"Sleep! Tomorrow morning, I'll take you to the basecamp," Race said as he tucked Ivy in.

Instead of complying with Race's words, Ivy gazed at him, then reached for Race's hand gently. Race furrowed his brows in confusion. "Why?" he asked.

"I'm sorry for what happened earlier with my parents. They should have scolded me instead, because I'm the one who lied," Ivy expressed deep regret for what Race had experienced at the Marionet pavilion.

Race smiled upon hearing Ivy's words, then gently stroked her hair. "It's alright. It's their own fault too, isn't it? They arranged our marriage, so they should have known your true origin. If it's come to this, it's no longer our responsibility, Iv."

Ivy sat up again, moving closer to Race and hugging him without hesitation. "Race, do you regret marrying me?"

"What are you talking about? Why would I regret it when I'm here now?"

"That's true."

"Ivy, don't entertain such thoughts! I've already fallen in love with you, so it's not easy for me to let you go."

Ivy waited to respond to Race's words. She released the hug and looked at Race with a melancholic expression. "I love you too, Race."

Race smiled joyfully and then leaned in to kiss Ivy's lips. The two of them got lost in the quiet, romantic atmosphere of the night, accompanied by the sound of raindrops outside.

In another pavilion, Winter was busy writing something. Once finished, Winter folded the paper neatly, wearing a satisfied smile. Winter then placed the piece into a brown envelope. "Starting tomorrow, I can protect Ivy in my way. No one will be able to disturb her anymore," Winter mused, having heard about Ivy being revealed as a witch.
***
Ivy walked behind Race, quietly trailing him as they made their way to the resting area of the kingdom's knights. Throughout the journey, she remained silent, following her husband's steps. Unaware of Ivy's lack of attention, Race suddenly stopped walking, causing Ivy to bump into him. Ivy groaned softly and gently rubbed her forehead, which had been bumped.

"Does it hurt? I'm sorry," Race said, touching Ivy's forehead gently.

Ivy looked up at Race, shook her head, and smiled. "It's not as painful as you might think."

"Then why did you groan? Sometimes you need to be honest about how you're feeling, Iv!" Race spoke, slightly frustrated with Ivy's behavior.

Ivy gazed at Race and nodded gently. "I'm sorry."

"Ugh... one more thing, stop apologizing! I'm tired of hearing you say 'sorry' all the time."

Ivy felt conflicted by Race's words. His tone sounded upset, yet his face didn't reflect that emotion. Ivy looked at Race with a slightly fearful expression.

"Race, are you angry?" she asked.

"I'm not angry, I'm just reminding you, Iv. Please be honest about your feelings. Don't just worry about others and neglect your own emotions," Race gently reminded Ivy.

Ivy smiled sheepishly and nodded again. Taking a step forward, she embraced Race warmly. "Thank you. I'm happy with you, Race," Ivy's voice was filled with genuine happiness.

"Yeah, I'm really happy too," Race agreed, sharing Ivy's sentiment.

"At least for now, we should find happiness while I search for a solution to save you, Iv," Race thought.

Both of them stopped hugging as they heard Winter clearing his throat. Race turned around to face Winter. "Winter," he greeted, bowing slightly.

"Can't you save your hugs for the pavilion?" Winter remarked with annoyance in his voice.

"Sorry, Winter," Ivy whispered apologetically.

"You scared my wife, Winter," Race joined in, his irritation evident.

Winter seemed surprised and guilty upon seeing Ivy's reaction. He immediately lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Ivy. I didn't mean it that way. I was just joking," Winter explained, quickly stepping forward and taking Ivy's hand.

"I'm sorry, Ivy," Winter repeated.

Winter's actions took advantage of Ivy, and even Race widened his eyes in disbelief as he saw Winter grabbing Ivy's hand so suddenly.
***
After being slightly annoyed by Winter's sudden gesture of holding Ivy's hand, Race, Ivy, and Winter were now sitting in the resting area. Winter handed a brown envelope to Race, causing him to furrow his brow in confusion.

