I had to cool my head.

Except for reading to organize her thoughts, Cloe hadn’t done anything else. She changed her route and returned to her room. It happened that she had borrowed an interesting book from the library.

However, in the library, she unexpectedly encountered someone.

“Did you have a pleasant time?”

It was the person who had been bothering Cloe all day.

“How did Kun end up here?”

He was leisurely reading the book Cloe had borrowed.

He unfolded his legs, which had been arrogantly crossed, upon seeing Cloe. Then, he stood up and approached her.

“The schedule ended quickly.”

The way he leaned against the pillar with his arms and stood slightly crooked was quite enchanting.

“Ah…”

“Just dropped by to have a chat with my lovely lover after a long time.”

Maybe that was why, the title that would have passed casually caught her eye.

Lovely lover.

Having always played a role in the palace, the words that came out of his mouth without any embarrassment were quite charming.

“Perhaps you also visited for a similar reason?”

Not content with that, he subjected her to a false interrogation.

No.

Cloe had just come back to her room to read the book Kun had picked up.

However, the strange expectation on the man’s face deterred Cloe. The seemingly sincere lie induced a subtle lie of goodwill.

Eventually, she nodded her head. Then, Kun’s face brightened.

“…By the way, how did Her Majesty know that I would return to my room?”

“The weather is too hot for a walk, there are no specific appointments for you, and the palace library is conveniently closed.”

“…”

“Come to think of it, there was nowhere else to stay.”

As the voice continued in an answerless murmur, the tone inevitably incorporated his characteristic arrogance.

‘How does Her Majesty know all the details of my schedule?’

His insight was so amazing that it was creepy. Had he been observing Cloe so meticulously all this time?

Smart.

Suddenly, a knocking sound echoed.

Even though there was no one to come here.

While Cloe was puzzled, Kun seemed endlessly composed.

As if the person calling him was obvious.

Soon, a man cautiously entered. A large bundle was so large that it almost matched the small stature of the other person.

The man, who had wandered around the room with a tense gait, stopped at the dining table following Kun’s guidance.

“Oh, hello!”

As the mysterious bundle’s knot was unraveled, a magnificent array of jewels stretched out over the large table.

“I’ve prepared only jewels that suit my lady. Please choose freely after looking around.”

Judging from the hesitant pronunciation and grammar, he seemed like a merchant from a foreign country.

Despite the unexpected situation, Cloe quickly grasped the situation. It wasn’t the first time she had encountered such a disorganized event.

“Take your time to examine, and leave.”

“Yes, yes!”

At Kun’s command, the merchant hurriedly left the room.
The door opened, letting in a cold breeze. The cold air abruptly entered the space beneath the skirt, while warmth settled on her straight shoulders.

Controlled by a handsome man holding her shoulders, she maneuvered her body. Walking according to Kun’s strength and speed, she settled into the chair with the force pressing on her shoulders.

Cloe, feeling bewildered, turned around slightly. Her protruding gaze met his.

Soon, a faint smile appeared on his face.

“Is there anything catching your eye?”

“Suddenly, why?”

“Gifts are essential for a beloved lover.”

Is this also one of his acts?

Innocently deceived by his words, Cloe looked at the exquisite necklaces displayed on the table. The jewels reflecting the light under the glamorous chandelier were truly beautiful.

Lost in admiration, Cloe’s outstretched hand felt something. It was a choker adorned with layers of pure pearls. In the center, a large sapphire revealed its superior presence.

Once the choker caught her eye, it stimulated Cloe’s heart to the end. Despite not having a strong desire for jewelry, she was greatly interested.

“It’s beautiful.”

Following his words, Kun, who had come close, took the necklace. Clear pearls settled on the thin thread.

When Cloe looked at her reflection in the prepared dressing table mirror, it happened.

‘What’s this?’

The gaze that had been scanning the necklace stopped at a severe place.

Blooming flowers settled on her white nape.

‘Surely…’

No, it couldn’t be. Maybe she saw it wrong.

Thinking so, her hand pulled the mirror closer.

As she pretended to raise the angle to see the necklace, the marks became more vivid. It was a gesture hinting at the passionate night before.

‘Did I do this outside?’

The marks on her arms and legs were discovered in the morning. She didn’t know if there were any elsewhere, but of all places, they had to be where people’s eyes would be drawn the most.

It was dark under the lamp. When Cloe turned her gaze away with a bashful expression, another eye appeared beyond the mirror.

It was also red.

“Everyone knows you belong to me, so do you have a reason to show off?”