensitive vagina, he sucked it in and out. Obscene, dirty noises rang in her ears as his tongue stirred and churned her entrance.

    Lillian gasped in tears under his ruthless and unrelenting caresses. The soft yet elastic tongue poked and licked her inner wall.

    What an overwhelming pleasure¡ªshe had no idea that there was such a feeling in the world.

    She felt herself losing control and becoming dumb to this overwhelming pleasure.

    ¡°Ha, Aah, Ahhh ¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤¡¤!!¡±

    Lillian eventually reached her climax with a cry with his rush of ministrations.

    Hot, white liquid came out flowing down. The tips of my feet seemed to float and tingle with a strange sense of floating.

    The sensitive body trembled and drooped on the red sheets. But Saleos didn¡¯t take his tongue off her vagina. Rather, he had been more active stirring her insides, as if it had been a joke until now.

    He swallowed all the honey flowing from her lips and teased his tongue tenaciously as if he was going to suck the inside out. As if he was trying to taste the climax she felt.

    ¡°Ah¡ª no! You¡¯re still ¡ª? Ah! I can¡¯t¡­!¡±

    The pleasure was twisting her mind.

    Lillian twisted her body, crying, pleading, and begging, but she couldn¡¯t get out of the demon¡¯s grasp.

    The long, hot tongue dug into her twitching inner folds and poked her obscenely.

    Sucking on her tingling clitoris, he gently rubbed his teeth; it was an overwhelming sensation of pleasure infused with a sense of cruelty.

    Lillian, who eventually reached her peak over and over again and again, was now half asleep. She couldn¡¯t speak properly; her arms and legs drooped as she panted.

    Saleos, his eyes thick with lust, murmured in a satisfied voice.

    ¡°Now, you¡¯re hot enough to eat.¡±

    Bending down, he raised Lillian¡¯s ass and lifted his upper body. Then he bowed his head and kissed the back of her ear.

 Chapter 29

    The devil¡¯s lips were too hot. It felt like she was pressing her skin with a hot iron. Lillian thought with a blank head that he was branding her.

    She didn¡¯t guess wrong. In fact, Saleos was branding his contractor. A red mark was placed on the back of Lillian¡¯s white ears where his lips had touched. At first glance, it was a small sign that looked like a rose. As soon as it settled behind her ear, Lillian felt her consciousness slowly blur.

    ¡®Ah¡­ I can¡¯t stand it anymore.¡¯

    Her weary body fell into a deep sleep, her aches complaining of exhaustion. It was definitely an intense day. She had murdered Lillian¡¯s father, Herbert, and had summoned a demon to sign a contract. On top of that, she had even slept with a beautiful man that bit and sucked her until she was dizzy.

    The terrible fatigue of Lillian¡¯s body and Chae Soo-Yeon¡¯s soul accumulated and overwhelmed her all at once. She took a deep breath and fell asleep at the same time.

    ¡°Hey. Did you fall asleep?¡±

    Somewhere, a low voice clouded with desire called her. But Lillian was too overpowered by her drowsiness.

    The dream after her first murder was terrifying. The dead Herbert grabbed her ankle and screamed. No, he was trying to¡ª but his broken head couldn¡¯t make noise properly.

    Lillian tried to grab her leg back while shaking off a bleeding Herbert¨Cbut her body wasn¡¯t obeying her will.

    Lillian lost her balance and fell. Herbert crawled onto her as his stiff limbs shook. Climbing on top of her, he started to strangle her.

    ¡°No¡­! Let go¡­ Ah¡­!!

    As Lillian struggled desperately to shake him off as he choked her, she saw Enrique¡¯s face from the corner of her eye¡ªher vision shaky. He looked down at Lillian with his arms crossed, with a stern look as he condemned her,

    ¡°I¡¯m disappointed in you, Dame Lillian! I could have never imagined you were the murderer of your own father!¡±

    No, it was an accident! Lillian reached for Enrique.

    She wanted to ask for help but couldn¡¯t because she was being strangled. Between her barely open lips, only the sound of stuffy harsh hot wind leaked as she wheezed.

    She groaned in her nightmare¡ª At the same time, she felt as if she could suddenly breathe, and her body awoke.

    ¡°Haaa, hic! Uhhhnn!¡±

    She was breathing hard, tears running down her face. Someone patted her on the back and held her trembling hand. The hands that held her were a little hotter than a normal body temperature¡ªregistering the fact brought her to reality.

    Only then did Lillian realize that she had woken up from a nightmare. She looked at the owner of the hand. Expecting it was Sal¨¦os, but surprisingly, it was someone else¡¯s face that came into view. It was Enrique.

    ¡°Commander Evans, Head Knight?¡±

    asked Lillian, whose nightmare lingered, looking at his shining silver hair with dazed eyes. Then Enrique lowered his head and kissed her eyelids affectionately.

    ¡°Yes, Soo-Yeon. It¡¯s me, so relax. You just had a bad dream.¡±

    Enrique, who finished speaking, comforted her with a worried look.

    Still half-awake, Lillian stared vacantly at Enrique, who held her hand. Unlike in her dreams where he blamed her¡ªnow he was so affectionate.

    ¡®What? Why is he here?¡¯

    Is this another dream? Lillian couldn¡¯t figure out what the hell was going on. Her eyes, puzzled for a moment, grew sharp. Lillian, who was staring at Enrique through her lashes, spat out.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you Mr. Sal¨¦os?¡±

    ¡°Oh, my. Did you notice?¡±

    Enrique¡¯s well-groomed and proper face suddenly grinned sarcastically. Simultaneously, the brilliant silver hair changed to red, and the prim straight features changed to his seductive face. His blinking purple eyes had already been stained with gold until it overtook the color of his eyes. Saleos, who smiled with his sights on Lillian, asked:

    ¡°How did you know? My transformation should have been perfect.¡±

    When Lillian saw this, she was less surprised. She answered as she looked at Saleos with dull eyes.

    ¡°You called me Soo-Yeon. Only Mr. Sal¨¦os knows my real name here.¡±

    It¡¯s not a lie, but it¡¯s not the truth either. Soo-Yeon already knew that demons had transformation abilities. It was because Ifos, the devil who signed a contract with Aleyna in the original film, had transformed several times. Hence Sal¨¦os, a devil, would, too.

    Ifos was so proud of his beauty that he didn¡¯t use his transformational abilities well. He was a demon who was narcissistic to the bone. Fortunately, Sal¨¦os didn¡¯t seem to be that type.

    ***

 Chapter 30

    ¡°Ah, I see¡­¡­ Was your body¡¯s name Lillian Rossetti?¡±

    Mumbling, Saleos hugged her shoulder and buried his face on the back of her neck. His hot breath touched her, and the soft body hair on her neck stood on edge. Saleos mumbled, with his lips just hovering above her skin, touching the fluff.

    ¡°The memory of your first murder seems intense? The smell of fear and guilt still prevails around you. I like it.¡±

    No wonder. Lillian rolled her eyes and murmured inwardly. She wanted to push Saleos off over her, but she was still a little scared of him.

    Sal¨¦os was also a capricious, cruel demon. He wouldn¡¯t kill her recklessly now that Soo-Yeon was his contractor, but she didn¡¯t know when he would change his mind.

    So Lillian deliberately asked a light question to relax. ¡°By the way, how did you know Sir Enrique and turn into him?¡±

    ¡°Is his name Enrique? I saw that face in your head, and it was quite stunning. Do you like him?¡±

    Lillian didn¡¯t bother to answer such a ridiculous question. Instead, her eyes narrowed when she noticed something strange about Saleos words.

    ¡°¡­¡­did you go through my memory? While I was sleeping?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s heart sank. If that¡¯s the case, Saleos might have found out. The fact that this world is in a novel. So what the hell was going to happen? Wouldn¡¯t he have a mental breakdown due to his worldview collapse?

    Saleos removed his lips from her neck and watched her. His golden eyes surrounded by red eyelashes were beautiful enough to give her goosebumps. Fortunately, the answer that came out of his mouth was very optimistic.

    ¡°No, I just peeped at your dream. Unless the contractor allows it, we can¡¯t steal memories.¡±

    ¡°Ah. I see.¡±

    It was a relief. But when you saw my nightmare, you turned into Enrique¡¯s face and tried to make fun of me! It was really a bad taste. Lillian, who suddenly didn¡¯t want to talk to him, answered shortly.

    Saleos was amused as she gave him the cold shoulder and smiled. And slowly opened his mouth,

    ¡°While you were asleep yesterday, I disposed of the body. I¡¯m sure even if God himself were to look for it, he wouldn¡¯t be able to find a single fingernail.¡±

    Lillian, who recalled Herbert¡¯s forgotten body, looked stunned. ¡®I can¡¯t believe you killed someone and forgot to clean up.¡¯ Her own insensitivity was surprising. Lillian muttered, looking back at his unfamiliar appearance.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on with me.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just unfamiliar with myself. Since I came here, I¡¯ve been¡­¡­ it¡¯s not what it used to be. Sometimes I feel like I¡¯ve become a different person. And then yesterday I killed a man.¡±

    Lillian, who had finished speaking, covered her head in agony. Saleos spoke, curious at her agonized appearance,

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing strange. It¡¯s because of the thoughts and will left in the body.¡±

    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The original owner of the body, didn¡¯t she have a pretty tough life? The body is full of negative energy. Many traces of a soul enduring pain and suffering. It¡¯s an aged, mature prey that the devil loves.¡±

    Lillian opened her lips at the unexpected remark. It was certainly what Saleos said. Lillian, the original, took care of her father and served as de facto head of the Rossetti family. With a sincere personality, she could not even think to throw away her responsibilities. She remained firmly in his place, served as a knight, and sucked up to high blood. Eventually, she even died as a bridesmaid for the heroine.

    But I can¡¯t believe Lillian¡¯s thoughts were still here. No wonder I wanted to beat Herbert since the first moment I saw him. Maybe this emotion was the true dark feelings that Lillian kept inside?

    Saleos¡¯ explanation supported her suspicions.

    ¡°Well, as you can see, the body seems to like you very much. Because you are doing something that she would never have done but wanted to do. It¡¯s what we call a good match.¡±

    Lillian looked at his smiling face with a shudder.

    She was confused about whether this was good or not. When she killed Herbert, was the true soul of Lillian rejoicing and watching her from somewhere? It made her feel strange to think so.

    Anyway, it was a relief that Saleos did a good job cleaning after the murder. However, there were some uncomfortable parts left. Asked Lillian, who was frowning and thinking hard,

    ¡°Saleos. Can you change into my father¡¯s image, too?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    He lay on the bed, propping his chin and his hand, and laughed. It was a beautiful smile that made her eyes dizzy. After he turned into a human and smiled surprisingly well. Lillian barely managed to take her eyes off his face before she went blind.

    ¡°Well, if¡­ if you don¡¯t mind, a few days later, could you turn into my father and¡­¡­can you walk around?¡±

    Lillian had planned to use his transformational abilities to create an alibi of sorts of things. A father who suddenly went missing after a bitter quarrel with his daughter. It would be obvious that Lillian was the culprit!

    She felt the need to manipulate the timing of her father¡¯s disappearance in case of suspicion. But Saleos did not answer her request.

 Chapter 31

    Lillian, who saw this, sighed and asked Sal¨¦os:

    ¡°Do I have to pay for every request?¡±

    ¡°One request and one price. Isn¡¯t that fair?¡±

    Saleos asked back as he raised his naked upper body. His sleek neckline, broad shoulders, and solid muscles were literally breathtaking. Lillian, who had been distracted by his body, suddenly realized.

    ¡®Ah, so this is how the demons do business?¡¯

    Demons bewitch the eyes, and when their opponent is distracted with their splendid beauty, they secretly control the situation and manipulate the situation to their advantage. Indeed, it was sly and clever. Lillian opened her mouth, vowing not to look at Saleos as much as possible.

    ¡°But the price varies depending on the degree of request, right? The price of easy and difficult requests are not the same.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°What I¡¯m requesting you to do is not a difficult request. For about an hour, you can turn into Herbert and walk around the town. It would be nice to see as many people as possible. What price should I pay if it¡¯s such an easy request?¡±

    Lillian emphasized how light the labor would be in her question. Saleos seemed to think for a moment and unexpectedly answered:

    ¡°I¡¯ll do you a special favor.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Really?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s face became clouded as Saleos said he would help her for free. As far as she was concerned, demons were never the kind who did good. Her suspicion was greeted with an amused sneer on Saleos¡¯ red lips.

    ¡°Of course. Isn¡¯t there something else you want me to ask? You must be curious about something.¡±

    The devil, who stole all her memories, was relaxed. She recalled a problem that she had forgotten and sighed.

    ¡®Freaking swordsmanship training.¡¯

    Damn, Lillian had to start fencing with Enrique immediately next week. Lillian was a knight who had trained all her life. No matter what, she had no choice but to remind her body of its fencing knowledge somehow¡ªthat is if she was going to pass as the ¡®real¡¯ Lillian.

    But Chae Ji-Yeon in Lillian¡¯s body was also ¡®real¡¯ in a different sense. Her soul made her a beginner. Chae Soo-Yeon¡¯s sword technique was only seen in ¡°Lord of the Rings,¡± which she binged watched when it was broadcasted during a Lunar New Year¡¯s special. So Chae Soo-Yeon¡¯s first training session would be sloppy. Enrique would suspect her.

    ¡°Ugh.¡±

    Her head became complicated; Lillian buried her face in bed with a groan and asked, glancing sideways at Saleos.

    ¡°Hey¡­um, you know¡­ How much would I have to pay to improve my sword skills?¡±

    ¡°It depends on how much advancement you want.¡±

    Saleos responded with a mysterious look. Lillian bit her lips when she heard his response. She wanted to survive. Her fate as a supporting role, cut short while standing behind the main character, she found disgusting. She had no desire to live and die like that here.

    But in order to escape from her supporting role, she needed remarkable strength. Unfortunately, Lillian had no particular merit. Her face was pure and pretty, but she was nothing compared to Aleyna, the most beautiful woman ever. Even her family was not great or capable.

    The only thing worth mentioning was swordsmanship. In any novel, a Sword Master was an outstanding talent and was treated with respect. Such a role was too significant to be used as a sidekick. Lillian decided to focus on this point.

    ¡°Saleos. Do you happen to¡­ Can you make me a Sword Master?¡±

    Lillian brazenly asked, knowing it was a shameless question. Then Saleos laughed instead of answering. Lillian sighed when she saw his face, which was full of ridicule.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll pay in installments and improve my skills step by step. Let¡¯s do it. I¡¯ll keep paying the price, so please improve my sword skills accordingly. Even if I can¡¯t become a Sword Master, my skills will be pretty excellent someday, right?

    ¡°You will pay in installments? What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m just going to split up and pay off my debt in small portions.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡±

    Saleos nodded roughly. As a demon, he wasn¡¯t interested in small and petty balances. Instead, he asked Lillian outright without shame.

    ¡°So, when are you going to give me your first time?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You were supposed to give it to me yesterday, but you fell asleep.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­.¡±

    ¡°Did my tongue feel that good?¡±

    Saleos asked with his handsome face close, tilting his head coyly. A red tongue could be seen between his lips, showing his white teeth. It had been lustfully sucking between her legs yesterday. The moment she saw this, Lillian couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, and her face turned red.

    ***

 Chapter 32

    ¡°Stop it! Not today, but later, I¡­ Let¡¯s do it again later.¡±

    ¡°When is later?¡±

    Saleos asked again, tirelessly. What an unexpected response. Lillian paused, curious that this demon respected her wishes and listened to her. Because he was a demon, she thought he would take her right now.

    I thought you were going to satisfy your greed. It is surprising. So she decided to try to argue a little more.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to give you my first time anyway. But now, um¡­¡­ ¡¯cause I need some preparation¡ªmy mindset needs a moment. Hold on a minute, please. What?¡±

    ¡°Okay, but my patience isn¡¯t that great. Remember?¡±

    Saleos warned with a smiling face. Somehow it was a chilling remark. Feeling anxious about this, Lillian nodded silently and opened his mouth.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got to go home now.¡±

    Saleos clapped his hands twice at her words. Then the surrounding landscape melted away like watercolors. She was standing at the entrance to the Rossetti mansion.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but be amazed by magic everytime I witness it.¡¯

    Lillian looked around and managed to keep herself from gawking. But without a moment to gather her thoughts, someone rushed out of the mansion.

    ¡°Lady Lillian!¡±

    It was none other than Sam who hastily ran towards Lillian like a wild boar. Lilian, who saw her, was taken aback.

    ¡®Oh no, I can¡¯t run into you now!¡¯

    Standing next to Lillian was a half-naked relaxed Saleos. What would Sam think about this? She would be in disbelief that a lady who was out all night came back with a sexy guy! It was a scene that would invite scandal and suspicion.

    In particular, Sam was noisy and spoke easily. Saleos grinned when he saw Lillian¡¯s eyes shaking in embarrassment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. No one can see me except you.¡±

    A sensual handsome man like Sal¨¦os boasted a mad presence even a hundred meters away. But in Sam¡¯s eyes, only Lillian was visible. She did not even look at Sal¨¦os, but suddenly grabbed Lillian¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Are you all right, miss? Are you hurt anywhere? What about the master? What happened after that?¡±

    Lillian shut her mouth and stared at Sam¡¯s face. She had been knocked out by Herbert¡¯s blows that struck her head. Because of this, one of Sam¡¯s cheekbones had a black bruise. Her visage looked very pitiful.

    Even so, Sam seemed to be worried about Lillian. Lillian, who encountered Sam¡¯s eyes full of worries, was strangely relaxed. Of course, it would be ¡°real¡± Lillian that Sam would be worried about, but she couldn¡¯t figure out that she was a different person regardless.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Sam. I gave my father some money, and he quickly left afterwards.¡±

    Lillian lied without even applying saliva to her lips. Considering Sam didn¡¯t mention anything about ¡°blood¡± or a ¡°body,¡± Saleos seemed to have done a good job of cleaning up. If so, Lillian also had to act accordingly. Her improv training took over; she instinctively and instantly responded to her counterpart¡¯s performance without even knowing her lines.

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, milady. I¡¯m so glad.¡±

    Fortunately, Sam did not doubt her words. Sam grabbed Lillian¡¯s hand with both hands, repeated the same thing like a fool. Only then did a smile spread on her face. It was a burdensome smile that flirts with coral gums.

    Seeing that, Soo-Yeon thought she would slowly become attached to such a smile. So Lillian hated herself a little. She didn¡¯t want to be attached to Sam. So she turned her head around in a hurry.

    ¡°It¡¯s chilly this morning. Let¡¯s go in now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, miss! I¡¯ll bake you a whole duck for dinner!¡±

    What? Grilled ducks in the morning?! Lillian¡¯s expression was distorted. She was an ordinary Korean who used to pour water into half a bowl of rice for breakfast. But here was a suggestion to push duck into this empty stomach. Just thinking about it made her feel like vehemently vomiting.

    But Lillian¡¯s body seemed to think differently. As a knight, her metabolism was unnecessarily enthusiastic, and her stomach was ravenously hungry. Since morning, she could eat a whole duck.

    ¡®I can¡¯t live.¡¯

    Lillian shrugged her shoulders and trudged into the mansion. The first place she went to was her bedroom. It wasn¡¯t to take a break, but it was she was concerned about whether Saleos ¡°really¡± did a good job of cleaning up.

    Creak¡ª

    The bedroom door opened weakly. Peeking through the gap, she spied the floor that was clean without a drop of blood or a drop of ash. Of course, there were no smashed skulls or burned bodies. Lillian was dazed at her peaceful bedroom as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    Lillian looked back with a startled look at the voice coming from above her head. Saleos, a head taller than her, smiled, with a shirt that showed off his chest. He seemed to be very self-satisfied with his ¡°cleaning¡± work.

    His pale white skin and muscular body seemed to be out of place, but it shone remarkably. Ironically, the moment she saw his unrealistic beauty, it finally hit Lillian:

    I really made a contract with the devil.

 Chapter 33

    Making a contract with the devil did not end your life immediately. When the sun rose in the morning, Lillian¡¯s beggarly life still remained the same.

    Lillian was sitting in the outdoor garden of Baron Rossetti, peering into a teacup. The morning sun was warm, and the tea had a wonderful, refreshing aroma of herbs. But Lillian¡¯s hands, holding a teacup, trembled. She was dying with discontent, her chin quivering with complaints.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want tea¡ª I need coffee! Coffee!¡¯

    First thing in the morning, she had to have a hit of coffee to wake up. In particular, Soo-Yeon was an avid coffeeholic who only took a cup of java dark¡ªwithout anything added.

    She couldn¡¯t be satisfied with lukewarm tea water¡ªespecially today where she had complicated paperwork to look forward to which threatened to overwhelm her.

    I really missed coffee. It¡¯s best to work with a crazy spinning brain drunk on caffeine.

    ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t concentrate!¡±

    Lillian tapped the papers in front of her. She couldn¡¯t hit it hard in case the ink smudged.

    What Lillian is looking at now was the financial report of the Rossetti family. The butler who came to work in the morning without knowing anything would not give it up to her ¡ªstating that they couldn¡¯t do it without the permission of the head of the family¡ªnamely Lillian¡¯s father, Herbert. Of course, Lillian thought to when she heard his reply:

    ¡®The head died yesterday!¡¯

    Technically, it was an accident, but he was dead nonetheless. Feeling guilty again, Lillian shuddered without speaking a word.

    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m killing people like the other characters.

    She wanted to wallow in her guilty conscience for a few days so she could feel a little normalcy.

    But her poor circumstances didn¡¯t even afford her that luxury. With such a severe trauma looming over her as she worked, Lillian remembered modern society where only the rich go to therapy and a psychiatrist. The worker ants, who live day to day, did not have time and money to go to professionals even if they had a mental illness, reflecting Lillian Rossetti¡¯s situation now.

    So, at her wit¡¯s end, she threatened the butler who refused to give her financial report.

    ¡°Should I remind you who the real owner of the Rossetti family is? If you knew who was paying you, you wouldn¡¯t be talking to me like this!¡±

    Indeed, such truth was obscured by years of abuse and meekness.

    Lillian stamped her feet and screamed, the butler¡¯s face turned pale, and he acquiesced to her demands, saying, ¡°No, no, no¡­¡± and presented his report.

    Lillian, who made the butler give in, was pleased with herself. She felt like the female lead, which made the male lead give in to her, so she proudly looked into the financial report¡­. And the result was despair and distress.

    Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the real estate and cash assets held by the Rossetti family.

    ¡®This is a real nightmare!¡¯

    At this point, she had a suspicion the butler intentionally didn¡¯t show this report not because he was loyal, but instead looking at it would threaten his sanity. The financial condition of the Rossetti family was dire.

    This wretched little family lived on Lillian¡¯s salary for a month. Lillian¡¯s salary in the Royal Knights was quite generous, but there was no money left. Lillian¡¯s eyes shook wildly while looking at the financial report.

    ¡°No, no! In order to do anything, you need to have money!¡±

    Lillian cried out, tearing out her innocent black hair. Saleos, who was sunbathing in the grass far away, looked at her outburst, amused. He was tanning in the sun, revealing his perfect upper body. Lillian suddenly thought, looking at the sensual appearance of a gorgeous handsome man.

    ¡®Can¡¯t I just sell that? It would fetch a lot of money.¡¯

    But Lillian himself knew better that it was impossible. She took her eyes off Sal¨¦os with a wry look. She couldn¡¯t sell him, and looking at him only gave her heartburn.

    In most fantasy novels, the way the heroine makes got rich was already decided. Business and investment. Unfortunately, both were impossible without the necessary funds. There was no way for Lillian, a dirt spoon, to make money at the moment¡ªyou needed money to make money¡ªso for now, she needed to continue working as a government official with the Knights of the Royal Palace.

    Lillian tried to brush back her messy hair. Yes, so far, she has been sucked dry because her father, Herbert, who extorted her salary from her to drink and fool around. But Herbert is now dead. If Lillian did well in the future, she would be able to do something by saving up and using her salary wisely.

    ¡°It¡¯s the only way to survive.¡¯

    Lillian realized she would have to be in the Knights for at least a while. In order to do so, she needed to rectify that she had no fencing skills.

    Lillian watched Saleos lying on the lawn. He closed his eyes and seemed to enjoy sunbathing. If she were to ask him for some fighting abilities. . . .his reply would be obvious:

    ¡®Open your legs.¡¯

    ***

 Chapter 34

    Lillian tried to control her mind by holding onto her trembling heart. She was a modern woman from South Korea¡ªfrom the 21st century. Sleeping with a hot guy was no big deal! Of course, she was a virgin in her previous life, but it wasn¡¯t the time for her to be shy or ashamed.

    Time was never on Lillian¡¯s side, so she needed to work hard and complete as many things as possible until her work paid off.

    Time continued to flow by as she wasted her time being shy.

    She had to make up her mind quickly.

    ¡®So what? It¡¯s not even my body anyway. When else would I ever sleep with such a handsome guy? Originally, you couldn¡¯t even pay someone to have sex with you!¡¯

    Lillian blushed and struggled to make up her mind. She took a deep breath and then beckoned Saleos:

    ¡°Hey, Saleos¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°Miss! Lady Lillian!¡±

    Lillian was calling Saleos when he opened his eyes, and he twisted the corners of his mouth in mirth. Simultaneously, the butler of the Rossetti family sprinted toward Lillian. His face was blue.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with him?¡¯

    Lillian, who saw this, had a sudden ominous feeling. Sure enough, the butler gasped and spoke urgently. The news from him was genuinely shocking.

    ¡°You¡¯re in trouble, miss! Now¨C some gangsters are carrying certificates to confiscate assets¡ªand they are threatening and trashing the place. I think you should hurry up and come and take a look!¡±

    ¡°W-what?¡±

    Gangsters? Asset foreclosures!? What the hell are you talking about? In any case, this life has never gone away comfortably, even for a single day. The pale Lillian sprang to her feet.

    As she rushed into the mansion, I saw a group of men. They were trampling on the inside of the estate with dirty shoes, kicking things, and sticking red ¡®for sale¡¯ stickers on random objects. Sam followed around and stamped her feet.

    ¡°No, why are you doing this!¡ª Really! Why are you being so violent?!¡±

    Then, one of the men, a particularly ugly-looking man, snickered back.

    ¡°We¡¯re just here for the money. Since you don¡¯t have money, you have to pay it back somehow. So don¡¯t take it personally.¡±

    Lillian frowned. She strode up to the gangsters. Sam exclaimed at her appearance.

    ¡°Miss!¡±

    The gangsters who spotted her gawked and whistled. Lillian was a lady with black hair and white skin just as pure as lilies; even if she wasn¡¯t an extraordinary beauty, there was an air about her that caught the men¡¯s attention.

