"It is said that it takes several long days to travel from the capital to Everdeen. No matter how meticulously crafted the luxurious carriage may be, it was a strenuous task to sit in it all day long. Despite Cain frequently stopping the carriage for Laila, who was unfamiliar with riding in a carriage, she struggled to adapt to the arduous journey. The most difficult part was the occasional stiffness and numbness in her legs due to the unfamiliar shoes, which caused her pain.

"Ah!"

Laila stifled the spreading pain in her calf and glanced at Cain. Despite the jolting carriage, he was effortlessly poring over documents. Throughout the journey, he spent more time on work than conversing with her. Lately, Cain had been returning home late without fail, and last night he had even dozed off briefly in the carriage, deprived of sleep.

"Is your leg hurting?"

Although it was an inconspicuous movement, Cain noticed and asked. He was perceptive, even when focused on his work.

"A little."

In truth, the pain had intensified, reaching near her knee, but Laila forced a casual expression. Given the nature of their business dealings, she didn't want to cause trouble from the very beginning.

"Stretch your leg here. I'll massage it for you."

He placed the documents aside and spoke with a nonchalant expression.

"It's alright."

"If you endure, it will only get harder."

"It will get better soon."

Laila, her lips bitten in pain, spoke. She knew his words were empty, but she couldn't simply dismiss them. She had never let anyone touch her body before. Even in poverty, she knew there were things that must be protected. The idea of a man caressing her legs was unimaginable.

Cain, with a cold tongue, looked at Laila and said, "Shame or dignity, there comes a time when you must let go."

"What does that mean?"

"When you can't even walk because of the pain, what good are those things? And..."

As if reluctant to utter such words, he took a deep breath.

"It seems like those things were already abandoned when you collapsed."

"..."

Laila quickly grasped the profound meaning behind Cain's words. The day she bathed at his mansion for the first time, she fainted and lost consciousness. The person who carried her knew about it and couldn't meet her gaze. They exchanged perfunctory expressions of gratitude, but out of fear, she didn't inquire further. They must have seen and touched everything.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Fortunately, Cain remained tight-lipped, burying the matter in silence. It was as if the incident had vanished into thin air, and I fervently hoped it would remain that way. But in this moment, words escaped Cain's mouth, catching me off guard.

In an instant, her face flushed crimson, extending all the way down her neck.

"Will you continue to endure?" Cain asked, a sly smile playing on his lips. Laila averted her gaze and pressed her lips firmly together. His words possessed an irresistible force that dismantled the barriers of her stubborn heart. She wasn't about to let go of her guard just because something like this had happened before, but persisting now would be foolish.

Laila slowly raised her knees, and sensing her permission, Cain chuckled and grasped her ankle.

"Oh!"

Without a moment's surprise, Laila's leg found its place atop his. The hemline rode up, revealing her slender, stocking-clad ankle. Overwhelmed by belated embarrassment, she tried to pull her leg back, but Cain's grip held it firmly. Before engaging with her leg, he removed her shoe.

"Just a moment, please."

"I've been wearing this all day. It would be strange if my foot didn't hurt."

"It's fine, please put it back on."

"While you're massaging my leg, what's the point of fiddling with my foot?"

"...."

Taken aback by his audacious actions, Laila attempted to resist, but she found herself unable to summon the will. His words rang true, and as she slipped off her shoes, she realized the unprecedented comfort it brought. It was like spilled water, whether she spilled half or all of it made little difference.

"At first, it might sting a little, but endure it a bit. It'll get better soon."

Cain cautiously clasped her calf with his hand.

Laila bit her lip, suppressing the moans that threatened to escape. The pain emanating from the pressured area was formidable enough to overpower her endurance. After suffering for several days, the weakened muscles of her calf yielded to his grasp, and pain transformed into a refreshing pleasure.

The moments of conflict seemed insignificant compared to the sensation of relief spreading through Laila's leg. Simultaneously, a discomfort arose. Even though it was just the edge of her stocking, the caressing touch felt vivid and real.

Laila tried to deflect this unwelcome sensation with words.

"You have very skillful hands."

"I'm sorry. I'm not used to carriages."

"It's alright. I'm not either."

"Pardon?"

"I too am unfamiliar with carriages. The cramped and enclosed space makes it truly arduous to endure," spoke Cain nonchalantly, still fixating his gaze upon her legs. Tempted to inquire whether it was truly the case or what exactly made it so difficult to bear, he sensed a discomforting current and sealed his lips.

The more Laila got to know him, the more perplexed she became. Despite displaying kindness like now, there were moments when he would turn cold, and even his polite words had the power to perturb her.

She couldn't fathom it. Perhaps it was best to tailor her words to suit her. Judging by Cain's ease and familiarity, evident from casually glancing at documents in the carriage, he seemed at ease.

"It seems to have eased now," Cain said after a while, caressing his supple calf. Just when she thought it was over, his hand descended and firmly grasped her foot. Pressing the sole with four fingers and exerting pressure with the tip of his thumb, he began to firmly knead her arch.