Ru looked at Melpheus with surprised eyes. He smiled subtly as he glanced at Ru while inspecting the contents of the wine glass.

“Surprised? But after watching humans for a long time, Young One will learn. People don’t change much and usually become the same as their foolish parents, especially in societies that reject other regions so narrowly.”

As a North Sage and someone who opposed Carlos, it seemed that Melpheus had suffered a lot, which was natural.

“Educational institutions are the best in the East, naturally, husbands and wives are also the best in the East, and everything is so superior that even water accumulates and rots only in the East.”

“People here probably don’t think like that.”

“‘I’ may not think that way. But it’s a fact.”

Melpheus smiled faintly and looked at Hayden.

“If you have to deal with people with narrow views and inflated egos, Your Majesty, you will inevitably feel a lot of disgust. Then you’ll grumble, and eventually, you’ll get used to it.”

Ru thought that perhaps that was why Melpheus kept saying he would resign and had to resign.

“I endured it. I didn’t just look at the East; there was also the North, Central, and West. If I can break down the barriers and restore the balance ruined by Carlos, this will end.”

The man who had endured for 430 years had finally found the one to restore the balance and joyfully placed him on the throne.

“But I wonder if Your Imperial Majesty will endure it or how you will react.”

Melpheus had too many reasons to endure, but Hayden had no reason to endure at all.

To Melpheus, it seemed to be a problem, but at the same time, he somehow smiled as if he were enjoying it.

“Young One.”

After Hayden and Melpheus exchanged various conversations, he immediately took Ru and walked into the palace.

“Have you seen enough of the sea?”

He asked, tousling his hair and scattering the style he had fixed. There were no people around, so his tone rose immediately.

But because it was a palace, there were many silent maids, stewards, and knights. Ru answered while glancing around.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I wanted to go together, but I’m sorry I’m too busy. What should we do?”

“It’s okay.”

With a slightly stiff and formal tone, Hayden looked down at her without undoing the buttons around her frustrating neck.

“Oh, is it because there are people around?”

They were all people Hayden was tightly holding onto. There was nothing to worry about, but Ru was careful.

“No one would want to hear that, Your Majesty.”

“Well, speak as you please. I’ll adjust to Ru, as it should be. It would be good to behave as naturally as when we first met, but our knight probably cares a lot about people’s eyes.”

Hayden, more than anyone, spoke freely to Ru.
The tone of speaking, all gentle and friendly, sounded as if Hayden casually acknowledged and treated Ru as someone even more precious and higher than himself. Ru, who had just managed to calm her fluttering heart, was momentarily lost on where to look because it was embarrassing.

“Why? Do you dislike it?”

“It’s the first time I’ve heard someone like Your Imperial Majesty saying such things, so I was a bit surprised.”

“I’ve never encountered someone who goes up and down with their words either.”

He joked while unbuttoning the short coat that reached his waist. As the wind blew, the clothes fluttered to the extent that the upper part inside the outerwear was exposed, and Hayden sighed.

Although Ru hadn’t explicitly shown it until now, she realized that he strongly disliked restrictive clothing.

“I want to show you something. I have to give it to you before the banquet tomorrow.”

What? Ru asked with her eyes. Instead of answering, he looked around and stopped walking.

Quietly, water spouted from the fountain, and in the open hall leading to the butterfly-filled garden, there was no one.

Hayden took out a soft velvet pouch from the inner pocket. It was small, and he seemed a bit embarrassed.

“Sorry. I couldn’t find the appropriate box because I finished it late.”

“What are you giving me now?”

He simply extended it to Ru, who asked carefully.

“It serves the same purpose as the earrings you’re wearing now. Take it quickly.”

The pearl earrings, the pearl brooch she received along with them, and the emerald bracelet were all enchanted with protective spells. Ru opened the pouch.

“Because of the rough handling by the jeweler this time, I’m worried about the eyes, ears, and the nearby head. Make sure to wear it.”

She considered other excuses, but this excuse seemed to be the best, so she poured it out at once.

Hayden glanced at Ru, waiting for her reaction. Dislike? It could be annoying since he kept hugging her, or she might find it strange and dislike it. She wished he liked it, but maybe he would dislike it because it was too flashy? In front of the anxious Emperor, Ru admired instead of answering in a steady manner.

“…Wow.”

It was a hair ornament that intricately intertwined pearls, diamonds shaped like leaves, and spread them out. It was a delicate piece made with excellent craftsmanship.