“Lady Suran, are you alright? Why do you look like you’re gritting your teeth?”

Night Raven’s voice cut through Suran’s thoughts.

“Nothing’s wrong.”

Suran replied, then turned the question back. “What brings you to me?”

Though turmoil churned within, her face remained calm as still water—a true mark of a top-tier maid’s professionalism.

“I apologize for the sudden interruption, Lady Suran, but I must report something urgent.”

Night Raven continued, “The ‘Boisterous Trio of Sisters’ caused trouble in the thorny thicket. While playing, they wandered into Black Hare’s burrow and knocked over her potion case. Many finished potions and raw materials were ruined. Black Hare asked me to request your help replenishing the supplies.”

The trio and Black Hare were retainers Lyasis had taken in during her reign as queen. Before Suran arrived, the sisters often kept Lyasis company; Black Hare was the apothecary who crafted Suran’s healing potion.

“So much was ruined? What a pity. How could those three be so careless?” Suran sighed.

“They were testing a new game,” Night Raven explained. “They haven’t played with Miss Lyasis in ages and wanted to prepare a surprise before your next adventure together.”

Suran fell silent.

Before joining the Crimson Garden, Lyasis had almost no friends—only a few retainers. Since Suran came, Lyasis needed no one else. Just Suran.

If she left… who would Lyasis rely on?

And she had once promised to fulfill every one of Lyasis’s wishes.

Was she… breaking that promise?

A faint ache tightened in Suran’s chest.

But she quickly steadied herself. It wasn’t her fault. She’d been forcibly taken to be the “bandit chieftain’s bride.” Those promises were made before she regained her memories and knew her true self—they didn’t count.

“Lady Suran?”

Noting Suran’s prolonged silence and shifting expression, Night Raven added politely, “If you’re unwell, I can handle it. With a list and marked map, I’ll gather everything.”

“Very well. Thank you,” Suran nodded. “Wait here. I’ll fetch the list and mark the locations.”

She truly had no energy for trivial matters right now.

“Yes, Lady Suran.” Night Raven bowed and stayed.

Suran returned to the manor.

It was time to confront Lyasis again.

If she didn’t learn the way back to Earth soon… she might never return.

…

Morning light still lingered. When Suran entered Lyasis’s room, the young mistress was still asleep.

Suran gazed at her peaceful, lovely face—entranced for a moment—then slapped her cheeks and shook her head.

*Focus. Don’t get distracted.*

*Finding the way home is the priority.*

“Suran.”

Lyasis’s soft voice drifted out. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“You were pretending to sleep this whole time?” Suran asked flatly, meeting Lyasis’s wide, knowing eyes.

“Of course. I won’t wake up without your service.”

Lyasis narrowed her eyes like a mischievous little kitten. “So… what’s today’s wake-up service?”

Memories flooded Suran’s mind:

“I won’t get up until you kiss me~”

“Miss, you’re grown now. You can’t ask for kisses every morning.”

“But only Suran’s kiss gives me energy for the day!”

“…You’re hopeless. *smack*.”

Suran’s face burned crimson.

*Shame! So utterly embarrassing!*

And there Lyasis was—lips slightly pouted, waiting.

“That service is over! No more!” Suran stammered, cheeks flaming.

*Why… why can’t I look away from her lips?*

*Hold on… just hold on!*

“Oh? That’s your attitude?”

Lyasis raised an eyebrow. Then she pulled back the blanket, revealing her slender arm and the faint rope marks on her wrist. A playful smile curved her lips.

“After what you did to me last night… you won’t take responsibility today?”

“I—I didn’t!” Suran protested, face scarlet. “You tempted me!”

“Even so… that doesn’t excuse how far you went.”

Lyasis sat up, wrapped an arm around Suran’s, and pressed close. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I… was really hurt by you.”

Suran’s heartbeat hammered wildly.

Lyasis nestled against her chest, listening, then smirked. “Suran… you’re excited, aren’t you?”

“I… I’m not.”

“Stop holding back. No one knows you like I do.”

Lyasis guided Suran’s fingers to her cheek, then drew them into her mouth—giving them a gentle bite.

Cats show affection in many ways. A soft bite is one of them.

Suran had always loved cats.

And this “little kitten” knew exactly how to unravel her.

After the bite, a soft tongue began to lick.

Suran surrendered once more.

“Miss…”

“Suran… no words needed. Please… continue.”

“Yes… I’ll continue until you’re satisfied, Miss…”

…

Hours later.

Manor bathhouse.

Suran withdrew her hand from Lyasis’s smooth back. “Miss, can you dry yourself? You haven’t eaten. I’ll prepare breakfast.”

“Go ahead, Suran,” Lyasis replied, toweling her hair.

“Yes, Miss.” Suran curtsied properly and left for the kitchen.

*Ah~ Miss is growing even more lovely…*

*Her skin still so smooth, just like childhood… no scars at all…*

*So wonderful~*

A tender smile lingered on Suran’s lips, the bathhouse’s warmth and scent clinging to her.

But the moment she finished breakfast and reached for the cart—

She froze.

The smile vanished.

Wait…

Did I forget… something?