Chapter 60: Twisted Rhythm

No matter how forcefully violated, no matter how much it made her feel miserable as a woman.

Never let her heart be swayed. She couldn't afford to lose against a man like him.

"I will accept."

Grayfia made up her mind and gave her answer.

The first day of the match between Grayfia and Riser began. Riser was leisurely.

"Good morning, Riser."

Riser treated Grayfia as an equal. Not as a maid, but as a wife. She was dressed in casual attire, not a maid uniform. The formal language was abandoned, and according to the rights granted to Grayfia, she loved Riser as a man. It was a legitimate reason, so there was no reason to oppose it.

For Grayfia as well, it wasn't too difficult. She concealed her true feelings and loved the man she despised as a man. Although a feeling of disgust towards loving a man she disliked naturally arose within her, she couldn't show it outwardly. She had no intention of betraying him in such a way.

"Breakfast is ready."

It was 7 a.m. Grayfia went to wake Riser, who was indulging in a deep sleep in their bedroom, and shook his shoulder. In response, Riser, who was still asleep, pulled her into the bed. It wasn't enough to make her cry out, but she remained on guard.

Riser embraced the tense Grayfia.

Was he planning to demand it from her from the morning? Contrary to Grayfia's expectations, Riser didn't go further than embracing her. She confirmed his warmth and breathed a sigh of relief. Despite his usual villainous demeanor, his sleeping face was innocent, and her guard was slightly lowered.

"Riser."

Although Grayfia called out, Riser didn't open his eyes. Instead, his embrace tightened. It wasn't painful; it gave a sense of comfort. His hands were large. Unlike his usual lewd gestures, he seemed to be trying to feel the person beside him up close.

There was no choice but to stay like this for a while. Suppressing a sigh that was about to escape, Grayfia also surrendered herself to Riser. She pressed her ear against his chest and could hear his heartbeat. Thump, thump. She heard the steady rhythm and realized that this man was also a living being.

He was an extremely troublesome existence for her, but he was also a demon just like her, possessing incomprehensible power. Yet, Riser didn't understand that. He had a family and no intention of sharing genuine affection with another man.

If she were to be in Riser's position, what would she do? For example, suppose she were single and deeply in love with Sirzechs, who had already committed to another woman. In such a situation, would she abandon everything and pursue Sirzechs?

While contemplating, the image of Sirzechs being unfaithful crossed Grayfia's mind once again.

It must be fabricated. She tried to shake off the unpleasant memory, but Grayfia kept thinking about it repeatedly. If Sirzechs truly cheated, how should she continue living from now on? Should she pretend not to know? Should she subtly convey it and ask him to stop cheating?

The mere thought of being betrayed by someone she believed in was terrifying.

Grayfia made a comparison. What about Riser, then?

If she were to ask him to abandon other women and love only her, Riser seemed likely to comply. Since he had pursued her so seriously, he would probably have no qualms about discarding other women. Grayfia realized that she was being loved.

It was a twisted love. She shouldn't desire such a thing.

Grayfia took a deep breath, cleared her confused mind, and waited for Riser.

"Good morning, Grayfia."

Eventually, Riser woke up and kissed Grayfia's cheek. Grayfia deliberately put on a happy expression and returned the kiss. That was the extent of their intimate contact upon waking up. Without expecting anything else, Riser got up while holding Grayfia.

"Sorry, it was breakfast. I heard it, but it was so comfortable that I fell asleep."

"We should have it as a meal," Riser continued as he lifted himself from the bed.

Led by Riser, Grayfia left the room. She had a bewildered expression on her face.

He didn't demand anything beyond a kiss. Perhaps it was because it was their first day together. She couldn't understand what he was thinking, and a sense of distrust grew within her. He would probably come after her soon anyway. To prepare for that, Grayfia decided to conserve her energy without saying anything.

"It's delicious, Grayfia."

"That's good. Eat plenty."

They sat together at a small dining table for breakfast and ate. This room resembled a typical Japanese household created within the Gremory mansion. Although the bedroom and dining room were already present in the Gremory family's area, Riser deliberately set up this separate room.