𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍 |니키˚˖𓍢ִ໋🦢˚

1.5🦢

Japan; Okayama; Nishimura Manor; 22-5-2026

The morning light filtering through the grand windows of the mansion did little to ease the tension in the air. Jiyoung had barely slept, her mind a constant storm of thoughts about Riki, the android, and the walls closing in around her mission. She knew Riki had discovered the truth behind the android—a discovery that could unravel everything if she wasn't careful.

Riki might know her real name, but what she was truly doing in his world still remained a mystery to him. That was her only advantage, and she clung to it tightly. The android was meant to serve as a distraction, a way to divert his attention while she uncovered the darker secrets of the Nishimura empire. But now, with Riki handling the situation directly, the stakes had risen far beyond what she had anticipated.

She paced her room, her mind running over the events of the last few days. Yongbok had warned her—this was too risky, especially with Riki's cold, calculated approach. But she couldn't stop now. If Riki knew about the android, he might soon know who was behind it. And if he traced the line back to her, everything would fall apart. She had to act quickly, but carefully.

Just as she was contemplating her next move, a soft knock sounded at her door. Her heart leapt into her throat, the tension of the moment seizing her thoughts. She took a deep breath, schooling her features into calm indifference, and opened the door.

It was one of the house staff, bowing slightly as he informed her that Riki wished to see her in his study.

The moment of reckoning.

Her fingers tightened around the doorframe as the weight of the request settled over her. Of course he wanted to see her. He was probably ready to probe further into the web of lies she had spun around herself, to see how much more she would reveal under the pressure.

But Jiyoung wasn't about to let him break her.

With a quiet nod to the servant, she followed him through the winding hallways, her thoughts racing with every step. Riki knew her real name. He knew about the android. But that wasn't enough to destroy her—yet. She still had the upper hand if she played her cards right.

As the door to Riki's study loomed before her, she took a steadying breath. This was a battle of wits, and she had trained for this her entire career. She wasn't just a historian. She was a strategist. And Riki, for all his power, didn't know the depths of what she was capable of.

The servant knocked once before opening the door, allowing her to step inside. The study was dimly lit, with the only light coming from the large windows behind Riki, who sat at his desk, his eyes sharp as they locked onto hers. He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled in front of him, the picture of calm control.

But Jiyoung could feel the intensity radiating off him, the quiet storm beneath the surface.

"Moran," he said smoothly, his voice betraying none of the danger she knew lurked beneath. "Oh right, right, your name is Jiyoung."

The sound of her real name on his lips sent a shiver through her, but she kept her expression neutral, even as her mind raced. He was testing her, waiting to see how she would react.

She raised an eyebrow, feigning mild surprise. "It seems you've done your research," she replied, her tone casual. "Should I be flattered?"

Riki's lips twitched into a small, humorless smile. "I'm good at finding things out. It's a necessary skill in my line of work."

He stood, walking around the desk slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. "But I have to admit, there are still some things I haven't quite figured out. Like what exactly you're doing here. You came into my life claiming to be a historian, but I've come to learn you're much more than that."