Laika made brunch for Iris.
Because of her busy schedule, the Housekeeper usually prepared her meals, but grilling sausages and toast and drizzling sauce was simple enough for him to handle.
Iris watched Laika’s broad back as he cooked, her expression complex and subtle.
Fortunately, he didn’t even glance at the display cabinet.
She had expected him to check it again since he caught her fiddling with it last time, but it seemed he wasn’t concerned.
‘Is the Ring just an ordinary trinket to Laika? Maybe he doesn’t know it holds any power, just like the Antique Shop Owner didn’t realize the Chastity Belt and Bracelet were imbued with abilities.’
Iris let out a quiet sigh of relief.
However, contrary to her misunderstanding, Laika’s ignoring the cabinet was for another reason entirely.
Anyone who meddled with the Ring of the Goddess would wither and die anyway.
She had no idea that despite swapping the Ring, Laika remained unharmed.
After a short while, when the brunch was ready, the dining room filled with a rich, sweet aroma.
“Here you go.”
He placed a pretty brunch plate in front of Iris with a bright smile.
This might be the last meal Laika ever made for her.
The next time they met, he might not cook but instead try to kill her outright.
Forcing a smile, she picked up her fork.
“It looks so delicious. I’ll eat well. It’s the first time I’ve seen you cook.”
“I thought about ordering delivery, but I wanted to make it myself.”
Laika looked at her with wide eyes. Meeting his gaze made her feel guilty. Lowering her head deeply, Iris continued.
“Both last time and now, you like cooking more than you let on, don’t you?”
“Well, yeah. Because of my sophisticated image, people assume things. Like I’ve never gotten my hands dirty, but that’s not true. I actually enjoy cooking. Oh, lately I’ve got a new favorite thing — having sex with you.”
“Ugh, uhg…”
The word ‘sex’ caught Iris off guard, making her choke and cough.
Laika, watching her clutch her chest and drink water, propped his chin on his hand with a teasing smile.
After her coughing subsided, she was dazed by his charming smile but quickly looked down at her plate.
Thinking this might be the last time she could talk so casually with Laika, a flood of emotions overwhelmed her.
Misreading her reaction, Laika spoke excitedly.
“What, you’re embarrassed now after all that rolling around yesterday?”
“N-no, I’m just surprised. Who says things like that?”
Iris wiped her mouth with a tissue and gave him a mock scolding, trying not to sound awkward.
Unbothered by her rebuke, Laika shamelessly continued.
“You like it too.”
“Ahem, this is delicious.”
Changing the subject, Iris said softly. She felt more guilty than embarrassed for having stolen his power through sex.
No matter how much it was for the peace of Gyodam City, she personally felt sorry. Their bond had been brief but deep.
As she lifted her fork again, a low voice came from across the table.
“Really? Next time you visit, I’ll make you something even better.”
“…Okay.”
Iris replied bitterly, picking at her brunch.
Laika’s eyes widened slightly at her unexpected response.
Now that she thought about it, Iris hadn’t met his gaze all this time. Why was that? It struck him as strange.
“Why that reaction?”
“Huh? Ah, no. I’m just a little tired.”
Rubbing her eyes behind her glasses, Iris explained.
She had thrown away her disposable contacts while washing up last night, so she was wearing glasses now.
Thankfully, she had them; if Laika had seen her bare eyes, he might have noticed how much they wavered.
She glanced at him briefly and tapped her shoulder lightly with a fist to show she was tired.
She was indeed exhausted, still tense from the anxiety of stealing the Ring.
Laika stared at her for a moment before speaking.
“Oh, I thought you looked tired yesterday too but tried to sleep it off. Guess you still haven’t fully recovered.”
“Yes… ah…”
Iris stretched her neck and massaged her shoulders just as the sound of a chair scraping was heard.
Wondering why, she stiffened with her hand still on her shoulder as Laika moved around the table and approached her.
‘Please don’t catch me switching the Ring. What if he suddenly grabs me and snaps my neck, pretending nothing’s wrong…’
Guilt made her think the worst. If needed, she might have to use her power to escape.
She had bought another Escape Tome from the Secret Exchange last time, ready for emergencies.
As fear gripped her, warm body heat touched her shoulder. A low voice sounded above her head.
“Then…”
“…Yes?”
The hand gripping her shoulder pulled her neck gently like a stalk. The tension broke immediately when Laika spoke again.
“I’ll massage your shoulders. I’m pretty strong.”
“Ah, ah… thank you.”
Laika’s gentle touch eased the tension in her shoulders. Relief washed over Iris, her nose tingling.
She had worried he might harm her but didn’t expect such kindness.
She knew she wouldn’t easily forget the brief days spent with Villain Laika.
Since Laika was free today, he drove her home.
In the car, Laika chatted cheerfully about everyday things, and Iris pretended to listen and respond casually.
Thinking it was their last meeting, her heart felt heavy, making it hard to answer his words cheerfully.
Focused on the road, Laika didn’t notice her mood. When they arrived at the building where he had dropped her off before, Iris bowed her head slightly and opened the car door.
At that moment, Laika grabbed her slender wrist with a smile.
“Get some rest when you get home. Call me, okay? Again.”
“Yes, I will.”
Forcing a smile, Iris turned to leave but suddenly felt her wrist pulled back. A soft kiss briefly touched her cheek and then was gone.
Laika winked and released her wrist. Surprised, Iris stared at him wide-eyed, and his smile deepened.
“See you.”
“Goodbye.”
Standing by the busy street, Iris watched Laika’s car drive away with a bitter heart.
She couldn’t lie and say she’d see him again after hearing “See you.”
Maybe one day they’d meet again as Hero and Villain. But as ordinary Iris, this was the end.
She lowered her head, a heavy sigh escaping her lips.
After hesitating, she took out her phone from her bag and, after a long moment, blocked Laika’s number.
The Manager’s number too. She couldn’t face ignoring their calls calmly otherwise.
‘No, just blocking isn’t enough. He might call from another number.’
If he found out she swapped the Ring, Laika might come after her fiercely. Blocking numbers might not suffice.
She might have to change her phone number entirely.
Deciding to do just that, she trudged toward her home. Today, the weight of the Crown felt heavier than usual.
***
“Phew…”
The next day, Iris woke up at noon.
Her newly moved-in home still looked a bit disorganized. Sighing, she got out of bed, her body heavy.
She had tossed and turned all night, troubled by ending her short connection with Laika on such a sour note, and only fallen asleep late, so she still felt tired.
‘It’s okay. Laika is a Villain. It was a bond that had to end soon anyway.’
Shaking her head, she stood before the mirror. She hadn’t checked her changed Clone skill last night, having collapsed into bed exhausted.
She was just getting used to her terrifying half-formed body, but now she could summon a full Clone?
Taking a deep breath, she mentally activated the skill.
A white aura shimmered before her eyes, and a perfect Clone identical to herself appeared.
“Oh my!”
“Oh my?”
“Can you talk?”
“Can you talk?”
Iris’s mouth fell open, watching the Clone mimic her words.
The half-formed Clone couldn’t speak, but this one was complete and could talk — so many new possibilities opened up.
While delighted, a chill ran down her spine.
Seeing an exact double reminded her of the rumor that meeting a doppelganger means death.
‘It’s a bit creepy. But it’s just a skill.’