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Rain began to pour heavily, the rhythmic patter of water on the floor mingling with the earthy scent of the musky ground, creating a hazy atmosphere. The lush greenery around the manor added a touch of serenity, enhancing the visual appeal of the surroundings.
Yang cut an imposing and regal figure in his black coat, which cascaded past his shins. Tiny droplets clung to his long raven hair, while his kohled eyes, dark as night, accentuated his already piercing gaze. His countenance was sharp and chiseled, his maroon lips set in a stern, indifferent line.
His presence exuded both danger and authority. The sharpness of his expression and the tightness of his lips conveyed a mood of acute irritation, making him appear nearly unapproachable as the manor’s servants bowed in deference.
Yang paid them no mind, striding purposefully into the main courtyard. His footsteps echoed loudly against the stone floor, accompanied by the sudden crack of thunder that rumbled above. As the sky roared, his ears caught an unfamiliar feminine voice, a startled yelp followed by the distinct clatter of something metallic hitting the ground.
The restless flapping and chirping of birds caught his sharp ears, drawing his attention to a small figure crouched in the corridor.
Yang's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the girl’s delicate face, which bore an apologetic expression. His gaze, however, was not limited to her face.
His eyes, narrowing with a mix of curiosity and intent, traveled deliberately over her feminine curves and the smooth expanse of her legs, revealed by the slit in her cheongsam dress.
Men will be men.
He was surprised but, more than that, fascinated by her unrealistic beauty.
Who is she?
The unknown girl spoke softly to the birds, her gentle voice tinged with concern as she asked if they were hurt and apologized for startling them.
All the while, Yang remained motionless, captivated by her every move as she tended to the birds, opening the cage to check for any injuries from the fall.
He watched as her lips relaxed into a sigh of relief when she confirmed that none of the birds were harmed. She giggled, saying she would keep them in her bedroom for the day since rain was imminent.
Her bedroom?
Sensing his gaze, she finally looked up at him.
“...” Him.
“...” Her.
An awkward silence stretched between them until it was abruptly interrupted by her startled yelp.
“Ah—”
Ah?
Baffled, he observed as she hid her face in her hands, her expression one of sheer fright, as if she had encountered a ghost.
Is he that terrifying?
Raising an eyebrow, he watched as she searched for a hiding spot. To his amusement, instead of running, she scrambled behind the nearest cover—the curtains—as if that would offer any real protection.
“...” Yang.
He watched her in silence, noting how she kept her eyes downcast, her face barely visible as if her very life depended on her hiding place.
What’s going on?
The head maid rushed over, her concern evident as she addressed the girl from behind the curtains. “Mistress, what happened? Are you alright?”
Yang's eyes narrowed in disbelief at the maid’s address.
Well?
Spotting her potential savior, the girl clung to the head maid’s back, pointing at him with a look of sheer terror, as though he were a marauding bandit.
“T-Thief,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
He squinted playfully at her. Now that was a first.
The head maid’s eyes widened as she noticed him and quickly bowed, greeting him with a calm demeanor. “Master.”
The man nodded, still bemused by the comical turn of events. But then something even more unexpected happened: the girl, apparently his wife, fled from the hall as if pursued by demons.
“...” Him and the head maid.
Well, that was a first.
The head maid stood there, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief.
