Chapter 7

Roabellin had been waiting for Kaisertern in the bedchamber since before dinner time. However, he did not return even after night fell.

 

‘Did something happen…? There was no message saying he would be staying outside.’

 

For some reason, her mind felt unsettled.

 

In fact, the atmosphere in the Emperor’s Palace was a bit turbulent today. Bomira, a maid who was somewhat trusted enough to serve the Emperor’s meals and occasionally taste them for poison, had been dismissed. Whenever the servants gathered, this was the only topic of conversation.

 

“Usually, if someone is from the nobility, they would cover up minor incidents. What on earth happened?”

 

“It seems she made a mistake with the food for His Majesty’s guest. I heard His Majesty was furious.”

 

“It must not have been a simple mistake then? So, what happens to Bomira now?”

 

“Well, she’ll just go back to the Baron’s estate. Noble ladies who served as maids are popular brides, but being dismissed like this ruins one’s reputation… I wonder if she’ll be able to marry into a decent family.”

 

“His Majesty must have been extremely angry. This has never happened before. Who exactly was that guest?”

 

Roabellin also heard the servants whispering as she moved about the Emperor’s Palace. Since it was an incident she was involved in, she felt a little uncomfortable. But as Kaisertern said, if he hadn’t come immediately, she would have died right there.

 

‘Bomira probably didn’t intend to kill me… but regardless of the reason, they can’t keep someone who tampers with the Emperor’s food in the palace. And they can’t just overlook the fact that someone almost died in the Emperor’s study.’

 

As Roabellin knew the palace laws better than anyone, she didn’t feel the punishment for Bomira was excessive. Fortunately, the general sentiment among the Emperor’s Palace servants was similar.

 

Waiting for the master of the bedchamber, Roabellin’s gaze, which had been scanning the perfectly tidy room, caught on the vast bed.

 

Looking at the bed without much thought, the night before last suddenly popped into her mind. At the scenes of that night inadvertently recalled, her face flushed hot.

 

It was merely a medical treatment, and he hadn’t done anything strange. But…

 

‘Maybe Kai really focused only on the treatment. But I… found it hard to pretend nothing was happening as the pain in my body had disappeared.’

 

She sat on the edge of the bed and swept her hand over the spot where she had lain. Remembering how she felt strange wherever his hand touched, heat rose to her face again.

 

‘I’m really strange too. I only think of running away from him as the Emperor… but I want to get closer to the man named Kai. What do I really want?’

 

Contemplating the identity of these conflicting feelings, Roabellin eventually reached a conclusion.

 

‘As the daughter of the Duke, Princess of Hertenes, I want to run far away from the Emperor of Prahenfelt and survive. And as a woman named Roabellin… I want the man named Kai.’

 

No matter how much she thought about it, this was her true feeling. But to forget everything and date the man named Kai, his position and background were severely powerful.

 

It wasn’t something she could just ignore if she set her mind to it. He was someone with whom it was impossible to just date a little like commoners and break up if things didn’t work out. To date him even once, he was a man for whom the partner had to stake their entire life.

 

‘If only… Kai weren’t the Emperor.’

 

In her regret, Roabellin made an impossible assumption.

 

‘Or… if my family were still intact. If Kai had demanded me as an Imperial Prince of the Empire before the talk of a national marriage with the Aventador Royal Family came up.’

 

If so, she would now be in the position of his partner as the Empress of Prahenfelt. Imagining herself standing proudly next to him as his partner, Roabellin shook her head.

 

‘No… It’s all useless thinking. They say there’s no meaning in assuming “what if” in history.’

 

Just as Roabellin sighed, the door suddenly opened and Kaisertern entered. Perhaps because of the thick carpet in the hallway, the sound of his footsteps hadn’t been audible.

 

At his sudden appearance, Roabellin jumped up in surprise and greeted him awkwardly.

 

“Ah, Your Majesty, you’ve come.”

 

Kaisertern was about to point out that she called him ‘Your Majesty’ again, but swallowed his words.

 

‘Strict atmosphere, no good. Friendly feeling, treat her comfortably.’

 

Chewing over Terick’s advice like a machine, Kaisertern relaxed his facial muscles.

 

‘Did my expression brighten even a little?’

 

However, to Roabellin, it just felt like a face that was ‘still scary, but scary in a different direction than usual.’

 

‘Why is he acting like that… Did I do something wrong?’

 

Unaware of her thoughts, Kaisertern strode toward her with a refreshing gait.

 

“Right. You waited even though it’s late.”

 

The reason she found him difficult was largely due to his stiff tone along with his status as Emperor. But Kaisertern hadn’t thought to check even this tone he had used all his life. No one had ever dared to point it out.

 

“Yes… The bathwater must have gone cold, I will draw a fresh bath immediately.”

 

“Mm, do so. Just turn on the water and come back quickly.”

 

Roabellin bowed to him and went to the bathroom. She drained some of the cold water, turned on the hot water, and returned to Kaisertern. In the meantime, he had taken off his jacket and was waiting for her in his shirt.

 

Roabellin went to a spot two or three steps away from him and spoke in a businesslike manner.

 

“I am drawing the bathwater again. I will call you when it is ready.”

 

Because of the imagination she had earlier, she treated him even more stiffly today. Kaisertern, who had been quietly scanning Roabellin’s face, replied.

 

“Right, rather than that.”

 

As he spoke, he took a large step toward Roabellin. The distance between the two narrowed to a single step in an instant.

 

Kaisertern’s shadow, a head taller than her, covered her. She thought she had gotten used to seeing him several times now, but seeing his face right under her nose, the expression ‘handsome’ wasn’t enough.

 

At his high and straight nose, jawline that seemed carefully sculpted by God, and the sex appeal flowing from his mysterious eyes, Roabellin stopped breathing for a moment. The golden eyes shining within his cool and sharp gaze bound her. Roabellin couldn’t take her eyes off his shimmering deep golden irises.

 

In the suddenly closed distance, she could smell his scent. Perhaps because of that, Roabellin felt him as a man anew. It felt strange.

 

Not taking his eyes off Roabellin who looked a bit flustered, Kaisertern opened his mouth.

 

“I have something to give you.”

 

At his words, Roabellin lifted her head with a puzzled look. Kaisertern found her rounded violet eyes infinitely lovely.

 

‘She’s so lovely it’s driving me crazy. I want to hold her right now… Patience. Patience.’

 

Kaisertern swallowed a sigh and handed over what he was holding.

 

“Here. A gift.”

 

Roabellin bewilderedly accepted the small package he held out.

 

“Th-thank you. What is this…?”

