“So all of our meetings up to this point… were planned? As per Her Majesty the Empress’s intentions?”

Since it had come to this, Ilarid fully disclosed the matter of bringing in the Rikas mercenary group for the festival.

Lynette, who already knew the truth, nodded leisurely and murmured.

“Everyone involved in the commotion at the Clover Tavern has gathered here.”

Alice rubbed her forehead as she alternately glanced at the mercenary captain who had become the Empress’s ‘shadow’ and Ilarid. After a brief exclamation, what remained was laughter. A deflated sound involuntarily escaped her lips.

“Did Captain Lebel expect this? You seem too calm…”

He blinked slowly in affirmation. He appeared unshaken, as if he already knew the detailed circumstances. It seemed that Alice being a woman was more important to him than the revealed facts.

A moment of silence fell among those who now shared the secret. Perhaps wanting to break the awkward atmosphere, Alice spoke in a deliberately cheerful voice.

“Well then, shall we perform a ritual to seal our shared secret? Head Maid, just a moment please.”

Alice approached Lynette and whispered. Lynette’s expression became subtle as she listened quietly. After checking the reactions of Ilarid and Lebel behind her, she soon went out with Alice.

When the two returned, they were holding mysterious glass bottles and four teacups.

“I brought these myself, as it would cause strange rumors if the maid girls found out. Though teacups aren’t really suitable for drinking alcohol…”

“It’s like a smoke screen operation. As if we’ve accomplished something, and will accomplish more in the future.”

Despite having worked together for only a few hours, Alice and Lynette moved in perfect sync, as if they had known each other for a long time. Just because it was served in teacups didn’t mean the alcohol would turn into tea, so there was no problem.

“By the way, Miss Alice. How did you bring in the alcohol?”

“Actually, when I left the mansion, the cook secretly packed it for me.”

“You really are quite the talent. I never imagined you’d bring alcohol when entering the palace.”

At this point, it was clear that Lynette was enjoying herself too. Alice skillfully opened the bottle and distributed it among the teacups.

Soon, a sharp aroma rose. A glance showed that it was similar in color to light red tea. If it weren’t for the scent, one might have mistaken it for tea and drunk it unknowingly.

“Our cook is very skilled. I used to secretly drink a glass or two in the kitchen after finishing work sometimes, and I was embarrassed that he remembered that…”

Alice trailed off sheepishly. She remembered how the cook had repeatedly cautioned her when handing over the bottle.

‘Miss, you must only drink very little even when you’re there!’

I know, I know. But if not on a day like this, when else would I drink?

Some oaths are often accompanied by alcohol.

Among the groups Lebel had contracted with in the past, there were troublesome employers who insisted they wouldn’t work together unless all the alcohol was finished. Thanks to that, his tolerance had improved, but it was never pleasant.

He watched Alice and Lynette eagerly preparing the drinks. Would Ilarid find this situation uncomfortable? But when he glanced over, she seemed to be enjoying it too. Her smile, which she hadn’t managed to hide, was heartwarming.

Well, being an empress meant she couldn’t casually mingle with friends her own age. If she could let her guard down and laugh, even briefly like this…

Soon, a teacup was placed in Lebel’s hand as well. Looking at it this way, it was just like a midnight tea time.

“From the moment we drink this… our secret becomes eternal.”

Alice’s serious words made the teacup feel heavy. For our secret. With a quiet toast, the cups in everyone’s hands clinked with a clear sound. Those gathered in the space emptied their cups in an instant.

The alcohol was stronger than expected. The lukewarm liquid that went down revealed the shape of the stomach, causing hot breath to be exhaled. Lebel and Alice, seemingly accustomed to such strong spirits, put down their cups without changing expression.

“Oh, Mr. ‘Shadow’. You drink well? As expected, you must have a lot of experience.”

“I’m not particularly weak when it comes to alcohol.”

Lynette’s brow furrowed involuntarily as she swallowed the drink. Ilarid probably hadn’t tried such strong alcohol before. She quickly assessed Ilarid’s condition.

