<p>Chapter 52: Cantaloupe… Countess</p>
<p>“Why does this feel like stealing?”</p>
<p>Shaya crouched down, following Selly closely, his expression peculiar.</p>
<p>The alluring girl before him wore a casual purple long dress, her hair styled up, revealing a flawlessly fair and slender neck.</p>
<p>Upon hearing Shaya’s question, she turned her head and gave him a flirtatious glare: “My fiancé is here, do you think we can just walk in through the front door?”</p>
<p>“Exciting.”</p>
<p>The two of them were in a situation that felt almost like an affair, having sneaked in through a secret passage at the back of the Count Violet mansion, evading all the guards.</p>
<p>This was the meeting place Selly had arranged with him before he left the Judgment Tower yesterday.</p>
<p>After all, the invitation Shaya received was addressed to “Cain,” not to his current identity.</p>
<p>Furthermore, now that the “sun” had noticed him, if something were to happen later and it was discovered that Shaya was here, he would surely bear the consequences.</p>
<p>Indeed, as previously mentioned, this girl was an evil bad woman.</p>
<p>Even though her fiancé was attending the banquet, she shamelessly brought another man with her.</p>
<p>Was it a political marriage?</p>
<p>Or was that prince just too incompetent?</p>
<p>Although Shaya had been in the Royal Capital for so many years, he hardly understood anything about the royal matters.</p>
<p>“By the way, does your family have many such secret passages?”</p>
<p>Shaya thought for a moment and casually asked.</p>
<p>He hadn’t forgotten the main purpose of his visit.</p>
<p>“There are quite a few; just the ones I know of, there are three. My father initiated the creation of these secret passages after several political assassination attempts on our mansion back in the day.” Selly paused, then squinted her eyes slightly, “What, do you want to sneak in and date me?”</p>
<p>“Isn’t it your idea, senpai?”</p>
<p>Shaya bantered back.</p>
<p>With 15 points of charm, he had no fear.</p>
<p>“Hmph, besides, you owe me three days of dates.”</p>
<p>While saying that, Selly led Shaya out of the secret passage, and they were suddenly greeted by a wide-open view.</p>
<p>As the host of the banquet, the Violet Mansion was located in an estate on the outskirts of the Royal Capital, with an area that was somewhat intimidating.</p>
<p>Estimating roughly, it was hundreds of times larger than the dilapidated manor Shaya lived in as a child.</p>
<p>Many nobles would have similar properties, using weekends or leisure time to host banquets or hunts, inviting friends and family to dress up and attend—this was one of the main social methods of the upper class.</p>
<p>“Go this way.”</p>
<p>Selly beckoned Shaya to cross the garden through a narrow cobblestone path, arriving at the foot of the luxurious mansion.</p>
<p>Gently pushing open one of the windows, Selly suddenly held onto Shaya’s shoulder: “Bend down.”</p>
<p>“Why?”</p>
<p>Shaya asked, perplexed, but complied nonetheless.</p>
<p>Selly chuckled as she kicked off her high heels, holding them in her hand, revealing two delicate jade-like feet painted with light purple nail polish, lifting one leg to step onto Shaya’s shoulder: “Don’t look up; I’m not wearing anything.”</p>
<p>Is that true?</p>
<p>Just as Shaya was about to look up, he felt a light body jump gently, using him as a stepping stone, like a purple butterfly gracefully landing inside the room.</p>
<p>Then she extended a small hand and said, “Come up.”</p>
<p>Shaya didn’t take her hand, as with his current physical condition, he could easily jump over a ten-meter-high wall.</p>
<p>After landing, Shaya felt he was standing on a soft carpet.</p>
<p>“Are you not taking advantage of the situation?” Selly glanced at him, “Your mask is over there; don’t forget to put it on. The rule of the ball is that, regardless of what happens, the mask cannot be taken off.”</p>
<p>“Alright, Sir Knight, the banquet is about to start; I need to change into my dancing dress.”</p>
