The crisp, refreshing warmth of the early morning sun broke beautifully over the grand architecture of the Rosenberg estate.
A gentle, cool breeze swept through the quiet stone corridors, whispering through the open arches as the entire fortress remained blanketed in absolute serenity.
Inside the master wing, all was still.
Grand Duke Killian Von Rosenberg and Princess Evelyn were lying fast asleep together on the grand royal mattress.
Evelyn had completely flattened the rigid boundary line of pillows beneath her weight during the night; her golden head was resting softly directly over Killian’s left arm, and her small palm was pressed flat against his bare chest, her breathing perfectly synchronized with his.
Knock.
Knock.
The soft, rhythmic sound of knuckles against the heavy oak door broke the morning silence.
Still half-submerged in a peaceful fog of deep sleep, and entirely unaware of the scandalous manner in which her limbs were intertwined with his, Evelyn mumbled grovilly toward the entrance, “Come in…”
The heavy double doors creaked open smoothly, and Sebastian and Maria stepped into the master chamber.
“Good morning, My Lord, My—”
The greeting died instantly in Sebastian’s throat.
The head butler and the head maid froze completely in unison, their eyes widening in absolute, wide-eyed astonishment as they witnessed the high-profile couple stuck together in an incredibly tight, intimate embrace.
An absolute, pin-drop silence instantly blanketed the entire room.
Evelyn blinked her eyes open, her voice fluttering with mild confusion.
“What…
what happened?”
As her vision cleared under the morning light, realization hit her like a physical blow.
She froze, staring at her own hand resting flat across Killian’s chest, her head tucked securely against his shoulder.
Her heart violently accelerated, beating with a frantic rhythm.
“Agh?!”
With a sudden wave of severe, overwhelming shyness, Evelyn scrambled backward in a pure state of hadbadi, throwing herself away from him to sit upright on the mattress.
Killian let out a slow, heavy morning yawn, rising smoothly from the pillows as his midnight-blue eyes locked onto her flustered, burning face.
He adjusted his stance, his deep voice smooth and unbothered.
“What exactly has occurred to your mind?
Why on earth are you blushing and experiencing such shyness?”
Evelyn pointed her finger at him frantically, her entire face turning a spectacular crimson red as she stuttered, “Y-You…
you were the one who violently crossed the boundary line during the night!
I explicitly commanded you to remain strictly on your side!”
Killian’s stoic expression remained entirely unbothered.
Moving with flawless grace, he extended his long fingers, gently yet firmly catching her chin and rotating her head backward toward the flattened row of cushions.
He leaned down, whispering in a low rumble, “Look closely…
and deliver an absolute response as to who exactly crossed the line.”
Evelyn stared at the crushed pillows on his side of the mattress, her jaw dropping open in pure, unadulterated shock.
“H-Huh?!
No way…
I am entirely certain I did not cross it!”
A dangerous, deeply amused smirk touched Killian’s handsome lips.
“You executed it yourself.
I explicitly told you that you sleep exactly like a small child, Evelyn.”
Evelyn’s heart rate accelerated to the absolute maximum, her brain short-circuiting in extreme blush under his heavy gaze.
She violently scrambled off the mattress, crying out, “I—I must proceed to fresh up immediately!”
But in her frantic rush to escape his piercing eyes, her footing completely failed on the silk sheets.
THUD!
Evelyn tumbled forward, falling flat onto the plush rug beside the bed.
Killian raised his long hand, placing his palm flat against his forehead as a low sigh of profound, comical amusement escaped his lips.
“What am I supposed to execute with this girl…?”
Evelyn scrambled to her feet instantly, her face burning like fire.
Maria stepped forward in polite alarm.
“Are you functioning properly, Princess?!”
“Y-Yes, yes!
I am completely fine!” Evelyn yelled out in sheer embarrassment, spinning on her heel as she practically fled into the adjoining bath chamber to hide.
Sebastian adjusted his spectacles, his deadpan mask returning perfectly as he addressed the Duke.
“My Lord…
the morning feast has been fully prepared.
Please proceed to the dining hall once your person has freshened up.”
“Very well,” Killian responded flatly.
