Chapter 15 – A Fairytale Roleplay and a Real Contract
“The script says we meet and fall in love at first sight.”
Herace disappeared for a moment, then reappeared wearing a small crown and a red cape. He leaned out the window dramatically and spoke in a prince-like voice.
“Oh, woodcutter. What brings you to this remote forest alone?”
This was clearly acting. I had to fully commit to the scene.
‘Let’s say the woodcutter is about 28 years old. Strong from working out every day, both for work and for fun—’
“Woodcutter? Are you a ghost or something? Why don’t you answer me?”
“Ah, no. I just… wandered into the forest, and somehow ended up here. I’m a woodcutter… sort of.”
“Then this must be fate, us meeting like this.”
Herace’s voice returned to normal at the end of his line, so smooth it nearly made me forget we were acting. I quickly pushed away those thoughts—it was ruining my focus.
“Yes, fate. It seems like this is destiny.”
“I feel like I could fly from happiness.”
“Humans can’t fly, but I get what you mean.”
I leaned on the window and whispered, “What’s your character’s name in this scene?”
“You can still call me Herace.”
“That’s not very immersive.”
“I just don’t like hearing other names from my girlfriend’s mouth.”
His words made me freeze for a moment. When a fairy tale prince says such things, it doesn’t feel real.
“I see… Then please call me Sera. It’ll help me get into character.”
“Alright, Sera.”
Herace suddenly jumped up and sat in the window frame. The sun and wind lit him up like a storybook illustration.
“Meeting such a beautiful woodcutter like you—it feels unreal. Will you stay with me?”
“No. I refuse.”
I waved my hand firmly. A strange man inviting me to stay in a forest? Suspicious! I had to be careful not to get kidnapped.
Herace looked like he was trying not to laugh, but then bent over, groaning like he was hurt.
“This is supposed to be a love story. Are you trying to make it a thriller?”
“Oh, I’ll do better from now on.”
Right, this was all practice—for our story. I had to focus.
“I’m still confused about what’s real, but I think… I feel something—like destiny—towards you.”
“Maybe because we’ve met before.”
“Hmm, I don’t remember that. Maybe you saw me first, and I just forgot.”
“But still, that moment you saw me… that was fate too.”
I smiled. That was a perfect line!
“You’re right,” Herace said softly, looking down like he was lost in thought. But then he smiled playfully again.
“If you say so, I’ll believe it. I’m just happy I get to see you like this.”
“…Is that enough for you?”
He paused for a while, tapping his chin, and then said:
“…Yes.”
“Can we stop acting now?”
I blurted it out—I wanted to finally talk about the contract. But before I could say more—
“Pfft—HA!” Herace burst out laughing and fell from the window into the bushes.
“Herace! Are you okay?!”
I leaned over, panicked. He looked peaceful at first, but then his mouth twitched, and he started laughing again.
“Oh wow…”
“Seriously, are you hurt anywhere?”
“‘Glad I’m alive’—you really said that, huh?”
He covered his mouth and opened his eyes, flashing that mischievous smile again.
“I feel bad that I’m the only one this happy.”
Then he suddenly pulled me down with him, and I ended up lying with my head on his arm.
Was this still part of the act?
“Isn’t the sky pretty, Philena?”
Even though it was daylight, his voice felt dreamy and slow. When I looked at him, he gently turned my face.
“Can you look at the sky, Philena?”
I was supposed to be Sera right now… but I asked:
“Why?”
“So I can look at you freely.”
If letting him look would end this acting scene, fine. I turned to the sky.
“Five minutes.”
“Alright, five minutes.”
Would he worry about how I’d count exactly five minutes? I almost explained, but stopped myself.
‘Just look at the sky.’
It was blue, with huge clouds puffing up, blocking the sun a little. It wasn’t too hot—perfect early summer weather.
“Herace, I’ll count five minutes using my pocket watch. That’s 300 seconds.”
“Sure. Count 300 seconds, Philena.”
“I will.”
“But… I hope they go slowly.”
Seconds can’t go slower… but I didn’t say that. I just turned my head back to the sky.
After our “sky watching,” I finally noticed: the locked door was still locked. And no one was inside the house. I panicked, but Herace calmly jumped through the window.
That height! He wasn’t just some average person.
“Come in.”
“Excuse me,” I said politely and entered.
The cottage wasn’t large by noble standards, but it was cozy and had everything: kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom.
While I looked around, Herace said softly:
“Maybe it’s because I was born a commoner, but I like being independent.”
“I see.”
“Hard to explain? My first home was an orphanage. It’s been a long time, but still.”
“I understand now. That’s why there are no servants here.”
“Exactly. This place is private. Special to me.”
Herace brought over two teacups and sat across from me. He handed me one, saying it was hot and to drink it slowly.
“It’s my own space. A place no one else knows about.”
It was lemon tea—my favorite. As I sipped, he added:
“A place I’m only showing you.”
So this place was a secret he trusted me with. That made it the perfect setting to finally talk about…
“Let’s discuss the contract between Herace Gray and Philena Light.”