    But Lillian¡¯s mind was in turmoil. She asked the gangsters with her commanding arms crossed.

    ¡°I am Lillian, heir to House Rossetti. What the hell is all this fuss about?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s that precious girl. Excuse us. We¡¯re collectors for the loan company ¡®Billions¡¯. As you can see, the owner of this house borrowed the money and didn¡¯t pay it back, so we had to proceed with the seizure.¡±

    ¡°¡­father?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. Here¡¯s the loan he signed himself. Check it out.¡±

    ¡ªHerbert, you bastard!

    Lillian¡¯s expression suddenly turned pale. A despicable smile graced the man who pulled out a sheet of paper. Upon receiving it, Lillian opened her eyes wide and read the contents of the document.

    Although it was a little different from the Republic of Korea, it was a sure loan. It¡¯s also marked with the signature of Baron Herbert Rossetti.

    ¡®You damn old man!

    Lilian, who saw this, gritted her teeth. Herbert, the drunk and the philandering ¨C madman, apparently wasn¡¯t satisfied with Lillian¡¯s salary. Since before, he seemed to have been playing luxuriously by spending hidden loans and money in the background. Banking on the fact that Lillian would take responsibility for his sins in the future.

    ¡®There are hurdles after hurdles.¡¯

    Herbert¡ªI should have killed this bastard sooner.

    At this point, even the guilt of murdering a person was wiped out by anger. Lillian was dizzy when Herbert left a will full of debt instead. The man snatched the loan document from her limp hand.

    ¡°As you can see, the borrowed amount is quite large, so we¡¯re going to auction the mansion for repayment. The deadline is next weekend. If you are willing to pay back before then, please visit the Billions loan business located on 72nd Street, in Luce. I recommend you talk to the manager in person.¡±

    Of course, that¡¯s if you have the money, implied the obnoxious gangster as he laughed loudly. Then they put a lot of foreclosure, auction stickers all over the mansion and went away.

 Chapter 35

    Lillian gritted her teeth as she surveyed her mansion littered with red stickers. If being a fallen aristocrat wasn¡¯t enough, it looks like she was going to become homeless.

    No, how can your life be like this?

    Every moment she thought it couldn¡¯t be worse, it got worse. The hurdles became even bigger as if life were mocking her.

    ¡®He said 72nd Street in Luce, didn¡¯t he?¡¯

    Lillian was in such a hurry that she didn¡¯t take note of the company¡¯s name ¡®Billions.¡¯ If she had been a little more calm, she would have noticed the familiarity of the lender¡¯s name.

    However, Lillian¡¯s mind was muddled and devastated by repeated calamities. Therefore she wasn¡¯t suspicious of the name.

    The house could not be seized like this. She ran straight up to her room and got ready to go out. She pulled out the uniform of the Royal Knights.

    ¡°Lady, let me help you. Raise your arms.¡±

    Sam, who had been following Lillian, quickly put on her clothes. Lillian, who was studying her uniform, tilted her head. The family pattern, the seal and crest of the Rossetti family caught her eye.

    ¡®What¡¯s this snail shit?¡¯

    What kind of family pattern is this? Lillian narrowed her eyes in apprehension. She spoke, looking forward to Sam¡¯s answer.

    ¡°Sam. The emblem of my family. What does this look like?¡±

    Fortunately, Sam was oblivious to the queer question and instead talked at length. She was the perfect target for digging up information. She answered Lillian¡¯s question without a trace of doubt.

    ¡°This one? People say it is the Rose of the Rosetti family, but I don¡¯t see it as a rose. It looks more like a turtle¡¯s shell.¡±

    It was a rose. Lillian smiled dejectedly. I don¡¯t know who designed it, but if this was the work of a modern designer, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to lift their head from the overwhelming shame. That¡¯s how bad the Rossetti design was.

    ¡®Wait. Then my name is Lillian Rossetti¡­¡­ like a lily rose, right?

    It¡¯s awful. I got goosebumps on Lillian¡¯s forearm. Even though it¡¯s a supporting role, isn¡¯t it too random? Sam was diligent in dressing Lillian while she looked donned a hard look.

    ¡°That¡¯s it, miss! You look great today. You are probably the coolest looking Knight in this Legonian Kingdom!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Sam.¡±

    Lillian looked at her reflection in the mirror. The uniform of the knights with a black border on a silver background was wonderful. It went well with Lillian, who had white skin and long black hair. If she kept her mouth shut, she would look like a saintly paladin. In reality, she had a contract with the devil.

    ¡®Oh, come to think of it, where¡¯s Saleos? Can I ask him to do this?¡¯

    Lillian, who inadvertently remembered the best card she had, soon shook her head. She had to use Saleos on something more important than this, such as solving the dilemma of her lack of fighting skills.

    If she genuinely wanted to survive, she had to be self-reliant even in the midst of a crisis. Lillian clicked her tongue and reflected on her actions:

    How long has it been since I signed a contract with the demon, and already I am starting to rely on him? He isn¡¯t trustworthy, and he seems a bit twisted. I should be more careful from now on.

    As a finishing touch, Lillian tied her long black hair neatly. And before she left, she spoke to Sam.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back, Sam. Don¡¯t worry and wait at home. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Yeah? Why should I be worried? What do you mean all of a sudden¡ªoh!!¡±

    Sam, who was blinking, clapped her hands as if she just realized what Lillian meant. It seemed to come to mind belatedly after seeing a red ticket attached to an object. Sam was a really comfortable child with the memory span of a fish.

    ¡®Let¡¯s not talk.¡¯

    Lillian smiled kindly like a stone Buddha. Then, leaving Sam behind, she quickly came out of the mansion. The place to go was already decided anyway.

    ¡®Nobody can take my mansion. No one!¡¯

    If you touch Lillian¡¯s little mansion, it¡¯s a big deal. Her green eyes sparkled like a cat.

    * * *

    ¡°Is it here?¡±

    After a while on the road, Lillian found the Villains¡ªI mean Billions loan company located on Luce¡¯s 72nd Street. I was almost homeless because I couldn¡¯t get there on time. Western address systems wasn¡¯t the same as Korea¡¯s, but it was Lillian¡¯s mistake that she forgot that.

    Finally arriving at her destination, a weary Lillian looked up at the building. And I was surprised. It was because the exterior of the Billions lender¡¯s building was so dazzling. How much money they earned from private loans, and only a fraction went into this building¡ªand yet it¡¯s decadence ruined her eyes. At this point, it was comparable to Enrique¡¯s Marquis Evan¡¯s estate.

    ¡®I envy you, you rich things.¡¯

    Lillian, who sighed deeply, scanned the name of the building. Billions loan company, it looked like a luxurious mansion where people could play and gamble to their heart¡¯s content. Her body stiffened as she tried to move without much thought.

    ¡®Wait a minute!¡¯

    Lillian, who turned his head, reaffirmed the lender¡¯s name with unbelievable eyes. However, the results were the same several times. Only then did Lillian¡¯s eyes shake as she jogged her memory, remembering what kind of company Billions was.

    Billions was not just a loan shark. It was a large guild in charge of all illegal commerce in the Legonian Kingdom. From the slave trade to smuggling, gambling speculation, casinos, drugs, etc. The private loan corporation was just one of their industries.

    But there was a reason why Lillian was so despondent. Even though she was still like an ignorant new-born in this new land, the reason why she knew Billions notoriety was simple. It was because they were one of the villains in the original script.

    ¡°I can¡¯t live, really.¡±

    Lillian put her hand on her forehead and sighed.

    ***

 Chapter 36

    How can I not know about Billions? This is where Aleyna, who was kidnapped in the original book, was sold as a slave.

    Aleyna, who was sold to a cult, almost became a sacrifice for a demon. But after becoming the devil¡¯s contractor with her heroine buff, she returned safely to the royal palace. Naturally, the male protagonist held on to Aleyna, whispered vows of love and protection, and then heard about her hardships. The next move, of course, led to the punishment of Billions, who was involved in Aleyna¡¯s enslavement.

    After reminiscing, Lillian looked up at the sparkling exterior, a new emotion rising up within her.

    ¡®It won¡¯t be long before this place gets raided.¡¯

    Yes, about a year from now, Billions would be ransacked and ruined by that deary male lead. In a way, this place had a lot in common with Lillian Rossetti. The timing and reason for being pillaged by the protagonist were very similar.

    ¡®Aleyna¡­. this girl is the problem.¡¯

    Why did she get kidnapped? Damn it. Lillian gritted her teeth.

    Somehow she felt a strong bond with these illegal private lenders. She hoped that this bond could help solve her auction problem.

    Taking a deep breath, she walked in proudly.

    ¡°The manager will arrive soon. Please wait a little longer before that.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes.¡±

    ¡°What would you like to drink? Black tea? Herb tea? I¡¯ll bring you some milk if you want.¡±

    ¡°Then, some tea, please.¡±

    The receptionist was too kind. Lillian smiled awkwardly at his hospitable reception. It was his professional spirit that impressed her until one uncomfortable interaction.

    ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk what a poor young lady.¡±

    Why are you muttering to yourself? Pitying people¡­

    Lillian looked at the back of the retreating male employee with a puzzled look. She was mistaken. He didn¡¯t seem to have a professional mindset but rather a mind full of sympathy. His face had frozen as soon as he heard that Lillian had come to talk with the manager.

    ¡®Umm¡­ his reaction was unusual.¡¯

    Was the manager really dirty? Was it hard to speak to them? Well, it wouldn¡¯t be possible to be thoughtful, compassionate, or kind if you were the head of Billions, making a living off of being a loan shark.

    Lillian became nervous while waiting. It was her first experience at a loan company. Naturally, her frail¡ªand already overextended nerves were on edge.

    I wish Sam was here was next to me at a time like this. Or maybe Sal¨¦os¡­¡­.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Lillian raised her head at the languid voice from the opposite side. In the drawing-room where she was waiting, Saleos appeared in the seat where the manager would sit across from her. He was half-laying down languidly on the sofa, smiling at Lillian. His eye-catching beauty enchanted her eyes.

    ¡°Why did you call me?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t call you.¡±

    With his unexpected appearance, taken off-guard, Lillian unwittingly pretended to be innocent. Dazed and overwhelmed, she looked away to gain focus. Saleos nodded nonchalantly when he heard her lie.

    ¡°Then, I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­do you happen to hear the voice of my heart?¡±

    Lillian asked him with a severe expression when she gathered her wits. She was an ordinary citizen who had never associated with entertainers, celebrities, or social media stars in her previous life.

    But I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m in a relationship with the devil!

    In fact, Saleos was more precious than top-class stars. So Lillian was very cautious. She was confused about how to treat him.

    Fortunately, Saleos seemed unable to read her mind. He muttered, his chin on the armrest of the sofa like a lazy cat.

    ¡°No, I just hear the contractor calling.¡±

    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±

    In this way, she was found out. Lillian¡¯s cheeks blushed, and she coughed¡ªtrying to clear her throat from embarrassment. Saleos was watching her with interest when he suddenly turned his head. His golden eyes focused on the door.

    ¡®Are you here?¡¯

    Saleos was a perceptive demon. Lillian looked at the door with bated breath. Sure enough, the luxurious gold-plated door slowly opened. And it was the presence of the so-called ¡®Manager¡¯ that appeared between the open doors.

    Lillian¡¯s green eyes opened wide when she first saw him.

 Chapter 37

    ¡®What? Why are you dressed like that?¡¯

    With trembling eyes, Lillian looked at the branch manager of Billions. He was an ordinary-looking man in his early thirties. He was a little taller than average, and his body was ¡®fluffy.¡¯ His features weren¡¯t remarkable or even handsome but were average. He was such an easy-going man who would have picked up a woman who would have thought, ¡°Is this okay?¡± if she kept her mouth shut?

    But his problem was his clothes. The man was dressed in black as if he was mourning. If it was merely that much, it could be plausible that he was going to a funeral, but his accessories were unusual too.

    Silver skulls and chains were hanging from his clothes. The background was black, so I could see it well even if I didn¡¯t want to see it. He had a piercing in his ear, a leather choker in his neck, rings on his fingers, and bracelets on his hands.

    Lillian got goosebumps because they looked like they had skulls or crosses. ¡®I think I¡¯ve seen that outfit before¡­¡­ in the dark ages of Korean fashion in the 90s.¡¯

    The man even covered one of his eyes with his long bangs. The moment she saw it, Lillian felt her fingers cringe. The man sitting in his seat greeted Lillian with his fingers.

    ¡°Yo.¡±

    Did he just say hello to me, ¡°Yo?¡± Lillian pouted without realizing it. The man who saw her hardened face added with a shrug.

    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Darkness, the branch manager of the Billions loan company.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all¡­ Mr. Kness. Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Lillian Rossetti.¡±

    Lillian held out a hand with a shaky face. The man was wearing leather gloves with all his fingers exposed and studs poking out on the gloves. Lillian quickly pulled her hand back, taking care not to scratch herself.. Then the man said Lillian¡¯s remaining body temperature with his tongue.

    ¡°Ha, I should say a formal hello to the beautiful lady, but I can¡¯t show you one eye. Do you know why?¡±

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to tell me. Don¡¯t mind me.¡±

    I don¡¯t want to know. I¡¯ll never want to know. Lillian smiled desperately and declined. But the man didn¡¯t care about Lillian¡¯s reaction. He said, turning his head at an angle with a look of elation,

    ¡°It¡¯s a secret¡­¡­ because there¡¯s a black dragon running wild in my left eye. Heehee.¡±

    ¡­¡­just in case, he was a madman. Only then did Lillian understand what the receptionist meant when he sympathized with her. It was natural that he felt sorry for her when she said she would have a private meeting with such a man.

    ¡°That¡¯s real.¡±

    Just in time, Saleos added a word from behind. He was looking at Darkness¡¯s side face with delighted eyes. The demon, who was invisible to others, was clearly enjoying himself and at leisure. Lillian felt envious of Saleos at this moment.

    ¡°Come on, have a seat. You¡¯re here for work, right? I would not be a gentleman if I kept such a beautiful lady standing for a long time.¡±

    Darkness twirled his hand at his temple and then made an elaborate ¡°madam please sit down¡± motion. When she saw this, Lillian¡¯s face contorted into a loving smile that endured the pain. She anticipated a very long and painful conversation.

    Unexpectedly, the conversation went better than Lillian expected. Darkness didn¡¯t become the branch manager for nothing. He had a quick head on his shoulders, quickly surmising Lillian¡¯s situation and proposal.

    ¡°Then every month, you¡¯re saying you¡¯re going to pay us back with your salary from the Royal Knights, so we should stop the foreclosure?¡±

    Darkness asked after looking over the documents Lillian had submitted. Lillian nodded with a half-resigned expression.

    ¡°Yes, as you know, it¡¯s a secure job, so I won¡¯t lose my salary. I¡¯d like you to reconsider the seizure of the mansion.¡±

    Lillian was a member of the Royal Knights. She was a government official. Even if Lillian didn¡¯t know anything about this world, one thing that was for certain is that government employees¡¯ salaries were never cut off. If she had to mortgage her salary, perhaps she could save the mansion. Lillian hoped Darkness would be satisfied.

    ¡®Because I only have to last one year¡ªjust one year¡­!¡¯

    In about a year, Aleyna would be kidnapped, and the Billions organization that traded her as a slave would collapse. By then, Lillian¡¯s debt would naturally disappear. However, this plan had one drawback.

    ¡®I¡¯ll have to let Aleyna get kidnapped¡ªas risky as that seems.¡¯

    She would need to plan carefully. Otherwise, Lillian¡¯s own neck would fly before the Billions fell apart. For failing to protect Aleyna.

    Lillian was in quite a quandary. Nothing was easy. So Lillian set a goal to survive and sustain her shelter and food for now. Her first priority was to buy time somehow. She had to earn money and somehow live.

    That¡¯s why Lillian came to Villains¡ªer, Billions, on her own. I was going to hold my salary in mortgage and find my own way for a year. Either she could avoid becoming Aleyna¡¯s escort or find a way to pay off her debts.

    While Lillian waited nervously, biting her lips, Darkness peered into the document with one eye.

    ¡°Oh, my God. That must be a little difficult. If I get paid monthly on this salary, it¡¯ll take you 15 years to pay off all your debts? How should I say this? It¡¯s a little lame.¡±

    Darkness said, shaking his index finger. Lillian unwittingly gripped her fist, resisting the urge to break his finger. Darkness got up from his seat, flapped his long cape, and turned his back.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s rude to a lovely lady, but let¡¯s end the conversation here. Hmmm.. hmm, hee, I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t think I can do anything for you. Well then.¡±

    ***

 Chapter 38

    ¡°W-wait a second!¡±

    Lillian hurriedly grabbed the tip of his stylishly fluttering cape. Then Darkness looked back at her, kicking her tongue as if he was annoyed.

    Her pride was hurt, but if she let Darkness leave, the mansion would be seized, and she would be homeless.

    Lillian¡¯s mind was working desperately. There must have been other terms and conditions that Darkness would be interested in.

    Fortunately, there was a piece of information¡ªa bargaining chip that came to her mind. Lillian opened her mouth with the most serious expression she could muster.

    ¡°Did you know a royal palace investigator will be inspecting you soon?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­investigator? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What do you think? Of course, he¡¯s a royal investigator trying to root out Billions. It¡¯s still just the beginning, but a full-scale tax investigation will take place next year.¡±

    Lillian lied brazenly. In fact, there was only one reason why Billions collapsed in the original work. It was because Billions dared to put Aleyna, a princess, on the slave market. Because of this, the male protagonist was angry and crushed them.

    If Aleyna didn¡¯t get kidnapped, Billions would be safe. Until then, the hero couldn¡¯t care less about them or their operations.

    However, Lillian intentionally threw the ball in their court, as if the royal family was aiming for Villains. Since she wore the uniform and crest of the royal knights, and her words became more effective.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Darkness, who was looking at Lillian with trembling eyes, sat back down in his chair. And he shook his head while massaging his eyebrows.

    ¡°Ah, Goddess¡­¡­ You¡¯re saying that villains like me can¡¯t even exist in this world? I mean, that¡¯s your beautiful and cruel meaning.

    What a heartless act!!¡±

    What the hell? Who are you talking to?

    Lillian stepped away from Darkness, who had fallen into a world of his own. Then Darkness, who was wallowing in self-pity, turned his head and stared at Lillian.

    ¡°Lillian Rossetti.¡±

    ¡°Yes? Just call me Lillian.¡±

    ¡°All right, Miss Lillian. With all due respect, you are a low-level knight of the royal court. Right? A servile sword that has surrendered sold itself to the capitalist system.¡±

    Darkness seemed polite but also rude. Lillian, who was struck out of the blue for being a low-level civil servant, looked at him with a nervous look. Well, it was true, so it didn¡¯t hurt her pride too badly.

    ¡°¡­¡­Oh, yes, that¡¯s right. I¡¯m with the 4th Knights of the Palace.¡±

    ¡°But how does Miss Rossetti know such important information? Hmm? You¡¯re not trying to fool Darkness in this abyss, are you?¡±

    Darkness flashed his eyes violently as he looked down at Lillian. He seemed to be suspicious of how she knew this information. So Lillian quickly added an explanation,

    ¡°Do you happen to know my superior, Sir Enrique Evans? The Commander of the Royal Knights.¡±

    ¡°Of course I know. ¡°The silver wolf defending the Legonian Kingdom?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­ Silver wolf? Yeah, well, I¡¯m Sir Evans¡¯s interim aide. So the information that comes in to me is pretty reliable.¡±

    Lillian sold Enrique¡¯s name without blinking an eye. Since she was not lying anyway, her face was proud.

    Enrique¡¯s original aide, Lord Kale, was to be away for the time being. And Lillian was supposed to fill in for him. Initially, it was ridiculous, but it was an offer purely due to Enrique¡¯s favor. On top of that, she would receive one-on-one fencing classes with Enrique after work, so there were no gaps in her story if he did a background check on her.

    ¡®I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d use this here.¡¯

    After all, life was unexpected. When she first received the offer from Enrique, she thought the world was going to fall. Internally, Lillian was deeply impressed by her cockroach-like survivability, which used crises as opportunities.

 Chapter 39

    Darkness, who heard Lillian¡¯s explanation without interruption, was troubled. He posed with one hand on the forehead, crossing his legs and closing his eyes gently. It came off too contrived, as if he was in a photoshoot. After massaging his head for a while, he clapped his hands and concluded.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s put the auction on hold. If I can plant an informant in the palace with a small run-down mansion, it¡¯s not a loss.¡±

    I¡¯m sorry it¡¯s a small run-down mansion. Lillian laughed with a downpouring of emotion inside. Still, she avoided the auction. That alone accomplished the mission of coming here.

    ¡°But I can¡¯t write off your debt. That¡¯s one thing and another! I¡¯ll leave you a mansion, but you¡¯ll have to pay your debts back faithfully. Hoot. Otherwise, the Darkness of this abyss will free the Black Dragon¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°No! I¡¯ll pay you back. I¡¯ll pay you back, so don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Lillian cut off Darkness¡¯s words firmly. Whatever his reply would be she thought it would hurt her mind once she heard it.

    As if Darkness was disappointed, he shrugged his shoulders. It seemed to be a pity that he couldn¡¯t finish his warning that he had rehearsed. He kept his mouth shut, looked at Lillian for a while, and said something unexpected:

    ¡°You¡¯ve given me some valuable information, so I¡¯ll do you a little favor in return.¡±

    ¡°What? Can you lower the interest rate?¡±

    ¡°No way.¡±

    Darkness flatly denied it. As expected, he was an annoying man. Lillian looked at him with discontent. Then Darkness, who had his fingers crossed, opened his mouth with a solemn expression.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to suggest a quick way to write off your debts.¡±

    ¡°Hmm. What¡¯s that?¡±

    Lillian¡¯s face became serious. It was too good to be true.

    In order for her to repay her debts to the Billions loan company, it would take up 70% of her monthly salary. And with her remaining 30%, she would have to pay her employees¡¯ wages, pay for the maintenance of their homes, pay for food, and even pay for their living expenses.

    Honestly, it was crazy. Thinking about living at least a year like that made her suffocated, so if there¡¯s any other way! She wanted to consider it as long as it¡¯s not weird.

    ¡®You¡¯re not asking me to sell my body, are you?¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s eyes narrowed in suspicion. This body had a fairly innocent appearance. She also had a solid figure through her knighthood training. Like the lyrics of a song, she had ¡°a cute face and a bad body.¡± As soon as she raised her ears on alert, Darkness opened his mouth and spoke in a strange tone.

    ¡°You could participate in the arena.¡±

    ¡°¡­What? Arena?¡±

    ¡°Yes. As you know, the arena run by Billions is quite popular. You can gamble on a match. If you¡¯re a royal knight, you should have some skill so you could play as a participant. We will ensure your anonymity.¡±

    Lillian blinked at his unexpected offer. He did want her to sell her body, abet in a different way than she initially imagined.. Instead of the red light district, Darkness was urging to enter the arena with her strength.

    ¡°Lillian, you have a great appearance with star qualities, and the audience will love you. If you¡¯re lucky, you can write off all your debts at once. Now, what do you think of my proposal?¡±

    Darkness reached out his hand and twisted one corner of his mouth. Lillian looked puzzled when she saw this.

    ¡®An arena!¡¯

    The Roman Colosseum came to mind. Suddenly curious, Lillian asked several more questions.

    ¡°If¡ªand I am saying ¡®if¡¯ I compete in the arena, who will my opponents be during these matches? Are the same players fighting?¡±

    ¡°No. If Ms. Lillian were to compete, the opponent would be a monster. The trend of the arena is ¡®Beauty and the Beast¡¯ themed. A match between a beautiful woman and a hideous monster.¡±

    ¡°Mo-monsters? Like what?¡±

    ¡°There are usually a lot of orcs and trolls. There are times when basilisks and gargoyles come out too.¡±

    Let¡¯s decline. Lillian thought with a smile. I¡¯m going to pay my debt sooner or later. Better to have my neck still attached to my head.

    Lillian had no intention of competing in these matches; she didn¡¯t have any knightly abilities anyway and didn¡¯t know the scope of Saleos¡¯ power. It was too much for now. It was that moment that Lillian, who made her decision, tried to reject him moderately.

    Nod.

    ¡°¡­¡­?!?¡±

    Suddenly, her head moved up and down against her will. Lillian¡¯s eyes widened at the unexpected situation. It felt as if someone grabbed her head and forced her to move it.

    Lillian desperately tried to regain control of her body, but to no avail. Even her mouth didn¡¯t open. She was nodding her head infinitely like a broken doll. Darkness, who saw Lillian¡¯s fierce head, clapped his hands happily and laughed. His eyes, covered by his hair, shone with excitement.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re a true knight! You¡¯re hot to compete, aren¡¯t you? So, you agree to compete in the arena?¡±

    Nod, nod, nod.

    ***

 Chapter 40

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s come up with a concept for today¡¯s game. We should also prepare a contract related to debt relief. I¡¯ll get back to you as soon as possible. So we shall sell all 10,000 seats? I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡±

    Darkness, who winked his eyes and shook Lillian¡¯s hands, ran out. He seemed impatient to tell everyone about the arena match and the new player right away.

    Female warriors like Lillian weren¡¯t common. Swordsmanship was exclusive to those with money. Swords, armour could only be crafted by hand. And the education fees for fencing classes and tutoring were expensive.

    So only the bourgeois could learn the art of the sword, and of those, of course, the majority of them were men. Even if there was a woman, she was at least a lady of a house who was learned and came from an esteemed house that could afford to indulge in her fancies and hobbies. Why would those with comfortable lives fight for their lives in a gambling den?

    For this reason, the most popular event at the Billion¡¯s arena, ¡°Beauty and the Beast,¡± had always suffered from a shortage of talent. Once a match was announced, it sold out. It was a show that guaranteed higher profits than any other event.

    Thus, Darkness was exhilarated by Lillian¡¯s consent to participate. He even deliberated about signing Lillian as his exclusive fighter if possible. Lillian¡¯s eyes, staring at Darkness¡¯s back running happily, widened with despair.

    ¡®No, no, no! I¡¯m not going to participate! Come back right now!!¡¯

    Lillian screamed inwardly and panicked. I couldn¡¯t figure out why my head was nodding. Her confused eyes wandered through the air, suddenly encountering Saleos sitting across the table from her. Lillian, who saw his playful smile, quivered with a vague foreboding and asked.

