Though I felt relieved, there was also a sense of regret. My thoughts and emotions were completely contradictory. Without hesitation, I quickly stepped back before the peculiar atmosphere led to an accident. If I didn’t interrupt the subtly flowing mood now, we would surely have an accident.

“Perhaps, without a separate command, it might be challenging to show this appearance again.”

“…”
Excitingly, another heartbeat intertwined with the rhythm of my own heartbeats as if they were overlapping.

The unique beats gradually changed, synchronizing with each other.

“……Mu.”

Eventually, in the same rhythm, as if becoming one heartbeat.

Thump-thump.

It became an even greater resonance.

“Yes.”

At the moment of answering his call, an indescribable overwhelming joy covered me like a wave.

Unexplainable tears welled up.

Suddenly, the pleasant vibration he created touched my chest and made me cry.

“Call me Colin.”

At his words, I weakly smiled. Then, a small sigh was heard behind my head.

“Seems like you won’t call until the end.”

The arms that tightly embraced my upper body gradually loosened. Klaus gently released me from the embrace.

While I thought of it as fortunate, there was a sense of regret.

My thoughts and emotions were completely contradictory.

Just in case emotions rushed ahead and caused an accident, I quickly stepped back.

If I didn’t interrupt the subtly flowing atmosphere now, we would surely have an accident.

“Perhaps, without a separate command, it might be challenging to show this appearance again.”

“…….”

Klaus didn’t say anything. My chest tightened, but I refrained from saying anything.

“I would prefer to remain as a faithful aide to Your Highness rather than appearing as a woman to Your Highness.”

Regardless of the innate gender, recognition should be based on abilities.

I don’t want to enjoy prosperity by making him laugh. I just want to turn him into a good ruler.

However, the emotional remnants that reason couldn’t suppress created a rationalization for contact with him.

“However, if Your Highness wishes, please kiss me anytime. I will gladly respond to anything Your Highness needs.”

I said so, but I mocked myself. As more and more secret memories accumulated with him, my sincerity would eventually burst out and overflow.

If I wanted to forever hide my true feelings, I should demand strongly from Klaus now, not to touch me with a single finger anymore.

But I couldn’t do that. My contradictory self, strict to others and lenient to myself, was amusing.

“Mu.”

Klaus’s face was obscured in darkness.

“That outfit suits you very well.”

His response wasn’t related to what I had said. Still, I heard his voice as I pretended to sleep.

“Since it’s late, go rest now. We’ll meet again tomorrow.”

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he swiftly turned around and headed towards the bed.

As if to make sure there was no more business, he flipped the blanket over his head and lay down, covering himself entirely.

“…….”

Quietly, without making any noise, I returned to the dressing room. Reverting to a man felt particularly difficult today.

I couldn’t understand why I had come to my room in the first place.

Once back, I went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face.

“Ugh….”
Returning to being a man was particularly difficult today.

I don’t know what kind of spirit led me to my room. As soon as I returned, I went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face.

“Ugh….”

Humans are beasts. I now understand when I experience it myself.

Regardless of reason or anything else, if Klaus had led me to the bed as he pleased, I would have gone without resistance.

As if I couldn’t help liking it.

It was about the topic where I, pretending to be cold-headed, said to him that I wanted to remain as his aide.

“Wake up, Muse.”

Water droplets fell from my face onto my clothes. In an instant, a chilling sensation spread throughout my body.

I lifted my trembling arms and embraced myself. I longed for Klaus’s warmth, making my heart ache.

“…….”

However, even if humans are beasts, I cannot be like that.

Living only by instincts like an animal would be insufficient, considering the many things I had to accomplish.

First and foremost, there was Lumi.

Whether he distorts the original work or not, whether he acts quickly or slowly, I have decided to send him back to reality.

After seeing Lumi’s parents’ tears, it was my duty as a human.

And Klaus.

The original male lead, more pragmatic and intelligent than anyone else, had little time to waste hugging a female aide.

To become a good ruler and correct the tilted justice, I had to gather talented individuals to work with him and attract public opinion.

Is that all?

I also needed to marry the elegant, graceful, and wise noble heroine who suited him perfectly.

In this world, there were many women who liked Klaus. I am just one of them.

Since there is only one person other than me who can be the final choice, the rest were unnecessary.

Therefore, it was best for me to give up moderately.

“Hu….”

I washed my face with cold water once again.

I had a brief and ecstatic dream. Now it was time to return to reality.

I came out of the bathroom, changed into clothes, and despite it being midnight, brewed strong coffee.

My mind cleared from the bitterness. I opened wide the only window in my room. The cold night air rushed in.

The warmth brought from Klaus’s bedroom had completely disappeared.

Now it felt like I had truly returned.