Despite the fact she said that, she was tempted inside. He really didn’t think badly about her? Suddenly, while in the midst of her musings, she heard the sound of the door opening. As she turned in the direction, she saw Riftan striding into the library without disarming himself.

  Max was surprised by his question.

  Ruth replied bluntly as he was checking to see if he was still angry.

  Riftan frowned and looked around the desk. Next to the messy pile of books were the dishes and trays that were emptied at lunch. He held his forehead and shook his head as if dumbfounded.

  There was a faint displeasure looming over Riftan’s face at the pompous tone.

  Max hurriedly packed her books, her nerves frayed by the strange environment. She said,

  Riftan quickly picked up the book in her arm.

  Riftan shot a crooked look over his shoulder because of Ruth’s question.

  Asked Ruth, trembling.

  Max looked up at Riftan with a surprised face. Was it possible that he harshly criticized the knights for what he saw? Max shook her head feeling sorry for the knights who had been scolded because of her, but Riftan only snorted.

  Ruth said sarcastically and sighed.

  Riftan just walked out of the library, holding Max’s hand while pretending he didn’t hear his comment. Max left a small greeting to Ruth and hurried down the cold corridor with the man.

  Max was almost running to catch up as he took long strides. But after a while he paused and looked back at her.

  Max took the opportunity and spoke carefully.

  Riftan bluntly spat out and resumed his steps. She walked quietly with him, sometimes sneaking glances at his face every now and then. Contrary to his words, his lips were sternly pursed. He was walking down the hallway silently, but when he entered the stairwell, he spat out.

  Max looked up at him in all curiousness at the sudden question, but soon she nodded slowly.

  Max decided not to mention that he had left the tower and is now treating the library as his dwelling place. She thought she should at least maintain that level of loyalty.

  Riftan frowned faintly and asked,

  Somehow Riftan’s mood seemed to worsen at her answer. Max was anxious by the strange tension surrounding him. Did Riftan hate Ruth?

  It seemed to her that there was a lot of trust between them, even though it didn’t seem like it sometimes. Max rolled her eyes wondering what to do with his look of displeasure. It wasn’t until they were near the door to their chambers that Riftan asked.

  At that moment she realized that Riftan was really offended by his wife mingling with another man. He had never been conscious of Ruth in that way, the way he never thought it would be pleasant for a husband. Max jumped up in blue, worried that she might be suspected of chastity.

  Max, who was desperately clamoring to plead innocence, shut her mouth. Riftan was staring down at her. She opened and closed her mouth like a carp with her head lowered. Without looking in the mirror, she could tell her face was flushed. Her ears were burning, and she couldn’t stand the silence any longer, so she made a gibberish remark.

  Surprised by the thud, Max raised her head. Riftan was slamming his head against the door when he let out a deep sigh, leaning against his forehead.

  Riftan glared at her with slitted eyes, grabbed her hand and pushed open the door. Max was led into the room by his arm and he closed the door behind him. He then lifted her up and pushed her against the wall.