    ¡°Sa-Saleos, don¡¯t tell me you¡­¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±

    Saleos readily admitted, revealing his white teeth grinning between his red lips. Lillian caught the back of her neck* at his nonchalant answer. [*t1v: Korean expression, like ¡®you¡¯re going to kill me¡ªor give me a heart attack¡ªor an early death¡¯]

    How can you do this when you know my situation better than anyone else? Lillian, full of betrayal, asked with a shaky look:

    ¡°A-are you going to kill me?¡±

    ¡°Me? You? No way.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s not like that, then what the hell is wrong with you? You know I can¡¯t fight!!¡±

    ¡°You can make me do it.¡±

    Lillian shut up for a moment. She didn¡¯t know why the devil who did nothing without a price suddenly did something like this.

    This why you can¡¯t trust demons.

    Lillian, who frowned, asked carefully.

    ¡°What the hell are you thinking?¡±

    ¡°I like gambling matches. It¡¯s a beautiful place full of blood, death, and screams. I can¡¯t miss such a fun spectacle.¡±

    Your contractor is going to die because of that fun spectacle!

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a monster before. I can¡¯t believe I have to kill it.¡­ I¡¯m scared!¡±

    Lillian wanted to grab Saleos by his collar and shake some sense into him. But she was too scared of him. When she bit her lips with a dissatisfied face, Saleos, who saw it, whispered to her sweetly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so scared. The monsters who eat people and that you have to kill in the arena are also ¡®killing¡¯ and feeding me. It means you don¡¯t have to sleep with me, but you are paying my price. I¡¯ll also have fun. It¡¯s a win-win situation. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    Indeed, the demon¡¯s whispers were persuasive. After listening to him, Lillian was almost convinced and thought it worth a try.

    But could she really kill a monster? Lillian was unsure. The skill would have to be supplied by Saleos¡ªbut did she have the courage?

    ¡®I¡¯ve never killed an animal before.¡¯

    How many female college students in Korea would shoot a wild boar if you handed them a gun? Most of them would be intimidated by the fact that they would have to kill. Even if you told them the wild boar hurt farmers¡¯ homes and caused casualties.

    But since she had already agreed to do it, it was impossible to back out now. Lillian grabbed her head and groaned.

    I couldn¡¯t figure out why my life was so rough.

 Chapter 41

    ¡°You¡¯re not confident?¡±

    Saleos, who watched Lillian¡¯s back as she sulked, asked solemnly. Lillian admitted, grimmer than ever:

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Astonished, Saleos touched his chin and raised a question again,

    ¡°You killed your father, didn¡¯t you? You did it yourself too. But you can¡¯t kill monsters?¡±

    ¡°Well, it was an accident!¡±

    ¡°You blew off his head so neatly for an accident.¡±

    Lillian shut up because she couldn¡¯t retort to his observation. Anyway, she spoke well because she was afraid of his identity as a demon and wanted a contract.

    Well, those were two different problems, but when she thought she¡¯d explained it, her mouth didn¡¯t work. Saleos saw Lillian and was lost in thought.

    ¡°If that¡¯s true, oh well. We have no choice but to practice.¡±

    ¡°What? Practice¡­¡­?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Trust me.¡±

    The man flashed the world¡¯s most incredible smile softly. Seeing this, Lillian¡¯s spine chilled.

    * * *

    Today was a regular training day for the Royal Knights. Joan of the 4th Division, who came to work early, yawned. The vacation was over the day before yesterday, but his body was still refusing to go to work. How amazing it would be if he could go home and sleep more, he thought.

    ¡®I woke up too early today.¡¯

    Going to work on time and leaving work on time were the basic needs of civil servants. In this regard, Joan, who made it a habit to come to work 30 minutes early, went above the call of duty. Joan, who thought for a moment, decided to go to the restroom and close her eyes for a quick nap. He was about to rise from his seat.

    Creak-

    Another civil servant, who was also going above and beyond, opened the door. Joan looked there without much expectation. Usually, it was the typical early arrivers who came to work early, so he thought it would be one of them. However, this new face was entirely unexpected.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    A beautiful woman with delicate features, rich black hair, and almond green eyes came inside. Her skin glowed palely as if she had white skin that did not get tan easily. She looked around the training ground with an awkward look. Then one step later, her eyes found Joan sitting on the sofa.

    Joan raised one hand without realizing it himself and smiled foolishly.

    ¡°Lillian! Long time no see. Your vacation was until yesterday, right? You¡¯ve come to work early.¡±

    Joan, who pretended to be friendly, wanted to bite his tongue. Lillian Rossetti was not good at empty friendly banter.

    She was one of the blunt ones. Talking to her in an unnecessarily intimate manner, her obvious response would be scornfully looking at him and his frivolity¡­¡­.

    ¡°Of course. How was your vacation? Your face looks good.¡±

    Lillian, who responded in a friendly tone, smiled at him. Her eyes, which had always been blank and expressionless, were now bent nicely, and her lips, which had rarely opened, drew a soft curve.

    When Joan saw this, his heart ¡°BA-DUMP¡± ed, [t1v: aww poor fool] and swallowed a groan while holding his heart. A woman¡¯s smile, who usually did not laugh, had a tremendous power to beat and break the heart of a man¡¯s heart. But that wasn¡¯t the only thing about Lillian that had changed.

    Lillian sat on the sofa in a straight upright posture and watched the training ground. The knights, who were all warmed up, finished warm-up exercises and began practicing swordsmanship. The fully learned sequences were quite organized, impressive just by looking around.

    ¡®Oh, I¡¯m glad I¡¯m not in there. If I did, I would¡¯ve been caught.¡¯

    Lillian sighed with relief. Initially, she would have had to join the group and swing the sword with them. However, thanks to Enrique¡¯s kindness, she did not face that trial for a while. He promised to provide personal guidance for Lillian, who had ¡®partial amnesia.¡¯

    ¡®Instead, he asked me to work as an assistant for a month, didn¡¯t he?¡¯

    Lillian agreed, and thankfully that convinced Billions that she was privy to knowledge. She was waiting for Flanders, the commander of the 4th Knights. Since she was a member of the 4th Knights, she had to report to Flanders, the commander, to work elsewhere. Everything was official when she submitted the temporary aide confirmation letter written by Enrique and received Flanders¡¯ signature on it.

    ¡°But why isn¡¯t this guy coming?¡±

    ***

 Chapter 42

    Are you late because of the milk delivery or something? Lillian pondered seriously. It was already almost lunchtime. Until now, Flanders had not even shown the tip of his nose.

    If I knew this would happen, I would have come to work a little late. What a waste of time coming early and just sitting on this sofa by myself.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s take a break!¡±

    ¡°Good job, everyone! Thank you all for your hard work!¡±

    The morning training of the 4th Knights seemed to have ended just in time. The sweaty men in black scattered with towels or water bottles. Maybe because they warmed up and now drank water, they looked refreshed. Some of them stopped walking when they realized they were approaching the sofa.

    Lillian was sitting in the large sofa area, wondering what the hesitancy was about. It was a large spacious place, what was the issue? Soo-Yeon, who had no idea what Lillian used to be like, was puzzled.

    At this time, one of them, standing in place and faltering, bravely opened his mouth:

    ¡°¡­¡­Lillian. How are you?¡±

    ¡°Hi. How was your training?¡±

    Chae Soo-Yeon¡¯s soul, who is good at acting, calmly responded to his greeting. She even delivered a cheerful smile. Though she thought she behaved pretty well, the colleagues who received her smile stiffened.

    ¡®Err¡­ what¡¯s wrong with them?¡¯

    Lillian was even more baffled. The supporting actor Lillian was rarely described in the original story, so she didn¡¯t know that Lillian¡¯s nickname in the 4th Knights was ¡®Stone Lily.¡¯

    Whether she wanted it or not, Lillian was quite prominent in the knighthood, where it was full of men. Because of her innocent and elegant appearance, she has received a lot of attention since joining. Several knights crushed on the rational Lillian from the shadows.

    However, due to Lillian¡¯s unrelenting rigid and reclusive personality, who knew nothing but the sword, her popularity died down. Lillian, who didn¡¯t laugh or greet much, was spitefully given the nickname ¡®Stone Lily.¡¯ It sarcastically illustrated her personality was as monotonous and hard as a stone.

    But now, Lillian was suddenly accepting their conversation and laughed. The knights were shocked as if heaven and earth were opening. While they were looking at each other, stunned and flabbergasted, Lillian tilted her head and offered them a seat.

    ¡°You must be tired. Sit down. Why are you all of you standing?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes¡ªI¡¯ll sit down! Of course!¡±

    ¡°Excuse me for a moment!¡±

    They, who were hesitant, soon sat down. The sofa, which was ample until earlier, soon became cramped by men who smelled like sweat.

    Lillian, who had just taken the center position in the group, moved her hand, causing the aide¡¯s confirmation card in her hand to make a rustling sound. One of the knights who saw this asked,

    ¡°What¡¯s that? A leave application?¡±

    ¡°No, I need the approval to move.¡±

    ¡°¡­ What? You are moving?! Why??¡±

    What¡¯s wrong with him? Lillian looked at her colleague with a curious look. He looked stiff, as if he had been shocked. It seemed like he was afraid of something. As if Lillian had a reason not to leave the 4th Knights.

    When she saw the strange reaction of her colleagues, Lillian got an ominous premonition. However, it was already decided, so now it was impossible to change it even more so in situations where you don¡¯t know the specific reason. So Lillian blinked and said nonchalantly,

    ¡°I, for the time being, am working as an assistant to the Knights General of Evans. His original aide went on a honeymoon. So I decided to replace him for just a month.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what it is. It¡¯s just a month.¡±

    A colleague who listened to the period made a complicated expression. He seemed to be relieved and felt apologetic. Lillian felt uncomfortable about that.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with him? This is weird. I¡¯ll have to talk a little bit more.¡¯

    Lillian was about to make up her mind. Suddenly, the entrance was noisy, and the knights stood up one after another and lined up. Perhaps Flanders, the leader of the 4th Knights, arrived.

    Lillian¡¯s colleagues, who were sitting on the sofa, also stood up and showed courtesy, and bowed. So Lillian looked around and sneaked a peek between a gap. From far away, she saw a middle-aged man with multi-brown hair approaching her side. Perhaps the man was Flanders.

    ¡°Good, everyone seems to have trained hard. You looked great.¡±

    Flanders headed in amongst in a shower of greetings from both sides. Without much thought, Lillian got caught between the other knights and greeted him. At that moment, Flanders suddenly stopped in front of her. And he looked over Lillian with a deep smile on my face.

    ¡°Lillian! Your vacation lasted until yesterday. Did you get a good rest?¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you for your concern!¡±

    ¡°Thank you¡ªIsn¡¯t that obvious? You¡¯re one and only flower of our knighthood.¡±

    Flanders¡¯ eyes glanced up and down Lillian with subtle meaning. As soon as Lillian received that look, Lillian¡¯s expression automatically became hard.

    ¡®Why are you looking at me like that?¡¯

    It felt very unpleasant.

 Chapter 43

    Lillian knew this look very well. In the past, when she was a student, one of the professors used to look at aspiring actors with eyes just like Flanders¡¯. In return for an appearance or an introduction, he asked aspiring actors to repay him with sex. Because of this, there was a scandal.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time. Let¡¯s talk. Come on, follow me. Hurry!¡±

    Sure enough, Flanders gave Lillian a mean smile and nodded his head. And he strode ahead without giving her an opportunity to say no. There were curious and worried eyes around her.

    ¡®Damn it.¡¯

    Only then did Lillian get a rough idea of her situation. Her colleagues were cautious around her as if she were an abscess. When Lillian had mentioned she was going to move departments; those expressions were outright agitated. Lillian must have been taken by Flanders, the leader of the 4th Knights. She was a target of workplace sexual harassment!

    Lillian dragged her feet and reluctantly followed in Flanders. Holding the ¡°Temporary Aide Confirmation Certification¡± in her hand like a lifeline.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already heard. You¡¯re going to serve as an interim aide to the Knights Commander General Evans, aren¡¯t you?

    Unexpectedly, Flanders brought up the main point first. Lillian blinked; she thought he would flirt and throw various sexual harassment remarks. However, Lillian couldn¡¯t miss this opportunity. She responded quickly by giving out the confirmation letter she received from Enrique.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. He asked me to get your signature here at the bottom.¡±

    Flanders did not sign. Instead, he stared at the confirmation without saying a word. Lillian was very nervous. Flanders, who was fiddling with a pen in her hand, asked her a question.

    ¡°How did you get to know the Knight Commander? As far as I know, you two have never been close before.¡±

    Flanders¡¯ eyes as he looked at Lillian were glistening. Seeing this, Lillian could quickly read his thoughts. He was now trying to figure out if Lillian was connected to the higher-ups.

    ¡®You cowardly bastard.¡¯

    It was obvious why Flanders targeted Lillian in the first place. She depended on the livelihood of a knight so that she couldn¡¯t quit or fight back easily. Besides, there was no one to protect Lillian, a fallen aristocrat.

    A bonus was that she even had a pretty face; Flanders would have seen her as fine prey. But suddenly Lillian, the pushover, became Enrique Evans¡¯ assistant! Although temporary, Enrique, the Commander-in-Chief, was an elite with guaranteed success. No random could become his aide.

    So Flanders was suspicious of Lillian. Maybe she had a connection he didn¡¯t know about¡ªand if she had a chance to retaliate against him? Lillian responded by pretending to be innocent.

    ¡°During vacation, I accidentally ran into Evans and received an offer.¡±

    ¡°He just met you but offered you a position as an assistant? That¡¯s weird. He¡¯s not an emotional man.¡±

    Flanders was not convinced by Lillian¡¯s excuse. He was as persistent as he looked. So Lillian took a breath and decided to get emotional.

    Her excellent acting skills squeezed the juice out of her tears.

    ¡°General Flanders.¡±

    Lillian set the mood with a calm voice. Then Flanders stared at Lillian with wide eyes.

    ¡°Are you crying?¡±

    Flanders¡¯ pupils quaked. Lillian, who he knew, was strong and did not break down easily. For this reason, she wasn¡¯t for those with gentle taste, but she was quite cute when insults bounced off her. Lillian, who was stiff despite many tricks he played on her, suddenly shed tears¨CFlanders was embarrassed and flustered.

    Taking advantage of the lapse, Lillian continued,

    ¡°You know, things are a little¡­¡­ difficult with my family. I just ran into Evans, the Knight Commander, while making some money on vacation. So the Knights General feels sorry for me¡­¡­ He¡¯s doing me a favor. That¡¯s all.¡±

    It was a brief explanation of the situation. However, Lillian¡¯s expression and nuance were never transient. Tears that seemed to fall at any moment filled her green eyes. It was a pitiful demeanor of a girl who was suffering from the circumstances of her family.

    After seeing this, Flanders¡¯ face softened. Lillian¡¯s explanation made perfect sense. Enrique was sympathetic and generous to the weak; it made sense.

    In addition, Flanders was satisfied that Lillian was still a powerless pon and that he could exert his influence at will. Having coughed in vain, he quickly signed the confirmation of being an aide. And he promptly showed off:

    ¡°I don¡¯t like this kind of transfer, but I¡¯ll permit you because I feel sorry for your situation¡ªjust this time. But you¡¯ll have to come back to me in a month. I mean, you know what I mean, right?

    Flanders smiled with a greasy serpentine look in his eyes, reached out, and stroked Lillian¡¯s shoulder. Lillian flinched and smiled awkwardly. There was only one thought in her head:

    ¡®Escape! Escape is urgent! ¡®

    It was terrible to imagine having to keep working for this guy! It seemed that she would have to move to another knight¡¯s corps within a month, regardless of means or methods. Of course, the process wouldn¡¯t be easy, but she had to do it. Otherwise, she would have to suffer from the sexual harassment by Flanders again in a month.

    Lillian, who finished her business, left his office as if she were running away. She checked. There was no one in the hallway. They must have all gone to lunch.

    Lillian¡¯s expression soon distorted.

    ¡®I can¡¯t live! This beggar-like supporting role of a life!¡¯

    ***

 Chapter 44

    At this point, Chae Soo-Yeon¡¯s soul was going crazy. The more she knew about Lillian Rossetti¡¯s life, the more there was no way out. The family¡¯s on the verge of collapse, the father¡¯s a drunkard, and she¡¯s got to feed the whole family with her own salary, and the boss here is even sexually harassing her! Even if she felt it was dirty and cheap, she couldn¡¯t even quit because she didn¡¯t have money.

    At this point, it seemed realistic that Lillian didn¡¯t rebel when the male went to slay her neck. Would it be considered a suicide-like murder? Rather, dying at the male lead¡¯s hands might be more comfortable than life for Lillian. Thinking that it would soon be her future, too, tears started to come out.

    ¡°What are you doing standing there?¡±

    At this time, a vast shadow suddenly cast over her head. Surprised, Lillian looked up. There stood a handsome red-haired man with a tall, solid muscular body. He looked into Lillian¡¯s face, blinking his red eyelashes. Soon, a bright smile spread over his golden eyes.

    ¡°You smell of depression and despair. It¡¯s so fragrant.¡±

    ¡­¡­I must be stupid. Lillian thought self-despairingly. Saleos was an incredibly sexy man. At first glance, he was reminiscent of a handsome southern Italian model. Of course, upon further study, he was too unrealistically gorgeous to assume he came from Earth.

    But I can¡¯t have been fooled by that gorgeous beauty.

    He was a tremendous sadist, and the more Lillian suffered, the happier he was. So she gathered up her feelings, not wanting to give Saleos more pleasure than necessary. Lillian, who raised his head, asked him.

    ¡°What are you doing here? Shouldn¡¯t you be sunbathing?¡±

    ¡°Alas, it¡¯s cloudy today.¡±

    Saleos replied, pointing out the window with his thumb. He was curiously fond of sunbathing. Lillian didn¡¯t know if this was a demonic trait or a personal one for Saleos specifically. Perhaps the only light you can see in hell is from the inferno?

    Maybe that¡¯s why he sunbathed every day? Because of this, he completely disappeared during the afternoons. However, it was cloudy today, so he came to Lillian early. Looking down at her, Saleos blinked his long red eyelashes and asked,

    ¡°Are you done with your business here?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I think so.¡±

    ¡°Then we should get started with ¡®practice.¡¯

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Saleos laughed as he touched his handsome smiling mouth at Lillian¡¯s innocent answer. Lillian sighed and followed behind him with a sad look. This new life was so hard.

    * * *

    ¡®Practice killing monsters!¡¯

    She almost felt like dying instead because she didn¡¯t want to do this. Lillian grabbed the sword with an awkward movement. And glared at the vision of a goblin that had been summoned before her.

    Slurp¡­..

    Goblin¡¯s big-fanged mouth did not close well. So it¡¯s saliva flowed down. He had crinkly green skin, a small body but vast shoulders.

    It¡¯s muscle strength seemed relatively strong¡ªseemingly ambiguous combat power.

    ¡°Kyeeeeeek!¡±

    Rolling around, it shouted threateningly. Then he swung an iron mace out of his hand. Fortunately, it was not long and had a crude form. So Lillian was able to avoid the retreat by jumping backwards.

    ¡°How long will you be able just to avoid it? We have to attack.¡±

    Saleos was watching her with his arms folded behind him while he instructed her from behind. He was grinning, amused by Lillian¡¯s poor form against the goblin, who was shorter than her. Fueled by the frustration at being ridiculed, Lillian decided to make a counterattack.

    ¡®Let¡¯s go for it!

    Lillian was determined and aimed her sword toward the goblin¡¯s defenseless gap, taking advantage while it swung it¡¯s mace at her. She cut off his defenseless shoulder.

 Chapter 45

    Kyaaaaaaah!

    The goblin, whose shoulder was cut by Lillian¡¯s sword, screamed in pain. Then stepped back with the mace he had been wielding aggressively, retreated, and took up a defensive posture. After seeing this, Lillian gained a little confidence.

    Although she didn¡¯t know much about swordsmanship, her new body was well-trained for a long time. Here, the goblin was not a difficult opponent because he was small.

    The conviction that she was physically stronger than his opponent felt very strange. For a moment, the fear of battle disappeared, and her grip of the sword was heightened.

    ¡°Yes, when you win, you¡¯ll have to go all the way.¡±

    Saleos relaxedly advised. Hearing that, Lillian swung the sword in earnest. Because the goblin was shorter than her, she quickly gained the upper hand and swung her sword from the top.

    ¡°Haaa!¡±

    Kii!

    She was able to give him a pretty good blow this time. The goblin, who was stabbed in the side, let out a suffocating scream. Lillian gasped as her sword slashed it. It was terrible to cut deep into the skin of a living creature.

    ¡®Even though it¡¯s so vivid¡ªit¡¯s welcomed. Magic is really amazing.¡¯

    The moment Lillian was distracted by the unpleasant sensation left at the end of her sword. The goblin¡¯s eyes suddenly glowed red.

    Aaahhh!

    The goblin, who was curled up, pretending to be weak, jumped up and ran toward Lillian, swinging his mace like crazy. It was a desperate final blow, giving up his defense and putting everything on the line to attack.

    ¡°Mom!¡±

    Surprised by the sudden rush, Lillian screamed and swung the sword like a baseball bat. She blew off the goblin¡¯s neck in a fascinating way. But her self-satisfaction ended early. The goblin, although now headless, still had momentum from its run, so the body and mace bumped against her back against her twisted back from the end of her smooth swing.

    ¡°Argh!!¡±

    Although the mace was crude and blunt, it was still iron. When it smashed against her bones properly, tears came out. Lillian looked at her waist, trembling with pain. There was no blood, but the swelling around it promised to bruise.

    Then Saleos with his adviceful tongue, approached her,

    ¡°It¡¯s good to be driven, but don¡¯t let your guard down until the end.¡±

    Salos boldly touched her bare skin under her hem. His big hands almost covered Lillian¡¯s waist. As soon as Lillian twisted against the unfamiliar touch, the pain in her lower back disappeared as if it was washed away.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Saleos, who pulled his hand away, immediately stepped back. Lillian looked down at her fine waist with curious eyes. It was amazing to see magic! Like an interested modern person, she expressed her fascination unabashedly.

    ¡°Was it an illusion that I got hurt?¡±

    Saleos shrugged instead of answering. Lillian sighed with relief and glanced back toward the goblin, where she had knocked him down. She was not confident of seeing the body whose head she had disconnected, so she only glanced timidly from the corner of her eyes.

    But the goblin¡¯s body had already disappeared somewhere. Lillian was relieved to see this.

    ¡®It was really welcomed.¡¯

    Still, it was a vivid experience like real-life. The sensation left on her fingertips was so terrible that she was confident she would have a nightmare tonight¡ªthat feeling when a sharp steel rod cuts through moving skin, muscles and hits the bone. There was an indescribable sense of revulsion. It was questionable how a butcher could stay sane and get things done.

    It was when Lillian looked down at his fingertips and was dazed. Saleos, who pulled her by the shoulder with one hand, kissed her on the head.

    ¡°But it wasn¡¯t bad for your first experience. Good job.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s eyes narrowed because his praise somehow sounded frivolous. Of course, he meant her first combat experience, but why did it seem he meant something strangely distinct. Was the devil¡¯s art of speaking so tricky?

    Saleos smiled silently when he saw Lillian¡¯s suspicious face. Then he reached out and gently lifted Lillian¡¯s chin. His close face smelled breathtakingly masculine and obscene. Salos whispered softly and deeply as he lowered his eyes at the tip of his nose.

    ¡°You¡¯ve practiced well, so let¡¯s share some of your abilities as promised.¡±

    At the same time as the end of the word, a smooth sensation covered her lips. His warm breath tickled her light body hair. His tongue invaded through the gap between her lips. Simultaneously, as saliva containing the taste of lust came over, he tasted her mouth in detail.

    Lillian gasped at the draining kiss. She was torn about where to put her hands when he grabbed Lillian¡¯s hands, and with a subtle smile, he put her hand on his body.

    Her hands held by Saleos slowly stroked his flexible torso. The feeling of muscles, such as the feeling under her palm and the feeling of a solid waist and sides were fantastic.

    ***

 Chapter 46

    Haaaa¡­.¡±

    A sigh came out of her, and a thin string of saliva connecting the two of them shined in the light as he pulled away.

    The moment Lillian saw this, her face burned hot. She pulled back awkwardly, away from Saleos. Suddenly, she wondered why her arms and legs seemed to be moving a little differently.

    ¡°Now, you¡¯ll be the level of a knight¡¯s apprentice. Try it out.¡±

    Saleos face was languid. Only then did Lillian become alert. What he did was not just kiss, but a kind of ritual that distributed abilities to her. Saleos was just working, but here she was shaken by a kiss and ashamed.

    ¡®But he¡¯s uselessly handsome.¡¯

    Sullen, Lillian blamed Saleos for his face. Since she was a former actress, she knew not only Korean but also famous actors worldwide. But no actor was as beautiful as Saleos. He was like a wonderful fantasy, looking at glimmering flames.

    Anyway, it was time to check out her newly granted skills. Lillian took a serious stance and swung the sword a few times.

    At first, she wondered what had changed. However, the more she swung the sword, the more she began to see its trajectory. An outline of how to hold the sword and which direction to swing, and what posture and moving method suitable came to her mind.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    Lillian expressed her pure admiration. It was fortunate that there were no demons like Saleos in modern society. Otherwise, prospective civil servants who fail their tests a few times would have sold all their souls. It was indeed a great power.

    ¡°Practice a lot. That way you can progress quickly.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Saleos.¡±

    At last, relieved, Lillian smiled. Once this was done, she would be able to pass Enrique¡¯s one-on-one sword training. Enrique must not doubt her.

    * * *

    ¡®Don¡¯t be suspicious!¡¯

    Lillian looked at Enrique¡¯s eyes facing her. His neat face was stiff. Enrique, who was looking at Lillian with his silver eyelashes flashing several times, murmured as if it was strange.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a move I¡¯ve learned in swordsmanship¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Commander Evans?¡±

    ¡°Something¡¯s a little off.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­ in what way?¡±

    Lillian looked at him with as innocent a look as she could muster and tilted her head. She was performing a really sympathetic performance because she had a lot of stabbing to do. Enrique did not have much doubt thanks to her expression, which was apparently innocent and honest. He spoke out loud, voicing his incomprehension.

    ¡°Your movement? It¡¯s like¡­.. It¡¯s not wrong¡­¡­ but it¡¯s a very traditional style. Do you know it¡¯s a classic way, the remnants of old swordsmanship that was used by knights two hundred years ago?¡±

    I can¡¯t live.

    Lillian, who is two hundred years behind the latest swordsmanship trend, was full of dread. [t1v: LAWLLLLL]

    She practiced and drilled at home before having her first lesson with Enrique today. Although Saleos taught swordsmanship with his ability, she had to rehearse until the technique was natural to make it ¡°true¡± to herself. But this was the result of exercising until she puked were!

