I forced a smile as I tried to figure out the emotion in his eyes.

    “Do you need mana right now?”

    “Yes.”

    Hearing my response, he stood up, approached me, and leaned his head down slightly.

    I instinctively stepped back. “Your Highness!”

    “You said you needed mana.” Ardion grasped the armrest of the chair, his gaze piercing into me. The distance between us was narrow, and if he came closer, it would be the end.

    I quickly replied, “I asked for it in the vial.”

    “I dislike storing it in those kinds of things.”

    He smiled, but it was tinged with obvious dark desire.

    “But putting it in the vial allows for better absorption.”

    Ardion''s brows furrowed for a moment. “Laila, I’ve never heard that before. But from what I know, contact between people is more...”

    Suddenly, his soft lips brushed against my cheek and pulled away as fast as he pecked me. The sound echoed in my ears, too sudden for me to react.

    I stared up blankly at him.

    Ardion met my gaze and whispered, “Laila, do you think I wouldn’t know? Before I left for the frontier, you clung to me. That contact is the best method for mana consumption.”

    I was at a loss for words. How much does Ardion really know about me?

    But I couldn’t back down now. Without Ardion’s mana, Serina wouldn’t regain consciousness.

    “Still, just in case you’re not around and I run low on mana, it might be wise to store it in the vial. I could share it with others in need too.”

    “I have no intention of sharing my mana with anyone but you, Laila.”

    “...”

    “You’re the only one for me.”

    (TN: The turn of events after Ardion returned is just making me stunned.)

    Under his intense gaze, I was at his mercy.

    His unfazed voice sounded into my ears. “If you dislike it, slap me, Laila. I’ll gladly accept it.”

    Before I could even comprehend what he meant, he inched forward, and his lips softly enveloped mine. He pressed deeper, and his tongue slid between my parted lips.

    (TN: I HAD TO SCROLL DOWN TO PROCESS WHAT WAS HAPPENING...!)

    A rush of refreshment filled my mouth the moment we connected, as if all my worries and fears had dissolved, clearing my mind.

    Subconsciously, I wrapped my arms around Ardion''s neck and pulled him closer. He embraced me back and gently laid me on the long sofa, deepening the kiss. My senses began to blur.

    I could feel Ardion''s breath growing ragged, the sounds between us becoming wetter as his hand traveled down my leg.

    (TN: IF I TELL YOU THIS WAS NOT MY EXPECTATION WHEN I CHOSE THIS NOVEL, WILL YOU BELIEVE ME? waaaahhh...)

    Suddenly, an unfamiliar sensation jolted me awake, and I pushed against his chest. After a moment of surprise, he slowly pulled back.

    Panting, I met his gaze. His once gentle eyes now held deeper, more intense emotions.

    He was so skilled. I couldn’t help but think, Has Ardion really grown up this much?

    Ardion’s hand slowly reached towards me. Still flustered, I bolted upright before he could touch my face.

    “Really?” I asked again, incredulous. Derol nodded. I was taken aback. I thought he’d be treated poorly.

    “Where were you? They didn’t leave you in the sewers, did they?”

    “The place I was in was small, but there were many things to play with. I might have lost track of time because I had so much fun.”

    “Was it that fun?”

    “Yes.”

    I examined Derol closely, suspicious that he had been forced to say nice things while being mistreated, yet his eyes sparkled with sincerity.

    In fact, he seemed happier now than when he was with me. I could hardly believe this was the same Derol who had cried when we parted.

    “By the way, Master, are you alright?” Derol scrutinized my face with his tiny features. I smiled brightly, not wanting to worry him.

    After petting him for a while, I caught a glimpse outside and noticed darkness settling in.

    “Derol, your hands are fine, right?”

    “Yes, they are.”

    “Are your skills still intact?”

    “They are. Is something the matter?”

    “I need to retrieve something.”

    “Will it be dangerous?”

    I hesitated before nodding. “I need to get mana from the vault.”

    “Master, if you’re low on mana, I’ll go get it.” Derol jumped down from my hand.

    I was startled and called after him, “Derol, not yet. You can’t just go in there without permission from the emperor.”

    Derol tilted his head in confusion. I reached out my hand, and he obediently hopped into my pocket.

    “First, we need to find a way to get in there.” I stood up immediately. The mana vault was located in the basement.

    When I first entered the palace, the sign for the mana vault had caught my attention. At the time, I hadn’t thought much of it, but now, I realized how useful that memory was.

    I planned to go directly and check the surroundings.

    I opened the door. The hallway was deserted. Perhaps everyone had gone for dinner. I slowly closed the door and walked towards the stairs leading down.

    Descending the stairs, I spotted the door to the basement.

    Suddenly, Derol squeaked, “Master, is this really fine?”

    The ambiance was gloomy, so I tried to sound reassuring. “We’re just looking around for now. If we’re lucky, we might find a way in.”

    I opened the door to the basement. Thankfully, it was unlocked and opened easily. Still, the darkness made me feel my way along the walls.

    “It seems this place isn’t frequented by many people,” Derol remarked quietly.

    I nodded and climbed down the stairs carefully, not wanting to trip in the dark.

    After a while, I reached a large door, illuminated by lights on either side, where I found someone in a black cloak.

    That figure looks familiar... Where have I seen it before?

    Suddenly, I recalled when Rowell had come to Duke Orchid’s mansion, bringing a magician to check Ardion’s mana and attempt to kill him.

    The magician had also worn a black cloak made of a distinctive shimmering fabric, unlike any typical cloak.