“Excuse me?”

“I want to be born under a master who will never abandon me for a lifetime. I want to live carefreely every day, basking in the sunlight on good days without much worry and rolling around like that.”

“A cat…”

He asked quite seriously.

“Why specifically a cat?”

“Well, there are dogs too, but dogs have to wag their tails when the owner comes. That’s even more bothersome.”

“Pfft.”

“Why?”

“I never imagined you would choose a cat for that reason.”

“It’s a reasonable reason. Think about it, when you’re lying down taking a nap, you have to wake up every time the owner comes. It won’t be good for the quality of sleep. Cats are the best, after all.”

This was really serious. It wasn’t a joke, and I had earnestly wished for it, thinking that if I lived this life very well, and if the gods granted my wish, I should say it.

He seemed to have realized my quite serious feelings at last and chuckled.

“Usually, people talk about wanting to become rich or live without worries about money, but a cat. Bella, you truly go beyond imagination. It’s so enjoyable to be with you.”

“Me too. The time spent with Sehelus is enjoyable. So, don’t take a break. Live every day.”

I replied desperately because the time spent with him was both enjoyable and regretful.

But even to this kind of remark, he was firm.

“When I leave this world.”

“…”

“Will you be sad?”

“No.”

“Ah…”

“Don’t say that you won’t be sad. Just because I won’t be sad doesn’t mean you should say that.”

Was I too firm? After saying that, I awkwardly smiled, feeling a little uneasy in my heart.

“And although I haven’t lived your life, I feel like I can understand a little bit…”

“Huh?”

“The profound sense of loss you have. I think you must be tired. Still… still knowing that feeling, I hope you’ll continue to stay by my side. It’s my selfish desire, but I want to keep you by my side like that.”

Even though I had never experienced such a time, I felt like I could understand that sense of loss. Getting tired even of forming relationships. My state after losing Noah was probably just like that.

So, he nodded at what I said.

“I will always be by your side at any moment.”

“Yes.”

“Let’s meet again.”

That was the end. Although it was a bit different from the usual greetings, whatever happened, I nodded enthusiastically at the words “Let’s meet again.”

“I’ll go in too when you go.”

Hearing his words, I left the terrace and returned to the room. After a while, I looked at the terrace, wondering if he would come back, but it was silent as if he had disappeared.

After lying down on the bed, I hugged Shasha warmly.

‘Shasha, I wish you were really Noah.’

I really wished for that. This time, I can protect you. Now I won’t let you go. I earnestly wished for that.

Come to think of it, there were quite a few strange things.

The fact that I possessed this character. And the timing of Shasha’s birth coincided with the time Noah died. And the fact that, just like Noah did, Shasha followed me to an unusual extent.

If Shasha were Noah, there was at least one thing that wouldn’t change.

The fact that parents, as human beings, are trash. The thought made me bitter, but despite that, my heart warmed.

Whether it was because of a small expectation or because I had somewhat let go of the burden on my heart, the sleep that hadn’t come for a long time came strangely well. Ironically, I felt saved by those words.

For several days, I was restless. I was in a state where I couldn’t easily find out how many things Liann had unfolded.

In the meantime, I received one letter. Most letters were told to be dealt with on my own, thanks to the Earl and Countess sending letters of various kinds with strange names.
However, now there was a letter on the vanity.

“I apologize. Empress Mama.”

“The person who sent the letter must be an unusual figure.”

“Yes…”

Although I received the letter in my name, it wasn’t easy to handle. The letter had the name ‘Lahee’ written on the front.

“Son Emperor, huh.”

Without hesitation, I tore open the envelope. There was no dignified way of opening it. I could easily guess what nonsense would be written, so I roughly tore it apart.

Cherti looked at me with surprised eyes, but I showed no hesitation in my actions.

And what was written inside was indeed nonsense.

<After getting married, you don't even greet me. That's why you shouldn't deal with those who don't know manners. Nevertheless, I personally wrote you a letter because the last conversation was not concluded.

At that time, I couldn't properly talk because you left the place recklessly, but let's talk again. This time, I'll tell you something interesting.

The Emperor is curious about my younger brother, you know? Let him know especially. Where that child is. This will be your own weapon.

So, take my son and raise him. Isn't it a good condition? I trust you won't be foolish. I'll personally wait for you.

Postscript. It's better not to have other thoughts. Anyway, that position wasn't your place. But I don't want that child to become the Empress.