Suddenly Reincarnated Into R-19 Novel

Henny's PoV

"Where's Kiro?" I panicked when I realized Kiro was no longer by my side. He had been right here with me just moments ago.

"Who is Kiro?"

"The wolf that's with me!" I scanned the area, but I couldn't find him anywhere. My eyes widened as I remembered the man who had escaped earlier; I hadn't seen him carrying Kiro, just a large bag slung over his shoulder.

"Where are you going, master?" The Duke stopped me, and I shot him a glare, pushing his hand off my arm.

"I will look for Kiro alone."

"I'm sorry to say this, master, but at this time, you may not be able to chase him."

"So what should I do then? Let Kiro die at the hands of that bastard—"

"No, master. If you let me catch him, I will bring Kiro back for you." I tugged at my hair in frustration; was he really asking me to rely on him?

"This is the last time I can count on you! There will be nothing after this. Bring Kiro to me safely."

"As you wish, master." With that, the Duke disappeared from my sight. It was frustrating to think that I had no power in this situation and had to rely on him!

Third Person PoV

The Duke hurried into the forest, a wide grin spreading across his face. It had been a long time since he had engaged in battle. The Emperor owed Duke Felix a great debt; all the lands under his control were due to Felix's victories in war.

The Emperor believed he could manipulate the Duke because of his deep affection for his daughter, Peneloppe. He thought he could command Felix without difficulty, unaware that the Duke's heart had changed entirely.

Felix spotted a man sitting at the base of a tree. His grin widened; it had been a while since he had used this technique. He threw his sword and struck the man on the head.

"Time has passed, but I haven't missed an attack on my target." As he approached, he noticed a large cloth moving and uncovered it to reveal Kiro.

"I understand why you're following Henny! It's because you find her strong, right?" Felix spoke as if Kiro could understand him.

"Of course Henny is brave now... I love that woman even if she hates me. She's my everything." There was a hint of sadness in his voice as he spoke those words.

The two returned to find Henny waiting for them.

"Master, I brought him back safely." Felix smiled at Henny, but she bypassed him and went straight to Kiro.

Once again, Felix felt a pang of hurt but masked it with a smile to hide his emotions.

"Thank you," Henny said, surprising Felix with her words. He wasn't accustomed to hearing "thank you" since everyone had said it to him countless times before; yet now, it sounded so sweet in his ears.

"You're welcome, master." He continued smiling at her even though she seemed indifferent.

They walked through several mountains and settled down for the night. However, Henny remained wary of him; he couldn't blame her.

At this point, they arrived in the North Empire—his home for many years. Unbeknownst to them, Duke Felix was a strong successor of this powerful kingdom; second only to the Finland kingdom ruled by Peneloppe's father.

In the original novel "Love Under the Rose," Felix continued to refuse ascending the throne because he wanted to follow Peneloppe. So he lived in Ferland to marry her while simultaneously winning wars to elevate Ferland's status as a powerful kingdom. In short, the Emperor of Ferland used Felix to gain power and wealth.

"I don't have any money, but I'll find work to earn some. Just wait here until I get back. Do you understand?"

"Yes, master."

"Good. Take care of Kiro for me. That's an order."

"Of course, master!"

Henny walked around several stores looking for work and was fortunate enough to be hired as a cleaner at a theater. Meanwhile, Felix was approached by two unknown figures wearing black cloaks; he recognized them as his shadow knights.

"Long time no see, your majesty. We sensed your presence around here and immediately came to find you—"

"Give me money." His response was curt.

"As you wish, your majesty. We'll get the money right now!" Within three minutes, they delivered a large sum of money. Everyone was intrigued by the arrival of an extravagant carriage carrying cash.

"That's quite a lot. But my master will hate me if I just give it to her like this. Do you think I'm stupid? Give me your pocket money instead—keep that money for yourself or give it away or throw it! Whatever."

He extended his hand and one of the shadow knights handed over what little money he had left. It was strange because he could have taken more if he wanted.

"And also, that money is easily recognizable as noble wealth. My master will be angry with me." He kept referring to "master," leaving one shadow knight wondering who this master was if Felix was supposed to be his own master.

"Get out! She's coming." The two shadow knights vanished from sight immediately.

Third Person PoV

"I found an apartment! Let's go!" Felix started speaking but noticed Henny was in a hurry.

"Okay, master." The two followed Henny into the apartment building.

"I'm sorry, but you can't bring animals in here; it's our rule." Henny hesitated because this was the only affordable apartment available. She was about to speak when Felix interrupted her.

"Your rules are very strict here. I wonder what would happen if someone got angry about those rules and decided to burn down this cheap apartment? That would be quite sad to imagine, wouldn't it?" Henny gasped at his words—was he threatening the receptionist?

"Don't mind him, miss. Please let my Kiro in. If you want, I can double the rent; I will definitely pay it. Just let my Kiro in."

"Y-yes mi-miss," stammered the receptionist as she quickly turned pale; I glanced over at Felix who was hugging Kiro tightly. The receptionist led us to our apartment.

"There are two beds here; hope you enjoy your stay."

"Thank you." Once the receptionist left, Henny immediately lay down on one of the beds with a furrowed brow. Memories of past events flooded back—she couldn't help but feel angry since they were sharing a room together now.

I can't sleep here while this guy is in the same room as me!

"Why did you do that with the receptionist? She looked pale. Did you threaten her?" Henny shot an angry look at the Duke but was startled by what he said next.

"Yes master; I threatened her because she upset you with those annoying rules! I just wanted her to know her place—" Henny cut him off immediately.

"Are you kidding me? Don't approach people like that; you make me embarrassed—"

"Master, is it embarrassing to beg them?" What? Had this guy never begged anyone in his life?

"Then you've already embarrassed yourself by begging me." Tsk!

"I never begged anyone except for you, master. You're the only one who can make me drop both knees on the ground—not anyone else."

"What cringeworthy fairy tale lines! Too bad I'll never believe those words; fools might appreciate them."

"Then I'm a fool... I truly appreciate those lines because they express exactly what I want to say."

"Shut up!" Duke Felix stood up and went to take a shower; when he emerged from the bathroom, he found Henny still turned away from him.

How can I approach her if she keeps ignoring me? In my entire life, I've never encountered someone who can't appreciate even my smallest efforts—even when I'm not putting in any effort at all!

I don't know what I should do...