“Are you okay? If my true identity is revealed, the truth about the death of the former emperor will also be exposed.”

Avoiding mention of the former emperor’s death.

That was an unspoken agreement between Kristin and Yan.

“We all thought you died from a wolf attack. However, if it becomes known that it was a plot by your scheming brother to take the throne, I wonder how people will react. Especially Lady Isabelle, and Duke Roderwell…”

Lady Isabelle was the former emperor’s wife, and Duke Roderwell was her father.

If the former emperor were alive, they would be the ones wielding power from the highest positions.

Kristin’s threat made Yan uneasy, but he didn’t reveal his inner thoughts. He wasn’t the type to be easily swayed.

“It was you who harmed my brother; it wasn’t me. Besides, even if it’s known that I belong to the Wolf Clan, who would believe your words?”

“And the Holy See will likely take action.”

When the Holy See was mentioned, Yan’s face contorted heavily.

If the existence of the Wolf Clan was revealed, the Holy See would not remain silent. If that happened, they might hold Yan accountable for hiding his identity.

The nobles’ association would take the opportunity to attack him.

In the worst-case scenario, he might be dethroned.

“Alright, let’s continue to do well. We’re in the same boat after all.”

Yan smiled again and extended his hand for a handshake.

You dog-like raccoon!

Kristin cursed inwardly.

Yan wanted to hold both Kristin and Stone by his side for a while. If the two adversaries fought each other, he would be safe in the middle.

But he had no idea how dangerous a game he was playing.

“Stone Oswald killed the guards.”

Kristin stated as he stared at Yan’s offered hand.

“No, that must be the work of a beast…”

“Seek the answer from Her Majesty. Goodbye.”

In the end, he withdrew without shaking Yan’s hand.

Kristin, who hastily concluded his busy affairs, returned to Marble Palace in the late afternoon.

He had been worried about Adel’s condition all day. However, the moment he entered the palace, the tantalizing smell of freshly baked bread tickled his nose.

Entering the kitchen, Adel, with an apron tied around his waist, was busy in front of the oven. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn’t notice Kristin’s arrival. Sweating profusely on his forehead, his plump cheeks were flushed red.

Leaning against the kitchen door, Kristin watched him quietly.

Adel, busy with the oven, seemed at peace, but to Kristin, it wasn’t that simple. The enticing scent of butter and sweet honey made everything seem so blissful, reaching even the depths of his soul.

“Chris!”

Adel, who was moving a pan full of cookies, noticed him and smiled softly.

It was an ordinary sight, just like any other day. Although reassuring, it also made him uneasy.
Crying out while calling for her mother, she still seemed unable to escape from that day ten years ago. The dreadful fear and anger from that day seemed to have fully transferred to her.

So, even her current smiling face looked fake.

‘In reality, is your heart by now completely shattered?’

But he couldn’t muster the courage to delve into her pain.

Cowardly, he wished to forget everything related to the Silver Wolf, to bury it forever.

“Is your body okay?”

Adel cutely wrinkled his nose.

“Ah, earlier, I got too excited and ended up showing a ferocious side. As an apology, I’m baking apple pie and apple cookies.”

“They look delicious.”

“I’m glad!”

Adel, who was overly joyous, paused.

“But, by any chance, did your shoulder, which you hurt earlier by blocking me, get worse?”

“Why wouldn’t it? After seeing the royal physician, he advised me not to use my left shoulder for a few days.”

“Really?”

Adel looked at him with a sullen expression.

“Really. So, ah…”

Sitting on the kitchen counter, he opened his mouth wide.

“Huh?”

“Feed me that cookie. Ah…”

“Hey, the injured shoulder is on the left. The right arm seems fine, though.”

“But using the right arm instead of the left made it hurt even more.”

“Wow, that doesn’t make sense. You’re faking it.”

“What are you doing? Hurry. Ah…”

Impatiently, he opened his mouth wide again.

Adel, bewildered, placed the cookie into his mouth.

“Since you’re at it, you might as well drink something.”

“Then, milk would be good. But we don’t have a milk bottle, what should we do?”

As if asking what he was talking about, Adel raised his eyebrows. Then, he stuck his tongue out provocatively.

“Seeing you ask to be fed, I thought we might need a milk bottle too.”

“Hah! Who do you think you’re kidding, pretending to be someone?”

“Well, considering a big child begging for cookies…”

“Adel!”

Kristin reached out his hand, trying to grab Adel, with an exaggerated expression. Screaming, she quickly escaped to the other side of the kitchen counter.

“You said you hurt your shoulder, but it looks perfectly fine.”

“I endure it. I have a lot of patience.”

He jumped over the counter again and chased after Adel. In response, Adel slipped away under the counter.