Chapter 05
“Where is the client—no, the landlord? I want to talk to him myself.”
“I don’t know,” the servant girl said, bowing her head. “The aide just told me to take care of you, my lady. Please let me do my job. I even made a mistake yesterday, and if you leave now… the children waiting outside won’t get anything to eat.”
Luna fidgeted with the towel in her hands. The soft cloth rubbed between her fingers. The servant’s words hit her hard. Even if the client was difficult, the purification wasn’t finished—and now even children were going hungry because of her delay.
That thought made her stop moving.
“…Fine. Where’s the bathroom?”
The bathroom was huge—bigger and fancier than anything Luna had ever seen. She trembled a little as she undressed, looking around at the luxurious space. She had seen bedrooms with baths attached, but this was something else—a full bathhouse, almost like a palace.
Is the client just that rich? Or just showing off?
Luna let out a dry laugh, thinking about how hard her life had been until now.
After asking the servant to leave, Luna wrapped herself in a towel and looked around the dim room. The lights were off, but moonlight streamed through the frosted windows and shined softly on the floor tiles.
As she walked toward the large tub, warm steam touched her skin. The smell of a fresh forest filled the air.
“…My favorite scent,” she whispered, forgetting for a moment how annoyed she was earlier.
Her tense face relaxed as she slowly stepped into the water. First her toes, then her whole body. A sigh slipped from her lips.
Whoever this landlord is… he’s definitely rich.
The bath was so fancy it felt ridiculous. The hot water relaxed her completely. She poured water over herself to wash away all the sweat and rain. As she cleaned herself, she began humming softly. The splash of water echoed in the wide bath.
Just how big is this bathtub?
The far end was covered in mist.
Luna let herself sink deeper into the warmth and looked around. Then—
What’s that?
Through the steam, she saw something glowing—a soft, purplish light floating at the edge of the bath.
It didn’t look like decoration. It moved gently, like it was alive. And it was glowing with a strange light.
She knew she should just wash up and leave. But now she was curious.
It’s just me here… Who’s going to stop me?
Chuckling to herself, Luna waded forward toward the glowing object. But then—her smile froze.
There was a man in the water.
A naked man.
She froze, eyes wide. She couldn’t breathe.
He was sitting there half-covered by steam. Broad shoulders, silver hair wet and falling over his face. His eyes were closed. On his body, just beneath the water, a glowing cursed mark flickered.
Her heart pounded.
It’s him—the client.
The cursed mark…
She quickly looked down, face burning red. Her body wouldn’t move. Her mind screamed to leave, to run, to disappear.
Okay. Just slowly back away. Quietly. Maybe he won’t notice…
She took a small step back through the water.
Splash!
“—!”
A strong, wet hand grabbed her wrist.
She lost her balance and stumbled forward. Her hand hit something solid and warm—his chest.
She gasped. Her eyes flew up—and met his.
Cold blue eyes looked straight into hers.
“I do have a lot of money,” the man said in a low, calm voice.
He… he was awake this whole time?!
Luna’s body shook. This was bad. Really bad. She had to leave.
But he was so close now. If he moved even a little, he could pull her into his arms.
His chest rose and fell slowly. The heat of the bath and the tension made her dizzy.
Khalid looked at her closely, then snapped his fingers.
Click.
A lamp turned on. The room lit up. The shadows disappeared.
Luna blinked, her eyes adjusting—only to find herself staring at him again.
He was… beautiful.
But not in a soft or gentle way.
His beauty was sharp and cold—like a sword made of ice. Silver hair, clear-cut features, pale skin stretched over strong muscles. He looked elegant but dangerous, like a beast hiding in snow.
The water moved slightly, making the lines of his body even clearer.
Can a man’s chest really be that scary-looking?
The room was silent.
Tok. Tok. Tok.
The only sound was rain tapping against the window.
Then Luna realized—her hand was still on his shoulder.
“Ah!”
She pulled back in shock—and splashed loudly into the water.
Khalid frowned and caught her again, this time by the waist.
“You really are full of surprises,” he said.
“Th-Thank you…” she stuttered, feeling like she might faint from embarrassment.
A naked man just grabbed my waist… What is happening right now?!
She held the towel tightly. It was starting to come loose. Her face turned even redder. She looked down, trying to avoid his eyes.
Then he said—
“You’re a good actress.”
“…What?”
“Did Raven train you? That innocent act—with a sexy body as bait?”
“…Excuse me?”
“You’ve got guts, Wizard. No shame at all?”
Luna’s eyes widened. What was he talking about?
Yes, she needed money. Yes, she took the job because she had no choice. But this… This was too far.
“I was going to throw you out,” Khalid said, voice cold, “but I changed my mind. You came to purify me. Then hurry up and do it.”
“That’s not why I—!”
Her voice cracked. His arrogant tone made something in her snap.
What is wrong with nobles?!
“No?” he said with a smirk, tilting his head.
His hand slid over her waist, testing her.
Luna’s eyes shot open. “What do you think you’re doing?!”
She screamed and clutched the towel to her chest.
Khalid looked annoyed. This woman—so jumpy and stubborn—was pushing his limits.
Something inside him moved. Strange. Unwanted.
His jaw tightened.
Then—he moved.
“Let me go!” Luna cried, struggling.
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her close.
“I’ve been patient long enough. Stop wasting time. Purify the mark and get it over with.”
His voice was bitter. He looked angry. Disgusted.
Smack!
Luna slapped him.
The sound echoed through the tiled bath.
Khalid froze, his face turned to the side, a red mark forming on his cheek.
Silence.
Neither of them spoke.
Luna stood there, her hand shaking, breathing heavily.
It was the first time in her life she had ever hit a man.
And it just so happened to be…
…a naked one.
…her client.
