Unfamiliar ceiling. Unfamiliar bed. Unfamiliar room. Everything felt utterly alien to the girl who had just woken up.

Her mind was still foggy, struggling to recall what had happened. Had she been chased by monsters in the forest? Why was she even being hunted? What happened afterward? And how did she end up here?

As her thoughts cleared, the memories flooded back all at once.

"The village!" she gasped. "I can’t stay here—I need to find help!" Remembering her mission, she threw off the blanket, planted her bare feet on the cold floor, and tried to stand.

*I have no time to waste.*

But her legs buckled instantly, dropping her back onto the bed. Weakness washed over her—exhaustion from fleeing through the forest, grief over the village, and days without proper nourishment while unconscious.

The door creaked open. A golden-haired man entered, followed by an ordinary-looking servant.

*So handsome.* The thought slipped in unbidden. Men like him didn’t exist in her village. *No—focus! I have important things to do.*

"You’re awake," Albert said gently. "Don’t rush. Your body needs rest. How about some food first?"

*Such a warm voice... such kindness. Could he be... the one?*

He paused when she didn’t answer. "Still shaken from the attack? Don’t worry—the monsters that chased you are dead." He assumed her silence was trauma. He’d never know it was his own face stealing her words.

Behind him, Chu Xueyue observed everything. *Albert, this is your fault. Why did I let you come? Fine. Leave it to me—I’m basically just your prop anyway.*

"Shall I fetch a healer?" Chu Xueyue interjected smoothly. "We didn’t dare tend your wounds properly since we’re both men. And well... we didn’t expect you to wake so soon." He stressed *we’re both men* and subtly nodded toward Albert. *He carried you back. I’m doing you a favor here. Win her over yourself.*

Karifa Aluba snapped back to reality. *Stop daydreaming!* Chu Xueyue’s words made her notice her dirt-streaked clothes and the muddy bedsheet beneath her. Her cheeks flushed crimson. Village girls were simple folk.

"I-I’m so sorry for dirtying your bed!" Tears welled in her eyes. "I’ll wash it all! I promise!"

Albert waved it off, unsurprised by her earnestness. He’d planned this. Compensation was never the point.

"You’re looking stronger. Don’t fret over small things. You must be starving after sleeping so long. Jack." At his nod, Chu Xueyue stepped forward with a tray of steaming food—prepared hours ago. Karifa was too guileless to question their timing.

*You get to look cool while I do all the heavy lifting.*

The aroma made Karifa’s stomach growl. She hadn’t eaten in days. After a murmured thanks, she devoured the meal.

The men quietly slipped out to give her privacy.

"Albert," Chu Xueyue whispered the moment the door closed, "I bet her village was destroyed. She’s the sole survivor who fled for help, took a shortcut, got chased by monsters, screamed—and only *you* heard her. Next, you’ll save her village. Then she’ll have no choice but to marry you as thanks. Congrats! Your girlfriend just delivered herself to your doorstep."

*Thwack!* Albert flicked his forehead hard.

"Idiot! What if she heard that? Never speculate about strangers’ lives—it’s rude and dangerous." His hand stayed raised, ready to strike again.

Chu Xueyue stumbled back, clutching his forehead. "Ow! That *hurts*! You think a max-level character’s flick feels like a love tap?!"

"Good. Maybe it’ll knock sense into you. Want another?"

"Ow! You hit harder this time!"

"If it fixes that loose tongue, I’ll hit harder next time. Try me."

The threat worked instantly. Chu Xueyue straightened, palms pressed together. "Sorry! My bad! I’ll stay quiet! Please don’t hit me again!"