 

“They call it sleeping incense.”

 

“Sleeping incense…?”

 

She had heard of it. No, it was something she had used before. It was what the doctor prescribed for her when she occasionally had nightmares or couldn’t sleep as a child.

 

Roabellin opened the lid of the small bottle and smelled it. It was a familiar scent. Scents that instantly summoned memories of childhood, evoking nostalgia.

 

Enjoying the smell for a moment, Roabellin spoke inadvertently.

 

“I’ve used the exact same thing before… I guess all sleeping incenses have the same scent.”

 

In fact, that wasn’t true. Sleeping incense basically contained scents like lavender, but often included slightly different scents or ingredients depending on the user’s constitution or symptoms.

 

However, Roabellin didn’t know that it was a product her brother made following the recipe she used as a child, so she had no choice but to misunderstand.

 

“You’ve used this?”

 

“Ah, yes, a long time ago.”

 

“I see. Was it effective?”

 

Fearing Kaisertern might be disappointed by her reaction, Roabellin quickly added.

 

“Yes. It was very good. Thank you so much for the gift.”

 

At Roabellin’s answer, Kaisertern’s expression brightened minutely. Savoring the nostalgic scent again, she suddenly asked.

 

“But why did you give me sleeping incense?”

 

Kaisertern couldn’t possibly say he went to her room and heard her groaning from a nightmare, so he improvised.

 

“Ah, I bought it thinking your sleep pattern might be disrupted due to my service hours. Tell me when you use it all. I will get you more.”

 

Roabellin, who couldn’t know his inner thoughts, was touched by him caring for her health unexpectedly. How long had it been since she received such detailed consideration?

 

“Ah… Thank you. I will use it really well, Kai.”

 

When she called him ‘Kai’ affectionately with a voice soaked in emotion, Kaisertern felt pride filling his chest.

 

‘Thank you, Terick Ratnen. I should consult you about Yulli in the future too.’

 

The fact that the advice of Itanistad, who hadn’t even held a woman’s wrist, was successful was purely because he shared a childhood with Roabellin.

 

‘He denied it so much… but he was a guy who knew women after all.’

 

Kaisertern ended up misunderstanding him further. He managed the corners of his mouth trying to rise with pride and spoke feigning indifference.

 

“Right, they said to put a few drops in the bathwater before sleeping. There is a way to smell it by putting it at the bedside, but I heard using it in bathwater is much more effective.”

 

Listening to his explanation with a grateful face, Roabellin mentioned something that came to mind.

 

“Ah, but there is no bathtub in the bathroom of my quarters… It’s a pity, but I will just use the method of smelling it. Still, I think the effect will be good. Thank you very much.”

 

At her polite words, Kaisertern shook his head leisurely.

 

“No, I went through trouble to get it, so that won’t do. If you need a bathtub, use the one in my room.”

 

“Pardon?! Th-that cannot be. A bath in Your Majesty’s bedchamber!”

 

Roabellin waved both hands in panic. A thought flashed through Kaisertern’s mind that her appearance was quite similar to Terick Ratnen’s earlier. But focusing on Roabellin in front of him, the thought flew away quickly.

 

“It is to use what I gifted well, and I permitted it, so what is the problem?”

 

Watching Roabellin hesitate despite his words, Kaisertern drove a wedge in.

 

“I’m not asking to bathe together, so why are you so flustered? Do you perhaps want that?”

 

Of course, he must have meant it as a joke. But honestly speaking, she hadn’t not thought of it at least a bit, so Roabellin’s face turned bright red in an instant.

 

“It’s not that…!”

 

Roabellin was about to raise her voice inadvertently, but quickly spoke politely again.

 

“How could a mere lady-in-waiting dare to use Your Majesty’s bathroom.”

 

But Kaisertern paid no heed to her timid resistance.

 

“Since we’re talking about it, go in now.”

 

“Pardon?!”

 

“I mean for you to go into that bathtub filling with water right now and use this sleeping incense.”

 

Embarrassingly, an image of Kaisertern carrying her straight to bed after she came out of his bathroom washed flashed through Roabellin’s mind.

 

‘S-Surely not…’

 

When Roabellin couldn’t answer easily, Kaisertern eventually picked her up in his arms. As the scene she just imagined became reality, Roabellin struggled in surprise.

 

“Y-Your Majesty, I…!”

 

Roabellin’s voice rose, but Kaisertern just made a shushing sound with a relaxed smile.

 

“Lower your voice. The guards or attendants outside that door over there will hear.”

 

“Gasp…”

 

At his threat-that-wasn’t-a-threat, her mouth shut tight like a clam. Others shouldn’t find out that they weren’t in a businesslike, dry Emperor-servant relationship. At least from Roabellin’s perspective.

 

Kaisertern laughed soundlessly, carried her lightly, and went to the bathroom.

 

Hot water was filling a large bathtub that could easily fit three or four people. The bathroom was filled with hot steam, giving a somewhat dreamlike feeling the moment they entered.

 

“The water seems to be filled.”

 

He set Roabellin down in front of the bathtub. But Roabellin stood with her back to the tub facing him, putting up a silent last resistance.

 

Looking down at her, Kaisertern commanded in a low but dignified voice.

 

“Undress, and get in.”

 

When Roabellin avoided his eyes as a sign of defiance, he reached out to her.

 

Her uniform had large pearl-shaped buttons running down in a line, and Roabellin always wore it buttoned all the way up to her neck.

 

It was to the point where other servants told her to undo two or three because it looked stifling. But thoroughly hiding her body was a very old habit of hers.

 

Kaisertern reached for Roabellin’s neck and undid the buttons with one hand, pop, pop. It was a gesture without hesitation.

 

Roabellin was dazed for a moment, but when she came to her senses, his hand undoing the buttons was already heading below her collarbone.

 

“……!!”

 

Startled, Roabellin quickly grabbed his hand undoing the buttons with both hands. His hand, caught inadvertently, was quite large and firm.

 

Kaisertern, having his hand caught by her, stopped moving and spoke without removing his hand from the button he was about to undo.

 

“Are you going to wait until I strip everything off? Or will you undress yourself and get in?”

 

Living surrounded by people who lived and died by the Emperor’s command, he probably had never tolerated someone disobeying an order to this extent.

 

Roabellin, holding his hand, realized that too. Of course, she couldn’t stop him with strength either.

 

“Then, Y-Your Majesty needs to wash too… If Your Majesty washes first and retires to bed, I will use it after that.”

