The Nickian Emperor’s eyes must be on his feet.

‘You shouldn’t be treated that way.’

Throughout the welcome banquet, the Empress was like a striking thunderbolt, an erupting volcano, and a frost that could freeze the world.

But right after the banquet ended, she became snow that could melt in an instant, a yellowed grass drained by volcanic heat, and a lamb struck by unfortunate lightning.

How could she be so fragile, yet so strong in front of all those people?

To Meruem, the Empress was a miraculous being and, at the same time, a mystery.

Where did she learn the medical skill to save a life? How could she have such a noble heart to want to save someone like him?

There were many questions, but his lips were heavy, perhaps because he felt she wouldn’t answer them.

‘Before you collapsed, you asked to take care of me.’

Even when she could barely hold herself up, she did that.

And thanks to her, Meruem received VIP treatment in the Empress’s palace even while she was unconscious.

He didn’t know what would have happened if she hadn’t said those words.

Meruem silently glanced at his clothes made of fine fabric.

In his homeland, he didn’t need such clothes.

Half the year he was on missions, and the other half, he was being hunted by assassins.

Either covered in dust or blood.

For one of these two reasons, his clothes always reached the end of their lifespan.

Therefore, he never felt angry or humiliated, even if he was given clothes no different from those of a commoner. They wouldn’t last more than three days anyway.

But here, he was provided with more clothes than he could wear each day… and they never wore out.

Do you know how long it’s been since a day passed without an assassin’s visit?

‘All thanks to your name’s power.’

The Empress’s control within the palace was immense.

Meruem, involuntarily knowledgeable in politics, quickly noticed the flow of power within the palace.

Having been interested in who sent assassins after him, he had no choice but to understand.

To him, the Empress seemed like a giant waking up from its slumber.

She might have been mistaken for a moss-covered rock while crouching, but not anymore.

With the Empress taking the front stage, there would be no one who could defeat her.

It’s all thanks to you. That demon should be grateful to you.

Then, Eldaim whispered to him through water droplets.

Meruem frowned at Eldaim for the first time.

“Don’t call her a demon.”

What else do you call a demon if not a demon? It’s not an insult, she is a real demon.

“Just don’t call her that.”

Oh, dear. Can’t even call a demon a demon…. Is this why they say there’s no use raising children?

Eldaim grumbled.

Meruem ignored him until he calmed down, then quietly spoke.

“What do you mean I’ve done something for her?”

Hmph. That demon… no, that woman… let’s say Empress. The Empress owes you. So everything provided to you is her repaying her debt. It’s a right you deserve. Oh, my contractor.

“Are you talking about the solar energy?”

Yes. The Empress can’t survive without the yang energy you provide. Her life span is about 2 years now… and even that was extended by you.

“I did that.”

The realization that he could give something filled him with joy.

Meruem’s lips twitched slightly in happiness.

Then the Empress won’t abandon him. That’s why she hoped he would live.

Her overly kind attitude, gentle words, her care for him, her efforts to create his place in the Empress’s palace.
Finally, Meruem whispered softly.

Understanding everything that had only caused anxiety before, I felt more at ease.

“I was scared that the only person who wants me to live might die, Eldaim.”

…….

“That would make me feel like I had no reason to live anymore.”

But now, he can keep her alive!

This was a dark joy. A thrill so low it deserved disdain.

His golden pupils quivered slightly.

‘I can keep her alive.’

I can prevent her from dying.

He watched the Empress for a long, long time.

Without moving an inch from his spot, without even once touching her hair. He just gazed at her as she slept.

He couldn’t yet name the emotion blossoming in his chest, but if this was attachment, as she said… then it must be attachment.

The desert country’s delegation left greatly satisfied after the farewell banquet.

They even left words of inviting to the desert country next time.

It was quite an achievement for the Empress’s first hosted banquet.

Then came spring.

The Empress’s palace was bustling with spring preparations. The heavy velvet curtains that hung all winter were removed, and the thick carpets laid to keep out the cold were sent to storage.

Following my suggestion, the new curtains to be hung were all in a soft green like grass leaves.

Just looking at them brought vitality and improved mood.

“How is it, tasty right? This is called a strawberry.”

“It’s similar in color to a pomegranate.”

“Right. The taste is a bit different.”

And every day, I spent time with Meruem.