vol 4

Amelia had rested for several days, and her condition had fully recovered. No one knew what she had done that had caused her to fall ill.

She hadn't even told her parents that she had gone to the old castle.

Let all of that remain a secret. But to be honest, she was still deeply curious about the handsome figure she had seen in the castle.

Amelia thought about him constantly. She wanted to meet him again because she strongly believed that the mysterious and handsome man was the nobleman everyone had been gossiping about.

It wasn't just the man that made her curious—she also wanted to know why the castle, which had once seemed terrifying, had suddenly transformed in the blink of an eye. She also wondered why there was a strict prohibition against visiting the castle.

So many questions filled her with curiosity, and she believed all the answers would be revealed if she returned to that castle.

"Amelia, are you asleep?"

Amelia quickly hid the flashlight she had prepared, as she intended to go back to the castle tonight. The weather was clear, and it didn't look like it would rain.

"Did you hear me, Mommy's talking to you."

"Of course, Mom. I'm not asleep yet," she replied after successfully hiding the things she planned to take to the castle.

The bedroom door opened, and her mother smiled gently when she saw her lying in bed. Her mother walked over and sat at the edge of the bed.

"How are you feeling? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Thank you for taking care of me until I recovered."

"What are you saying, sweetheart? Just get some rest. Tomorrow, Mommy will make your favorite soup," Margaret said, leaning in to kiss her daughter's forehead gently.

Amelia smiled, though in her heart she silently apologized to her mother.

Margaret left the room without any suspicion. She trusted her daughter, especially after they had been taking care of Amelia for several days.

At exactly midnight, when the entire family was fast asleep, Amelia once again slipped out quietly.

She hurried toward the castle. No one saw her, not even the villagers, as no one dared to go out at night anymore.

She snuck back into the castle. Her presence stirred Griffon. The man watched her silently from the shadows.

"Hello, is anyone here?" Amelia called out as she began to look around.

The place still looked eerie, just like the last time. She didn't know what had happened, but it only made her more curious.

Could the castle be hiding a secret trick that allowed it to change at will?

"I know you're here. I know you live in this castle. Come out, I just want to be your friend," Amelia said as she ventured further inside.

A chill ran down her spine. The cold air pricked her skin and gave her goosebumps.

"Come out, I only want to be friends!" she called out again, but the castle remained silent.

It was strange—she was sure she hadn't been dreaming that night.

"Whoever you are, don't you want to be friends with me?" Amelia turned around, feeling as though someone was behind her—and sure enough, she was shocked when her flashlight revealed Griffon's face.

She screamed, but the man quickly covered her mouth and pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for her not to make a sound.

Amelia nodded, eyes wide in surprise. At that moment, the lights turned on, and the room that had seemed so frightening suddenly became luxurious.

She was shocked again by the sudden change. She began to wonder if the man was a magician—but why were his hands so cold? And why did his presence send chills down her spine?

"Why did you come back to this place, Miss?" Griffon stepped back and released his hand from her mouth.

"I-I was just curious. Why are you living in a place like this? And what just happened?"

"This is my home. And you entered it without my permission," Griffon said, glancing over his shoulder. He didn't want to fully reveal himself to the woman, but he was also worried she might disturb his parents' rest.

This time, she wouldn't be as lucky as before. He knew his parents would not spare someone bold enough to enter their castle.

"I'm sorry. I was just curious. If you're the owner of this castle, are you the nobleman everyone's been gossiping about?"

Griffon looked at her with a cold gaze. Was this woman pretending not to know?

"Leave. My family doesn't like visitors. Go now!"

"Why? Oh—I get it. Is it because I came at night?"

"Don't ask too many questions. Just leave. You don't belong here. And never come back again," Griffon said as he walked away, and darkness once again swallowed the room.

Amelia looked around. It was truly strange. She began following Griffon's steps because she didn't want to be left behind in the darkening room. The cold air filled the space, and the atmosphere became even more terrifying than before he had appeared.

"Wait. I've heard the rumors about this castle. People say we shouldn't come here. Why? Did you personally forbid the villagers from visiting?"

Griffon didn't respond. He simply led Amelia to the exit. She had to leave immediately.

"Hey, I'm talking to you!" Amelia began to grow annoyed at being ignored.

"Wait, could you slow down?" She started to fall behind because Griffon walked so quickly.

Darkness enveloped the place again. She ran after him, unaware that she needed to go down a set of stairs.

"Wait—ah!" Amelia tripped and was about to fall—but Griffon caught her in time.

He was incredibly fast. Before she knew it, she was in his arms. She was shocked; she hadn't even seen him move.

"Humans. Always so troublesome," Griffon muttered. Without another word, he lifted Amelia up.

"What? Wait!" she clung tightly to his shoulders. Griffon carried her down the steps so she wouldn't trip again. Strangely, it felt like she was floating.

"Th-thank you," Amelia said nervously as he gently set her down.

"Leave. Don't cause trouble, and never return to this castle."

"Why? Just give me one good reason why I shouldn't come back here."

"There is no reason. Just go!" Griffon gently pushed her toward the exit. He hoped she would listen—it was far too dangerous for her.

"Hey, I'm Amelia. May I know your name?" she said, introducing herself.

Griffon looked at her sharply. Were all humans this stubborn?

"I just want to be your friend. Please believe me," Amelia smiled warmly. Griffon could sense no malice from her.

"Don't you want to be my friend?" Amelia held out her hand, still smiling.

Griffon hesitated, but finally took her hand.

"Griffon," he said, bowing slightly. "Now go."

"All right. But I'll come again tomorrow to see you."

"No, don't do that!"

"It's okay. I still have plenty of time here in this village," she replied, and hearing that made Griffon realize Amelia was just a visitor. A curiosity he never should have felt began to stir within him.

"I'll come again tomorrow. Sorry for disturbing your night," Amelia said before stepping out of the castle.

Griffon watched her leave, then looked down at his hand. He could still feel the softness of her touch. Something seemed to linger in that brief connection.