I forgot the most important thing as an educational supervisor.

If Shade hadn’t been there, Suzanne and Boritz could have been in danger.

Our safe return was just a stroke of luck.

‘I was too overconfident in knowing the original work. I was truly irresponsible if I couldn’t protect my loved ones with my own strength.’

Regret rushed over me like a tidal wave.

Self-blame bit its tail.

The person I least wanted to meet right now called my name.

“Elizabeth.”

I couldn’t lift my head.

Nikolai called my name again.

“Elizabeth.”

His baritone voice sometimes wielded a magical power.

It transformed reality into fantasy, turned cloudy skies into clear blue, expelled the crowded loneliness within me, and injected a strange excitement.
So it was good.

Thanks to that, I was happy.

But today, I didn’t want to meet you.

“I apologize, Your Majesty.”

I apologized as formally as possible.

“Raise your head.”

“I am a sinner. How dare I meet Your Majesty’s eyes directly.”

“Get rid of that strange way of speaking.”

“I deeply apologize for any rudeness.”

“It’s unfamiliar. Awkward.”

I spent time with Nikolai without the usual formalities, to the point that the proper way of speaking felt awkward.

I enjoyed numerous privileges while spending time alone with the Emperor.

I didn’t even realize that these were special favors.

I fell into a delusion.

I resented Nikolai.

He didn’t explain why he killed Shimon, didn’t meet me, and didn’t protect me from the pouring criticisms.

I was hurt as if I were his real lover.

And yet, I yearned for him every night.

‘It’s clear now. Nikolai is Nikolai, and I am me. I have to handle my own affairs.’

Being cared for by someone like this was dangerous.

It made me dependent.

I became accustomed to the comfort Nikolai provided like a baby nestled in its mother’s arms.

It couldn’t be tolerated any longer.

‘This incident will surely be a big excuse. The more I endure in the imperial palace, the more I will be seen as a villain, and Nikolai as a tyrant. We can’t be together. For Nikolai’s sake. For my sake.’

It was an extremely rational judgment.

I wanted to turn away until the end.

I wanted to pretend I knew nothing and stay by Nikolai’s side.

I wanted to delve into his wide and warm embrace.

I wanted to keep this man who made me feel special by my side, regardless of what anyone said or what the future held.

But I couldn’t.

I couldn’t do that.

Because I love Nikolai.

“As an educational supervisor, I did not fulfill my responsibilities. Please give me proper punishment.”

I said, keeping my gaze fixed on the floor.

Nikolai spoke up for me.

“He was the one who insisted we go together, Pinch said.”

“It is also my duty to soothe the young Your Highness. The fact that I put Your Highness in danger remains unchanged.”

“Everyone is safe. That’s enough.”

“If Shade hadn’t accompanied us, could you say the same?”

Nikolai didn’t answer.

Only then did I gaze at Nikolai.

‘Why is your face so bruised? It’s heartbreaking…’

How long has it been since we last met? How worn out must he have been, like someone who hasn’t had a drop of blood?

In his eyes, filled with fatigue, occasional traces of blood vessels could be seen.

His disheveled black hair still gleamed like wet silk, but the overwhelmingly confident atmosphere was nowhere to be found.

Pity rushed through me.

What had happened during this time?

The image of Nikolai, who must have suffered alone, flashed through my mind.

‘He’s not someone who ignores me to make himself comfortable. There must have been a reason he couldn’t speak. Once again, I felt disappointed and resentful.’

I wanted to hug him.
I wanted him to rest in my arms for a moment.

But now wasn’t the time.

“So. Well… what… do you want?”

Nikolai, unable to hide his expression, faced me.

With a face resembling a wounded beast, he asked.

He looked like a wild animal unable to move at the first encounter with fear.

Although he ruled over everyone as the Emperor, he couldn’t do as he pleased because of the existence of a country he couldn’t leave.

“I want to leave the imperial palace.”

“…I forbid it.”

“I will leave. Please allow me.”

“Do you want to be confined?”

“I will leave even after I am released. My decision is irreversible.”

He firmly asserted.

It was a plea to convince me, not him.

“You wrote a contract. You can’t leave my side until it’s over.”

“I will give up.”

“Can you handle it?”

“I will give you everything I have – the mansion, land, assets, ownership of the upper class, and even my parents as slaves.”

“I will sell you and your parents as slaves.”

“I will become a runaway slave and hide.”

Nikolai’s turquoise eyes widened.

I faced the anxiety and fear within them.

I, too, felt anxious and fearful.

“Are you trying to run away from me?”

Suppressing explosive anger, he took a step closer.

The imposing scent of the approaching man enveloped me.

‘I will regret this day pounding the ground. No matter how much I cry, I won’t be able to turn back time.’

But all I could do was push him away.

“The current situation… Your Majesty is well aware, right?”

“I don’t know.”

“Don’t be stubborn.”

“You’re the one being stubborn. No matter what happens, it can’t be done.”

Nikolai growled.

It sounded like an order but was a plea.

“You can’t leave under any circumstances. You are mine.”

He was desperately pleading for me not to leave.

What should I do with this man?

My desire to possess this man.

“Your Majesty.”

Unconsciously, I reached out my arm.

I wrapped my arm around his neck and lifted my heel.

My lips met his.

A single tear traversed his cheek.

The taste of the third kiss was that of tears.