A short while later, Evelyn emerged into the master bedroom, her golden hair neatly brushed.
She adjusted her gown, calling out softly, “Killian, come along…
the breakfast has been served—”
She paused, realizing the room was entirely empty.
“Where on earth did he disappear to?”
Suddenly, the heavy glass door of the private bath chamber creaked open, and Killian stepped out onto the plush rug.
He was entirely shirtless, his powerful, chiseled torso glistening with droplets of water under the morning sun.
The absolute fraction of a second Evelyn’s eyes landed on his bare frame, her jaw dropped in pure shock.
She violently spun her torso around, facing the wooden entrance door as her cheeks burned with an intense, furious blush.
“K-Killian!
Please, slide into your garments immediately!
I shall be waiting for your presence inside the dining hall!”
She raised her hand to pull the door open, desperate to escape.
“Halt for a single minute,” Killian’s deep, gravelly voice echoed from right behind her shoulder.
Evelyn’s hand froze against the iron handle, her body turning entirely rigid as she whispered, “What…
what exactly is the matter?”
Killian moved with sudden, fluid steps, materializing directly behind her back.
Before she could react, he placed his long hand flat against the wooden door right beside her head, trapping her within his immediate proximity.
Evelyn violently spun around to face him, her back pressing against the hard wood as her amethyst eyes locked onto his shirtless chest.
Her mind went completely blank, her soul screaming in pure, unadulterated panic.
Killian leaned his towering frame down over her, his midnight-blue eyes flashing with a dangerous intensity as he murmured, “Deliver an absolute answer to my person…
from whom exactly were you desperately attempting to protect me last night?”
Evelyn’s heart hammered so violently she felt it in her throat, her hands pressing against the door behind her as she stammered in extreme blush, “W-What?!
When exactly did I do that?!”
“Last night,” Killian clarified smoothly, his gaze locking into hers.
“Deep within the absolute center of your dream.”
Panic and severe ghabrahat seized her chest instantly.
Her face turned entirely red like a ripe tomato as she remembered her dream about the sorcerer.
“I—I…
it was absolutely nothing of the sort!
I must take my departure now!”
Moving with sudden agility, Evelyn ducked smoothly underneath his extended arm, violently throwing the heavy door open and sprinting down the corridor like a flash of light.
Killian stood alone by the door, a genuine, soft smile gracing his features as a low chuckle escaped his lips.
Downstairs in the grand dining hall, the atmosphere was peaceful as the high-profile couple quietly enjoyed their morning feast.
Evelyn cleared her throat, breaking the long silence as she looked up.
“By the way, Killian…
may I ask you a question?”
Killian took a slow sip of his black coffee.
“Proceed.”
Evelyn offered a hesitant smile, her voice carrying a sweet warmth.
“Tell me…
how exactly did you find the taste of last night’s dinner?
The meal that I prepared with my own hands?”
Killian lowered his cup with a soft click, his midnight-blue eyes locked into her gaze with an unyielding sincerity.
“Listen to me carefully.
I shall utter a single reality…
throughout the absolute duration of my entire existence, I have never consumed a feast as magnificent as the one you prepared.”
Evelyn’s eyes widened in profound delight, a spectacular blush coloring her features.
Killian leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a low, resonant rumble.
“Because…
you had meticulously poured the absolute entirety of your love into that dish.
That is the sole reason its flavors became so profoundly delicious.”
Evelyn clutched her dress, her heart doing a violent flutter as she smiled radiantly.
“Is…
is that truly the reality?!
I am remarkably happy and filled with joy to discover that you loved it so much!”
“From this hour forward…
my person possesses a burning desire to strictly and exclusively consume the meals prepared by your hands alone,” Killian added smoothly.
“Absolutely!
I shall gladly step into the kitchens to prepare wonderful dishes for you anytime!” Evelyn responded happily, her face glowing with pure unadulterated joy.
Killian kept his gaze fixed onto her face, quietly admiring her radiant smile.
Suddenly, the double doors pushed open, and Sebastian marched into the hall with absolute deadpan efficiency.
“My Lord…
a lady named Sharlet has formally arrived at our gates, desiring to secure a meeting with your person to propose a monumental business venture.”
