Cloé, surprised by the voice that exuded vitality, turned to look behind. The sword in Winter’s hand seemed ready to pierce the opponent’s throat at any moment.

“Oh my.”

What was even more surprising was that, despite feeling the threat to life, the opponent didn’t blink an eye. Like calming an excited beast, he lowered both hands from the air, as if compressing the air.

The intention of the joke was to show that they meant no harm, but Winter still didn’t let down his guard.

“State your name.”

“Brandishing a sword in broad daylight is a bit scary. How about putting it down for now?”

“Name.”

Winter’s sword approached the opponent’s throat even closer. With a little more force, it would cut through the flesh mercilessly.

“Liam Sahirda.”

Only then did the opponent respond with a serious attitude.

Liam Sahirda.

Even without considering the first name, just hearing the last name indicated that he was a master.

Winter’s vigilance wavered slightly. The sword that had been poised to dominate the opponent was lowered to the ground. However, it was still firmly held in Winter’s hand.

“Do not think of it as familiarity with the Sahir dynasty, but rather the acquaintance between an emperor and his subject.”

“Acquaintance with the emperor and his subject, as a mere duke, I still don’t have the right to enter.”

“You are the Duke Sahirda?”

Winter finally identified the opponent. The sword, which had been threatening the opponent ruthlessly, entered its scabbard with a clank.

“What brings you here?”

Winter asked about the purpose.
In his view, Liam didn’t seem like someone who would casually stroll through the garden. What on earth was the purpose of suddenly coming to the garden and approaching Cloé? It was crucial information that Winter, who assisted her, needed to know.

Liam searched behind Winter for the woman who was not visible. As Liam subtly turned his head, Winter also moved to cover Cloé again.

Observing both Liam’s perplexity and Winter’s awkwardness, Cloé laughed. It seemed like he had learned a confident attitude from his lord.

“I came closer because an important person appeared, and I wanted to have a conversation. No need to be so guarded.”

“The Duke has no reason to talk to her.”

“As someone who closely interacts with the Empress, I believe her lover has the right to know as well.”

After a moment, Liam untied the sword sheath hanging from his waist.

Tock, the impulsive sound of the sword dropping resonated.

“Is this enough?”

Liam proved that he had no intention of harming the opponent by discarding his own sword. By raising his arm to show that he didn’t even carry a dagger-like assassination tool, he revealed that he had no intention of using harmful objects.

“Understood.”

As long as there was no weapon threatening lives, it was sufficient. He wouldn’t provoke the crazy act of kidnapping a woman.

Winter, who turned around, looked at Cloé.

“Duke Liam Sahirda wishes to have a conversation with Lady Cloé. Would that be acceptable?”
She pondered deeply, then nodded her head. Winter, who had been acting as a barrier between them, stepped back. ‘The Emperor’s lover.’

Facing Cloé at last, Liam froze in place. Whether it was a coincidence or a damned fate, the wind blew, causing Cloé’s hair to flutter. She tidily tucked the disheveled strands behind her ear, then gazed at Liam.

‘Indeed…’

It was a sight that anyone would find captivating. Although he had never protected the woman with such low intentions, it seemed like he knew the reason for guarding her while tightly wrapped.

“Hello. I’m Liam Sahirda.”

Liam greeted with a gentle smile, and then his dark-brown hand extended towards her. Cloé hesitated for a moment, and just before the other party could feel uneasy, she raised her hand.

“I’m Cloé Fried.”

Liam’s yellow eyes observed Cloé subtly. Starting from her pretty face, it ended with her fair and smooth hand.

Then, a light friction sound occurred as their skin and lips touched.

“May we talk as we stroll through the garden? I’d like to be guided by the lady; I’m afraid I might get lost walking alone.”

The current location was a maze garden, and if one took a wrong turn, they might have to backtrack for a while.
Rather than Liam taking the lead for a walk, it was better for Cloé to lead the way.

Cloé readily accepted his proposal, and Winter, upon hearing the conversation, followed suit.

The two unexpectedly shared diverse stories.

They exchanged information about the countries they lived in, communicating not for any particular purpose but to build camaraderie.

In the midst of Liam’s ongoing narrative, Cloé secretly observed him.

‘Liam Sahirda.’

The man who ignited Calis’s business.

Even now, about 40% of Calis’s revenue is said to be handled by Liam Sahirda. Even after deducting distribution fees, it’s indeed a tremendous amount.

Already having an interest in Liam, it was a welcome approach from Cloé.

The probability of Calis’s suspicion being realized significantly decreased.

‘If we can pull him to our side.’