By the end of the story, Suran and Lyasis fell into silence, not uttering a word.

Suran glanced at Lyasis. Her eyes were distant, tear tracks streaking her cheeks, as if still lost in the tale’s emotional tide.

"Miss…"

Suran reached out, gently wiping her tears before pulling her into a comforting embrace.

Though she had once been the supreme Nightmare Queen—though she often played the mischievous little demon, teasing Suran with endless antics—

Lyasis was, at heart, still a sensitive fourteen-year-old girl. Her heart remained tender.

"…I’m alright."

Lyasis quickly composed herself. "Suran, this book…"

"Buy it."

Suran answered without hesitation, each word firm. "I’ll find a way to earn the money. We *must* buy it."

He turned to the White Glove. "Shopkeeper, could you hold this copy of *Requiem of the Marionette* for one day?"

Paying two hundred silver coins outright was nearly their entire monthly budget. Buying it now would leave them without food or lodging.

So Suran planned to team up with Hushang first, claim a share of the subjugation bounty, then return.

"Of course," the White Glove readily agreed. "This book’s contents aren’t for ordinary readers. No one else will buy it."

"Then we’ll return tomorrow."

"Anytime. You’re always welcome."

After parting ways, Suran led Lyasis out of the magic bookstore.

"Miss, I’m sorry we couldn’t buy it today," Suran said.

"No need to apologize. I know you’re thinking of us," Lyasis replied, cradling the thick *Apprentice’s Grimoire* with a soft smile. "Besides… we *did* gain something, didn’t we?"

Seeing her eager expression—clearly itching to dive into the grimoire—Suran’s lips curved slightly.

"Let’s eat first, then find an inn."

"If we’re saving money… does that mean just one room?"

"Yes."

"So… we’ll be sleeping together from now on?"

"The bed might be small. I can sleep on the floor—"

Before Suran finished, Lyasis pressed against him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzled into his chest, then tilted her chin up with a coquettish smile.

"Holding each other like this… we’ll fit perfectly."

…

After dinner, they found a nearby inn.

*Swish—*

Sliding the door open, they stepped inside—just as a familiar voice chimed:

"Welcome~ How many—"

Clara, the avian girl, froze mid-sentence. "No way! It’s you two again!"

"That’s what *we* were going to say," Suran said, noting her damp hair, sleeping cap, and soft nightgown. "Staying here tonight?"

"Yep! Granny’s kind to me, so I help out sometimes," Clara said.

"Clara, you’ve worked all day. Go rest," the elderly innkeeper urged gently.

"Okay, okay!" Clara leaned toward them, whispering, "Psst—you got lucky! This inn’s plain outside, but the bed’s huge and soft, the bath’s spacious… soaking is *heavenly*!"

"Off you go, dear," the innkeeper smiled.

"Coming~" Clara fluttered away.

Suran paid ten silver coins. "One room, please."

"Thank you." The innkeeper handed him a key. "Second floor—end of the hall. My legs aren’t what they used to be."

"We’ll manage. Rest well, Granny."

They found the room.

*Creak—*

The door opened; candlelight flickered to life. Just as Clara promised—the single bed was spacious and inviting.

*Heave-ho!*

Lyasis pounced onto the bed like a playful kitten, rolling once before beaming. "Suran! It’s so soft!"

"Miss, you haven’t bathed yet—" Suran shrugged. "Though I know you’d say, ‘I’m just a regular magic apprentice now… skipping etiquette once is fine, right?’"

"You read my mind~" Lyasis grinned mischievously.

"Bath first. I’ll draw the water."

Inside the bathroom, Suran touched the magic orb beside the tub. Hot water flowed steadily. He summoned his storage space, added skin-nourishing potion—the water turned a gentle jade green.

"Perfect temperature."

He stepped out. "Miss, bath’s ready."

Lyasis approached silently and began unfastening Suran’s maid uniform.

"M-Miss?"

"You worked hard today. Let me wash and massage you."

"B-But I’m always like this… it’s nothing…"

"I saw it," Lyasis murmured, tilting her face up, eyes locked with his. "The tub fits two… Don’t you… want to soak with me?"

*Gulp.*

Suran swallowed.

"Yes."