* * *

I did come here to try the dress on.

After all, just seeing it wouldn’t give me an accurate sense of the fit.

My plan was to use any misfit or flaw as an excuse to sabotage the whole idea of wearing it tomorrow.

But thanks to Reggie’s meddling with the size adjustment, my devious plan has gone up in smoke. That useless Wizard!

“I don’t think I need to try it on.”

If it magically adjusts to fit me, there’s no point in putting it on beforehand, is there?

“Are you sure? It might still be a good idea to try it once.”

“I’ll be wearing it all day tomorrow. No need to rush.”

Satisfied that I’d seen enough, I stood to leave, but Rata’s sly smile froze me in place.

…What’s with that smile? It feels foreboding.

“Well, with more time, I could add a few extra ribbons.”

“I’ll try it on.”

“Pardon? But you just said—”

“I’ll put it on. Right now.”

I forgot this designer was dangerously overzealous.

The dress is already so elaborate it’s overwhelming; what more could he possibly add to it?

Lata reluctantly set aside a silver ribbon he’d been holding, his eyes flicking back toward the dress longingly.

I knew I’d need to keep an eye on him—this man was capable of sneaking ribbons on without me noticing.

“Let me assist you with the fitting.”

At his words, Asel naturally stepped to my side.

The fitting area behind the curtain was spacious, with a large full-length mirror for viewing the entire outfit.

Then began the surreal process of two men attempting to fit me into the dress.

They whispered to each other as they tied, adjusted, and pulled until, finally, Rata placed something on my head.

“What’s this?”

“A veil. It’s the ultimate item that elevates the bride’s mystique at a wedding.”

I don’t need anything like mystique, though…

“It’s not even a wedding, so why go this far?”

“It’s an order from His Highness to prepare properly.”

Damn Baek Yigang. It’s you again, isn’t it?

“Well then, Sir Wizard, we’ll step outside while you get ready.”

Suddenly, Rata dragged Asel outside past the curtain.

I’ve tried it on, so now I just need to take it off—where are they going?

“For what?”

“You need to show yourself! Hold the bouquet placed behind you.”

Following Rata’s outstretched hand, I turned around to see a purple bouquet resting on a white table.

Seriously?

They even brought a bouquet? T

heir thoroughness is really something else.

When I looked back, Rata and Asel were gone.

In front of me was only a tall, massive curtain.

“…Hmm.”

I picked up the bouquet as instructed, but… what does “show yourself” mean?

They’ve already seen me.

As I tilted my head in confusion, a cheerful voice suddenly boomed in my ears.

“Now, presenting the bride!”

Rata’s lively voice echoed loudly.

I quickly raised my head, wondering what was going on, and at that moment, the curtain was swiftly drawn open.

…Thunk.

In the silence, the sound of the bouquet dropping filled the space.

“Gasp…”

Seeing the shocking sight before me, I instinctively covered my mouth and took a step back, startled.

Not that it made much difference.

Why… why is Baek Yigang sitting there?

On the luxurious sofa I noticed earlier when I entered the room, Baek Yigang was seated.

And as if that wasn’t enough, his sharp violet eyes were scanning me up and down—thoroughly.

Finally, as if his appraisal was complete, Baek Yigang’s lips parted.

“You’re beautiful.”

His monotone voice rang out, and Anna, standing behind him, jumped up and down in excitement, exclaiming with joy.

“Oh my! Sir Dowoon, you look absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous bride!”

Anna? I didn’t bring her—why is she here?

…Wait, don’t tell me.

I turned to Asel in panic, only to see him awkwardly clearing his throat.

It seemed he’d known all along that Anna was bringing Baek Yigang here.

He must’ve kept quiet because if I’d known, I wouldn’t have put on the dress in the first place.

This is ridiculous!

Ignoring my shock, Rata began explaining the details of my dress to Baek Yigang—the lines, the decorations, and so on.

But Baek Yigang wasn’t listening. His eyes remained fixed on me.

“Enough. Make a new bouquet.”

