Su Hong scrambled out of the changing room, hastily leaving the door slightly ajar.

Hearing rustling sounds of someone dressing inside, he turned a grimace toward the warden and the others.

"Don’t think blank expressions will save you! This is a changing room—why didn’t anyone tell me?!"

All eyes snapped to the warden, who protested with wounded innocence, "Lord Su Hong, you never let me finish..."

Su Hong opened his mouth wordlessly. Right—he *had* been about to speak.

"Fine. Then why isn’t there a sign on the door?"

The warden pursed his lips, speechless.

Everyone who used this room—guards, security—knew exactly what it was.

Who could’ve guessed a prisoner would *voluntarily* escape his cell and barge in? Utterly unimaginable!

Su Hong glanced back at the half-open door.

Waiting for Lia felt awkward blocking the entrance. He called softly, "Lia, I need to talk. I’ll wait for you in the cell."

Beads of sweat dotted the warden’s brow. *Wait for you… in the cell?* The phrasing sounded deeply off.

After Su Hong had finally stepped out willingly, now he wanted to go back? The guards’ emotions swung like a roller coaster.

A guard whispered, "Warden Guevara, what do we do?"

The warden watched Su Hong’s retreating figure, sighed, and shook his head.

"What *can* we do? Stopping him is impossible. We just… let him be."

Inside, Lia had already changed, placing her light armor on the table.

But without underwear, she felt strangely exposed. Recalling the scene, shame and anger burned fiercely.

Su Hong hadn’t crossed any line… yet—

She shook her head, cheeks flushing, eyes fixed on the broken Spirit Card Slot with deep regret.

"This guy is utterly despicable… Let’s hear what he wants."

Stepping out, she saw the warden and guards stationed distantly—as if ensuring she’d follow Su Hong’s words.

Fuming, she quickened her pace. Reaching the cell, she found Su Hong seated on the sofa.

The lavish purple robe draped loosely over his frame. Fair skin, black hair, dark eyes—he radiated an irresistibly mysterious charm.

—but charm meant nothing without decency! He was the most outrageous person she’d ever met!

"What do you want?!" she demanded, voice sharp with irritation.

Su Hong bowed his head apologetically, gesturing to the opposite bed. "Sit. Let’s talk."

Lia eyed the plush double bed and refused instantly. Without her Spirit Card Slot, she had no defense. What if he lunged?

Noticing her tension, Su Hong stood to switch seats.

Lia flinched back like a startled rabbit, pressing against the doorframe. "Y-you’re standing up for *what*?!"

"Just changing seats. You take the sofa. Lia… I was wrong to barge in earlier. I apologize."

His sincerity made her step inside, hesitant.

She sank gently onto the sofa—never had she felt such perfect comfort: supportive yet airy, light yet breathable. For a fleeting moment, she even wanted to steal it.

But her gaze soon returned to Su Hong.

Calm now, he seemed utterly transformed. Lazy elegance mingled with quiet arrogance. Yet deep in his eyes flickered endless loneliness and sorrow.

Lia had rehearsed a dozen scolding replies—

—but Su Hong asked a question she never, ever expected.