RETURN OF THE FEMALE KNIGHT

36. Just Once

Jungkook's hand guided Lalisa away from the ambient noise of the ballroom. She followed him wordlessly, and before long a beautiful outdoor garden emerged before her eyes. She took in a breath of the cool night air, and soon she felt her mind slowly returning.

She almost acted rashly. When she saw Namgil alive in front of her eyes, all the anger from her past life slammed into her instantly. Even now, she could not forget the scene of her father's and brother's bodies hanging on the castle wall. In that moment, her whole being was saturated with blind rage.

Jungkook spied Lalisa's still-shaking fingertips.

"Are you alright?"

"...Yes."

"You don't look well."

"It's nothing."

Jungkook didn't say anything more and just stood there silently. After settling her thoughts, Lalisa spoke Jungkook at last.

"Thank you for bringing me out here."

If she hadn't quickly regained her reason, she might've attacked Namgil.

"I would appreciate it if you would tell me why you looked so pale all of a sudden. "

She didn't answer, instead staring at the view before her. The outdoor garden was dark, dimly lit by only the gentle moonlight. Jungkook's blue eyes shone like a wild beast even in this shadowy place. He was her best chance. She didn't have any idea what future her decision would bring, but the die had already been cast and Lalisa would make him emperor by any means.

However, that didn't meant she completely trusted in Jungkook. She doubted he would believe her absurd story, and he might treat her like a crazy woman if she told it to him. She wouldn't take the risk. Furthermore, it didn't make sense to tell Jungkook something she had not even told her family yet.

"I just...I just felt dizzy all of a sudden."

When she finished speaking, Jungkook reached out to her. The moment she realized what was happening, Jungkook was already touching Elena's forehead and murmuring,

"...You don't have a fever."

Feeling self-conscious, she quickly drew back her head to avoid his touch. Though she was distracted at the ballroom, she still clearly remembered what he had done earlier. He had cupped her cheek and lowered his head to look into her eyes.

"I don't like to be touched."

"So you want me stay still when you're about to fall?"

She couldn't see his furrowed brow in the dark, but the tone of his voice told her enough. Lalisa had something else she wanted to say, and she replied calmly enough.

"Also, I have not given you permission to call me by my name yet."

She heard him call her "Lalisa" in the ballroom. She was also still upset when he called her "Lali" when she was serving as his guard. He was crossing over the lines at his own will.

"..."

Jungkook said nothing for a moment, but his eyes, however, shone with unhappiness. It couldn't be helped; There was nothing pleasant about what Lalisa said right now. However, she was determined to take this opportunity to tell him her mind. There was nothing wrong with what she said now. They were not real lovers–it was a contractual relationship.

Lalisa's blue eyes darkened over. He replied, his voice subdued.

"...I'll keep it in mind."

Now that Lalisa had him alone, she wanted to finish saying everything else she couldn't say in the ballroom. Lalisa touched the red diamond necklace she was wearing.