"What... what's wrong?" Grace's cheeks flushed under that peculiar gaze, a guilty feeling of having her innermost thoughts laid bare washing over her.

"Nothing," Mushiyu shook her head, suddenly realizing she was still nestled in the other's arms. Embarrassment flooded her. "I forgot... this must be tiring for you, holding me like this?"

She squirmed, trying to wriggle free.

Sensing her intention, Grace's heart clenched. Instinctively, she tightened her grip, refusing to let Mushiyu go.

Meeting Mushiyu's puzzled look, Grace explained, "The roof is slippery. You have no martial training—you might fall. It's fine like this. I'm not tired."

"Then... thank you," Mushiyu nodded, thinking Grace was actually quite kind.

Gazing down at the town from this height left Mushiyu vaguely unsatisfied. It felt like watching a screen. She craved to step into that world, to truly live in this other realm. But that wish would soon come true, wouldn't it? Once she left Melissara and Loran behind, she could go anywhere she pleased!

Where to first? Zangwill, the capital of the Central Empire—surely the heart of human civilization. Then the vast fields of red spider lilies blooming along the shores of the Beyond Sea. And the most beautiful place on the Heavenly Wonder Continent was undoubtedly the Magic Forest... but the Elven Forest lay within it. Too dangerous. A pity, but she'd have to skip it...

What Mushiyu didn't know then was that every single place she imagined would one day bear her footprints. And what would push her forward was never her own will, but an unyielding fate.

"You should go back now." Grace's whisper brushed Mushiyu's ear. Her eyes flicked meaningfully toward something.

Following her gaze, Mushiyu spotted Loran approaching the carriage, carrying something in his hand.

"Why's he back already? Put me down, quick!" Mushiyu urged.

"Hmm." Grace nodded. Strangely, she felt like a thief caught mid-affair as the rightful owner returned.

With a few silent leaps, Grace landed soundlessly in the courtyard. She set Mushiyu down, reclaimed her coat, and melted into the shadows of a corner.

Then she watched, helpless, as Loran approached Mushiyu. Watched the girl who had just been curled in her arms get lifted by the green-haired Elvenkind and carried back to the carriage.

The carriage door shut behind them, sealing off a world.

Grace clenched her silver teeth, forcing down the urge to snatch Mushiyu back from Loran's grasp. *Stay calm. To take her from the elves' clutches, I must endure this now!*

Even if it burned her soul. Even if the injustice choked her!

...

Inside the carriage, Loran stared down at the girl's lovely face beneath him, his breath ragged. Blood surged to his head in waves. His body felt alien, teetering on the edge of control.

Mushiyu suddenly opened her eyes, glaring up at him in annoyance. "Are you bored? Get off! It's sweltering!"

She thought he was waiting for her answer. But she refused to give one—she simply didn't believe Loran would break her legs.

Meeting the girl's utterly guileless gaze, Loran was struck by a wave of shame. *What am I thinking? By human reckoning, Yuer is only fifteen or sixteen. Not even of age. How could I...*

He released her wrists, jerked upright, and fixed his eyes on the still flame of the oil lamp. His chest heaved with each breath until, finally, calm returned.

Mushiyu watched him strangely. "Was I really that bad for stepping out? Do you have to be this angry?"

After several deep breaths, Loran regained a semblance of his usual composure. He shot her a cold look. "Without permission from me or the Princess, you go nowhere."

That infuriated Mushiyu. "On what grounds?! I haven't wronged you! Why lock me up?"

Loran leaned down, his eyes locking onto hers. His voice dropped low, each word deliberate: "Because you are our slave."

That murderous glint in his eyes sent a chill down Mushiyu's spine. She swallowed hard, shrinking back instinctively, unable to meet his gaze.

"Remember those words. I keep my promises," Loran straightened, turning away. "But don't worry—the Fountain of Life heals all wounds. Even broken legs can regrow. Test me if you doubt it."

*Test my ass! Damn it, Loran, you're just a sadist!*

Mushiyu flipped him the middle finger behind his back.

As if sensing it, Loran glanced sideways. Mushiyu yanked her hand behind her back, heart pounding.

Satisfied by her reaction, Loran's lips curled upward—just a fraction—in a smile Mushiyu couldn't see.

Remembering his purpose, Loran grabbed a food box and thrust it toward her. "Eat."

"Or you'll never taste these again."

The threat choked Mushiyu's refusal. Her small hands trembled as she took the box. Steam rose from the warm food inside. She wanted to scream.

*She'd just finished the meal Grace brought! How could she eat another?*

But Loran's threat left no choice.

*If only I'd eaten less earlier... waaah...*

Watching Mushiyu force down bite after bite, Loran reached a firm conclusion: *Softness doesn't work on this girl. Only hardness makes her obey.*

Had Mushiyu known his thoughts, she might have wished for death.

Crouched in the shadows for what felt like eternity, Grace battled a maddening, ant-like itch under her skin. *Why won't that elf come out?*

As if answering her silent plea, Loran finally emerged from the carriage, an empty food box dangling from his hand.

Grace held her breath, scanning his clothes for any sign of disarray. Finding none, she exhaled softly in relief.

Another barrier sealed the carriage—cutting her off from Mushiyu once more. Waiting until Loran vanished, Grace slipped from the shadows. She cast one longing look at the carriage before leaping over the courtyard wall.

*Edmund and the others are drinking at the tavern. They'll welcome me.*

At the window, Melissara watched that figure disappear into the town's bustling streets. A cold glint flashed in her eyes.

"That little mouse stealing another's grain needs a proper lesson."

Loran, entering just then, caught the words. An icy chill shot down his spine.

—*The Princess is angry.*