<p>“Actually, what you are wearing now looks pretty good too.”</p>
<p>Shaya blinked and said.</p>
<p>“Thank you for your compliment, but do you really want to watch me change clothes?”</p>
<p>Selly looked at him while lightly laughing, reaching back to push aside her long hair and pulling down the zipper of her dress.</p>
<p>Shaya shrugged, picked up the mask on the table, and examined it for a while. It only covered his eyes and the upper half of his face, resembling a black raven, with feathers and diamonds embedded on both sides.</p>
<p>A rustling sound came from behind.</p>
<p>After a while, Shaya lifted his head to look around: “Is this your room?”</p>
<p>“That’s right; you are the first man to come into my room~”</p>
<p>Selly teased playfully, simultaneously pulling up her black stockings from her ankles to her thighs.</p>
<p>“By the way, I want to go out for a bit.”</p>
<p>Shaya suddenly recalled something and said, turning his back to Selly.</p>
<p>“You’ll be discovered as soon as you step out.”</p>
<p>“That’s fine; I have my ways.”</p>
<p>Shaya raised the “Veil of Concealment” in his hand and replied.</p>
<p>Then, under Selly’s gaze, he suddenly turned into a shadow and slipped into the curtain, disappearing quickly.</p>
<p>“Remember to come back early; you need to accompany me for the first dance tonight!”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Ah, it really feels like I’m having an affair.”</p>
<p>Reappearing at the entrance of the Violet Estate, Shaya, sitting in the carriage, had evidently changed into another set of clothes and donned another mask.</p>
<p>After showing his invitation to the guards at the entrance, he became one of the countless upper-class attendees at the gala and approached the mansion.</p>
<p>At this moment, the entire estate was brilliantly lit, with servants and attendants bustling about, leading one elegantly dressed guest after another into the venue.</p>
<p>They all wore differently styled masks, making it impossible to recognize one another.</p>
<p>The banquet had already begun.</p>
<p>Shaya slowly stepped into the banquet hall, observing the ebb and flow of people. In the center on the performance stage, musicians were playing beautiful dance music.</p>
<p>The long dining table beside was covered with exquisite patterned tablecloths, adorned with expensive silver candlesticks, featuring a variety of cold dishes such as steak, desserts, and fruits, all available for guests to pick at their leisure.</p>
<p>Although the ball hadn’t officially started, people were already scattered in pairs, holding champagne and chatting away.</p>
<p>Counting briefly, the number of attendees had already exceeded two hundred, excluding the attendants.</p>
<p>This could be considered a relatively grand banquet.</p>
<p>At this moment, the entire Violet mansion was resplendent; the crystal chandelier overhead cast bright golden light, the porcelain tiles on the ground shimmered with gilded luxurious patterns, exuding an air of opulence.</p>
<p>Shaya took a glass of champagne from a passing server, feigning nonchalance as he mingled with a nearby group, raising his glass slightly before naturally joining their conversation.</p>
<p>Since nobody knew each other’s identities, they did not discuss personal matters, only delving into artistic insights.</p>
<p>For instance, one member of the crowd was currently commenting on Count Violet’s oil painting collection.</p>
<p>After listening for a while, finding it utterly nonsensical, Shaya soon lost interest and left.</p>
<p>He hadn’t forgotten the real purpose of his visit that night.</p>
<p>After a while, as the crowd grew quieter, the event’s guest of honor arrived.</p>
<p>Shaya looked up at the imposing middle-aged man standing at the edge of the second-floor staircase, holding a wine glass and wearing an owl mask.</p>
<p>Count Violet.</p>
<p>Although his face was partially obscured by the mask, he could still vaguely be seen as a strikingly handsome middle-aged man in his forties, with black hair slicked back, his physique muscular.</p>