    ¡®Mr. Saleos! Come on out!¡¯

    Lillian, who was disgruntled, called him in her heart. Saleos, who responded to the contractor¡¯s call, appeared from behind Enrique with a calm face.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry about this. As you know, demons live a long time. The swordsmanship I know, it¡¯s the latest¡ª¡¯

    ¡®No, if you¡¯re sorry, that¡¯s it? Do whatever you can!¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s cat-like green eyes protested him silently. Since Enrique could not see Saleos, she couldn¡¯t speak out loud. But Salos read enough of his contractor¡¯s intentions with that look alone.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to know. Unlike flowers that welt and dresses that wear down, swordsmanship is stronger and powerful in its old ways. You will soon understand what I mean.¡±

    Saleos, who smiled languidly, disappeared again like smoke. He was going to sunbathe again. Lillian, looking at his vacancy, closed her eyes silently. It was to endure her rising anger and grievance.

    What?

    Old ways of fencing were better?

    She was afraid of the deceiving, well-delivered word of a demon. Lillian huffed and puffed and swallowed her anger. At this time, Enrique murmured with his thoughts in his eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s bizarre. I feel like you came from the old days of Hector Meier.¡±

    ¡­¡­ What¡¯s that?

 Chapter 47

    Lillian looked at Enrique with distant eyes. She was a beginner in this world, and even more so when it came to swordsmanship. It was not known whether Hector Meyer was a person or a style of fencing. Seeing Lillian¡¯s curious look, Enrique explained:

    ¡°About two hundred years ago, there was a Sword Master named Hector Meyer. Usually, Sword Masters are not interested in others because they are often immersed in their own training. But Hector Meyer, oddly enough, enjoyed teaching others. In fact, his lessons were very high-level.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    In sum, he must have been a multifaceted genius.

    You¡¯re the type who pretends to teach people and shows off his greatness everywhere, right? This is why geniuses are unlucky.

    Enrique explained while Lillian had her own take of Hector Meyer.

    ¡°In Hector Meyer¡¯s time, there were many Sword Masters. Most of them were students who Hector himself taught. So they later called their style the ¡°Myeric¡± or ¡°Meyer¡± style.

    ¡°It¡¯s a style that Sword Masters usually use. That¡¯s wonderful.¡±

    ¡°It was definitely the sword that was popular and in vogue during its time. Unfortunately, after a few years later, everything was lost.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    Lillian opened her eyes wide at the unexpected development. Why is the sword so popular that it suddenly disappears? I heard it¡¯s a sword skill used by Sword Masters!

    Lillian wanted to be a future Sword Master. This way, she could break out of this boring supporting role and live life grandly as the main character. If you get attention from people, grab wealth and honor, and date nice men, it would be the icing on the cake of life.

    Enrique was utterly ignorant of Lillian¡¯s materialistic and worldly mind. He was lost in thought. Then he slowly opened his mouth to explain,

    ¡°A few decades after that, a great war broke out. The best Sword Masters of the time who inherited the Meyer style of swordsmanship were killed or maimed in the war. Also, all the texts were burned or lost. Although some of it still remains, and it still is taught, but¡­¡­ it¡¯s no match in the old days. It¡¯s a pity.¡±

    Enrique said with a beautiful face and a gloomy light. It must have been really regrettable whether it was the Meyer-style sword or something. Lillian was shocked to see it.

    ¡®What, so was what Saleos said was true?¡¯

    At first, I thought it was an excuse Saleos used dismissively to escape. But now that I had perspective, he was giving me something incredible. Fencing techniques crafted by Sword Masters that were destroyed two hundred years ago! It was a limited edition special skill that I could not learn by myself even if I wanted to!

    Lillian¡¯s heart was pounding at her unexpected luck.

    If she followed the teachings of Saleos well, who knows? She could really be a Sword Master. And in an era, she would be the only one who knows how to use the Meyer style!

    Lillian, who has lived an ordinary supporting life, was weak at this particular setting.

    ¡®Okay, I¡¯ll work harder from now on!¡¯

    Lillian was inwardly very motivated. She was greedy. Because she had never had anything, her desire for success was overwhelming and frank. For this reason, Enrique, who misunderstood Lillian¡¯s burning eyes, gently encouraged her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too impatient. Your body seems to remember the sword, so if you train a little more, you¡¯ll get your senses back soon.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Thank you. Commander Evans.¡±

    Lillian replied, trembling while inwardly shameless with greed.

    Enrique unexpectedly smiled small when he saw her trembling eyelashes. As if Lillian in agony, looked cute.

    ¡°As I said last time, when there¡¯s no one around¡­¡­ You can call me Enrique.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes, Enrique-nim. Thank you for your kindness.¡±

    Lillian, who remembered what he said last time, hurriedly fixed how she addressed him. Then Enrique nodded as if he was satisfied.

    Unlike his noble, refined silver-like, icy appearance, he was a warm-hearted and upright man.

    Perhaps that¡¯s why he felt sympathy and goodwill towards Lillian.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough training for today. Good work. Are you going home right away?¡±

    Fortunately, Enrique did not seem to find her suspicious.

    He seemed to think Lillian, who had forgotten how to fight suddenly did a similar move to the Meyer style. Indeed, the Meyer sword style itself was lost in the first place, so Enrique would have just guessed it.

    Lillian, relieved at this, replied with a smile,

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll practice a little more. Sorry.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be sorry about. That¡¯s a great mindset to have. Then, good luck.¡±

    The Enrique¡¯s eyes which were usually stiff slightly bent kindly toward Lillian. He liked hardworking, honest people. In the eyes of Enrique, Lillian was a very good person. Despite her memory loss, it was promising to see her trying hard.

    But Lillian harbored different thoughts.

    ***

 Chapter 48

    ¡®At the betting arena¡­.How much can you earn? You¡¯ll earn something if you practice a lot, right?¡¯

    Saleos was a pretty sincere partner for a devil. Not only did he teach you the Meyer style of swordsmanship, but he had a great number of training plans.

    Thanks to Saleos, Lillian practiced until she was practically dead.

    ¡®Did you say I¡¯d fight with orcs next time?¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s long, rich black eyelashes trembled. All she knew about orcs was from a Lunar New Year TV movie premiere: ¡°King of the Rings.¡± Even on her tiny screen, it had awe-inspiring visuals. But having to face an orc and even killing it¡ª terrified her!

    Lillian sighed and made up her mind. There was nothing she could do anyway. In the end, practicing was the only way she could live.

    No matter how much she told herself it was an illusion created by Saleos, it was too vivid and felt too real. When she was hit or hurt while fighting with a monster, it hurt enough to shout.

    Human psychology was bizarre. I was afraid of fighting, but I was more fearful of getting hurt. As a result, I prioritized not getting hurt. Naturally, the fear of battle subsided.

    ¡®You¡¯re really going to be a Sword Master if you keep this up.¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s casual look became serious. She really wanted to be a Sword Master. It was the only way that this humble Lillian Rossetti could turn her life around. She later vowed to try negotiating with Saleos again over the issue.

    I have to survive this.

    Her eyes, remembering how she had been the sidekick her whole life, glowed.

    * * *

    There was one more thing to bemoan. As soon as Lillian got home, Sam ran out to the front door. A mysterious smile hung over her face. Lillian, who saw this, frowned and interrogated, feeling ominous:

    ¡°What¡¯s that look on your face? Why are you looking at me like that?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, miss. Finally, something has come! Ta-da!¡±

    Sam waved a letter that she had held behind her back. Lillian opened her eyes wide and looked at the envelope of the letter. The envelope was sprinkled with luxurious gold leaf and was very dark purple. Given its elaborate design, it wasn¡¯t for everyday use.

    ¡°¡­¡­What is this?¡±

    Lillian reached out to the glittering letter. But she didn¡¯t catch the letter because Sam lifted it away with both hands like a coveted treasure.

    With a triumphant look on her face, she shouted at Lillian,

    ¡°This must be an invitation to the ball, miss! It¡¯s finally time for you to shine!¡±

    ¡­¡­What.

    Lillian¡¯s expression cooled.

    Objectively judging her situation, she thought there would be no invitations to any ball.

    Of course, she was also interested in the ball and society that were common in romance fantasy. Lillian Rossetti was also a young Lady of a Baron family and therefore was qualified to attend the ball. But only qualified. What could she even do at a ball? She didn¡¯t even have a dress¡ªshe couldn¡¯t afford it!

    To put it bluntly, everyone in South Korea was eligible to join a sports car club. But in reality, very few could join, right? That was Lillian Rossetti¡¯s current situation.

    Lillian, who swallowed a sigh, took the invitation from Sam¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make a fuss and go get to work. I¡¯ll take a look at this slowly.¡±

    ¡°Yes, miss! Just let me know whenever you need me. This maid is always ready!¡±

    Sam shook her hips and disappeared down the hallway. After seeing this, Lillian smiled like a stone Buddha and thought,

    ¡®I wish I was as happy as her. Must be nice to be oblivious.¡¯

    Anyway, Lillian went into his room and found a paper-knife. Even this tiny blade seemed familiar in her hand.

    She seemed to have the qualifications to be a Sword Master.

    Lillian, who opened the letter with unfounded confidence, took out the contents and read.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s a real invitation¡ªright?¡±

    Of course, it was not an invitation to the ball but an invitation to the betting fighting arena¡ª for the players to ¡®dance¡¯ with monsters.

 Chapter 49

    Lillian had already resigned to her fate to play in the Billions gambling fighting arena. She had a rough start because of Saleos, but it was surprisingly not bad. She learned swordsmanship, practice her combat skills, and pay off the Rossetti family¡¯s debts.

    Lillian¡¯s eyes, which were looking through the contents of the invitation without much thought, suddenly shook. She read the invitation over and over again, doubting her eyes. However, the contents inside remained the same:

    The 7th highlight show of the Billons Arena!

    Beauty and the Beast: A Enchanting Dance of Fireworks

    Can Black Rose¡¯s hot sword, a comet-like rookie, cut the skin of a violent Salamander? Or will she truly become a black rose and be enveloped in a cruel flame, as her name implies?

    Don¡¯t miss out on a special game that will make your hands sweat with anticipation!

    Lillian¡¯s face twisted as her hand trembled as she held the invitation. She didn¡¯t know where to where to start. It was a nightmare. What a terrible nightmare! As she was shaking, she urgently found Saleos.

    ¡°Saleos, come out! Hurry up!!

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Unexpectedly, Saleos popped up behind her. He bent down using his considerable height and put his chin on Lillian¡¯s shoulder as if he were giving her a back hug as he inspected the contents of the invitation. Saleos, whose golden eyes scanned the letter, smiled.

    ¡°Black Rose? What a ridiculous nickname. Did you choose it yourself?¡±

    ¡°¡ªNo way!¡±

    Lillian countered with a shudder. It must have been that branch manager ¡°The Darkness of the Abyss¡± with a horrible naming sense¡ªhow unlucky.

    Of course, it was illegal to participate in the gambling arena as a knight in the first place. As in the Republic of Korea, public officials were not allowed to hold multiple jobs to reduce corruption. So Lillian had intended to use a pseudonym. But Darkness didn¡¯t even give her the right to choose an alias!

    Lillian, who became Black Rose, closed her eyes, suddenly dizzy. Perhaps her hair is black, and it is a combination of roses, the symbol of the Rossetti family. If Darkness was in front of her, she might have grabbed him by the collar.

    ¡°By the way, the other monster was Salamander¡­¡­. You must be highly regarded.¡±

    Saleos mumbled while reading the invitation with his long red eyelashes down. Lillian had an ominous hunch. She asked, gluping,

    ¡°Why? Is a Salamander strong? Stronger than Orcs or Goblins?¡±

    ¡°Orc? Goblin?¡±

    Saleos laughed as if she said something funny. Then he reached out and created a moving image floating in the air. Inside, a lizard that looked like a dragon without wings roared horribly. The appearance alone was already scary, and even sparks were coming out of the spikes on the end of its tail. Lillian¡¯s face stiffened when she saw it.

    ¡°Is it spewing out fire¡­? That one?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s a pretty tough opponent. A salamander¡¯s blood is as hot as lava, so those who are able to strike a salamander often get terrible burns.¡±

    Saleos explained in a light tone. Lillian¡¯s green eyes filled with tears as he spoke. She was still having a hard time with Orcs, and now she would have to fight a Salamander! Where was her flower path? Her lips trembled, her face was pale, but she finally began to sniff.

    ¡°Ugh¡­ I can¡¯t do this, Mr. Saleos.¡±

    Tears fell from Lillian¡¯s eyes, pitifully, she bit her pink lips in an attempt to hold back her tears. Although she was progressing in her combat training, her shoulders, still thin, quivered. Seeing this, Saleos hugged her gently.

    ¡°Shhhh, don¡¯t worry. I am Saleos, a demon that crawled up from the hottest depths of hellfire. My contractor can¡¯t be harmed by a fire lizard.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, really¡ªare you sure? But I¡­ I¡¯m still scared, I¡¯m not confident.¡­. Even if I train harder, I might not¡­¡­hhgnn! What should I do?¡±

    Saleos bowed his head over, put his lips still on Lillian¡¯s sobbing eyelids. His red lips were as hot and sweet as hell. The owner of the lips lowered his eyes and whispered in a low tone.

    ¡°I¡¯ll train you enough before that. So why don¡¯t you stop pretending to cry?¡±

    Tears abruptly stopped from Lillian¡¯s eyes like a lie. She didn¡¯t know anything else, but she was confident in her ability to feign tears and her acting. She thought he¡¯d give her another piece of cake if she pretended to be poor.

    Lillian wiped her wet cheeks, lightly smacking herself with regret. She knew it didn¡¯t work and didn¡¯t have to cry and cause wrinkles. Saleos laughed when he saw her eyes grow sharp with determination, a stark difference from before.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s start training.¡±

    ***

 Chapter 50

    Clank-

    Blinking blankly, Lillian woke up surprised by the sensation of a pen falling from her hand. She looked around the office quickly, but fortunately, there was no one. She promptly rubbed the corners of her mouth while picking up her dropped pen.

    ¡®Good, I don¡¯t think I was drooling.¡¯

    Recently her energy consumption had been so extreme. Lillian, a former supporting actor, literally had to make an effort to overcome her fate to survive and become a main character.

    With this goal, during the day, she was an aide in Enrique¡¯s office and fought with the monsters conjured up by Saleos at night. Thanks to this, Lillian killed an Orc. Additionally, she almost mastered the foundation of the Meyer sword style.

    Of course, she still looked away from the corpses of the monsters she killed, but what of it? She still did her training. Thanks to this, Enrique was pleased to see Lillian¡¯s skills growing exponentially, day by day. Ignorant, he was delighted to see that Lillian had become stronger thanks to ¡®his¡¯ guidance.

    ¡°Probably because you¡¯ve trained your body in the past, you¡¯re learning quickly. Although fighting styles have changed a bit¡­¡­ you¡¯ve seemed to be getting stronger. It¡¯s exciting.¡±

    It was a pleasure to be praised by a real elite like Enrique. Especially for Lillian, who is hungry for recognition and attention. However, it was good that the results of the efforts were clear, but her body was likely to be ground down first. Lillian¡¯s hand holding the pen trembled.

    What kind of romance fantasy genre piece is this? It¡¯s a passionate youth growth piece!

    Her body was past it¡¯s teens, but the schedule was more murderous than ever. As a result, Lillian instantly fell asleep as if she were fainting every night these days. Besides, she sometimes dozed off during the day, not being able to overcome his fatigue. Just like now.

    It was fortunate that she dozed off only when Enrique was away. Sincere and upright, he didn¡¯t like those people dozing off during business hours¡­ Yawn¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡­.

    Lillian¡¯s eyes were slightly and slowly¡­dimly closing¡­ again. The weight of her eyelids were too heavy to lift, even for a Sword Master. She fell asleep as if she were being sucked into a bottomless abyss. I was so tired that she was about to die.

    ¡°¡­¡­look. Hey.¡±

    It felt like someone was beckoning her from somewhere. Lillian, however, couldn¡¯t wake up easily while her eyelids twitched with her effort to rose herself. It was a strange feeling as if her mind and body were separate and her consciousness was divided in half. She could hear but not stir.

    Then someone grabbed Lillian¡¯s shoulder as if he was frustrated. It was a brutal hand gesture. Lillian¡¯s surprised eyes flashed open.

    ¡°¡­¡­!!¡±

    The sudden violent touch was like an attack. Lillian recalled the Orc in the fantasy battles Saleos had coached her through during the last training session. Orc¡¯s fierce and violent breath excited by the battle, and his fist wielding his weapon with his force. It was indeed a frightening experience.

    Lillian¡¯s half-asleep instinct categorized the strangers¡¯ touch as the same threat. Her body moved before her head woke up, twisting the shoulder and holding their arm, and pushing the attacker against the wall. It was one of the counterattack techniques that she had recently learned under the Meyer sword art.

    ¡°¡­¡­who are you?¡±

    Only after pressing the opponent¡¯s body against the wall did Lillian blink. The man frowned as his elbow was crushed. His breath seemed to be blocked by the sudden attack, so he couldn¡¯t even groan.

    Lillian opened her eyes wide and looked up at the strange man. A man, a head taller than her had a terribly beautiful appearance. The long blonde hair tied together was as shiny as the sun, and the eyes distorted by pain were vivid red. His perfect lips groaned annoyingly at Lillian.

    ¡°How dare you¡ª Will you not remove this hand?¡±

    ¡°So-sorry!¡±

    Surprised, Lillian quickly released him. Then the man rubbed his arm and grumbled. It must have been very painful. Lillian was a little apologetic.

    Of course, she wasn¡¯t apologetic for hitting him. The man was the first to do wrong. How dare he touch someone else¡¯s body, and a knight at that! It was self-defense. But apart from that, Lillian was sorry towards him for one thing.

    ¡®I can¡¯t believe you mistook such a handsome man for an orc.¡¯

    No matter how much she was half asleep, it was an insult to beauty.

 Chapter 51

    Lillian stood with her hands together as if she had been a sinner. Then the man who shed her disapproving eyes gave a cold look and spat out,

    ¡°Where¡¯s Marquis Evans?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s gone for a moment,¡±

    Lillian answered calmly, but her head was in turmoil. Her career as a lifelong supporting actress gave her a lot of experience. She could guess a lot just from the man¡¯s question.

    Although the man was tall and strong, he didn¡¯t seem to be a knight. His outfit and the title he addressed Enrique by were a testament to that. If he were a knight, he would have called him ¡°General Commander Evans¡± or ¡°Sir Enrique.¡±

    He instead cited Enrique¡¯s peerage, the Marquis of Evans, even without honorifics due to high-ranking nobility

    ¡®That means he is a noble of higher rank than the Marquis.¡¯

    He was at least a Marquis, maybe a Duke, or if she was really unlucky, a member of the royal family. Lillian, who hit such a man hard, was scared.

    The man¡¯s thorny eyes poured out a pricky glare towards Lillian.

    ¡°Who are you? I know there¡¯s a different aide to the Marquis of Evans.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me. My name is Lillian Rossetti, and I¡¯m a temporary assistant, replacing Lord Kale during his vacation. May I have the name of this distinguished guest, sir?¡±

    Lillian greeted him as politely as possible and asked his identity discreetly. Then, the man¡¯s face was more irritated than before.

    ¡°How ridiculous! An assistant asking me a question? I don¡¯t know how the Marquis of Evans educates his subordinates. Aren¡¯t you dozing off during office hours¡ª how dare you put your hands on me!¡±

    It was the truth. His face was so pretty, but he had such a nasty temper.

    Lillian was annoyed, but the man must be too high-status to face him openly. Recalling her own circumstances as a fallen aristocrat, she was deeply saddened. So she decided to overcome the crisis by taking advantage of this feeling.

    ¡°¡­¡­ I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯ve caused great offense.¡±

    A remorseful voice left Lillian¡¯s mouth. At the same time, her elegant eyes moistened. The man who saw this showed a slight sign of fluster even though he was annoyed. Lillian didn¡¯t miss the opportunity and opened her mouth while pitifully sniffling.

    ¡°I beg you for forgiveness, but my only father has recently disappeared¡­¡­ I couldn¡¯t sleep well at night due to anxiety and tension. I know that I shouldn¡¯t drag my personal issues into public office hours. But if anything happens to him, I¡­¡­!¡±

    Lillian, who was stuttering, finally began to sob with tears in her eyes. Her father, Herbert, of course, had already died. But there were only two people who knew this, herself and Saleos.

    Fortunately, Salos was a devil, so he could transform himself into a different shape. He turned into Herbert as promised before and dawdled into town a few times. It was to secure Lillian¡¯s alibi. A few days ago, Lillian finally filed a report of her father¡¯s disappearance. Lillian¡¯s crying lament, which had no visible fault, was even more potent.

    ¡°Hic-hiccup¡­ Where are you? What are you doing now? When I worry about my father, I can¡¯t sleep at all.¡­.¡±

    ¡°Hey.¡±

    The man seemed perplexed by the sudden reversal of the atmosphere. Until earlier, he was lecturing absent-minded, lazy aides during office hours. But now, he felt like trash admonishing a poor lady who lost her father.

    The drastic turn in events shook the man¡¯s raised eyebrows.

    Lillian glanced at the man¡¯s face, pretending to wipe her tears. He still looked annoyed, but he showed signs of wanting to run away from this situation. He seemed to be the type who was ill-equipped and unprepared for dealing with emotions¡ªa low-EQ avoidance type of man.

    ¡®Oh.¡¯

    Seeing this, Lillian¡¯s eyes sharpened and gleamed. Since he had held her hostage just a few moments ago, she wanted to give a taste of his own medicine. Sneakily, Lillian obstructed the closed door with her body, pretending to lean against the wall. After so thoroughly blocking the man¡¯s retreat, she burst into tears. [t1v: HAAA!]

    ¡°I¡¯m so¡ª hiccup¡ª so sorry!! As a recipient of the kingdom¡¯s salary, I shouldn¡¯t do this. When I think of my father¡ªuh, without realizing it.¡­!¡±

    ***

 Chapter 52

    ¡°You¡¯re a noisy person. I have no interest in your business. If there is no Marquis of Evans, I will leave. Get out of my way!¡±

    The man swept back his long blond hair with irritation. He seemed to be leaving with cold air, but in actuality, he was actually running away, struggling to escape the quicksand of troublesome and messy emotions. The moment Lillian saw his red eyes, Lillian was stunned.

    ¡®I think I know him for some reason.¡¯

    She had seen a description of a beautiful man with brilliant blond hair like the sun god Apollo in the original book. While Lillian was agonizing, the man began searching for an angle to pass her and run away. As a result, Lillian was more brazenly blocking the door with her body. And began to sob even louder.

    ¡°Ugh-Ughhuuuhhhh¡­¡­! I¡¯m really¡ªso sorry!!¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re sorry, get out of the way! Get out of the way!!¡±

    A man with little patience ended up fidgeting and shouting. If she didn¡¯t get out of the way, she was likely to get hit. Lillian was slowly moving her body. Just in time, the office door creaked open, and Enrique came in.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I heard a loud commotion from outside.¡±

    ¡®Oh.¡¯

    After seeing this, Lillian smiled inwardly. Perhaps even god took her side. She looked up at Enrique with a sorrowful, tearful face, meeting Enrique¡¯s surprised countenance.

    ¡°Dame Lillian? Are you crying?¡±

    ¡°Wahh, Commander Evans¡­¡­!!¡±

    Good. Lillian shed tears and hid behind Enrique. She looked pitiful as if she depended on him.

    Enrique was weak at this. Poor things, things that lean on his back. So he gave his shoulder to Aleyna, who cried for her hometown, and eventually gave his heart to her. Enrique was fundamentally a good person. A well-educated, upright person who practiced his principles.

    So Lillian liked him. Sure enough, Enrique didn¡¯t stop her from crying. Enrique, who hid Lillian behind him as if he were protecting her, confirmed his opponent. And he bowed his head politely with a stiff, hardened face.

    ¡°I greet Prince Elseed.¡±

    Lillian dropped her head behind Enrique¡¯s back and greeted with him. It was nice to finally find out who this nasty person was, but¡­Her expression became even more mysterious.

    ¡®Prince Elseed. No wonder. I am unlucky.¡¯

    The second prince was not a character with many appearances in the original story. In a word, he was also a supporting role¡ªa supporting role, like Lillian. Somehow Lillian¡¯s heart ached at the fact.

    ¡®You¡¯re a supporting actor, even in the form of a prince with that face. Poor thing!¡¯

    She had nothing. But Elseed was different. Just from his face, he would not be lacking in the position of a male lead. But he still had such a small part in the original. Fueled by her pity for him, tears dropped out of her eyes

    Elseed, who met Lillian¡¯s eyes that looked at him with sympathy, lost his temper.

    ¡°How dare you stare into the face of royalty! What the hell!!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Lillian quickly bowed her head with tears in her eyes. Elseed¡¯s brother was the Crown Prince, and their friendship was quite strong. Even as the second prince, Elseed was a very powerful man.

    Enrique¡¯s expression got worse when Lillian¡¯s face fell down. He felt sorry for Lillian, who worked hard in a poor situation. Additionally, to see Elseed, who is famous for his foul temper, persecuting his aide Lillian in his office. Naturally, a hard and businesslike voice flowed from Enrique¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°What brought you personally to my office?¡±

    Elseed¡¯s red eyes sank coldly. Enrique¡¯s cold attitude to his uninvited guest was unsatisfactory. With his arms folded, he sat comfortably on Enrique¡¯s desk. He had a wonderful personality to put his ass on a person¡¯s desk.

    Enrique¡¯s expression was chilling. Seeing this, Elseed¡¯s eyes looked like they were happy. The main point finally came out of his lips.

    ¡°Sooner or later, there will be a friendly conference with the Kingdom of Trill. Even though the King of the Trill gave in, we don¡¯t know what we will do in a country of mangoes. So keep in mind safety and form a convoy with escorts. Understand?¡±

    Huh? Lillian blinked. Kingdom of Trill, she thought the name was familiar. Come to think of it now, it was the motherland of the princess, Aleyna!

 Chapter 53

    ¡®Ah, is it the first meeting between Aleyna and the male lead?¡¯

    Lillian subtly frowned through her nose without anyone noticing. It would be a year later that Aleyna came here to the Legonian Kingdom. But the damn ¡®fatal first meeting¡¯ happened long before that.

    The Kingdom of Trill, Aleyna¡¯s home, has been fighting the Legonians due to a border dispute. Then Legonians gained the upper hand, and the Kingdom of Trill suffered significant losses. At this time, the male protagonist and others who went to the Kingdom of Trill for negotiations met the royal daughter, Aleyna, for the first time. She had a unique description in the book, which makes one cringe.

