Siman truly didn’t know how to face Hale these past few days.

Ever since that day, she’d often zone out after returning home.

She’d learned he was accomplished in theology and never slackened in swordsmanship—yet he’d never told her.

Why? Did he think it unnecessary…?

The more she pondered, the more flustered she grew.

Uncertain what to do, she spent days both ignoring him and quietly watching, wondering when to speak.

Then today, she spotted him before the bulletin board, staring at the Demon God Labyrinth notice.

A faint joy flickered in her heart.

*Is Hale finally taking things seriously?*

Conquering the Demon God Labyrinth was a critical mission for the entire Papal Dominion and Western Continent.

Spanning a hundred vast floors teeming with monsters, each level beyond the thirtieth guarded by a gatekeeping lord.

Floors one to forty were cleared; one to ten transformed into commercial and residential zones.

Zones ten to forty held restricted areas—secret Papal Dominion project sites.

Tourists followed marked central paths; adventurers ventured deeper below floor forty to map the labyrinth and log monster intel.

Submitting reports to the Adventurers Guild earned rewards.

Reach floor fifty? You’d be ranked Saintly Silver Seat on the spot.

A mark of prestige. With Hale’s strength—if he truly rivaled Moyel—he could likely claim Saintly Golden Seat.

But step by step was fine, Siman thought calmly.

Yet Hale hesitated.

He needed to claim the hidden decryption reward alone. How could he do that with Siman watching?

Pull strange items from thin air like Doraemon right in front of her?

He’d be instantly suspected.

Keeping distance was necessary. These past days had been smooth—why did Siman suddenly approach him, even invite him to the Labyrinth?

Her attitude hadn’t flipped 180 degrees… but a sharp 90-degree turn was undeniable.

“No, thanks.”

He refused.

Siman’s eyes widened slightly. She didn’t understand—but accepted it quickly.

“Hmm… You’re refusing, Hale?”

“I think places like that are best faced alone. Solo proves true capability.”

Hale offered the excuse carefully. Claiming disinterest would’ve been too obvious, inviting her relentless questioning.

“Is that so?”

Siman found it reasonable.

Hale’s independent streak was admirable.

Like last time in the Understreet of District Six—she’d been surprised he left right after saving Letitia and Moyel.

Shouldn’t he have stayed for praise?

Yet he slipped away quietly.

This humble, reward-averse nature…

It reminded her of the Hale from childhood.

“Well, I’ll go alone in a few days. If your Knights Order mission takes you there too, go solo. Only then is true strength proven.”

His words sounded perfectly logical to her.

She had no idea the young man before her had subtly manipulated her.

“Alright. Do your best, Hale. Venturing alone into the Demon God Labyrinth suits the courage of House Faxius’s second son—but stay cautious.”

“Mm. I’m heading back.”

Having diverted Siman, Hale glanced again at the board. A notice read: *“Swordsmanship Delegation from Kingdom of Cathrine to Arrive.”*

He wasn’t interested. Time to leave.

…

He’d barely taken two steps when he spotted Lenny.

Probably lurking, observing them—just like the game’s script.

Lenny would wait in shadows to strike Siman after snapping.

But in the game, that trigger belonged to a main heroine.

Not him—an unorthodox supporting character.

Still, Hale wouldn’t indulge him. This was still early Christine route.

Other heroines’ arcs hadn’t even begun.

“Lenny. What are you looking at?”

Caught, Lenny emerged from the bushes, displeasure flickering across his face. *How sharp are Hale’s eyes?*

“Nothing. Just surprised House Faxius’s young master has time for bulletin boards. Shouldn’t you be with a certain lady?”

“I don’t care what you say. But stay away from Siman.”

Hale’s voice was ice.

He was mimicking heroine dialogue from the game—recruiting Siman, accelerating Lenny’s subplot.

This was Siman’s only early-stage threat. Without interference, Lenny wouldn’t dare move for half a year.

But actions had already nudged the timeline forward.

Fitting for a game of ultra-high freedom.

Before leaving Saint Louis, he’d push this subplot to its end—neutralize Lenny’s threat, or erase him entirely.

If Siman later faced trouble with Lenny and no heroine intervened…

The game’s pattern would inevitably steer her back to him, even revealing his mana-restoration ability.

Unbearable.

“Hah! What right do *you* have to warn *me*? *You* should stay away from Siman. Aren’t all those women enough for our dear young master Hale?”

Lenny felt that familiar, grating aura—the same one from childhood nobles’ banquets.

The boy in black had said the same words: *Stay away from Siman.*

Ever since then…

“Just remember my words.”

Hale kept mimicking heroine lines. Lenny’s ranting meant nothing.

This provocation would push Lenny to join the campus squad on the board, head to the Labyrinth, clash with Siman on her Knights Order mission…

Then someone else would save her.

Preferably a heroine. Even an Inquisition Bureau agent would do.

*Just not me.*

“Hale! Without your family’s name, do you really think you overshadow me?”

Hale ignored the furious shouts.

Lenny was destined to be a stepping stone.

He walked away.

Back at the House Faxius estate, an unexpected report awaited:

“Young master… the young lady has returned.”

Hale’s brow furrowed.

His dear little sister was a genuine yandere.