“Your Majesty, are you alright? If it’s too strange or you can’t drink it, just leave it…”

“…It’s delicious.”

“Pardon?”

Ilarid quietly held out her empty cup towards Alice, who was holding the bottle. Alice, rather flustered, couldn’t decide what to do and looked to the head maid for guidance.

“Sh-should I pour you another? Will that be alright? Really?”

What was Ilarid’s alcohol tolerance again? Before Lynette could intervene, she nodded vigorously without hesitation.

Not once had she ever drunk alcohol to the point of intoxication.

Truly, alcohol tastes best when drunk in times of joy, but had there been any joyous occasions lately? Even at official banquets, she would only empty one glass at most, never drinking more than that.

But was it the atmosphere this time? Even the strong alcohol went down smoothly. Ilarid emptied even the second glass that Alice had poured while watching her carefully.

“Your Majesty, are you really alright? You don’t feel dizzy or short of breath?”

“No.”

Now Ilarid’s eyes were even sparkling. Perhaps she had forgotten that she was drunk? She murmured that this was the most delicious alcohol she had ever tasted.

If our cook knew this, he would be moved to tears. It was a shame he couldn’t see Ilarid’s reaction.

Lebel found this quiet drinking scene unnerving. He lowered his voice and asked Lynette.

“Head Maid. Has Her Majesty ever drunk alcohol like this before?”

“Not at all…”

Whether aware of their concern or not, Ilarid began to smile broadly as she inhaled even the scent of alcohol remaining in the empty teacup.

After the tragedy that befell her family, she had tried to stay away from alcohol as much as possible. She didn’t particularly like the feeling of being drunk, and she disliked feeling gloomy and feared being swayed by emotions.

But today was enjoyable. Good people were around her, and several small but happy things had happened. Ilarid looked into the eyes of everyone gathered in the room one by one, then put her lips to the cup that had been filled for the third time.

When Ilarid opened her eyes, she felt as if her body was floating in the air.

“…Lebel?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Where are we going?”

Her voice was surprisingly clear for someone who had just woken up after falling asleep from drinking. Lebel couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

“To your bedchamber. I’ve informed the others.”

Soon the sound of a door opening was heard, and Ilarid felt the familiar sensation of bedding against her back. As she released her arms from around Lebel’s neck and shoulders, she saw his eyes shining kindly right above her.

It was strange. Though she had only dozed off for a moment, her mind felt clearer than ever. Was this courage bordering on recklessness?

“How strange… I’m not sleepy at all.”

“If you close your eyes for a few minutes, you’ll fall asleep soon.”

“I’m drunk, aren’t I?”

“It seems so.”

Lebel smiled and lay down beside Ilarid. She had already taken hold of his hand. With each breath she exhaled, the sharp scent of alcohol was noticeable.

As she traced the firm knuckles of his fingers, Ilarid murmured without realizing it.

“Can I be honest under the influence of alcohol?”

“I’m listening.”

“What can I do? What exactly is the role of an empress in the empire? Just continuing the lineage?”

The empress could not interfere in internal affairs. Giving birth to healthy heirs to secure the succession and embracing the people warmly with a gentle disposition. That’s what was clearly written in the old paper regulations.

Though she had firmly resolved to take revenge, the limitations were clear. She had to endure and resist with all her might within the bounds of what she could do.

“If it weren’t for those who first extended a helping hand, I would probably be broken beyond recognition by now.”

She would likely have become a mere plaything in Cledius’s hands. Engaging in loveless unions, mechanically giving birth and raising children. Repeating that until finally crumbling away.

The feelings Ilarid recited in a sunken voice were miserable. Lebel silently placed his hand on Ilarid’s cheek. Perhaps due to the alcohol, her cheeks were warmly flushed.

“Your Majesty… you shine on your own. And those drawn to that light have begun to follow you one by one.”

The people who worked to gather evidence and expose the corruption case this time. Those who chose future justice and confrontation rather than present comfort and turning a blind eye reached out to Ilarid.

If only she could know that her kindness was never a mistake. That she is sufficiently strong and complete.

“Though my insight may be lacking, at least in my eyes, that’s how it appears.”