"What's this?" Race asked.

"Just read it!" Winter instructed.

Ivy remained silent, observing Race and Winter alternately. Race opened the envelope and took out a letter from it. He quickly skimmed through its contents and then let out a deep sigh. A moment later, Race looked at Winter intently.

"What is this?" he inquired.

"My decree," Winter replied succinctly.

"Why does it involve Ivy?"

Hearing her name mentioned, Ivy looked at Race, while Winter, who Race was closely watching, gave a slight smile.

"Don't you remember? Ivy is a witch and a seer. She's the right person to be my shield, Race. She can protect me anytime, anywhere," Winter explained.

"I can protect you, Winter! Why does it have to be Ivy? Don't make things up! I won't allow Ivy to become your confidante after me."
Race's voice was high-pitched and angry. He then stood up and was about to leave Ivy and Winter behind. Ivy quickly grabbed Race's hand, still confused about what Winter and Race were talking about.

"Race, don't get angry just yet! What's going on?" Ivy asked, wanting to know.

Race halted his steps and looked at Ivy. He let out a deep sigh. Winter cleared his throat.

"I've requested the kingdom to appoint you as my personal guardian. The kingdom already knows that you're a witch, so I can protect myself by using you as a shield," Winter casually explained.

Ivy was slightly taken aback, but she anticipated this might happen. She looked at Race, who seemed ready to reject Winter's proposition vehemently.

"Don't think I'll allow this, Iv," Race retorted, indicating he was prepared to resist.

"If you don't obey my decree, doesn't that mean you're defying the kingdom's command, Race?" Winter chimed in with emphasis.
***
Ivy still couldn't fall asleep and was just staring at the ceiling of her room. On the other hand, Race had fallen asleep half an hour ago, probably due to exhaustion from spending the day at the base camp and engaging in a tense conversation with Winter. Ivy turned to look at Race, who was sleeping facing her. She sighed deeply and then returned her gaze to the ceiling.

"Why is everything getting more complicated? How did I end up being appointed as the kingdom's seer and having to constantly accompany Winter everywhere?" Ivy murmured to herself softly.

"Sleep, Ivy!" Race commanded, his eyes still closed.

Ivy was surprised and widened her eyes as she looked at Race with disbelief.
"You're not asleep?" she asked.

"Asleep."

"Then how did you know I haven't slept?" Ivy asked again.

Race took a deep breath and then slowly opened his eyes. He gazed at Ivy, who was right in front of him now.
"You've been restless and moving around for a while. How could I not know?"

Ivy looked guilty upon hearing Race's words. She then lowered her head and apologized softly. Race took another deep breath and gently stroked Ivy's hair.
"No need to apologize! You've done nothing wrong," Race reassured her.

"You even woke up from sleep because of me. Of course, I'm in the wrong, Race," Ivy said, looking at him.

Race smiled and shook his head slightly.
"If you feel guilty, try telling me why you're restless," Race said.

Ivy fell silent upon hearing Race's question. She took a deep breath and then shook her head.
"I'm not restless."

"Don't lie!"

Ivy looked at Race again and then took a deep breath.
"Should I reveal my true identity now?" Ivy asked hesitantly.

"What do you mean?" Race furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Winter's decree about me becoming the kingdom's seer."

Now it was Race's turn to widen his eyes in surprise. He didn't think Ivy would consider this option, as he had already clarified that he wouldn't allow it.

"Why are you thinking about that? Didn't I already tell you not to follow Winter's decree?" Race's tone was beginning to sound unfriendly.

"But this is the crown prince's decree, Race. You will be seen as defying a royal order."

Race stared at Ivy intently and then let out an exasperated sigh.
"I said no, and it means no! Once I say no, it stays a no!" Race's words were emphasized.
***