Chapter 253: After the Body Is Overworked...
Evelia took off her casual clothes and changed back into her maid outfit.
Because she had promised to check in with Anna, she left early in the morning, while Armand was still asleep, to visit her.
But really, it wasn’t just to report that she was safe. Evelia had been feeling a bit troubled, and she wanted to talk things out with Anna to ease her mind.
“You’re saying… you and Mr. Armand already had intimate contact!?”
As soon as Evelia mentioned a bit about what had happened between her and Armand, Anna, who was like her best friend, confirmed that Evelia had come out of her disappearance unharmed, and then immediately switched into gossip mode.
What Evelia wanted to share was exactly her mixed feelings about what happened last night.
“Yes, it’s true... but...”
Last night hadn’t been a dream for Armand, it was real. He had actually caught Evelia in the act, right as she was secretly kissing him.
But back then, Armand had a high fever, the medicine was still in effect, and he had been imagining some inappropriate things before falling asleep because of what happened in the bathroom. So in his fuzzy state, he honestly believed the whole thing was just a dream caused by his wandering thoughts.
During that time, he had hugged Evelia’s waist, slid his hands under her clothes, and left strong marks from his grip. He had kissed her deeply, and not just her lips.
Having someone respond to her was completely different from always being the only one initiating things. And when Evelia realized that her current female body could feel this powerful, electric sensation from Armand’s touch, something she had never experienced before in all her years, she discovered that she actually liked the way her body had trembled in that moment.
It was short, but strange and amazing.
Unfortunately, it only went as far as an appetizer. Or maybe even half of one, because shortly after hugging her, Armand rolled over and fell back asleep.
The amount of sleep he got this time was probably enough to last him two whole months.
That’s why Evelia came to see Anna today with a slightly annoyed mood, hoping her friend could offer some advice.
After hearing the whole story, Anna gave her a bit of an awkward expression.
“So basically... Mr. Armand was just really tired, right?”
Anyone hearing it would probably come to the same conclusion. He was just too exhausted to have the energy for anything that physically demanding.
“...I see.”
Evelia understood what Anna was saying… but she still couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
It was obvious Evelia wanted to go further.
Of course, it might seem a bit strange when thinking about it from a "chastity" point of view. Evelia used to be male, and now she wanted to do that kind of thing with another man while in a female body…
But she didn’t feel ashamed about it.
Yes, she had some inner conflict, but it wasn’t about sex or gender. What she was really worried about was her identity. If her secret were revealed, whether it was her past identity or the fact that she used to be male… what would Armand do then?
That was the only thing she was hesitating about. Not the matter between men and women. Evelia wasn’t particularly bothered by the boundaries of gender.
After all, she could accept the kind of body modifications the Second Prince had done to her, so why wouldn’t she accept her own desires?
And more importantly, she wanted to do this.
If it was with Armand, then she was willing.
Yes… she was already willing to go that far for Armand.
Maybe to Evelia now, Armand is no longer just a “mission target.” He has become someone she, as Evelia, personally wants to chase after.
She wants to catch up to him. She wants to stand by his side. Or maybe, she just wants him to stay beside her.
Thanks to the whole “Grey Dove” incident, Evelia started to realize just how much she wanted to wake up every morning and see Armand next to her.
She also realized she could no longer bring herself to kill him.
Just seeing him near death was already too painful… let alone doing it with her own hands.
But is there still a way out of this? Because the Second Prince is still watching.
She’s still carrying out the Second Prince’s orders, so... she needs to play this game even better.
Is she really forced to choose between the two?
Must she pick one, either the identity of “Red Crow”… or “Eve”?
While Evelia was still tangled up in her thoughts, Armand finished getting dressed and stepped out of his bedroom.
Since he’s bad at remembering names, Armand gives nicknames to everyone in the knight order.
And because he’s a friendly guy who never really gets angry, even his knights give him nicknames too.
The most popular one, besides just calling him “Captain”, was actually given by Carle: “Sunflower.”
Because if you ever can’t find him during his free time, you just need to go to the sunniest place nearby. He’s like a sunflower, always turning toward the sun.
The colder the weather, the more accurate this rule becomes. Any sunlit room or a sunny backyard is always Armand’s favorite place.
Just like now, Armand was sitting in the warmest, sunniest spot in the back garden, wearing a thick coat with a fur collar.
Although it was already chilly autumn, and getting colder by the day, and the rain had made the wind even harsher, all the servants in the estate had switched to their autumn-winter clothes. Even those who were usually slim now looked puffier from all the layers.
But no one was dressed quite as over-the-top as Armand.
He hadn’t gone so far as to wear his military winter cloak, but the coat he had on now still looked way too warm.
Who wears a fur-lined coat in autumn, especially under direct sunlight?
Still, for Armand, it was perfect. With the warm sun shining on him, he had this blissful, contented expression.
He really did look like the sunflower Carle had described, someone who chased the sun. He looked so happy it was like he might literally start blooming.
Carle had even joked once, if the enemy ever offered him a cozy fireplace and endless sunshine, Armand might actually switch sides.
While Armand was enjoying his sunbath, Evelia came back from visiting Anna.
She returned with a book and a small bag that seemed to be from Anna’s shop, probably filled with cosmetics. She had originally planned to go back to her room to try out the new perfume Anna gave her.
But as soon as she came back, she spotted Armand sitting quietly in the garden, soaking up the sun.
Armand, still bundled up in heavy clothes, didn’t notice Evelia at all, especially since she moved without making a sound.
Evelia looked at his back for a while, then quietly opened the book she had brought.
At Anna’s boutique, Anna had told her, “If Mr. Armand isn’t feeling well lately, you could try helping his health with food therapy.”
So Evelia went to a bookstore and bought a book titled “Complete Guide to Men’s Health and Recovery.”
Now, seeing Armand sitting there wrapped in so many layers, she immediately assumed he must be afraid of the cold.
She flipped through the book in her hands, trying to find a diagnosis or remedy that fit the situation.
Hmm… I see now.
Evelia looked at the explanation in the book and gave a small nod.
—So Mr. Armand has weak kidneys, huh.
Meanwhile, not far away, Armand sat peacefully under the sun… completely unaware of the “label” Evelia had just put on him.