“Don’t worry too much. You will be safe.”

“…Why does Your Majesty treat me so well?”

“From the Emperor’s perspective, it’s because it’s beneficial.”

“It sounds like there are other perspectives.”

Margaret carefully ventured into the conversation.

While it wouldn’t have been easy in the past, now the man in front of her seemed quite familiar. It seemed acceptable to ask such questions.

“Of course, there should be. There’s another position that shouldn’t be exposed.”

“…Shouldn’t be exposed?”

“That’s not the position of the Emperor but that of a man. It requires even more caution.”

Not to waver in unexpected emotions.

The smile disappeared from Ruzen’s face. However, it made his sincerity more palpable.

Even without keen insight, Margaret would know. With a slight lowering of his eyes, the man lost in thought was thinking of a woman. And that woman was…

Margaret unconsciously swallowed hard.

“I have lived my whole life to become the Emperor, and I want to continue doing so. It’s better not to attempt anything that might cause unnecessary disturbance.”

“……”

“But sometimes I think. In the world, there’s always the ‘what if.'”

Even though she shouldn’t expect, different thoughts kept arising. Originally, the attitude the Emperor showed was too extravagant for it to be shown to a provincial noblewoman. Naturally, she had hoped that he might have different feelings.

When a young man and woman spend time together, it’s a natural occurrence for unwarranted feelings to arise.

Especially considering that, even without the fact that he’s the ruler of the Empire, Ruzen von Beiden is an exceptionally refined and handsome man. Many women must be harboring secret affections for him.

“And lately, those thoughts have become even deeper.”

“……”

Truthfully, looking back, it was like that from the first meeting. He strangely couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Even if he didn’t show it, Ruzen knew she was aware of his gaze. Silently turning his head was all he did.

In that sight, Margaret gained another certainty.

It might not be one-sided. If that’s the case, there was no reason to hesitate.

Margaret cautiously raised her hand.

Wearing gloves, it didn’t directly touch his skin.

But beneath the fabric, a firm texture was felt.

It was said that the Emperor not only learned the sword but also actively participated in battles. Was that the reason? Ruzen’s hand felt like a genuine man’s hand.

Very warm, very solid, and also large.

Margaret involuntarily moved her tongue in her parched mouth. The pointed tip of her tongue traversed her palate, gathering saliva in the dry mouth.

It had been quite a while since she was with Bake.

Even though the feelings for him were no longer there, sometimes, when night fell, the empty space next to her seemed to ache inside. The bed in the mansion she currently resided in was much larger than the one she used before, making the absence more pronounced.

“But what can’t be, can’t be.”

Ruzen smiled gently and stepped back a little.

In the vanished warmth, Margaret belatedly came to her senses and hid her hand behind her back.
I had forgotten. The Emperor wasn’t Bake. He had a different position than Bake, who didn’t hide his desires.

He wouldn’t easily succumb to ordinary temptations.

But how far would that go?

The corners of Margaret’s lips subtly turned upwards.

She hadn’t imagined that Bake would help her like this, but the time she spent trying not to be abandoned by him wasn’t in vain.

It wasn’t a coincidence that Bake returned whenever she seemed to forget him, pretending he would never return.

She knew many ways to delight a man.

Even a remarkable Emperor was ultimately just a man, not much different. Once you managed to entangle him, it became easier from the second time.

That was the truth Margaret had realized through her experiences.

“I’m sorry. It seems like I asked something unnecessary.”

“No, it’s quite comforting, actually. Everyone must have wanted to say something at least once or twice.”

“If Your Majesty is okay with it, I’m willing to listen to your story anytime.”

“…My story?”

“I might be far inferior to Your Majesty, but that’s what might make it more comfortable.”

Margaret smiled innocently and lightly caressed her fingertips.

Even with nothing, she somehow endured to obtain Crayton. Having succeeded once, it wouldn’t matter if she aimed for something even bigger.

Above all, it was inevitable.

Even if she managed to obtain Crayton through this trial, she couldn’t lead a giant family alone. She didn’t have business talents or interest.

She didn’t want a business; she just wanted the benefits Crayton could offer. Therefore, a helper, inevitably, would be needed.

Yes. Ultimately, it was for the child.

To secure the future of the child who would become the owner of Crayton, she had to win the Emperor’s favor, who was the helper.

“Whether it’s a story or a request, feel free to tell me. Because I am His Majesty’s person.”

“…”

“Do as you wish. I’ll follow whatever you decide.”