Glancing briefly at the fallen bouquet near my feet, Baek Yigang issued the order to Rata, who had been babbling away.

“Pardon? But why the bouquet…”

“It fell. Bring me a new one. You have an hour.”

“But Your Highness, that bouquet is made from the Empire’s finest breeds! Creating another like it will take—”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

As Baek Yigang’s expression darkened, Rata visibly gulped and hurriedly left, yelling at the staff to fetch new flowers.

I suddenly had a clearer picture of how Rata had managed to stay in the royal court despite his age.

His skills were one thing, but his ability to handle Baek Yigang’s capricious whims was masterful.

“Asel, Anna. You two leave as well.”

“What? Already?” Anna asked, clearly reluctant.

“You’ve seen enough. Get out.”

With a dismissive gesture, Baek Yigang shooed them away.

Ultimately, Asel and Anna were also chased out.

Watching everyone leave, I seized the opportunity to draw the curtain closed.

I should’ve known something was off when Asel kept glancing behind us on the way here.

He must’ve known Baek Yigang was coming.

Now then, how do I take this off?

I was so dazed when they dressed me that I have no idea how to remove it.

No matter how much I twisted around, I couldn’t figure out how to get out of the form-fitting dress.

Should I lower a zipper?

Wait, where even is the zipper?

Is it these laces?

Why are they tied so tightly?

How am I supposed to—?

“Need help undressing?”

Lost in my struggle, I froze at the familiar voice coming from behind me.

Turning stiffly, I saw Baek Yigang leaning casually against the wall, watching me with amusement.

You! As if your innocent face can hide those wicked intentions!

“I can do it myself! Just leave!”

Ignoring me completely, Baek Yigang walked over, grabbed the laces at the back of my dress, and pulled.

“Here. You need to pull these down like this.”

Strangely, the stubborn laces that refused to budge under my efforts slid apart effortlessly at his touch.

“Oh…?”

As the dress loosened around my chest, I couldn’t help but let out a small exclamation.

And then.

Slip.

The top of the dress, now unsupported, slid down, exposing my bare chest.

“Eek!”

Startled, I let out an undignified shriek and pressed myself against the wall.

Thankfully, the dress stopped at my hips, preventing further disaster.

If it falls any further, I’m done for!

My dignity as a human is at stake here—I must protect it!

“I-I can handle it from here! Now get out!”

Nearly in tears, I shouted at Baek Yigang to leave.

Just get lost already, you villain!

“You should be thanking me. I just helped you.”

“Thank you! Now leave!”

Desperately, I shouted my gratitude and pointed furiously toward the curtain.

But instead of leaving, Baek Yigang looked at me with an amused smile.

“Why are you trembling? I haven’t done anything.”

Nothing, my foot! Your eyes are practically oozing indecency!

Baek Yigang stepped closer, despite my protests. Why won’t he just leave me alone?

“Or are you doing this on purpose? Trying to provoke my protective instincts?”

“…You have protective instincts?”

That’s more surprising than anything else.

“Of course not.”

Even as I scoffed, he ignored me.

“Well, if you are, it worked. Congratulations.”

Peck.

In an instant, his lips brushed mine.

Kissing me while I’m half-naked, my dress hanging off my hips—he’s out of his mind.

But Baek Yigang wasn’t done.

His lips began trailing downward and stopped to bite my neck.

“Ah! Mmph.”

Startled by the unfamiliar sensation, I let out a reflexive sound, only for Baek Yigang to clamp a hand over my mouth.

“Don’t make noises like that in public. Have some shame.”

Says the person least qualified to talk about shame.

“Mmph…!”

I tried to protest, but it came out as muffled gibberish.

Struggling to escape, I froze as he bit my neck again.

Snap.

The sharp, tingling sensation brought tears to my eyes.

Finally, Baek Yigang let go and straightened up.

“I’ll wait. Get dressed and come out.”

Satisfied, he left the room, casually parting the curtain.

“Huff…!”

Watching his calm retreat, I slid to the floor, utterly drained.

* * *