Killian’s expression hardened back into a wall of stoic authority.
“Very well.
Guide her presence directly into the grand meeting hall.
We shall arrive momentarily.”
Inside the opulent meeting hall, the guest was sitting comfortably across the velvet sofa.
Sharlet was an exceptionally beautiful woman, her long, brilliant blonde locks cascading elegantly down her shoulders.
She was dressed in a pristine white tailored shirt and fitted trousers; however, the top three buttons of her shirt were left entirely open, exposing the smooth contours of her chest, while a vibrant red cape billowed gracefully across her shoulders.
The heavy double doors creaked open, and Killian entered the hall, with Evelyn walking right beside his shoulder.
The moment Sharlet caught sight of the silver-haired Duke, she rose from the cushions, lowering her body into an elegant bow.
Killian and Evelyn walked forward, sitting down close together on the primary sofa, while Sharlet returned to her seat.
Killian pinned her with a cold, piercing glare.
What business requires my attention?”
Sharlet offered a dangerous, charming smile, her voice smooth.
“Lord Rosenberg…
I desire to establish a monumental karobar with your person, an arrangement where the absolute majority of the profits shall flow directly into your treasury.
In exchange…
we strictly require the utilization of your supreme monstrous powers.”
Killian raised a single silver eyebrow.
“My powers?”
“Yes, precisely,” Sharlet responded, her eyes flashing with a hidden ambition.
“However…
you are absolutely not permitted to discover any further details regarding the venture until your lips formally utter an absolute agreement to our pact.”
Sharlet rose from the sofa, moving with slow, calculated steps as she walked around the table, positioning herself directly behind the couch where the couple sat.
Moving with immense familiarity, she extended her hands, slowly placing her palms flat directly over Killian’s shoulders.
Evelyn’s amethyst eyes narrowed instantly, a sudden wave of intense heat rushing to her chest.
“My Lord…
partnering with our organization will bring an unparalleled amount of wealth to your name,” Sharlet murmured smoothly.
She slowly slid her fingers downward, dragging her palms along the fabric of his vest until her hands rested close to his chest, leaning her face down to whisper right beside his ear.
“We shall personally ensure that your existence is blanketed strictly in absolute comfort, pleasure, and luxury…”
Killian’s face turned freezing cold, his voice dropping into a flat, dangerous register.
“Listen to me…
step back and maintain a proper distance while exchanging words with my person.”
Sharlet, however, completely ignored the warning, leaning even closer as her fingers brushed his collar.
SNAP.
The absolute fraction of a second Evelyn witnessed that woman touching him with such scandalous proximity, the dam of her patience violently shattered.
A sudden, colossal wave of pure, uncontrollable rage violently flared deep within her soul.
She bolted upright from the sofa, stepping directly between them as she forcefully yanked Sharlet’s hands completely away from Killian’s chest.
She glared at the blonde woman, her voice rising in a sharp, furious scold.
“Maintain a proper distance while speaking to him, do you hear me?!
There is absolutely zero requirement for your person to stick so disgustingly close to his body!”
Sharlet staggered back in shock, her face contorting into an offended scowl.
“Excuse me?!
Who on earth do you think you are to address my person with such insolence?!”
Evelyn took a menacing step forward, her amethyst eyes flashing with absolute authority as she proclaimed openly, “I am Killian’s official fiancée, do you understand me perfectly?!
How dare your hands lay a single touch upon my man directly in front of my face?!
Get lost from this fortress this instant!
We possess absolutely zero desire to conduct any business with your organization!”
Sharlet clenched her teeth with burning frustration, biting her lip in sheer rage as she realized she was completely outmatched by the princess’s fierce protective energy.
“This…
this humiliating treatment shall be remembered thoroughly!” she hissed bitterly, turning on her heel as she marched out of the mansion in a frantic huff.
Killian rose from the sofa, his midnight-blue eyes locked onto her trembling frame as he spoke softly.
“Evelyn…
what exactly happened to you just now?”
Evelyn froze where she stood, her hands trembling as a sudden shock washed over her thoughts.
‘Oh my goodness…
what on earth have I executed just now?!’ her soul screamed in pure panic.