    Classic platinum hair that spans the most glamorous sunlight and moonlight.

    Exquisite royal blue eyes that will make even the finest sapphires pale in comparison.

    As you can see from the above descriptions, Aleyna was the most beautiful woman in the Trill Kingdom. Her beauty was shockingly unforgettable, imprinted on the male lead¡¯s mind who thought of Aleyna even after returning home.

    But with the apparent cliche of about 70 percent of romance fantasies, he already had a fiancee. So the male protagonist worried about it for half a year. And then he spent another half year until he finally decided to break up. Unlike his unscrupulous personality, he was unexpectedly indecisive.

    Only after a year passed did Aleyna come to the Legonian Kingdom to become a future concubine of the hero.

    ¡®Being a concubine in the palace is a mess. She eventually became a queen with the heroine buff.¡¯

    Lillian thought vaguely. Uh, the hero and the heroine were very gross. How do you see Alaina coming here a year from now?

    Even if she didn¡¯t read the story, the future development was evident. Maybe Aleyna would woo and spread hopeless heartbreak all over the place with her pretty face. It¡¯s obvious that it was a story and that her appeal was invincible.

    ¡®I don¡¯t like this guy! But this guy is obsessed with me! Hiccup¡ªI¡¯m so unhappy! I want to go back to my hometown!¡¯

    Then the hero will growl and grab Aleyna and say:

    ¡®Don¡¯t talk nonsense. You can¡¯t go anywhere. Every hair, every nail, is mine!¡¯

    And the supporting actor Lillian Rossetti will think while watching the scene in the background.

    ¡®I hope you catch the damn plague.¡¯ [t1v: HAAA]

    Honestly, it was annoying. In the first place, the reason why the male lead confirmed his love with Aleyna was becuase of the kidnapping incident. After losing Aleyna, he finally realizes his feelings, angry that he loses the first woman he fell for.

    Well, in it¡¯s own way, it was an impressive scene ¨Cminus the part where the male lead cuts Lillian¡¯s throat to express his anger.

    Their great love costs Lillian Rossetti her life. Of course, Lillian never agreed to the cost being her life. Thus, on behalf of Lillian¡¯s life, she earned the right to spoil their love. They would also ruin Lillian¡¯s life in the name of love.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m done, so I¡¯ll go.¡±

    Prince Elseed suddenly lifted himself up. Lillian, who was lost in thought and briefly forgot about his existence and was startled. Then Elseed¡¯s eyes turned her way. His red eyes shining through his golden eyelashes were as brilliant as jewels, but on the other hand, as sinister as blood.

    ¡®Why are you looking at me like that?¡¯

    Lillian was instinctually on edge. Elseed, who was looking at Lillian with an unknown look, added,

    ¡°And make sure to put this woman in the guard, do you understand?¡±

    He didn¡¯t even wait for Enrique¡¯s answer and left. Then Enrique frowned in confusion. Why did Elseed suddenly order Lillian to be put in the escort?

    ¡°What happened between you and Prince Elseed?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­no, nothing special happened.¡±

    Lillian naturally avoided Enrique¡¯s gaze and replied back.

    ¡®I struck the prince hard. You would have been deeply impressed by it.¡¯

    Lillian frowned, mulling over Elseed¡¯s orders.

    ¡®Wait. You want me to escort you in the kingdom negotiations?¡¯

    She didn¡¯t want to. She really didn¡¯t want to.

    According to the original story, a group of male characters who went to the Kingdom of Trill were ambushed. It was the work of warlords who hoped the negotiations would break down.

    Although everything turned out okay due to Enrique¡¯s excellent guards, several knights were seriously injured. At this time, it was Aleyna who took care of them and dropped off medical supplies.

    Lillian didn¡¯t like taking the risk. Perhaps the ¡®gravely-injured¡¯ knight would be herself. Although she was receiving special training, she was still insignificant. She didn¡¯t think she would be much help during the raid. Rather, by being in a supporting role, she wondered if she would even be in the position where if she was injured if Aleyna would help her.

    ¡®I¡¯m already annoyed just thinking about it.¡¯

    Aleyna would act like an angel. And through this scene, she would be able to show off how good she was. Like Lillian, the injured and the supporting cast would only be accessories that would make her stand out.

    ***

 Chapter 54

    Now she was sick and tired of playing the role of a bridesmaid who makes the main character stand out. Lillian¡¯s green eyes sank into darkness. Just then, Enrique¡¯s voice interrupted her thoughts,

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. The guards are exceptional. The journey to the Kingdom of Trill may be a little arduous, but nothing will happen.¡±

    Perhaps Enrique thought she was frightened. She had partial amnesia affecting her fighting abilities yet was made to be an escort on the front lines, causing anxiety. Catching wind of this, Lillian quickly blinked her eyelashes and expressed how fragile she was to appeal to Enrique.

    ¡°No, Enrique. I¡¯m also a member of the Royal Knights. I will try my best not to be a burden to others.¡±

    Enrique smiled at her terribly knightly words. A subordinate¡¯s earnestness and sincerity would always satisfy a superior. Deeply impressed by this, Enrique cleared his desk and stood up.

    ¡°That¡¯s great. Now that we¡¯re done with today¡¯s work, why don¡¯t we go for one-on-one lessons?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Yes, of course. I look forward to your kind cooperation today.¡±

    Lillian swallowed her tears. After one-on-one sword training with Enrique, Saleos would be waiting at home. And as soon as Lillian eats dinner, he would drag her into a magic fight with a monster and train her.

    ¡®Hey, how is this a romance fantasy?!!!¡¯ [t1v: so far, we¡¯re in the shounen wuxia arc]

    Lillian screamed inwardly. It was an extreme survival genre. She was training so hard that she was always on the verge of throwing up. Nevertheless, this world seemed so crazy that she didn¡¯t dare quit. In fact, to overcome her fate of a supporting role, even ten thousand years of training seemed insufficient.

    Lillian, with her shoulders drooping, left the office for training. With the first meeting with Alaina just around the corner, time was running out. Even complaining was a luxury for a supporting actor.

    * * *

    ¡°You want to increase your training?¡±

    Saleos asked back as if he was amused. Lillian nodded with an apprehensive face.

    ¡°Yes, I need to be strong as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Is it because your match is coming up?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s that, but¡­¡­ I¡¯ll be on an escort mission soon. It¡¯s going to be quite dangerous because I¡¯ll be going into hostile territory. There¡¯s a chance I¡¯ll get seriously injured or die.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s lips let out a long sigh. The fragrant breath was smeared with fatigue and fear of the future. It was a sweet smell that the demon loved. When humans smelled like this, it was the perfect time for the devil to dig in and take advantage of it.

    A smiling Saleos held her eyes with his gaze. And the tail of the eyes was slightly soft, gently seducing her with slowly blinking erotic eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know what¡¯s the fastest way to become strong.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­What do you mean?¡±

    Lillian inquired, facing him with vivid green eyes. Surrounded by abundant black eyelashes, her eyes somehow resembled a kitten. Saleos, who was happily observing her eyes, sweetly whispered,

    ¡°Sleep with me. If you give me your first time as promised, I will make you strong.¡±

    Lillian blushed and avoided his gaze. She, who was chewing her thick lower lip carefully, seriously asked back.

    ¡°Will it really work?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Lillian was lost in thought after hearing Sallos¡¯s clear answer. Even though his first experience was at stake, it was interesting to consider his proposal computationally like a merchant. Saleos found her mannerisms amusing.

    ¡®What answer will you give?¡¯

    Saleos¡¯ golden eyes narrowed with glee.

 Chapter 55

    ¡°¡­¡­ I¡¯ll think about it. I just need some time to prepare myself.¡±

    Lillian clearly replied with a red face. She was a little confused now. To be honest, she wanted to close my eyes and sleep with Saleos. Though transformed, his human form was unduly attractive. A sensual handsome man as if he had walked out of every woman¡¯s dream.

    His beautiful face smiled at her at every moment, met her eyes, and sometimes kissed Lillian. But how could she not be swayed by that temptation? Even after sleeping, Saleos will give her strength to be stronger.

    ¡®In fact, there¡¯s no reason for me to refuse.¡¯

    Unless she intended to grow old and die a virgin, S¨¢leos was an ideal first. Nevertheless, Lillian¡¯s reason for hesitation was simple. It was because of her psychological reluctance, fear, and ethical crisis.

    Can I sleep with a man I don¡¯t love for a price? Would it be possible if it was one night stand that only pursues pure pleasure without compensation? What¡¯s the difference between a sex worker having sex for money and sleeping with a demon to become strong?

    Lillian was a little bit repulsed by this fact. But it wasn¡¯t to the level of ¡®I can¡¯t do that even if I die!¡¯ Therefore, if the situation became a little more desperate, she would sleep with Saleos if she had a chance to do so. Unfortunately, she was still been able to overcome the situation with training instead of sex.

    ¡®And you never know. If the first time is so meaningful, maybe it can be used more effectively in a more appropriate situation¡­¡­.¡¯

    No, no. What am I thinking right now? Lillian frowned and quickly emptied her mind. She was doing this kind of calculation on this body. She seemed to have gone off the rails more than she was comfortable with.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s start today¡¯s training.¡±

    Just in time, Saleos declared in a plain tone. At the same time, there was a space in front of me that I was now familiar with.

    ¡°Puh, ptooey!¡±

    Lillian spit out the water that had entered her mouth with disgust. She was so uncomfortable. Especially since the source of the water was spewed out by a giant lizard staring at her right in front of her nose.

    ¡®Isn¡¯t this an indirect kiss?¡¯

    Strangely it tasted like strong mineral water.

    I felt worse when I wondered if it would be good for my health.

    The monster that resembled a Salamander was instead of the water element. Was it called a water basilisk? Anyway, it was an unfamiliar anomaly to a South Korean.

    Its attack pattern was much like the real Salamander. But unlike the fiery Salamander, it was much safer because it only spewed water. In short, it was her specialized opponent for practice.

    If she could learn its pattern, it would be a significant advantage in the arena.

    Lillian rubbed her drenched face so she could see. Just in time, Saleos, who was watching from behind, gave a sermon,

    ¡°I¡¯m glad it¡¯s water. If it was Salamander, you¡¯d already lost your sight.¡±

    ¡°I know!¡±

    Lillian yelled, avoiding the tail of the water basilisk swinging at her.

    Her hair flew due to the wind pressure she felt when the tail went by right under her nose. Her bones would have been crushed if such a thing was hit her. The moment Lillian cringed with fear, Saleos added,

    ¡°At times like that, its sides are exposed defenselessly. You have to keep attacking it and accumulate the damage.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy to say!¡±

    Lillian grumbled and jumped back to avoid the next attack. Still, it¡¯s easier to avoid it than before, perhaps because she learned Hector Meyer¡¯s method. She plucked up her courage this time and cut the monster¡¯s left leg as Saleos suggested. The water basilisk bled blue and roared.

    A critical hit¡ª!

    The beast¡¯s glossy eyes were bloodshot. It seemed to be very angry. Inevitably, the beast¡¯s movements became even more violent and aggressive. Lillian was soon on the defensive.

    Unlike a humanoid beast, such a giant monster needed a great deal of physical strength. Since it was so big, simply stepping back would not work to avoid its attacks.

    Lillian had to run or roll as much as fast as she could. As a result, Lillian soon ran out of breath. Her head was dizzy due to lack of oxygen, and her arms and legs were shaking as her ears rang.

    Gurgle~!

    The water basilisk pumped water out of the mouth once more. Lillian ran aside to avoid being covered in the water. Then, as if waiting, the tail of the water basilisk flew towards her. Lillian¡¯s breath became ragged as it¡¯s strategy cornered her.

    ¡°Ahh!¡±

    ***

 Chapter 56

    Lillian, struck by it¡¯s large tail, rolled like a crumpled fallen leaf. She couldn¡¯t breathe, and her vision became dim. The moment she managed to regain her sight, he saw a large foot coming down to crush her.

    ¡®I¡¯m going to die.¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s pupils grew in an instant. She waited for her last moment, utterly frozen. But just before she was crushed flat, the monster disappeared. Saleos snapped his fingers and removed the beast.

    ¡°Perhaps is it hard at first¡­?¡±

    He walked up to her, mumbling with an insensitive question, and reached out to Lillian. Lillian took his offered hand, trembling. She could hardly stand properly because her legs were weak. She felt pathetic.

    Seeing this, Saleos lifted her up. A floating-numb-tingling sensation combined with overwhelming relief made her head spin with a sharp dizziness. Lillian¡¯s eyes rolled up for a moment of confusion, and fainted.

    Well, it was nothing out of the ordinary; she had run until she was exhausted to avoid the monster¡¯s attack, who was five times bigger than my body. It was also her first time that she had been cornered to the point where she felt she had narrowly escaped death. Saleos held Lillian¡¯s limp body in his arms and smiled bitterly.

    ¡°Poor thing.¡±

    Saleos sauntered. The surrounding landscape slowly changed and turned into Lillian¡¯s bedroom. Saleos, who laid Lillian on her bed, sat on the edge. Then he bowed down and studied Lillian¡¯s sleeping face.

    Her white face was especially ill and feeble-looking today. Her breath was unstable, and eyelashes trembled intermittently. Seeing the cold sweat seeping out her forehead, she was probably having a nightmare. It was a shocking experience, so it was understandable.

    Seeing this, Saleos leaned his head deeper and kissed Lillian. His lips cut through her cold lips frozen with fear as he breathed into them and warmed them. Lillian didn¡¯t kill the monster today, so he didn¡¯t get much energy. But this alone will be enough for Lillian now.

    ¡°Unn¡­¡­.¡±

    Lillian moaned in her sleep. She resembled a little puppy hanging from its mother¡¯s breast full of milk. She instinctively knew that the energy he instilled in her was good.

    Saleos slowly took off his lips and looked down at her face. Lillian¡¯s pale lips turned red, and his expression looked more relaxed. Looking down at Lillian¡¯s neat face, Saleos suddenly wondered,

    ¡°You¡­¡­ what are you doing this for?¡±

    Saleos murmured to himself, kissing the end of her long hair. He saw a desperate light in Lillian¡¯s eyes as she trained. As if she was being chased, as if she would die if she didn¡¯t try desperately.

    To the demon Saleos, her desperation was very intriguing. Her wild efforts seemed to burn her soul. Such creatures living in darkness were bound to be drawn to this light. So, perhaps¡ªthat¡¯s why¨C he figured, he had the very rare curiosity and desire to see her grow.

    ¡°Get stronger quickly. Keep me entertained, interesting human.¡±

    With a small whisper, Saleos pressed his lips down on her white forehead. Her flesh smelled sweet enough for him to desire to chew and swallow her up.

    * * *

    Romance fantasy. A genre full of fancy social circles, attractive characters, magical, mysterious events, and romance. And a feast of beautiful, shiny dresses that can¡¯t be forgotten.

    But Lillian was shocked by the outfit she¡¯s wearing now. Her eyes directed towards the full-length mirror trembled with alarm.

    I can¡¯t believe you paid for these clothes! Perhaps we should seriously accuse Darkness of defamation and insult.

    However, Darkness, the creator of the costume, seemed very pleased. Nodding with his one eye still covered with bangs, he chatted,

    ¡°How do you like it, huh? It¡¯s a costume that brings out the wicked inner nature of man to the fullest. You¡¯re going to be the star of the arena, Black Rose! I¡¯ll raise you with my own hands! I¡¯ll give a lot of manure, attention, and affection until you bloom into a cluster of demonic flower blossoms¡­!!¡±

    Please shut up.

    Lillian couldn¡¯t bring herself to swear, so she grabbed the back of her neck. When she first heard that she had an outfit, she thought in passing it would look like a Spartan warrior costume in a foreign drama or movie.

    But the reality was bitter. The sight in the mirror was truly spectacular. A strong and sexy Spartan female warrior was nowhere to be found, and instead, a perverted woman stood in its stead¡ªwearing full-body tights.

    ¡®This isn¡¯t happening!!¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s face twisted with despair.

 Chapter 57

    Lillian¡¯s tight black leather tights wrapped all over her body from neck to toe. That alone is already terrible, but to add insult to injury, the leather was glossy!

    She wanted to bite her tongue with shame when she put on the tights with shiny sheen all over her body. Fortunately, Lillian had a great body shape because of her continuous training, but that didn¡¯t comfort her.

    There was even a hole in the middle of the full-length tights. Silver rings and chains hung in the gap of the sunset, adding to the sensibility of the middle ear disease. Lillian could have put all her money on this being Darkness¡¯s personal taste.

    ¡°Now, for the final piece, a mask¡­¡­Ta-da!¡±

    A mask was placed over Lillian¡¯s head, whose expression was stiff. It was a mask with a special fastening so that it wouldn¡¯t come off even if it moved around violently. [t1v: catwoman, is that you?]

    The mask covering half of the face was black, and it was very colorful with a silver border and pattern. There was a velvet black rose around the left eyehole. As if Darkness wanted to stick with the damn concept of ¡®Black Rose¡¯.

    ¡°How is it? Doesn¡¯t it feel like you¡¯re reborn? Whoa.¡±

    No. I felt like I needed to go out and die. Lillian trembled and looked at her miserable reflection in the mirror. To paraphrase it, she looked like a hard worker at an SM club who made money by whipping rich men¡¯s fat ass and trampling them with her high heels.

    [t1v: goals.]

    ¡°Is this it? What about the armor?

    Lillian asked in disbelief. Then Darkness shrugged and clapped his hands¡ªone of the Billons¡¯ staff waiting in the back brought in a box. Lillian was relieved to see this.

    ¡°Yes, we need armor. Tights are poor¡­¡­ I¡¯d be better off in armor.¡¯

    But it was too early to be reassured. When Lillian opened the box, there was a pitiful guard in it that was enough to make her think, ¡®Ugh.¡¯

    She wasn¡¯t roller skating! It was only elbows and knee pads.

    Lillian raised her trembling hand and pressed down on the protector.

    A thin, smooth protector cracked the surface, making a crisp sound by itself. Lillian¡¯s mind, which saw this, was also cracked.

    ¡®I won¡¯t do it. I can¡¯t!¡¯

    Eventually, Lillian, who exploded, began to tear off her tights. The material was so glossy that it didn¡¯t even tear well. So she got even angrier. Darkness, who saw her violent behavior, stopped her in surprise.

    ¡°Be careful! Your precious costume that took a long time to make will be ruined!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a mess! How am I supposed to wear this?! Are you out of your mind?¡±

    I¡¯m about to fight Salamander! It looks like you¡¯re going to fight a fire-breathing dinosaur! What¡¯s the use of all these flirting tights and crumbly armor!!!

    Lillian screamed inside. Darkness kicked his tongue when she saw her face red with anger. Then he lifted some of the ragged tights and asked.

    ¡°Do you have any idea what material this is made out of?¡±

    Do I know? Lillian sharpened her eyes on him with a look instead of answering.

    Maybe it was because she was a knight, but she looked quite daunting to Darkness. He made eye contact with her and felt a tingling. In the past, he thought she was just a pretty place, but now he felt strangely attached to her. Darkness, who did not think deeply due to lack of time, added an explanation.

    ¡°Listen, it¡¯s a leather fabric that¡¯s been treated with a special chemical, so it doesn¡¯t catch fire. This can last a couple of times, even in the face of a Salamander¡¯s fire. It¡¯s not just pretty to look at!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t pretty; it was hideous. The tights were so shiny that Lillian thought she could see her face in them like a black mirror. But flame resistance, that was the one good thing about them that was very tempting. Lillian¡¯s gaze softened a little, and Darkness spoke during her silence.

    ¡°Do you know how hard it is to find a female warrior for the Beauty and the Beast show? Yes? We can¡¯t let the gemstone we found after a long time burn to death in the first game. We consider the safety of the players. So please trust me more!¡±

    Instead of answering, Lillian reached out and grabbed an elbow brace. The guard cracked as she tightened her grip. She applied more force, and it completely split in half.

    Lillian, who flung it randomly, asked with a flick of her eyebrow.

    ¡°What about this?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­ We¡¯ll make your guard again.¡±

    ***

 Chapter 58

    Indeed, Darkness was quick to change his words like a local manager of the Billions loan company. However, suffering from an incurable severe bad fashion disease is a fatal disadvantage. Lillian clicked her tongue and brushed off the remaining debris of the protective gear on her hand. She raised his hand at the Darkness.

    ¡°I¡¯d like a pen and some paper, please. Even though tights can¡¯t be helped, I¡¯ll design the guard myself.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. We don¡¯t have much time left, so my people will¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°I, myself, will directly come up with it. I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    Don¡¯t make me talk too much. Lillian put coercion on her face with a smile on her face. Apparently, a lily-like beauty was smiling, and strangely, his spine felt a chill. Lillian¡¯s strength in her aura was also increasing as her sword skills increased.

    Seeing this, Darkness called in a staff member without saying a word and delivered what she wanted. Lillian¡¯s eyes, holding a pen in her hand, took on a serious glow.

    * * *

    ¡°Haaaa [Sigh].¡±

    A sweet sigh leaked out of her pale pink lips that resembled cherry blossoms. It was already her seventh sigh today. Enrique looked up from the documents in the office. His amethyst-like eyes scanned the black-haired beauty who sat far away.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯

    Lillian had been a bit strange lately. Of course, she was still diligent, never late, worked during the day, and trained with Enrique. That had not changed.

    Lillian¡¯s skills have improved to an alarming degree, apparently because she had known swordsmanship beforehand. Now Enrique was on the verge of occasional cold sweats when he handed over her sword. She was so talented; he wondered why she hadn¡¯t stood out before.

    Apart from that anyway, Lillian seemed preoccupied these days.

    Even now, her green eyes were wandering in the air as if she were thinking of something. She was so engrossed that she didn¡¯t even notice Enrique staring at her. Seeing this, Enrique thought casually to himself.

    ¡®You have a pretty profile.¡¯

    Lillian wasn¡¯t a conspicuous beauty at first sight. However, the contrast of white skin with a lot of black hair was striking, and the features were harmonious without any significant sharpness. Lillian was an attractive and charming lady in a knight¡¯s uniform and with her hair tied back.

    Enrique unwittingly studied Lillian¡¯s side profile of her face. Her forehead was straight and his nose was delicate, the lines of her face were elegant and smooth. She could have looked plain, but the lips underneath it were especially plump and red, drawing attention.

    Enrique, who was staring at her lips with concentration, suddenly blushed.

    What was he doing now? He wasn¡¯t a pervert who enjoyed voyeur women¡ªhe was just looking at other people¡¯s faces. Despite his excuses, he was ashamed of his actions. Enrique coughed and caught Lillian¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Hmm. Dame Lillian.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Oh, I¡¯m sorry, Enrique-nim.¡±

    Lillian, who awoke from her thoughts, was startled and apologized.

    She must have gotten lost in her thoughts again. Lillian¡¯s mind was filled with only one thought these days. She was the highlight of the Billions arena, the Beauty and the Beast show.

    ¡®It¡¯s already almost here, the day after tomorrow.¡¯

    Her heart sank when she thought about it. Lillian was doing her best, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Time was too short for her speed of improvement. Lillian didn¡¯t even defeat the water basilisk yet. Even a monster who was much weaker than Salamander.

    ¡®Isn¡¯t your debut day going to be a funeral?¡¯

    Any color bled out of Lillian¡¯s pale face. She could vividly visualize being in front of the Salamander¡¯s flame and becoming a bbq roast. It¡¯s probably crispy on the outside and moist on the inside since it¡¯s baked quickly at high temperatures.

    ¡®I hate it!!¡¯

    Lillian really didn¡¯t want to die. So she seriously pondered over it. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to sleep with Saleos? In order to have moral principles, one needed to be alive. What¡¯s wrong with having sex for a living? Since she had decided to sign a contract with a demon, she had prepared for this day.

    Yes, she thought, it was better to sleep with him. Saleos was a demon who had lived for many years, so he must have had a lot of experience. So he would do well for her first time without it hurting. Most of all, with his transformed appearance, he was incredibly handsome. If such a man was her first, it was too good to be true.

    Lillian was about to harden her heart and make up her mind. But somehow, she felt a gaze on her, turned towards it, and met Enrique¡¯s anxious eyes.

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m sorry. Did I look weird?¡±

    Don¡¯t tell me I smirked like a pervert thinking about Saleos¡¯ face?

    Lillian waited with bated breath for Enrique¡¯s answer. Then Enrique gazed into Lillian with a manly frown. An unexpected question came out of his mouth:

    ¡°You¡¯ve been a bit strange lately. Do you have any concerns?¡±

    ¡°What? No, it¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m sure there are worries.¡±

    Enrique said firmly, unlike usual. Actually, he was not wrong; Lillian was at a loss for words. Enrique boldly pushed her, who was speechless.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stand by this, as a superior. Tell me. What¡¯s the problem?¡±

 Chapter 59

    ¡°¡­¡­Then can I ask you a question?¡±

    Lillian asked back with an anxious look. Enrique nodded willingly. Then Lillian, who had been dithering, carefully opened her mouth.

    ¡°Have you ever fought a beast?¡±

    ¡°A beast? Do you mean a real battle against monsters?¡±

    Enrique looked a little surprised at the unexpected question. Seeing this, Lillian thought she was asking a useless question.

    Enrique Evans was the elite of the nobility who was guaranteed advancement. Then why would he be sent to a scene where monsters came out? It would be like a director of a chaebol company running errands for copies that only new employees would do.

    Surprisingly, however, her director seemed to have made some copies before. Enrique, who was pondering something, opened his mouth and replied.

    ¡°You know, it¡¯s been years. While patrolling near the coast, I ran into a group and fought them.¡±

    ¡°At the beach¡­¡­. What kind of monster was it?¡±

    ¡°Lizard Man.¡±

    Enrique¡¯s thoughtful eyes deepened. He seemed to recall the fierce battles of the past. Seeing this, Lillian felt an unexpected sense of homogeneity.

    Anyone who hasn¡¯t fought monsters in person wouldn¡¯t know the threats and fears of beings other than humans. Armed with large, sharp teeth, and frightening claws, they were too strong. On the other hand, humans were naked and helpless, having to risk their life with only a sword in hand.

    ¡°I heard Lizard Man is very strong, that¡¯s amazing.¡±

    Lillian actually didn¡¯t even know what kind of monster Lizard Man was. So she picked out the most generic words possible. Fortunately, Lillian didn¡¯t seem to have said anything wrong. Enrique, nodded and replied,

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a monster that usually eats fish. But sometimes they eat human young children, or take virgins as wives. So considering the security of the village, we had to kill them.¡±

    But contrary to his words, Enrique¡¯s expression darkened. He sounded as if he were trying to rationalize his action. The fact that he killed a group of monsters seemed to bother him. He was such a sweet and straight-forward person.

