PLML 31

Posted by Zahid, Released on August 1, 2025

CHAPTER 31

“We haven’t formally hired him yet, so if you prefer someone else…”

“No! That’s not what I meant.”

Jeyna hurriedly covered Theoris’s mouth as he repeated himself like a parrot, and whispered to him.

“Listen, Theo. I don’t plan on hiring a bodyguard. I told you—I’ll be staying inside the estate. And with Lord Asins around, why do I even need a bodyguard?”

She removed her hand, allowing him to speak, but reminded him to keep his voice down so Revan inside wouldn’t hear.

“I apologize for bringing a guard without your permission. But Jeyna, since you said you wouldn’t refuse Ferus’s proposal, I can’t leave you alone without protection.”

Oh, right. That.

She hadn’t heard back from Ferus yet, but if no word came, she’d have no choice but to meet him. So she understood why Theoris was insisting on assigning her a guard.

But why did it have to be Revan, of all people?

Ferus was unavoidable, but now Revan too—two sub-route characters already. She wanted to avoid getting involved with Revan at all costs.

He hadn’t officially been appointed yet. If she turned him down now, their connection would end here.

“Fine. But send that man back. I want to choose my bodyguard myself, from the list you gave me.”

“Understood.”

“And don’t say it so bluntly like last time! Be polite, and say it nicely. Nicely, okay?”

Theoris nodded.

She still felt uneasy, but decided to trust him. He was a noble raised in the imperial palace, after all—surely he knew how to speak diplomatically.

Unfortunately, Jeyna’s assumption was completely wrong.

“My wife doesn’t find you acceptable. Leave.”

I’m such a fool for trusting Theo.

“I’ll speak with him myself. Wait here. Sir Knight, could you step outside with me?”

Revan nodded and followed her out. Standing stiffly with his head bowed, he was met by Jeyna’s best attempt at a gentle smile.

“Sir Knight, I’m sorry you came all the way here, but I’m not planning to hire a guard at this time.”

Before she could even finish her sentence, Revan dropped to his knees.

“If I’m lacking in any way, I will fix it. Please reconsider.”

“No, it’s not because I don’t like you.”

“No, it’s my fault entirely. I beg you, Your Grace. Please give me a chance.”

He looked up at her with dark eyes glistening faintly with moisture.

“Wait—hold on. I understand. Please stand up first.”

At her words, Revan rose immediately.

There was no way someone could look so desperate just from not being hired as a bodyguard. Something else must be going on.

“Is there a specific reason you need to be my bodyguard?”

Revan began explaining his circumstances.

He was originally a knight affiliated with the temple. In How to Love the Obsessive Male Lead, that’s where Jeyna first met him.

His mother collected herbs in the mountains, and his father was a mercenary. Though poor, his family of four—parents, Revan, and his younger sibling—had been happy.

But then a tragic accident occurred: his parents were killed by a magical beast. With no education or other skills, the only work Revan could find to support his younger sibling was mercenary work.

Fortunately, he was gifted with a sword. A priest happened to notice his talent, and he was taken in as a knight under the temple. However, because he hadn’t taken the official knight’s exam, he was never formally appointed—he was essentially a contract worker.

“The son of someone close to the priest has just joined the temple as a knight. All the other knights are formally appointed, so naturally, I’m the one who was let go.”

Ugh… so that kind of thing happens here too.

A new hire with connections replaces a contract worker—just like in the world she’d come from.

“If Your Grace turns me away as well… I truly have nowhere else to go. I beg you—please keep me at your side.”

His eyes were filled with such sincere desperation that Jeyna couldn’t bring herself to say no.

She remembered: Revan’s younger sibling was only eight. If she refused him, he and his little sibling would likely end up wandering the slums.

So this is how it turns out.

“Alright. I’ll hire you as my bodyguard.”

“Thank you so much, Your Grace.”

“But you’re not being formally appointed. I don’t go out often, so during your free time, look for other work you can do.”

