At the very fitting words, Rian pursed his lips like an innocent child.

“Ahem, my wife is none other than the Empress. It doesn’t seem very pleasant for a young man to frequently visit such a lady.”

“It might seem better to others. It will reflect well on the palace and the temple, portraying a harmonious relationship. It doesn’t appear to have any downsides, does it?”

Seeing Caristos, who didn’t say a word in support, Rian squinted his triangular eyes.

“So, you won’t say a word.”

“Our relationship doesn’t have to be a win-lose situation, Your Majesty. Ah, but I’ll still greet you. It’s been a while.”

“You’re greeting so quickly.”

However, there was no response to that. Originally, Rian knew well that the relationship between the palace, the temple, and the mausoleum was neither particularly good nor bad.

The three powers were living in balance, and for that balance, this level of politeness was appropriate.

Knowing that, Rian didn’t say anything more about it.

Of course, Rian looked at Caristos with a very uncomfortable expression.

“So, Bella, where are you going? Wouldn’t it be better to go with me, your husband, than with another man?”

A feeling that she absolutely didn’t want to be alone with him was evident. But today, going with Caristos, the Grand Minister, was more advantageous than going with Emperor Rian.

“I want to visit the orphanage.”

“Ah.”

“It would be more advantageous to go with Grand Minister Caristos.”

“…If it’s there…”

It was then. Luedello, who had been trying to persuade me to go with him no matter what, suddenly looked sullen.

“Shasha, will you stay with Luedello?”

Shasha, who noticed the change faster than anyone else, nodded a moment later.

“Yeah… Unnie, I got it. We’ll be here with the Emperor then.”

“Yes, Rian. Take care of the kids.”

“Sure. Just in case something happens…”

“You don’t need to worry; I’ll be going with Caristos. If anything happens, I’ll claim damages from the temple or something.”

I grinned and looked at Caristos. Caristos, who had been a bit sensitive since Emperor Rian appeared, finally laughed along with me.

“I’m worried that you might deliberately cause some trouble.”

“So, please make sure to watch over them. Come back without any issues.”

“Understood.”

“And bring Kendo with you. We need someone to protect me.”

“I’ll follow.”

Rian, who had been silently observing the situation, stroked his chin.

“Still, it’s the Empress’s procession, so let’s assign the entire Second Knight Order as an escort.”

Just listening to the words was excessive.

“It’s not necessary to that extent.”

“Then at least half…”

“No, Rian, that’s too much!”

“You seem to wish for my madness, Bella.”

“Rian.”

“If anything happens to you, I won’t be able to live.”

It was excessively sexy words. No, why were those kinds of words so seductive? The trembling voice, the slightly drooping eyes like a puppy, and his tender voice. But it wasn’t that way.

I gently caressed his cheek.
Caristos, who was next to me, shook his head vigorously. He seemed to have just snapped out of it. It seemed like Rian was undoubtedly a fox with 99 tails, bewitching people moment by moment.

Regaining my senses in a hurry, I looked straight at him. The entire knight order I had casually mentioned last time was undoubtedly a lot. Using such a knight order for my outing was out of the question.

“Rian, if that many people move, everyone will run away.”

The orphanage director hesitated to speak, perhaps fearing repercussions. In response, Rian looked at me with a slightly sulky expression.

“Then… even if it’s just twenty people…”

“That should be… fine.”

“Don’t worry too much, Your Majesty. The temple’s guards will accompany us as well.”

“I don’t trust… Ah, fine.”

Rian’s triangular eyes momentarily squinted at Caristos’s words, but he quickly loosened his expression.

“Well then, we’ll be on our way.”

“…Can’t be helped. If you insist to that extent…”

Although he seemed to have a lot to say, as if not wanting to cling here any longer, he managed to suppress his trembling hands.

Though it took much longer than expected, I embarked on this formal first outing.

The temple’s carriage was distinctly different from the imperial carriage. The entirely white carriage, not forgiving even a speck of dust, maintained an extreme level of cleanliness.

Haven, who naturally got on the carriage first, vigorously dusted off his feet and took a seat. Merkin also followed Haven, imitating him.

“Do we really have to go this far?”

“You don’t have to, Your Majesty. Who cares if it gets a bit dirty.”

“Yes. Whatever you say. What does the Grand Minister say?”

Haven, who had been watching us through the window, opened his mouth.

“Uh…? When did I say that? Haven.”

“The Grand Minister seems to say that it’s only allowed for Empress Mama. He said it’s not allowed for us.”

“When did I say that? Haha! Get on quickly. The road is long. And… I said it’s okay for Merkin too! It’s because of you that I ride carefully, being mindful.”