"Are you serious?"

Kevin quietly gazed at Lorin beside her. Their eyes locked, heavy with unspoken tension. Countless people had begged her for favors, even offering priceless treasures, but she’d always refused—she hated trouble.

Lorin’s request wasn’t unreasonable, even simple. Yet it still felt... gross. She could never accept strolling with a man, let alone now that she was a woman.

*Sigh.*

Back during adventures, her friends had dragged her out against her will. But honestly? That hadn’t been so bad.

A hint of a smile flickered across her breathtaking face, lit by the streetlamp. Those memories were like hidden treasures—always surprising her, no matter how many times she revisited them.

"Miss Kevin, if you’re unwilling, I’ll drop it," Lorin said. He sensed her reluctance and decided to back off. A true gentleman never forced others.

"Fine. I accept."

Kevin sat calmly on the bench, pondering briefly before agreeing. Better to fulfill wishes early—tomorrow’s might be far worse.

"Oh. Okay."

Lorin was surprised but thrilled. This meant Miss Kevin was opening up to him. As her teacher, he could handle this.

"If nothing else, I’m heading back," Kevin snapped impatiently. She’d finally wrapped things up; she deserved her lazy, idle life.

...Some time later...

"Lorin, why are you still following me?" Kevin’s voice brimmed with confusion and anger. If he weren’t a good man with pure intentions, she’d have attacked him already. She spun around, warning sharp in her tone. "Keep tailing me, and you’ll regret it. I don’t need your protection anymore."

"Miss Kevin, please don’t misunderstand. I *am* here to protect you—but I’m also heading back to rest." Lorin pointed calmly at the familiar inn ahead, his voice steady, as if he’d planned this all along.

"What do you mean? Planning to share my room? If so, I might just suck your mana dry~." Her tone held zero humor. His magic recovery was terrifyingly fast—even drained tonight, he’d bounce back by dawn.

Her pale blue eyes fixed on Lorin’s chest, trying to sense his magic. Predictably, his unique body blocked her. *Ugh. Why is he as freakish as Gali? His mana’s endless, like it costs nothing.*

"Rest assured, Miss Kevin. Basic etiquette is clear: no gentleman shares a room with an unmarried lady at night." Lorin spoke firmly, though inwardly, he dreaded her draining him. That hollow feeling—like part of him was ripped away—still left him weak.

"Then why follow me?" Kevin asked, puzzled.

"Because this is an inn. I just happen to have rented a room here." Lorin pulled a key from his pocket. It glinted under the lamplight. An awkward silence followed.

"...Fine."

Wordlessly, they approached the brightly lit inn entrance. Drunken shouts and adventurers’ curses spilled out—Kevin was used to it.

The doorbell jingled as they stepped inside. A burly woman, balancing trays, turned toward them.

"Welcome, lovebirds—oh, sorry, miss and your boyfriend! Hungry?" Her rough voice nearly knocked Kevin over. She almost corrected her but held back—explaining would only make it worse.

"Miss Kevin is pure and chaste! I, Lorin, am upright and incorruptible! We share no such relationship—I swear it!" Lorin stepped forward abruptly. His shout silenced the tavern. Every eye snapped to them.

Soon, all were captivated by Kevin’s goddess-like beauty. Some couldn’t look away, already dreaming of future children.

"What a hassle. I could’ve avoided attention," Kevin muttered lowly, covering her face with a slender, pale hand. She knew this would happen—that’s why she wore a cloak by day and returned at night. Magical disguises drained mana fast.

"Just bring something light." She shook her head wearily. Her stomach growled, so she’d eat. Under everyone’s stares, she moved to a corner table—now the center of attention.

As a Tenth Tier, she didn’t need food, like cultivators who fast. But her current body craved it. She glanced at Lorin. "And get him a portion too."

"Coming right up!" The innkeeper’s tone shifted sharply. She cracked her knuckles loudly. "Listen up! Anyone bothering these guests answers to me."

Bones creaked with each movement. The crowd obediently looked away, resuming their noise—but lecherous glances still flicked toward Kevin. Adventurers here knew the boss was ruthless. No one broke rules over trifles.

Kevin dug into her meal, eating heartily—utterly unlike her elegant image.

Across the table, Lorin stayed silent, a faint smile playing on his lips. He preferred her boldness over the restrained manners of noble ladies.