I reflexively stood in front of Seo Dawon, trying to hide him from Han Kiseok. Of course, considering our physical differences, I couldnt overshadow the Mages body; after staring at Seo Dawon for a moment, Han Kiseok was able to tear his eyes away to turn to me.

Why are you Did you follow me? I asked.

Whos that behind you? However, Han Kiseok ignored my question and said what he wanted to say. Fortunately, it didnt seem like he recognized the Mage. If he noticed that a dead person appeared before him, he wouldnt be so perfunctorily shocked.

However, I was still nervous because the Mages face wasnt one that you could forget after seeing. Even if we were to deny the Mages identity now, someday in the future, Han Kiseok may search up Seo Dawons pictures later. Therefore, I aimed to get out of this situation without saying much. I wanted to keep him from seeing the Mages face as much as possible.

However, before I could open my mouth, I felt a hair-rising touch on the back of my neck. Seo Dawon reached out from behind, sweeping past my nape and cheek, hugged my shoulders, and pulled me into his embrace. Han Kiseoks eyes followed Seo Dawons pale hand; it felt like his gaze alighted my skin.

Thats something I should ask you instead Seo Dawon answered with ease. I couldnt see the Mages expression, but I knew from the touch at the back of my head that the Mage was half-burying his face in my hair.

I wasnt certain, but it felt like Seo Dawon was chuckling as he embraced me. It felt like his words took an amused lilt at the end of his sentences. Though it didnt seem like the Mage was laughing because he was having fun or anything.

In any case, all I could see was Han Kiseoks expression; the mans brows made deep furrows in the middle of his forehead.

Who are you. Han Kiseok pressed at Seo Dawon with an expression I had never seen on him. It was as if he was willing to call upon his skills; his irises were filling with various colorsa characteristic specific to Mages.

I wondered if he would attack Seo Dawon, but I imagined that, at that rate, he would die. Therefore, I rushed to stop him. Wait a minute, this is

You want my name? Or are you asking about mine and Lee-kyungs relationship? Seo Dawon said.

Its the latter, right? Seo Dawon was faster than me.

Han Kiseok did not deny those words, but he shot a glare at the Mage.

I pulled at Seo Dawons arm, trying to telepathically convey to the Mage, How are you going to fix this? However, Seo Dawon ignored my signal and calmly uttered something horribly astonishing. Lee-kyung-ie is my owner, of course.

WWhat?

What did you say?

I looked up at the Mage in surprise; he was grinning, as I had expected. He was still shameless even when I made eye contact with him.

I tried to ask Seo Dawon silently, Just what on earth are you saying?! However, the Mage simply responded with a light kissa suckon the lips. Frozen by the surprising contact, I didnt push him away until he languidly licked at my lips.

Whatdo you mean? Of course Han Kiseok was shocked. I only returned to my senses after hearing Han Kiseoks question and turned my stiff neck towards him. However, everything I wanted to say seemed to vanish; my lips could only attempt to silently mouth excuses.

Meanwhile, Seo Dawon, composed as always, began to weave a lie. Its exactly as you imagine.

I guess you didnt know about Lee-kyung-ies tastes?

I didnt know why the word tastes sounded so lewd. Because of that, I was momentarily stunned. Though I tried to belatedly protest Seo Dawons gaze overpowered me.

Only then did I realize that Seo Dawon was in a fouler mood than I had previously thought. He looked incredibly angry, even though his eyes were still smilinghis expression was even scarier due to that dissonance.

W-What is it Is he mad at me instead of Han Kiseok?

I was bewildered, but I felt like I couldnt pipe up in this situation. Eventually, though I felt like something was wrong, I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.

Han Kiseok looked at me as if trying to gauge, from my expression, the validity of Seo Dawons words. I sneakily avoided his gaze while also trying to read Kiseoks expressionwho looked at me like I was some stranger.

Is that the truth? He asked.

You said you werent seeing anyone in particular. Somehow, his tone sounded so melancholic.

Once again, Seo Dawon intercepted this question. He smiled and began to spout more ridiculous bullshit, Lee-kyung-ie has many men. Im just one of them.

What?

W-What are you?!

Its not so difficult for Lee-kyung to see many men at once, so

So, Lee-kyung-ie doesnt have anyone hes dating in particular? With that said, Seo Dawon looked down at me with a mischievous expression. I suddenly understood what the Mage was trying to say.

He was simply explaining our relationship while excluding the terms servant and master. He was simply being vague and chose words that could be misunderstood!

In the necromancers contract, the participants were defined as master and servant, so it wasnt wrong of Seo Dawon to call me his owner.

However, Han Kiseok knew nothing of the Necromancer contract. He would never be able to understand our contractual relationship; his misunderstandings would only be amplified by this vague language.

There was no doubt that Seo Dawon was deliberately fanning the flames of delusion. Moreover, he shamelessly sent me a silent signal to join him in crafting this illusion.

I was frustrated since I couldnt understand why we needed to deceive Han Kiseok. Of course! *The **great** Seo Dawon probably has a plan that a clumsy person like me **could never** guess!* 1

Fine, Its all fine, but Was this the only way to do things?! Youre murdering my social reputation!

I sent a silent appeal with desperate eyes, but Seo Dawon simply snorted. There were no signs of him backing down.

Eventually, I angrily clenched my fists and had no choice but to answer Han Kiseok. YYeah.

Seo Dawon stroked my hair, as if he were telling me I did well; at that moment, I wanted to bite the Mages fingers off. I finaly keenly understood why Lackey grinded its teeth every time the skeleton saw the Mage.

Han Kiseok paled at my agreement; he looked shocked. He looked at me with trembling eyes, Youre saying what that guy is sayingis the truth?

..Yeah.

I mean My tastes are really My words trailed off; I couldnt blurt out this bullshit any more. My throat choked, and I couldnt say more. However, at the Mages urging, I was forced to nod my head. Han Kiseok looked me up and down, as if he couldnt believe what he had heard.

Lee-kyung-ie is a little kinky Seo Dawon continued.

He needs to see blood to get release Until the very end, Seo Dawon made me out to be an incurable pervert. After seeing Han Kiseoks hands start to shake, I didnt want to open my eyes anymore. So, with closed eyes, I forcefully pinched Seo Dawons arm. However, as expected, the Mage did not budge.

By the way, Lee-kyung-ah. Are you bringing this guy into the fold too?

I dont want our business to become even messier I bet Kim Sangyoon wont like it either. The Mage took another step further and made a show of having a loud conversation in front of Han Kiseok.

I couldnt endure and wanted to scream; Seo Dawon, though, cleverly pressed on my neck. Only suffocated groans left my throat. Because of that, Han Kiseok gaze colored with disgust; I couldnt even make excuses.

I dont think theres anything else I want to hear. Ill take my leave. Eventually, Han Kiseok turned his back on us; it felt as if I could see cold air left behind in his wake. I stared vacantly at his departing back, mouth open.

I pointed at the Mage. Are you crazy?

Seo Dawon covered his mouth with one hand and chuckled. Then, suddenly, he stopped laughing and dragged me closer by my chin. With downcast eyes, he whispered, Then you shouldnt have left him room for hope.

Become a Patron!

TL: Dang, Seo Dawon, I know you were chugging vinegar and immensely disliked Han Kiseok, but you should know by know all of Han Kiseoks overtures went completely over Lee-kyungs head. Lee-kyungs starting to sass Seo Dawon a little more now too. Only in his heartbut one day I hope hell just outright sass the Mage.

Also, thanks for being patient you guys! I know you waited a whilethe vacation was great <3 I hiked so much (and in the rain so I got sick haha). As always I have schedule up on the discord.