Lebel gently pulled Ilarid closer. He felt her warm breath near his neck. Would she fall asleep soon if he quietly patted her back?

“Your Majesty.”

“…Yes.”

The response came immediately. Is she really not sleepy? Lebel decided to ask the one thing he was most curious about. Taking advantage of the moment, a small voice that emerged under the influence of alcohol burrowed into Ilarid’s silver hair.

“Did you say this on the day I was in the infirmary?”

I have fallen for you too.

The slight movement and breath stopped simultaneously. Lebel slowly lowered his gaze to look at Ilarid. Clear green eyes blinked steadily through the dim light of the bedroom.

“…That’s right.”

An affirmation of just two syllables, sweeter than any words in the world. Lebel almost felt as if he was in a different space for a moment.

“But I can’t do anything for you. I have to remain just a ‘shadow’…”

The gaze that had met his fell downward. Perhaps Lebel would be disappointed to hear these words.

Even for the inspection coming up in a few days, the maids and guard soldiers would accompany her, but he couldn’t. A place filled with light he dared not step into. A foreigner who was neither noble nor anything else, merely a ‘shadow’.

“Lebel.”

The clear call was vivid. Ilarid separated herself from Lebel. And looking him in the eye, she spoke distinctly.

“I’ll make it so you can call my name in the light.”

Though it was courage found under the influence of alcohol, she decided to speak her true feelings with its help. It didn’t matter if it was reckless.

“No need for ‘Your Majesty’ or ‘Miss’. Just so you can freely speak my name alone.”

Lebel stared at Ilarid, forgetting even to blink. It seemed as if time had stopped only in front of him.

“I told you, Lebel. I’ve fallen for you too.”

His breathing began to tremble. He had resolved to keep pushing her away and distancing himself, but the boundary was weak.

He couldn’t bring himself to build a strong wall against Ilarid before him. Though he tried hard to hide his feelings, they always leaked out, leaving traces at Lebel’s feet.

As he tried to wipe away the feelings he considered dirty, Ilarid stepped on the stains on the floor and approached Lebel.

And she willingly declared. Let’s enjoy the light together. She would create such a world.

Lebel barely concealed his trembling heart and opened his mouth. But his words rang out intermittently, revealing emotions that could not be hidden.

“May I… dare to consider those words as love?”

In response to Lebel’s words, Ilarid smiled and kissed him first. Light kisses that were not lingering followed.

Ilarid took the lead, grabbing his arm and pulling him. But Lebel held her hand, restraining her.

His blue-gray eyes began to waver deeply. This is all because of the alcohol. Alcohol sometimes makes people strangely bold.

“…I cannot embrace someone who has been drinking.”

“Even if it’s an order?”

“I apologize. But you might regret it when morning comes, Your Majesty.”

Did she not notice his trembling heart? Ilarid smiled softly and burrowed into Lebel’s arms.

“If it were something to regret, I wouldn’t have started in the first place.”

Is this small whisper sincere? Lebel’s hand hovered near Ilarid’s waist. He wanted to hold her in his arms and whisper love all night long right away.

If only he could leave indelible marks on her delicate skin and engrave all the words of love that exist in the world. If only he could call her name endlessly while gazing into her eyes, touching hands and bodies.

My benefactor, my salvation, my lady, and my… Ilarid.

Please allow me to devour every breath you exhale and follow my instincts. Your existence makes me live.

The words he wanted to say sank into the darkness like mud. Though she claimed not to be drunk, reason slowly began to let go of Lebel’s hand. He held Ilarid in his arms, barely restraining his rising desire.

“Instead… please allow me to speak your name.”

It was beyond pleading, it was begging. It felt as if he truly couldn’t breathe otherwise. Ilarid nodded quietly at Lebel’s urgent voice.

“Ilarid.”

A name called while holding her in his arms, keeping her in his gaze, remaining by her side.

“…Ilarid.”

The divided syllables touched the roof of his mouth and curved beautifully. He kept calling Ilarid, savoring the movement of his tongue.

All night long, until that name was engraved on his entire body.