“Of course, I don’t doubt Your Highness’s sincerity. But please think more carefully. Romantic emotions are like flames that burn out faster than you think.”

“…….”

Klaus’s complexion turned pale.

“I’m not as good a person as Your Highness thinks. I won’t last as long as you expect.”
A person who willingly strikes a friend’s back, a cunning and inconsistent individual.

“To achieve my goals, I can use people as much as I want. I’ve even betrayed my closest friend before. Despite knowing it was a bad thing, I didn’t avoid it.”

While correcting the tilted justice of this world, I committed injustice against my closest friend.

What’s the use of being just and benevolent only to others?

The only friendship that knew the soul inside and out was thrown away like a dedication note.

A person who, despite feeling betrayed by Lumi and being angry, is willing to commit the same act if necessary.

That is the true nature of me as a human.

“Embarrassed and sorry.”

I desperately tried not to shed tears, but in the end, thick drops fell relentlessly.

Compared to my despicable self, how dignified and moral Klaus is.

Has he ever treated me as an opponent, even once?

Not only in ordinary times but even when he kissed and embraced me, he handled me as if I were something precious.

Although it was a short moment, Klaus’s touch clearly carried the scent of love.

“Muse, I clearly said this wasn’t an impulsive decision.”

There was anger in Klaus’s voice.

But I didn’t back down either.

“I also like Your Highness. I’m prepared to dedicate my entire life for Your Highness willingly.”

“But why…!”

Pain was evident on Klaus’s distorted face.

“Your Highness has many responsibilities. Among them, isn’t there an obligation to marry and continue the royal bloodline?”

I didn’t want to marry him.

“I know Your Highness’s character well. Are you not someone who would shamelessly pursue a marriage with a noble lady while having an immoral relationship?”

Because he is such a magnificent and excellent person.

For him to become a good ruler, I shouldn’t have any flaws in my character.

“If Your Highness intends to advocate justice in front of the nobles, Your Highness should be just and moral to persuade them. Only then can you unfold Your Highness’s intentions.”

I wiped away the tears that flowed embarrassingly with the back of my hand.

I had to show him a smile. I am a ruthless, cold, and selfish human being with no blood or tears.

“I apologize. A lowly person like me dared to refuse Your Highness’s proposal. Instead, I will remain loyal to Your Highness until my body breaks.”

Klaus looked at me with a pale face.

“Answer me one thing.”

“Yes.”

His voice was trembling.

“Do you love me?”

I took a short breath.

Then, I denied it.

“No.”

“It’s a lie. It’s all evident on your face.”

I couldn’t refute his immediate rebuttal.

At this moment, there wasn’t even the strength left in me to deny his single-word answer ‘No.’

It was truly absurd.
Why is it so easy to tell lies in front of Lumi, but so difficult in front of Klaus?

“Even if that’s the case, my answer remains the same.”

“Why?”

As I forced out another word, an immediate question came back.

He is resentful. I wish he would just leave me alone.

Why can’t two people who love each other become a couple? It’s a truly simplistic way of thinking.

The idea that if you love someone, you can automatically become a couple.

Unfortunately, I am a person who believes that reason precedes emotions, and I don’t think I can overcome all storms with just love.

Klaus leaned forward as if he were going to grab my collar.

“Why do you think you’ll become a ruler? I intend for us to have a highly moral relationship.”

His words sharply pierced my heart.

The most moral outcome for a man and woman in love.

Lovers, and then marriage.

How far into the future did Klaus envision this last night?