<p>Next to him stood a tall young girl in a purple dress, donning an angelic white feather mask that covered half of her face, exposing her snow-white chin and pink lips.</p>
<p>The girl seemed somewhat bored, scanning the crowd as if searching for someone.</p>
<p>“Ladies and gentlemen.”</p>
<p>“I have only one request for all of you present.”</p>
<p>The slightly authoritative voice, amplified by magic, resonated throughout the hall, causing a previously bustling discussion to cease immediately.</p>
<p>Being of military background, even his speech carried a weight of seriousness that made people unconsciously sweat.</p>
<p>“Since you have received the invitation from the Latusos family, you are our most esteemed guests and dearest friends. I hope you enjoy this long evening and drink to your heart’s content!”</p>
<p>“Of course, if by chance a couple of destinies can be formed here, I would be more than delighted.”</p>
<p>The previously stern voice lightened instantly, carrying a hint of innuendo only men could grasp.</p>
<p>Count Violet slightly raised his glass in a toast, a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.</p>
<p>At the same time, the orchestra in the center of the stage officially began playing, elevating the evening to its first climax!</p>
<p>Taking advantage of the crowd’s commotion, Shaya downed his drink in one gulp, then quietly set the glass down and followed a server down a side corridor.</p>
<p>Before coming, he had roughly observed the surrounding architectural layout.</p>
<p>If something truly lay underground, as Yaling described, it was very likely related to such places as a wine cellar.</p>
<p>So after leaving the lively dance, Shaya began searching meticulously.</p>
<p>“Can I assist you with something?”</p>
<p>A server noticed Shaya and came over politely inquiring.</p>
<p>“Restroom… uh.”</p>
<p>Shaya was about to make some excuse when suddenly his eyes narrowed!</p>
<p>He caught a glimpse of a guest wearing a black mask, who had similarly left the bustling hall, disappearing at the end of the corridor.</p>
<p>The problem was that Shaya had seen that type of mask before.</p>
<p>Back in the lower city, the white-masked assassin who had tried to kill him wore this kind of mask!</p>
<p>At that time, he claimed to be from the Night Shadow Association.</p>
<p>Yaling’s final letter had also mentioned that the Night Shadow Association was undoubtedly intertwined with that mysterious organization; he needed to be cautious of the Black Mask.</p>
<p>And that guy…</p>
<p>As he stared at the spot where the black mask had disappeared, Shaya narrowed his eyes.</p>
<p>He said to the server, “May I go upstairs to take a look?”</p>
<p>To his surprise, the server gently shook his head: “I’m sorry, sir, unless it is a guest invited personally by the Count, you won’t be permitted… But other than the second floor and above, you are free to roam the rest of the estate.”</p>
<p>“That one just now…”</p>
<p>“That’s a friend of the Count.”</p>
<p>After saying this, the server bowed and left.</p>
<p>Interesting.</p>
<p>Such a reaction, if it weren’t for prior knowledge, might seem a little odd.</p>
<p>But for Shaya, it was as if he had been slapped with the words “there’s something wrong” right on his face!</p>
<p>Since the regular route was blocked, he had other means.</p>
<p>With this thought, Shaya found a nearby storage room, transformed into a shadow, and quickly moved outside a window.</p>
<p>The night was deep, with shadows everywhere suitable for stealth.</p>
<p>So soon, Shaya blended into a room on the second floor without being detected.</p>
<p>Just as he stepped out from the veil of shadows, preparing to observe the environment of the room.</p>
<p>At that moment, a soft voice with a hint of curiosity rang in his ears.</p>
<p>“Who are you?”</p>
<p>Shaya was slightly startled, his body freezing in place.</p>
<p>Looking over, he found a noblewoman in a black long dress sitting by the bed, examining him closely.</p>
<p>What could be more awkward than being caught on the spot?</p>
