The bell tower of the Imperial Palace Library was the oldest and tallest building in the palace. Moreover, it contained important documents, so not just anyone could enter.

“You’re crazy! How can we in such a place…….”

As Adel became surprised, Christine, on the contrary, flicked her white forehead with his finger and turned serious.

“What are you thinking now?”

“Huh?”

“I was talking about going up to a high place to watch the fireworks.”

Adel was infuriated, feeling that he had been played with.

“You were going to show off your abilities?”

“Of course. Not just anyone can get in there. Unless you are a capable guard captain like me, you can’t pass.”

“Ah, I see? There’s no other purpose other than the fireworks? Am I the only fool here?”

Christine grinned playfully.

“Well, if my fiancée wants it, I might have another purpose.”

“Oh my, what are you saying?”

“More importantly, if we don’t hurry, the fireworks might end?”

When Christine reached out his hand, Adel took it with a slight roll of her eyes.

“Run, Adel!”

Holding her hand tightly, he began to run. Adel, as if not to be outdone, clenched the hem of her skirt and chased him running.

Her breath was catching in her throat, but unknowingly her lips kept curving into a smile. Among the numerous crowds, it felt like only Christine and herself existed.

Was the coolness he showed a moment ago just a misunderstanding?

Was the silver wolf that Stone talked about just a mere bait?

Adel decided to forget all other thoughts for now.

It was not enough just to enjoy this happiness.

(This is a time separator.)

“Let go of me now, Chris.”

“Just endure a little more.”

“You idiot, I’m saying this because I think you’re tired.”

“Not tired at all.”

“You really are stubborn, you know?”

Adel wiped the sweat beading on Christine’s forehead with her hand and scolded him.

He had run to the bell tower carrying her because her running speed was slow. Moreover, he ran up the endlessly winding stairs without resting.

The speed was so fast that Adel felt dizzy even just being carried. It felt like riding a winged horse.

No matter if he lived on the battlefield, this was not a speed and stamina that a human could have. Then again, he had been incredibly agile and strong since childhood.

“Here would be good.”

He put Adel down near a large archshaped window in the stairwell.

Although it was about midway up the bell tower, it was dizzying to look down at the spiral railing below.

At the moment when Christine widely opened the window,

Boom!

The fireworks that shot up high into the sky filled the night sky and bloomed brilliantly.

At the dizzying sensation of the enormous fireworks rushing towards her face, Adel screamed and shrieked at the same time.

“Ahh! Ah…… Wow!”

Christine chuckled beside her as if he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Just because. You’re cute.”

“Don’t keep saying that. It makes me want to act even cuter.”

“As much as you want in front of me.”

He embraced her from behind, as if wrapping her up. His chest was solid against her back, like a firm wall, and Adel felt at ease.

“It’s really beautiful.”
Staring at the everchanging flames, she mumbled.

“Do you like it that much?”

“It’s actually my first time watching fireworks.”

The horse races ended every year with fireworks. Half of Calarim’s citizens gathered around the palace to watch them.

Mia and Tanya always invited Adel to watch with them, but Adel refused. She was afraid to leave the house.

But now, no one called her a wicked woman. Rather, some people even cheered for her. And now, Christine was with her.

A man like a safe fortress, like a solid wall.

“I’m really happy…….”

Boom! Boom!

A large firework lit up the night sky, illuminating Adel’s face. Her eyes, tinged with red on both cheeks, sparkled with the dazzling firelight.

There were moments in life that one wanted to remember forever. Moments that, when opened in the bookshelf of memories, give strength to live again.

Perhaps that was life’s greatest treasure.

For Christine, all those happy moments had Adel in them.

And even at this moment.

Boom!

The largest firework she had ever seen filled the sky. Each spark created another small firework, and hundreds of flowers bloomed brilliantly.

Cheers came from below, children screamed with joy and ran around.

And then the fireworks were all over.

After the dazzling play, people began to leave, one by one, with a feeling of longing.

Whooosh…….

The chilly wind and deepening darkness filled the night sky.

Christine closed the window without regret.

But Adel still couldn’t tear herself away from the window.

“It’s over, Adel.”

Adel turned around, her eyes reddened.

“Why?”

Surprised, he asked her, and she smiled with embarrassment.

“I don’t know. The end of the festival seems so lonely.”

“That’s true. But our festival isn’t over yet.”

In Adel’s green eyes, he smiled like a cunning beast.

At that moment, some passion surged in her, and Adel raised her toes and threw herself around his neck.

Neither knew who started it. Their lips found each other with familiar ease.

Adel prayed and pushed.

That these times with him were not like a short festival.

Day by day, the happiness of a brilliant festival brought an inexplicable fear.

(This is a time separator.)

“Ouch, gently… peel it off…”

“Stop whining and take the rest off.”

“Wow, such a vulgar woman. How can you say such a thing without even blushing?”

“Oh my, really? I haven’t even said I’ll take it off if you don’t hurry.”

As Adel rolled up her sleeves and approached, Christine feigned fear and retreated.

“Okay, okay. If you want it that much, I’ll take it off.”

And then he began to unbutton his shirt.

With each button undone, his firm chest and welldefined abs became more and more visible.

Adel, a little embarrassed, pretended to be busy with Christine’s overcoat. It was a perfect body that made her blush every time she saw it.

“Okay, now do whatever you want.”

Christine threw his shirt on the sofa and smiled, as if leaving everything to Adel’s disposal. His appearance, completely revealing the sculpted upper body, was irresistibly seductive.

But Adel approached with a surprised look and finally lost her temper.

“I can’t live like this. Is this the time to joke in this state? Sit on the sofa right away!”