I was surrounded by many people inside the banquet hall.

When Ascan was by my side, no one dared to approach, but strangely, as soon as he disappeared, numerous nobles came forward to express their admiration.

“Are you Lady Brellof? I’ve heard much about you.”

“You are as breathtakingly beautiful as your reputation suggests.”

I offered an awkward smile at the flood of compliments from all directions.

Truthfully, I never particularly enjoyed crowded places like this. Occasionally, I might crave some lively chaos, but generally, such environments drained my energy.

Especially when everyone’s attention was focused solely on me.

‘How do I escape?’

I was deep in thought, searching for a plausible excuse, when—

Thud. Thud. Dekain, today’s protagonist, walked toward me.

Wearing the Emperor’s crown, he emanated an aura of untouchable majesty. His beautiful face, combined with his lofty status, made him appear even more strikingly elegant.

All nobles around me, myself included, bowed respectfully toward Dekain.

“We greet His Imperial Majesty.”

Dekain was now Emperor of the Lazent Empire. I, too, had to offer him formal deference.

Dekain gave a slight nod to acknowledge our greetings, then softly spoke.

“I have something important to discuss with Lady Brellof. Would you all kindly give us some space?”

Though he had been Emperor for less than a day, Dekain’s commanding presence toward the nobles felt utterly natural—as if the role fit him like a perfectly tailored garment, without the slightest hint of awkwardness.

The nobles surrounding me all lowered their heads and replied in unison.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

No one dared to interfere when Emperor Dekain wished to speak with me alone.

As I watched the nobles recede like a receding tide, Dekain subtly curved his lips upward and whispered softly.

“Shall we take a short walk?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. As you wish.”

Dekain frowned slightly at my changed demeanor, but said nothing further.

Thus, we silently headed toward the secluded outdoor garden.

The Lazent Empire preserved an overall antique atmosphere. As I admired the beautiful statues scattered throughout the garden, Dekain spoke from beside me.

“I noticed you seemed eager to escape, so I rescued you. Did I do well?”

I hadn’t realized he could read my thoughts so clearly. Seeing my surprised expression, Dekain continued casually.

“After all the years we’ve known each other, did you really think I wouldn’t notice something this obvious?”

In the past, I might have teased him upon hearing such words. But not anymore.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I didn’t expect you to understand my feelings so precisely.”

At my polite response, Dekain’s eyes narrowed. He stared at me with clear displeasure and spoke.

“Tanashia, why must you speak so stiffly? When we’re alone, you can treat me as casually as before.”

“That’s impossible. If others hear it, Your Majesty’s authority would be undermined. Since your status has changed, my attitude must change accordingly.”

At my words, a shadow darkened Dekain’s crimson eyes.

“If you wish, I can ensure no one overhears our conversation. As Emperor, forbidding anyone else from entering wherever you and I are is trivial. And even if someone does overhear, I can make sure they remember nothing.”

He wasn’t wrong.

As Emperor, Dekain now wielded absolute power over the Lazent Empire.

But I had no desire to become so exceptionally close to him.

I could still remain his friend, but I refused to be perceived as anything more.

“It’s fine, Your Majesty. I’m content with how things are now.”

Whether he grasped the meaning behind my words or not, Dekain’s expression hardened instantly.

He must have realized I was drawing a line.

“Tanashia.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Dekain halted his steps through the garden. He gazed at me with earnest, pleading eyes.

Even in the darkness, his handsome face remained vividly clear.

“As you know, there’s no one left who can call me ‘Dekain’ anymore. You are the only one who can still speak my name…”

“Once you welcome Her Imperial Majesty the Empress, it would be best to grant her permission to address you by name. Many nobles would envy her.”

I deliberately cut off his words, pretending ignorance.

No one could casually utter the Emperor’s name—it was a privilege reserved solely for the Empress. I refused to become that person.

I had already rejected Dekain’s confession once, but perhaps he hadn’t fully relinquished his feelings for me.

If that were true, I needed to clarify things decisively from my side.

“Your Majesty, Ascan will be arriving shortly, so I cannot linger long. I must return now. Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on becoming Emperor.”

My words were impeccably courteous—and equally devoid of any special emotion.

Dekain’s sharp expression twisted with pain.

Just as I turned away and took a few steps, a desperate voice called out from behind.