<p>Shaya sighed, looking at the noblewoman.</p>
<p>She exuded a graceful and gentle aura, a mature woman with a hint of youthful innocence. Her clear eyes were like a little deer that had strayed from the forest, glistening and innocent, exuding an enchanting charm.</p>
<p>Overall, she was a woman in her thirties.</p>
<p>The moment he saw her, Shaya instinctively thought of one word.</p>
<p>Cantaloupe.</p>
<p>In his past life, he’d only seen such shameful proportions in books; he didn’t expect to gain some actual experience under such circumstances this time around.</p>
<p>Yaling does not deceive me!</p>
<p>Recalling what that guy mentioned in his letter, Shaya suddenly understood why a woman could leave such a deep impression on him.</p>
<p>Not only was she good-looking and well-endowed, but importantly, her waist was not thick, making her body appear well-proportioned.</p>
<p>Although compared to girls like Selly, her figure seemed slightly more voluptuous, it added to her charm, providing a deadly allure to certain younger men.</p>
<p>Of course, Shaya firmly believed he was not one of them.</p>
<p>“Count…ess?”</p>
<p>After a long while, Shaya finally spoke softly.</p>
<p>Count Violet, what a jealous guy.</p>
<p>But upon closer inspection, she didn’t resemble Selly at all.</p>
<p>“You know me?”</p>
<p>The Violet Lady, unperturbed by the masked stranger entering her bedroom, instead, appeared curious.</p>
<p>Shaya sighed, not answering.</p>
<p>He was torn, unsure whether to knock her out or quickly escape before things escalated.</p>
<p>If it escalated, today’s actions would be considered a failure.</p>
<p>As expected, knights were not cut out for the subtle work of assassins.</p>
<p>Seeming to sense Shaya’s malicious intent, she lightly furrowed her brow, speaking softly in a negotiating tone, “If you want to run, just hurry and escape, but please don’t knock me out, okay?”</p>
<p>“I’m a bit afraid of pain…” She glanced at Shaya, slightly straightening her posture, “Of course, if you want to stay here a little longer, no one will notice.”</p>
<p>“There are guards outside to prevent me from running away, but they won’t enter without permission.”</p>
<p>Shaya frowned.</p>
<p>Although he felt that this lady’s psychological age was somewhat naive, that wasn’t the point.</p>
<p>As the mistress of this mansion, she actually had no freedom to move about?</p>
<p>She needed to be guarded like a prisoner in this room?</p>
<p>Sharp-witted Shaya instinctively caught the discordance in her words; a man’s instinct told him that this clue might be quite important.</p>
<p>Shaya looked at the noblewoman, confirming that she didn’t seem to have thoughts of calling someone to capture him. After pondering for a moment.</p>
<p>It seemed she bore no ill will; perhaps he could pursue that angle.</p>
<p>I, Shaya, am known as a friend of women!</p>
<p>With that in mind, he flashed a gentle smile at the Violet Lady, showcasing his 15 points of charm.</p>
<p>She stared at him in a daze for a while, her cheeks slightly flushed, then she gently blinked and lowered her head, almost burying herself in her chest.</p>
<p>The impact of Shaya’s smile on women was evident.</p>
<p>Considering his current identity as a bestselling author, Shaya suppressed his discomfort and subtly sighed.</p>
<p>Then he turned his gaze to the window and, in a slightly melancholic literary tone, murmured, “The moonlight is truly beautiful.”</p>
<p>But after saying that, his expression slightly hardened.</p>
<p>In the pitch-black night sky, thick clouds concealed the bright moonlight; even the stars were few and far between, lonely in their glow.</p>
<p>Where was the moon?</p>
<p>Just as Shaya was about to clumsily switch to the topic of “Madam, you are even more beautiful,” the noblewoman behind him suddenly asked softly with an uncertain tone, “Is the wind gentle too?”</p>
<p>He turned his head, looking at her face full of surprise, feeling somewhat amazed.</p>
<p>Oh wow.</p>
<p>He could encounter a book fan after all.</p>
