After stepping out, Vicky knocked Sky Qi unconscious with a chop to the neck.

It wasn’t malice—just avoiding extra trouble.

She shattered his shackles with sword aura, leaving him unharmed.

Only the collar puzzled her.

Made of unknown metal, it wouldn’t even scratch no matter how hard she tried.

Sighing as she carried him, she thought, "I can only help this far."

A brown-haired youth leaned back in a chair, feet on the counter, soaking up afternoon sun.

He yawned lazily, sunglasses on, eyes closed.

Warm light gave him a carefree charm.

His name was Noah, a retired knight.

He’d joined the knight corps at 18, dreaming of fairy-tale knights and princesses.

But reality crushed that fantasy.

Princes and princesses married each other; knights just guarded their romances.

No accidental love stories like in tales. How tragic!

They fought endless battles for the king, yet credit went to "brave knights" and "skilled princes."

While royals sipped tea in palaces.

Noah cursed: "Damn! Fairy tales are lies. Reality sucks."

Quitting the corps meant imperial death warrants.

So clever Noah faked battle injuries—adding one near his heart to retire early.

He got a fat pension and opened this inn. Business thrived.

After all that, one thought remained: "Screw knights, princesses, and princes. I’m happier now."

He admired only one person: Sky Qi.

At 14, Sky Qi topped the continent. Fearless. A nightmare to bullies.

The bane of the Infernal Dragon.

Noah wished for that freedom, but his B+ rank forced him to dodge nobles.

As he pondered his future, a silver-haired girl dragged in a cloaked boy.

She slapped gold coins on the counter. "One room."

Noah’s eyelid twitched. "Kids today..." Wait, he was 25 too.

But these two looked under 18. Coming here for *that*?

The boy’s face hid in shadow, limp and exhausted.

His arm dangled over her shoulder; she carried him.

Clearly unconscious. Noah didn’t care—payment was all that mattered.

Smiling, he tossed them keys. "Have fun."

Vicky’s face flushed. She barely knew Sky Qi.

She laid him on the bed, yanking off his cloak.

"Oops—forgot the gag and blindfold."

She turned him, removing both. The gag was soaked with saliva.

Staring at his face, she froze. His charm pulled at her soul.

His soft lips tempted a kiss. She even wanted to hold him forever.

Shaking her head hard: "Why’s my willpower so weak?"

Now she understood the Vampire Princess—keeping him as a slave.

This allure made killing him impossible.

"I can’t help it! I want to kiss him!"

An angel and demon warred inside her.

The demon whispered: "He’s out cold. Do it. He won’t remember."

The angel cried: "No! That makes you like the Vampire Princess!"

So frustrating. She’d never expected this struggle.

Staring at his closed eyes, she sighed. "Alright—one kiss as thanks."

She leaned for his lips, then kissed his forehead gently.

Watching him sleep, she murmured, "Sweet dreams, my beloved."

Knowing she might not deserve him.

She left a gold-filled bag by the bed and slipped out.

Three hours later, Sky Qi rubbed his sleepy eyes, twisting his stiff neck.

"Damn! Hurts." He was still in bed—but shackles, gag, and blindfold were gone.

The room had changed. Bed by the balcony. Window slightly open.

A breeze brushed his face.

"Did Vicky rescue me?" He tried to rise, knocking over the gold bag.

Coins scattered everywhere.

"Huh? Gold!" Joy surged. "I owe Vicky big time."

He touched his neck—expression darkening. "Damn, the collar’s still here."

No keyhole. Unopenable. But the chains were gone.

He shook his head. "Still can’t use my power."

"No choice. Gotta find that guy for help."