 

At her words, Kaisertern let go of the button. Then he held both her wrists not painfully and raised them to shoulder height. Kaisertern made gentle eye contact in that state and spoke quietly, hoping it wouldn’t sound scary to her.

 

“Not Your Majesty. Kai.”

 

“Ah, yes, Kai.”

 

“I will shower in the bathroom over there and sleep, so you use this place comfortably today.”

 

Naturally, there was a secondary bathroom without a bathtub in the Emperor’s chambers. He had held out with the excuse of needing a bath, but saying this much, she had no way to refuse anymore.

 

“Yes… Thank you, Kai.”

 

“If you’re thankful, one last personal service for today.”

 

Wondering what he was going to say, Roabellin looked at him.

 

“Just once, let me hold you.”

 

And he pulled Roabellin straight into a hug. Burying her face in his firm chest in an instant, Roabellin was so flustered she even forgot to breathe.

 

After being held by him in a daze for a moment, Roabellin awkwardly raised her hands and wrapped them around his lower back. As she snuggled into him like a small bird, Kaisertern was happy enough to feel dizzy.

 

He lowered his head and kissed one of her ears lightly, then her white nape. Roabellin flinched at the unexpected stimulation. Kaisertern wrapped around her and held her preciously in his arms.

 

Roabellin, who was a little surprised by the sudden physical contact, gradually felt comfortable as she quietly stayed in his firm and broad embrace.

 

‘The feeling is strange… Like he would protect me from all dangers in the world, yes. Should I call it a sense of security?’

 

Being in this huge embrace, she even had the thought that no one could harm her. Even the King of Aventador who had been searching for her for years.

 

Kaisertern, who had been holding Roabellin quietly for a while, lifted his head at the changed sound of water. The bathtub was full and overflowing.

 

“Ah, the bath is ready. Go in. I will leave.”

 

“Yes… Mmph!”

 

Kaisertern, who was about to let Roabellin go, suddenly lowered his head and stole her lips. Before the surprised Roabellin could say anything, Kaisertern turned and left the bathroom.

 

Staring blankly at the bathroom door he left through, Roabellin brushed her fingers over her lips where his had lightly touched. It felt as if the heat of his hot lips, though brief, still remained.

 

After being dazed for a moment, Roabellin came to her senses at the sound of water overflowing from the tub.

 

‘Oops.’

 

Roabellin quickly went to the tub, turned off the water, and dropped about ten drops of sleeping incense into the bathwater. A scent containing a fragment of childhood memory spread throughout the bathroom.

 

‘Did I use a bit too much? Well, better than using too little and having no effect.’

 

She finished undoing the buttons, took off her uniform and underwear, and carefully stepped into the steaming bathtub. Settling in and wrapping her body in hot water, her whole body felt languid.

 

‘Wow… I feel like even non-existent fatigue is melting away. Come to think of it, how long has it been since I took a bath like this?’

 

A noble’s bathroom naturally has a bathtub. It felt a little sad that she had gotten used to a lifestyle that wasn’t of a noble. But she immediately corrected herself for thinking that way.

 

‘No, let’s not think like that. What’s the point now. Unlike other nobles who are like flowers in a greenhouse, I became someone who can adapt better and survive well in any environment. I am the last direct lineage to rebuild the Duchy. Don’t think weak thoughts.’

 

She exhaled quietly.

 

‘While serving the Emperor, I ended up seeing many luxurious things… It seems I’m getting weak-hearted because it reminds me of old times. Those days are over now, they won’t come back, Roa.’

 

Roabellin patted both her cheeks with a slapping sound to tell herself to snap out of it.

 

Just then, there seemed to be a thud sound from outside. Roabellin reflexively half-rose and looked toward the door. Then she remembered something.

 

‘Ah, that bathroom door has no lock!’

 

Actually, since it was a bathroom inside the Emperor’s bedroom, it was natural not to have a lock. But right now, Kaisertern was in the room outside the door. Roabellin instinctively scanned her body and the location where she had left her clothes.

 

‘S-Surely… no matter if he’s the Emperor, he wouldn’t come in without permission… right?’

 

The Kaisertern she knew was a man who went straight ahead without hesitation when she consented, but didn’t even touch her when she slept next to him in her underwear if she didn’t.

 

But feeling secretly anxious, she called out to him quietly just to check if he was in front of the door.

 

“K-Kai…?”

 

But there was no answer from outside the door. Listening quietly, she thought she could hear the sound of shower water from far away. She sat back in the tub and soaked her body in the water.

 

‘Phew… Guess not.’

 

Whether due to relief or the sleeping incense, drowsiness soon began to pour in. Unable to overcome her infinitely heavy eyelids, Roabellin fell into a sweet sleep just like that.

 

 

***

 

 

Meanwhile, Kaisertern finished his shower in the other bathroom and came out shaking his hair. Because he tied the bathrobe sash loosely, the front was open enough to show his chest and even his hard abs.

 

He turned his eyes toward the bathroom where Roabellin was. Yellow light could be seen leaking from the crack of the bathroom door.

 

‘She must be enjoying a slow bath.’

 

Thinking nothing of it, he waited for her to come out while looking at documents on the sofa. But even after more than ten minutes passed, there was not a single sound of water from the bathroom, only silence.

 

‘Do women usually take this long to bathe?’

 

Thinking it strange, Kaisertern approached the bathroom and put his ear to the door. No sound could be heard from inside the bathroom. Not even the sound of water splashing.

 

Eventually, he tried knocking.

 

“Yulli, are you inside? Are you okay?”

 

But there was no answer from inside.

 

 

***

 

 

Roabellin woke to dazzling morning sunlight.

 

“Mmm….”

 

Her body felt light after a deep, dreamless sleep—though there was a faint warmth lingering in her limbs.

 

‘No nightmares, slept incredibly well. That sleep-aid incense really works. But… how did I fall asleep last night? I can’t remember very well.’

 

She carefully retraced her memories of the night before. Kai had given her the sleep incense, insisted—almost forced—her to bathe in his bathroom, and she had eventually done so…

 

And that was where her memory cut off.

 

‘Huh? I fell asleep while bathing? Then how did I get into bed?’

 

Her eyes flew open as she looked around. This was unmistakably her own room.

 

She threw back the blanket and looked down at herself—she was naked, wrapped only in a large towel.

 

And not just any towel.

 

It bore the embroidered crest of the imperial family—the kind used in the emperor’s private bath.

 

Her mind went blank, then snapped awake as if struck by lightning.

 

‘Oh no. Did Kai carry me here after I fell asleep in the tub?!’

 

Startled, Roabellin shot upright.