<p>And a die-hard one!</p>
<p>“Why does this feel like stealing?”</p>
<p>Shaya crouched down, following Selly closely, his expression peculiar.</p>
<p>The alluring girl before him wore a casual purple long dress, her hair styled up, revealing a flawlessly fair and slender neck.</p>
<p>Upon hearing Shaya’s question, she turned her head and gave him a flirtatious glare: “My fiancé is here, do you think we can just walk in through the front door?”</p>
<p>“Exciting.”</p>
<p>The two of them were in a situation that felt almost like an affair, having sneaked in through a secret passage at the back of the Count Violet mansion, evading all the guards.</p>
<p>This was the meeting place Selly had arranged with him before he left the Judgment Tower yesterday.</p>
<p>After all, the invitation Shaya received was addressed to “Cain,” not to his current identity.</p>
<p>Furthermore, now that the “sun” had noticed him, if something were to happen later and it was discovered that Shaya was here, he would surely bear the consequences.</p>
<p>Indeed, as previously mentioned, this girl was an evil bad woman.</p>
<p>Even though her fiancé was attending the banquet, she shamelessly brought another man with her.</p>
<p>Was it a political marriage?</p>
<p>Or was that prince just too incompetent?</p>
<p>Although Shaya had been in the Royal Capital for so many years, he hardly understood anything about the royal matters.</p>
<p>“By the way, does your family have many such secret passages?”</p>
<p>Shaya thought for a moment and casually asked.</p>
<p>He hadn’t forgotten the main purpose of his visit.</p>
<p>“There are quite a few; just the ones I know of, there are three. My father initiated the creation of these secret passages after several political assassination attempts on our mansion back in the day.” Selly paused, then squinted her eyes slightly, “What, do you want to sneak in and date me?”</p>
<p>“Isn’t it your idea, senpai?”</p>
<p>Shaya bantered back.</p>
<p>With 15 points of charm, he had no fear.</p>
<p>“Hmph, besides, you owe me three days of dates.”</p>
<p>While saying that, Selly led Shaya out of the secret passage, and they were suddenly greeted by a wide-open view.</p>
<p>As the host of the banquet, the Violet Mansion was located in an estate on the outskirts of the Royal Capital, with an area that was somewhat intimidating.</p>
<p>Estimating roughly, it was hundreds of times larger than the dilapidated manor Shaya lived in as a child.</p>
<p>Many nobles would have similar properties, using weekends or leisure time to host banquets or hunts, inviting friends and family to dress up and attend—this was one of the main social methods of the upper class.</p>
<p>“Go this way.”</p>
<p>Selly beckoned Shaya to cross the garden through a narrow cobblestone path, arriving at the foot of the luxurious mansion.</p>
<p>Gently pushing open one of the windows, Selly suddenly held onto Shaya’s shoulder: “Bend down.”</p>
<p>“Why?”</p>
<p>Shaya asked, perplexed, but complied nonetheless.</p>
<p>Selly chuckled as she kicked off her high heels, holding them in her hand, revealing two delicate jade-like feet painted with light purple nail polish, lifting one leg to step onto Shaya’s shoulder: “Don’t look up; I’m not wearing anything.”</p>
<p>Is that true?</p>
<p>Just as Shaya was about to look up, he felt a light body jump gently, using him as a stepping stone, like a purple butterfly gracefully landing inside the room.</p>
<p>Then she extended a small hand and said, “Come up.”</p>
<p>Shaya didn’t take her hand, as with his current physical condition, he could easily jump over a ten-meter-high wall.</p>
<p>After landing, Shaya felt he was standing on a soft carpet.</p>
<p>“Are you not taking advantage of the situation?” Selly glanced at him, “Your mask is over there; don’t forget to put it on. The rule of the ball is that, regardless of what happens, the mask cannot be taken off.”</p>
<p>“Alright, Sir Knight, the banquet is about to start; I need to change into my dancing dress.”</p>
<p>“Actually, what you are wearing now looks pretty good too.”</p>