‘Why did a wave of such intense, burning anger erupt within my heart the moment that woman laid a finger upon his skin?!
Why do I care so entirely much…?’
Killian quietly watched her flustered expression, a deep sense of profound, hidden delight washing over his thoughts as he reflected secretly, ‘Could it be…
that my beautiful fiancée has become completely jealous?’
He stepped closer, his voice smooth.
“Are you functioning properly?
This is truly the very first time in my existence that I have witnessed your character in such an absolute state of rage.”
Evelyn lowered her face, her cheeks turning a vivid red as she whispered out in extreme blush.
“Please…
extend your forgiveness to me, Killian.
I do not know what came over my mind…
I do not know how I managed to display such intense anger.”
Killian let out a low, warm chuckle, a soft smile gracing his features.
“Think nothing of apologies.
You executed a remarkably excellent task by chasing that annoying woman away from my presence.”
Evelyn blinked in total bewilderment.
“Huh…?
Truly?”
“Yes, absolutely,” Killian confirmed firmly.
“Furthermore…
because you prepared such a magnificent feast last night, I have absolutely not delivered a proper gift to your person yet.
Come along, let us depart for the central city right now to purchase whatever your heart desires.”
Evelyn’s face lit up with instant joy.
“What?!
Truly?!
I am completely ready!”
Killian turned his head toward the door, calling out, “Sebastian!
Prepare the royal carriage immediately!
We are departing for a shopping excursion.”
“Right away, My Lord,” Sebastian’s deadpan voice responded from the corridor.
A short while later, the royal carriage was moving swiftly along the cobblestone paths toward the capital city.
Evelyn sat quietly against the velvet cushions, her mind still entirely consumed by a cloud of profound confusion.
‘Why…
why does his proximity affect me to this extent?
Why am I experiencing such an intense attachment to a fake contracted betrothal…?’ she thought fiercely to herself.
Killian broke the silence, his eyes fixed on her.
“Evelyn…
tell me, what specific item does your heart desire to acquire today?”
Evelyn lowered her eyes, whispering softly.
“I…
I have absolutely not contemplated the matter yet.”
“It matters not.
Once we arrive at the market, you may freely select whatever catches your gaze,” Killian responded gently.
The carriage brought them to a smooth halt before a massive, highly opulent royal boutique filled with the finest high-society garments.
Killian and Evelyn descended the vehicle hand-in-hand, stepping into the boutique as the wealthy owner rushed forward, lowering his body into a deeply respectful bow.
Killian adjusted his cuffs, his voice absolute.
“Show us the absolute finest, most magnificent gowns available for my fiancée.”
“Right away, Grand Duke!
Please follow me!” the owner squeaked eagerly, displaying hundreds of breathtaking silk and velvet gowns.
Killian looked down at her.
“Evelyn…
select whichever gown pleases your eyes.”
Evelyn scanned the grand collection, her mind entirely overwhelmed.
“I…
I am completely confused, Killian.
Every single one of these dresses is remarkably beautiful.”
Killian turned his cold gaze toward the butler, commanding flatly, “Sebastian.
Have every single one of these gowns packed and delivered to our estate immediately.”
Evelyn’s mouth dropped open in pure, wide-eyed shock.
“What—?!”
“As you command, My Lord,” Sebastian replied with absolute deadpan efficiency.
Killian turned back to her.
“Do you require some rare jewellery as well, Evelyn?”
“No, no!
I already possess a vast collection, it is more than enough!” Evelyn declined frantically.
“Then what else do you desire?” Killian questioned softly.
Evelyn shifted her gaze across the grand market street.
Suddenly, her amethyst eyes locked onto a small, beautifully decorated boutique directly across the avenue—a shop filled strictly with elegant, highly detailed porcelain dolls.
She reached out her hand, firmly grabbing the fabric of Killian’s silk sleeve, pointing her finger toward the window as her face lit up like a small, excited child.
“T-That…!
I have a profound desire to step inside that shop, Killian!”
Killian looked down at her radiant, innocent face, a wave of immense sweetness filling his chest as he witnessed her pure joy.
“Very well.
Let us go.”
They entered the doll boutique, the shelves packed with beautiful collector items.
