The crisp, refreshing warmth of the early morning sun broke beautifully over the grand architecture of the Rosenberg duchy.
A gentle, cool breeze swept through the quiet stone corridors, whispering through the open arches as the entire fortress remained blanketed in absolute serenity.
Not a single domestic servant rushed across the hallways, and the atmosphere inside the master wing was entirely still.
Grand Duke Killian Von Rosenberg stood perfectly statuesque before the high arched glass windows of the bedroom, his midnight-blue eyes quietly scanning the misty horizon of the courtyard below.
He was completely silent, his tall frame locked in deep, private reflection.
Suddenly, the heavy door of the adjacent bath chamber creaked open softly.
Evelyn stepped into the sunlit bedroom, having just completed her morning bath.
She was wrapped securely inside a delicate silk bathing gown, a plush white towel gripped tightly within her small fingers.
Her long golden hair was completely damp, the wet strands cascading beautifully across her shoulders, pressing gently against her smooth, glistening skin.
Killian, lost in his gaze toward the courtyard, possessed absolutely zero awareness of her silent arrival behind his back.
Evelyn took a slow step forward, her amethyst eyes locking onto his strict profile as she broke the quietness.
“Killian…
what exactly is the matter?
Why are you standing there?”
Killian did not break his gaze from the outer horizon, his deep voice remaining smooth and flat as he responded calmly.
“It is nothing of great concern.
I am merely observing the outer grounds.” He adjusted his collar, adding smoothly, “Regardless…
come along, let us proceed to Sebastian’s quarters and evaluate the state of his physical health.”
The absolute fraction of a second the declaration left his lips, Killian elegantly turned his torso around to face the room.
The moment his midnight-blue eyes landed on her form, the words died completely in his throat.
He went entirely quiet, his statuesque frame freezing mid-motion as an absolute, pin-drop silence blanketed the vast master bedroom.
Killian stared directly at her damp golden hair and the soft, glistening contours of her form inside the silk gown, his heart doing a sudden, violent flutter against his ribs.
Evelyn blinked in total bewilderment, her face shifting as she noticed his intense, unblinking gaze.
“What happened…?
Why on earth are you staring at my person in such a manner?”
Killian’s chest tightened with an overwhelming wave of frantic, nervous flustered shyness.
He violently snapped his head away, turning his face completely toward the opposite wall as his high cheekbones flushed a delicate crimson red.
He cleared his throat, his deep voice carrying a strict, protective authority as he muttered, “Listen to me…
the exact manner in which you have stepped directly before my presence just now…
ensure you absolutely never walk before any alternate soul in this world in such a state.”
Evelyn paused, gently lifting the plush towel to begin patting the damp golden locks of her hair, a soft smile gracing her lips as she replied smoothly.
“Yes, I am fully aware of that reality.
And besides…
I have strictly and exclusively stepped before your presence alone in this state.”
As she spoke, her amethyst eyes caught the rare, spectacular sight of the formidable Grand Duke completely blushing, his gaze fixed stubbornly on the floor.
A mischievous, highly amused spark flashed within her thoughts, and a proud smug expression crossed her beautiful face.
She stepped closer to the grand royal bed, elegantly shifting her posture to assume a graceful, teasing pose as she sat down across the velvet sheets.
She looked up at him, her tone dancing with pure amusement.
“Oh, wow…
what is this?
Is the great Lord Rosenberg actually experiencing a wave of profound shyness right now?”
Killian kept his eyes averted, but his long strides moved slowly and deliberately across the plush rug until he stood towering directly beside the edge of the royal mattress.
He looked down into her wide, mocking amethyst eyes, his expression locked in a wall of gravity.
Without a single word, he reached out his long hand, forcefully yet gently snatching the plush white towel directly from her fingers and placing it flat over the top of her golden head, completely blocking her view.
“Dry your person with absolute speed,” Killian commanded, his voice dropping into a low, gravelly register.
Deep within the absolute sanctuary of his mind, Killian’s thoughts were screaming in pure, unadulterated panic.
‘Oh my goodness…
if her presence continues to remain directly before my face in this beautiful state, I will completely lose every ounce of my control!
If my fingers dare to lay a single touch upon her skin right now, she will definitely discover the hidden truth…
she will instantly realize that I have truly and honestly fallen in love with her!’