<p>Shaya blinked and said.</p>
<p>“Thank you for your compliment, but do you really want to watch me change clothes?”</p>
<p>Selly looked at him while lightly laughing, reaching back to push aside her long hair and pulling down the zipper of her dress.</p>
<p>Shaya shrugged, picked up the mask on the table, and examined it for a while. It only covered his eyes and the upper half of his face, resembling a black raven, with feathers and diamonds embedded on both sides.</p>
<p>A rustling sound came from behind.</p>
<p>After a while, Shaya lifted his head to look around: “Is this your room?”</p>
<p>“That’s right; you are the first man to come into my room~”</p>
<p>Selly teased playfully, simultaneously pulling up her black stockings from her ankles to her thighs.</p>
<p>“By the way, I want to go out for a bit.”</p>
<p>Shaya suddenly recalled something and said, turning his back to Selly.</p>
<p>“You’ll be discovered as soon as you step out.”</p>
<p>“That’s fine; I have my ways.”</p>
<p>Shaya raised the “Veil of Concealment” in his hand and replied.</p>
<p>Then, under Selly’s gaze, he suddenly turned into a shadow and slipped into the curtain, disappearing quickly.</p>
<p>“Remember to come back early; you need to accompany me for the first dance tonight!”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Ah, it really feels like I’m having an affair.”</p>
<p>Reappearing at the entrance of the Violet Estate, Shaya, sitting in the carriage, had evidently changed into another set of clothes and donned another mask.</p>
<p>After showing his invitation to the guards at the entrance, he became one of the countless upper-class attendees at the gala and approached the mansion.</p>
<p>At this moment, the entire estate was brilliantly lit, with servants and attendants bustling about, leading one elegantly dressed guest after another into the venue.</p>
<p>They all wore differently styled masks, making it impossible to recognize one another.</p>
<p>The banquet had already begun.</p>
<p>Shaya slowly stepped into the banquet hall, observing the ebb and flow of people. In the center on the performance stage, musicians were playing beautiful dance music.</p>
<p>The long dining table beside was covered with exquisite patterned tablecloths, adorned with expensive silver candlesticks, featuring a variety of cold dishes such as steak, desserts, and fruits, all available for guests to pick at their leisure.</p>
<p>Although the ball hadn’t officially started, people were already scattered in pairs, holding champagne and chatting away.</p>
<p>Counting briefly, the number of attendees had already exceeded two hundred, excluding the attendants.</p>
<p>This could be considered a relatively grand banquet.</p>
<p>At this moment, the entire Violet mansion was resplendent; the crystal chandelier overhead cast bright golden light, the porcelain tiles on the ground shimmered with gilded luxurious patterns, exuding an air of opulence.</p>
<p>Shaya took a glass of champagne from a passing server, feigning nonchalance as he mingled with a nearby group, raising his glass slightly before naturally joining their conversation.</p>
<p>Since nobody knew each other’s identities, they did not discuss personal matters, only delving into artistic insights.</p>
<p>For instance, one member of the crowd was currently commenting on Count Violet’s oil painting collection.</p>
<p>After listening for a while, finding it utterly nonsensical, Shaya soon lost interest and left.</p>
<p>He hadn’t forgotten the real purpose of his visit that night.</p>
<p>After a while, as the crowd grew quieter, the event’s guest of honor arrived.</p>
<p>Shaya looked up at the imposing middle-aged man standing at the edge of the second-floor staircase, holding a wine glass and wearing an owl mask.</p>
<p>Count Violet.</p>
<p>Although his face was partially obscured by the mask, he could still vaguely be seen as a strikingly handsome middle-aged man in his forties, with black hair slicked back, his physique muscular.</p>
