After Ivy's speech inside the horse-drawn carriage that carried Ivy and Race back to the pavilion, Race was lost in thought, and they resumed their cold war. Ivy was tidying her hair with Gareta's assistance, while Race was sitting alone on the bed, watching Ivy and Gareta. Occasionally, Gareta glanced at Race and realized that his master seemed to want to talk to Ivy.

After Ivy had finished fixing her hair, Gareta smiled, looking at Ivy's reflection in the mirror.

"Everything is ready, Miss Ivy," Gareta said.

"Yes, thank you, Gareta," Ivy smiled.

"In that case, it's time for breakfast, Miss Ivy. Isn't it almost time for you to go to the palace?" Gareta asked.

"Yes, please go to the dining table first, Gareta!" Ivy instructed.

Gareta nodded in agreement and looked towards Race, bowing his body slightly as he bid farewell. Race simply shook his head, understanding Gareta's intentions.

Once Gareta had left, Ivy looked at Race, who hadn't moved from the bed and was gazing out the window.

"Aren't you hungry, Race?" Ivy asked.

Race briefly glanced at Ivy, then shook his head slowly.
"Go ahead and eat first! I'm not hungry yet," Race replied, then turned his gaze back to the window.

Ivy sighed deeply, feeling frustrated with Race. Contrary to her intentions, she was angry at Race, who had been silent and had not eaten for two days. Ivy got up from her seat and moved to the edge of the bed.

"You can get sick if you keep skipping meals," Ivy said, touching Race's hand gently.

Ivy could feel that her husband's hand was cold, indicating that Race's digestion was starting to act up again. Race quickly pulled his hand away, surprising Ivy.

"Race, I just want to perform healing magic on you," Ivy said.

"No need, I'm fine. Go ahead and have your breakfast, Ivy," Race replied without looking at Ivy.

Ivy sighed deeply and reluctantly complied with Race's request.
"Alright, if that's what you want, I'll have breakfast first," Ivy said as she left.

Race nodded quietly, still not looking in Ivy's direction. Seeing this, Ivy let out a heavy sigh and left the room, leaving Race alone.

Feeling alone, Race glanced at the bedroom door and sighed deeply. He ran his hand over his face and then decided to lie on the bed.

"Why do I seem to get angry with Ivy? Even though I only feel guilty because everything Ivy said is true," Race muttered, criticizing his foolish behavior.

***

Ivy was sitting in a meeting room with King Michel. Ivy explained how she had tried to free Winter from the forest monster. King Michel smiled and realized how much he needed Ivy's help.

"Are you sure all of this will work, Iv?" King Michel asked.

"Of course, King Michel. Winter's condition has improved after several sessions of my healing magic. After a month of healing therapy and soul locking, I will start removing Winter's charms one by one," Ivy said confidently.

"Don't be careless! What if he is attacked by the forest monster again?" King Michel cautioned, only partially agreeing with Ivy's plan.

Ivy smiled and then shook her head gently. "No, King Michel. I will always protect Winter."

King Michel fell silent upon hearing Ivy's words. Ivy had always satisfied him. She always kept her word, even if it risked her life.

"King Michel, may I ask you for something?" Ivy suddenly spoke up.

"What?" King Michel asked abruptly.

"Allow me to return to the east for a few days," Ivy asked.

"Why? Why do you need to go back to the east?" King Michel couldn't understand why Ivy suddenly wanted to return to her parents' home.

Ivy smiled faintly and then let out a deep sigh. "There's something I need to settle, King Michel. I want to end this complicated relationship with the Marionet family," Ivy said seriously.

"Complicated? What do you mean, Iv?" King Michel was becoming increasingly puzzled.

***
Late at night, Race suddenly woke up from a nightmare. He had dreamed of seeing his wife being beaten by Mr. Marques Marionet. Race widened his eyes and stared in shock at Ivy, who was sleeping soundly. Race's breath was uneven due to the nightmare. He reached out and embraced Ivy tightly. Ivy was slightly startled by Race's sudden embrace. She felt Race's body temperature rising, but his hands were cold enough to penetrate her clothing.

"Race, what's wrong?" Ivy asked in a panic.

"Ivy, don't go to the east. I beg you," Race pleaded with a hoarse voice.

Ivy furrowed in confusion. How could her husband know she was planning to go to the East when she hadn't even told him yet?

"How do you know I'm going to the east? And wait, Race! Are you feverish?" Ivy asked.

Race looked at Ivy, his eyes full of sadness and exhaustion. Ivy sighed and then hugged Race again. She had already realized that her husband was unwell.

"Don't worry about anything, what you saw was just a dream, Race. We can change it as we wish," Ivy said, trying to calm Race down.

"I don't want you to get hurt. Forgive me, Iv. I've been hurting you, intentionally or unintentionally, physically or emotionally," Race pleaded tremblingly.

Ivy smiled faintly at Race's apology. Her husband seemed to have been thinking a lot and was now in pain. Ivy gently rubbed Race's back to help him relax.

"It's alright, Race; I forgave you a long time ago," Ivy reassured him.

"So why have we been silent towards each other? I've been suffering so much lately," Race said.

Ivy chuckled softly at Race's words and patted his back gently.
"It's okay, Race; don't think about it anymore. I've also been at fault for keeping quiet and neglecting you. As for going to the east, I just want to settle things with the Marionet family. I've repaid my debt to them," Ivy explained.

Race was intrigued by Ivy's words, needing to understand her plan and intentions.
***