WSNTM 34

34. It’s troublesome if you seduce me so boldly

“Trip?”

“Yeah. Don’t you like it?”

Riley had never really traveled in her life.

When she lived with her father, she was holed up in the mountains; after being adopted by her uncle, she was confined to the mansion.

The closest thing to a “trip” she’d experienced was visiting Blestidge for a reception. But that was an official event she was invited to, so she wasn’t even sure it could be called a proper trip.

And now, a trip…

Riley tried to maintain a neutral expression, but she couldn’t hide the sparkle in her eyes.

“Great. What should I prepare?”

“You don’t need to prepare anything. Just show up.”

“Really?”

“I’ve already arranged everything you’ll need.”

“Where are we going?”

“Secret. But you’ll like it—I picked it carefully.”

It was a relief that she didn’t need to prepare anything herself.

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“About what?”

“Being seen by people… it’s not exactly safe.”

“Worried that someone might write a report again? If so, I can just block the whole thing.”

“No, I’m fine with it.”

“Me too.”

“Then let’s go. I want to go on this trip.”

Givnen nodded and got to his feet.

“Should I check on things first?”

“Yeah. Now that I know you’re awake, we should go.”

“Go ahead.”

Givnen slowly reached out and fiddled with Riley’s earlobe.

“Don’t take your earrings off. Wear them even when you sleep.”

“Even when I wash up?”

“Don’t take them off.”

“Okay.”

Riley glanced at Givnen’s ear—and noticed he was wearing the same earrings.

“The earrings match?”

“Yeah. I deliberately chose the same design.”

“I see.”

These days, couples often wore matching accessories or coordinated clothing to show they were together. Riley wondered if this was the same idea.

At that moment, Givnen’s lips lightly brushed her forehead before pulling away.

“Now that I see your face, I don’t want to go.”

“……”

“Should we skip it?”

What had just happened?

His cute little declaration barely registered in Riley’s mind. She just blinked in a daze, then covered her mouth with her hand. A moment later, embarrassment hit her.

“…Go ahead quickly. Your reputation will suffer if you dawdle.”

“My reputation’s trash anyway.”

“But it hasn’t been long since you became Master of the Mage Tower.”

True.

Givnen reluctantly got up.

“Go on now.”

“Am I imagining it, or does it feel like you’re kicking me out?”

Riley flinched and gave an awkward laugh.

“It’s just your imagination.”

“Really?”

“…Yeah.”

“Alright then.”

After Givnen left, Riley gently touched her forehead, still tingling from where his lips had brushed it.

I’m surprised.

She thought there was nothing left to be surprised about between them—but being kissed without warning had genuinely startled her. Moreover, he had looked at her with that inexplicably affectionate smile, similar to before yet somehow different.

She blinked like a fool, lost in thought, when Richel entered.

“What did Master say?”

“We’re going on a trip, so he told me to keep tomorrow free.”

“Wow! Really? A trip, just the two of you?”

“Yeah.”

Richel’s face flushed with excitement.

“A trip! A romantic trip! So where are you going?”

“I don’t know. It’s a secret.”

“Wow! Master must have planned everything thoroughly. Oh my… I’m so jealous. No wonder he’s been so attentive lately. He must really care about you if he even decided to go on a trip for you.”

“…Attentive?”

“After you collapsed, he stayed by your side for two whole days.”

“…Givnen?”

“Yes!”

Riley was quite shocked. She let out a low, exasperated sigh.

“I caused trouble again. That busy man stayed away from work for two days.”

“Miss, this is the perfect time to think: ‘Wow, my husband cared so much for me that he stayed by my side for two whole days!’ Isn’t that how you’re supposed to feel?”

“But he couldn’t do his work while staying by my side. So I was just in the way. I should apologize tomorrow… Wait, is it okay for him to plan a trip after being away for two days? If it’s because of me, I don’t mind…”

Richel, exasperated, covered Riley’s mouth with her hand.

“Miss! You can’t think like that.”

“……”

“It just shows that Master prioritizes you over work. The trip is a gesture of that care. If you apologize, he’ll just feel awkward.”

“…I see.”

“You just need to enjoy the trip as much as possible. That will make Master happy! Besides… hmm, what is a trip for? Enjoy the passionate nights as much as you can! Who knows? There might be heirs before marriage!”

“…Heirs?”

“What else is a trip for when a man and woman go alone? Passionate nights!”

Riley, finally understanding the implication of the trip, fidgeted nervously.

“I thought a trip was just for fun and leisure.”

“It is, plus sleeping together counts too!”

Having gone through similar experiences before, it felt different this time.

Was it because she was sober? Or because the previous experiences happened half-distracted?

It was embarrassing—quite a lot, actually.

“Why are you here again?”

Arpeggio looked at Riley with a tilted glare.

“I… passed the exam.”

“I know. Your reputation’s already all over the Mage Tower.”

“Reputation?”

“You think no one would notice after taking that kind of test?”

“Oh.”

Riley scratched her head in embarrassment.

“Was it really that bad?”

“Terrible.”

Her magic really must have been awful. Givnen had said it was hard to measure her power. Even with a tiny bit of magic, she passed—proof of his influence. Or maybe her perfect written exam score helped.

“Anyway, I passed thanks to you. I came to thank you.”

“Just words? Nothing else?”

“I want to treat you to a meal.”

“I only eat expensive places. Can your allowance cover it?”

“I’ve saved up some pocket money. It should be enough… I’ll try my best.”