Killian looked at her and spoke smoothly.
“Scan the room.
Whichever doll captures your heart…
simply place your hand upon it, and it shall be yours.”
Evelyn navigated the shelves until her eyes landed onto a magnificent, highly detailed French porcelain doll resting inside a grand glass display.
The doll possessed long golden ringlets of hair and an elegant silk dress.
Evelyn pointed her finger eagerly.
“I want that specific doll, Killian!”
“Excellently done,” Killian responded, looking at his butler.
“Sebastian, have this French doll packed immediately.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Sebastian complied deadpan.
Once the excursion concluded and they boarded the carriage back to the estate, Evelyn held the beautifully packed box tightly against her chest, her face glowing with gratitude.
You have truly granted me the absolute item of my choice today.”
Killian offered a soft, genuine smile.
“I merely fulfilled the innocent desire of a remarkably sweet child.”
Evelyn pouted instantly, huffing in mock frustration.
“I am absolutely not a child!
I simply loved the craftsmanship of this doll!”
Killian let out a low chuckle.
“Is that so?
Yet you continuously sleep exactly like an undisciplined child.”
Evelyn’s eyes flashed with a proud smug spark, a teasing smirk crossing her beautiful face as she leaned closer, whispering playfully.
“Ensure your memory does not fail you, Lord Rosenberg…
let us not forget that the absolute fraction of a second your eyes witnessed this ‘child’ emerging from her morning bath in damp garments…
every single ounce of your stoic composure vanished into thin air!”
Killian went entirely, dead quiet.
His high cheekbones flushed a brilliant crimson red as he violently turned his face away, clearing his throat lightly.
“My…
my attention was simply directed toward an alternate matter during that hour.”
Evelyn chuckled softly, leaning back against the cushions.
“I understand everything perfectly, Killian.”
“Let us return to the mansion now,” Killian muttered flatly, trying to hide his intense flustered state.
Once they arrived back at the fortress, Sebastian systematically carried the massive mountain of purchases up to the master wing.
Evelyn guided the butler, pointing toward the bed.
“Sebastian, please place the box containing the doll directly across the pillows.”
“Right away, My Lady,” the butler responded deadpan, executing the task before exiting the room.
Killian adjusted his vest, looking at her.
“Evelyn…
since the shopping is concluded, let us proceed to the library to study the grimoires now.”
Evelyn’s shoulders dropped instantly, a tired groan escaping her lips.
“What?!
Are we truly obligated to read those thick books right now?”
“Yes, it is an absolute requirement,” Killian stated firmly.
Evelyn let out a defeated chuckle.
“Alright, fine.
Let us go.”
As the late evening hours arrived, the couple entered the grand library.
Killian walked smoothly toward the grand mahogany shelves, retrieving the identical, heavy ancient volume he had been examining during the very first night Evelyn had wandered into the room.
Evelyn walked up beside his shoulder, her eyes wide.
“Killian…
is this not the exact same book you were reading during that initial night?”
“Yes,” Killian responded flatly, his expression turning solemn.
“However…
this volume contains absolutely zero information or records regarding the coordinates of that dark sorcerer.” He set the book down, walking over to take his seat at the desk.
Evelyn stood frozen near the shelf, a profound wave of heavy guilt and sorrow washing over her thoughts as she lowered her head.
‘Oh my goodness…
if I possessed the ability to openly narrate the truth, I would have gladly revealed everything to him!
But within the plot of the original novel text…
that dark sorcerer was absolutely never mentioned!
And because of the binding restrictions of this contract…
I am entirely unable to deliver any clear records regarding his true enemies or the hidden treasures of this world to save his life!’
Killian noticed her deep distress.
“Evelyn…
what exactly is wrong?”
Evelyn took a slow, heavy breath, walking over to the desk as she lowered her gaze in deep guilt.
“Killian…
I require to confess something to your person.
According to the strict terms of our initial contract…
I am entirely unable to deliver any clear records or descriptions regarding your future enemies or the locations of the hidden treasures.
Because…
from the absolute moment my presence entered your existence, every single detail of the future has transformed completely.
Please…
extend your absolute forgiveness to me.
