Fast-forward to Teresia already lying in bed.
Derek would’ve preferred fast-forwarding to dawn, but reality offered no such convenient option.
…
Earlier, he’d murmured, “Let’s… go to sleep.”
Teresia’s startled gasp made him uneasy.
But honestly—she’d been in his room for hours, and he’d explicitly told her she’d stay the night. What was there to be surprised about?!
Only one possibility remained:
When Teresia agreed, her brain hadn’t been engaged.
Should he explain properly?
But it was just sleeping—what was there to explain?
Explaining would only draw more attention.
As Derek hesitated, Teresia moved.
Stiffly, she unfastened her maid uniform. Beneath it, a cute nightgown appeared, revealing smooth, pale skin.
Compared to their first meeting, Teresia was no longer frail.
The thin fabric clung to her delicate frame, faintly outlining the curves of a blossoming maiden.
Though her peaks weren’t fully formed yet, an alluring charm already lingered.
If only her expression were more natural—countless believers would’ve fallen at the Holy Lady’s feet.
But expecting Teresia to wield her own allure was asking too much.
She was visibly tense.
Moving stiffly, arms and legs awkwardly synchronized, she approached the bed.
Sitting down, she yanked the blanket over herself, leaving only her large, dewy eyes fixed on Derek. “Young Master Derek…”
…
Derek had expected hesitation. Instead, Teresia climbed straight into his bed without a word.
*Guess all those meals weren’t wasted,* he thought. *Her fondness for me has clearly grown.*
And…
She was so cute right now!
Especially the way she called his name, flustered and sweet—it was almost too much to bear!
Pity the witch’s curse made him incapable.
*Focus. Don’t be tempted by this little demon. I’m Derek, the most righteous villain in this world.*
Derek exhaled silently, then calmly removed his coat. Beneath it, luxurious silk pajamas gleamed.
Watching him, Teresia’s cheeks flushed deeper. As he drew nearer, her heartbeat quickened.
She was nervous—but not afraid. In fact… she felt an inexplicable, thrilling anticipation.
Yet when Derek lay down beside her, pulled the blanket up, and went still…
…
As the son of Duke Wudewen, his room was lavish, his bed spacious enough for two.
That distance was precisely why he’d dared invite her over.
Now, he just needed to sleep peacefully until morning.
Derek closed his eyes.
*Yes. Just survive until dawn.*
*Sleep. No more wandering thoughts.*
*Clear as ice, calm as stone. Unmoved by chaos, serene in spirit…*
He silently recited the Calming Mantra, pushing distractions away. Teresia, however, had no such discipline.
Noticing his stillness, she blinked in surprise.
Then relief washed over her. *Of course. This is the Young Master Derek I admire.*
Warmth and trust bloomed in her chest.
But…
Was *this* all they’d do tonight?
It was fine—more than fine—but why did a restless dissatisfaction stir inside her?
Without thinking, Teresia whispered near his ear, her voice soft and shy, “Young Master Derek~”
Her cloying sweetness made Derek shudder.
*What now?!*
He opened his eyes.
Teresia stared back, unblinking. Her gaze held a silent accusation: *I climbed into your bed, and this is it?*
Derek felt fiercely tempted—and challenged!
*Little demon, don’t push your luck!*
*If not for the witch’s protection, one look like that from you, and you wouldn’t be walking out of here tomorrow!*
His heart roared, then wept. But all that escaped his lips was a weak, “Sleep.”
He had no choice.
This was unbearable.
*He* was incapable.
Hearing his calm words, Teresia’s restlessness faded. A gentle warmth spread through her chest.
*Young Master Derek is truly amazing!*
His voice carried a unique comfort, like morning sunlight.
This soothing peace made her want to draw even closer…
Suddenly, Derek felt his arm enveloped by something soft and warm. He jolted awake!
Turning his head, he found Teresia’s face inches away. A sweet fragrance filled his nose.
Unlike her earlier stiffness, she moved naturally now that she was in his bed.
*Was her nervousness all an act? Is this her true self?*
Teresia gazed at him tenderly, her voice honeyed and pleading: “Young Master Derek… can I hold your arm while I sleep~?”
*Why are you acting so spoiled with me?!*
*I’m sorry, okay? I shouldn’t have called you a little demon in my head. Please, spare me.*
*Holy crap—don’t actually grind against me!*
Derek panicked. Friction generated heat—and black smoke began curling from his skin!
Witch Claudius was about to descend!
If he didn’t separate from Teresia now, the villainous boss would strangle him to death!
He wasn’t ready to perish!
“Teresia. Sleep.”
Derek pushed her away. The black smoke thinned slightly.
But she clung back instantly, gripping his arm. “Just for a moment, Young Master Derek. Just a little while.”
*Holding my arm? You’ll get me killed, you little demon!*
Derek never expected the Holy Lady to be so ravenous. Did this R-18 world buff female characters like this?
No matter what—holding was impossible!
*Are you joking? One “little while” with you, and Witch Claudius will carry my corpse away!*
“Teresia. Sleep. Now.”
He pushed her off again. She pressed closer, puffing her cheeks in adorable frustration. “Just one hug, Young Master Derek. Just~ one~”
“Why?!”
*Why are you so obsessed with my arm?!*
“I don’t know… But touching you makes me feel safe. I love this feeling. It’s… comfortable~”
*Comfortable?!*
So the Holy Lady would force-hug him just to feel good?
*I misjudged you. I never thought you’d be this kind of saint!*
