It had been a week since Edmond first mentioned a “date.” Now, I was finally on one—something I’d only ever heard about.

He could’ve surprised me anytime, but Edmond insisted on planning it carefully. I agreed.

On the day of the date, I felt strange. A date—who would’ve thought I’d even go on one? And with Edmond Wolfgang?

“Irene, look at this!”

He smiled so brightly I barely recognized him. All day, he showed me things, took me to nice places, bought gifts—and beamed with happiness.

By the fifth shop—a hat store—he exclaimed cheerfully,

“From here all the way to there—buy everything!”

I sighed inwardly. He’s the heir to the wealthiest Wolfgang dukedom. If any noble did that, the shops would go bankrupt.

At the jewelry store, when he said it again, I saw his face whiten and tried to stop him. But Edmond just shrugged,

“Why not? The more, the better.”

I fell silent. His shameless enthusiasm made me blush.

“Irene, you’re like an angel. Where did you leave your wings? Oh—if you wear this outside, someone will mistake you for a fairy and kidnap you! Maybe we should only wear it at home.”

He meant a soft, white-fur coat he’d just bought. Wearing it only at home defeats the purpose.

After about five rounds of this, I got used to it. I stood quietly while he paid.

He seems so happy—I don’t want to interrupt him.

Edmond was always serious or angry in front of me. I never expected to see this warmth. It made me smile.

“Edmond.”

He hummed as we exited the hat shop. I tugged his sleeve.

“Why are you like this?”

He flashed that radiant smile—like a newlywed husband.

I trust I can tell the difference between sincere and fake smiles. This was real.

Looking more and more puzzled, I spoke softly,

“Are you…?”

“Hmm?”

He tilted his head, eyes full of love—looking at me like I was the most precious thing in the world.

I froze.

“Nothing… it’s nothing.”

“Really? Is something bothering you? Or is there something you want?”

“No, I’m just… maybe I misheard.”

I decided to ask later—there was plenty of time.

But Edmond looked serious and asked,

“Do you want to go home? If you’re uncomfortable, just say so. I’ll do whatever you want.”

“No, I’m having a great time.”

As the words slipped out, I gasped and covered my mouth.

And suddenly realized: I really am enjoying this date.

He grinned and asked,

“Irene, are you having fun?”

My face burned and I couldn’t look at him.

But delaying or lying felt wrong—and so I replied quickly,

“Yes, I am.”

Edmond moved closer.

“Adorable.”

He then softly kissed my glove-covered hand.

“I’d do it barehanded, but it’s cold outside.”

“Um…?”

“Don’t be surprised. We’re engaged, after all.”

He held my hand and led me on.

What just happened?

I wasn’t used to his affection. I followed him, dazed.

We ended up in front of a shop with a large painted leaf sign.

“This place…?”

Edmond smiled.

“I thought you’d really like it.”

He pushed the door open. A chime rang inside.

“Wow…!”

Rows of tall shelves greeted us. The air smelled sharp and refined—obvious from herbs.

“Welcome! How can I help you?”
An elderly man with glasses at the counter greeted us.

Edmond nodded, saying he’d look around.

The old man left us.

I, however, was transfixed.

Edmond gently nudged me:

“Good call. Take your time.”

His face seemed to light up.

I carefully approached the shelves and whispered,

“Dragon sinew veins… so hard to get… and it’s green! This is dried perfectly—such skill. And Rafflesia seeds—great for masking odors…”

Since I loved pharmacy, I muttered excitedly about herbs. Edmond looked surprised to see me like this.

I continued:

“Kiara’s wing scales too… combined with mandrake root, it’s excellent for fatigue relief. And Pegasus tears on top…”

Suddenly Edmond said,

“Irene?”

“Huh?”

I snapped out of it.

“You like it that much?”

“Yes.”

“Seems this shop suits you better than hats or jewelry.”

He whispered:

“Should I buy everything here?”

I grabbed his hand, nodding eagerly.

He sprang into action:

“From here all the way to that back shelf—I’ll buy it all.”

I looked at him and said,

“I love you, Edmond.”

He laughed and teased,

“Wipe the drool off, love. And you sound like you’ve no soul.”

“No! In this moment, only you exist.”

“‘In this moment,’—so it’ll change when we go home, right? You’re harsh.”

He grumbled, paying at the counter.

“But if it makes you happy… okay.”

I saw him blush despite his words.

“Goodbye, and thank you!” said the shopkeeper.

Edmond held my hand, smiling:

“So—where to next? A bookstore?”

I lifted my face, floating on cloud nine—until, for the briefest moment, I felt something terribly wrong behind me.

Then, without time to react, someone grabbed my shoulder forcefully.

“…!”

Before I could resist or draw the dagger hidden in my sleeve, Edmond threw himself between me and my attacker, arms outspread.

“Edmond!”

A figure in a cloak and dark hat stepped back.

Edmond glared at them, voice cold:

“…Don’t touch her.”

There weren’t just one—but two figures in black.

Edmond’s eyes glowed, wolf-like, warning them.

“State your purpose.”

Long, sharp nails flashed from his extended hand.

One of the cloaked men sneered:

“This explains your roots—no etiquette at Wolfgang House?”

His voice chilled me—familiar yet unfamiliar.

Then I saw their cloak’s emblem: a snake and dagger—the Venomaine crest.

They dropped to one knee before me.

“Please return, Miss Irene.”

My blood ran cold.

“…What?”

“Master eagerly awaits you, Miss.”

The words were unbelievable.

Why now, after how they threw me out?

I was prepared to drag them to Hell. I hadn’t started yet.

As I reeled, one of them lowered their hood.

“You are…!”

“Please return, Milady.”

It was Janie—the maid who broke my hand and tortured me.

Now, kneeling before me in the politest tone:

“I am the true heir of Venomaine.”