Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 6
‘It seems like getting along with him is out of the question…’
With his high-handed manner, how could they possibly become friends? And Macy felt quite intimidated by his attitude.
Even though both had manifested their names, he seemed to be at ease, whereas for Macy, meeting him felt like encountering someone at the edge of a cliff—she couldn’t help but feel rushed.
Although she felt it was unfair, Macy decided that continuing the conversation would do no good and kept her mouth shut.
Soon after, his hand touched hers again, and the name treatment began. It was merely an exchange of warmth through holding hands.
Time passed quickly, and the initially chilly temperature gradually became comfortable. What had seemed tense now felt trivial.
‘They say a name is supposed to be written on one’s destined partner.’
It was said that the name of the destined partner, someone who they cannot help but fall in love with as soon as they see it.
Upon first touch of the fingertips, one would feel a jolt as if electrocuted, hearing angels’ chimes, and sleeping with the name’s owner incomparably blissful than anything else.
Such tales must have been concocted by those who had never experienced a name manifestation. Even now, as she held his hand, she felt nothing special.
Her heart did flutter a bit, but it was more due to the anxiety of the unfamiliar situation, not because she found him appealing.
However, she was curious if it was normal for a man’s hand to be so thick and firm, and the palm felt rougher than expected from work. But the bumpy surface looked as if scarred…
‘Could he be a hunter? Or perhaps, a knight wielding a sword?’
She couldn’t stop the thoughts that naturally arose.
‘From his manner of speaking, he seems to be a person of high status.’
It didn’t feel like an act at all. Choosing an old cabin seemed more like an intent to hide his high status.
‘Who could he be… Perhaps a newly titled noble?’
“The next appointment will be communicated through the brokerage.”
As she was lost in thought, he let go of her hand. An hour had passed.
“Wait a moment!”
“What are you doing?”
He seemed to be leaving the room immediately, so Macy, in a panic, reached out her hand. He swiftly knocked her hand away as if annoyed.
“But, that…”
She felt as though an icy stare was directed at her. Her throat tightened with tension, but she forced herself to speak out.
“The name! I haven’t verified your name yet!”
“The terms of the contract state that the treatment is to be conducted while you are blindfolded.”
“That’s why with hands!”
She spread out her palm to demonstrate it.
“I’ll touch it with my hand!”
“You want to touch the name with your hand?”
His voice was heavy with a pressed tone, clearly displaying his displeasure.
“Yes… Is that not allowed?”
“Ha.”
He seemed either incredulous or angry.
‘He’s really strange. He checked everything immediately upon arrival. He even said it’s a basic procedure in name treatment…’
Though she was prepared to comply if he absolutely forbade it, Macy also wanted to verify that her name was inscribed on his body. It was a matter of life or death for her.
“Fine, go ahead.”
Soon he gave his permission, and she heard the rustling of fabric. It sounded like he was undressing.
“But where is it written…?”
She became slightly worried afterward. The locations for name manifestation varied.
If, like hers, his name was written on his chest, the thought of having to touch his chest made her dizzy.
“Do you think it was written between my legs?”
“Are you joking…?”
It was a tasteless joke. Or, it had to be a joke.
She couldn’t see his face, and his monotone voice made it difficult to discern if he was joking or not. Instead, it sent a chill down her spine.
“Regretting it now?”
“No.”
“Then reach out your hand like before.”
Macy swallowed dryly and slowly raised her hand. But she grasped nothing.
It truly felt like being blind as it was so dark before her eyes.
“I can’t feel anything…”
“Stay like that.”
More rustling came from somewhere deeper. Suddenly, the bed shifted slightly, and something touched her fingertips.
It was hard yet smooth. Macy instinctively curled her fingers around it, then spread them out again.
Macy felt the outline of bone beneath her palm, wide enough to possibly be a shoulder or back. As her hand moved lower, she touched the lateral muscles, the broadest muscle of the back, forming a perfect inverted triangle. The muscle was so taut it was surprising. Reminiscent of a statue from an art museum famed for its ideal proportions, often referred to as the golden ratio.
‘It’s incredible that such a physique exists…’
While she marveled and fumbled, he intervened.
“Why are you groping around when the name is right next to it?”
“Sorry, I can’t see.”
“Here.”
He dragged her hand back to the initial spot, then moved it sideways instead of downward. She felt a rough, scab-like texture near the scapula area, perhaps a scar.
“Tsk.”
At that moment, he slightly shivered. It sounded almost like a groan…
“Are you uncomfortable?”
“No… continue.”
Although he said he wasn’t uncomfortable, Macy could still feel his trembling more distinctly than before. His breathing became rougher and quicker, as if he was desperately enduring pain.
“Ugh…”
The sensations he felt seemed to transmit through their touching fingertips.