Killian pulled his hands back, clearing his throat to regain his composure as he spoke absolute authority.
“Focus entirely upon drying your hair.
I shall take my departure briefly to bid farewell to Leonard; he remained within our walls for the duration of the night.”
Evelyn adjusted the towel over her head, her voice dropping into a soft murmur.
“Oh…
very well.”
“Once the task is accomplished, the two of us shall proceed straight toward Sebastian’s quarters together,” Killian added, turning on his heel as he marched out of the master chamber, closing the heavy oak doors securely behind his back.
Inside the quiet room, Evelyn walked slowly toward the grand vanity mirror, sitting down elegantly upon the cushioned stool as she began to meticulously dry her golden locks with the towel.
Her amethyst eyes stared at her reflection in the glass, a profound, heavy realization slowly settling within her thoughts.
She lowered the towel, her fingers trembling slightly as she muttered softly to the empty room.
“Why…
why does my mind experience such a bizarre sensation?
It truly feels as though I have become completely and entirely accustomed to Killian’s constant presence…
as if his existence has become an absolute habit in my life.”
Evelyn placed the white towel flat across her lap, her gaze turning solemn.
‘Regardless of these strange emotions…
I must maintain this single reality firmly inside my mind: this entire arrangement is strictly a temporary contract.
The moment the terms are successfully fulfilled, I am obligated to take my departure from this fortress forever…
strictly so that the path remains clear for the original heroine of this world to make her return.
But…
during the hours of yesterday’s twilight, the absolute fraction of a second Killian spoke regarding his desire to welcome a quiet death, a sudden, violent wave of profound sorrow ripped through my chest.
It felt as though…
I would be completely unable to survive in a world where his presence no longer exists.’
She reached out her hand, lifting a silver brush to slowly comb through the long strands of her golden hair, her voice dropping into a hesitant, emotional whisper.
“Perhaps…
I have truly developed an unbreakable, deep attachment to this man.”
Meanwhile, downstairs at the grand entrance gates of the Rosenberg mansion, the morning air was sharp.
Killian stood tall at the top of the marble stairs, his icy midnight-blue eyes fixed onto the figure of Lord Leonard, who was preparing to board his private carriage at the base of the courtyard.
Killian adjusted his cuffs, his voice flat and devoid of warmth.
“I offer you my thanks for arriving at my duchy, Leonard.”
Leonard stepped onto the carriage platform, his eyes scanning the open entrance doors with immense, lingering curiosity.
“Tell me…
did Princess Evelyn choose not to step outside to bid me farewell?”
Killian’s eyes narrowed into razor-sharp slits, a sudden wave of freezing, dangerous aura erupting from his posture as he snapped, “Excuse me?
Did your lips just utter the name ‘Evelyn’ directly?”
Leonard broke into a sudden cold sweat, realizing his grave error as he raised his hands frantically.
“Ah, my apologies!
I meant to say…
did Sister Evelyn choose not to descend the stairs?”
“No,” Killian responded flatly, his voice leaving zero room for discussion.
“She remains strictly inside her private chamber.”
“I see,” Leonard stammered, nodding rapidly as he gripped the carriage door handle.
“Very well then…
if my trade brings my presence back toward your territory in the future, I shall definitely visit your mansion once more.
Farewell, Killian.”
Killian stared at him, his deep voice carrying an absolute, terrifying warning.
“Yes.
Ensure you arrive strictly and exclusively to secure a meeting with my person alone.
Do not dare to invent any alternate excuses to touch these gates, do you understand perfectly?”
“Yes, yes…
of course,” Leonard replied frantically, scrambling inside the luxury vehicle.
The carriage driver snapped the reins, and the horses surged forward, fleeing the Rosenberg territory at maximum speed.
Killian watched the vehicle vanish into the mist before turning back around to enter the mansion.
A few minutes later, Killian pushed the heavy double doors of the master bedchamber open, stepping onto the plush rugs.
The absolute moment he entered the space, he froze completely.
Evelyn was standing near the grand mahogany wardrobe, her golden hair neatly brushed, but her hands were straining frantically behind her back as she desperately tried to reach the high back chain of her elegant gown.
