Chapter 70: A Maiden's Heart — Top Secret
Moonlight Farming District — Mansion — Sealed Panic Room
Milly
I obviously saw everything in Roka's mind.
I feel closer to her now—more than ever before.
I can relate.
Feeling inferior to the person you love…
When the very thing that made him fall for you is also the thing you're terrified of losing…
It's hard to explain, but I understand her. I've felt something similar, even if not exactly the same.
I sent Ryu away from the mansion for the day. When Roka woke up, the three of us—me, her, and Felmina—headed to the newly installed Panic Room. I had Sebastian prepare tea and cakes for us.
It may seem excessive, but under no circumstances can we allow Ryu to overhear what's about to be said here.
I pour the tea.
I take a sip.
"We can never repeat what is said here today. Agreed?"
They both nod. They can sense how serious this is.
I turn to Roka and take her hand.
Then I look at Felmina.
"I've read Roka's memories and feelings."
Roka's hand trembles under mine.
"But it's her story to share, if she chooses to."
The trembling stops.
"I'll start… Ryu was partly responsible for my father's death. And yet, I still fell in love with him. This alone made me feel isolated at first. But when I read Roka the other day, I realized I'm not alone anymore. I feel inferior to both of you.
"Felmina… when you and Ryu had sex on the road back to Vincent, I felt like I could never claim a place in his heart. And when you did it again during our week-long honeymoon, that feeling only grew stronger."
I look at Roka.
"Roka, you sleep in and nothing ever happens to you. Ryu likes it—he thinks it makes you the cutest in his eyes. I feel like if I ever did that, he'd grow to hate me. But with you, because he reveres you as a genius, his fondness never decreases. And I feel like… if I somehow lose my ability to read minds, I'll be discarded."
Tears form in my eyes.
"I want to be loved."
Felmina places a hand on my shoulder.
"He won't discard you."
She smiles softly.
"Even if you lose your ability."
Her words help. My chest loosens a bit.
Felmina removes her hand.
"I feel the same," she admits. "I feel inferior to both of you too. Milly—I'll start with you. You have an ability that lets you read people's thoughts. How is anyone supposed to compete with that? That's why I fight and train so hard: I want to be useful in combat. I want to be able to physically protect my family if things ever come to a fight. I'm stupid—especially when I compare myself to you and Roka."
She turns to Roka.
"And you… you're a genius. You could probably manage this entire territory better than me without breaking a sweat. I'm grateful you're completely uninterested in that. I don't know what I'd do if you ever wanted my place—"
Roka interrupts her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I could never replace you. You're much stronger than I am—so much so that Ryu basically abandoned me in Vincent and took you along. And you, Milly… when I saw you for the first time, I thought he was going to leave me for you.
"I'm sorry, but when I found out about your ability, my insecurity just increased."
She grows quiet for a long while.
"The other day, when I snapped at you and Ryu… I've been frustrated for some time. I can't have Ryu save me again. I need to solve this problem on my own… otherwise I'll never feel like his partner. His equal.
"So I'd like to ask you both a favor. Keep Ryu away from the Lab until I solve this."
We both nod.
There's a new determination in her eyes.
I turn to Felmina.
"I'm not sure what to do…"
Roka answers for her.
"That's easy. You just need to train harder, and he'll never forsake you."
Felmina looks at me.
"Do you see what I mean, Milly? We can't even begin to compete with a genius."
I take a deep breath.
"Then let's make a promise to each other—right now. Let's stop competing, and start helping and supporting each other instead."
""Okay.""
I look at them both.
"I'd like help too. Roka, what should I do?"
She puts her chin on her hand, eyes closed, brow furrowed.
When she opens them, she looks straight at Felmina.
"Felmina, I want you to create a situation where Ryu will ask Milly to use her ability."
She turns to me.
"When he does, say no."
I gasp.
She squeezes my shoulder.
"Don't worry. We've got your back. If this damages your relationship with him, we'll help you repair it."
I look at Felmina. She nods.
"Okay," I whisper.
Felmina then turns to Roka.
"For the situation involving Milly's ability… what did you have in mind?"
…
…
The next day.
I'm sitting in the living room when Sebastian approaches with a letter.
It's from Ryu.
He's summoning me to the interrogation room.
This is it.
I stand.
…
…
"Milly, this guy is suspected of being a spy. Can you confirm that for me?"
I glance at Felmina.
She winks.
I gather my courage.
"No. I don't want to."
I say it as bluntly as I can.
Ryu looks confused.
He closes his eyes, brow furrowed…
Then his expression softens.
When he opens his eyes, a loving gaze settles on me.
My heart skips a beat.
"You know what, Milly—you're right. I apologize."
He bows.
I'm taken aback.
Felmina's hand rests reassuringly on my shoulder.
"What do you mean you're sorry, Dearest Husband?" she asks.
"I've been taking you for granted. I'm sorry."
He lifts his head and pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly.
What the hell…
"Felmina, order a search of this man's room. If he's a spy, we'll definitely find evidence."
"Right away, Dearest Husband."
He releases me and gently guides me out of the room with a hand at the small of my back.
Outside, he stops.
I turn to face him.
He leans down and whispers into my ear:
"I'm sorry for being lazy, Milly. I'll make it up to you tonight."
He leans even closer. His breath warms my ear.
"In bed."
A shiver races down my spine—straight to my core.
I feel myself getting wet instantly.
My face burns.
He licks my earlobe.
My legs give out.
He catches me easily in his strong arms and sits me down in a nearby chair.
I can't even make words.
"I'll see you tonight, my love."
Felmina appears beside me. I look up at her.
She smiles.
"Satisfied?"
I nod mindlessly.
She chuckles and walks off.