Volumes 1-4 + Side Stories of DMS are available uncensored on ko-fi! ※ This work contains depictions of coercive relationships, explicit language, and other graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.

XI.

After that, Yoo Jaha lost track of how much time had passed.

She must have thought about it hundreds of times inside the carriage.

Really? Just like that?

Once we arrive at the estate, am I really going to do what I’m imagining right now?

This suddenly?

It’s never been this fast before.

She had heard that between men and women, a single exchanged glance could lead to going all the way within a day—but Jaha’s pace had always been slow, taking months into a relationship before reaching that point.

Is it because this world leans more Western than Eastern, with similar sensibilities and values? Or is this man just particularly open-minded?

Then again, with a face and body like that, it’d be absurd if he were clueless.

‘He must have a lot of experience.’

Having weathered every battle—land, sea, and air—it was only natural he’d be so effortless. How much practice did it take to reach a level where just a kiss could steal someone’s soul?

Suddenly, Jaha felt a slight tightness in her chest. But the sensation didn’t last long. If she had liked him any more than she did now, it might have hurt. But her feelings weren’t that deep yet. Instead, worry took the lead: Can I even handle a man like him with my level of experience?

‘What if I’m too clumsy and disappoint him?’

Sure, she wasn’t a virgin, but from the perspective of someone skilled, she might as well be a complete novice.

Truthfully, Jaha had never particularly enjoyed the act itself. She’d heard many women couldn’t reach o****m from penetration alone—maybe she was one of them. Though she felt a little guilty toward her past boyfriends, she’d always preferred pleasuring herself, touching her c******s alone.

‘But… are we really going to do it?’

Just like this?

Is this okay?

Will I regret it?

Half in a panic, the carriage finally came to a stop. Jaha flinched and looked at the man across from her. It’s happening.

Afraid she’d seem unsophisticated if she looked too nervous, she forced herself to act indifferent as she stepped out and walked toward the estate—but her heart felt ready to burst.

When they entered her room, he closed the door behind them. Avoiding his gaze, Jaha hesitantly spoke up.

“Uh, so… should I… wash up first…?”

Before she could even finish, he strode toward her.

“I’ve waited long enough.”

With just a few steps of those long legs, he was right in front of her, his shadow looming over her. The pressure of his presence made her look up—only to flinch.

“I’ve waited far too long.”

His voice was calm, but his eyes were unhinged. Like sediment piled and hardened over time, his deep blue gaze bore into her with unsettling intensity—the stare of a man who’d lost his mind.

“I’ve squeezed out the last drop of my worn-out patience, scraped the very bottom of my restraint, and held on until now.”

His gaze burned abnormally hot.

His eyes were so dark, so suffocatingly dense.

He looked tormented by the heat and pressure he couldn’t control.

“If you don’t want to see me lose my mind, don’t tell me to wait. Jaha, please.”

The last word trembled like a candle flame about to be snuffed out by the wind.

Jaha, already wrapped in a sense of danger, was stunned.

What? You barely held back during the carriage ride, so why are you acting like you’ve waited years…? And now you’re begging? “Please?” That doesn’t suit you at all.

Was she hearing things? Did this man—this man—just say “please”? To her?

No way. That’s impossible. Those words shouldn’t come out of your mouth. Because you’re—

You’re…? What comes next?

Her thoughts cut off abruptly, as if snipped by scissors, and before she could react, he lifted her into his arms. Even carrying a grown woman, his steps were effortless, as if she weighed nothing.

By the time Jaha registered the plush touch of the mattress against her back and hips, they were already on the bed.

“Y-You’re doing it here?!”

She had wondered when they entered this room, but here? Of all places—her room, her bed?

“Yes. That way, even when you’re alone, you’ll think of me.”

“W-Wait, what about… preparations…?”

“The ear cuff I’m wearing is a magical artifact that prevents pregnancy.”

Rikanan answered smoothly as his hand slid behind her back. With fluid ease, he undid the hooks of her dress, then loosened the crisscrossed laces beneath—using nothing but the tips of his fingers, without even looking.

The practiced skill of undoing something that would’ve been difficult even with both hands and full attention left Jaha no room to resist. In no time, she was bare.

Just how much experience does he have…? And to always wear an enchanted ear cuff like that… Is this man more of a libertine than he looks?

Her mind swirled with unease as she braced for what came next—but after stripping her so efficiently, he suddenly… did nothing. Puzzled, Jaha glanced up.

He was staring down at her naked body, motionless. His gaze was unhinged, utterly lost, as if he’d gone mad.