The pavilion's health expert said, "Young Mistress Ivy is fine, Master Race. She's just tired and needs some rest."

"See, I told you. I'm fine," Ivy chimed in, taking a seat and looking at Race, who continued to gaze at her worriedly.

"Then why is her body so cold?" Race asked without looking at the health expert, his eyes fixed solely on Ivy.

"It seems her condition from the last time hasn't fully improved. It appears that Young Mistress needs another session with a healing mage," the health expert suggested.

Ivy quickly shook her head and looked at the health expert. "I'm really fine, Doha. Just give me something for the headache and fatigue."

"Call the healing mage again, Doha! Don't wait any longer. Call them today!" Race interjected, not hesitating to ensure the best for his wife.

Ivy turned towards Race, incredulous, and gently held his hand. "Race, I'm truly okay."

"Didn't I say I trust the health expert more than I trust you? Just follow my request! I don't want anything to happen to you."

"What could possibly happen, Race? I'm perfectly healthy."

Race didn't immediately answer Ivy's question; he looked at her and gently grasped her hand. His worry deepened as he felt Ivy's hand as cold as ice. He sighed deeply and redirected his gaze back to Doha.

"Leave, Doha! Carry out my order right now!" Race commanded.

Health expert Doha nodded in agreement and left Ivy's room, leaving the husband and wife alone. Ivy continued to look at Race with a puzzled expression while Race sat down on the edge of the bed, still holding onto Ivy's hand.

"Why are your hands so cold?" Race asked softly.

"Perhaps it's because I haven't fully regained my energy yet. A day of rest should restore my energy, Race. I don't need that healing mage," Ivy assured Race, trying to convince him.

Race shook his head gently and looked at Ivy again before sighing deeply.
"Your injuries were because of me, you're in danger right now because of me, Iv. I beg you to heed my wishes and let me take care of you."

"I truly am fine, Race. Don't feel responsible for all of this! I just don't want you to get hurt, Race."

"Why? Why does it matter if I get hurt?" Race asked with emphasis, staring intensely at Ivy.

Race's intense gaze left Ivy confused and flustered. She cleared her throat and averted her eyes, avoiding direct eye contact with Race.
"Answer me, Iv!" Race urged, turning Ivy's face back to look at him.

Ivy remained silent, still looking at Race. After a moment, Ivy smiled and took a deep breath.
"Because you're my husband, Race."

The unexpected answer left Race surprised. Race, who had been trying to avoid getting emotionally attached to anyone, especially Ivy, was caught off guard by her words. Her response also caused his heart to beat faster. He continued to gaze at Ivy, a mix of disbelief and confusion on his face.

"I won't be greedy to possess your heart. Because from the beginning, our marriage was arranged, but at least let me be useful as your wife, Race. Let me protect you with what I can," Ivy continued firmly, her smile sweet and reassuring.

Race grew even more astonished by Ivy's words. He had never anticipated that Ivy had feelings for him. He paused to think for a moment, continuing to look at Ivy. His gaze traced Ivy's delicate and pale face, even in her unwell state. Unexpectedly, Race hugged Ivy tight, causing her body to tense momentarily as she didn't expect it.

"Race."

"Why? Don't you want me to hug you? If you're looking after me because I'm your husband, then let me take care of you, because you're my wife, Iv."

Race's words indeed took Ivy aback. She blinked several times, trying to process what he had just said.

"You're not being greedy, Iv! You've had my heart for who knows how long," Race whispered.

Race's confession left Ivy gaping in surprise. She was momentarily speechless, trying to absorb what Race had just said.

"You, don't know how much I've tried to avoid this, Ivy. But I can't fight my feelings anymore. You matter more to me than I ever thought possible," Race admitted vulnerably.
***
Winter was opening a newly arrived jewelry box in her pavilion. She smiled joyfully as the ruby gemstone she had been crafting into a beautiful necklace for Ivy was finally complete. Winter gazed at the exquisite necklace she had made with satisfaction.

"This is perfect for Ivy," she mused to herself.

Winter then placed the necklace back into its box. She put the box back on the table and, shortly after that, stood up, walking out of her workspace. Upon opening the door, she found Race about to knock.

"Race?"

"Oh... you're already out."

"What's up? It's unusual to see you here at this hour. Why are you here now?"
Winter was slightly surprised by Race's presence; it was common for Race to appear without notice. Race seemed flustered and confused.

"What's going on?" Winter inquired again.

"Winter, what should I do?" asked Race.
Winter furrowed her brow, puzzled by Race's words.

Now Winter and Race were sitting together in the pavilion's backyard. Race continued to sip his drink until he seemed a bit intoxicated. Winter, on the other hand, remained quiet and played with her glass.

"What should I do?" Race suddenly asked.

Winter looked up and gazed at her cousin once more.
"What do you mean, 'what should you do?'" Winter replied to Race's question with a question of her own.

"Sigh... haven't you been listening to my story?"

"I heard."

"And?"

"What?"

"Winter!"
Race was losing a bit of patience with his cousin. He regretted seeking Winter's advice now. He thought he would find a solution to his feelings for Ivy.

Winter herself smiled faintly and then took another sip of her drink.
"Why be confused? Didn't you never like Ivy from the beginning? So, until the end, never fall for that girl!"

"No! I do like her now, Winter."
Race openly admitted his feelings to Winter.

Winter stared sharply at Race now. Her expression showed a hint of displeasure at Race's words. Winter tried to control her emotions by gripping the glass in her hand.
"Isn't it going to be a big problem if anyone finds out that Ivy is both a witch and a seer? Your marriage will be in jeopardy if that gets out," Winter stated, successfully making Race widen his eyes in surprise.
***
The day was beginning to turn into the evening as the sorcerer Tesla exited Ivy's pavilion. The two of them stood facing each other and exchanged smiles.
"Thank you for healing me, Tesla," Ivy said politely.

"You're welcome, and I feel honored that you allowed me to help you recover. Remember, Ivy, don't rush using your powers. Just take your time!" Tesla reminded.

"Um... I'll remember your advice."

Tesla nodded and smiled at Ivy. Shortly afterward, Tesla bid farewell to go back to his own home. He even had a horse-drawn carriage provided by Race. Ivy waved her hand at Tesla, and after the carriage had gone a distance, she took a deep breath and placed her hand over her chest.

"I'm feeling much better already," Ivy murmured with joy.

Ivy then walked into her pavilion without realizing that Miranda had been watching her the whole time, her brow furrowed in thought.
"Who just left? Why did they look like a sorcerer? Or..."

Miranda didn't trust her thoughts. She covered her mouth and quickly left Ivy's pavilion.
***