His lips, smooth yet firm, shattered against hers, igniting a heat within her.

‘Yes, we’re just… wiping off blood…’

In Hades’ low and sweet voice was a strange persuasive power. When he said something would happen, it felt as if it would.

Whether it was translation work he asked of her, taming lions, or even making it rain, it all seemed possible.

If he told her she was a goddess, then she became one.

Just like now.

This is nothing but wiping off blood, he had said.

Gradually, even the hesitant Latifa began to relax.

“Hmm.”

Latifa, who had been already unsteady, felt her legs give way and she leaned towards Hades.

Hades held her waist firmly, continuing to share his warm breath.

In the swirling hot wind, the only pillar Latifa could lean on was Hades himself.

She clung tighter around his neck, momentarily forgetting the stale scent of dried blood, and quietly accepted the lips of the man hotter than scorched sand.

Boom, boom, the drumbeats from outside accelerated.

And as those beats reached a frantic pace, so did their breaths.

Only after the climactic drumbeats ceased did he finally part his lips.
The droplet of blood that had solidified on his lips seemed to melt away, briefly glistening as a thin red line before vanishing.

“Sigh.”

‘His actions are as unpredictable as a desert whirlwind. General Hades really leaves you at a loss.’

As soon as their crimson kiss ended, Latifa Glaesia felt the limit of her sustained mental strength and leaned her head against Hades Caleb Ignite’s chest, staggering slightly.

Confused about what expression to wear, she looked down, taking deep breaths, only to hear Hades murmuring in a playful tone near her ear.

“Let’s see. A valuable box of pearls as compensation for the emperor’s glory. Subtracting the price of a basket of fresh pomelos. You also took the expensive golden lion, so we have to discount that. Plus, you’ve harmed royalty. It’s hard to escape punishment as long as Iota is holding on. I have to subtract my effort too…”

“What… what are you talking about?”

Startled by Hades’ sudden calculations, Latifa questioned him.

“Despite all these losses, I’ve welcomed the Moon Goddess Calende as my Frau, so it can’t be a bad deal.”

Hades, wearing a small smile, held Latifa in his arms and leisurely walked deeper into the mansion.

In the opposite direction from the stadium, where the night’s feast continued amidst fervor.

As she stepped into the archway connected to the outside, the loosened night air of the Grand Bazaar blew in warmly.

Latifa sneakily lifted her head to look at him. Under the soft moonlight, Hades’ expression seemed completely relaxed.

Seeing his relieved expression made her feel a small sense of relief as well.

‘Sigh. The appointment ceremony is finally over. I really want to rest…’

Soon, Latifa’s blue eyes began to droop. Still trying to calm her pounding heart, she prayed to the sky.

Throughout this tiring desert night, her eyes remained closed.

Please, let nothing happen.

A harem maiden hurriedly ran through the inner corridors of the harem palace.

“Iota! Iota!”

Entering a white stone building, the largest and most beautiful among the harem palaces, the maiden spoke urgently to the bathing attendants.

“Quickly, inform Iota!”

She hurriedly approached Iota, who was lying on a central stone, receiving a massage.

The air in her hamam was always filled with the fragrance of freshly picked roses, as if hundreds of petals had been used to make just a single drop of rose water.

Kneeling respectfully, the maiden waited for Iota’s languid hand wave before speaking.

Understanding the cue, the other women hurriedly removed the breakable ceramic and colorful glass fragrance bottles.

“Iota, I regret to bring such news under oath to the guardians of the desert. Please forgive me for having to convey such disrespectful words.”

At that, Iota slowly sat up and wiped her body with a highquality fabric towel.

Her skin was smooth, a pleasing deep honey tone, her hair flowing down like black silk.

“Forgiven. Speak your purpose quickly.”

The maiden lowered her head in response to Iota’s permission and finally spoke.

“Prince Tarek…! Prince Tarek has been seriously injured at General Hades’ banquet!”

“What?!”

Iota leapt to her feet, shouting, and all the surrounding maids lowered their heads in submission.
“It was… General Hades unleashed a golden lion at the banquet, and Prince Tarek, lured by his provocation, stepped forth to capture it, only to be… injured on his shoulder by the lion’s claw.”

Upon hearing that Tarek was hurt, all the maids trembled as they awaited the next royal decree.

However, strangely, no word came from Iota.

Instead.

“Ah… my son, Tarek.”

Iota chose a much quieter and more efficient approach than issuing a royal decree and rampaging.

“Ah! Lord Iota!”

“Lord Iota! Guardians! Lord Iota! Come to your senses! Quick, summon the doctor! Lord Iota! You, go and inform the Sultan!”

On the luxurious and refined gold and silver tiled floor, crafted by the hands of many artisans, lay Iota, her black hair beautifully scattered.