 

 

***

 

 

The night before, Kaisertern—alarmed—had flung open the bathroom door and found her slumped against the edge of the tub, fast asleep.

 

For a moment, he couldn’t tell whether she was sleeping or unconscious.

 

“Yulli, Yulli?”

 

He called her name urgently, but she didn’t stir. Perhaps from soaking too long in hot water, her body was warm with a slight fever.

 

Worried that leaving her in the bath would only worsen it, he lifted her out at once.

 

Even then, she slept soundly—clearly the effect of the sleep incense. Her pale skin was flushed a soft pink from the heat.

 

‘Should I put her to bed in my room, like last time?’

 

After a brief struggle, he wrapped her loosely in a large towel and laid her down on his bed.

 

As he did so, he had to exert near-inhuman restraint to keep his eyes firmly away from her body.

 

Watching her sleep like that, the voices of ministers and courtiers clamoring for him to produce an heir flickered through his mind.

 

But he erased the thought instantly.

 

To him, her heart mattered more than all of them. More than his duty as emperor.

 

‘Forcing you with power when you don’t want me—that’s beneath me. I’ll have you with my own charm alone. Your heart, and your body.’

 

Still, if he stayed beside her like this without touching her, he would end up giving up sleep entirely—just like before.

 

His heart might be gentle, but his young, healthy body was not.

 

So in the end, he picked her up again, carried her to her own room, laid her down, and left.

 

 

***

 

 

Unaware of any of this, Roabellin’s face burned bright red.

 

‘I must be insane! How could I fall asleep naked in someone else’s bathroom like that?!’

 

She had used more than the recommended amount of sleep incense, overwhelming her body—but that didn’t change the fact that she had fallen asleep in Kaisertern’s bath.

 

She felt so embarrassed she could have cried.

 

Unfortunately, it was already time to get up and attend his morning washing.

 

She didn’t feel ready to face Kaisertern, but work was work.

 

Sighing, she opened her wardrobe to change into her maid uniform.

 

“…Huh? Why isn’t it here?”

 

She thought it through. She had been issued two uniforms. One had gone to the laundry yesterday. The other she had worn.

 

‘Then where did the one I wore go—ah!!’

 

She remembered.

 

She had folded her uniform and underclothes neatly and left them in Kaisertern’s bathroom.

 

Thankfully, her quarters were the closest room to the emperor’s chambers—but still…

 

‘What time do the palace cleaners come?! I have to get them before they do!’

 

If other palace staff found her clothes in the emperor’s private bathroom, there would be no explanation that could save her.

 

Reality hit hard.

 

With no other choice, she put on her plain clothes and headed to the door of Kaisertern’s bedroom.

 

‘At least this isn’t where the guards are stationed… thank goodness.’

 

Normally, guards would be posted directly outside the emperor’s chambers. But Kaisertern found them bothersome and unnecessary, so only a minimal number guarded the entrance to the residential wing.

 

Unlike most kings, he could defend himself against any attack—and disliked being surrounded by people.

 

Thanks to that, Roabellin made it to his door without being seen in improper attire.

 

She took a deep breath and raised her hand to knock—

 

The door suddenly flew open.

 

“Ah!”

 

Kaisertern stood there, bare-chested.

 

His broad chest and shoulders filled her vision in an instant. She had no idea where to look, her gaze darting aimlessly.

 

He looked down at her in silence, then stepped aside to open the door fully.

 

“Come in.”

 

“Y-Yes…”

 

Avoiding his eyes, Roabellin slipped inside awkwardly. He closed the door and headed toward the wardrobe.

 

“I’ve come to assist with your washing—”

 

He paused with the wardrobe door open and turned back.

 

“I already took care of that myself. More importantly… that dress. It’s the one you wore at the Vicent Festival, isn’t it?”

 

It was. Among her belongings, that gray cotton dress was the only thing that could be called a dress at all.

 

Since it was the first time he had so plainly referenced that night, she flinched.

 

“Oh… yes. You remember.”

 

Kaisertern casually replied as he selected a shirt.

 

“How could I forget? It was my first kiss. My first night. The night you stole my purity.”

 

“Pfft—cough, cough!!”

 

Caught completely off guard, Roabellin choked and burst into coughing.

 

“T-That—cough!”

 

She wanted to tell him not to remember it, not to say it out loud—but…

 

He was the emperor. This was his bedroom. She was a maid. And she was still pretending nothing had happened between them.

 

‘Unbelievable…’

 

If things had gone as they normally would, she would already have become a concubine, with her pregnancy checked immediately.

 

But because she had denied everything, Kaisertern was respecting her wishes and keeping it unofficial—for now.

 

After finally calming her breathing, she said as shamelessly as she could,

 

“K-Kissing, maybe, but… that kind of night didn’t happen. I believe Your Majesty is mistaken. To avoid confusion, I won’t wear this dress in your presence again.”

 

Kaisertern ignored her long explanation entirely and asked instead, “Then why are you wearing that instead of your maid uniform today?”

 

“…Ah.”

 

She remembered last night.

 

“Well, um… my uniform is in the bathroom…”

 

Seeing her face turn crimson, a teasing smile tugged at his lips.

 

“So my bathtub was quite comfortable, then.”

 

She had no response. Her head slowly bowed.

 

“I-I mean… it sounds like an excuse, but… the sleep incense… I think I just fell asleep.”

 

“Oh? Did it suit you?”

 

“Yes… as you can see… it worked very well…”

 

“Good. Then you may use my bath every day.”

 

“…What?!”

 

Why was the conversation going this way?

 

She snapped her head up, but Kaisertern was still smiling—serious, not joking.

 

“Go retrieve your clothes from the bathroom. And later, someone will come to your room.”

 

“…Someone? For what?”

 

Her voice shrank, worried she was about to be punished.

 

“It’s nothing serious. I simply don’t like that you only wear black.”

 

She didn’t understand, but she couldn’t keep saying “What?!” either. Since it didn’t seem bad, she withdrew.

 

 

***

 

 

That evening, as Roabellin prepared to head to the emperor’s chambers, a knock sounded at her door.

 

“Who is—oh?”

 

When she opened it, the head maid, Countess Molly, entered with a servant carrying several dresses.

 

“Good evening, Yulli. Marie, set the clothes down and bring them one by one.”

 

“Good evening, Head Maid… what brings you here?”

 

But Molly barely listened. She held a dress up against Roabellin.

 

“As expected of a beauty—it suits you perfectly.”

 

Confused, Roabellin asked,

 

“Um… what are these dresses?”

 

Molly smiled warmly.

 

“His Majesty said your clothes are too dull and that you should wear brighter, more varied colors. Let’s see… this one would be nice for a picnic.”

