Episode 40
Rian’s question sought one answer: something about Lehel. A secret that only a select few knew.
How had he learned about the castle’s basement? Only those closest to her knew that Lehel had been conducting experiments there in pursuit of immortality.
“So, you did have a desire,” he said, his eyes certain. Only then did I realize I had fallen for the bait he’d set so cleverly.
…He was testing me.
It was clear he didn’t know about the basement or the experiments for immortality—but perhaps hearing a hint had sparked his curiosity.
“Yes, I did have a desire. But now… my priorities have shifted to you,” he confessed. Even if immortality was the most important thing for Lehel, for me, nothing mattered more than Rian living, breathing, alive.
“You don’t look convinced.”
“Do such things change easily?”
“…What answer do you want? I appreciate your concern, but don’t you think today’s been a little strange?”
From the moment he brought the contract to now, his behavior was unusual—exciting, yet disorienting.
“What difference does it make if I tell you what I want? Has it ever mattered between us?”
Today, Rian was a little exasperating. I sighed and released the arm I had draped over his neck. Just as I was about to lower my hands from his thighs, he tightened his grip around my waist and spoke his heart.
“He knows something I don’t.”
“……?”
“If he knows it, then surely he could tell me too.”
I blinked, stunned. What could he possibly mean? Who knew my secret?
“Who are you talking about? You don’t mean… Terio?”
Rian remained silent. Neither confirming nor denying, but I knew—while they were fighting outside, Terio must have told him something. And now Rian, hearing it, was acting like this.
Understanding that, the annoyance melted into a smile.
“So… this is jealousy, right?”
“Jealousy? In this situation…?”
Rian’s frown deepened as he recalled what he had just said, likely unaware of his own feelings.
Then I had no choice but to make it clear.
“You’re jealous because Terio knows my secret, and you don’t.”
Now it all made sense. How adorable. He should have just said so earlier.
I released my fingers slightly from his, lacing them together instead. At a distance close enough to feel each other’s breath, I asked,
“Do you like me?”
Rian’s face immediately flushed red. The calm, composed demeanor vanished, replaced by visible embarrassment as he averted his gaze.
Is this what it means to seduce someone?
He hadn’t intended it, yet my patience had already reached its limit. His head turned, leaving his neck exposed. I brushed my lips lightly against the soft skin and bit gently, causing him to flinch.
“Ugh…”
The thread of reason I had clung to snapped. It was as if it had been telling me I could no longer restrain myself.
How is it that you always drive me insane?
With a short exhale, I cupped his jaw, turning his face toward mine, and kissed him. Warm lips met softly, intertwining slowly and deeply. When we briefly parted, our breaths mingled in confusion.
Opening my eyes, I saw his pupils, heated and intense.
“……”
Those eyes wanted me. From head to toe, I felt the shiver of desire. Without hesitation, we pressed our lips together again.
For the first time, facing emotion without walls, I could resist nothing. Only instinct guided us now.
It was then I realized: I had found a place in Rian’s heart.
❖ ❖ ❖
Night deepened, every breath loud in the quiet room. I sat on the bedroom sofa, smoothing my lips.
- I’ll tell you my secret when you want me more than you do now.
Rian didn’t fully understand his own feelings, so I wanted to slowly fill him with me.
- Don’t worry. Right now, you’re all I want.
I remembered his heated touch on my nape, the sensation of his lips exploring me—it was vivid, almost dangerous.
I nearly lost control. If my rational mind hadn’t returned just then, I might have surrendered completely.
“I’d be bored if only I wanted you,” I thought.
I didn’t want to wait until Rian truly desired me, yet watching him, it seemed the time wasn’t far off.
Still, one problem remained: his affection level was still zero. I might need another condition to raise it… but I trusted the emotions he showed. At least I knew his collision of feelings with me was sincere.
As I prepared to go to bed, a presence at the door made me pause and return to the sofa.
“Come in. Don’t just linger at the door.”
The door opened. Terio stepped in, cautious, like a dog sensing its master’s mood. His usual bright expression was gone, replaced by shadow.
“…Lehel, are you all right?”
“After a whole day, you ask me now?”
Terio pressed his lips together, understanding why he hadn’t come immediately—he had broken my orders, after all.
“If you’re so curious, come closer and see.”
“……”
“Or do you intend to keep your distance?”
He hesitated, then lowered his head.
“…Do I even have the right to come closer, having disobeyed your orders?”
“Terio.”
“……”
“Come closer. This is an order.”
He obeyed, kneeling before me.
“You…”
“I will accept the punishment for disobeying.”
He avoided my eyes, as if guilty. Yet that stubborn loyalty made my chest ache—like I had stolen all his freedom.
“Stop. Keep pressing this topic, and I’ll make you stay in seclusion for a month.”
“…But…”
He said nothing further, knowing my words were no falsehood.
I smiled faintly, stroking his head.
“I know you’ve been trying. You struggled while I was away.”
“…It’s my duty.”
His shadowed expression softened. Like a dog craving praise, he brightened under my words.
“In return for your effort, I need your help with something.”
“I will do anything to assist you, Lehel.”
Finally, the shadow lifted, and his usual self returned. The violet in his dark eyes deepened.
“Someone gave me a gift. I want to return the favor. What would you suggest?”
“May I choose?”
“Yes. That would suit you better.”
He placed a hand over his chest, bowing formally.
“I will prepare it to the best of my ability.”
❖ ❖ ❖
In the den of Salovan, the Lustful Demon Lord, humans and monsters alike revealed their hidden desires, surrendering to passion.
Candles flickered, casting warm light as a breeze slipped into the heated hall. Then suddenly, the lights went out, leaving darkness.
“What…?”
“It’s freezing… right to the bone.”
Those sensitive to the cold hurried to cover themselves. Alone, Salovan smiled.
“How diligent.”
The castle walls began to freeze, beautiful ice crystals forming. Entranced, he barely noticed them shattering, sending shards onto his face, leaving a long cut.
His smile froze. He despised damage to his own face.
“The nerve…”
The culprit? Lehel. Terio had carefully orchestrated this gift.
Salovan licked the blood on his lips, thinking of her, the woman who seemed indifferent to everything, yet had wounded him so deliberately.
‘Next time… how shall I shake her?’
He wanted her—body and soul, marked and trembling under his touch.