The moment Evelyn spotted his towering frame in the mirror, she let out a breath of relief, turning around smoothly to approach his person.
“Killian!
Thank goodness you have arrived.
Please, extend your hand and fasten this back chain for me.”
Killian’s midnight-blue eyes widened slightly, his voice dropping into a stunned pause.
“What did you say?”
Evelyn pouted slightly, huffing in pure, innocent frustration.
“What do you mean by ‘what’?!
My hands are entirely unable to reach the zipper behind my shoulders!
Please, just close it for me.”
Without waiting for his response, Evelyn turned her back completely toward his torso, gathering her long golden locks of hair and pulling them forward over her shoulders to clear the path.
His eyes locked onto the smooth, pale skin of her exposed upper back, his throat going completely dry.
Slowly, with an immense, careful deliberation, he raised his long hands through the air, his fingers gently grasping the small silver zipper.
He began to slowly, methodically pull the chain upward.
During the slow movement, the tips of his fingers inadvertently brushed directly against the soft, warm skin of her back.
Touch.
The absolute fraction of a second his skin contacted hers, a sudden, violent jolt violently ripped through Evelyn’s chest.
Her breath caught completely, and her heart rate accelerated franticly, beating with a deafening rhythm against her ribs as a deep crimson blush exploded across her face.
Killian successfully fastened the chain to the very top with a soft click, pulling his hands back instantly as he cleared his throat to shatter the charged silence.
“V-Very well.
The task is accomplished.
Let us proceed forward to examine Sebastian’s condition now.”
Evelyn lowered her burning face, whispering softly in extreme shyness.
“Yes, Killian…
let us go.”
The two walked swiftly down the quiet corridors, stopping outside the head butler’s quarters.
Killian pulled the heavy oak door open, stepping into the sunlit room with Evelyn right beside him.
Saamne, standing dead center before the vanity mirror, was Sebastian.
The head butler was dressed in his crisp linen shirt, his strong arms moving with absolute efficiency as he methodically slid into his pristine black butler tailcoat, adjusting his spectacles with complete professionalism.
Killian’s expression hardened instantly into a wall of strict, absolute authority.
“Sebastian!
I explicitly commanded your person to remain flat on the mattress and focus strictly upon your rest, did I not?!”
Sebastian did not break his focus from the mirror, smoothing down the lapels of his uniform before turning around to offer an elegant, flawless bow.
“My Lord…
I became entirely fatigued and listless simply lying idle across the sheets.
I possess a firm belief that if I channel my energy into conducting my daily household labor, my physical system will restore itself with absolute, rapid speed.”
Killian let out a low, defeated rumble.
“Is that so…?”
“Yes, My Lord, without a single shadow of doubt,” Sebastian responded deadpan.
Evelyn stepped forward, a radiant, incredibly warm smile breaking across her features as she clapped her hands together.
“Wow, that is truly a magnificent revelation!
If that is the reality, then listen to my resolve…
I shall personally step into the kitchens and prepare the absolute entirety of tonight’s dinner for every single soul in this house!”
Killian’s jaw dropped slightly in pure, unadulterated shock, his voice stuttering slightly.
“E-Evelyn…
you intend to prepare the entire dinner all by yourself?”
Sebastian’s deadpan mask completely shifted into a look of absolute, polite alarm as he bowed.
“My Lady…
there is absolutely zero requirement for your royal person to endure such heavy, domestic strain inside the kitchens.”
Evelyn crossed her arms, huffing as her amethyst eyes flashed with defensive energy.
“What is wrong with the two of you?!
Do you honestly hold a belief that I am completely incompetent and do not know how to cook a proper meal?!”
Killian raised his hands slightly, his voice smooth.
“No…
that is absolutely not the reality.”
Evelyn turned on her heel with absolute determination.
“Then the matter is officially settled!
Tonight’s grand dinner shall be prepared strictly and exclusively by my own hands!”
As the late afternoon hours arrived, the grand kitchens of the Rosenberg estate were alive with the rich, aromatic scents of spices and fresh produce.
Evelyn stood before the grand marble prep table, her sleeves rolled up securely as she prepared the ingredients with immense, focused energy.
A long distance away near the heavy wooden pantry doors, the towering frame of Grand Duke Killian was standing silently in the shadows.
