There was still about half an hour until the formal imperial duties began, but Hershis had always come out early to handle work, sometimes even an hour or two before. So, Ishar naturally expected the same today.

‘But why?’

He was about to turn and leave the office, thinking Hershis must be still busy with something.
“From where?”

“From the empress’s palace.”

Ishar’s mouth twisted slightly at the servant’s response.

“As expected.”

‘If that’s the case, it’s not unreasonable to be late.’

He instructed the servant.

“Go check.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

Clack, the sound of the door closing echoed, and he mumbled quietly.

“So, they consummated before the wedding after all.”

It wasn’t a bad sign.

An heir would contribute to stabilizing the imperial family, so the sooner the child came, the better.

‘She promised to fulfill her duties as an empress.’

Suddenly, Hershis’s words came to mind.

Yes. Each person should do what they’re good at.

Those with intelligence should use their brains, those with sharp eyes should use their eyes, those with eloquence should use their mouths…

In that regard, the conduct of the prospective empress Liz was wise.

Much better than boasting about calming the social circles.

…!

Beyond the door, a sound of refined footsteps was heard.

It was Hershis’s footsteps.

Ishar stood up. He looked forward to seeing Hershis come in with a refreshing face.

However…

“Why did you come so quickly?”

Hershis, who came in with the door opening wide, didn’t seem pleased at all.

“Did something happen since the morning?”

“…No.”

He slumped into the seat. Ishar observed him closely, sitting down.

The polite servant returned and asked respectfully.

“What beverage would Your Majesty prefer?”

“Coffee. Very strong.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Have you had a meal?”

After the servant withdrew, Ishar asked.

“No.”

“…”

The fact that he, who never drank coffee on an empty stomach, ordered coffee alone was enough for Ishar to gauge his state.

“Did something happen last night?”

“Nothing.”

Hershis replied, running his hand through his unstyled hair, which poured down like silk as soon as it left his hand.

His face looked sensitive rather than tired.

There was a reason for his vague guess.

“Is it because nothing happened last night that you’re upset?”

“I’m not upset.”

‘Nothing happened is correct.’

“Then why did you come back to the main palace? What were you doing there until morning? You’re a person with insomnia.”

“Ishar.”

Hershis opened his eyes narrowly.

“So, you’re still alone.”

“…”

“If you leave right away because you couldn’t satisfy your desires, what do you think Liz will think of me?”

“She would probably think I’m lecherous. But, Your Majesty, aren’t you someone who usually doesn’t care about others’ opinions?”

“Liz is not like others.”

“…”

“My woman and my subordinate.”

Ishar bit his lip with a face that was far from nonchalant.

It was a face that said he heard what he didn’t want to hear.

‘Oh my god.’

Since his childhood, Hershis had been his idol.

He admired Hershis’s sharp mind, bold decisiveness, and agile physical prowess. He wanted to be helpful to him, so he polished and sharpened skills in areas that didn’t overlap with Hershis’s expertise.
The one who made Hershis Valdymion the youngest prime minister in history and the greatest landowner in history was none other than him. If it weren’t for Hershis, he would have remained just an ordinary noble.

But now, to become such an embarrassing figure as to become a chewed-up idiot who spouts awkward words like a torch in his life.

‘Does everyone become like this when they’re in love?’

If that’s the case, then my choice was right.

Love wasn’t necessary in his life.

As long as there was a nominal wife to bear the successor.

“It’s a mess!”

Liz had developed a habit of looking at herself in the mirror when she woke up in the morning.

The fact that her lips were swollen was nothing now.

“When did I get bitten again here?”

Liz gasped as she saw a distinct bite mark on her collarbone.

‘If it got this bad, why didn’t I know back then? Was I so absorbed in it?’

As Liz meticulously reviewed the events of last night, her face turned pale.

‘I was indeed absorbed.’

Although it was the same kiss, the feeling when done on a chair and on a bed was like heaven and earth.

The kiss and the provocative movements, just shy of crossing a line, were miraculous.

The hot breath blowing into her ear was so thrilling, and the whispered words were so sweet.

She didn’t know how many times her entire body shivered.

At this rate, she might crumble before Hershis.

‘To fall this quickly.’

It was absurd even for herself.

She was pretty sure someone had guaranteed that it would take quite some time for her to accept him.

As they kissed and touched each other, he felt comfortable and familiar. It was more comfortable and familiar when she closed her eyes, but even with her eyes open, she didn’t feel the urge to push him away as she did before.

The two men weren’t completely seen as one yet, but the moment when that would happen seemed to be coming much faster than she had expected. And when that time comes…

‘I’ll allow my body.’

Beyond anticipation, she was convinced.

She might have to start preparing mentally soon.

“Whew…”

It was when she was exhaling a long sigh, feeling a complex emotion.

Tap , tap .

The sudden sound brought her immediate thoughts to a halt.

Liz held her breath and concentrated.

Tap , tap , tap.

This time, three clear knocks echoed.

She held her breath and listened to the unexpected sound.

‘What is it? Did a bird fly in or something?’

Liz, who approached, opened the tightly closed curtain.

“Ugh!”

Liz covered her mouth with both hands. Thanks to that, she could suppress the scream.

A man standing by the window waved his hand with a bright face.

The person Liz knew.

“Pr… Prince of the Kalton Kingdom?”