chapter 5
Of course, I had expected Lisid to react like this.
I knew very well that he intended to seek help from a priest.
Which is exactly why—
I came prepared.
“…How could I have known… I truly didn’t.”
I furrowed my brows as if I were sincere.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace…! I never imagined you would seek help from a priest. The temple is entirely under the Emperor’s control.”
I covered my mouth dramatically, and I could feel him hesitate slightly.
Right. You can’t let the Emperor get hold of your weakness.
“And there’s one more thing you’re misunderstanding.”
I shook my head.
“Why would I hand you over to a father who hates me? He doesn’t even consider me family…”
Airel’s strained relationship with the Duke was common knowledge.
So he had no choice but to believe me.
I sniffed slightly and added:
“And lastly—you already know.”
“…Know what?”
“That I’ve always loved you.”
For a brief moment, his red eyes flickered.
I seized the chance.
“So please, just trust me once. No matter what happens, I’ll protect you—even before myself.”
“…You’ll protect me?”
“Yes. I promise to do my best. And if I ever show signs of betrayal—feel free to stab me with that sword.”
If that happens, I’ll be dead anyway.
“So? Do you trust me now?”
I smiled confidently, gesturing at the sword pointed at me.
His gaze shifted subtly as he studied my face.
* * *
“My lady…? What happened to you? Did you fight with someone again?”
Back at the mansion, Janice looked shocked.
“My face? What’s wrong with it?”
I checked the mirror.
Messy silver hair.
Dry lips.
“…Oh my god.”
I talked to him like this?!
Sure, Airel was still beautiful—but still…
‘I confessed looking like this… I feel a bit bad.’
That was probably the first time she had confessed so directly.
‘Sorry, Airel…’
But I’m cleaning up your mess, so cut me some slack.
While I was thinking, Janice began brushing my hair.
“You’ve been acting strange lately.”
“Strange?”
“You don’t care about dressing up anymore. And that weird bag you made…”
“Ah.”
I flinched and glanced at the pocket bag.
Inside—
Lisid was glaring at me in the darkness.
His red eyes gleamed.
Startled, I quickly sent Janice away.
“I’m so tired! You can go now, Janice. Thank you.”
“Already?”
“Yes. I’ll handle everything myself tonight.”
Janice looked puzzled but nodded.
After she left, I sighed and removed the bag.
“…You can come out now, Your Grace!”
The bag wriggled.
“Oh, wait—your shoes!”
As he stepped out, I grabbed his clothes.
“…What are you doing?”
He reached for his sword.
“N-no… please take off your shoes first.”
Shoes on the bed? Absolutely not.
I pointed at them.
“…Hah.”
He laughed coldly and kicked them off.
“Happy now?”
“Perfect!”
I gave a thumbs-up.
He looked at me like I was ridiculous.
“Take a look around. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Very well.”
He scanned the room.
And judged it in five seconds.
“For someone so fussy, this is chaotic. Your taste is terrible.”
“…Ouch.”
That hit.
‘But I decorated it thinking he’d like something flashy…’
I worked hard on this room!
I sulked.
“Right in the heart, huh.”
“Where else would I stab?”
“….”
I clenched my fists.
I almost punched him.
Then—
“Why is this covered?”
He moved toward a curtain.
“Wait—don’t!”
I lunged forward.
“Please don’t open it! I might actually get mad!”
“That’s not very threatening.”
“I-it’s not a threat!”
He smirked.
“Then it’s a request.”
“Yes! A request!”
I nodded desperately.
(I absolutely cannot tell him what’s behind that curtain.)
“…Fine.”
After a pause, he stepped back.
‘Thank goodness.’
For someone so ruthless, he actually listened.
‘In the original story, he’s completely merciless…’
A cold northern duke.
A war maniac.
And yet—
He’s gentle only to Seria.
‘…That’s why readers loved him.’
Including me.
‘What will he be like when the curse is lifted?’
I looked at him.
He was tiny.
Like a doll.
Short and round.
Adorable.
‘It’s fascinating…’
Then—
“So, my lady.”
He sat casually.
“Where am I supposed to sleep?”
* * *
Steam rose from a small tub.
Foam covered his body.
Lisid looked down at himself.
‘…Small.’
His hands.
His feet.
His body.
Everything was tiny.
Even his proportions were off.
He frowned.
‘A curse…’
What kind of ridiculous situation is this?