 

“Maid uniforms? Are they changing the uniform?”

 

“No. Just yours.”

 

“…Just mine?”

 

“Well? It seems you’re the only one in His Majesty’s eyes.”

 

Flustered, Roabellin protested weakly,

 

“Oh, no, it’s just because I’m his personal attendant…”

 

But Molly only smiled wider.

 

“Of course, of course. And now you’ll be attending him at night as well.”

 

“…What?! Night attendance?!”

 

Molly was one of the most fervent supporters of the emperor producing an heir—overzealous, even.

 

In the past, she had selected beautiful maids to bring him tea at night, hoping proximity would spark something. Kaisertern had shut it down after a few attempts.

 

“He asked me to provide you with outfits suitable for picnics and outings. Nothing too flashy, of course—you’re still a maid.”

 

She eagerly compared dresses, selecting several.

 

“These two are for working in the chambers instead of your old uniform. This one for the picnic. And this one… for special occasions. I’ll soon find something suitable for night attendance too.”

 

Roabellin stared blankly, following Molly’s busy hands.

 

“There. Put this new uniform on now. And don’t ever let His Majesty see you in that black uniform again.”

 

She wanted to protest, but these were orders—from both the emperor and the head maid.

 

“…Yes.”

 

After they left, Roabellin sighed and stood before the mirror with the dress.

 

“…Huh?”

 

Her eyes widened.

 

‘No way…’

 

She changed—and froze.

 

The royal-blue dress highlighted her pale skin beautifully.

 

The problem was—

 

The neckline dipped sharply from the shoulders, exposing her shoulders and nearly half her chest.

 

Fine for a ball. Completely inappropriate for work.

 

‘This is insane!! How am I supposed to wear this?!’

 

She checked the other dresses.

 

None were modest.

 

The emperor’s actual instruction had simply been:

 

‘We’re going on a picnic to the west forest tomorrow. Only Yulli will accompany me. Give her something appropriate—something brighter than that dull uniform.’

 

But Molly, with twenty years of experience, had noticed his feelings.

 

‘Opportunities like this don’t come often. Any healthy man would fall instantly.’

 

Unaware of this, Roabellin agonized.

 

‘Why… is this his taste? I thought he said he’d wait, respect my choice…’

 

With no alternatives, she put the new uniform on and went to the emperor’s chambers.

 

‘I can’t even focus on my work. The skirt’s shorter too… What will Kai say when he sees this?’

 

As she fretted, she recalled the fashions outside the palace.

 

‘Right—this kind of style is popular in Vicentium. Maybe he’s just used to it.’

 

She tried to convince herself, but her mind remained tangled.

 

As she finished lighting the candles, the door opened.

 

She turned and bowed.

 

“You’ve arrived.”

 

No response.

 

She looked up—and met his intense gaze.

 

In the candlelight, his face looked faintly red.

 

Kaisertern was silently panicking.

 

‘I told them to give her different clothes, but this…’

 

He couldn’t look away.

 

She raised a hand to cover her chest.

 

“Th-the head maid gave this to me… If it’s uncomfortable to see, I can change—”

 

He snapped back to himself.

 

‘So that’s what she did.’

 

“Yes… follow the head maid’s instructions.”

 

His words came out clipped.

 

“But—outside the residential wing, wear your original uniform. This outfit is for here. For me alone.”

 

The thought of other men seeing her like this made his blood boil.

 

“…Yes.”

 

Was this good or bad? Roabellin couldn’t tell.

 

Then Kaisertern added, “Tomorrow, we’re going on a picnic.”

 

“Where? With whom?”

 

“The west forest. Just me.”

 

“…Alone?”

 

“And you. You’ll be my only attendant.”

 

Just the two of them.

 

“Everything’s prepared. Just accompany me. Wear what the head maid gave you.”

 

He’d used the excuse of dull uniforms—but seeing her in color, especially that vivid blue, had been worth it.

 

‘She looks like a noble lady.’

 

He wanted to see her in bright colors, smiling freely, dressed her age.

 

He didn’t even realize—

 

That he’d been thinking of her all day.

 

 

***

 

 

“Then I’ll be heading in for the day. Thank you for your hard work as always!”

 

After leaving the archives at the end of the workday, Estina glanced around. Up ahead, in the shade of a tree, a tall man with a warm smile was waving at her. Brightening, Estina ran toward the familiar figure.

 

“Y– Your High— no, Adviser.”

 

Though he was officially known as “His Grace the Grand Duke,” within the royal palace he was present in his capacity as a magical adviser, and so people generally addressed him as “Adviser.”

 

Using the title “Your Highness” could cause confusion with members of the royal family, and they were clearly uncomfortable with Iskal being addressed that way within the palace. Their wariness of him was obvious.

 

So in places where others might overhear, Estina had decided to call him “Adviser” as well.

 

“I don’t mind when others use that title, but when *you* do, it feels strange,” Iskal said, sounding a little disappointed.

 

Estina smiled sweetly at that.

 

“Well, here I can’t call you ‘Prince Kal’ or even just ‘Kal,’ so what can I do? When we’re alone, I’ll think about it.”

 

The two soon left the palace together. When Iskal, who had said he was going home, started heading toward the mountains instead, a puzzled look crossed Estina’s face.

 

“You bought a house in the mountains? It’s not very high up, but still…”

 

“I have a lot to hide. And it’s a perfect spot to overlook the palace. Now then—welcome! Welcome to the Lexton Grand Ducal summer residence!”

 

Iskal spoke playfully as he opened the door.

 

“So you weren’t joking about it being a ‘summer residence’…”

 

Estina’s eyes widened as she stepped inside and looked around. From the outside, it appeared to be a modest, single-story wooden cabin—but that was merely an illusion Iskal had created with magic. Inside, it was a refined, elegant two-story house.

 

“Well, it’s a bit small for a summer residence, isn’t it? I live alone, and it’s only a temporary place, so I didn’t make it too big.”

 

Despite his words, the house had a bedroom, living room, kitchen, a small entry hall, a parlor, and even a guest room—fully befitting a noble residence.

 

“As you can see, there’s illusion magic and detection-blocking magic in place. You can use magic freely here.”

 

Iskal winked at her. Hearing that, Estina felt a wave of relief. Having lived as a fugitive, constantly on edge, this was the first time in a long while she felt genuinely safe and at ease.

 

“Um, but… if there were a mage stronger than you—say, the Imperial Archmage of the palace—couldn’t they detect all of this if they tried?”

 

At her question, Iskal smiled lightly.

