“So in the Empire, that’s what it means?”

“Yes.”

“So you and Luhan are close?”

“Uh. Close? He did save me, and I couldn’t use my real name, so.”

Latifa answered, tilting her head.

“I……”

At her nonchalant response, he tried to say something but held back, saying nothing.

And then suddenly he spat out.

“……You’re so full of yourself!”

“Huh?”

“You’re so full of yourself!”

He rose from his seat, seeming in a bad mood.

‘What did I say wrong? Why does he look so annoyed?’

But mulling over her questions and answers, she felt she hadn’t done anything particularly wrong.

Of course, who could read the twisted mind of the General?

“I won’t question Yanan for punishment. That was the agreement.”

He spoke as he walked out of the bedroom door.

‘Phew, what a relief.’

Latifa let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

“But.”

But?

“You can’t escape your punishment.”

“My punishment?”

“Wasn’t the only condition that ‘Yanan’ goes unpunished? You, who foolishly followed Yanan, got lost, and were captured by thugs, thereby tarnishing the General’s honor, don’t you have some responsibility?”

I don’t think I do!

Though she wanted to shout that in tears, seeing Hades’ scowling face, she felt it was best to hold back. So, Latifa let out a small sigh and conceded.

“Fine. I’ll take any punishment.”

“Any punishment?”

The corners of Hades’ mouth began to lift ominously.

Latifa pleaded with Yanan, her voice tinged with a sob.

“Yanan……. This really isn’t right.”
“Miss Latifa always makes a fuss about trivial matters. You know there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Latifa tried her best to look pitiful, but Yanan firmly declined, placing an ornate headdress on her head.

“I’m so embarrassed!”

Eventually, Latifa covered her face with both hands.

Hades’ punishment was truly absurd.

It was to roam the expansive grounds of the Khaled estate every hour, dressed as splendidly as a goddess. She even had to wave at the servants and smile like a goddess.

Before lunch, she toured the southern guesthouse and nearly died of embarrassment under the piercing gazes of all the servants.

Unlike the dim atmosphere and distance from the audience during the Frau appointment ceremony, here it was bright, and the servants passed closely by, making it even more embarrassing.

“Such an easy punishment, Lord Hades is indeed peculiar.”

“Easy? Then you try it, Yanan!”

“I’m too old for this.”

She was subtly firm at times like this.

“Milord! The floral crown is ready!”

A maidservant handed her a large floral crown, bursting with pink dahlias, white daisies, and blooming sweet peas.

“Ah, it’s beautiful. Please take off the one you’re wearing, Miss Latifa.”

“Again, another one?!”

“In the evening you have to wear a different floral crown, and change your clothes.”

Startled, Latifa removed the large floral crown slung across her shoulder and replaced it with the newlymade one.

“Lord Hades has been making efforts in various ateliers lately. He insists on creating the best jewelry and costumes for you.”

“Tell Hades to stop, Yanan. It’s already too much! Right now, next to my chamber, untried clothes are piled up in chests!”

“Miss Latifa, this is Khaled.”

With a confident smile, Yanan adjusted Latifa’s clothes.

Resigned, Latifa had no choice but to accept it, hearing ‘This is Khaled.’

“Ah, you are so beautiful. No wonder Lord Hades is smitten.”

“Truly, as if Calende herself descended from the heavens.”

The maids looked at Latifa, standing like a goddess, and murmured in awe.

“Now, let’s move on to the northern guesthouse.”

‘Why does it take all day just to tour a single house!’

They walked down a corridor paved with turquoise stones connecting the center of the Khaled estate and headed north. Latifa listened to Yanan describe each corner, enduring the fervent and reverent exclamations of the servants.

“Oh, look there, a goddess!”

“Did you hear that she saved someone’s life today at the royal palace?”

“Of course! Stopping Lord Hades? What a remarkable woman!”

Confused, Latifa shot Yanan a questioning glance.

“Why do they like me so much? They know I’m not a real goddess.”

“Our desert people are instinctively drawn to strength. You’ve shown strength, they can’t help but be attracted.”

‘Because I tamed a lion?’

She wasn’t convinced, but Latifa continued to tour the place, following Yanan. Until now, she had only been around Hades’ eastern bedroom and where the lions were, and hadn’t properly toured the house.

It was embarrassing, but she did enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Khaled estate.

Beneath octagonal stone roofs, white sand bricks were stacked, exuding a restrained beauty. Each area had its own unique, ornate archways, making it fun to look at.

Especially, she was lost in the intricate, dizzying arabesque patterns carved in relief on the splendid ceilings, almost falling into the canal beneath her feet as a result.
“I thought deserts would be devoid of water, but there’s abundant groundwater.”

The meticulously maintained canal flowed with water so clear it reflected faces. Just then, Hades and another man were approaching from the opposite side of the canal, talking loudly.

“We finished renovating this area at the end of last year, and the repairs over there are also perfect. We had to rush the construction of the stadium recently, so the eastern garden got messed up, but it’ll be fine once we do some landscaping.”

“Ah, General Hades!”

As Latifa called out to him, the chattering man looked at Latifa and Yanan and grinned. Yanan shook his head as if annoyed and spoke to Latifa.

“That man is Lukwan. He’s in charge of the male servants… and a bit immature.”

“Ha, Sister Yanan still sees me as a 7yearold. I’ve been serving the Caleb family for over 30 years, and she calls me immature.”

Lukwan spoke jovially from across the canal. Yanan bowed his head slightly to Hades and spoke politely.

“Sir Hades is currently carrying out the punishment of Frau as ordered.”

“Up close, you really are a beautiful woman. Your white skin is really fascinating. You’re truly beautiful. From now on, I should worship you as a goddess.”

At Lukwan’s cheeky comment, Hades swiftly retorted.

“She’s not your goddess; she’s my goddess.”

At the impactful statement, Lukwan immediately shut his mouth.

“You two go on. From now on, I’ll be the one to attend to the goddess.”

And without hesitation, Hades leapt into the canal that was blocking their way.