CH 26

Not having the slightest idea that Viktor was her husband, Scarlett called him the Master for a while, just as other servants did. She didn’t dare look at him or make eye contact.

After getting married, their relationship stayed like this for a while. Soon Viktor heard that a pirate ship had appeared ashore. He went out to sea and returned home a month later.

Scarlett had been exhausted, on the verge of collapsing. She had leaned on him for support. Of course, rather than supporting her, Viktor drew her up with what remaining strength she had left in her. He made her stand upright on her own. He thought she would fall and whine if he did not.

“Was it difficult? May I bring you some tea, Master?” Scarlett asked while examining his face.

“Why do you always call me the master?”

Scarlett was worried that he would be angry with her answer, as his fierce eyes were staring intensely.

“Answer me. Don’t be afraid.”

Scarlett was astonished by Viktor’s cold tone, who had been worthy of orders or threats throughout her life.

“Oh, I guess I still have to.”

Viktor clicked his tongue at her hoarse voice. Then he leaned over and ran his fingers through his hair, and closed his eyes.

‘Didn’t you like to say that you were the master?’ Then what should I call you? Are you going to use a title?’

Scarlett pondered for a moment before approaching. “Sir Viktor, you’re in your office now, but you should go to bed….”

His eyes widened at her words.

“The education of the children of the Crimson family is worse than I thought.”

Scarlett immediately frowned, upset by his words.

“Don’t insult my parents.”

“They taught you wrong.”

“No!”

“It’s true that they  raised you like a maid.”

“It’s not!”

Scarlett screamed. Startled by her reaction, she covered her mouth with her hands and backed away.

Viktor gazed at her with an expression full of displeasure. He immediately raised his upper body and leaned towards her.

He then began to take off the dark blue robe he wore to report to his superiors after naval battles. Its scent of the sea lingered, entrenched in the fabric.

Scarlett slumped behind him, startled to see him unfasten his belt. She then hurriedly knelt on her knees and began to beg.

“I was wrong.”

“...”

“I’m sorry for talking back.”

Viktor stared at her for a moment, then stood up and approached her.

Scarlett didn’t lift her head and only looked down at his shoes. Then a low voice resounded from above.

“I’m your husband, not your Master or lord. Call me by my first or last name.”

“I...”

“I won’t hit you. And do not kneel to anyone in the future.”

Scarlett’s hurried breath subsided at the extremely rational voice. It was the complete opposite of what she was used to at the Crimson household.

She looked at Viktor briefly before she processed what he was saying. Scarlett stood up; she couldn’t raise her head immediately, so Viktor lifted her chin with his fingertips.

“Lift your head and look into my eyes. You are not a maid.”

Scarlett looked up at Viktor with her water drop-like eyes.

Viktor continued, “Go to bed. I’ve been in the sea for a long time. I need to embrace you every day.”

Scarlett nodded, involuntarily looking at the floor again. She quickly lifted her head and stared into his eyes.

He spoke with a commanding tone, and strangely, she felt less frightened than the first time they met.

The cold severity left, and in place, a strange tickling sensation remained.

She quickly turned away and ran to her bathroom.

Scarlett believed that because Viktor thought she was young, he had not wanted to sleep with her since they were married. She wanted to ask first, but Scarlett was hesitant.

She would be sharing the bed with him tonight.

She really was married to this man.

That thought gave her evident fear, indefinite excitement, and a little bit of happiness.