In the dim alley, a man and a woman stood close, their bodies touching as they whispered something secretly.

"Alright, can you let go of me now, Lorin?"

Kevin’s tone carried a hint of warning, her eyes sharpening slightly. After all, she wasn’t used to Lorin gripping her wrist like this.

"Okay, sorry. I didn’t think it through."

Lorin quickly released his hand, stumbling back a few steps. He stood still, his voice full of apology, every movement radiating gentlemanly grace.

"It’s nothing serious. I’ll take my leave now—I have things to handle."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Kevin winced in pain as she walked. She limped slowly forward, even leaning on the wall for support. Her body was completely devoid of magic—no magic under her feet, meaning she was barefoot on the ground.

She’d originally planned to absorb a bit more magic from Lorin but quickly dismissed the thought. Who’d willingly let someone suck their magic? It was already good he hadn’t held her accountable. Anyway, even without magic, as a Tenth Tier, she could still manage.

"Miss Kevin, shall I carry you?"

Lorin walked slowly beside her, seeing her condition. He couldn’t help but speak up—he knew no healing magic, so this was his only idea.

Miss Kevin’s body must have serious issues. With her healing magic level, such injuries should be easy. Plus, during their contact, he’d clearly felt no magic flowing in her.

How strange.

"No need."

Kevin refused without hesitation. Just imagining a man carrying another man made her feel nauseous.

Inwardly, she thought: Even if I, Kevin Jaeger, die from pain or jump from here, I’ll never let you, Lorin, carry me. Her hand hidden in her sleeve clenched tightly, full of resolve.

…………………………

"Miss Kevin, are you feeling okay?"

Lorin carefully scooped Kevin up in a princess carry, his voice gentle. It was his first time holding a girl like this. Her sweet fragrance filled his nostrils, bringing pure physical and mental pleasure.

"I’m fine."

Kevin’s beautiful face was filled with utter despair. She lay limp in Lorin’s arms like a corpse. But she simply couldn’t walk—her legs felt like they’d give out any second. So inevitably, she’d asked for his help.

Another option was using dark magic to forcibly drain his magic. But given Lorin’s recovery speed, he’d bounce back quickly anyway.

Still, her conscience prickled. He’d shown no malice, not even blaming her for earlier.

If Lorin were a despicable pervert, she’d act without guilt. But he was a good person, genuinely worried about her.

"Ahhh, if I do this anyway, how am I any different from scum?"

After inner turmoil, Kevin stopped overthinking. Then, as if remembering something, a light sparked in her eyes.

"Though this dark magic drains all magic instantly on contact—like an ambush—if Lorin agrees, with my Tenth Tier control, I can slowly draw just enough to satisfy myself without making him faint. Wouldn’t that be perfect?"

Lorin looked down at Kevin in his arms, her expression shifting rapidly. He thought inwardly: She must be remembering something happy.

He felt her light weight, the softness where his hands touched. He quickly averted his gaze—staring longer would be awkward.

"Lorin, back in the room, I have something very important to tell you."

Kevin spoke mysteriously, then closed her eyes to rest. Some things couldn’t be avoided—she might as well enjoy it.

Lorin nodded silently, quickening his pace. Soon, they were in the familiar room. With the noisy click of the door, he gently laid Kevin on the soft bed.

"Miss Kevin, what did you want to say?"

Lorin’s voice held confusion. He stepped back a few paces gracefully, sitting on a chair, his gaze fixed on her.

"Um, well, it’s, uh..."

The words were on Kevin’s tongue, but she hesitated. Finally, she mustered courage and spoke to Lorin.

"Lorin, is there anything you want? Or a wish?"

"I don’t have anything now. But Miss Kevin, just tell me what you need—I’ll see if I can help."

"I just want your magic."

Kevin paused, realizing her phrasing was off. She quickly waved her small hand to add:

"Don’t worry—I won’t drain you dry like last time."

She desperately needed a magic recharge, and Lorin was perfect. Without magic, everything was too troublesome.

"Okay."

Lorin agreed readily, seemingly unfazed by the past. Inwardly, he sighed—his earlier guess was right.

But before Kevin could show relief, he leisurely added:

"But Miss Kevin, you must grant me one wish. I haven’t decided what yet—I’ll tell you later. This isn’t too much, right?"

"Fine... but it can’t be outrageous."

Kevin frowned but agreed cautiously. It was just one wish—no big deal. If he pushed too far, she’d make him regret it.

"So, what now?"

Lorin knew she’d absorb his magic but had no idea how. Last time, he’d just fainted instantly.

"Come here."

Kevin tossed her troublesome cloak aside, revealing a simple white dress. With her slender, fair hand, she gently patted the bed and spoke softly.

Her stunning face showed quiet resignation. She didn’t like this at all, sighing inwardly.

After all, this was just a temporary transaction. Once she returned to the imperial capital, she wouldn’t need it anymore.