“Oh, Ruhan seems to have a lot to do this year. Managing the theater is quite complicated, isn’t it? I hope Tarek will help with some work while staying at the main palace. Ruhan probably hasn’t been able to enjoy the festival every year because of his duties, so I hope you also enjoy the festival for about a year.”

“Sire, you’re very busy. How can I enjoy it alone, Father!”

Ruhan said, lowering his head in surprise.

If Tarek took over the responsibilities I handled every year, it was definitely not a good omen for Ruhan to become the Sultan.

“It’s not just about enjoying it. It’s about giving you a chance to properly study the entertainment business at the Grand Bazaar. It’s more lawless than you think. Moreover, as a desert man, isn’t ‘The Heroic Tale of Harcept’ something everyone loves? There’s also a lot of expectation for the caravan.”

Since Rashid firmly blocked the way like a wall, Ruhan realized that he had no choice but to remain silent.

Tarek looked a bit puzzled, glancing around cautiously.

The former Tarek would have readily accepted the proposal, but now he hesitated, realizing that if he stayed at the main palace, he wouldn’t be able to see Aris.

“……I understand. I’ll study hard, Father.”

In the end, looking at Tarek nodding, Ruhan chewed on his own words.

He had to become a Sultan.

He had to become a Sultan quickly to go find her.

In the twilight of the past, it was Ruhan who stroked the forepaws of a confused rabbit, remembering the sight of Latifa, who was nestled in Hades’ arms, kissing her.

Desert princes who could have any woman at their disposal but were now a step away from the women they desired.

Perhaps suffering from the madness of love was a tradition of the Basilie Dynasty.

“Princess didn’t come today. We haven’t even chosen what clothes to wear yet… You didn’t make her not come, did you?”

When Latifa looked at Hades, who was calmly reading military laws, he nonchalantly threw a grape into his mouth as if he didn’t care.

“Did that princess not come because I told her not to?”

“Right.”

Latifa completely agreed with that statement, leaning over the marble railing and admiring the royal palace.

It was the Grand Bazaar’s royal palace, which she never got tired of seeing.

‘When I was in the harem, was it because of my maid’s status? Back then, I just wanted to escape…’

“Hades, what do you want to do in Merkatus?”

Hades remained silent in response to Latifa’s question.

Latifa changed her question.

“Do you have so many things you want to do that you can’t answer, or is it that you have nothing you want to do, so you can’t answer?”
Looking across the hallways of the palace where the courtiers wandered, she waited for his response.

“Merkatus is a period of reinforced security. We must be prepared for drunken people, petty thieves, foreigners wearing disguises, and all sorts of incidents. Where many people gather, incidents often occur.”

“Oh, you were a general? You seem idle every day, so I forgot.”

“We also need to assist in guarding Ruhan’s theater area. As a madman, I should also cause some incidents.”

“Can I help? I can handle most animals by now.”

When asked if there was anything to do, Hades, putting down the book he was reading, approached Latifa and sat down beside her.

“Latifa.”

Hades called Latifa in a low tone, tousling her silvery hair again. After neglecting it a few times because it was annoying, it seemed to be quite enjoyable lately.

“As you said, I am a soldier. After Merkatus passes, I will be mobilized as the guard of the caravan, and I have to leave the estate for a while.”

“Leaving?”

As Latifa smelled the slightly fresh scent mixed with the soil and sand emanating from his clothes or the fragrance used in the palace laundry, her nose felt ticklish.

“Many bandit groups target caravans that make a fortune and leave during Merkatus. Even if the estate is empty, I believe Yanan can handle it well, but with you being so foolish, I can’t put my mind at ease.”

Even with Latifa’s head bowed over the railing, his gentle touch on her scattered hair didn’t alleviate the tickling sensation in her nose.

“…When are you leaving?”

He chuckled at her question.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Isn’t it out of order to ask when I’m leaving? You’re already showing signs of being upset just because your master is leaving?”

At his teasing words, Latifa’s face suddenly turned red.

“Ah, you’re leaving a foolish woman like me behind.”

With laughter stopped, he gently pushed aside Latifa’s hair that had fallen out of place, his voice majestic as he continued.

“Now, you. The spark among sparks, Ignite, I will give you an important mission, Fraulein.”

In Hades’ eyes, large black flames flickered, all directed solely at Latifa.

Latifa was no longer afraid of those eyes and could now face them directly with a smile.

With an imposing tone, Hades continued to speak, tousling Latifa’s hair again with his soft touch.

“Bid my fortune. Along with that, I will grant you all the authority of Callep’s estate, including command, punishment, and financial power, which I cannot handle in my absence.”

“Hades, what is this…! What… do you mean?”

Faced with Hades’ extraordinary words, Latifa took a step back.

Praying for a man’s fortune and leading a pack of wolves. Those were tasks suitable for the Lord of Callep!

“This means all the authority of Callep’s estate, including command, punishment, and financial power. It is consistent with the obligation for you to guard Callep’s estate in my absence, the most difficult and challenging task.”

Punishment and financial power as well. Hades had truly transferred to Latifa the power of the ruler of Callep, just like the lord of an estate.

Hades chuckled and whispered in her ear, continuing to laugh.

“Now that all of Callep’s eyes are on you, do not think of running away during my absence.”

“Hades, this is too much! This is going too far…!”

“I said I would listen to anything you say first.”

Without being able to say anything, Hades lifted the bewildered Latifa from her seat and stared at her with his blue eyes, paying attention to the fine lines around her eyes.
“If I were to easily explain it to you, it means that anyone you don’t like can be easily swept away.”

“I don’t do such things!”

Even amidst his serious tone, he threw a joke, and when I shouted in disbelief, he casually swept his bangs to the side and said, “I just wanted something to do, is it too cunning?”

At that moment, another person popped out beside them.

“Ah, Hades. Your proposals are quite peculiar. Is it a proposal? Anyway, you’re Callep’s Fraulein. I’ve enjoyed some things from Callep in the past, so just accept it and enjoy.”

“Eek!”

Surprised by the sudden appearance of the woman, Latifa jumped into Hades’ arms.

On the white railing, a brown-haired woman with a cute smile, her chin resting on it, was watching them.

“How about the three of us having a drink together, my troublesome nephew? I brought a top-secret item with me.”