Count Heidern, believed to have been dead, was alive. And not just alive, but very well. That alone was enough to overturn the entire empire.

— Thud!

“A son of Goddess Helena.”

Ilei placed the newspaper he was reading on his desk.

“What a fascinating claim.”

He leaned back in his chair, flicking the newspaper lightly with his finger.

[The Sun Rises on the Croatea Empire ::: The Resurrection of Prince Akia, Son of Helena.]

The headline of today’s paper stood out. Every news outlet was buzzing about Prince Akia’s return.

That was not all. The rumor spread among those who had witnessed the execution; Prince Akia was alive.

Count Heidern, who had returned from the brink of death, was reborn. The empire hailed this new dawn, praising such an Akia.

“How foolish.”

When the count was weak and ill, they’d all scorned him. And now, he was a prince, especially after the previous emperor had died, and Akia’s royal status had long been stripped.

‘A prince.’

The word seemed to irritate Ilei, his eyes glinting a chilly hue.

In the Croatea Empire, there’s a famous founding myth.

The son of Helena, the first emperor Aureus, resurrected ten days after his death, beheading the enemy general and founding the nation.

Incredibly, Akia had come back to life on the tenth day after his death, in a very dramatic manner, as if announcing the king’s return.

‘Could all of this be a coincidence?’

Ilei suppressed a sigh.

“It’s no coincidence. I’ve landed a blow on Akia.”

Ilei muttered quietly, a cold smile on his lips. The flick of the emperor’s hand caused Duke Rodrigo to tense up.

Gossip on the paper should have been stopped, yet it wasn’t.

The more people tried to control it, like the count’s resurrection was some kind of revolution, the more the chatter grew.

“I apologize, Your Majesty. I should have confirmed it…”

Duke Rodrigo, who had been standing in front of the emperor’s desk, bowed deeply. He was the one who had brought the dead count’s body to the palace.

The corpse was secretly replaced while it was stored in the chapel basement for the funeral.

After the execution day, Duke Rodrigo couldn’t relax for even a moment.

‘Another mistake following the Bayern incident.’

If the emperor were to take his head now, it wouldn’t be surprising.

“No, you couldn’t have known. How could you have predicted an act that deceived everyone for over a decade?”

“Then what do you intend to do now, Your Majesty? If you give the order, I’ll…”

“No.”

Ilei straightened up, picking up the newspaper he’d placed down earlier.

[Who saved Prince Akia!] [Praise for the Young Genius Alchemist Boils Over in the Capital.]

Inside, there was an article about the alchemist who was almost executed. Ilei glanced through it.

“Summon Akia. And the alchemist.”

“The alchemist too, Your Majesty?”

To bring a commoner alchemist into the palace, Duke Rodrigo looked puzzled.

“Isn’t it right to meet the person who saved my brother?”

A mysterious, cold smile graced Ilei’s lips.

(Time Marker)

On a bright summer afternoon.

“This must be a dream.”

Although she should be busy moving, Lea was lying in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, muttering.

“Yes, it has to be a dream.”

She repeated the words as if brainwashing herself. But no matter how many times she repeated it, the situation didn’t change.

“It can’t be a dream…!”

Finally, the memories of that day overcame her, and Lea screamed.

Ever since she fainted at the execution site, she had awoken to unfamiliar, touching hands.
The hazy vision cleared, and what faced her was Count Heidern. At first, she thought she was dreaming.

However, what began with a kiss grew increasingly passionate, setting her body aflame.

The shiver brought on by a strange sensation that dug deep within her. The bed creaked as both moved.

Once again, memories of that day flooded her mind, and Lea’s face turned red.

“What should I do?”

It was quite good. No, ‘good’ wasn’t a strong enough word to describe it.

“Insane.”

She wrung her head, recalling that night’s events.

[Ugh…. Ah, Count Heidern.]

Each time the Count’s touch brushed her, erotic moans continued to echo in her ears. Unbelievably, Lea had become attached to Count Heidern.

As if begging for more. Saying things she’d never say when sober.

Lea roughly pulled up her blanket, not wanting to think about anything anymore.

“How am I supposed to face Count Heidern now…?”

Three days had passed since that incident. She hadn’t stepped out of her room since.

She couldn’t face Count Heidern.

“Definitely side effects.”

The side effects of the medicine seemed more severe than she had thought. Both had lost their reason and thrown themselves at each other.

‘Maybe. Count Heidern might be as deeply troubled as I am.’

Perhaps blaming himself for creating the medicine…

Moreover, she couldn’t avoid Count Heidern forever. As if making up her mind, Lea rose from her bed.

“Let’s go.”