    Lillian somehow seemed able to understand Enrique¡¯s mind. She also slayed monsters in the visions made by Sal¨¦os, but if it were real, she would be distraught. Even if she was defending herself, it was not easy to cut off a life with one¡¯s own hands.

    ¡°You did well. Because of you I am sure the townspeople were very relieved.¡±

    Saddened, Lillian casually reached out and comforted the back of Enrique¡¯s hand. Enrique was startled by the unexpected contact. As soon as their eyes met, Enrique¡¯s white cheeks turned red.

    ¡°What a strange person you are.¡±

    Enrique muttered as he turned his head. It was hard to put into words, but the moment their eyes met felt somehow special. It felt like Lillian really looked at him and understood him. Feeling vulnerable, he was shy even though he was also comforted.

    The two were silent for a moment. There was a strangely bitter and sweet air flowing between them. Enrique heistated, his fresh face dyed red. He was uncomfortable in this type of atmosphere, it was unfamiliar and awkward and he didn¡¯t know what to do. So he changed the subject with a cough.

    ¡°Anyway, Lizard Man¡¯s skin is full of water. So they are very flame resistant. It¡¯s good for gloves or outerwear. I also made some out of their leather back then.¡±

    After speaking, Enrique wanted to bite his tongue. What? Gloves made of monster skin? How could he say that in this atmosphere?

    Enrique bowed his head in self-loathing and ridicle for the first time in a long time.

    Suddenly something grabbed his shoulders and his vision was filled with Lillian¡¯s face. She exclaimed, her charming green eyes, shining like stars,

    ¡°Those gloves, can you show me?¡±

    * * *

    ¡°They¡¯re ugly,¡±

    declared Saleos, raising an eyebrow. Lillian pouted and protested,

    ¡°Is that the pressing problem now? It¡¯s much better to be ugly than to be burned to death!¡±

    ¡°I would rather burn to death than wear those gloves.¡±

    ¡­..Let¡¯s not argue.

    Lillian trembled and turned away from Saleos.

    Her hands donned the gloves Enrique lent her. When Lillian showed great interest in these gloves, he gladly lent them to her, believing her lie that, ¡®I wanted to refer to the design.¡¯

    To be honest, these gloves made of monster leather were not pretty. It was a mottled ochre color with unknown stripes. If Lillian had to describe it, it felt like the skin of a moldy crocodile¡¯s living in the Amazon. Enrique, who believed Lillian words that it was pretty, must have been a naive angel.

    Instead of being concerned that it was ugly, she was enamored that these gloves were resistant to flames. So in two days time what she faced the Salamander¡¯s flame in the Billion¡¯s arena she would be protected. Lillian¡¯s expression darkened when she recalled the match coming up.

    ¡®Can I really make it out alive?¡¯

    She hadn¡¯t even won against the water basilisk yet. How could she beat Salamander, who was stronger than them? Of course, Saleos said he wouldn¡¯t let her die, but she didn¡¯t have much faith. He was a demon after all.

    ¡®It¡¯s probably a lie. Wouldn¡¯t it be easier to eat my soul after I¡¯m dead? Maybe that¡¯s why he forced me to go to the arena.¡­!¡¯

    ***

 Chapter 60

    Son of a bitch! Lillian¡¯s green eyes flashed with suspicion. Maybe it was all an amusing prank to have her train this hard? Covering her eyes and trying to hide his true purpose!

    It made sense the more she thought about it. Lillian was on the verge of going insane. You believe the devil¡¯s words because there is no one else to trust!! Lillian¡¯s shoulders, tightly closed, trembled with fear and chagrin.

    ¡°Oh, my.¡±

    With a wry smile, Saleos reached out and hugged her. He hugged her like a child. Lillian was surprised by the instant increase of her height and vision and grabbed his shoulder in bewilderment. Saleos smiled, revealing his white teeth.

    ¡°Chae Soo-Yeon, you are my precious contractor. I can¡¯t let you die in an arena. When you die, I¡¯ll have to go back to boring hell again. So don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll never let you die.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­really?¡±

    Lillian asked him desperately, clinging to him without realizing it. She was so emotionally fragile that his haughty remarks were comforting and welcomed.

    Of course, she still suspected Saleos. But in this critical situation, where she had nothing else to believe in, she needed hope. While Lillian¡¯s tearful face looked at him, Saleos smiled even more sweetly.

    ¡°Of course. I haven¡¯t tasted you yet, do you think I would let you die?¡±

    Saleos¡¯s subtle voice was too seductive. His low, throbbing voice seemed to penetrate and travel up her spine. Lillian, who blushed at this, said softly,

    ¡°Of course you can¡¯t let me die. I¡¯m participating in this game because of Sal¨¦os. So take responsibility and train me.¡±

    Saleos¡¯ words, of course, were a great comfort. But it was never a primary solution. Chae Ji-yeon had a lot of expectations in her life, and the majority of them were blocked from happening. The opportunity she wanted was taken away by everyone else. Because she had no money or power.

    When disappointment was too great, expectations naturally disappeared. She didn¡¯t really expect anyone else to help her. Even if someone helped, there was a condition. Even if there was a relationship, what if that relationship fell apart? And you still couldn¡¯t help yourself? What would happen then?

    So the best thing you could rely on was power you had yourself.

    Saleos was a means to this end, never an end in itself. Still, this time¡­¡­.

    ¡°Thank you, Saleos. Thank you for comforting me, I am relieved because of you.¡±

    Lillian, who hesitated for a while, smiled shyly at him. She was grateful to Saleos for boasting that he would not let her die. Lillian¡¯s sincere face sparkled like a star.

    The moment I saw that smile, Saleos¡¯ face hardened for a moment. His expressionless face was as cold as a stranger. Seeing this, Lillian doubted her own eyes.

    ¡®Hmm?¡¯

    At that very moment, Saleos smiled again as usual. He pulled up his charming red lips.

    ¡°Good, you¡¯re ready, aren¡¯t you? To train.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Ah, yes. Of course. I¡¯m ready.¡±

    Maybe she saw wrong? Lillian tilted her head and raised her sword. It was a very short moment, so she wasn¡¯t sure if she saw his expression correctly. However, there was no time to ponder about it, when the vision made by Saleos appeared in front of her.

    Kyyyyyyeeekkk-!! [monster scream sfx]

    The water basilisk stamped its feet with a terrifying roar. There was no room for thought against the giant water lizard. Lillian immediately lowered her body, clearing her head of miscellaneous thoughts.

    There were only two days left.

    * * *

    ¡°Ah.¡±

    Lillian opened her eyes, startled by the feeling of her body falling down. As soon as she opened her eyes, she was faced with Saleos¡¯ overly-beautiful face. He raised his head as he tried to lay Lillian down with his red eyes downcast.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­what happened? What¡¯s this place?

    Lillian looked around, asking in bewilderment. Suddenly, she was in her bedroom. Perhaps Saleos opened his eyes while carrying her and placing her in bed.

    Saleos smiled sweetly at Lillian, who looked puzzled because she couldn¡¯t grasp the situation.

    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t remember? Our¡­ ¡®hot moments.¡¯¡±

    What was he saying all of a sudden? Sal¨¦os whispered with a smirk but his words were unusual.

    Lillian¡¯s green eyes started to tremble. She quickly recalled what she was doing before she lost consciousness.

 Chapter 61

    Fortunately, Lillian was able to recall her memories before being further teased by him. Frowning with concentration, she jumped out of bed.

    ¡°I lost again¡ª didn¡¯t I? Right? I must have fainted during practice¡­.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s voice gradually became more and more depressed. It was because the water basilisk reminded her about how far behind her was. Why the hell was she so weak?

    She lamented. After seeing her despair, Saleos smiled and spoke up:

    ¡°You seem to have a surprisingly good memory.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I remember stabbing the water basilisk in the eye, but after that¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°You got whacked by its tail, went flying, and when you bounced off you hit your head. Naturally, you lost consciousness. Human beings are fragile.¡±

    Saleos squeezed Lilian¡¯s shoulder as he laid back on the bed, speaking gently.

    Lillian sighed at his observation and felt the back of her head. Fortunately, there was no pain or swelling perhaps because it was a fantasy space.

    ¡®But I¡¯m an idiot who can¡¯t even beat an illusion.¡¯

    Lillian thought, self-despairingly.

    Today¡¯s practice was over, so there was one practice left. But even if she won tomorrow, it wouldn¡¯t change anything. The real Salamander was stronger than the water basilisk she battled.

    Even if she beat the water basilisk, there was no guarantee that she would win against the Salamander. What a sad excuse of a sword master she was. Lillian, who lost all confidence, sighed deeply.

    ¡°Haaaa [Sigh]¡­¡±

    I guess it can¡¯t be helped, Lillian thought rationally even in the midst of dismay. She tried her best within the given time, but she didn¡¯t get to the level that she yearned for.

    There was a limit to Lillian¡¯s development as she learned fencing for the first time.

    But she couldn¡¯t just give up and throw up her hands and say ¡®Oh well¡¯ and die.

    She didn¡¯t train so desperately to die just like that.

    Lillian rather be a side character that died at the hands of the male protagonist than have such a vain death, erasing even the slightest significance she had in the original work.

    Now there was only one path left for Lillian. She was no longer in a situation where she could hesitate.

    ¡°Saleos-nim.¡±

    Determined, Lillian called Saleos. He smiled gorgeously, his eyes lit, and replied with a low gentle voice,

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I want to make a deal. I¡¯ll pay you¡­¡­ so please make me stronger,¡±

    Lillian said as she blushed and her eyelashes fluttered.

    Her eyes were flushed with shyness, but her lips were set with a determination.

    The smile slowly disappeared from Saleos¡¯ face after seeing this. He stared at Lillian in silence.

    Fortunately, he didn¡¯t make her repeat herself nor did he ask her if she meant it.

    ¡®Then you can¡¯t run away.¡¯

    Saleos¡¯ golden eyes darkened with deep desire.

    Alas, he had been waiting for this moment. His contractor was truly interesting, beautiful, fragile, and yet unyielding. So it made Saleos¡¯ craving sweeter. Until, after all, such a shameful move.

    He bent over and kissed Lillian slowly. It was a soft and sweet kiss, just like nibbling melting cream. A gentle kiss masked his insidious passions as he reassured his prey.

    ¡°Ah¡­.¡±

    Unintentionally, Lillian opened her lips like a butterfly drunk on the scent of honey.

    Then Saleos wrapped his arms and hands around her neck and body and kissed her a little deeper.

    A tongue slightly hotter than human body temperature touched her teeth and entangled itself with the tip of her tongue. Whenever that happened, little gasps leaked out from her as her body¡¯s temper increased.

    Licking his lips, he raised his large body and overshadowed Lillian¡¯s body. It was Lillian¡¯s first time being under a man¡¯s body, she gulped, tense.

    Saleos gently caressed her neck and shoulder with his big, hot hands. After doing this several times Lillian gradually relaxed.

    Happy with his results, Saleos smiled, bowed his head, and kissed her shoulder, gradually kissing her neck and collarbone carefully as if he were studying delicate petals.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right, you won¡¯t feel any pain. I promise you on my name.¡±

    ***

 Chapter 62

    The sweet devil¡¯s whisper soaked her ears. He promised not to hurt her. He wasn¡¯t trying to rush it, but to reassure her.

    ¡°Ahhhh ohhh¡­..¡±

    Lillian sat with her hands behind her back, her knees up. Her eyes were drunk and hazy, and hot breath flowed out of her red lips. Between her smooth, white legs was someone¡¯s red hair moving obscenely up and down. As if to imply the lewd acts underneath it.

    Every time he sucked between her white thighs her lower back trembled.

    It was arousing, something was building up as her body got hotter. His firm fingers easily opened the petals of her wet secret. And something hot and soft pressed down on her bulging pearl.

    ¡°Oh, uh¡­!¡±

    Lillian¡¯s legs shook with the new sensation. Sensitive, she felt a small climax just from his tongue grazing her clitoris.

    Saleos raised his mouth and gently rubbed his thumb over her center.

    ¡°Do you feel good? It smells like lust here.¡±

    ¡°Hugnnn, ah¡­¡­ Ohhh!¡±

    Every time his fingers rubbed her clitoris, her vision went blank. Lillian twisted her back to escape this hellish pleasure. Saleos held her thighs firmly and lowered his head again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t refuse. I¡¯ll make you feel it again and again.¡±

    His wet lips gripped her pearl, sucked it, and poked her vaginal entrance with the tip of his tongue. The pleasure she felt every time he did so resembled mild vertigo. Lillian closed her eyes tightly to clear her swirling vision. The pleasure between her legs became stronger.

    ¡°It tastes sour like fruit. It¡¯s not fully ripe yet, but it will soon.¡±

    As if to prove the truth of his words, Saleos pushed a finger in. Lillian tightened inside unconsciously due to the sudden feeling of a foreign body. His finger squeezed in the narrow tunnel and rubbed against Lillian¡¯s inner walls of her lower abdomen.

    At the same time, Saleos began caressing her clitoris gently with the tip of his tongue.

    It was a very strange sensation. The place he licked felt as if it would melt, but the fingers digging inside was strange, maybe that¡¯s why her insides kept trying to push his finger away without realizing it. As if egged on his fingers ran wildly inside, rubbing around her inner walls, as if he was searching for something.

    ¡°Oh, I feel¡­¡­ That¡¯s, ahhh!!¡±

    Lillian, who was about to complain with tearful eyes, suddenly moaned. As soon as his finger pressed down on a point, it was as thrilling as an electric current flowed through her body. What the hell was that? Lillian¡¯s eyes got bigger.

    ¡°Here it is. Your favorite place.¡±

    Saleos¡¯ golden eyes flashed with cruel joy. At the same time, his fingers began rubbing the area in earnest. Every time Lillian couldn¡¯t even moan properly and flinched.

    There seemed to be constant sparks in her eyes. A lot of honey leaked out from her insides melted by pleasure. Her legs became damp, and she could hear the sound of wetness splashing in her ears. While ashamed of her lewdness, she was ecstatic, Lillian¡¯s body beyond her control.

    ¡°Uh, Ahhh¡­ Ohhh!¡±

    Taking advantage of Lillian¡¯s panic at the unfamiliar pleasure, the fingers that were going in and out of her core stretched to three. It was intense, but the pleasure was overwhelming and she couldn¡¯t come to her senses.

    His fingertips rubbed her inner wall like a ball of excitement arose and grew larger from within.

    Saleos bowed over and licked her clitoris. Sucking her swollen nib with his lips he brought her to a climax. At that moment, Lillian, whose insides rumbled, reached a peak that she had never experienced before.

    ¡°Ha, uh¡­ Ohahhhh!!¡±

    Even while she trembled during her orgasm, Saleos did not lift his lips but persistently buried his face in her sweet-smelling pussy, gently licking off the flow of love liquid dripping off her genitalia.

    And as Lilian¡¯s body sagged and relaxed in the afterglow from her peak, her legs naturally softened and opened. Saleos slowly pushed his alarming organ towards her secret entrance.

    ¡°Hugh¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°Are you scared? It¡¯s okay. It won¡¯t hurt.¡±

    Really? Lillian asked back with a fearful glance.

    Saleos was rubbing his large penis against her wet pussy. If something like that came inside of her it would be ridiculously painful.

    Lillian licked her chapped lips, about to speak up but Saleos¡¯ low voice spoke sweetly first,

    ¡°Relax.¡±

    At the same time, an object that could not even be compared to his fingers pushed inward towards her core.

    Lillian¡¯s green eyes widened from the shock. She could vividly sense his cock forcefully widening against her squeezing twitching inner walls.

    ¡®Really¡­ ..it¡¯s in!¡¯

 Chapter 63

    Lillian, being embraced by a man for the first time, trembled. There was no pain. Saleos must have done something for her.

    But pain and the discomfort of widening and filling her full were two separate issues. His erection was so gigantic that it seemed to fill her up to her stomach.

    She was afraid that something might go wrong or something might rupture.

    Unknowingly, Lillian started panting and while attempting to push back on Saleos¡¯ firm shoulders. Saleos took the hand pushing against him, tenderly grasped her hand, interlocking their fingers, and kissed the back of her hand. With a strikingly charming smile and twinkling eyes, the sight calmed Lillian down.

    ¡°Relax, shh. It doesn¡¯t hurt, does it? Right?¡±

    His golden eyes started to glow a burning bright red. The moment Lillian encountered his eyes full of terrible ferocious passion, her lower abdomen seemed to constrict and she felt a piercing wetness. Lillian mewed unintentionally, caressing her belly that held his members.

    ¡°No, it hurts¡­ It¡¯s too big¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t hurt. Your insides are so soft that it¡¯s melting and sticking. Your insides are chewing on my cock.¡±

    Saleos whispered cruelly in a friendly voice. At the same time, his penis pushed itself in, all the way to his roots. He touched Lillian¡¯s deep core inside. At that moment, Lillian¡¯s eyes flashed.

    ¡°Ah, Huhhh! Oh!¡±

    Saleos began to explore her insides slowly. At first, he moved softly as if to reassure Lillian. Then his thrusts gradually accelerated, his hard penis penetrating her insides like ripe pulp.

    When his swollen head hit her sensitive spot that made Lillian struggle earlier, she couldn¡¯t pull herself together. Every time he pushed into her, her whole body shuddered as if she had been electrocuted by a weak electric current.

    ¡°Uh! Oh, no¡­ There¡­¡­!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not ¡®no¡¯, you like it, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Lillian shook her head in tears. Then Saleos grabbed her chin and kissed her. Like his tongue came through her panting lips, a big, hot cock came into her core. His rhythmic thrusts filled her body with joy.

    ¡°Do you know where you¡¯re feeling it¡ª it¡¯s very deep, right?¡± [t1v: some people have an orgasmic spot/g spot near their cervce¡ªlearn more on my discord¡¯s sex ed channel]

    ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t know¡­..Ah! Ohh!!¡±

    ¡°Some people won¡¯t even be able to reach it. It¡¯s so greedy. It¡¯ll never be satisfied unless it¡¯s big.¡±

    Saleos pushed his own deeper, panting. His strong waist, with a hot erection raging wildly and drove into Lillian.

    His pillar rubbed against her insides, teasing and arousing her, then pulled out roughly and stabbed her weak spot.

    As Saleos was relentless, her body was seized with a sense of pleasure that was so intense that the fluffy hairs on her whole body stood up.

    ¡°¡­¡­Oh, my gosh!!¡±

    The sweet vertigo, which was now familiar to Lillian now was overwhelming. Her mind flashed white and blank as her narrow interior tightened around his member and contracted greedily. Saloes then moved more violently with his jaw clenched.

    ¡°Soo-Yeon, Soo-Yeon¡­¡­!!¡±

    ¡°Ah, no, no more! Hic, ahhhh!¡±

    Saleos, who had not yet come down from his climax, shoved his penis to the root. Then he began to pound the inside violently from above.

    Her wet pussy convulsed, with transparent liquid splashing from her wet labia. He stimulated the entire inner wall.

    There was no pain, but the was problem the pleasure was excessive. Lillian¡¯s head was dizzy because of the lack of oxygen, and her eyes flashed with stars¡¯ extreme pleasure. She clung desperately to his shoulder, floundering like a butterfly drowning in honey.

    Even though he would kiss her tenderly, her demon never let her go.

    * * *

    Suffering from last night¡¯s hellish pleasures, she managed to get to work with a heavy body. Her face became haggard overnight, the gentle Enrique was startled.

    ¡°Are you ill or in pain? I¡¯d rather you take sick leave.¡±

    Enrique looked down at Lillian with a worried look. Her elegant eyes were reddening, and her lips were much more swollen than usual.

    She must have had a fever. Enrique, who unintentionally reached out and touched Lillian¡¯s forehead, while tilting his head in inquiry.

    ¡®No fever.¡¯

    Lillian, who was silently receiving Enrique¡¯s touch, pulled down her hand. And mumbled in a cracked voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Never mind.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll ask the administration for your early leave, so stay here for a while. I¡¯d rather you go back home and rest today.¡±

    Enrique spoke fast and left the office. She couldn¡¯t believe he was going to apply for an early leave for his subordinate. It was really Enrique-like behavior.

    Lillian, looking at Enrique¡¯s disappearing back, closed her eyes. She had cried so much yesterday that her eyes were dry. She¡¯d had only vaguely imagined what sex would be like, but her first experience was really amazing.

    ***

 Chapter 64

    It was much more lewd, shocking, and intense than she had expected.

    Lillian muttered, massaging the muscles of her thighs:

    ¡°Just try not to be strong like this.¡±

    Her poor, hoarse voice was pitiful even to her own ears. But Lillian was serious. Saleos was very attractive, but that didn¡¯t mean she was in love.

    If you slept with a man you didn¡¯t even love, and all you had left was body aches? It was such a losing deal.

    Lillian lay face down on the desk, frowning. When she laid face down, her eyes hurt, so she changed her position to the side. Her current condition was so bad that she couldn¡¯t even tell if she was stronger or not. I just wanted to leave early and go home as soon as possible.

    ¡®I¡¯m gonna take a nap and try it again.¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s determined eyelids slowly closed. It was supposed to be a little shut-eye until Enrique returned.

    Just a little bit.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m speechless.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. She is ¡­.and again she is¡­¡­ do.¡±

    In the distance, Enrique was speaking quietly, rebuking someone¡¯s acrimonious voice. But it was hard to hear in Lillian¡¯s deeply troubled ears. Enrique, who glanced at Lillian, lowered his voice more,

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you move over here instead of doing this?¡±

    ¡°Why? Because she¡¯ll wake up?¡±

    It was unexpectedly Prince El Seed who responded sarcastically. His flirty eyes were showing a wicked temper. Where his eyes, as red as the sun, were directed, was, of course, Lillian.

    ¡°She¡¯s sleeping every time I see her, shouldn¡¯t she be disciplined?¡±

    ¡°Sir Lillian¡¯s early leave request has already been granted. So she¡¯s not on duty right now. There¡¯s no reason to discipline her.¡±

    Enrique countered in a stiff tone. El Seed then stroked his sharp jawline and murmured, ¡°I see.¡±

    His beautiful face smiled wickedly through his golden-threaded hair.

    ¡°What a strange thing to say, Marquis Evans. What makes a man as sincere as you protect a slumber of negligence?¡±

    ¡°As a supervisor, it¡¯s a natural duty to lead and protect your subordinates.¡±

    ¡°Is that really all?¡±

    El Seed asked with his arms crossed and narrowed eyes.

    He seemed to ask if Enrique had her in mind. Enrique looked angry and responded,

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, but it¡¯s is an insult to Dame Lillian. Your Highness, she¡¯s in a very difficult situation right now but she¡¯s trying her best.¡±

    ¡°It seems to me that her best is sleeping.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what a knight does in their free time. But please be aware of this, Your Grace. Dame Lillian is desperately striving every moment as a Legonian knight and as a human being. Please don¡¯t insult my trivial favors towards Dame Lillian.¡±

    ¡°Okay, calm down. You¡¯re the one who will wake up that sleepyhead.¡±

    El Seed, who replied half-heartedly, glanced back at Lillian. There was a gleam in his indifferent eyes.

    The way she slept, she looked quite comfortable, but there seemed to be a surprisingly wretched story that made the upright Enrique protect her.

    After what Enrique said, she certainly seemed a little tired. Now that he looked at her, her white face was particularly reddish. It didn¡¯t look like she was sleeping but rather she was in pain. Even her sleeping face looked particularly pitiful because of her of worries.

    ¡®Come to think of it, last time¡­Didn¡¯t you say your father was missing?¡¯

    Indeed that was a bit pitiful. El Seed¡¯s selfish mind finally swabbed a booger of sympathy. He clicked his tongue and turned his back to her. Finally, he ordered Enrique bitterly.

    ¡°Heal her until she leaves for the Kingdom of Tril. I don¡¯t want to see a sloppy guard.¡¯¡±

    Until then, El Seed had not looked forward to it. How will Lillian, who he put in the escort party on a whim, perform when attacked in the future?

 Chapter 65

    After Lillian left work early, as soon as she arrived home she headed to the gym in her backyard. Skeptical, she cautiously swung her sword a couple of times.

    Indeed, Saleos gave her the ¡°reward¡± she desired so badly, she was noticeably stronger. It was the terms of the deal in the first place.

    However, the result was the same several times. She hasn¡¯t gotten stronger yet. Lillian frowned and grimaced, calling her demon.

    ¡°Saleos-nim!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    Saleos who appeared behind her smiled softly.

    His expression was indifferent as if they hadn¡¯t had such a hot affair. Rather, Lillian, who summoned him, blushed a little.

    It was her first time sleeping with someone so she was unfamiliar with how to face someone after she shared a bed with them.

    ¡°Well, Mr. Sal¨¦os. We did¡­. you know¡­ Anyway, that¡­ But I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve gotten any stronger¡­¡­what the hell is going on here, umm?

    Lillian, was first hesitant because she was shy, but as she began to talk she became more heated. Why did she need to test it out and ask? Deals should naturally be fulfilled!

    Tomorrow she would be in the arena facing a monster. Her life was at stake and if Saleos didn¡¯t hold up his part of the bargain she would be in trouble. Seeing Lillian determined gaze, Saleos shrugged and explained,

    ¡°That¡¯s because I haven¡¯t given you the power yet. I also need time to absorb the emotional energy I received from you with my powers. It doesn¡¯t work right away.¡±

    ¡°¡­How long does that take?¡±

    It was the first time she heard such a condition. Lillian asked with fear softening her voice. Her face turned pale with anxiety, scared she might not be able to get stronger abilities in time and seriously get hurt in the betting ring. Saleos, who saw her anxious expression, laughed aloud.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Because it¡¯s already over.¡±

    ¡°What the hell man! I was worried.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s red eyes glared at him with a disgruntled face. Saleos gently hugged her around the waist to soothe her.

    ¡°Come on, come here. I¡¯ll give you the power I promised.¡±

    He bowed his head and kissed Lillian lightly. His fragrant breath flowed through his open lips. There was not only warmth, but something else mixed together in his breath. Something very thick, sticky, very hot.

    Lillian felt his breath spread throughout her body. In particular, the marrow in her arms, legs, hands, and shoulders heated up. She had glimpses of Saleos giving her ¡°ability¡± before but it had never been like this.

    Lillian¡¯s eyes grew wide as she instinctively realized that her physical abilities had been bolstered.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    As soon as the kiss was over, Lillian pushed Saleos away and looked down on her hands in awe.

