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The members of the Punishment Unit increased, and the quarters were revamped.

They tore down some places and built new ones, leading to the establishment of a new unit.

The 4th Knight Order.

It was a name already in use, but the term Punishment Unit was no longer mentioned.

Accordingly, we began operations as an official Knight Order and took on general duties of soldiers.

The most significant change was probably patrolling the city.

Originally, we were stuck living in confinement, but now, like the other soldiers, we roamed the city for the security of Roktana.

I was no exception.

Now, even the residents of Roktana, who had gotten used to seeing me, no longer threw stones or rotten fruit at me.

In fact, when they spotted my red helmet, they would hurry away in panic.

“The path splits, the path splits!”

Balron chuckled next to me.

He, just like Willas, had become smaller than me now.

Since I was about to turn 18, I figured my growth was done.

There was certainly a noticeable change due to size.

Seeing everyone cowering like this was evidence of that.

Even the little kids, upon seeing me, would scream, “Ah! It’s Kyle Allen!” and run away as if they’d seen a witch.

“Hey, Kyle. After patrol today… huh? Huh?”

Martin elbowed me in the side as we walked.

His wiggling eyebrows made it clear he was up to something sneaky.

When I followed his thumb to where he was pointing, I saw a brothel standing tall.

Even now, amid the stabilization of Roktana, while the ruined city was being rebuilt, that brothel hadn’t deteriorated one bit.

Its adornments of finely crafted stones and rich wood always maintained a certain elegance.

Willas clicked his tongue in disdain and scolded Martin.

“How long are you gonna keep suggesting that? Kyle doesn’t want to mess around with commoners.”

Martin shook his head.

With all of us now 20 years old, there was nothing left to hide.

“Is there a difference between a commoner’s hole and a noble’s hole? It’s a hole, isn’t it? Kyle’s just putting on a show. Once he tries it, he’ll love it. You know, just stirring up that soft lady’s insides with his… “

– *Smack!*

Balron also silenced Martin.

“Cut it out, you idiot. You know how many times Vivian warned him that the moment Kyle visits the brothel, she’d have that woman killed?”

Martin sighed and shook his head.

“Do you really think that makes any sense? Vivian is just saying that. Do you really think she’d kill a woman just because Kyle slept with her? Come on, Kyle. It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Just dive in and think later.”

Balron lightly kicked Martin.

“How many times do I need to mention Serena before you stop saying such stupid things?”

Serena had spent time in prison with Balron.

When her name came up, the mood turned a bit heavy.

Martin hesitated for a moment but then pushed back.

“Hey! How is locking someone up the same as killing them? That prostitute would probably just have bad luck and visit jail once. A man’s desires cannot be restrained. Just let loose a little, Kyle. Throw some extra coins at the prostitute!”

I realized I couldn’t avoid answering, looking at Martin’s overly eager eyes.

I always ignored him, but when he pressed me like this, it was different.

I knew that if I ever slept with a prostitute, Vivian would really kill that woman.

Since Vivian was the one who initiated any physical contact with me, perhaps she wished my body to remain clean, at least.

…It was absurdly fastidious.

Martin, who knew nothing of this, spoke so easily.

I replied.

“Forget it, you guys can enjoy yourselves.”

Martin shrugged.

“…Got shut down again. Fine, I get it. Balron, Willas. Let’s go after this patrol, alright?”

Balron and Willas exchanged smiles at my expense, as if it was obvious, and said to Martin.

“What are you asking?”

****

In the inner chamber, Vivian looked down at the lands of Roktana, bringing her necklace to her ear.

A faint sound was emanating from the necklace she infused with her power.

‘Hey! How is locking someone up the same as killing them? That prostitute would probably just have bad luck and visit jail once. A man’s desires cannot be restrained. Just let loose a little, Kyle. Throw some extra coins at the prostitute!’

It was Martin’s voice.

The suggestion filled her with endless revulsion.

How dare he drag someone else into this?

It was an utterly naïve thought, completely oblivious to her own feelings.

She didn’t like how Martin kept trying to persuade Kyle, yet there was a reason Vivian gritted her teeth while watching him.

‘Forget it, you guys can enjoy yourselves.’

Kyle’s resolute attitude.

