"I...I didn't hear anything!"

"That's exactly what you just said, you're kidding me! You can fool Catherine, but I don't believe you when you say that!"

You're saying I'm a ghost?

Catherine was furious and wanted to punch Joey, but she couldn't catch him and could only fum in anger.

"Sergeant Medes, I order you to capture Joey!"

"Ah, it's not my fault. I suddenly remembered that there's still some work to be done at the smelting furnace. I have to hurry over there!"

"Yes, yes, the smelting furnace is important, you should go quickly!"

Joey was satisfied with Medes' answer and urged him to leave quickly so he could be alone with Catherine.

Squeak!

Medes strode to the door, opened it, and quickly slipped out.

"Sergeant Medes!"

Catherine wanted to call him back, but even if Medes heard her this time, he would only leave without looking back.

She continued to chase after Joey, but after Medes closed the door and left, Joey suddenly stopped, letting Catherine catch up with him.

Before Catherine could react, she crashed into Joey's arms.

Ouch!

She cried out in surprise, only to find herself hurting herself after the impact.

Why did you stop?

Catherine punched Joey in the chest with her right fist, somewhat displeased.

"What's wrong? Did you hurt yourself?"

Joey's playful expression vanished, and he looked down at Catherine in his arms with a serious expression.

He placed his hands on Catherine's shoulders and asked very gently.

"What are you doing? I'm the daughter of the city lord of Grayfurnace City! Let me go!"

After Catherine finished speaking, she tried to get out of Joey's arms, but a heavy force came from her shoulder, making it difficult for her to get out easily.

What will happen if we don't let go?

"Your father will kill you!"

Would you let him kill me?

Why can't I?

"Because... I like you!"

Joey's gaze met Catherine's, and a strange feeling began to grow between them.

"I'm a jinx, how can you still like me?"

Catherine's eyes were full of emotion.

"I'm your savior, aren't we a perfect match?"

"Are you serious? I heard from Martha that you've liked a lot of girls!"

"Many girls? No way, Martha's talking nonsense!"

Joey never expected that his final obstacle would come from a single sentence from Martha.

"She said Sam told her!"

Catherine persisted, determined to get an answer.

"The bearded man?"

(I'd go to great lengths for my brothers, but you, you bearded man, stabbed me in the back!)

"I wouldn't call it a lot; you could count them on your fingers!"

"And...and now there aren't any left. They all broke up peacefully, without any lingering issues!"

(Since we've come this far, I guess I have to say goodbye to you all for now, beautiful girls. I'll miss you!)

"real?"

"It really is real, even more real than a steam engine!"

"A steam engine? Let me tell you, I, Catherine, have no habit of sharing men with others!"

"Understood. That's how it was for princesses in ancient times. They could only divorce their husbands, so their status within the family still needed to be clearly defined!"

"ah?"

Catherine couldn't quite understand what Joey was saying.

"That's right, from now on, you'll be the center of my world. I'll go from being the central air conditioner to your personal hand warmer!"

Joey tried to explain, but his words only confused Catherine more.

"Fine, you're always talking nonsense. Here's what we'll do: I'll give you a trial period. You'll only be out of the trial period if you send me back to Ashfury City so my father can meet me!"

"Huh? New employees have a probationary period, and now I have a probationary period for being a boyfriend?"

"Will you agree?"

"Can I refuse? These are all unfair terms, I'm used to them! But can I ask one thing, is the compensation during this probationary period the same as the regular salary?"

"Like, sleeping together or something?"

"What are you thinking? Your mind is full of nonsense. I shouldn't have agreed to that!"

Catherine pushed Joey away and looked at him with disdain.

"I'm just giving an example, but I'll listen to you!"

Joey chuckled and leaned in again, pulling Catherine into his arms once more. This time, Catherine didn't push him away.

It's done. Anyway, it's a long-term process, so take it slow. Even new employees have to be careful during their initial period of employment.

He rested his head on Catherine's head, enjoying the scent of soap in her hair.

This was the most relaxed moment for the two of them in a long time.