    She picked up the sword that she dropped after her drill. Testing it out, she swung her sword a few times, the sword drawing a sharp orbit that was incomparable to her past skill.

    Not only that but her speed, technique, and stamina were much higher.

    Lillian, who was dazed by her changes, ran a few laps as a test. First, she jumped in place, then ran around the field. Her legs were as thin and solid as deer as usual. But the strength she retained inside was like a bull.

    ¡°No way.¡±

    Lillian covered her mouth with both hands, trying to hide her joy. Saleos, who was watching her from behind, asked,

    ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    ¡°Of course! You¡¯re not going to take this back later, are you?¡±

    Lillian, who couldn¡¯t hide her smile, suddenly looked serious. This was the problem with abilities received from others. No matter how shiny it was in your hands, you never know when it would crumble like a pile of sand and disappear.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. One can¡¯t take something you already paid for without a reason. The same is true of our dealings. You have paid the promised price, and therefore the ability is entirely yours.¡±

    Fortunately, Saleos¡¯ answer was positive. As soon as she heard it, Lillian¡¯s face brightened up. Her eyes sparkled as if they were on fire, filled with indescribable glee.

    Of course, Lillian had been practicing and had been training desperately. However, like art, physical skills, including swordsmanship, had a common ¡°glass-ceiling¡± dictated by DNA.

    And to her chagrin, Lillian Rosetti¡¯s talent had clear limits. She tried her best and no matter how hard she tried she barely exceeded the average talent and barely beyond that.

    So she needed a deal with Saleos. To overcome this inherent limitation. And to grab power for herself.

    ¡®Who¡¯s gonna die like the original? Let¡¯s just see.¡¯

    Lillian pursed her lips and looked down at the sword in her hand.

    Poor supporting actress, Lillian Rosetti. Only a bridesmaid for the heroine Aleyna.

    After that, she was cannon fodder for the male lead to kill to vent his anger. All this happened because Lillian Rosetti had no power or ability.

    Then she just needed strength and ability. It was enough for her to become so great that the heroine couldn¡¯t have her in a supporting role, so strong that the male protagonist wouldn¡¯t dare become angry and vent his wrath on her.

    ¡®I¡¯ll do anything for that.¡¯

    ***

 Chapter 66

    Lillian¡¯s white hands trembled with passion. Her soul that had lived in other people¡¯s shadows all her life laughed excitedly in anticipation. Observing her from afar, Saleos thought quietly,

    ¡®You¡¯re an interesting person.¡¯

    In Saleos¡¯ eyes, she was like a moth of fire jumping into the flames. She was foolish and useless but burned blindingly bright at the moment when it burns itself. Salos was very excited about what kind of light she would show him.

    ¡°Should I test the new powers you¡¯ve gained?¡±

    ¡°Are you going to start practice?¡±

    Lillian looked back at him, delighted. It was that moment when she felt her body completely change and itching to move. Meanwhile, Saleos¡¯ suggestion was very tempting.

    As her twinkling eyes turned at him, Saleos was drenched with a strange satisfaction. He smiled, revealing a row of white, straight teeth, and whispered gently.

    ¡°Yes, because today is the last day of training. You¡¯re ready, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Let¡¯s get started!¡±

    Lillian replied with the most confidence he¡¯d ever seen. Not able to imagine the future that was going to befall her soon.

    * * *

    The monster, the water basilisk, that Saleos summoned, looked the same as usual.

    It was the same giant lizard, with a long threatening tail, fierce eyes, and a slightly long neck. However, one strange thing was that one eye of the water basilisk was injured and blind. Upon examining it, Lillian tilted her head, thinking something was strange.

    ¡®Umm, what is it? This is a continuation of the last training? Why did you deliberately make it realistic?¡±

    In yesterday¡¯s session, Lillian managed to stab the Water Basilisk in the eye. Immediately afterward she had been wacked by its tail and lost consciousness. However, the summoned water basilisk looked exactly the same. Lillian, who observed this, thought something was wrong.

    Kyyyyaaaaaakkkkk-!!

    The water basilisk roared upon discovering Lillian, its eyes glowing red.

    It suddenly spewed a stream of terribly terrifying water pressure from its mouth. When Lillian saw this, her speculative thoughts were quickly wiped from her mind, now focused on the battle. Before she knew it, the Water Basilisk¡¯s attack flew right in front of her.

    ¡°Oh!¡±

    If it were her from before she would have been hit by the stream of water. But now Lillian swiveled and avoided it easily. The water attack flying toward her seemed as slow as a joke. Her footwork was faster than before, so it was suddenly all too easy.

    ¡®I guess my senses and instincts have improved.¡¯

    Lillian was amazed and stepped back and saw a gap in the monster¡¯s defense. The thick, scaly leg was cut with surprising ease. The water basilisk screamed painfully and retreated back.

    Lillian didn¡¯t miss the opportunity. Saleos taught her better: Once you get the chance, you keep pushing until you win. Following the teachings, Lillian wielded a sword and pressed the water basilisk into a defensive stance.

    Kyyyyaaaaakkkk-!! [monster shouting sfx]

    In desperation, the monster put its all in its last tail attack. It was like a log was being swung at her.

    Lillian, who was hit by this yesterday, was knocked out at once. But getting hit was out of the question for Lillian now.

    She took a ¡°Myer-style sword¡± position with much lighter legs than before. Without difficulty, she evaded the basilisk¡¯s tail and stabbed its body. Her sword arm, which was much stronger than before, easily penetrated the hard scaly back of the basilisk.

    Kreukkk, koohhhh¡­[monster suffering sfx]

    The water basilisk, which suffered from a deadly blow, struggled. Then Lillian stabbed it in the neck as fast as lightning. She cleverly struck the monster from its blind side catching it unawares.

    Stab¡ª

    The feeling of sharp iron penetrating the skin was still terrible. But Lillian also welcomed this sense, slitting the monster¡¯s neck in a familiar gesture now, it was a Hector Meyer¡¯s technique of quick stabs and thrusts.

    ¡®Okay, I won!¡¯

    Convinced of her incredibly enhanced combat capabilities, Lillian¡¯s face shined brightly.

 Chapter 67

    At the end of the day, the water basilisk, which gave Lillian its neck, slowly fell to its side. Its only one remaining eye glared bloodily at Lillian. His eyes were intense, with a bitter intuition about its impending death.

    ¡®It¡¯s so realistic,¡¯

    Lillian thought as she brushed off the blood from her blade. Then she looked down at the monster to see the consequence of the attacks she had inflicted. At that moment, Lillian¡¯s eyes grew wide.

    ¡®These wounds¡­¡­.¡¯

    The fallen water basilisk had small wounds all over its body. Lillian could recall most of them because she had caused those traces.

    ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯

    No matter how realistic an illusion was, was it possible to accurately document all those small cuts? Was Saleos such a meticulous and attentive demon to begin with? Even so, is it possible to reflect all these imprints that he didn¡¯t remember?

    Troubled, Lillian lowered her sword and studied the monster that lay in front of her. A teardrop slowly flowed out from its bloodshot eye as it exhaled its last breath. The hatred and fear of a soul-bound being upon approaching death¡ªsomething that couldn¡¯t be replicated by magic¡ªwere all directed at Lillian.

    ¡°Well, good work. You finally did it.¡±

    At this time, Saleos moved his hands to cast a spell to remove the water basilisk. There was nothing left where the dying monster lay down. Lillian stared blankly at the empty spot and blinked. Saleos reached out to her and twirled her around.

    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, Soyeon! You did well. You should be confident facing the Salamander tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m dizzy! Mr. Sal¨¦os! Stop it, please!¡±

    Lillian tapped him on the shoulder. Now that her grip was quite powerful, Saleos let her go, pretending to be injured. He kissed her cheek as if she was pleased with her growth.

    Lillian received the kiss with a smile. But one corner of her head was still cold. Somehow Saleos¡¯s friendly act seemed to attempt to hide something from her. But before Lillian could clear her mind and organize her thoughts, Saleos pushed her back.

    ¡°Now, why don¡¯t you go to bed? Maintaining your condition is the most important thing you need to do for tomorrow¡¯s competition.¡±

    Lillian, who lay on the bed, blinked, half hugged him. She didn¡¯t want to fall asleep yet. There was something that was nagging for her attention.

    I think¡­have to think about it a little bit more¡­.

    Strangely enough, my eyes¡­ Kept¡ªblink¡ª Again and again¡­

    ¡°Sweet dreams.¡±

    May you be protected in your dreams, Saleos muttered as he slowly closed her eyes. The relaxed smile that had always hung on his face disappeared as if the mask had been taken off. Saleos reached out and caressed Lillian¡¯s white cheeks.

    Today, he had taken advantage of her stupor, distracted her, and quickly put her concerns aside. He had even used his ability to put her to sleep. But this tactic wouldn¡¯t succeed in the future. She hadn¡¯t adapted to this world yet, but she¡¯s never been stupid.

    Silently Saleos removed his hand from Lillian¡¯s cheek.

    * * *

    She must be crazy. Lillian was so nervous that she kept opening and clenching her cold sweaty palms. Her hands felt stiff even though she had done ample stretching. Perhaps the tension from the upcoming battle manifested in her rigid body.

    But the audience thought differently. Ecstatic, Darkness approached Lillian while clapping his hands.

    ¡°You look great, Lily¡­No, Black Rose! You¡¯re the most popular newbie in the arena! Everyone will kneel under your feet and beg you to give them a whipping.¡±

    ¡­¡­Why should I hit people with a whip?

    Lillian was dumbfounded as she shot Darkness a look that she thought he was being absurd over her mask.

    Then his expression became even more ecstatic. Like a person who got a reward.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it! A little more ferocious! Please stare at me with contempt!!¡±

    Oh, my God, he¡¯s an idiot.

    Lillian gritted her teeth and looked away from Darkness and instead observed her own reflection in the mirror. Fortunately, she looked much better than last time.

    Her black tight bodysuit was the same but unlike before she was also donning the armour that Lillian had designed. From leg-protective gaiters to arm guards to a chest plate and side-protective shield. This much was enough to avoid embarrassing exposure. Not to mention, of course, her survival rate would be much higher. Oh, of course, she was wearing flame-resistant gloves that she had borrowed from Enrique!

    Despite wearing armor, her figure honed by her training could not be hidden. She had a tiny waist, voluminous buttocks, and the robust line of her thighs stood out. It was a curve that was very attractive.

 Chapter 68

    Under Lillian¡¯s black mask, red lips, and her blemish-free white chin created a fascinating view. Lillian looked like a strong, sexy female warrior. Darkness, who saw this, clapped his hands and was deeply moved.

    ¡®It¡¯s going to happen¡ªIt¡¯s possible no matter what! If she has some skills she is going to be a big star.¡¯

    Just then, the roar of the audience erupted outside. It was a sign that the game before Lillian¡¯s had finished. The passage leading to the arena was loud. The staff rushed in.

    ¡°Get rid of it! Hurry! We have to start the next game in 20 minutes!¡±

    ¡°Someone¡ª get me a mop and a bucket! There¡¯s too much blood!¡±

    Bloo¡ª blood?

    Lillian¡¯s face hardened at the unusual conversation outside. After opening the door and peeking out, a group of employees stormed past her view. They were loading a man on a stretcher.

    Lillian¡¯s eyes grew wide as she took in the sight of the man on the stretcher. His scarlet-and-navy outfit was familiar. He was a former mercenary who went out to play just before Lillian. But unlike his entrance to the arena with a confident big smile, now he wasn¡¯t even moving. Maybe he fainted, or¡­¡­.

    ¡®Dead. ¡®

    When the thought echoed in her mind she got cold chills down her spine. The shouts of the crowd outside, the busy workers¡¯ movements seemed far away. Darkness approached Lillian standing in front of him.

    He looked at Lillian, blowing away his bangs covering his blindfold.

    ¡°Are you scared? Your complexion is pale.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Yes, I¡¯m a little nervous.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your first time, so you can¡¯t help it. My one piece of advice is, don¡¯t worry about losing. Instead, focus on what you will gain if you win. Black Rose will write off her debt at once, and she¡¯ll be a big star. If you succeed, you¡¯ll be the hero of the day!¡±

    ¡°You mean I¡¯ll be the main character¡­¡­?¡±

    ¡°Of course! The winner of the finale! If you do well, I could be the main character of the day, as well as the main character of the Billions Betting Arena! Doesn¡¯t it all depend on people¡¯s perception?¡±

    He didn¡¯t intend it that way, but Darkness¡¯ words acutely penetrated Lillian¡¯s heart. This was what she had been longing for all this time.

    Getting out of others¡¯ shadows and getting the spotlight herself.

    Being the main character, performing brilliantly, and receiving recognition and applause from others. At the thought of it, Lillian¡¯s heart suddenly pounded.

    ¡®Yeah, if you were going to be timid and fearful, why would you try in the first place?¡¯

    Lillian clenched her teeth recalling the terrible training she had so far endured. She had even called upon the devil to overcome her fate, and now she was scared? It wasn¡¯t even humorous.

    Lillian¡¯s eyes burned with determination. Still nervous, her heart thumped, but her body no longer froze. Rather, an unknown vitality welled up within her in pace with her rapid heartbeat. With that mindset, Lillian turned her head to Darkness and asked,

    ¡°I¡¯m ready. Where should I go?¡±

    ¡°Oye, you¡¯ve finally decided to be a star! Come, follow me this way.¡±

    Darkness led her behind the stage, down dark stairs. Then a few staff members gathered to check Lillian¡¯s outfit for the last time. One of them tightened the clamp on the back of her head so that her mask wouldn¡¯t come off.

    ¡°Okay, wait here, the ceiling above your head will open. Don¡¯t be too surprised when the scaffolding moves. Don¡¯t forget to greet the audience when you appear. Then¡ª I wish you good luck!¡±

    Darkness gave her a thumbs up and winked before he moved away. Left alone, Lillian surveyed her surroundings. As she stood on the scaffolding, the employees turned the pulley and lifted it onto the stadium. Her heart was already pounding with anticipation.

    Above her head came the host¡¯s enthusiastic voice and the eager cheers of the audience. In between, there were voices chanting ¡®Black Rose!¡¯

    They were waiting for her.

    ¡®Finally, I am on the stage where I¡¯m the main character.¡¯

    The moment she had been dreaming of.

    Upon realizing this, surprisingly, all her anxiety disappeared as if it had been washed away.

    Instead, her heart trembled with an eagerness that filled her from her fingertips to her toes.

 Chapter 69

    ¡°Then let me introduce you to our next player! Black Rose, the rookie who will be appearing in front of you for her very first time! Let¡¯s give her a round of applause!¡±

    ¡°Waaah!¡±

    With a loud roar, the entrance to the stadium opened overhead. At the same time, Lillian thought she heard a creaking under her feet, and as the platform began to climb up. As she got closer to the light, her heart pounded and adrenaline rushed through her veins.

    ¡°Black Rose! Black Rose!¡±

    ¡°Whistle-!!!¡±

    At the same time Lillian appeared in the stadium, colorful confetti and petals fluttered around her from all sides. Lillian squinted at the suddenly bright light that filled her vision. Then, her eyes made out the large stadium where she stood in the middle of.

    This place was reminiscent of a bullfighting field in Spain. Outside the high-fenced stadium was packed with spectators. Even the class of the audience was divided, and those who appeared to be VIPs were sitting on the highest tier and looking down at her. But since they were wearing veils on their heads she couldn¡¯t make out who they were.

    ¡®Well, what¡¯s the point of that? They don¡¯t know who I am either.¡¯

    Lillian took her eyes off the audience and made up her mind. She was not a fool. She didn¡¯t mean to miss the opportunity to stand out and leave a lasting first impression. Fan service was important to any star.

    Lillian, who raised her red lips smoothly, went to the center of the stadium with a confident walk. Then, he bowed down to the audience with a splendid gesture. When a rose flew at her feet, she picked it up, kissed it, and threw it back to the audience.

    ¡°Black Rose! Black Rose!¡±

    ¡°Look over here, too! Here, here!¡±

    The audience seemed impressed by her unrivaled confidence. Sharp whistles, shouts, and laughter flew from all directions, making her ears numb. She felt the audience¡¯s attention and was thrilled.

    The host laughed cheerfully when he saw her showmanship. And when the atmosphere was in full swing, he carried on skillfully.

    ¡°A newbie who flew in like a comet! Look at her amazing composure¡ª Black Rose! But will she be able to maintain this confidence in front of a flaming monster¡ªthe Salamander? You¡¯ll have to keep watching to find out! Come on, everyone! Don¡¯t be surprised! This is the Salamander of Fire, captured by the faraway Chevron Trench.¡±

    Is this it, finally? Lillian was on edge. Although she had grown stronger, it would be the first time she was face to face with a Salamander. She couldn¡¯t believe she¡¯s finally seeing the beast that she¡¯d been imagining until now!

    One of the high fences in the stadium opened up like a door. And with a strange cry in it, the Salamander finally slowly appeared.

    Climbing out of the dark shadows, its eyes glinted around the stadium with ferocious eyes. In a place full of strangers, it seemed to be sensitive when a roar hit its ear. Salamander¡¯s inner eyelids, which had a blinking membrane like a reptile, flashed.

    ¡®That¡¯s¡­ a Salamander.¡­?¡¯

    Lillian looked at Salamander, frozen in place. Its appearance resembled a vision previously presented by Saleos. It looked like a lizard or dragon without wings.

    There were thorns poking out of its spine and flames erupting all over the body.

    Indeed, it was a menace. Salamander, as Saleos said the other day, resembled a water basilisk. This is probably because the two monsters were similar entities.

    But there was one crucial difference.

    ¡®Why is it so small?¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s face in the mask is distorted. The water basilisk she had been practicing with was much, much bigger! It was a big monster that could easily be mistaken for a dinosaur.

    Every time it swung its long tail, wind pressure almost knocked her over.

    However, the salamander in front of Lillian was as big as a crocodile. The weight difference was so different. So Lillian was puzzled.

    ¡®I¡¯m sure¡­ they said it¡¯s stronger than the water basilisk.¡­?¡¯

    No, let¡¯s not let our guard down. Fighting isn¡¯t all about size. Salamander must be more dangerous because instead of being huge, he emits enormous flames.

    Lillian glanced at her flame-resistant leather gloves and carefully posed in her fighting stance.

    Then Salamander, who was very sensitive to unfamiliar conditions, stared at her. When the reptile¡¯s unique iris came narrowed on her, its reptilian eyes looked more violent sending chills down her spine.

    Crack!!

    With its lack of size, the Salamander was faster. Flattened on the floor, it crawled across the stadium on all fours. Climbing on the high fence, it unleashed flames at Lillian¡ªthree times in a row!

 Chapter 70

    Lillian quickly rolled down the floor with enhanced agility and avoided it. Flames pouring from above the head were a fearsome threat. Especially since her hair could catch on fire. But it wasn¡¯t that difficult for her to evade his attacks, perhaps because of the ¡°ability¡± she received from Saleos.

    While Lillian was running around avoiding the flames, the Salamander who had already landed down to the ground, tried to blow out another fire attack from the front.

    ¡°That¡¯s not gonna work!¡±

    Lillian instinctively threw her sword into the air without even thinking about it¡ªaiming right at the Salamander¡¯s snout.

    Kyyyyaaaaah! [t1v: Monster scream sfx]

    The sword flew and lodged itself into the Salamander¡¯s lower jaw that had opened to exhale flames. Surprised by the unexpected pain, Salamander shook his head and went mad. The wind blew sparks from the mouth all over the place.

    ¡°Ohh!¡±

    Lillian hastily struck a fireball away that had been flying toward her face with her hands. She remembered that she was wearing gloves that she had borrowed from Enrique. Fortunately, the gloves did a good job and prevented the fire from burning her.

    Crack, kyyaaahhhhh!

    The Salamander still struggled to get the longsword out of its lower jaw. Preoccupied, he didn¡¯t bother with Lillian. Lillian, of course, had no intention of missing this golden opportunity. She quickly approached the Salamander, taking agile light steps.

    ¡°Yahhh!¡±

    She felt a little sorry, but she couldn¡¯t help it¡ªit was either her or it. Lillian closed her eyes and kicked her sword handle stuck in Salamander¡¯s lower jaw. Then the blade penetrated Salamander¡¯s upper jaw. Salamander¡¯s eyes seemed to turn hazy, and he fell to his side.

    ¡°Waaah! Woooww!!¡±

    The crowd¡¯s roaring roar poured from overhead. In their view, Lillian was as agile as a cat and as bold as a lion. In addition, whenever Lillian made a dynamic move, her well-fitting leather suit highlighted her fantastic figure. She had a star quality that they couldn¡¯t help but admire.

    ¡°Black Rose!¡± Black Rose!!¡±

    As some rose from their seats and chanted, the other audience members also cried out her nickname. Then the host laughed loudly and poured praise on Lillian;

    ¡°As expected, from the hottest rookie, Black Rose, gave us a hot match. Even the Beast of Fire can¡¯t keep up with her! That¡¯s great¡ªAmazing! Black Rose! Everyone, give her a round of applause!!¡±

    The sound of applause falling from above her head sparkled over her like stars. Lillian, aroused by this, waved at the crowd. And as if to show off his victory, she walked along the fence of the round stadium and blew kisses with her hands.

    Every time she approached, the crowd roared even louder. Lillian smiled as she wiped the sweat from her chin. It felt so exhilarating to have the applause and cheers that poured on her. The eyes that followed her every step felt delicious. Deep inside her heart was bristling with joy.

    ¡®Yes, this is exactly what I wanted!¡¯

    The spirit of Chae So-Yeon, who always lived as someone¡¯s sidekick, was thrilled. Now she was in the role of the main character that she had always dreamed of. Standing amid acclaim was a more ecstatic experience than she had assumed. Lillian thought she could do anything if she could stay here. Even if it meant pushing the ¡®real¡¯ protagonists off of a cliff.

    After a round of fan service, Lillian returned to her place. Then he looked down at Salamander, who she had defeated. The Salamander¡¯s body trembled as if it was having a seizure as if he hadn¡¯t completely lost his breath. Lillian, who was looking down on it silently and clenched her jaw.

    I¡¯m sorry.

    She bent down and grabbed the handle of the sword that pierced the Salamander¡¯s jaw and quickly pulled it out.

    Whoosh!

    Salamander¡¯s lava-like blood was scattered across the stadium floor. It was so hot that part of the wooden fence burned black.

    Lillian ducked her head and circumvented it. Stabilizing the sword in her hand and promptly stabbed Salamander in the neck, taking its breath away.

    The Salamander¡¯s body no longer moved. Lillian, who put one foot on it, raised her arms as if to show off her victory. With deafening cheers resounding her head, flowers thrown by the audience members piled up around her.

    Black Rose, a formidable rookie who made her debut on the most popular show in the Billions Arena: ¡®Beauty and the Beast¡¯! Her name soon became famous throughout the Legonian capital.

 Chapter 71

    As Lillian descended from the stage, one of the arena¡¯s staff approached. He handed over a large bouquet. Seeing that the flowers stuck inside were disarrayed, it seemed that the flowers thrown by the audience were collected and procured. Lillian, who received this, smiled softly, raising her red lips.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°No, I enjoyed the game! It was really cool.¡±

    The red-faced staff member quickly poured out praise¡ªand as if he was too shy to stay, he ran off. Lillian, watched his disappearing back and arranged the flowers, and hugged them. She felt renewed.

    When she was still Chae-Yeon, she remembered the main actors often receiving bouquets when they came down from the play. The main actress, who played the heroine, would clasp four or five bouquets from fans. Often others would hold the flower arrangements if there were too many.

    However, Soo-Yeon always watched from behind. During the three months of the play¡¯s run, she had never received flowers. It wasn¡¯t as if she expected it. There was no fan anywhere to give flowers to a supporting role that they couldn¡¯t even recall.

    ¡®But it¡¯s different now. It¡¯s going to be different in the future.¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s eyes gleamed in the dark passageway of the arena. In order to attain her future, there was one thing that she had to do.

    Upon returning to her dressing room, Lillian immediately locked the door and roughly took off her mask as if she were throwing it away.

    In the wind, long black hair flowed down like a cloud, blocking her sight. Lillian, who irritably swept back her hair, opened her mouth.

    ¡°Saleos. You¡¯re here, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Saleos, who appeared from behind, reached out to her. It was a friendly gesture as usual. But Lillian slapped his hand out of the air.

    With the sound of a loud clap! There was silence in the room.

    Saleos looked down silently at his hand that had been rejected by her. A subtly sad smile appeared on his handsome lips. He gazed up at Lillian with his golden eyes under red long eyelashes. And he talked calmly as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°You fought very well. Congratulations on your victory.¡±

    Lillian did not accept his congratulations. She didn¡¯t even say thank you for making her strong. All of this was a well-organized ruse by Saleos.

    ¡°Did you deceive me?¡±

    Lillian suddenly asked with sullen eyes. Then Saleos grinned as he sat on the edge of the sofa in her dressing room. He stroked his chin and he asked back, fiddling with his colorful hair.

    ¡°Why do you think so?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m right. You tricked me.¡±

    As expected, she was quick-witted. Saleos looked at Lillian¡¯s face, trying to maintain his indifferent expression. The moment their met eyes, Lillian¡¯s face was distorted as if she was going to cry.

    ¡®Are you going to cry?¡¯

    But she didn¡¯t cry. She swallowed something as her thick eyelashes fluttered, concealing her downcast eyes. She blinked and looked up. There were no signs of tears anywhere in her clear green eyes. At that fact, Saleos felt a deep recess of his heart growing strangely chilly.

    Lillian, who breathed heavily, finally opened her mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯ve definitely said it over and over again. That a real Salamander is very strong and incomparable to a practice water basilisk. You kept scaring me. Right?¡±

    Saleos did not answer. But it didn¡¯t matter. Lillian continued to speak in a faster and heated tone.

    ¡°In your eyes, I must have been an amusing joke to you. A strange woman from another world¡ªan ignorant woman who knows nothing about this place. You used that to instill anxiety and scare me all the time while wearing a mask of a caring supporter on the surface.¡±

    ¡°As expected, you must have grown. So, what did you think about Salamander?¡±

    asked Saleos leisurely as he raised one eyebrow. He didn¡¯t seem to care at all about the frustration and betrayal Lillian felt now.

    Lillian¡¯s face was distorted by Saleos¡¯ appearance, asking only what he was curious about¡ªunconcerned about her feelings and not showing an ounce of sympathy or concern.

    ¡°¡­ It was weak. Terribly weak. To the point where I hate myself for killing it.¡±

    Lillian¡¯s gaze fell on her hand. The Salamander¡¯s bloodstains remained in the gloves borrowed from Enrique. She inadvertently rubbed over it, but of course, the traces of the blood remained. Like her own irreversible situation.

