“We plan to have a formal dinner with the nobles soon, including the children.”

Ishar’s gaze rose again. His eyes twinkled as if hearing a welcome sound.

“You thought well. It will narrow the gap with the elders and capture the hearts of the younger generation. It will be a win-win.”

Ishar spoke with a somewhat reminiscing tone.

“Let’s invite the musicians and actors as well. Nowadays, it’s trendy to have a dinner while watching a performance.”

“Good idea.”

“Then, let’s quickly inform the palace and decide on the play.”

“There’s probably no need for that.”

As Ishar was about to take a step, he stopped at Hershismen’s words.

“I just thought of a perfect performance. You only need to invite Duke Montaner.”

“……?”

Perplexed, Ishar looked at Hershismen, who smiled slyly.

“Send a dinner invitation to Uncle Montaner.”

Ishar’s face went from shock to stiffening. It seemed he knew what kind of play Montaner, who was about to appear in front of people, would perform. It would undoubtedly generate interest, but it wouldn’t be great for the Emperor’s image.

“I request it.”

Hershismen tapped Ishar’s shoulder as if tapping ice and then turned away with a smile.

Ishar narrowed his eyes and watched Hershismen’s retreating figure.

He responded to the congratulatory greetings from young ladies only with formal replies and left the banquet without hesitation.

‘When walking on thin ice, you must be careful.’

Ishar shook his head slightly.

The Emperor seemed to be becoming an increasingly unruly foal. It wasn’t like that in the past.

Ishar was convinced that Liz’s influence played a significant role in Hershismen’s current state.

With a passionate and impulsive woman by his side, it was clear that Hershismen would follow suit.

It would have been better if another woman had been the Queen’s companion. A bit more modest, discerning, and sociable—except for the background, the second daughter of that house was perfect in every way.

‘Thinking about this now won’t change anything.’

Regretting the past was not his style. Ishar turned his gaze to the banquet hall.

In the center of the grand banquet hall, a ball was about to begin. People started clearing the central space.

Ishar looked beyond the spreading empty space towards the golden throne on the dais.

Ironically, at that moment, Duke Montaner came to mind.
“Send a dinner invitation to Uncle Montaner.”

Perhaps due to Hershismen’s words.

Coincidentally, the figure that came to mind overlapped with the golden throne, creating an illusion as if he were sitting there. And with the thought that it wasn’t a bad picture…

‘What am I thinking? This is not right.’

Ishar shook his head vigorously.

Such disloyal thoughts didn’t suit him.

Just as Liz was trying to regain her confused composure and was about to leave the Queen’s palace, Hershismen appeared.

“Are you feeling dizzy?”

He asked, examining Liz’s complexion.

“Yes… I’m feeling better.”

Liz smiled forcibly. When Hershismen stared intently at her face to determine the truth, he grabbed her arm and gently pulled her.

“Now, let’s go. People are waiting.”

“It’s okay. There’s no need to go out forcibly.”

Hershismen didn’t even blink.

“It’s just a regular banquet, so let them enjoy it among themselves.”

“What are you talking about? It’s not the duty of someone who became the Queen.”

“Before you became the Queen, you were my person.”

Saying that, Hershismen lightly touched Liz’s shoulders.

After exchanging glances with Rosa and the commoners for a moment, they tactfully retreated from the residence.

Liz looked into Hershismen’s golden pupils, seeing a mature version of herself. She also noticed a soft laughter in his handsome lips.

Suddenly, her chest hurt as if being torn apart.

To think that the shadow of death would soon be cast on that radiant face like sunlight.

Like the sun being covered by the silhouette of the moon, Montaner, the Duke, would overshadow him.

‘No. No.’

Liz thought.

‘I’ll change everything. Now that I’ve remembered everything, there’s no problem.’

But the ghost that resurfaced cut off the bud of optimism once again.

‘What will happen is destined to happen.’

“Liz?”

Hershismen noticed Liz’s confusion.

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

“No… Nothing. It’s nothing.”

“Really… nothing at all?”

His tone was skeptical.

“Actually…”

Liz pondered how to convince him of the deep-seated concern she couldn’t hide.

“I’m a bit worried. Whether I can do well in the future.”

“……”

“In my mind, I thought I could do well, but when it actually came, I got scared and overwhelmed. So…”

Hershismen burst into laughter. Then he gently pulled Liz closer.

“Why worry about such things?”

“……”

“Just stay by my side. That’s all you need to do.”

Believing his flimsy excuse, Liz felt even more pained. Her eyes welled up with tears.

After Hershismen let go of her, he embraced Liz’s cheek and gently wiped the area under her eyes with his thumb. Transparent moisture appeared.
He gently lowered his lips, meeting her eyes. Then, just like the night before, he pressed his lips firmly against hers, following the tear streaks down and pressing his lips against hers. It was a kiss that went upwards. At least, that’s how it started.

The communication that began gently gradually deepened and became more intense. He naturally accepted the task of undoing the intricate front of the fatigue dress that the attendants had put on her, and it seemed like all the confusion in Liz’s heart was completely forgotten.

“……!”

But there was something that flashed in her hazy vision.

A black tulip placed on the windowsill was staring at her.

‘The meaning of a black tulip is a curse.’

At that moment, Liz knew what she had to do first.

“Hersh.”

Liz grabbed Hershismen’s hand as he was about to undo the last button of the front of the dress.

“Let’s not unite.”

“…….?”

“Let’s use contraception for a while.”