Alone in her room, Vivian broke into a broad smile of satisfaction.

She found herself smiling unknowingly as her lips curled up softly.

She understood why he acted that way. She knew why he was restraining the desires that existed within him.

“…Disgusting.”

Vivian, who had been smiling in delight, whispered softly.

A strange mix of disgust and pleasure echoed in the room.

Was it even reasonable to keep bringing up brothel stories she knew were off-limits?

Were all men like this?

Yeah, it was enough to know Kyle understood.

He would know that the moment he slept with a prostitute, every woman in that brothel could face death.

As she bestowed rewards upon him, would he really want to soil himself?

Kyle must not solve his desires with anyone else.

He should only look to her for the fulfillment of those cravings.

That way, he’d rely on her like a good dog.

Honestly, Kyle probably felt something similar.

It wasn’t about wanting to resolve his cravings through a prostitute; it seemed like he only blindly sought the rewards she offered.

She knew his kisses were far more effective for him than a liaison with a prostitute.

The lewd desire that was solely directed toward her.

Yet he acted all high and mighty in front of others.

“…Really disgusting.”

Vivian muttered again, knowing this.

Yet, the smile never left her lips.

Vivian gently caressed the necklace with her fingertips, tilting her head again.

The voice resonating in her ear felt like a song meant just for her.

With her eyes closed, if she could just imagine enough… it felt as if he were whispering directly in her ear.

– *Knock knock knock.*

‘Lady Vivian, it’s time for your dance practice.’

Lady Linne’s voice called from outside the door.

The tranquil moment was abruptly cut short.

Vivian took a slow breath and responded,

“Yes, I’m coming.”

Before she stood up, Vivian fixed her gaze once more on the necklace.

It was now a silent necklace, but she remained caught in the illusion that she could still hear Kyle’s voice within it.

The intense afterimage wouldn’t easily let her go.

Vivian tilted her head slightly.

As she stroked the necklace with her fingertips, she slowly brought her lips to it.

With her eyes gently closed, she lingered there, her lips pressed against it for quite some time. A faint sigh escaped her, and as her lips parted from the necklace, she wore a smile.

– *Knock knock knock.*

‘Lady Vivian.’

At the sound of the voice from outside, she shook her head slightly and rose from her seat.

“I’m coming, I said.”

Before leaving the room, Vivian let out a short sigh.

She knew it was time for her to pull herself together.

Her first ball in Roktana was approaching.

This was the event where she would officially step into high society, carrying her name.

It had been quite some time since she sent out invitations and kept on edge.

Even the princess of the East Kingdom and the prince of Delum Kingdom, who were said to be exchanging marriage talks, would be attending.

This ball would be held just as she turned 17.

This wasn’t merely a chance to present herself.

It was also an opportunity to rebuild Rondore and showcase the strength of her lands.

Everything had to be perfect for this important event.

…

Dancing.

“…”

Vivian didn’t actually like dancing.

Yet, she made the effort to learn it diligently, and there was a reason for that.

This wasn’t just about asserting her feminine charm.

She had thought about this for a long time.

In the grand Hall of Rondore where the ball would be held, she had always envisioned this while eating with Kyle.

…She knew one day she’d dance with Kyle.

Kyle would be attending this ball.

No matter what anyone said, regardless of the truth, Kyle Allen was a guest of Rondore.

It simply wouldn’t do to not invite a guest to the ball.

And once invited, it was a must to dance at the ball.

Even if he hadn’t learned to dance at all.

No matter how much they were enemies, they had spent enough time together that dancing was only natural.

Vivian chuckled softly.

How silly would Kyle look not having learned to dance?

Thinking about how all eyes would be on his awkwardness felt a bit satisfying.

Still, she awaited that moment.

Holding his hand, having his arms around her waist, nestled in his embrace…

Even as they mocked each other, showing off their complicated relationship among the crowd, sharing a dance while everyone was focused on them.

…What kind of expression would Kyle have?

Would he grit his teeth and hold back a smile? Would he blush from awkwardness? Would he remain expressionless? Or would he display a complex sense of disgust?

Vivian smiled and lightly adjusted her skirt.

No matter what happened, it seemed her first dance with him would be delightful.

 

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