Chapter 76

Even Evelyn, who had known her fiancé for ten years, sometimes found him difficult to deal with, so how much more so must it be for his subordinates?

At times like this, it was best to simply let things go.

She looked at the company manager with a hint of sympathy and replied calmly.

“It’s quite alright.”

Nevertheless, Axion’s mood still seemed less than sunny.

“Axion, shall we go in now?”

When she gently tugged at the edge of his sleeve, he finally managed a reluctant reply.

“Alright.”

With that, the two of them stepped into the Desmon Trading Company. Perhaps because it was their day off, the hall was unusually quiet and still. Last time, everything had been so rushed that she hadn’t had the chance to really look around, so she decided to take her time now.

As befitted the trading house that oversaw all trade within the Baltian Empire, its halls were lined with rare and precious goods. At a glance, the place exuded such an air of antiquity that it could easily be mistaken for an art gallery or museum.

‘I heard even getting inside is no easy feat either.’

Desmon Trading Company was known for admitting only those who had received an invitation. Yet, year after year, they broke sales records, a testament to their remarkable reputation.

While she was quietly marveling to herself, a low voice came from beside her.

“Is there anything you want?”

“No, not really.”

If she admitted to wanting something here, she was certain her fiancé would immediately place it in her hands. When she hurriedly shook her head, he murmured in an offhand tone, almost as if speaking to himself.

“That’s a shame. I was about to get it for you.”

His response was exactly as she expected, and Evelyn, dismayed, tugged him insistently by the arm.

“There’s absolutely nothing I want. So let’s go!”

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

A heavy silence settled between them as they entered the office.

Doing her best to hide her nervousness, Evelyn took a seat on the sofa across from her fiancé. Once even the attendant serving the tea had discreetly withdrawn, she lifted her teacup and took a small sip to wet her throat.

‘Why am I so tense about this?’

There was a reason they had met at the Desmon Trading Company today, rather than sharing their usual afternoon tea. Even though Axion tried to conceal it, as the time for his rampage drew near, his complexion grew steadily more somber. His skin had lost all color, turning deathly pale and there were hints of red around his eyes, traces of pain that lingered.

In the past, at this time of year, he would endure the pain alone at the manor. But now, everything was different since Evelyn, who bore the same sigil as he did, was at his side.

‘Huu. There’s no need for me to be nervous.’

According to what she’d learned, contact with an imprinted partner was surprisingly simple. Once a month, during the time when your partner’s magic power was most likely to run rampant, the ability would be subdued through their touch. It had now been nearly a month since they’d formed their imprint, so this contact was inevitable.

After searching for a suitable place to carry out the ritual, they decided on Axion’s office.

‘He must be reaching his limit by now.’

Perhaps it was the sudden memory of the sensations from the day their imprint was formed, but Evelyn’s nose wrinkled involuntarily.

The man, who had been watching her intently, set down his teacup and spoke at last.

“Evelyn.”

“H-Huh?”

She was certain she’d managed to keep her expression neutral, yet there was no mistaking the anxiety in her voice. After all, physical contact was still physical contact, even if she had imprinted with him.

As she clasped her hands tightly in her lap, Axion spoke in a tone that was almost indifferent.

“At this rate, anyone would think I meant to devour you.”

“….!”

Caught off guard by how accurately he’d read her thoughts, Evelyn’s mouth dropped open and she blinked rapidly in surprise.

Axion’s vivid, relentless crimson eyes locked onto her.

She tried to avoid his gaze, but in the end, she couldn’t help but meet those red eyes with her own. In the tense silence that made it hard even to breathe, the man drew his lips tinged crimson into a faint, alluring smile.

“Well, maybe it’s not so far from the truth.”