PLML 41

CHAPTER 41…

“Yes?”

“Zenne?”

At Jaina’s reply, both the jeweler and Perus turned to look at her. Unlike the startled Perus, Jaina remained calm.

“Didn’t you tell me to pick the one I liked?”

At her question, Perus, who had been dumbfounded, burst into laughter. It wasn’t the usual polite, superficial laugh, but a genuine, hearty one.

In the end, Perus bought all the jewelry.

When they left the jewelry store, a carriage Perus had prepared in advance was waiting. Jaina got into the carriage loaded with so many jewels that they barely fit in the trunk.

Returning to his room, Perus sat with his legs crossed on a chair, staring blankly into space before slowly closing his eyes.

“Pfft—”

A short scoff escaped from his slightly parted lips. Perus, who had been holding back laughter, finally burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! Ha, hahahaha!”

He laughed like a madman—so much that anyone watching might think he had lost his mind.

He had suffered so much holding back his laughter. He even felt proud of himself for enduring it this long.

‘I never imagined my brother would go that far.’

The little furball in Jaina’s arms. Perus had immediately realized it wasn’t her magical beast Cotton Candy—but Theorise himself.

Seeing the once-dignified Theorise whining and acting cute in the form of a tiny magical beast was hilarious. Every time Perus reached out, Theorise would startle and quickly try to draw Jaina’s attention elsewhere—he was anything but threatening.

How could a person change so drastically overnight?

This was a man who never flinched even when scorned by countless people. Even when he was cast out of the imperial palace with nothing but a hollow title of Grand Duke, Theorise never showed his emotions. And yet now, here he was, openly showing his jealousy. Perus had barely held in his laughter.

‘I thought she only tamed magical beasts…’

Now Theorise. Then Ashins. Jaina Blake wasn’t just taming monsters—she was taming people. People who had never opened up to anyone, now hers within such a short time. Perus found her… fascinating.

“She’s truly an interesting woman.”

Perus murmured, having barely stopped laughing. His always-gentle voice sank, colder than ever. Not a shred of emotion—sharp, chilling like a blade. That was Perus’s true voice.

He recalled her face—Jaina’s.

Strictly speaking, she wasn’t his type. With her soft, flower-petal-like coloring, she looked far too delicate to be his match.

Small and fragile, like someone who couldn’t fight at all. A gentle face that looked like she’d be easily taken advantage of. To Perus, who had met countless women dubbed “the flower of the Empire,” Jaina’s looks didn’t quite satisfy him.

And yet, for some reason…

Her ordinary face lingered vividly in his mind. Perus’s thoughts were now filled entirely with Jaina.

As if he were falling in love.

“Sometimes one person’s love can be worth more than love from millions. I just wish Zenne would pay a little more attention to me.”

She had meant it.

Most people liked Perus. He knew how to move hearts, and his life had always gone according to plan.

But Jaina was different.

He had targeted all the traits she’d likely favor, yet she didn’t fall for him so easily. Sometimes, when those pale pink, jewel-like eyes looked at him, it felt as if she could see right through him.

Perus had a thought.

Maybe she’s just like me.

Could it be that she, too, was acting out a persona others would love—only for the sake of her own goals?

He hadn’t yet found the answer to that question. But one thing was certain:

Perus Ri Akrana wanted Jaina Blake.

At first, it had been simple curiosity—a way to get a useful card in his hand. But not anymore.

Now, he wanted her. Wanted to make her his.

“Jaina Blake.”

Perus quietly whispered her name. In that cold, emotionless tone of his, a faint trace of affection slipped through. Thinking about their next meeting, he smiled—a chilling smile.

“Mmnn…”

“Your Grace, we’ve arrived.”

As the coachman opened the door, Cotton Candy leapt down from Jaina’s arms.

“Huh? Wait—!”

Before the coachman could react, the fluffy creature darted away, its pink rabbit ears bouncing.

Just then, a tall, muscular man approached quickly. It was Theorise Ri Akrana—the master of the grand duchy.

A half-blooded magical being. The cruel and merciless Grand Duke of the North. The coachman, already familiar with the rumors, bowed nervously.

Theorise didn’t reply and climbed into the carriage.

Jaina, curled up in the seat, frowned in her sleep, perhaps having a bad dream. Her disheveled hair and rumpled clothes made Theorise smile.

Even sleeping with her mouth slightly open—how could she be this adorable?

Theorise leaned in to kiss her forehead, then paused. Afraid to wake her, he instead gently lifted her into his arms.