 

“The current Imperial Archmage, Margen, was my student back when he was at the Mage Tower. Thanks to that, he’s been helping me out with various things in the palace.”

 

“What? But you only joined the Mage Tower—no, the magic academy—when you were nineteen, weren’t you? You taught people before that?”

 

Being affiliated with the Mage Tower alone meant one was among the most powerful mages on the continent. Given Iskal’s age back then, Estina had assumed he must have been near the bottom of the hierarchy.

 

“Yeah. I was younger than him, but my magical ability was higher. I taught quite a few people besides Margen.”

 

Seeing the disbelief in Estina’s eyes, Iskal decided it was time.

 

“Hmm… Estina, can I tell you a secret?”

 

“A secret?”

 

“…I’m actually the Master of the Mage Tower.”

 

“What?!”

 

He spoke as casually as possible, but the revelation was anything but ordinary.

 

“After becoming Tower Master, I wrapped up the succession matters from the previous master and then went to the academy. I didn’t intend to take the position, but things just… turned out that way.”

 

He said it modestly, but everyone knew the Mage Tower selected its master strictly by ability. The weight of his true identity left Estina feeling as though she’d been struck on the head.

 

“But… when you came to the academy as a professor, it was famous that you brought a recommendation letter from the Tower Master…”

 

“Oh.”

 

Iskal grinned mischievously.

 

“I wrote that myself. It was a letter recommending me to myself.”

 

“What?!”

 

“It had to stay secret. Still, it was technically a recommendation from the Tower Master. And I taught well at the academy, didn’t I?”

 

That was true—he was widely known as an excellent professor. Still, the idea that he was the Tower Master was hard to grasp.

 

‘Is he joking…? Or lying?’

 

Sensing her doubt, Iskal chuckled.

 

“You don’t believe me. Understandable—it is a lot.”

 

“N–no, it’s not that, exactly…”

 

Estina waved her hands, but her flustered expression betrayed her. Watching her, Iskal suddenly grew serious and began unfastening the buttons of his shirt.

 

“Y–Your Highness…?”

 

As the fabric parted, his firm chest and defined muscles came into view. Estina’s heart began racing, her mind unable to process what was happening.

 

“Your Highness, why—”

 

She quickly turned her head away, but Iskal didn’t stop. He pulled the shirt open completely, revealing his left chest.

 

“Estina. Look.”

 

When she still didn’t turn back, he gently took her chin and guided her gaze forward. There, etched above his heart, was an unfamiliar symbol.

 

“This is…?”

 

It was the crest of the Mage Tower—the mark of its master.

 

“You know what this symbol means. And you know that a magical brand like this is entirely different from an ordinary tattoo.”

 

“Oh my… then it’s really…”

 

“Yes. It’s real. I may joke, but I don’t lie to you.”

 

He buttoned his shirt again and returned to his usual light tone.

 

“Anyway. Let’s eat. I’ll make something simple—don’t refuse.”

 

“Ah—yes. Okay.”

 

Still dazed, Estina followed him. Accepting the truth was difficult, but after seeing proof, disbelief seemed pointless.

 

The dinner Iskal prepared—soup, bread, and a meat stew—was simple but delicious. Eating a warm meal in a safe place made Estina feel as though she’d briefly returned to happier days.

 

 

***

 

 

That evening, as usual, Estina came to Iskal’s house after work. After dinner, the two drank tea and talked about their pasts.

 

“After I declared my renunciation of the throne, I stayed quietly at the grand ducal estate for a while. Or at least, I tried to live quietly. Assassins showed up now and then. Thanks to my uncle, it was rather… spectacular.”

 

He smiled as if recalling fond memories, but Estina couldn’t bring herself to smile.

 

“Assassins? When you were just a child?”

 

“He must have been that insecure about his claim. That’s why he did what he did to the Huga family too, don’t you think?”

 

“I suppose… that explains that madness.”

 

Thinking of the damage Euraxiz’s greed had caused made Estina sigh.

 

“One day, Duke Hertenes—your brother Barthias—came to see me. He knew I’d barely survived and that I had magic. He was a close friend of my father.”

 

“So that’s when he sent you to the Mage Tower. Why the Tower specifically?”

 

“The Tower is practically an independent state. It was the only place that wouldn’t fear sheltering someone threatened by the king. I was protected by the greatest mages there.”

 

“That was a wise decision.”

 

“It was. And not long after I arrived, I heard your niece Roabellin had been born. Honestly, I was relieved that you became part of the Huga branch. Otherwise… you might have ended up as Skark’s wife.”

 

“Please don’t say that.”

 

Estina shuddered.

 

“Haha. That boy still seems to be quietly driving his father mad.”

 

Though phrased gently, even Estina knew Iskal held Skark in very low regard.

 

As they talked, Estina remembered something from a few days earlier. She had left work earlier than usual that day and wandered toward the palace’s magic department while waiting for Iskal.

 

Near the high wall, she overheard a conversation.

 

“About that Advisor mage…”

 

“Grand Duke Lexton?”

 

“Shh. Why do you think he came back to the palace? Do you think he genuinely serves His Majesty?”

 

“He’s part of a cadet branch, but still royal. He might.”

 

“I don’t buy it. After losing his position, how could he truly be loyal?”

 

Their voices dropped further.

 

“Honestly, doesn’t he seem more fit to be king than the prince?”

 

“Obviously. Everyone thinks so—they just can’t say it out loud.”

 

The voices faded. Listening quietly, Estina nodded to herself.

 

‘So this is what he meant. Just his presence is enough to plant seeds of discord…’

 

Iskal looked at her thoughtfully.

 

“Estina. You seem troubled today. Something on your mind?”

 

“Ah… it’s nothing important.”

 

“If it’s nothing, then tell me anyway.”

 

He smiled gently. Encouraged, Estina spoke.

 

“I need a place to stay for a while.”

 

“Why? Aren’t you in the maid dormitory?”

 

“Yes, but the building is too old. They’ve declared it at risk of collapse, so they’re rebuilding.”

 

“I see.”

 

“They told us to find lodging near the palace during construction, but demand has skyrocketed. There’s nowhere suitable.”

 

After listening, Iskal spoke calmly.

 

“Then how about staying here?”

 

“Here?! At your house?”

 

“There’s a guest room.”

 

“But… there are no other servants. Just the two of us…”

 

“Yes. We’d live together.”

 

He smiled pleasantly. Estina covered her mouth in shock.

 

The guest room she’d seen before was more than suitable for a noble lady—private bath, elegant furnishings.