You are executing everything for my safety…
yet I am failing to deliver my side of the pact.”
Killian’s midnight-blue eyes softened to an unprecedented degree.
A genuine, beautiful smile broke across his handsome features as he reached out his hand.
“Come here.
Sit down beside me.”
Evelyn moved forward, sitting down carefully on the chair beside him.
Killian extended his large palm, firmly and reassuringly wrapping his long fingers around her small hand.
“Evelyn…
it matters absolutely nothing to my mind whether your lips can deliver those secrets or not.
From the moment your presence graced my life, I have completely ceased to harbor a single ounce of anxiety regarding the future.
Whatever crisis manifests before us…
the two of us shall thoroughly handle it together as one.”
Evelyn blinked back her tears.
“But…
Killian…”
Killian’s grip on her hand tightened, his voice dropping into a low, profoundly absolute rumble.
“Maintain this single reality firmly inside your mind…
I am absolutely not saving your life strictly for your sake alone.
I am preserving your existence strictly for myself.”
Evelyn’s breath caught completely.
“What…
what do you mean by that, Killian?”
Killian looked straight into her eyes, his voice ringing with absolute truth.
“You hold an importance within my soul that is infinitely greater than any pathetic piece of contract paper.
You are officially a permanent, vital piece of my entire existence.”
Tears of pure happiness spilled from Evelyn’s amethyst eyes as she whispered, “Killian…
you are truly, remarkably magnificent.”
“You possess a heart that is infinitely more magnificent than mine,” Killian responded softly, a low chuckle escaping him.
“Now…
focus your mind and read a few sections.
Once the task is finished, you may freely play with your new doll.”
“Alright, Killian,” Evelyn replied happily.
Deep within the absolute sanctuary of her mind, her soul screamed in pure, unadulterated blush.
‘It is official…
I have truly and honestly fallen deeply in love with this incredible man!
How on earth can a soul exist who is so profoundly protective, gentle, and sweet…?’
Later that midnight, the quiet darkness blanketed the master chamber.
Killian pushed the heavy double doors open, stepping onto the plush rugs.
Sitting gracefully in the center of the grand royal mattress under the dim moonlight, was Evelyn.
She was happily holding her new French porcelain doll, meticulously using a silver brush to comb through its golden ringlets.
Killian let out a low, amused chuckle.
“Wow.
So the grand playtime has officially commenced then?”
Evelyn raised her head, a bright smile gracing her features.
“Yes!
I am merely brushing its beautiful hair.”
Killian walked over to the edge of the mattress, sitting down comfortably beside her frame as his midnight-blue eyes locked onto her face.
“Evelyn…
looking at your posture at this moment, it truly appears as though this doll is your own biological child.”
Evelyn’s entire face instantly erupted into a spectacular crimson red, her shyness short-circuiting her brain.
“W-What?!
Truly?!”
“Yes, absolutely,” Killian murmured smoothly, his eyes flashing with a dangerous, deeply seductive proximity.
“Look at the motherly care with which you are grooming its hair.
And let us evaluate the logic…
if you occupy the position of the mother…
then I am obligated to stand strictly as the father, am I not?”
Evelyn’s heart hammered so violently she felt it in her throat, her face burning like fire as she gasped out in extreme blush, “Y-Yes…
I suppose that is an absolute possibility!”
Killian leaned closer, his deep voice dropping into a low, gravelly whisper right beside her lips.
“Then…
why do we not proceed to make this arrangement an absolute reality—”
“Oh my goodness, stop it!” Evelyn squeaked out frantically.
Losing her composure completely under his heavy gaze, she violently gave his chest a frantic push, turning around smoothly as she threw her body down flat across the mattress, pulling the silk blankets over her head on the right side of the bed.
Killian let out a low, warm laugh, moving over to the left side of the mattress as the lamps were extinguished, leaving the room in peaceful moonlight.
“Good night, Evelyn,” Killian murmured smoothly.
“Good night, Killian…
sweet dreams,” Evelyn whispered softly through her blush.
Locked within the peaceful sanctuary of the grand master chamber, the two fell into a deep, eternal, and profoundly quiet sukoon, their souls resting together in perfect harmony under the silver moon.