In response to a playful remark, Ines chuckled. Winter in the capital, located in the central part of the empire, was milder than in other regions. The still-blooming flowers made the seasonal changes seem insignificant.

The beautiful garden unfolding outside the window, along with her, seemed like a painting.

The static yet lively scene strangely quickened his heart.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Eyes brimming with laughter finally turned towards him. He shrugged.

Nonetheless, Carson’s breath caught in his chest, even at this moment of casual conversation.

“Well, maybe time doesn’t flow smoothly.”

The artwork within reach if he stretched his hand was, like the painting or Ines, untouchable.

The imminent issue of the Swenden family becoming the lord of Landhill was expected to cause a stir in the capital. Today’s meeting, instead of the one originally planned, would undoubtedly focus on that agenda. Just the thought of spending hours on it already gave him a headache.

“Ines.”

“Yes?”

As he called her with gravity, she completely averted her eyes from the documents and looked at Carson. When their eyes met, the hearts beating towards each other raced as if in competition.

Ines took a deep breath. And now, she seriously contemplated whether she needed a separate place to work.

Even though he was momentarily acting like a relaxed person, Carson had been busy all along. The move to the imperial palace and the overwhelming workload for the past few days left him with little sleep. The more so, Ines was also engrossed in her work. It was all because she wanted to be of help to him, even if just a little.

However, in the midst of work, Ines kept missing things.

It was occasionally unbelievable to witness his focused demeanor so closely. At this rate, it seemed like her heart might not survive.

“If… someone were to hold your hand and run.”

“Am I running holding my hand? Who is it?”

“It’s just a hypothetical situation.”

Ines nodded.

“Anyway, think about it. You’re not good at running. But if that person grabs your arm and runs, what do you think will happen to you?”

“Well, of course…”

“Of course?”

Unconsciously swallowing dry saliva, Carson looked piercingly at Ines.

“I’ll let go of your hand.”

“Why?”

“Because that person wouldn’t fall because of me. I don’t like that kind of thing.”

It seemed like a delusion as Carson briefly stared at Ines.

“What’s so easy about being a Swenden lord?”

“What?”

“Don’t you want to run together?”

“Well, first, I don’t think I run well. I don’t want someone to get hurt because of me. Moreover, I don’t want to go further because of my incompetence.”

It was a decision truly characteristic of Ines.

“What if that’s what they want?”

“The person who holds my hand?”

“Yeah, if I suggest going together?”

Ines suddenly started seriously contemplating the unforeseen event. The thought of Carson just leaving if she let go of his hand made her anxious.

“Then… let’s practice from today.”

“What?”

“How to run. No matter what method, we’ll run together.”

“Do I have to wait for you again?”

“Yes, so don’t leave me alone until I get faster.”

When Ines laughed heartily, Carson was left speechless. Despite not intentionally acting cute, her heart tingled. It’s amazing how well she said to wait while shining so brightly.

“Just hold my hand and roll anywhere, even in a ditch.”

“I’m okay, but Her Majesty can’t roll in a ditch because of me.”

Looking at Ines, who consistently made frustrating remarks, Carson rubbed his face with his dry hand.

The movements of the nobles were peculiar. Although he held military power, he couldn’t act recklessly. Yet, the events orchestrated by the old foxes always exceeded his imagination.
It was natural for Ines Swenden to consider Swenden’s elevation to the Lord of Landhill as a cornerstone for making Ines Swenden the Empress.

The more privileged the nobility, the less they cared about national affairs and focused solely on their safety and interests. As if it were a given.

Just thinking like that made her age quickly, and her perceptiveness was keen in that regard.

For Swenden to become a marquis, his name had to be inscribed in the temple. After that, a temporary organization would be formed to select the Empress.

Since Carson’s influence would play a role, naturally, Ines was expected to be a candidate.

However, from Carson’s perspective, it was a task that would take a very long time.

So, as long as she prepared to roll with him, Carson’s problem would be solved, whether Ines became his concubine or anything else.

Although she couldn’t immediately ascend to the position of Empress, having a child could expedite things more than planned.

Carson felt his patience ebbing away.

Now that there was no more upward movement for him, there were no variables. In this way, with time passing, Ines would become his wife.

Was it because he was a sinner? Because he was a marquis’ son?

Nothing could hinder him from doing what he wanted.

Time, always that troublesome time.

“Sigh…”

“Do you have something frustrating?”