<p>Next to him stood a tall young girl in a purple dress, donning an angelic white feather mask that covered half of her face, exposing her snow-white chin and pink lips.</p>
<p>The girl seemed somewhat bored, scanning the crowd as if searching for someone.</p>
<p>“Ladies and gentlemen.”</p>
<p>“I have only one request for all of you present.”</p>
<p>The slightly authoritative voice, amplified by magic, resonated throughout the hall, causing a previously bustling discussion to cease immediately.</p>
<p>Being of military background, even his speech carried a weight of seriousness that made people unconsciously sweat.</p>
<p>“Since you have received the invitation from the Latusos family, you are our most esteemed guests and dearest friends. I hope you enjoy this long evening and drink to your heart’s content!”</p>
<p>“Of course, if by chance a couple of destinies can be formed here, I would be more than delighted.”</p>
<p>The previously stern voice lightened instantly, carrying a hint of innuendo only men could grasp.</p>
<p>Count Violet slightly raised his glass in a toast, a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.</p>
<p>At the same time, the orchestra in the center of the stage officially began playing, elevating the evening to its first climax!</p>
<p>Taking advantage of the crowd’s commotion, Shaya downed his drink in one gulp, then quietly set the glass down and followed a server down a side corridor.</p>
<p>Before coming, he had roughly observed the surrounding architectural layout.</p>
<p>If something truly lay underground, as Yaling described, it was very likely related to such places as a wine cellar.</p>
<p>So after leaving the lively dance, Shaya began searching meticulously.</p>
<p>“Can I assist you with something?”</p>
<p>A server noticed Shaya and came over politely inquiring.</p>
<p>“Restroom… uh.”</p>
<p>Shaya was about to make some excuse when suddenly his eyes narrowed!</p>
<p>He caught a glimpse of a guest wearing a black mask, who had similarly left the bustling hall, disappearing at the end of the corridor.</p>
<p>The problem was that Shaya had seen that type of mask before.</p>
<p>Back in the lower city, the white-masked assassin who had tried to kill him wore this kind of mask!</p>
<p>At that time, he claimed to be from the Night Shadow Association.</p>
<p>Yaling’s final letter had also mentioned that the Night Shadow Association was undoubtedly intertwined with that mysterious organization; he needed to be cautious of the Black Mask.</p>
<p>And that guy…</p>
<p>As he stared at the spot where the black mask had disappeared, Shaya narrowed his eyes.</p>
<p>He said to the server, “May I go upstairs to take a look?”</p>
<p>To his surprise, the server gently shook his head: “I’m sorry, sir, unless it is a guest invited personally by the Count, you won’t be permitted… But other than the second floor and above, you are free to roam the rest of the estate.”</p>
<p>“That one just now…”</p>
<p>“That’s a friend of the Count.”</p>
<p>After saying this, the server bowed and left.</p>
<p>Interesting.</p>
<p>Such a reaction, if it weren’t for prior knowledge, might seem a little odd.</p>
<p>But for Shaya, it was as if he had been slapped with the words “there’s something wrong” right on his face!</p>
<p>Since the regular route was blocked, he had other means.</p>
<p>With this thought, Shaya found a nearby storage room, transformed into a shadow, and quickly moved outside a window.</p>
<p>The night was deep, with shadows everywhere suitable for stealth.</p>
<p>So soon, Shaya blended into a room on the second floor without being detected.</p>
<p>Just as he stepped out from the veil of shadows, preparing to observe the environment of the room.</p>
<p>At that moment, a soft voice with a hint of curiosity rang in his ears.</p>
<p>“Who are you?”</p>
<p>Shaya was slightly startled, his body freezing in place.</p>
<p>Looking over, he found a noblewoman in a black long dress sitting by the bed, examining him closely.</p>
<p>What could be more awkward than being caught on the spot?</p>
