The new house sat on the city’s western outskirts, a fair distance from downtown. Just commuting back and forth ate up hours. Most folks would hire a carriage in such cases—but I wasn’t pressed for time, and I wanted to soak in the city’s atmosphere on foot. Call it tourism. So I walked both ways.

By the time I reached home, dusk had fallen. Glowing stones embedded along the roadside cast faint light, like fireflies dancing through the night.

Emily proved far more diligent than I’d expected. In just over four hours, the grimy house had transformed. Floors and walls gleamed as if polished; simple furniture stood neatly arranged.

She must have heard the door open. Dressed in a fresh blue-and-white checkered dress, Emily trotted over, beaming. "Master, welcome back!"

"You did all this alone? So fast?" I scanned the rooms while asking.

"Not alone! I hired helpers while buying furniture. I wanted to finish your orders quickly." She stole a cautious glance at my masked face. "It cost a bit extra... You won’t mind, will you?"

"Of course not. Paying for speed makes sense." I handed her a delicate silver bracelet. "Bought it on a whim at a jeweler’s. Girls like these things, right?"

"For me?" Emily’s eyes lit up. She slipped it onto her left wrist instantly. The silver gleamed against her pale, slender skin. She turned it over again and again, a hint of moisture in her eyes. "Master... you’re so kind to me."

"I’m not much older than you. ‘Master’ and ‘milord’ feel strange. Just call me Rylin."

"B-but how could I? You’re not only my master now—you’re a noble Mage! I’m just a lowly commoner. I couldn’t possibly—"

"Fine, fine. Do as you like." I dropped the subject. "You must be hungry. I brought pastries."

She took the bag, head bowed. Her voice was barely a whisper. "You’re truly kind to me, Master."

"It’s nothing. I’ve eaten. I’ll meditate in my room now. Tend to your duties. Which room is mine?"

"This one. It’s ready." She hesitated. "Master... would you like a bath?"

*Right. I haven’t bathed in over ten days.* Swaddled in thick robes from dawn till dusk, I probably reeked. I gave a faint nod. "Prepare it."

This world had no water heaters or kettles. Hot water meant stoking a fire under a cauldron, then pouring it into a wooden tub. Half an hour later, the bath was ready—steaming water scattered with fragrant petals. Emily took her duties seriously.

One problem: she stood rigidly beside the tub, bath towel in hand, with no intention of leaving. *Seriously? I’ll be completely naked. Aren’t you uncomfortable, girl?*

Seeing me hesitate to undress, Emily’s brow furrowed. "Is the water not warm enough, Master? I’ll reheat it—"

"No, it’s... I prefer bathing alone."

Her eyes instantly welled up. "Do you reject me because I’m lowborn? Unworthy of serving you?"

"You misunderstand. Aren’t *you* uncomfortable seeing a man naked?"

Her cheeks flushed crimson. Her whisper was almost inaudible. "I’ve never seen a boy’s body. But I belong to you now, Master. You may do anything to me... and I must learn to accept even this."

"Emily, our contract is master-servant—not a marriage pact. And honestly," I gestured at my robe and mask, "aren’t you scared of a weirdo like me?"

She bit her lip, then suddenly threw herself against my chest, burying her face in my shoulder. "I *was* scared. Mages have terrible tempers, they say. But living with you... you’re gentle. Kind. A noble Mage who cares for a commoner’s feelings—even defied the Scott Clan for me." Her voice trembled. "If you’d grant me the title of wife, I’d cherish it. If not... I’ll serve you faithfully as a maid for life."

Her words struck deep. No girl had ever confessed to me like this.

Truthfully, fifteen-year-old Emily was undeniably lovely: golden hair like silk, sea-blue eyes, a doll-like face, and a slender frame caught between girlhood and womanhood. At 165cm, she’d drive any shut-in on Earth wild.

As a man, I wasn’t immune. But I wasn’t *from* this world. I couldn’t promise her a future.

Taking advantage without commitment was wrong. I gently pushed her away. "Emily, I don’t feel that way about you. I hired you to deal with Raymond Scott. In a few years, you’ll marry someone else. Focus on your duties. Don’t overthink this."

Her blue eyes dimmed with disappointment, confusion flickering beneath. She said nothing more. Leaving the towel on a stool, she slipped silently from the room.