“As you command.”

Jeyna only intended to use him temporarily—until he found another job.

Besides, she rarely left the estate anyway. Even if he stayed, they probably wouldn’t get too involved… or so she hoped.

“Let’s go for a walk! Cotton Candy, Poppy!”

“Kyuang!”

“Woof!”

The two creatures excitedly bolted forward, thrilled to be heading out. Poppy, overflowing with energy, pulled so hard that Jeyna was practically dragged along by the leash.

“Poppy! Wait—slow down a little!”

“Woof!”

Poppy paid her no mind, wagging his massive tail wildly as he ran.

“Allow me.”

Unable to stand watching any longer, Revan stepped in and took Poppy’s leash.

“Woof! Woof, woof!”

The leash went taut, muscles bulging in Revan’s thick arm as he held firm. Poppy finally looked back.

“Poppy, I told you not to run like that.”

“Kyuuk!”

Cotton Candy echoed Jeyna’s scolding, and Poppy drooped his head in shame.

But not for long—within a few steps, he had clearly forgotten and began speeding up again. With her strength, Jeyna had no chance against his energy, so she handed the leash back to Revan.

“Sorry, Sir Revan. Poppy’s just so energetic…”

“It’s no trouble.”

Revan didn’t even seem strained, holding the leash with ease. Seeing his calm expression reassured Jeyna.

“Come to think of it, Sir Revan… what about your little sibling? If you’re stationed here full-time, who’s looking after them?”

Temple knights could work shifts, so it hadn’t been an issue. But now that he’d become her guard, he’d need to stay close at all times—meaning he couldn’t go see his sibling.

“The elderly neighbors agreed to watch over them while I’m working.”

Jeyna felt uneasy, imagining his sibling waiting in someone else’s care.

“Why not bring them here?”

“Pardon?”

“There are plenty of spare rooms in the estate, and one more person won’t be a problem. Wouldn’t it be better if you could see them more often?”

For the first time, Revan’s emotionless face brightened noticeably.

“Are you sure that’s alright?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you so much, Your Grace.”

Revan bowed in heartfelt gratitude.

After returning from their walk, Jeyna immediately told Theoris she wanted Revan’s sibling brought to the estate.

Theoris sighed and said,

“This time… it’s a person?”

—but in the end, he agreed.

“H-hello… Your Grace…”

A little girl with chestnut pigtails mumbled a greeting. Then, looking frightened, she quickly hid behind Revan. Her black eyes were filled with a sadness unbefitting a child.

“Forgive her. Rina is very shy…”

“It’s alright. Rina, I’m happy to meet you.”

Jeyna smiled brightly, but Rina only lowered her head silently.

“Come, Rina. This will be your room from now on.”

Jeyna proudly opened the door.

A light green rug, pale yellow walls, curtains embroidered with cheerful floral patterns, and a fluffy bed covered in soft yellow blankets. Every vase by the window held colorful, fresh flowers. A subtle floral fragrance filled the room, and Rina’s expression visibly brightened.

Jeyna had decorated the room herself after hearing from Revan that Rina liked flowers and the color yellow.

Seeing Rina’s delighted face, Jeyna allowed herself a small, victorious smile.

“What do you think? Do you like it?”

Rina was looking around curiously, but flinched when Jeyna spoke. The smile vanished instantly, and she nodded nervously, her eyes darting anxiously toward Jeyna.

“Rina, thank Her Grace.”

“…Thank you…”

Though the thanks lacked sincerity, Jeyna didn’t mind.

At least she seems to like the room.

The way her face had lit up when she saw it—that was enough.

“Kyuah!”

“Huh? Cotton Candy?”

Just then, Cotton Candy appeared out of nowhere and leapt into Jeyna’s arms, making a cute sound.

“I told you not to wander off alone.”

“Kyuung…”

“Being cute won’t get you out of trouble anymore.”

“Kyuuk!”