Knock, knock—the sudden sound of someone rapping on the door made Trissy look at the dressing mirror in front of her. It had returned to normal. She reached up and rubbed her cheek, settling her smile into a calm, natural expression before turning toward the door and saying softly, "Come in."
The door swung open, and a handsome, blue-eyed man with blond hair walked into the room.
He was well-built, his face bright with a genuine, sunny smile. He wore a casual suit without any elaborate decoration; only a few gem-like buttons at his collar and cuffs hinted at understated luxury.
When he saw Trissy seated before the dressing mirror, a hint of infatuation flashed in his eyes, and his pace quickened.
"Trissy, I have the whole day free to spend with you. Haven't you always complained that it's too dull here and wanted to go outside the estate? How about we spend the day at a country estate?"
As he spoke, he naturally moved behind Trissy and embraced her from behind, leaning over the chair to bring his chin close to her ear. He breathed in the fragrance of her perfume and murmured, "Trissy... Trissy... I've prepared a surprise for you. Would you like to come see it with me?"
A flicker of disgust crossed Trissy's eyes as he held her, but it quickly turned into pleasure. She even leaned back against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I read today's paper. It was all about the recent string of murders in Backlund. The victims were all young women. I'm a little afraid to go out."
Feeling the slight tremble of the girl in his arms, he gently stroked Trissy's cheek and soothed her. "Don't worry. The kingdom's leaders have already put pressure on the Three Great Churches.