He was quietly peering through the gap, hiding himself from view as his midnight-blue eyes quietly tracked her every single movement, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
Evelyn suddenly turned her head to retrieve a spice jar, her amethyst eyes locking directly onto his hidden figure.
She blinked in surprise, a bright chuckle escaping her lips.
“Look who is standing there!
Killian, is that you?”
Killian’s stoic composure returned instantly.
He cleared his throat, stepping out from the shadows with slow, elegant strides as he entered the kitchen floor.
Evelyn smiled warmly, pointing her finger toward a massive tray of raw, heavy meat resting on the counter.
“Since your presence has arrived at the perfect hour…
please, perform a small favor and cut these pieces of meat into precise slices for me, Killian.”
Killian paused, his gaze dropping onto the tray.
“You desire my person to execute this task?”
“Yes, absolutely!” Evelyn clarified happily, shuddering slightly.
“Because…
I experience a sudden wave of intense fear whenever my bare fingers are forced to touch raw meat.
It terrifies me.”
She quickly handed him a long, razor-sharp silver kitchen knife along with a thick wooden cutting board.
Killian slowly wrapped his long fingers around the hilt of the knife, staring down at the raw meat as a profound, comical bewilderment washed over his thoughts.
‘This…
this is truly absurd,’ the Grand Duke thought fiercely to himself.
‘Throughout the entirety of my existence, my hands have strictly and exclusively cleaved through the armored necks of high-level demons and ancient monsters…
how on earth am I supposed to cut a domestic piece of meat?!’
Killian locked his glowing blue gaze onto the meat.
Wishing to execute the command with absolute perfection, he raised the silver knife high into the air, channeling a sudden surge of his raw, monstrous physical force as he brought the blade down with tremendous velocity.
BOOM!
CRACK!
The blade sliced through the meat instantly—but the sheer, cataclysmic pressure of his strength did not stop there.
The silver knife violently shattered the thick wooden cutting board into two clean pieces, embedding itself deeply straight through the solid marble countertop below, creating deep fractures across the stone.
Evelyn’s mouth dropped open in pure, wide-eyed horror.
She clutched her head, yelling out, “Oh my goodness!
What on earth have you executed just now?!”
She violently grabbed his arm, pushing his towering frame directly away from the counter toward the kitchen doors.
“Please, just take your departure from this kitchen this instant!
Go away!
I shall personally have Maria handle this task instead!”
Killian allowed her to forcefully push his body out into the corridor, a helpless, quiet look on his face.
Evelyn turned around, calling out, “Maria!
Please step inside for a moment!”
The head maid rushed in, bowing politely.
“Yes, My Lady?
How can I assist you?”
“Maria, could you please perform a small favor and slice this meat into clean pieces for me?” Evelyn requested, pointing at the shattered board.
“Right away, Princess!
I shall handle it within minutes,” Maria replied, lifting a fresh knife.
Evelyn returned to her large iron pot, carefully stirring the rich, simmering stew.
Deep within the privacy of her mind, a sudden, sweet thought took over her thoughts.
‘I wonder…
will the unique flavors of this dish manage to satisfy Killian’s precise taste?
Will he truly love it…?’
Suddenly, she froze, her face flushing a delicate pink as she muttered out loud in sudden realization.
“Wait…
what am I thinking?!
I am absolutely not preparing this grand dinner strictly for Killian’s sake alone!
Why on earth did my heart instantly utter his name before anyone else?!”
Maria, who was systematically cutting the meat nearby, caught her soft murmur.
A warm, knowing smile broke across the head maid’s face as she spoke softly.
“My Lady…
it is completely obvious to every single soul in this house.
You are deeply and profoundly in love with Lord Killian, are you not?”
Evelyn’s heart did a sudden, violent flutter against her ribs, her entire face turning a brilliant crimson red as she stammered, “W-What?!
How…
what are you saying, Maria?!”
Maria chuckled gently, her eyes soft.
“My Lady…
the absolute magnitude of care, devotion, and focus you place upon ensuring his well-being, and the beautiful manner in which you look after his comfort…
it speaks entirely for itself.”
Evelyn lowered her gaze, her fingers gently gripping the large wooden spoon as she whispered out in deep shyness.
