Episode 25
Laria quickly ran out of the store.
She looked around, but no one was there.
It seemed she had just missed the person.
That man must have been the one watching me earlier.
She had thought it was just her imagination, but it wasn’t.
Since she didn’t know when he might show up again and cause trouble, she decided to stick close to Zenox for protection.
“Riri.”
Startled, she spun around.
Zenox was standing right behind her without her noticing.
“You scared me.”
Even though he was so close, she hadn’t sensed him at all.
He was more like a beast than a beast itself.
“I thought you were trying to run away.”
“I came out to catch the stalker.”
Even though she had failed.
Feeling awkward with empty hands, Laria thought back to what he said and tilted her head.
“Why would I run away?”
“Good question. I’m not sure why I thought that,” Zenox muttered, almost to himself.
“Maybe because I’ve lost you once before.”
A chill went down Laria’s spine, so she quickly changed the topic.
“You probably startled the shop clerks by leaving so suddenly. You didn’t pay, did you?”
“I gave them a blank check. They’ll send the bill.”
Walking naturally beside her, Zenox added,
“They said your clothes will be delivered in two days. Now, let’s go to the next shop.”
Next shop? Laria was already feeling tired.
Thankfully, it wasn’t another clothing store. It was a jewelry shop.
“Welcome.”
The moment they entered, Laria’s eyes sparkled.
The place was filled with jewels.
She looked at a necklace in the display case and thought,
With that, I could cast a teleport spell all the way to the North.
To her, the jewelry looked more like magical materials than accessories.
Long-distance teleportation… I really want to test it.
Her robe fluttered with excitement.
Zenox noticed her happiness and quietly smiled.
“Is there something you’re looking for?” the shop manager asked.
Without looking away from Laria, Zenox said,
“I need a ring for the engagement ceremony and another for everyday wear.”
At the words engagement ring, Laria froze mid-movement.
“This way, please.”
“Riri,” Zenox said sweetly.
Still stiff, Laria awkwardly followed him.
An engagement ring?
She had agreed to the engagement, but it still felt sudden.
Nothing had been decided yet—not even the date.
She had thought it would happen someday… not right now.
She sat down, but Zenox sat right next to her. She scooted away, but he moved closer again.
“This is a design from a popular designer,” the manager explained.
Once ordered, only one pair of rings would be made and the design would be destroyed.
Zenox barely listened, took the design sheets, and handed them to Laria without looking.
“Choose whatever you like.”
The manager looked surprised. He had assumed she was just a bodyguard or companion.
The shop staff were also staring with curiosity.
Feeling all the eyes on her, Laria regretted coming in her robe. She should’ve come as Laria Rohan.
She ignored them and flipped through the designs, occasionally stopping.
“Do you like that one?” Zenox asked, his golden eyes sharp.
Whenever she nodded, he paid attention.
“Is the stone in the center a diamond?” she asked the manager.
“Yes,” he replied more warmly now.
The diamond was so big that the ring would spin on her finger.
She swallowed nervously, but Zenox leaned in and whispered,
“Don’t take out the jewel for other uses.”
“I’m not that thoughtless,” she denied quickly.
How did he know I was thinking that?
“But what if there’s an emergency?” she whispered back.
“Like if Your Excellency was in danger.”
“Would you save me?” Zenox smiled softly, his black lashes fluttering like butterfly wings.
Laria found herself staring—until she realized how close he was.
“You’d save me, right, Riri?” he asked again, tilting his head.
Her ears felt hot, and she leaned back.
Foxes were said to charm people, but wolves were worse.
“Of course. I’d save you,” she said.
Then, to make it less personal, she added,
“I’d do the same for anyone, not just you.”
Zenox’s smile faded slightly.
“I’ll still be your first priority, right?”
“…Alright.”
Well, I guess I should save the person who buys me a ring first.
Satisfied with her answer, Zenox picked a design.
“This will be for the ceremony.”
The manager blushed a little—it felt like watching a private moment between lovers.
“I’ll measure your size now,” the manager said.
“No need. Riri can do it for my fiancée—her finger size will be the same.”
The manager froze.
Wait… the person in the robe isn’t the fiancée?!
His kind look turned cold.
Ugh…
Laria thought about just taking off her robe.
Then—
“What do you think you’re doing?” a voice said from behind.
Laria turned around.
A man in a large hat was standing there.
The stalker?
It was the man she had seen outside the clothing store earlier.
She quickly stood up and stepped in front of Zenox, ready to use magic if needed.
But when the man took off his hat, her mind went blank.
Brother…?
It was her older brother, Herdin Rohan.
His pupils turned into long vertical slits in anger, and his hand crushed the hat like paper.
Seeing the snake scales appear on his cheek, Laria’s face turned pale.
He’s really mad.
But why was he here?
“Are you cheating on my sister right in front of me?” Herdin growled.
The whole shop went silent—no one even breathed.
Zenox stood, looking at Herdin.
“You’re mistaken,” he said calmly.
“You’re saying I didn’t just see you picking out rings together?” Herdin’s voice trembled.
“I only have one person,” Zenox said, glancing at Laria.
Herdin’s anger rose. He pulled a small vial from his pocket.
Why is he taking out a vial?!
Laria panicked and shouted,
“Brother!”
He froze, giving her a moment.
She pulled back her hood, and her silver hair spilled out.
Herdin’s eyes widened in shock.
“Laria…?”
