Evren was naturally the type of person who had little desire to sleep.
But this time, it was the pain gnawing inside him that prevented him from closing his eyes.
“60...”
It was amazing how just a number could make him so nervous.
Just a trivial number.
Even though she is someone who will leave him after one year anyway.
'With the rest of the shadows, the result appeared 80'
While he is 60.
'Even the lowest result that came out was 75.'
And he is 60.
Usually, the more a person thought about something, the calmer he became, but this time, the more he ruminated over the thought, the angrier he became.
This was not just due to the attachment that the possessor of the power felt towards his dominant.
But because it was a fundamental and very serious issue.
If she had stopped his rampage with a compatibility rate of only 60, it meant that there was someone in this world whose compatibility rate with Lillian was 100.
The percentage is 100...
This is the “partner of destiny” determined by the ruler of Genesis.
If they meet, they can marry immediately regardless of social status.
No, is marriage the problem?
'He will seek to brand it immediately'
Should he change the terms of the agreement now and make Lillian submit to the branding as well?
'But that won't do any good.'
If the one with the percentage of 100 appears, he can simply break the previous mark.
Lillian's 100 percent partner...
It is enough to erase that person from existence and the matter is over.
But what if a second partner appears at 100 percent?
'I'll erase him too'
But what if someone got away with it?
It has not yet been fully utilized.
At least during this year, Lillian Taillard should remain by his side.
He cannot allow the owner of 100 percent who may appear at any time and place to snatch it from him.
And finally…
As he watched the dawning, Evren quietly muttered: “…I have to find a radical solution.”
To fill the remaining gap, which is 40, and to prevent anyone from taking Lilian away from him before he gets tired of her.
He felt light in his heart once he set the goal.
He headed towards the suite's lobby, which began to become crowded with activity in preparation for returning to the capital.
“Lillian”
“Yes, Your Highness”
“A matter has come up that I need to discuss with you before returning to the capital.”
“…! Yes, please!”
Evren extended his hand.
Lillian looked at him and his hand alternately, feeling confused.
“…? Your Highness, do you need control? Do you feel uncomfortable?”
“No”
“Then why...?”
“We should move around holding hands even when you don't need to control me.”
"...? In front of the others too?"
“In front of others, of course.”
He remembered those “folk beliefs” that compatibility increased the more ‘contact’ there was.
There are many popular beliefs in Vernes about the relationship between the powerful and the dominant.
Such as staying in the same place for several years automatically increases compatibility.
Or if there is a smell that only both parties can feel, then this is a special relationship...
These are all unproven myths.
The closest thing to dogs barking in his ears.
A barking based on blind hope and desperate desire, just like someone who kneels a hundred and eight times before a sacred object.
But perhaps these myths were born because there is evidence that has not yet been proven.
'But Lillian is smart.'
A wise person will not easily be swayed by superstition.
So, Evren decided to give a very practical reason.
“Your ability suddenly awakened due to coming into contact with me. We who witnessed it know the truth, but how will it look in the eyes of others?”
“Hmm. I think it would be hard to believe.”
“There may be someone who accuses you of using black magic to harm you.”
“Is that possible...? Yes, this possibility is possible.”
“So, how much danger would you be in if you stayed away from me?”
Evren raised his hand, which was intertwined with Lilian's.
Whenever he spoke, he himself felt that this matter made a lot of sense.
With abilities, anything is possible.
Controlling air, dirt, or even insects to kidnap someone.
“Also, we must show the Second Empress and the Taillard family that we have a strong bond.”
“Actually… I did…”
“You've disrupted my plans so much.”
Evren hasn't forgotten either. How Lillian would mess with the bidding in amazing ways every time there was an auction.
“Huh...”
Lillian thought for a moment, then...
“You are correct”
I finally agreed.
That was the moment when logic shone in the service of popular myth.
* * *
'How did I miss this?'
After hearing the villain's words, Lillian scolded herself inwardly.
'I should have looked so close to the villain'
The world knows that Lillian is incapable.
Who would suddenly believe that she woke up as a dominatrix?
'They will think that I am forced to stay by the prince's side despite my inability.'
She can show off her ability, yes.
But each individual's thoughts cannot be changed individually, right?
Then she will be exposed to social pressure demanding her return to the Tillard family.
'I belong to a distinguished, useless family, to the point that I cannot belong to another family.'
That's why she chose asylum, despite it being annoying, but the Phytoncide plan failed...
Fuck.
'But the time has come to officially break off the engagement with Karkin, and prepare to sever the connection with the Tillard family once and for all.'
And like the villain said, you're going to need to put on a bit of a shocking performance.
Instead of starting from scratch and being exposed to doubt because of poor acting...
It is best to start training and gradually increase the pace from now on.
But...but -
“Your Highness, this far-?”
“Yes, let's do it.”
“Even in front of your followers?”
“Wouldn't it be easier to start with a familiar audience?”
Thus, Lillian found herself early in the morning with her hand tied by the evil one.
Since it was cold, it wasn't actually that bad.
‘The fading power… wasn’t it erasing moral values, love, and these feelings?’
But it seems that it did not erase the ability to persuade.
It must be an ability with very eclectic taste.
Going down the stairs of the temple, they came across another group that was leaving for the day.
It was none other than Princess Maleora's group.
As soon as she saw Princess Lillian, she approached her without even regard for protocol.
"Lillian! Are you going back to the capital now?"
“Yes, Your Highness the Princess.”
“Really? What a pity...”
Before preparing to leave —
Despite the short time, the princess became very attached to Lilian.
She pestered her to show her the draft designs of the various artifacts.
“The time I spent with you was really enjoyable.”
“I am very grateful to you, Your Highness. I feel the same way.”
“Really? Ahhh”
Her silvery gray eyes filled Lillian's features.
“I want to kidnap you and take you with me now. I'm serious.”
“Oh my God, what an honor to say.”
“I am very sad to leave you...”
“…….”
“So sad...”
Lillian felt a creeping, reptilian-like chill.
Despite her young age, she still has the ability in the end...
Before the hair on her body stood up from fear, the princess took out a gift wrapped delicately like a handkerchief.
“I've taken a lot from you, miss, haven't I? So I prepared this for you.”
“Your Highness, I apologize for asking, but what is this?”
“This is my skin!”
“…….”
...What am I supposed to say in a situation like this?
Fortunately, you didn't have to search long for a socially appropriate answer.
“This is a veil made from the skin of a ‘snake shifter’.”
“……!”
It doesn't make sense!
Lillian's eyes widened.
Isn't this the "disguise artifact" mentioned in the original novel?