 

‘But still…’

 

Reading her hesitation, Iskal said softly, “Think of it as being housemates. We share the kitchen and living room, that’s all.”

 

“House… mates?”

 

“It’s something common folk do to save rent. Think of it like that. No pressure.”

 

His smile was gentle, almost innocent. It felt rude to suspect ulterior motives.

 

With few options, Estina finally nodded.

 

“Then… I’ll impose for a few months.”

 

At her awkward words, Iskal’s smile deepened.

 

 

***

 

 

Meanwhile, Itanistad and Count Raymond visited the same brothel as before. A woman at the entrance recognized Itanistad and greeted him warmly.

 

“Oh! You’re back? You said you wouldn’t come again! And you brought a handsome friend~”

 

“Good day. I hope you’ve been well.”

 

Uncomfortable with casual speech, Itanistad spoke politely even to commoners.

 

“So? Did you like the rumor we spread for you?”

 

“Ah… about that… I had some trouble because of it.”

 

“Then why so serious today?”

 

“We have another request.”

 

Inside, several women joined them.

 

“So what is it?”

 

“It’s embarrassing, but… I want to know when women fall for men. How to win a woman’s heart.”

 

The women burst into laughter.

 

“Why, got a lady you’re after?”

 

“With that face, who wouldn’t fall for you?”

 

“Just walk up and say ‘We’re dating now!’”

 

Laughing, they teased him. Blushing, he explained.

 

“Someone thinks I’m an expert and keeps asking for advice. I know nothing.”

 

“Because of the rumor?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Feeling responsible, the women agreed to help.

 

“If we started the rumor, we should make it true!”

 

They enthusiastically lectured the two men on emotional and physical intimacy. The studious young nobles took notes with sparkling eyes.

 

After thanking them, they left. Outside, Count Raymond suddenly stopped.

 

“Wait here a moment.”

 

“What?”

 

“I think I forgot something.”

 

He returned quickly.

 

“Did you find it?”

 

“Yes. Yes, I did. Let’s go.”

 

His reply was strangely stiff as they hurried away.

 

 

***

 

 

The day after Yulli received her new clothes, Kaisertern had rearranged his schedule days in advance and cleared his afternoon.

 

‘Baron Ratnen said I should create a comfortable time where it’s just the two of us. I wonder if Yulli will like a simple picnic like this. I hope she does.’

 

Believing firmly that Terick was a god of romance, Kaisertern had been following his advice in earnest, trying to win Yulli’s heart.

 

They agreed to finish their respective duties and meet separately at the entrance to the forest on the western side of the imperial palace.

 

Walking along the narrow path that led from the palace’s rear gate, Kaisertern felt his heart flutter in a way it hadn’t for a long time.

 

‘So this is what it feels like to go on a date…’

 

He remembered feeling the same way when he had gone to pick her up in front of the inn where she stayed during the festival.

 

Thinking of that time naturally brought back the memory of the moment she had vanished without a trace—how desolate he had felt, believing he might never see her again.

 

‘I won’t let you disappear in front of me ever again. I’ll never let you go.’

 

Contrary to his grim resolve, Yulli’s appearance today was fresh and light. She wore a pale sky-blue dress made of soft, flowing fabric. As maid attire, it was fairly simple, but she still looked like a fairy.

 

Against the backdrop of the lush green forest, her soft platinum-blond hair, pale violet eyes, and flawless, translucent skin shimmered beautifully. As usual, the dress was daringly low-cut at the chest—but today she wore a slightly stifling shawl over it.

 

It was something Kaisertern had had sent to her earlier through the head maid.

 

‘I can’t allow other men to look her over on the way here.’

 

Compared to her former black maid uniform, this dress was unquestionably prettier. Still, it felt utterly inadequate for her beauty.

 

‘Even this isn’t enough for Yulli.’

 

He found himself wanting, more than anything, to dress her in finery worthy of her grace and beauty as soon as possible.

 

“…Your Majesty.”

 

Yulli, who had arrived first, noticed Kaisertern approaching and bowed respectfully.

 

“You were early. Did you wait long?”

 

“No. But, Your Majesty—no picnic items were delivered to me. Was I mistaken?”

 

At her worried question, Kaisertern smiled lightly.

 

“No. I had everything prepared at the clearing in advance. We can go empty-handed.”

 

He wanted her to think of this not as work, but as a simple, enjoyable picnic, so he had arranged everything through palace staff ahead of time.

 

It was a smile she rarely saw. Without realizing it, Roabellin found herself staring. Lately, she had mostly seen him in the bedchamber. Perhaps that was why—seeing Kaisertern’s smile beneath the sunlight felt unfamiliar, and beautiful.

 

When expressionless, his eyes looked cold, sometimes even frightening.

 

‘When he smiles… it’s like the sunlight shines only on Kai…’

 

A warm breeze swept through the forest. Sunlight filtered through dense leaves, scattering in fragments that illuminated them both.

 

Then Roabellin realized she was openly staring at the emperor’s face and quickly lowered her head.

 

When her gaze left him, Kaisertern felt an inexplicable hollow open in his chest.

 

“…Let’s walk,” he said.

 

When Roabellin looked up, he offered her a faint smile again.

 

“The weather’s nice. Let’s take a stroll.”

 

They began walking slowly—Kaisertern ahead, Roabellin a step or two behind. After all, she was technically accompanying him as a maid.

 

After a few steps, Kaisertern stopped and half-turned toward her.

 

“Come to my side.”

 

She hesitated, then moved beside him.

 

“Don’t walk behind me. Walk next to me. I mean it—we’re walking together.”

 

Something warm and soft bloomed in Kaisertern’s chest as he looked at her standing beside him. Walking shoulder to shoulder, looking at the same view—it felt as though they were truly lovers.

 

Without a word, he reached out and took her hand.

 

Roabellin looked up at him, eyes wide in surprise. Kaisertern met her gaze briefly, then looked forward again, intertwining their fingers and holding her hand firmly.

 

“Kai…?”

 

She called him softly, flustered, but he continued walking at an easy pace. The faint smile on his lips shimmered in the dappled sunlight.

 

They had already spent the night together. And yet—why did simply holding hands, fingers interlaced, make her heart race so strangely?

 

After walking in silence for a while, Kaisertern spoke casually, eyes still forward.

 

“Do you know why I brought you here?”

 

“No. Because it’s a nice place for a walk?”

 

“That too, but…”

 

He glanced down at her with warm eyes and continued.

 

“This place is called the Lovers’ Forest. Since ancient times, emperors brought their lovers here, which is how it got its name. Now, it’s where emperors bring the person they intend to marry—or someone they have their eye on. They say that couples who date here are bound together in love for life.”

