Seeing Ferzen talking to a doctor, Yuriel looked down and assessed the state of her body.

Her fever was gone.

As well as her headache.

The only thing that remained was the faint muscle pain and her sweaty skin.

But there was a piece of clothing tied around her crotch.

Her clothes were also different.

Yuriels memories from the night before were still a bit elusive, but she could remember some faint whispers telling her about her clothing.

Come to think of it, did I ventilate my office that night?

She wasnt certain.

If that werent the case, then her scent must have been deeply entrenched in the room.

Suddenly Yuriel shuddered at the thought of how Ferzen must have reacted.

Whats with this scarf

Fiddling with the long scarf wrapped around her neck, Yuriel glanced at Ferzen who had just finished speaking with the doctor.

Yuriel.

You dont have a place to stay.

I was simply preparing for the upcoming examsJust some overtime work.

Theres no carriage at the parking lot, and there are signs that someones living in your office.

Yuriel winced at Ferzens interrogative tone.

So what? Since when did you care?

Corleone, that old coot, has done something foolish.

Thats not your business

Yuriel struggled with her weak body as she tried to rise from her bed.

Yuriel.

Didnt I already tell you not to refer to me like that?

Professor Yuriel.

What is it, Professor Ferzen.

We need to talk.

Cant we do it here?

If that was possible, we would already be in the middle of it.

Sigh. Just go work or something, Im still tired.

Yuriel grumbled as she turned her head away from him trying to end the conversation.

But Ferzen grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the bed and the clinic.

Hey! It hurtsLet go, you crazy bastard!

Stop struggling, Im not even putting on much pressure.

I know my body better than you, you bad bastard!

Yuriel wiped her faint tears as she struggled against his hold, but Ferzen didnt budge.

S-Slow down!.. My, my chest hurts!

With each rushed step, her body ached.

So with her free hand, she started to slap his body.

But at that moment, Ferzen stopped.

The place they arrived at

Was the parking lot of the Administrative Building.

Go in.

Hah.

Seeing a carriage engraved with the crest of Brutein, Ferzen gestured for Yuriel to board it as she chuckled helplessly.

What? Are you trying to get me in your mansion now? Dont bother. Im never setting foot in there even if I have to live out on the streets.

I never said we were going to my mansion.

Then just say where! Whats the problem with you? Why are you doing this to me? Did you develop sentiments now that I lost everything?! If thats the case, then you shouldnt have done that shit at the Imperial Banquet in the first place!

If you dont want to, then do as you please.

Leaving Yuriel standing there like a scarecrow, Ferzen got on the carriage.

I will give you 30 seconds.

Then leaving the carriages door open, Ferzen started to count down the seconds.

Bested by her own curiosity and a little bit of hope, Yuriel got on the carriage with 15 seconds remaining.

Do you have the talent to complicate everything you do?

Shut up.

Closing the carriages door, Ferzen signaled to the coachmen.

The rain had ceased for a moment, but the black clouds indicated that this was only a brief interval.

Glancing at the window, Yuriel closed it fearing that the cold winds would worsen her condition as she looked at Ferzen.

SoOut with it.

Geralt Ren Millien Asran.

He told me that he wished to thank me by inviting me to a formal meal. However, no matter how much I think about it, I dont remember doing anything warranting his gratitude. So maybe I did something that caused something favorable to them..Thats what I think he meant.

Geralt..You arent as tightly lipped as I thought.

PerhapsNo, Im certain, Corleone must have arranged your marriage with him.

Since there wasnt any reason for her to deny his words, Yuriel nodded her head.

ThatHas nothing to do with you.

Why do you think so?

What, are you feeling guilty, that because of you, Im now stuck with this arranged marriage? ReallyWhat a joke.

If I had any guilt Yuriel, I wouldnt have caused that scene at the Imperial Banquet.

YouIm getting tired of your riddles. Get to the point.

At Yuriels demand, Ferzen lifted his head, looked straight at her purple orbs, and announced with a low-pitched voice.

Im planning on cutting the Head of the North.

So, it wouldnt do if the Asrans managed to secure even more power.

Ha

Upon hearing Ferzens words, Yuriel narrowed her eyes, and

Hahahahaha

burst out in laughter.

Let me see if I got this rightAre you asking me to whore myself to the bastard you intend to put as the new head of the North?

Yuriel.