His gaze, looking down at Jaina, was so tender it made one wonder if this was really the infamous Theorise. With eyes brimming with affection, he looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world and gave the coachman a signal.

The coachman quickly stepped away.

Homel, who had approached unnoticed, whispered something to Theorise. After listening quietly, Theorise took Jaina not to her room—but to his own bedroom.

As soon as she was laid down on the bed, Jaina’s eyes fluttered open.

Her pink eyes curved gently as they met his. Her smile glowed as if she were shining in the dark, and Theorise froze.

Even after all this time together, her smile still made his heart race madly.

Jaina gave a sultry smile and beckoned him. As if entranced, Theorise lay beside her.

Her hand brushed over his chest. Each time her slender fingers grazed his clothes, he flinched as if shocked. His pale face turned peach-pink.

Jaina buried her face in his chest.

“Theo… I like you…”

A sweet, sleepy voice, not fully awake yet.

Unaware of the storm she stirred in Theorise, she fell back asleep. Her even breathing brushed against his chest as he swallowed dryly. Every part of him ached to embrace her and share his desire—but he couldn’t.

For Theorise, Jaina’s rest mattered more than his own longing.

Watching her sleep with the happiest expression in the world, Theorise whispered softly:

“Sleep well, Jaina.”

12. The Secret Room

“My Lady, how long do you plan to stay like this?!”

The sun was already high when Ellie shouted at Jaina, who was still in bed in her nightgown. Ellie set down the washbasin and rolled up her sleeves. Today, she would get Jaina out of bed and dressed.

Wrapped up in blankets and lying blankly, Jaina murmured:

“Cotton Candy, attack.”

“Kyuu!”

Cotton Candy, who had been curled up beside her, suddenly sprang up and lunged at Ellie. Blocked by the tiny furball, Ellie chuckled.

“I knew you’d try that.”

She pulled something from her apron. Cotton Candy’s eyes sparkled at the sight of a dried piece of brown meat. Ellie waved the jerky triumphantly, and Cotton Candy’s head moved side to side like a metronome.

“Want this?”

“Kyu!”

“Alright, then go get it.”

She flung the jerky out the door.

“No! Cotton Candy! You’re supposed to protect me!”

Cotton Candy hesitated for a moment at Jaina’s plea, then tightly shut its eyes.

“Kyu, kyuaaang!”

Letting out an apologetic cry, Cotton Candy leapt off the bed and ran out.

“Haha, My Lady, that trick won’t work anymore.”

“Tch.”

“It’s time to get up!”

As Ellie charged again, Jaina barely lifted her blanket. Through the small opening, something black fluttered up. Thick, bat-like wings flapped in front of Ellie.

“Kyaaah!”

Startled, Ellie stumbled back.

Jaina smiled in triumph.

“I told you, Ellie. I’m really not doing anything today.”

After days of outings, Jaina was completely exhausted. Today, even washing up and changing clothes felt like too much.

‘It’s not like anyone dies from wearing the same clothes for a day, right?’

“My Lady, really…!”

“Just for today. Let me rest.”

At her desperate plea, Ellie finally gave up and left.

‘Freedom!’

How long had it been since she had a day like this?

Ashins, the constant nag, had returned to the palace for errands. Theorise and Homel were both out for work. Only Jaina, Ellie, and a few servants remained in the mansion.

Today, no one would disturb her.

Jaina decided to fully enjoy her perfect do-nothing day.

“Kyu…”

Cotton Candy, who had betrayed her for a mere jerky treat, returned. Jaina turned away with a sulky air.

“Kyu…!”

Cotton Candy squeaked in panic, spitting out the jerky and jumping onto the bed. Rubbing its soft fur against her and licking her hands with affection, it looked so sorry that Jaina couldn’t help but laugh.

“Alright, alright. It’s okay.”

“Kyuk?”

“Sure, you did betray me for a piece of jerky, but…”

“Kyu, kyuuung! Kyuaa!”

Cotton Candy let out desperate little cries as if trying to explain itself—so adorable.

Jaina scooped up the squirming creature.

“I’m just teasing. Blackie, you come here too.”

She hugged the black dragon that had helped chase Ellie away. Cotton Candy looked annoyed at the intruder in her arms. In response, the dragon pressed in even closer.

“Nope. If you two fight, I won’t hug either of you.”

At her words, Cotton Candy blinked up at her with innocent eyes. The dragon folded its wings quietly.

‘Hard to believe these two once blew up half a building.’

Looking up at the unfamiliar ceiling, Jaina recalled yesterday’s events.