“Pocket money…”

Arpeggio sighed heavily. Even though it was a small sum, he felt guilty taking a child’s money. But leaving without thanks felt unfair too.

“Find a place yourself. I don’t know much about the outside world since I rarely go out.”

“When is a good time for you?”

“Anytime after 6 PM.”

“Then I’ll schedule it and let you know.”

“Fine.”

Arpeggio gestured for her to leave, then paused.

“Wait, those earrings.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve never seen those before.”

“Givnen gave them to me to celebrate passing.”

“Hah?”

Arpeggio’s expression darkened.

“Why?”

“Nothing. Go on.”

“Yes, I will.”

After Riley left, Arpeggio muttered, shaking his head.

“Now he even gave the kid handcuffs. What a madman.”

Meanwhile, some others were even more excited about Givnen and Riley’s trip.

Richel and the other staff rushed in to carefully prepare Riley. They nearly called Madame Blanche too, but were persuaded not to—after all, she was too busy for a trip.

“You have great skin, Miss. Anything looks good on you.”

“Really?”

“This is a trendy travel outfit. Do you like it?”

“Yeah.”

Riley wasn’t sure what was so different from her usual clothes.

Richel gave her a meaningful smile as she adjusted Riley’s outfit.

“All done. Have a great time.”

Richel waved enthusiastically, like she was on a date herself. Once Riley left, the other maids gathered nearby.

“Miss and Master are going on a trip alone?”

“Seems so. They even packed the luggage themselves.”

“This must be for real marriage, right?”

“There wasn’t anyone else Master brought into the house besides Miss, so this has to be serious.”

“What do you think of her? Is she suitable to be our lady?”

Perhaps the staff’s greatest concern was the future mistress, not the Master’s love life.

This mansion was technically Givnen’s, but he rarely stayed here, so the staff’s jobs had been peaceful.

Now, with the Master visiting deliberately and a fiancée in the house, the staff were naturally on edge.

“Miss Riley is very kind. Sometimes a bit timid, but nice. She doesn’t act overly formal, like a friend. Seeing her makes you want to take care of her more.”

“Really? …Then I don’t need to submit my resignation?”

“Where else would you go? This place is perfect.”

“Well, at least she’s kind. Easy to serve.”

“Is that the important part? The important part is that Master and Miss will be out of the house today!”

Everyone was delighted at the idea of a one-night, two-day date for Givnen and Riley.

“No luggage, no fuss—just a day without the Master.”

The experience would be like a small party of their own.

“Is all this my luggage?”

The number of trunks in the levitating carriage was overwhelming.

So this was what he meant by preparing everything. Riley felt sympathy for Richel and the staff, who had worked so hard without showing fatigue.

“We’re going far, so pack plenty.”

“Far? Where?”

“To somewhere warm.”

Givnen was impeccably dressed: white linen shirt, tie, matching cuffs, black vest, well-fitted black pants, gloves—the perfect gentleman. His hairstyle partially revealed his forehead, giving him a more masculine look than usual.

“Why are you staring?”

“Your image looks different from usual.”

“Not good?”

“No, it suits you. Raising your bangs makes you look even more handsome.”

Givnen smiled faintly and took her hand.

“I took care to look good.”

“……”

“I wanted to impress you.”

Givnen had never failed to impress Riley. And he never would—not even wearing rags. But he had gone out of his way to look good today, and it made her heart race.

“But don’t walk around like this outside.”

“Why?”

“Your face is dangerous.”

“I’ve never heard that before.”

“Sure. But today, it’s especially harmful.”

“Really? You said it looked good a moment ago.”

“It does. But it’s harmful. You’re already noticeable, and now that you’re dressed to impress, people won’t leave you alone.”

Givnen considered her words and helped her into the carriage.

“Should only my sister see this?”

“I’d rather not show it often even to myself.”

Givnen frowned. After all his preparation… was it wasted?

Then Riley said something unexpected.

“It’s dangerous for my heart. You need to know just how handsome you are.”

How could she say that so casually?

Givnen stared at her in disbelief, then laughed.

“So basically, I’m too handsome?”

“That’s right.”

“You’re being too bold with your seduction.”

“Seduction? Me?”

“Yes. That was way too forward.”

“I’m just stating a fact. That you’re handsome is an objective truth.”

“You express it so well now. Before, you were always just observing me.”

Riley’s eyes widened, then after a moment of thought, she nodded.

“I guess I’m more comfortable now.”

“More comfortable now? You should have been comfortable sooner. How much more effort do I need to put in?”

“…I guess I was a bit shy inside. But now I feel more at ease. After touring the academy with you, I feel closer.”

“Then stop calling me ‘that person,’ and kindly call me ‘you,’ okay, sister?”

Riley flinched, then awkwardly nodded.

“…I’ll try.”

“Yes, try hard. We have a duty to get closer and become more familiar.”

“Okay.”

After a while, the carriage stopped at its destination.

Outside, the teleportation device came into view.

The teleportation staff approached immediately. Without being told names or destinations, they set the device and even loaded the luggage from the levitating carriage into the teleportation cargo device.

“Teleportation ready. Shall we move immediately?”

Givnen nodded, and the device activated.

The next moments passed in a blur.

With a hot rush over her body, colors danced in her vision. Floating in midair, blinking once or twice…

Riley found herself in front of a magnificent hotel rising from the beach.

For a moment, she was speechless at the harmony between hotel and beach. At the entrance, people lined up in perfect formation, welcoming Givnen with utmost respect.

Riley couldn’t believe that so many people had come just for one person.

It seemed this trip would be far more luxurious than she had imagined.