 

‘He brought me to a place like that…?’

 

Roabellin couldn’t ask why. Couldn’t ask whether his feelings truly ran that deep.

 

She felt that the moment she heard his answer, she would be forever bound to this palace.

 

“……”

 

In the quiet forest—filled only with birdsong and the rustling of leaves—only their hearts pounded loudly.

 

Soon, they arrived at a clearing in the middle of the forest. Just as he’d said, a mat was spread out in a perfect spot, with a large picnic basket on top.

 

Roabellin quickly let go of his hand and opened the basket.

 

“Wow…”

 

Inside were neatly packed sandwiches, fruit juice, cake, fruit—an impressive spread.

 

As she began taking items out, Kaisertern approached and helped. Startled, Roabellin tried to stop him.

 

“I’ll do that, Your Majesty. You shouldn’t—”

 

“I will.”

 

He didn’t let her finish.

 

“We didn’t come here as emperor and maid.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

“I’m not an emperor here. I’m just a man named Kai, on a date with a woman named Yulli.”

 

“But—”

 

“Emperor or not, I’m still Kaisertern. And here, forget that you’re a maid. Just treat me comfortably, like during the Vincent Festival. Even if you make a mistake, I’ll let it go.”

 

At that point, she couldn’t resist any longer.

 

“…Alright. Kai.”

 

Kaisertern smiled and handed her a plate and napkin. It felt awkward—this was the first time he’d ever tended to someone else like this.

 

Still, today he intended to match the ways of Yulli, who called herself a commoner. He had heard that among commoners, men devotedly catered to women during dates.

 

“Th-thank you, Kai.”

 

Seeing her awkward reaction, he wondered if he was doing it wrong.

 

‘Is this not it? I should meet Baron Ratnen again and ask more.’

 

Thinking of Terick, he looked at Yulli thoughtfully—then suddenly spoke.

 

“You can take it off now.”

 

“What?! Take off—what?”

 

Her pupils shook as if from an earthquake. Kaisertern continued calmly.

 

“The shawl. I had you wear it so no other men would stare at you on the way here.”

 

“Oh…”

 

Relieved that he didn’t mean her clothes entirely, she still hesitated. The dress’s design was… bold.

 

When she lingered, Kaisertern said leisurely, “Do I need to take it off for you?”

 

“N-no!”

 

She hurriedly removed the thick shawl, revealing the daring dress beneath.

 

“……”

 

He thought he had built up immunity after seeing her in similar clothes yesterday.

 

‘Apparently… not yet.’

 

His gaze locked onto her, his heart malfunctioning.

 

Just then, he noticed a small raccoon peeking around behind her, which finally broke his stare.

 

Hearing a rustle, Roabellin turned and spotted it. Drawn by the smell of food, the raccoon boldly held out its paws like a person.

 

“Oh my, how cute! Do you want this sandwich?”

 

As she reached out, another raccoon darted in from behind. Focused on the first, Roabellin didn’t notice the second until it lunged in.

 

“Wait—!”

 

“Ah!”

 

Startled, she stumbled backward.

 

When she opened her eyes, the raccoons were already gone—sandwich in tow—and Kaisertern’s face was inches from hers.

 

When the raccoon rushed her, he had instinctively moved to protect her.

 

One arm wrapped around her waist, the other braced against the ground beside her.

 

Though the raccoons were gone, he drew even closer, still hovering over her.

 

“Kai…?”

 

Her voice trembled. Their hearts and breaths shook uncontrollably.

 

Kaisertern tilted his head, moving toward her lips—but Roabellin, startled, turned her face slightly away.

 

“This is outside! What if someone sees—?”

 

Unlike her, Kaisertern remained calm.

 

“There’s no one else here. I made sure no one could enter.”

 

With that, he kissed her.

 

Caught off guard, Roabellin accepted the kiss. His lips brushed hers gently at first, then parted them. A soft, dizzying sensation bloomed in her mouth and spread through her body.

 

It was their fourth kiss.

 

Yet she couldn’t grow used to it.

 

The exhilarating, intoxicating feeling left her dazed.

 

“Mmh…”

 

As he kissed her, his hand slowly traced her body. Wherever he touched, heat blossomed.

 

He slowly lowered her to the ground, moving so gently that in her daze, she barely realized she was lying down with him above her.

 

His hand, moving along her upper body, began to slip her dress from her shoulder.

 

‘…!’

 

Feeling exposed, Roabellin snapped back to her senses and pushed against his chest.

 

“What—what are you doing?!”

 

Only after shouting did she remember he was the emperor. But his expression didn’t change—if anything, there was a hint of regret.

 

“Why? Is it not allowed?”

 

“This is—this is outside! Even if no one’s here—!”

 

She spoke in a panic, but Kaisertern simply nodded.

 

“So you’re uneasy outdoors. Then we’ll continue indoors.”

 

“…What?!”

 

“Let’s go to the imperial bedchamber. Now. Or there’s somewhere closer—”

 

“That’s not the issue!”

 

“Why? We’ve already done it. You liked it then—do you dislike it now?”

 

His expression turned serious.

 

“That’s not—no! We didn’t!”

 

She protested desperately, but Kaisertern scoffed.

 

“Don’t be ridiculous. Let’s be honest. We did. Many times. I was wondering whether you’d conceived. I was concerned I might be overworking a pregnant woman.”

 

“….”

 

At his blunt words, Roabellin stared, mouth slightly open.

 

Before facts they both knew, she couldn’t keep lying—especially before those golden eyes that seemed to see through her entirely.

 

“…Probably not.”

 

“Why do you think that?”

 

“I took contraceptives that day.”

 

His eyebrow lifted.

 

Normally, a woman would insist she’d slept with the emperor even if she hadn’t. Or say it was too early to tell.

 

But she kept pushing him away.

 

“Is there a woman who uses contraception when sleeping with the emperor?”

 

Hurt darkened his face.

 

‘You really meant to end everything that night.’

 

Seeing his expression darken, Roabellin shrank back—but she had her own defense.

 

“I didn’t know you were the emperor that night…”

 

He let out a hollow laugh.

 

“Right. You stood before me and said you’d seduce the emperor. You said, in front of the man who wanted you, that you’d go to another man. Cruel words.”

 

“At the time… I didn’t know Kai wanted me…”

 

“Is that so? Then perhaps I wasn’t clear enough. I’ll say it plainly now.”

 

Indirect speech was never Kaisertern’s way.

 

“I wanted you then, and I want you now. Your heart. Your body. All of you.”