[Your Highness, Count Heidern has arrived.]

‘So, my questions will be answered today.’

He would be able to confirm whether Akkia was poisoned with Polarium by what he had prepared for today.

“Let him in.”

As Illei gave his permission, the door to the chamber opened immediately.

“Welcome, Akkia.”

The Emperor rose from his seat as Akkia appeared. Illei, who had just shed his cold demeanor, was infinitely gentle.

He gestured for Akkia to sit and wore a warm smile.

“I’ve missed you so much that I summoned you to the capital, but since you didn’t come, I had no choice but to call you here.”

The sound of writing echoed in the chamber.

[“I apologize. My health hasn’t been great lately, so I couldn’t go out.”]

Illei read the note Akkia had handed him.

“You should have told me then. Before leaving, get examined by the royal physician.”

The Emperor seemed genuinely sorry as he tsktsked. Raising his hand, he signaled to Duke Rodrigo. As if awaiting the signal, a maid came in pulling a trolley.

“I’ve prepared something for you while thinking of you.”

The Emperor gave Akkia an irresistibly graceful smile.

“It’s said to be excellent for restoring energy. I’ve specially prepared it for you.”

[“This is…”] Sunherb is an energy booster. “It’s said to be beneficial for those who, like you, haven’t seen the sun for a long time, isn’t it?”

The Count raised his eyebrows, looking at the cup of tea suddenly placed in front of him. Illei was always like this.

Whether Akkia wanted it or not, Illei would only be satisfied if things went his way.

Akkia sighed, staring at the steaming cup.

As a count, I couldn’t ignore the emperor’s benevolence. I had to let my guard down as much as possible without upsetting the emperor.

“I’d appreciate it if you drink it all, considering my goodwill.”

The Emperor, too, prodded Akkia as if fanning the flames.

[“Thank you, Your Majesty.”]

The Count, who had been staring at the tea, reluctantly sipped it. Immediately, a bitter sourness filled his mouth.

“It’s said that good medicine is bitter, but this is really sour. Quite fascinating, isn’t it? For a herb to have this kind of sourness.”

The Emperor, watching Akkia drink, also lifted his cup. Sunherb. As Illei had said, it was an energy booster.

‘Generally speaking.’

“It’s better to drink it all, even if it’s not to your liking. All of it.”

Akkia felt Illei’s piercing gaze on him, wondering if he would watch until the tea was finished.

(Time separator.)

The late afternoon sky turned orange as the sun set. Lea headed to his room upon hearing that the Count had returned from the imperial palace.

“I need to discuss that day’s events with the Count.”

I had run out of the room without asking anything because I was so flustered that day. But thinking about it carefully later, there were many strange things.

‘He said we spent the night together, but I don’t feel like we did.’

I even felt completely refreshed, as if I had slept soundly.

“And I also need to ask exactly what my condition was.”

I had to ask what symptoms appeared to quickly get rid of these embarrassing side effects.

Lost in her thoughts, Lea found herself in front of Akkia’s door.

[Dash] Knock knock.

“Count, it’s Lea. I have something to tell you. May I come in?”

When there was no response, Lea tilted her head.

“Is he not here?”

Just as she thought to come back tomorrow, Akkia’s voice sounded.

[Dash] ……Come in.

Had he returned from the palace and taken a nap? For some reason, the Count’s voice was lower than usual.

Entering the room, she saw Akkia lying on the sofa.

He leaned his head back, covering his face with his right arm.

“What’s the matter?”

Akkia’s languid voice reached Lea’s ears.

“It’s not that important, but if you’re tired, should I come back tomorrow?”

“No. Somehow, I think I won’t be able to hear you tomorrow.”

“Pardon?”

Unable to hear Akkia’s mumbling, Lea asked, and he sighed.

“……Stop standing there idly and sit.”

“Ah, yes.”

There was an awkward tension in the air since they hadn’t properly faced each other since that day.

“Count, about that day…”

As Lea lowered her head, unable to look into the Count’s face.

“Nothing happened.”

Before she could ask, Akkia answered. Lea lifted her gaze. The Count, who had had his eyes closed, was now meeting her gaze.

“There’s nothing like what you’re worrying about.”

“Ah.”

So nothing really happened that day after all.

Lea felt her tense body relax and exhaled in relief.

“……Lea. Once you’ve completed the antidote, will you return to Tren?”

Akkia looked at Lea with an inscrutable gaze and asked softly.

‘Tren, huh…’
Originally, Lea should have answered “Of course,” but hesitated, unsure what to say.

If she gave the Count the antidote, their contract would be terminated. It was only natural to leave once the contract was over.

Yet, why was it so hard to answer? As Lea licked her lips, a soft voice whispered in her ear.

“Don’t go.”

As if exhaling hot breath, Akkia slowly muttered. Don’t go. Lea’s eyes widened at the unexpected words.

“So, you won’t go if I say that?”

“What?”

Lea was both bewildered and confused.

She couldn’t understand why this man had uttered such words. And it felt strange how her heart wavered at just a single sentence.

“What do I want to do?”

She wet her dry lips several times. By the time she realized it, the hem of her clothes that she was clutching had become a mess.

“Count, I…”

She turned her head to look at Akkia, intending to say something.

But.

[Dash] Thud.

Suddenly, she felt the sofa tilt on one side, and something heavy touched her shoulder.