The issue of choice remained. Whether to welcome her as his wife or marry her off to Shixol, the heir to the Lorenst name. Either way, there was a plan to accept her into the family.

After all the time he invested in her, how could she be taken away by another family?

Although the power of the clergy was not inherited through bloodlines, Hubert didn’t think so.

Perhaps it was because there weren’t many clergies coming from the royal family.

There were reasons for the king not wanting to connect Princess Laratou, a clergy, with the savages of the desert.

Thinking of Princess Laratou and the prince of the desert, a certain person came to mind.

“Igraine.”

A thoughtful light flashed in the usually cold eyes of Hubert.

“Something seems off.”

He couldn’t express it accurately in words, but it seemed like she was subtly distancing herself from him.

“It’s irritating.”

To please the king, who became sensitive due to the issue of Princess Laratou, was it a mistake to present Igraine as the princess to share Lorenst’s name with Shixol?

Since obtaining the princess title and going on dates with the prince, she seemed to have changed.

In fact, there had been a subtle change before, but he distinctly felt it when he saw her with the imperial prince.

Even though they were standing there having a normal conversation like others, there seemed to be an invisible barrier surrounding them.

Inside that barrier, Igraine looked calm, joyful, and full of vitality.

It was inexplicable. She loved him, yet she seemed more lively when with another man.

To be honest, she looked extremely attractive by the side of the prince. So much so that he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Her face, which he had considered simply neat, looked different. It was even more beautiful.

“Could it be that she has feelings for that savage?”

Hubert unconsciously clenched his fist.

Igraine had been following him around since she was a child.

When her nanny died in his place as a sacrifice, the proposal he made to Igraine in return for the sacrifice was sincere.

If it hadn’t been thwarted by the king and the count’s refusal to accept the marriage between a maid and a noble, she would have become his wife.

But even if that hadn’t happened, it didn’t matter. They just didn’t have a formal marriage.

Hubert had no intention of sending Igraine away until she died.

He didn’t even consider Igraine’s will. After all, she would follow his wishes if she desired.

If she wanted a child, he was willing to entertain the idea.

Having a child didn’t necessarily have to be between a husband and wife, and he could pass off a child born outside as his own and bring them into the family.
“It doesn’t matter anyway since our blood is not mixed.”

Even though it was a reckless thought to engage with someone of the same gender, Hubert didn’t care.

As long as it didn’t become known to the public, it was fine.

He sighed and relaxed his grip on his hand.

“No, maybe I’m overreacting. It’s been fine lately.”

Since showing her around the western temple, the atmosphere between them had been affectionate.

Thinking of her smooth cheek that had touched his lips, Hubert’s sharp gaze softened.

Was it just his resentment that he focused only on Aris?

Hubert was content with the life he led now.

The citizens respected him, the king trusted him, and in the house he managed, there was the devoted Igraine and Aris blessed by the gods.

Although his crude Emern wife was a bit displeasing, as long as he guaranteed a life of luxury, it wasn’t a big problem.

However, since the visit of the Imperial Prince, there had been a subtle feeling of discord.

“Maybe it’s because the cursed race has come in and been influenced. Who knows if the drought in the western lands is because of them.”

So, these days, the most annoying thing was precisely that—the stay of the Imperial Prince in the kingdom.

“I should pay attention and treat Igraine well for a while, just in case.”

Aris should not be forgotten either, especially since Igraine has become the focus of attention.

Taking care of both women was a headache.

However, he couldn’t afford to be negligent.

Hubert regarded the two women in different ways.

Aris, needless to say, was a clergy. Just her identity alone was a reason to love her.

On the other hand, Igraine had nothing special, but unlike her background, she had no flaws in her personality, was devoted to him, and was submissive enough to endure the nagging of Lady Emern and Aris.

Moreover, she acted solely for his sake, which pleased him the most.

Hubert was well aware of the unfair treatment she received. She endured it all without expressing annoyance, believing it was for his sake.

Seeing her unwavering obedience and dedication comforted his heart.

Even if the whole world turned their backs on him, only she would hold his hand.

But how could he not cherish her?

If he had to choose only one between Aris and her, he could only choose Aris.

For instance, if someone had to sacrifice for the improvement of relations with the empire.