Hale’s words left even himself momentarily flustered.

But there was no other way.

If he didn’t end it like this, who knew what tricks Christine might pull next?

He’d rather play the creep than fall for her bait.

Besides, if anything happened, the sharp-eyed Christine would surely uncover his ability to replenish mana—and drain him dry later.

Snapping back to reality, he noticed the air had turned oddly intimate.

A faint, alluring blush dusted Christine’s porcelain face—so pure it radiated holiness.

*Blushing? Seriously? Weren’t you the one who said “let’s play”?*

He couldn’t let this woman fool him.

Christine’s scheming ran as deep as in the game—her motives utterly unreadable.

He’d actually liked her back when playing…

But now, with stakes this high, her schemes threatened his life.

And Christine *was* scheming.

Studying Hale up close, she sensed the mysterious power humming within the noble youth.

Strange… he felt oddly familiar, as if they’d crossed paths before.

*The divine decree was right… but to obtain that power…*

Countless thoughts swirled in the white-clad girl’s mind.

One night, a deity had appeared in her dream: the second son of House Faxius was special.

She always honored divine signs.

So she’d quietly gathered intel on Hale—drawing too much attention was risky.

Two years passed before she summoned him today.

Rumors about House Faxius’s second son had swirled endlessly.

Yet she’d learned Hale’s weakness: women.

And in beauty? She held quiet confidence.

Others might assume she shunned romance, but Christine was chosen to guide the world by heeding the divine voice.

If a price must be paid? She wouldn’t flinch.

Perhaps from this moment, this duke’s son would become hers to control.

*Should I keep indulging him?*

Only if *he* took full initiative—and gave her leverage.

Silence hung thick in the attic room.

Both minds racing.

*She’s hesitating. My move worked.*

Hale figured Christine held back for pride. He’d already come off creepy; pushing further might trigger hidden guards.

(Truth was, Christine had dismissed the Silver Knights guarding the attic—using afternoon prayers as excuse—to avoid arousing the Cardinal Bishop’s suspicion. After a millennium, the Church’s rot was plain to her. She served the deity, not the institution.)

“Baron Hale… are you certain?”

Christine inhaled deeply. Her right hand rested on her dress hem—a slight lift would unleash temptation.

*This isn’t her game persona at all,* Hale thought. *Unless she’s desperate… and knows intimacy boosts her power.*

But he’d already challenged her to “spread her legs.” Backing down now felt unmanly.

Yet replenishing mana with Christine meant locking into *only* her—and skyrocketing his death risk.

Holding back felt smarter. Safely replenish mana with his little maid back home? Yes.

Christine hesitated too. Maidenly shame prickled her skin. Her fingertips on the hem felt frozen.

She couldn’t lift them. In eighteen years, she’d never done this—never before a man.

They’d just met today. Divine decree or not… no rush. Knowing his desires, she could reel him in slowly. A push-pull game sounded far more fun.

After that bold move, both wanted to retreat—

*Knock.*

“Lady Christine! Are you all right?”

Maria’s arrival flooded Hale with relief. Seconds ago, he’d nearly surrendered to Satan’s whisper: *You might die tomorrow—just take her.*

Christine felt equally relieved. *Perfect. I needed an exit.*

But Maria snapped first.

Seeing them so close—Christine’s lingering blush, her hand still on her hem—Maria’s blood ran cold.

*Unthinkable!* For the Vestal Candidate to appear so… immodest before a man?

He must have pressured her. Whispered filth. Left her no choice.

*Hale… you despicable noble!*

Maria had noticed two things: Hale opening the door but not entering, and all Silver Knights reassigned from the garden.

Lady Christine was truly alone with him.

If she’d arrived one moment later…

*Her chastity—the Vestal Candidate’s most sacred duty—stolen by this lowlife?*

Hale met Maria’s furious glare with zero defense.

If anything, gratitude flickered in him. Christine didn’t seem to dislike him… but Maria’s hatred was *exactly* what he needed.

In the original plot, Christine wasn’t deeply into girls, yet cherished Maria’s loyalty. Mistress and friend.

With Maria opposing them? Nothing would happen. Christine would never learn he could replenish mana.

“Baron Hale. Leave. Now.”

Maria braced for his arrogant refusal—

But a faint smile touched Hale’s lips.

“Fine.”