“It… Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
it is absolutely nothing of the sort.
In reality…
Killian is the one who continuously looks after my safety with the utmost devotion.
His incredibly protective and caring nature…
it truly brings a profound warmth to my heart.”
Maria nodded gracefully, her smile widening.
“You speak with perfect accuracy, My Lady.”
As the late evening hours arrived, the dark velvet of twilight blanketed the estate.
Grand Duke Killian sat perfectly statuesque at the head of the long obsidian dining table, quietly waiting for her arrival.
A moment later, Maria and a procession of junior maids stepped into the hall, carrying the silver trays laden with Evelyn’s completed dishes.
Killian looked up, his midnight-blue eyes scanning the empty room.
“Where exactly is Evelyn, Maria?”
Maria lowered her head into a polite bow.
“My Lord…
Her Highness spent an exceptional amount of raw energy and laborpreparing this grand feast.
She became entirely exhausted; therefore, she has proceeded straight to the master chamber to rest comfortably.”
Killian’s expression softened with immediate concern.
“I see.”
“Princess Evelyn explicitly commanded my person to deliver this dinner directly to your table, My Lord,” Maria added smoothly.
Killian rose from his chair in a swift motion, his voice absolute.
“Listen to me carefully, Maria.
Take a proper portion of these dishes and deliver them straight to Sebastian’s quarters so that he may eat inside his room.
As for the remaining feast…
gather the trays and bring the dinner directly up to the master bedchamber.
Evelyn and I shall consume our meals together up there.”
A look of profound approval crossed Maria’s features.
“As you command, My Lord.”
Killian walked swiftly up the grand stairs, arriving outside the master chamber.
He raised his knuckles, knocking firmly against the dark wood.
Inside the moonlit room, Evelyn was lying tiredly across the bed.
Hearing the sound, she called out softly, “You may enter.”
Killian pushed the doors open, stepping into the room alongside Maria, who carefully set the steaming silver trays directly onto the bed’s side table before bowing out, closing the double doors softly behind her.
Evelyn forced her torso up, sitting upright against the pillows as her eyes widened in surprise.
“Killian…?
Why on earth did you not consume your dinner downstairs in the hall?”
Killian walked over to the edge of the mattress, sitting down elegantly beside her frame as his deep voice resonated smoothly.
“Given that your presence had not touched a single plate of food…
how exactly was I supposed to eat alone?”
Without waiting for her to respond, Killian reached out his long hand, lifting her designated plate of food.
He picked up a silver knife, methodically cutting the tender meat into small, clean bites.
He lifted a piece with the silver fork, extending his hand straight toward her lips, his midnight-blue eyes locking into hers with an unyielding warmth.
“Evelyn…
you have become entirely exhausted today.
Come along, allow me to feed you.”
Evelyn’s mind completely short-circuited under his sudden, breathtaking sweetness.
Her entire face erupted into a spectacular crimson red, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs.
But seeing the absolute sincerity in his eyes, she slowly opened her mouth, letting out a soft, shy “Aaa…” as she accepted the bite from his hand.
The rich, perfectly cooked flavors exploded across her palate, and a look of pure delight filled her features.
The moment she finished chewing the bite, she unconsciously opened her mouth wide like a small, eager child, waiting for the next portion.
A genuine, rare, and beautifully warm smile broke across Killian’s handsome face, a low chuckle escaping his lips as he lifted the fork once more to feed her.
Evelyn swallowed the second bite, her face burning with shyness as she looked at his untouched plate.
“Killian…
your own food is turning completely cold!
Please, extend your face forward, allow me to return the favor and feed you as well.”
Evelyn carefully lifted the silver fork from her plate, picking up a clean bite of the meat and extending her hand directly toward his lips.
Killian looked into her wide, glowing amethyst eyes, his stoic mask vanishing as he slowly opened his mouth, accepting the bite smoothly from her fingers.
The two continued to share the dinner in a beautiful, profound intimacy, their laughter filling the quiet chamber.
Once the grand dinner was fully completed, Evelyn neatly placed the silver trays aside.
She let out a long, heavy yawn, her eyelids turning remarkably heavy from the day’s physical exertion.
“Wow…
I am truly so sleepy.”