    ¡°¡­ Why are you so angry? You promised to give me your first time when you signed a contract with me anyway. Nothing has changed now.¡±

    Shrugging his shoulders, Saleos asked as if he genuinely couldn¡¯t understand. His slightly frowning eyes seemed to truly not understand the situation. No, he seemed rather annoyed. Lillian felt like the ground was collapsing under her feet.

    ¡®I was a fool.¡¯

 Chapter 72

    He was the first person in this world that she had revealed her real name, Chae Soo-Yeon to. And he was her only confidant, as she shared her difficulties and weaknesses from being in other worlds. He was the only one who knew Chae-Yeon, not Lillian Rosetti.

    So she foolishly came to believe in the demon, Saleos. She even liked him for a while. At best, it seemed he was generous with her, giving her a lot, and didn¡¯t seem as if he would throw her aside or take advantage of her. How stupid.

    ¡°Ha.¡±

    Lillian scoffed, berating herself coldly. Of course, she was thinking of sleeping with Saleos someday. It wasn¡¯t just because of the contract or just to gain strength. This was because he sincerely believed in and liked Saleos.

    Yeah, she liked Saleos. Even if it was not yet a grand enough emotion to call it love, she was conscious of him as a man. How can she not? He was the only man who hugged and comforted Chae-Yeon while she was anxious about her unfamiliar fate in an unfamiliar world.

    He was a man who kissed her on the cheek and reassured her whenever she was scared. He was even the first man she had slept with.

    Yet, he used her ignorance and favor. He deliberately tricked her, pushed her, and made her fearful and so she fell into his trap.

    He deprived her of the opportunity to make her own decision for her first night. And he swallowed her alive, like a cat that drove a scared mouse to the corner.

    Lillian felt terribly betrayed by this fact.

    ¡®The fact that he trained me seriously, and praised me, and said he was proud of me when I killed the monster.¡­ It was all lies.¡±

    He should¡¯ve just said it. Instead of joking like before, he should have held on to her seriously, asked for the payment¡ªeven demanded it. If it had been like that she might have willingly slept with him.

    But Saleos didn¡¯t do that. He didn¡¯t tell her his desires honestly or share what he wanted. Instead, what he chose was to trick Lillian and trap her. Maybe this was the devil¡¯s way.

    ¡°Think about it, Lillian. You eventually got the power you wanted, and I also got the price I wanted. Why are you angry when no one loses?¡±

    In the process, you deceived me, you mean bastard.

    Lillian¡¯s green eyes flashed with anger. But she didn¡¯t foolishly voice her heart. It is late, but now she truly realized it: That the beautiful man in front of her is not a human, but a demon.

    Saleos was a seemingly friendly and charming man. But, this was nothing more than imitation, nothing more, nothing less. Just as monkeys mimic the trainer¡¯s actions, Saleos was just playing by mimicking human actions and speech. He would never ¡®really¡¯ understand Lillian.

    ¡®So I won¡¯t trust you anymore either. I¡¯ll just use you thoroughly.¡¯

    In Lillian¡¯s heart, a door shut with a cold metallic sound. It was a large and heavy door that, once closed, would never open again. Lillian¡¯s eyes grew cold and sunken, twisted her lips. And told him in a sarcastic tone.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be honest with each other now. Those illusions that you said were for practice. They weren¡¯t some fantasy, they were real? Right?¡±

    Saleos did not answer. He didn¡¯t think Lillian would notice that. There was not just one thing he deceived her about. Lillian trembled at the thorough deception. She tried to hold back her anger as she pointed out one by one.

    ¡°It was strange for some reason. It was too real to be called a fantasy. Not only that, but you kept imbuing me with abilities. Even if it wasn¡¯t big, I improved my skills little by little each time. You even treated me if I got injured. But you didn¡¯t have the energy I gave you, but so with what force did you do all that with? What?¡±

    At the end of Lillian¡¯s rant, her emotions exploded. She brushed her face with her trembling hands in anger. The monsters she had killed casually came to mind one after another. She recalled their screams of pain they shrieked before they died.

    ¡°Was it amusing? To tease me when I didn¡¯t know anything? Thanks to you, I¡­ I didn¡¯t even know I was killing something. No one else knows, but I should have known that, after taking a life!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Really. How irritating! I can¡¯t listen to you anymore.¡±

    Saleos finally got up from the sofa. Throwing off his relaxed mask, he strode up and loomed above Lillian¡¯s nose. His golden eyes lit up with an irate fire.

 Chapter 73

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Wolves hunt deer, and humans and beasts hunt each other. This is an unavoidable principle of nature. You¡¯re a knight. From now on you have to keep killing monsters! But what if you freeze up in real life because you¡¯re scared? What will you do then, eh? I trained you!!¡±

    Saleos growled as he leaned in towards her and met her eyes. His fierce aura was ferocious. But the more furious he got angry, the colder Lillian became.

    She glared at him with green eyes blazing with an icy fire as she pointed out the gaps in Saleos¡¯ argument.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk as if it was for me! You relished every time I¡ªwho knew nothing¡ªkilled a monster so you could absorb energy from the slaughter. All of this was for your gratification and appetite. Did you ever ask for my consent in the process? Did you?¡±

    ¡°They were all essential processes! To whom do you owe today¡¯s win in the arena? If it weren¡¯t for me and my powers, you would have been burnt to a crisp as you cried like a coward!! Tell me I am wrong!¡±

    Saleos¡¯ voice rose. He had masked himself well so far, but his fundamental disposition was that of a demon¡¯s.

    He was arrogant, adamant, and selfish. He couldn¡¯t stand Lillian¡¯s judgments against him.

    Fueled by rage he could not suppress, Saleos¡¯ power exploded making things burst and rolling and knocking down everything in the dressing room.

    Lillian was not fazed and did not blink even amid the chaos around her. She stood upright with her pale face looking straight at him as Saleos arrogantly demanded,

    ¡°So stop nitpicking¡ªyou should be grateful for what I did! Because of me, you were able to fix your weak heart. You owe me.¡±

    When he said that, Lillian lowered her eyes without saying a word; her eyelashes hid her gaze.

    There was silence passing between the deep valleys of emotions. Saleos thought maybe she was crying. Because women were usually such creatures.

    But after a moment, Lillian raised her head and was¡ªunexpectedly¡ª smiling.

    Lillian¡¯s despondent countenance was coupled with her venomous atmosphere.

    ¡°¡­¡­You¡¯re right. Thanks to you, I¡¯m going to change.¡±

    A lot.

    Mumbling quietly, Lillian turned away. It was only a waste of time to talk to the demon anymore. She had now learned that demons were not ones to converse with but were for using.

    For just that lesson alone, she was truly grateful.

    After turning around, as if he wasn¡¯t there, Lillian took off her armor over his body without reluctance.

    She peeled off her hard black leggings and leather tights drenched with the monster¡¯s blood. Lillian peeled them all off one by one. Until the unclad body, a vulnerable woman with white skin, emerged.

    ¡°What are you doing now?¡±

    Saleos growled in a voice murky with anger.

    Lillian looked back over her shoulder, flipping her long black hair out of the way.

    A devastating sad smile materialized on her cold, clouded face.

    ¡°What? I should pay for the transaction.¡±

    ¡°.¡­.. What?¡±

    ¡°You want to sleep with me, don¡¯t you? That¡¯s why you tricked me. But as you said, you paid me back and then some more. I owe you. Then what can¡¯t be done?¡±

    The words that came out of Lillian¡¯s mouth echoed exactly what he said. However, it was being twisted and not being used as he intended.

    So, Saleos frowned and his eyes narrowed on her. Lillian, who turned toward him, slowly reached out.

    ¡°Come on. Take my hand. And prove to me that what you said was not a falsehood.¡±

    He won¡¯t be able to turn down my offer, Lillian thought as the corners of her mouth twisted.

    Saleos had set up this trap to get what he wanted, there was no way he could resist the tempting gift she was putting within his reach. He was such a clever evil beast.

    But it was fine. From now on, she would be more cunning and him more devious. It was going to be more ruthless. So she wouldn¡¯t be fooled or swayed by him again.

    The world was a cold and cruel place. Only female protagonists like Aleyna could receive favours free of charge in a place like this.

    It was a given that it wasn¡¯t the same for her, a mere supporting role. But instead, she had forgotten her place, built up, and had been betrayed by her unrealistic expectations.

    She was pathetic.

    Lillian tried to swallow the self-hatred and malice that threatened to vomit up and instead smeared over her being like nausea.

    And, like the original namesake of her body, Lillian smiled innocently like a blooming lily.

    Her red lips softly whispered his name:

    ¡°Sal¨¦os¡­ Hurry up.¡±

 Chapter 74

    Saleos glared at Lillian, his eyes deep and gloomy.

    Through her long black hair, Lillian¡¯s skin glowed white like snow.

    Although she attempted to cover her nudity with one arm she couldn¡¯t hide the beautiful curve of her breasts and her slim abdomen.

    He recalled how soft and sweet her skin was and how sensitive her body reacted to him. She was indeed a dizzyingly captivating woman.

    But what was even more bewitching than her unclad body was Lillian¡¯s eyes glaring at him. Surrounded by striking ebony eyelashes, her stunning eyes were churning with terrible wrath, feelings of betrayal, and hatred.

    Nevertheless, she was smiling deeply, suppressing all these emotions.

    ¡°Fuck it.¡±

    Saleos floated in the air and clasped the pitiful arm that had been reaching out to him. Then he yanked Lillian towards him and kissed her sweet poisonous lips.

    Love and hatred surged back and forth with heated breaths between open lips. Their bodies, entangled like two snakes, soon hot with lewd heat.

    At times, hatred resembled the most ferocious sexual passion.

    ¡°Oh, Saleos! Ahhh, oh! Ah!¡±

    Lying on the sofa, Lillian cried and called his name. She no longer addressed him with honorifics when she called him. So it was more provocative.

    Saleos, who grabbed her soft ass from behind, roughly pounded into her. Her inner flesh was so tight that whenever she twisted her waist, her insides enveloped and squeezed him. It was a pleasure that seemed to melt away reason.

    He bent down and leaned against her back as he held her as if he had become a male beast in heat.

    Then, he bit her white neck and shoved his own deeper against her asscheeks.

    ¡°Oh, ah! That¡¯s good. Oh, my unnhhh!¡±

    ¡°Do you like it that much? What if my cock gets stuck? Imagine the strength I¡¯ll give you after this.¡±

    Saleos whispered fiercely and then bit her back. Responding to his provocation Lillian contracted her insides even tauter. Lillian groaned as he constantly stabbed and widened her narrow passage as if spreading her apart.

    ¡°Ahhhhhhhhh¡­¡­!¡±

    Her blurry vision shook, and she was out of breath.

    Her obscene pose, her head down as her ass hung in the air like a brazen dog in heat, made her more aroused.

    Saleos relentlessly thrusted into her. His penis was too big and hot. She could feel his shape acutely through her vaginal wall encircling him.

    Because he pounded her from behind, his genitals seemed to hit deeper and deeper.

    It felt like she was being erotically impaled, run through her legs.

    His member rubbed against her inner walls and accurately stuck her at her most weak point.

    Every time, Lillian trembled, feeling a small peak as something bigger grew. Her body was burning white and convulsing as his pillar fucked and stroked without leniency.

    ¡°Oh, stop..¡­.. Whoa, oooh ahhh!!!¡±

    Her overly sexy moaning wail spilled out of Lillian¡¯s lips.

    Sal¨¦os¡¯ passionate movements became even more hectic. Filling her in and crushing her from behind, he saw nothing. Unlike her lustful, excited breath, Lillian¡¯s eyes glisten fiercely.

    ¡°SooYeon, SooYeon¡­¡­!!¡±

    Abominably, Saleos, called her original name, as he plunged his penis deep into her depths. His groaning and trembling cock appeared to have ejaculated in her core, but nothing actually came out. Because he wasn¡¯t a human. So Lillian didn¡¯t have to worry about getting pregnant.

    ¡®Isn¡¯t it a very convenient sex toy?¡¯

    Lillian thought to herself as she took a deep breath. After Saleos climaxed inside her he reached out and grabbed her by the roots of her hair. He turned Lillian¡¯s head towards him and kissed her.

    Lillian didn¡¯t spurn the kiss. She knew that after enduring this despicable kiss, a great reward would be bestowed. She greedily swallowed the ¡®power¡¯ mixed in with the demon¡¯s heated breath.

    Without spilling a single drop.

    ¡°SooYeon.¡±

    Saleos¡¯ hand that had grabbed Lillian¡¯s hair now caressed the back of her head affectionately.

    Lillian blinked silently and studied his face. Saleos¡¯ face, which was beautiful as usual, was now ecstatic, shining brightly in the aftermath of their physical affair.

    His face unexpectedly looked a little distressed, and he gently rubbed his lips against Lillian¡¯s red cheeks.

    Lillian, who had been tolerating Saleos¡¯ actions for a while, soon pushed his shoulder away. And he smiled sweetly like honey.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I want to sleep now.¡±

    ¡°.¡­..Okay.¡±

    Saleos¡¯ golden eyes sank after being pushed away.

    He disappeared from Lillian¡¯s without saying another word.

    Lillian stared vacantly at the place Saleos had been for a moment. Silently she turned her back and laid down.

    ¡®I will never trust anyone again.¡¯

 Chapter 75

    ¡°Hello, Enrique-nim.¡±

    ¡°Dame Lillian, how was your vacation?¡±

    Enrique¡¯s face, which had first welcomed Lillian with a smile, turned. He looked over Lillian with a curious regard. His gaze wasn¡¯t the kind that contained the vulgar intention to appraise Lillian¡¯s figure.

    ¡°¡­¡­Something seems to have changed about you.¡±

    Enrique was a sincere man who lived according to his principles. Others thought of him as dull, but there were times when it was surprisingly sharp. Just like now.

    Lillian wondered what kind of change he noticed. Perhaps he noticed her becoming stronger than before vacation? If it wasn¡¯t that¡­ maybe it was that her body mixed with a mans?

    Either way, she wasn¡¯t pleased. Lillian didn¡¯t want to get caught by him. Especially the fact that she is a woman who sold herself to the devil to gain strength. So Lillian smiled broadly and deceived him.

    ¡°Can you tell?¡± Actually¡­ While I was on vacation, I did some special training.¡±

    ¡°Special training?¡±

    Enrique asked back, inquisitive. He was honest so he assumed others were honest too. Lillian smiled flashed at Enrique, who was large and naive.

    ¡°Yup. You¡¯ll probably be surprised.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±

    Enrique¡¯s purple eyes gleaming at Lillian were just like jewels. His eyelashes looked more stunning because they were silver and as bright as his hair. Lillian, who was staring at him, stepped towards him and beckoned him as if she were going to tell an important secret.

    Enrique leaned down toward her without any doubt. His silvery hair flowed down his ears. Lillian boldly reached out and put his silver hair behind his ears. As if she were trying to innocently whisper in his ears, while gently caressing his earlobes.

    ¡°Well, what I¡¯m saying, Enrique-nim¡­¡±

    When Lillian¡¯s slender fingers touched his sensitive ears, Enrique trembled. Lillian did not miss the opportunity and made sure her breath touched the fine, barely visible body hair that stood up on his ear. As if she was gently tickling not just the fluffy hair but his heart.

    ¡°Now, I remember everything. My swordsmanship skills that I had previously forgotten.¡±

    Enrique looked back at her with huge eyes at her unexpected confession. He had been naive enough to believe Lillian¡¯s falsehood of ¡°partial amnesia.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great! The training seems to have worked. It worked really well.¡±

    Enrique¡¯s face, smiling brightly at her, was sincere. He was delighted as if it were him, not Lillian who had regained her memory.

    Lillian looked at Enrique¡¯s elegant face as if he had been carved out of silver. And in the corner of his white face, she found the tips of his ears blushing where she had teased him. Seeing this, Lillian¡¯s red lips smiled softly.

    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve regained my memory, I have to work harder. I look forward to your training today as well. Knight Commander.¡±

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m glad I helped you regain your memories. But don¡¯t overdo it.¡±

    Enrique spoke with a slightly worried face. Lillian, who heard that, smiled shyly. Painting her countenance as pitiful to stimulate Enrique¡¯s temperament, which was weak to the weak.

    ¡°No, I¡­ I want to be strong as soon as possible. Next to me¡­¡­ Because my father isn¡¯t beside me either.¡±

    ¡°Oh, your father is still¡­¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Although no body was found¡­ There¡¯s a witness. The man who witnessed my father arguing with some gangsters. He couldn¡¯t stop it himself because he was scared, but saw my father being dragged along with a scream.¡­!¡±

    Lillian sold Herbert without blinking. A weak sob drowned out the end of her speech. As Lillian¡¯s shoulders trembled as if holding back tears, Enrique¡¯s expression grew serious.

    ¡°Really? That¡­¡­ Are you sure about the reliability of the witness¡¯s testimony?¡±

    No. Actually, it was all a lie. Herbert Rosetti was murdered by her own hands and the demon took care of the evidence himself. So the only person who knew this was herself.

    Now, even the memory of her killing Herbert and trembling had faded. After that, she had killed some more monsters, including the Salamander. And according to Lillian¡¯s standards ¡ªor Chae-yeon¡¯s¡ªHerbert was no different from them.

    Now he was a monster. Even now, when she mentioned Herbert¡¯s name, she didn¡¯t feel any remorse. Since Lillian had blood on her hands anyway, she knew what she needed to do. She needed to trample on the bodies of everything she had killed and climb up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too sad, Dame Lillian. The body has not been found yet. Is it something you don¡¯t know? Your father might be unexpectedly fine¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Enrique. If you¡¯re okay, will you join me for training?¡±

    Naturally she didn¡¯t want to talk about Herbert anymore. She was tired of it. Lillian intrinsically interrupted Enrique and suggested training with watery eyes as if she was a person who tried to change the subject because talking about her father hurts her heart.

    ¡°You want me to go to training? Now?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Do you still have more work to do?¡±

    Enrique glanced at his desk as if he were contemplating. On his desk, there were still a few documents waiting for approval. After seeing this, Enrique fretted and turned back to Lillian.

    Lillian didn¡¯t bother to urge him. Instead, she put her hands together and looked at him with a pitiful look as if she were holding back the pain. Seeing her strangely fragile face grow thinner during the vacation, Enrique his lips. Enrique Evans was always weak to the weak.

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s check out the results of your special training.¡±

 Chapter 76

    Enrique, who spoke in a light cheerful tone, stood up from his seat. He would have to return to his office later and review the documents again, but it was okay. He could move his body for a moment to remove the shadows on Lillian¡¯s face.

    Lillian smiled happily, turned around and took the lead. Enrique thought that her profile revealed through her black hair looked sad but it was gone after he blinked. It was probably his own illusion. Lillian¡¯s face, looking back at him now, was smiling softly like a flower.

    ***

    ¡°*Gasp*, *gasp*, Lillian¡­¡­!!¡±

    His hot breath poured over her body. Enrique¡¯s red eyes stared straight at Lillian. It was ecstatic to his well-built muscular body soaked in sweat and radiating heat

    The way he exhaled was rapturous. Panting, out of breath, he shook his arm toward Lillian. As if to signal to stop now.

    ¡°That¡¯s it for today¡¯s fight, Enrique-nim?¡±

    He nodded to Lillian¡¯s question. He was breathing so hard that he couldn¡¯t even speak properly. Enrique casually threw the training sword and collapsed on the floor. Then he lay down on the ground.

    It was not like Enrique, which was always composed, so one could imagine how winded he was. Lillian smiled and put down the sword in her hand. Then she approached and squatted down next to Enrique.

    ¡°Are you okay? May I bring you some water?¡±

    Enrique looked ineffable to her question. It roughly seemed to mean, ¡®Is that what you have to say now?¡¯ Seeing this, Lillian blinked and laughed.

    ¡°Right, what did I say? I told you that you would be surprised.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t just a surprise. Enrique was genuinely perplexed, wondering if he was dreaming now or not. Of course, Lillian¡¯s skills had been improving day by day before. However it was at least at a level where it made sense.

    But the Lillian he witnessed today¡­¡­ he couldn¡¯t explain it in words. Her swordsmanship was surprisingly strong, elegant, fluid and sharp all at the same time. A sense of thrill shook him again and again as they clashed swords during the short time. No matter how much she had regained her memories, he could only explain that a miracle had occurred at this point.

    ¡°What happened? How can you¡­ Suddenly¡­¡­.¡±

    Enrique sat up as he stuttered and asked. Lillian, who saw his big eyes, laughed pretending to be shy. And she put it around Enrique in moderation.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know either. It¡¯s just¡­ Sword skills that I had been honing while forgetting my memories are combined with old memories, so suddenly¡­¡­ I think I¡¯ve learned something. It¡¯s hard to explain, but it¡¯s a bit different.¡±

    Lillian who spoke seriously with her eyelashes cast down, looked very sincere. So Enrique nodded, saying, ¡°So something like this has happened.¡± Initially, the symptoms of partial amnesia were so rare that he had had his suspicions.

    ¡°Anyway, you¡¯re amazing! I don¡¯t even remember how long it¡¯s been since I¡¯ve seen such a talented person. If Dame Lillian tested now no one would be able to push you back from the First Knights.¡±

    Enrique purely admired her skills. He had no idea that all this was the result of Lillian¡¯s transaction with a demon.

    Well, did it matter what route she got her hands on? She had already paid enough. Salos not only took her first time, but also took her last conscience and innocence that remained. So this was her own and obtained with her hard work.

    ¡°Speaking of which, Enrique-nim, I have a favor to ask of you.¡±

    ¡°What is that?¡±

    Enrique tilted his head and looked at Lillian. At his young face, Lillian smiled brightly.

    ¡°Please let me take the Knights Templar Placement test again.¡±

    It was time for her to get out of the insignificant 4th Order.

 Chapter 77

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a dream, is it? Oh my gosh!¡±

    Sam was clearly moved, holding both hands clasped together like a girl in awe. Lillian felt burdened by the sparkle in her eyes from unshed tears. Lillian looked away and casually replied,

    ¡°Why are you so impressed with a garden like this? I haven¡¯t even received a sponsorship yet.¡±

    ¡°Still, miss! I¡¯ve always loved the gardens of noble families. I always thought Rosetti¡¯s garden would be pretty if it was fixed up a little bit.¡­ But the funds were always insufficient. So I could only daydream about it¡ªbut I never imagined this day would actually come!¡±

    Sam, very excited, clapped her hands as she looked out the window while the garden was being worked on. She was especially excited about the many varieties of colorful roses that were being planted. She was so happy that Sam even had a runny nose.

    ¡®Eww. Gross.¡¯

    Lillian quickly sidestepped and evaded Sam. Still, she had to admit that she was proud to see Sam so happy. So she coughed and nonchalantly added:

    ¡°As I have been newly promoted to a new order of knights, my salary has gone up a lot. So in the future, you can be rest assured I¡¯ll never allow this house to go into foreclosure again.¡±

    The truth was that Lillian hadn¡¯t received her knight¡¯s salary yet. The money she was using to overhaul the garden was earned through illegal means, from the fighting arena.

    Billions surprisingly kept their promises well. The salamander they pitted her against had not been very strong, so she had won without much trouble. Nevertheless, the amount of money she received wasn¡¯t small. It was the money she had earned even after deducting her late father, Herbert¡¯s, debts.

    So Lillian decided to compete in a few more games in the future. Coming from a thorough capitalist society, she knew how important money was. At least she planned to continue to play until she had enough foundation to start her own business. After all, her hands had already been stained with blood anyway.

    Of course, these facts were a secret from Sam because she didn¡¯t know how to keep a secret.

    ¡°Miss.¡­¡­! How are you so noble and brave!¡±

    Sam was swooning, deeply moved by Lillian¡¯s promotion to the Templar Knights and hugged her miss with her nose still running.

    Lillian¡¯s face wrinkled with disgust and thought she had divulged too much. Well, she hadn¡¯t been lying.

    With Enrique¡¯s consent, she had retaken the knight placement test and demonstrated her overpowering abilities there. Thanks to this, he was promoted from the 4th Order of Knights to the 1st Order of Knights, an unprecedented event. She could also say good-bye to Flanders, who was the Commander of the 4th Order and sexually harassed her.

    ¡®I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be bullied.¡¯

    Lillian¡¯s forehead slightly wrinkled with a frown. When a woman suddenly got promoted, there were always going to be disgruntled people gossiping, spreading rumors that women used their bodies to gain the favor of their superiors or receive preferential treatment because of their gender.

    Lillian expected a painful beginning when she arrived to work with the 1st order. Although no one would explicitly bully her, wary of Enrique, the General Commander, she knew they would secretly jab Lillian with a thorn while showing off a smile.

    Well, it didn¡¯t really matter. It would be enough to beat the bullies until they could no longer speak.

    ¡®If you¡¯re a woman, you need to know how to speak with your fists.¡¯

    Lillian clenched her fists, determined.

    * * *

    It was Lillian¡¯s long-anticipated first day of work for the 1st Order of Knights. Lillian built up her resolve, and studied her reflection in the mirror.

    ¡°Good. Perfect.¡±

    She donned the royal knight¡¯s uniform that was silver and black like she had had before. But the crest of her Knight¡¯s Order and family seal had changed. It was no longer a snail, but a rose. The 1st Order¡¯s crest that had replaced the 4th Order¡¯s, was noticeably flashier.

    After studying herself for the last time, Lillian walked lightly to work, her feet as nimble as a cat exploring a new space. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was just her imagination but the guards at the front gate of the Royal Knights headquarters seemed more polite.

    ¡®As expected, humans need to be successful,¡¯

    thought Chea-yeon, who was an exemplary snobby soul from an era of materialism. She merrily headed to the 1st Knights and wondered,

    ¡®How can I leave a strong first impression?¡¯

    She would definitely spark interest. Lillian wanted to push the main character away off stage and take the spotlight. Her goal was to be recognized and respected by everyone. Therefore, her first appearance needed to leave a lasting impression.

    While Lillian was pondering and imagining various senariors, and thoroughly absent-minded, she almost didn¡¯t see anyone coming from around the corner.

    ¡®Ekkk!¡¯

    Fortunately, Lillian¡¯s body, enhanced with heightened abilities, swiftly and elegantly evaded the person on autopilot. As she executed a dazzling action automatically the startled person stepped back and hit the wall.

    ¡°Ugh!!¡±

    It was a familiar voice that groaned. Lillian tilted her head and scrutinized her opponent. Lillian¡¯s expression twisted when she recognized him:

    ¡®Prince Elseed!¡¯