This isnt even funny. Im not some cheap whore you can order as you please. Im tired of this shit. Everyone is always seeing me as their personal breeding mare.

I will become the new head of the North.

Go away

What nonsense are you spouting now? If thats the case, why did you break the engagement 10 years ago? I wonder if the almighty Brutein can even salvage the spilled milk. That would be impressive.

It can be done.

Despite Yuriels sarcasm and lack of decorum, Ferzen continued calmly.

If I was incapable of it, we wouldnt be having this conversation.

Corleone will surely jump at my offer as well. His disgusting obsession with acquiring a direct descendent with the bloodline of Brutein is nothing new. Surely, you must be aware of this, no?

I..Refuse.

Just like that time Yuriel, your opinion is irrelevant.

You see, Yuriel, every premium good, is already chosen by its owner before its even made. Wasnt that for your case as well?

Pre-Premium goodsNo, Im not!

Its ironic isnt it, although livestock also have lives, theyre still the ranchers property.

A farmer with a sword is of no threat to me as they wouldnt even be able to use it properly anyway. No Even if the sword ended up in the hands of a powerful knight, it wouldnt be a problem as long as they dont oppose me. But thats not the case here, is it? So isnt it better to recover the discarded sword than to let it fall in the hands of someone who could threaten me?

Ferzens crimson eyes stared at Yuriels purple ones as he continued speaking.

Yuriel, theres nothing you can do now. Just resign yourself. No matter how much you struggle, the result wont change.

Really Did you forget what you said to me 10 years ago? Do you really think youll be able to bear having a child with someone whose blood you hold in contempt?

See? Ah, you also hate when I curse, dont you? Well then, allow me to speak freely now. Can you even stick that cock of yours inside of me? Fill me with your seeds? Knock me up with your goddamned child wholl have both Alfred and Brutein blood?

Crack!

His veins popped as his fists were clenched tight.

Every single one of Yuriels words annoyed him.

In fact, everything she said felt a little repugnant.

However, if it were the original Ferzen, he wouldnt have made such a choice, nor even attended the Imperial banquet in the first place.

Yes, although he was FerzenHe wasnt Ferzen.

II apologize for my words from 10 years ago.

Thud!

The carriage stopped.

A modest house could be seen outside.

Creak.

As he opened the carriages door, Ferzen stepped out.

With Yuriel following him.

Click.

Ferzen took a key from his left pocket, unlocked the door, and entered the house.

And once again, Yuriel followed him.

I never wanted to hear an apology.

You can stay here while I take care of things.

Dont ignore me.

Theres money here as well. Use it however you wish.

On the bed was a pile of gold coins.

FerzenVon Schweig Brutein.

Yuriel uttered his full name with a quiet tone.

Then, she took off her clothes.

Transforming her mana into water, she cleaned her body.

Her beautiful, alluring naked body became visible.

Then, she walked seductively towards Ferzen.

If you cannot lust for meIf you arent resolved to embrace me. Dont say those stupid plans. No! Dont avert your eyes. Look at me! This is the body of the Alfred woman you once rejected.

You bastardDo you even know what it means to accept me as your mistress? Dont make me laughYou will reclaim what you once threw awayBut if your sword cant even stand at the sight of my body thats been altered by that stupid fruit

Hearing Yuriels rant, Ferzen sighed as he came over to her and took off the scarf hanging on her neck.

Then, he led her in front of a mirror, grabbed her chin, and lifted it.

Look.

This is proof that I lust for you.

Ah

I certainly see you as a woman.

Just go..

Yuriel pushed Ferzen out of the room.

The house is a little cramped, so make sure to leave it ventilated or buy some perfume or incense.

Leave

Also, take care of your health.

Just as she wished, Ferzen left.

Now alone, Yuriel sat on her bed and looked around.

The interior was a little desolate.

She could hear the rain.

Creak.

Yuriel lied on the bed.

I..I wont listen to you.

Glancing at the raindrops on her window, Yuriel touched her nape.

Even though she didnt wish to listen to Ferzen, Yuriel stayed in the house he provided.

With the money she now held, she could go anywhere she wished to.

She could go back to her office.

Instead of staying here.

Beyond the window, she could see the flowers wet from the rain.

But her scent, which gradually filled the room, didnt get dampened by the rain.

Yes.The flowers scent may be damped.

But hers would never.

TL note: Good days my fellow Yuriel Fanatics, I present it to all of you.THE BEGINNING OF GREATNESS.