Killian rose from the mattress, walking over to the wardrobe to pull out a plush pillow and a linen blanket, preparing to take his rest across the long velvet sofa exactly like the previous nights.
Evelyn watched his movements from the bed, a sudden wave of sharp concern ripping through her thoughts.
“Killian, wait!”
Killian paused, turning his head.
“What is it?”
Evelyn lowered her face, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink as she whispered softly.
“I…
I have quietly observed your posture during the past mornings.
Because that velvet sofa is far too narrow and rigid for your towering frame, you are entirely unable to sleep with any true sukoon or comfort over there.
You…
you are permitted to sleep directly upon this grand royal bed tonight.”
Killian’s midnight-blue eyes widened slightly in absolute surprise.
“Are you entirely certain?
Does an arrangement of this magnitude inflict zero discomfort upon your mind?”
Evelyn offered a beautiful, radiant smile through her blush, shaking her head.
“No, absolutely not.”
Suddenly, a frantic thought hit her mind, and she scrambled to her feet across the sheets.
“Ah!
Wait a single minute!”
Evelyn frantically gathered every single plush pillow resting on the headboard, systematically lining them up in a perfect, rigid vertical row dead center down the middle of the massive mattress, creating a solid wall between the two sides.
She dusted her palms, pointing at the divider as she spoke with absolute defensive energy.
“Look closely!
I shall sleep strictly on the right side of this bed, and your person shall occupy the left side exclusively!
And remember…
you are absolutely forbidden from crossing this boundary line under any circumstance, understood?!”
Killian stared at the makeshift barrier of pillows, a sudden, low laugh escaping his throat as his eyes flashed with pure amusement.
“Hahaha…
very well.
I shall maintain the boundary perfectly.”
Killian moved to the left side, sliding his long frame beneath the heavy silk blankets as he lay flat against the pillows, while Evelyn turned her torso toward the opposite wall on the right, closing her eyes as the lamps were extinguished, plunging the room into peaceful moonlight.
A few hours later…
The midnight hour had fully arrived, the silver beams of the moon pouring beautifully through the arched glass.
Evelyn was locked in a deep, carefree sleep, completely losing all structural control over her body.
With a sudden movement, she violently kicked her arms and legs straight out from beneath the silk blankets, throwing her limbs in different directions as she lay completely wild.
Killian slowly opened a single midnight-blue eye in the darkness, looking over the row of pillows.
A low sigh of profound amusement escaped his lips as he muttered to himself.
“She is truly, entirely a small child when she sleeps.”
Moving with absolute gentleness so as not to disrupt her rest, Killian carefully reached out, lifting the heavy silk blanket and draped it securely back over her slender frame to keep her warm before lying back down.
Another hour passed…
Evelyn shifted violently in her sleep once more.
Driven by a subconscious impulse, she rolled her entire torso to the left, completely flattening the rigid boundary line of pillows beneath her weight.
She slid straight across the center line, entering Killian’s personal territory, and softly laid her golden head directly over his strong, warm left arm, snuggling close to his chest.
Killian’s eyes snapped wide open instantly in the dark.
He went completely still, his heart rate accelerating violently as he looked down at her beautiful, peaceful face resting flat against his arm.
He slowly raised his right hand, his fingers moving with an absolute, breathtaking tenderness to tuck a loose strand of her golden hair behind her delicate ear.
Suddenly, a soft, distressed whimper escaped Evelyn’s lips in her sleep.
Her brow furrowed in pain as she mumbled frantically in her dream, “Please…
do not slaughter Killian…
please stop…”
Killian froze, his midnight-blue eyes locking onto her anxious features.
A wave of profound, overwhelming love and protective warmth flooded his entire soul.
A soft, beautiful smile broke across his handsome features.
He realized that even within the deep depths of her subconscious dreams, her primary concern was strictly the survival of his life.
Killian shifted his arm, gently drawing her slender frame even closer to his powerful body.
Evelyn unconsciously extended her small hand, placing it flat across his chest as she rested her head securely against his shoulder, her frantic breathing instantly turning peaceful.
Locked tightly within each other’s embrace, completely conquering the boundary of pillows, the two fell into a profound, beautifully quiet peace, sleeping soundly together until the arrival of the morning dawn.