The harem was an elegant building boasting a light eggshell-colored outer wall and a sky-blue spire.

The living space of the noble empresses was as magnificent as any other place in the palace.

However, the abodes of lower-ranking empresses resembled shared servant quarters.

Rooms with small windows were connected closely.

The corridors were narrow and dim.

In the courtyard, there were wells adorned with colorful streamers and piles of firewood that seemed to collapse with the slightest touch.

Even chickens and goats roamed freely.

It seemed that everyone took care of their own necessities independently.

“Hey, pass me the laundry tongs!”

“Who did they say is on cleaning duty today?”

“They told you to join the meal duty too. I can’t eat if you keep dawdling!”

The voices of young women echoed from various directions.

Although the tone was occasionally irritated, overall, it was lively and cheerful.

Laughter rang out frequently.

Various colored clothes hung on the laundry line, swaying in the wind.

Groups of three or five gathered to sing songs, and women weaving fabric were also noticeable.

‘I thought it would be a gloomy atmosphere. Isn’t it similar to a girls’ dormitory? Nicolai seems uninterested, whether he comes or not. Did he completely give up?’

Before the tea party, I wanted to investigate the noble empresses and also those brought by Nicolai from various parts of the empire.

Fortunately, as I walked, carrying laundry and pretending to stroll, no one showed interest in me.

Suddenly, Douglas’s words came to mind.

“Why did Your Majesty acquire so many empresses?”

“Even if you are self-sufficient, maintaining the harem would cost a fortune. You also had to bear the stigma of being a playboy.”

I wondered what benefits he gained from it.

Maybe I had already heard the answer.

“The Netherflower emits a pungent odor. He lives by consuming that smell. I chase him and find him to isolate him.”

Nicolai’s voice pierced through like lightning.

I opened my eyes and looked around the harem again.

‘So, this was the isolation facility! They brought in Netherflower-infected individuals under the pretext of empresses. To prevent public unrest!’

It felt like puzzle pieces that were out of place were slowly coming together.

The reason for bringing in women who were not of interest.

The reason for spending a large amount of money to maintain the harem.

The reason for enduring the stigma of being a playboy.

All of it was related to the Netherflower!

As the unresolved puzzle pieces seemed to fall into place, joy surged within me.

Even if I were to gallop across an expansive field right now, it wouldn’t be as thrilling as it was now.

The Emperor, who was considered the greatest Casanova in the empire, was actually an emperor tightly bound by responsibility…!

However, there was still a curiosity that hadn’t been addressed.

‘He should have told me about the wolf when confessing. Why did he hide it? Why only young women? It’s probably not a disease that chooses its victims…’

An eerie and nauseating shadow stirred inside me.

Something unsettling that I couldn’t define.
It was at that moment that I heard the complaints of the women sitting in front of the beetle.

“How long do we have to stay confined?”

“We don’t worry about food and shelter, but it’s too stifling. I miss my parents back home.”

The women who had barely removed their shabby clothes grumbled.

A woman who looked a bit older than the rest nagged.

“Did you forget the contract you signed when you entered the palace? You send a consolation payment to your family every month. We also receive a stipend.”

“I want to see the beautiful Empress! She used to come occasionally, but these days, she doesn’t even show her face?”

“Even the real empresses can’t see Her Majesty. But will you come here?”

“I think that rumor is true, unnie. Her Majesty seems quite unwell towards the night…”

“Oh, this young one has nothing sensible to say! Hahaha!”

The women burst into loud laughter.

I almost threw away the laundry I was holding.

‘Are they doubting Nicolai’s masculinity? He’s healthier than anyone! Vigorous and robust! I confirmed it myself…!’

I couldn’t continue the thought and lowered my head deeply.

It was because the kiss in the garden from last night came to mind.

Also, the part of his body that underwent a frightening transformation.

I felt depressed by the fact that I couldn’t defend my man.

As I tried to turn away with bitterness, the women began to stir.

“It’s time for the special distribution. Let’s go quickly!”

“You really thought well, Nisa. Serving Lady Elizabeth as the mistress.”

Nisa had a good relationship with the palace maids.

Especially, she maintained a close relationship with head maids and stewards.

There was no need to worry about holding onto a head maid.

She treated Nisa exceptionally well and didn’t try to let her go.

“You’re still kind, Head Maid-nim.”

“Is Lady Elizabeth treating you well?”