Blair’s hand paused. A subtle tension flowed between the two as they faced each other.

Like a tightly drawn bowstring.

The change in his eyes, which had momentarily softened, was swift.

Without any sense of accomplishment in wiping off the lipstick, his approaching lips overlapped. Skillfully parting her lower lip, he explored her mouth.

At the same time, his large hand, which had been supporting Blair’s waist, began to move upward.

Under his touch, memories from a past life suddenly came to mind.

‘Come to think of it, even in my previous life, on this carriage day….’
Blair urgently grabbed his hand and pushed him away.

“No more… Herdin. We’re in a carriage.”

“Why does that matter?”

Blair, bewildered by his questioning as if she truly didn’t understand the problem, glared at Herdin.

“What if others… hear us?”

“Just don’t make any noise.”

Could he be saying that now!

He was too burdensome for her, and his provocations were too much to handle. Even if she tried not to make a sound, it didn’t go as planned.

“Just don’t do it.”

Herdin, seemingly not intending to let go of Blair, who was distancing herself from him, pulled her back to his side and responded.

“You were the one who first stimulated my lips.”

“You were the one who initiated the kiss.”

“Fine, let’s say that’s my fault.”

He embraced Blair and seated her on his lap.

“If we stop now, I might be in a bit of a bind.”

Feeling the tension beneath my thighs, Blair froze.

Contrary to his words admitting fault, his body seemed to have no intention of remorse.

“If you don’t want your husband to be rumored as a beast in heat to others.”

Blair’s face gradually reddened. Herdin whispered while rummaging through the layers of her abundant skirt.

“Since the lady created this situation, she should take responsibility.”

Gradually, the heat that was difficult to handle surged, engulfing Blair.
In the end, she had no choice but to bite her lips and embrace his neck.

The hunting competition took place in the royal-owned forest on the outskirts of the estate.

Nobles gathered in their seats, first enjoying a meal. Afterward, the men engaged in the main hunting event, while the women had tea time.

“Well, I suppose we’ve filled our stomachs. Shall we go stretch our legs a bit?”

Upon Ivan’s words, the nobles dispersed to prepare for the hunt. The men, ready for the hunt, received cheers and cheek kisses from their wives or lovers.

Herdin approached Blair, who was quietly observing the scene. However, she turned her gaze away with her characteristic stubborn face. She had been in that state since the carriage. Herdin’s mouth slightly curled up at the sight.

Although she seemed tough on the outside, even that appearance looked cute to him.

Herdin lightly touched Blair’s cheek with his index finger as if tickling her and asked, “Will you give me a kiss?”

“…”

“You said you would fulfill the duties of a couple.”

Only then did her gaze, which had been averted, return.

Expressing his frustration about mentioning that damn contract was irritating, but he could tolerate that faint annoyance. The woman looking up at him with her toughened face was beautiful, and her finally reached lips were soft.
Herden gently lifted Blair’s bonnet and planted a kiss on her round forehead. Then, he fixed the disheveled strings of the bonnet.

Blair’s slow-blinking eyes stared at him. Looking into those eyes that captured his image, memories of the previous night seemed to resurface.

However, the desire that was about to surge again came to a halt, thanks to someone’s gaze watching them. Wesley was in that direction.

Herdin’s blue eyes, meeting Wesley’s, chilled with a cold intensity. Not seeing the Empress arrive didn’t ease his concerns.

At that moment, a knight from Delmark approached.

“Your Highness, we are ready.”

Blair, who had been hesitating for a moment, unable to take her eyes off him, spoke.

“Be careful, Herdin.”

“I will return.”

Turning away from Blair, Herdin’s expression, as if relaxing for a moment, returned to a cold and expressionless state.

He commanded the knight following him.

“Bain. Do not leave the Lady’s side. If she feels tired, you may return first.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Blair sadly watched Herdin’s retreating back with distorted eyes.

Nothing had changed from the past.

It was a natural story since the person hadn’t changed. Whether in the past or now, he was always someone whose desires took precedence.

So, his actions, desiring himself, might not be something like love.