“Is it because of the fragrance?”

There was nothing else that could be suspected. It seemed that his appearance today, so different from before, was due to the fragrance.

So I said, and his expression became somewhat serious.

“Is there any reason to be suspicious?”

“No. Just…”
Why is it that in romance novels, there are scenes where they secretly mix herbs to create a scent? Usually, when exposed to such scents, judgment becomes clouded, or it seems like they are possessed by something. So, I said, and he had a quite serious expression.

“Just?”

“It’s a bit strange.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your condition. It was odd to anyone. Something seemed hazy and you were sharp, as if you were going to snap at people.”

“Me…?”

He looked at me with an expression of disbelief.

“Just… I don’t know about yourself, but when I saw it, it seemed that way. Besides, there was an unusually strong fragrance of incense…”

“Hmm…”

“Check it out. Maybe it initially showed an effect to make it seem like Reldoro had a reaction to the incense.”

Even as I spoke, my words felt quite satisfactory. Perhaps I’ve read too many romance novels filled with schemes and plots. In reality, there was no one here to threaten Reldoro, and there was even less someone to threaten Emperor Liandro.

Currently, there was no one to succeed the throne other than him and Reldoro.

“I see. I understand.”

“But is it really okay?”

“Me?”

“Yes. You look better now, but the fact that your complexion wasn’t good is true.”

“Ah… I haven’t slept properly or eaten for a few days… My complexion must have been bad. I’m a person with nothing but my face, and now that it’s like this, what should I do?”

“It’s okay to look like that.”

“Are you tempting me?”

That was the moment.

He, who had only shown a weak side until now, subtly approached me as if returning to his original self.

“Temptation, you say. I have no intention of tempting such a weak person.”

It was dangerous.

He had only taken one step closer, but the distance was so close that our breaths could touch.

“So, if I’m not weak, will you tempt me?”

“It’s not temptation; don’t you want to enjoy some banter? We’re not… anything, why would we be tempting each other? We’ve decided not to love each other, right?”

Even as I spoke, my heart ached. Why did my chest hurt when I was the one speaking?

“Ah.”

“So, temptation… Quickly get rid of your misogyny, and receive it from someone more magnificent, beautiful, and alluring.”

“I want to receive it from you. If it’s your temptation… I might fall for it.”

His long fingers swept through my hair. Golden strands sparkled as they flowed down from his fingers.

Even though he didn’t love me, and he seemed to want to use me, why did he play with people’s emotions like this?

At this rate, I might truly fall in love with him.

“Normally, when people are sick or something… they tend to get a bit strange.”

“Huh?”
“Now, Your Majesty… It’s just that. I’ve been unable to sleep for days, couldn’t eat, and was worried only about Reldoro. So, I just thought it would be nice if there were someone by my side. Just because someone is by my side. So, that’s all there is to it… If it’s truly like that… We can talk about it later.”

Of course, you would never say such words to me.

Still, with a small hope in my heart, I planted it.

“I understand.”

Even though my heart shook wildly at his immediate agreement, I forced a smile.

“Now, make sure to eat well. Reldoro is awake, and if you’re in this state… It might make him sad.”

“Is that so?”

“If the person I like is suffering and unable to eat because of me… It would hurt my heart. Me.”

“…I understand. I’ll make sure not to suffer.”

I nodded with a bright smile.

That’s when it happened.

“Sister! The pig has woken up!!”

Suddenly, Shasha rushed out.

“Reldoro is awake!?”

“Yeah!! Come quickly!”

Before even saying come, Lian jumped up from her seat and leaped inside. It was a fleeting moment. Without hesitation, she went straight to Reldoro, quietly looking down at the child.

“Reldoro…”

However, Reldoro, despite Lian’s call, didn’t say a word and just stared blankly at the ceiling.

“Sister, something is wrong with the pig. His eyes were open earlier, but now he keeps staring at the ceiling, not saying anything…”

Whether he heard that or not, Lian pulled the rope next to her.

Then, maids and doctors continuously entered from outside.

“Now that he’s awake, let’s proceed with the examination.”

“He woke up…!”

“We’ll examine him right away. But why is the incense extinguished?”

“Should we light it again?”

“No, there seems to be no need for that.”

They seemed strange. People searching for incense even before examining the child’s condition. The tone of their speech conveyed a sense of urgency about the incense.

Is the incense more important than the child waking up? But to them, it seemed otherwise.

“Don’t light the incense. The air becomes too stuffy. It’s not good for the child’s throat.”

“But…”

“Reldoro.”

During their conversation, I gently stroked Reldoro’s cheek.

“Reldoro, did you sleep well?”

At that moment, though brief, Reldoro’s pupils trembled.