After a long pause, his response, when it finally came, was consistently indifferent in tone. It was dry, as if he had completely detached his heart from her. It was so unresponsive that it made her chest ache and her eyes burn with heat. However, she was already cornered to the point where she couldn’t waste time being swept away by those emotions.

“……It’s okay. The disgrace of today will surely be repaid someday.”
Relia clenched both hands tightly, muttering to herself. In times like these, she had to keep her composure. Still, one hopeful thing was that she hadn’t lost the Empress’s trust, at least for now.

“[I want to spend some time alone with Young Ae tomorrow. Can you spare some time for me?]”

Even just recalling the words Yustia had said to her before leaving the Empress’s palace indicated that. Clearly, Yustia had not completely let go of her.

In the midst of despair, especially after Duke Dwayne had also changed his mind, it was a bright hope.

With that thought in mind, Relia stood up abruptly. Her appetite still hadn’t returned, but it seemed she needed to eat something.

To firmly grasp Yustia’s heart and plan for the future, she had to gather her strength.

Relia turned her head towards the door and quickly summoned a maid.

Late at night, Caliph, despite the overwhelming fatigue, briskly moved towards the Crown Prince’s residence.

He couldn’t erase the thought that today must have been very tiring for Ibelia, but seeing her face for a moment would be good.

Perhaps due to the late hour, there were only minimal staff left at the Crown Prince’s residence. The knights and attendants who noticed him were trying to stand up straight, but Caliph shook his head, signaling them to remain at ease.

He just wanted to quietly see Ibelia and leave. Moreover, Felix had mentioned that, for a while, the attention of those like Yustia should be diverted from Ibelia.

To achieve that, it was best to minimize the rumors about him visiting Ibelia.

The knights who understood his intentions lightly saluted. Caliph nodded at them a couple of times and promptly entered the Crown Prince’s residence.

As he hastened his steps, it didn’t take long to reach Ibelia’s bedroom. He quickly surveyed the surroundings, then hurriedly entered her room.

After closing the door, warm eyes felt behind him. Caliph turned his head following the sensation. Then, he saw Ibelia sitting on the bed as if she had just been about to lie down.

“……Cal?”

Somewhat surprised by the sudden appearance, Ibelia squinted her eyes. Caliph approached her without hesitation.

“I guess I interrupted your sleep.”

“Yeah. It’s not that late, though.”

Ibelia nodded her head, getting up from the bed to come closer. Without any hesitation, she reached out and pulled him into an embrace.

It was a remarkably natural hug, as if it were only natural to embrace him now that they were alone together.

Caliph reciprocated by hugging her waist firmly. There was no room for any gap between the two.
He pressed his nose against her pure white neck and took a deep breath. Her familiar scent, which he knew well, instantly filled his nostrils deeply. Just that alone relieved the long-standing fatigue that had weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Caliph naturally raised the corners of his lips and tightened his arms around her waist. With just a bit more strength, her body effortlessly rose in his embrace.

Maintaining the same posture, he moved his legs. Although there was a faint rustling movement in his arms, he paid no attention. After reaching the bed, he stopped and gently set Ibelia down.

“Lie down.”

“Hmm?”

“If I hadn’t come, you would have lain down, right? So, lie down as you originally intended.”

“But you came.”

“My purpose for coming here was not to disturb your sleep.”

Caliph, with a gentle smile, extended his index finger and pressed it firmly against her forehead. Ibelia, who had been resisting his force, soon grabbed onto his finger tightly.

“You didn’t come to see me?”

“Yeah. That’s why I’m here, watching.”

“But are you putting me to sleep like this?”

“If you don’t sleep, do you have something else in mind with me?”

Caliph asked, narrowing his eyes slightly. At the same time, Ibelia’s pupils shook visibly. Her reaction indicated that she hadn’t expected to hear such an answer.

Finding her response quite adorable, Caliph couldn’t help but smile. After gazing at Ibelia as if observing her for a moment, he playfully asked again.

“What do you plan to do at this audacious hour?”