<p>Shaya sighed, looking at the noblewoman.</p>
<p>She exuded a graceful and gentle aura, a mature woman with a hint of youthful innocence. Her clear eyes were like a little deer that had strayed from the forest, glistening and innocent, exuding an enchanting charm.</p>
<p>Overall, she was a woman in her thirties.</p>
<p>The moment he saw her, Shaya instinctively thought of one word.</p>
<p>Cantaloupe.</p>
<p>In his past life, he’d only seen such shameful proportions in books; he didn’t expect to gain some actual experience under such circumstances this time around.</p>
<p>Yaling does not deceive me!</p>
<p>Recalling what that guy mentioned in his letter, Shaya suddenly understood why a woman could leave such a deep impression on him.</p>
<p>Not only was she good-looking and well-endowed, but importantly, her waist was not thick, making her body appear well-proportioned.</p>
<p>Although compared to girls like Selly, her figure seemed slightly more voluptuous, it added to her charm, providing a deadly allure to certain younger men.</p>
<p>Of course, Shaya firmly believed he was not one of them.</p>
<p>“Count…ess?”</p>
<p>After a long while, Shaya finally spoke softly.</p>
<p>Count Violet, what a jealous guy.</p>
<p>But upon closer inspection, she didn’t resemble Selly at all.</p>
<p>“You know me?”</p>
<p>The Violet Lady, unperturbed by the masked stranger entering her bedroom, instead, appeared curious.</p>
<p>Shaya sighed, not answering.</p>
<p>He was torn, unsure whether to knock her out or quickly escape before things escalated.</p>
<p>If it escalated, today’s actions would be considered a failure.</p>
<p>As expected, knights were not cut out for the subtle work of assassins.</p>
<p>Seeming to sense Shaya’s malicious intent, she lightly furrowed her brow, speaking softly in a negotiating tone, “If you want to run, just hurry and escape, but please don’t knock me out, okay?”</p>
<p>“I’m a bit afraid of pain…” She glanced at Shaya, slightly straightening her posture, “Of course, if you want to stay here a little longer, no one will notice.”</p>
<p>“There are guards outside to prevent me from running away, but they won’t enter without permission.”</p>
<p>Shaya frowned.</p>
<p>Although he felt that this lady’s psychological age was somewhat naive, that wasn’t the point.</p>
<p>As the mistress of this mansion, she actually had no freedom to move about?</p>
<p>She needed to be guarded like a prisoner in this room?</p>
<p>Sharp-witted Shaya instinctively caught the discordance in her words; a man’s instinct told him that this clue might be quite important.</p>
<p>Shaya looked at the noblewoman, confirming that she didn’t seem to have thoughts of calling someone to capture him. After pondering for a moment.</p>
<p>It seemed she bore no ill will; perhaps he could pursue that angle.</p>
<p>I, Shaya, am known as a friend of women!</p>
<p>With that in mind, he flashed a gentle smile at the Violet Lady, showcasing his 15 points of charm.</p>
<p>She stared at him in a daze for a while, her cheeks slightly flushed, then she gently blinked and lowered her head, almost burying herself in her chest.</p>
<p>The impact of Shaya’s smile on women was evident.</p>
<p>Considering his current identity as a bestselling author, Shaya suppressed his discomfort and subtly sighed.</p>
<p>Then he turned his gaze to the window and, in a slightly melancholic literary tone, murmured, “The moonlight is truly beautiful.”</p>
<p>But after saying that, his expression slightly hardened.</p>
<p>In the pitch-black night sky, thick clouds concealed the bright moonlight; even the stars were few and far between, lonely in their glow.</p>
<p>Where was the moon?</p>
<p>Just as Shaya was about to clumsily switch to the topic of “Madam, you are even more beautiful,” the noblewoman behind him suddenly asked softly with an uncertain tone, “Is the wind gentle too?”</p>
<p>He turned his head, looking at her face full of surprise, feeling somewhat amazed.</p>
<p>Oh wow.</p>
<p>He could encounter a book fan after all.</p>
<p>And a die-hard one!</p>
