“That’s true. The Empress is genuine. Even if the mark is slightly invisible, it won’t be an issue. The annoying thing is those priests poking around when they can’t even find a place to die, not the trial.”

Serben clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“All well and good. But if you two are intentionally doing this, would His Majesty have turned into a wall clock by now?”

“Ah…”

“That’s…true.”

The shadow knights dropped their shoulders, their faces drained of energy.

“Then…as much as I hate to consider it, does the Empress truly dislike His Majesty, despite being his consort?”

Saying so, Riyan harshly yanked at his own bangs.

“Damn it. I was sure the Empress’s heart was also moving…No, that has to be it. You saw it too, Serben. On the first day of Blue Moon.”

“Ah…I saw.”

The Empress had embraced the transformed Emperor all night long. She had even meticulously wiped his fatiguedrenched face.

“Isn’t that something you can’t do if you’re not a consort? Don’t you think so?”

“Then, does she need more time…?”

Serben shook his head left and right. He felt as though pondering too much would give him a headache.

“Four years might still be too early to forget a former lover…or something like that.”

“You mean Count Pielleon? …Damn. Comparing His Majesty with that sort of character. He might look decent at first glance, but doesn’t even come close to His Majesty’s toes when you dissect him.”

“The gracious Empress might evaluate inner beauty over appearance.”

“Have you seen Count Pielleon’s inner beauty? Are you sure it’s beautiful?”

“Not really, but…can you guarantee His Majesty’s inner beauty surpasses the Count’s?”

“Uh, well…Let’s drop that topic.”

“Agreed.”

Dekan, who had been silently listening to the two, brought up a practical issue.

“Then, do we just watch the trial unfold? We still haven’t figured out what the Knights of Saint Marlik are up to. Or what is happening in the temple.”

“Ah, right.”

“We’re flying blind right now. Even if the trial doesn’t put the Empress in a difficult position, as long as we don’t know their intentions, unexpected variables could still arise.”

“That’s also true.”

The shadow knights became serious.

“The Shield is still operational, right? You’re not neglecting it because you’ve been demoted, are you?”

“There’s no such issue.”

“Good, well. That’s probably not happening. But right now, the Shield is the only thing we can rely on. How much you guys find out is crucial.”

“The burden on my shoulders is heavy. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Let’s all head back then. We can’t be away for too long.”

At that, Riyan grabbed onto Serben’s hem and made a face as if about to cry.

“Serben, just for today, let’s switch. I have no confidence in looking after Her Majesty.”

“Do you think looking after the Empress will be any different?”

“No, but the atmosphere would still be better there. They have kind maids and the fiery Phoenix Lord.”

“I’ve been demoted anyway. I can’t even be near her; I just loiter in the hallways.”

“Tsk.”

Riyan clicked her tongue and reluctantly lifted her buttocks.

“Sigh… I don’t want to go. I don’t want to see the broken Empress. I really don’t.”

“I can’t accommodate your whims. Go on now.”

“Sigh. I don’t want to.”

Riyan walked slowly, heading towards the Imperial Palace.

The other two also reluctantly turned and headed to their respective places.

(This is a time separator.)

During the time I stared at the sunset through the window, a doze overcame me.

The nap brought dreams.

[Dash]It won’t be that simple.

My palm was scaleless. It was the only part of my body that could safely touch without causing injury.

I faced my palm to theirs and smiled.

[Dash]It’s a matter of being bound by my blood. Unforeseen consequences may occur on human flesh.

The golden eye of the nameless demon was exactly the same as before.

It looked at the one and only thing in the world as if it were dear and earnest.

[Dash]You might suffer, you might become similar to me.

But that’s fine.

I moved the palms facing each other. The skin frictions felt ticklish yet warm.

This is how I want to touch you, entirely.

[Dash]…you bring me a sense I never knew I had.

Isn’t that a good thing?

[Dash]No, it’s troubling. Just like this moment.

His black scales hid all expressions, making me wonder what his expression would be when he fully turned human.

Somehow, I thought his ears might turn a bit red when saying he’s troubled.

[Dash]I want to be human, but I don’t want to see you in pain for it.

I wanted specifics. How much pain? Could I bear it?

[Dash]I’m not certain either. But there’s one thing I hope you won’t resemble.

And what’s that?

[Dash]It will cause you immense pain.

I knew he was sincere by the look in his eyes that seemed painful.

So, what is it?

[Dash]It is…,

That’s when Pippi’s voice briefly interrupted my sleep.

“Beep!”

“Ah, shh. Shh.”

When Yvette whispered with her finger to her lips, Pippi also shut up.

I felt a blanket gently laid on me. I wanted to let them know I was awake but my body felt too heavy. It seemed alright to continue sleeping.

But then, I heard this.

[Dash]Sigh, I really don’t know. Did Her Majesty really hate to kiss His Majesty that much? To even consider going to trial, it’s just unthinkable… Is it really because she can’t forget the Earl of Pielion as rumors say?

I couldn’t keep my eyes shut any longer at that point.

“Princess.”

Rasilia opened her eyes and called Yvette.

“My lady, Her Majesty the Empress, are you awake?”

“Who’s spreading such rumors? Did you hear it in the palace?”