“Even though I used a lower-grade mana stone at that time, I heard that I survived in a collapsing building by using this bracelet. It will surely be helpful.”

Belia grabbed Khalid’s arm and lowered her head. A slight tremor could be felt in the hand that held him.

…Did she handle things too casually because she knew about the future?

It was even more unsettling not knowing what kind of trap they had set up.

Everyone naturally couldn’t know the future.

However, Belia knew everything that would happen in the future and had done many things based on that information.

But when the trusted information disappeared.

When all predictions crumbled.

Belia felt lost in the dark maze.

“Sigh…”

Belia, still bowing her head, wiped her face with one hand, took a deep breath, and stood up again.

It was confusing, but she had to endure.

“So, please take it, Khalid. It will give me a little peace of mind.”

At Belia’s earnest request, Khalid silently looked at the bracelet for a moment.

“Okay. If it gives you peace of mind, I’ll take it. But…”

Khalid pulled Belia back into his embrace.

“Because you worry about me so much…”

Belia quietly waited for him to continue.

“Somehow, it feels good.”

“What?”

With a voice much brighter than before, Khalid continued speaking with a mischievous smile.

“While I’m away, you’ll keep thinking about me, right?”

As much as Khalid worried about Belia being anxious and troubled about his absence, he also felt uneasy.

“What are you talking about?”

“…Be careful of Raul, Belia. Even though his appearance may seem decent, the look in his eyes towards you is ominous.”

Belia, with concern filling her, pressed his furrowed brow with her finger.

“Of course. Don’t worry about me.”

Since she had no intention of going anywhere near Raul.

Belia’s finger slowly descended from his forehead to his nose and touched his lips.

“While you’re not here, I’ll protect this Crown Prince’s Palace.”

So, please let everything go smoothly.

Belia, with urgency in her actions, hugged Khalid’s neck and kissed him.

Time quickly passed, and the day for Khalid to leave the palace arrived.

Originally, there wasn’t much time given to prepare the negotiation team, but time flew by in a whirlwind of confusion.
Khalid finished preparing to leave the palace early in the morning and stepped outside. Belia was also with him.

The negotiation team that would depart together had gathered in a large open space.

“Your Highness, have you come?”

The Marquis Capri, who joined the negotiation team, greeted them.

“It seems Your Highness has come to see me off.”

Due to the continuous negotiations over the past few days, he felt very familiar as they exchanged greetings.

The Marquis’s expression seemed determined.

He probably knew that this negotiation task was exceptionally dangerous.

“Marquis, you’ve been away from the Empire for a long time. I hope you return safely.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Belia sincerely wished for his safe return.

Now, she wouldn’t see him for several months if he left.

Although they would exchange situation reports through messengers, not being able to meet Khalid was emotionally impactful.

As Khalid, trying to board the carriage, extended his hand, Belia urgently grabbed it.

“If anything happens, please seek assistance from Ronica or the Sacred Kingdom.”

It was fortunate that the Yakum Kingdom was not adjacent to the Empire, and the fact that it bordered the Sacred Kingdom and Ronica Kingdom.

It was truly fortunate that they had countries they could request help from if something happened.

“Belia.”

Khalid called Belia’s name and extended his arms. Belia bit her lips tightly and plunged into Khalid’s embrace.

Her heart still couldn’t calm down. Since coming from Ronica to the Empire, they hadn’t been apart for so long.

“Don’t worry. I can’t die leaving you behind.”

For a few months, Khalid couldn’t hold Belia in his arms, and despairing, he buried his face in Belia’s neck, taking a deep breath.

“…Maybe I should have just taken you with me.”

The lips that touched her neck were ticklish.

“It seems like I can’t endure it more than you.”

At Khalid’s groaning, Belia smiled and gently tapped his back.

“I’ll be waiting here for you.”

So please come back safely.

Even after Khalid left the palace, daily life continued. There were busy days of volunteering at the orphanage with Rachel and exploring various sponsorship organizations.

Although Rachel seemed quite distressed about her father leaving, she didn’t show it in front of Belia and remained lively as usual.

“Your Highness, this is all for today.”

“Thank you, Rachel.”

Belia checked the documents handed over by Rachel.

She had organized the financial status of the orphanage, making it easy to understand at a glance.

“…What about what you mentioned earlier?”

Rachel, carefully asking Belia while looking at the documents, spoke.

“What… Ah!”

Understanding what Rachel was talking about, Belia put down the documents and looked at her.

“For now, please keep it. I plan to reveal it just before the wedding of the First Prince and Lady Canterip.”

“Sounds good. You have no idea how itchy my mouth is right now, Your Highness.”

Seeing Rachel laughing and talking, Belia gave her a villainous smile.

“Just endure it a little. We have to show them our true colors.”

It wasn’t time yet.