“Tanashia, am I truly impossible for you?”

Unconsciously, I stopped walking. Slowly, I turned my head to look back at Dekain.

He had become a man possessing everything—beauty, the imperial throne, lacking nothing.

But possessing much didn’t guarantee love. Especially since my heart already belonged entirely to someone else.

“I believe I’ve told you before. For me, it has to be Ascan, no one else.”

“I am now Emperor of the Lazent Empire. What was once merely a possibility has now become reality. Whatever you desire, I can grant it to you.”

Dekain spoke truthfully, yet his words stirred nothing within me.

“Your Majesty, I already possess everything I desire—even without your granting it.”

I was the noble lady of House Brellof, acclaimed as the continent’s finest arms merchant. I could obtain whatever I wanted without relying on Dekain.

“You fool. You know exactly what I mean. With my current power, I can offer you far more than…”

“I already hold everything necessary for my happiness. And the most essential among them is Ascan.”

“…!”

Dekain looked utterly speechless.

If he still couldn’t let go, I would tell him again whenever necessary—that the man I truly loved was only Ascan.

I acted as coldly as possible. Precisely because I considered him a friend, I refused to leave him any lingering hope.

Sometimes, a clear, decisive rejection is more necessary than remaining merely “a good person.”

“Then I shall take my leave now, Your Majesty.”

I resumed my halted steps. As I walked forward, Dekain’s voice reached me once more from behind.

“…I’ll wait. Perhaps, in the distant future, if you ever find yourself alone, an opportunity might come to me as well.”

Though Dekain spoke of a very distant future, his words stirred something strange within me.

I had never imagined—never even entertained the thought—that Ascan might once again disappear from my side, just as he had ten years ago.

“Tanashia, if you think my feelings are lesser than his, you’re mistaken. I’ll prove to you just how sincere I am. One day, you’ll understand.”

I didn’t know how Dekain intended to prove his sincerity, but I chose not to ask. I simply left.

How sincere his feelings were didn’t matter.

What mattered was that my heart was already completely filled with Ascan.

I only hoped Dekain would realize that truth as soon as possible.

As I returned to the banquet hall, I spotted Ascan immediately.

He seemed to have finished his errand. Though I was curious what he had been doing, his expression suggested he didn’t wish to discuss it, so I didn’t press him.

‘Perhaps… it was something done for me.’

It might have been arrogance, but the thought suddenly crossed my mind. Most of his actions were motivated by me, after all.

Soon, Ascan noticed me too and quickly approached. He glanced around the still-bustling hall and asked, puzzled,

“Where have you been?”

“Oh, I had a brief conversation with His Imperial Majesty.”

At my words, Ascan’s expression shifted subtly—as if he could guess exactly what Dekain might have said to me.

Still surveying the noisy banquet hall, Ascan murmured softly,

“We’ve fulfilled our social obligations sufficiently. Shall we slip away now?”

Knowing what awaited us outside, my cheeks flushed unconsciously.

The truth was, it wasn’t only Ascan who desired me—I desired him just as fiercely.

I gave a slight nod. The coronation ceremony had stretched later than expected, but we had certainly fulfilled all appearances.

Ascan smiled broadly, took my hand, and led me out of the banquet hall. His slightly hurried steps made my heart race.

As we stepped outside, Zen approached us as if he’d been waiting.

“You’ve returned, Miss.”

“We’re preparing to head back now.”

“I shall escort you. Also, a letter arrived from House Brellof. I’ve been holding onto it to deliver to you personally.”

With these words, Zen handed me the letter with a respectful gesture.

I accepted it with a puzzled expression and boarded the carriage. Ascan followed me inside.

Shortly after, Zen started the carriage, and I eagerly unfolded the letter out of curiosity.

Elegant handwriting filled the page.

Sister, I miss you so much. It feels like ages since I last saw your face. I have so many things I want to tell you, I don’t even know where to begin.

First, the wedding date with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been set. I wonder if you can return to Arwen Empire by then.

If your schedule doesn’t permit it, please let me know. If you can’t attend, I’m willing to reschedule the wedding—so please speak freely.]

Noxia’s letter was long. I was startled to read that her wedding date with Rohel had been finalized.

Since they were practically officially engaged, holding a wedding was only natural—but having only heard rumors until now, it somehow felt unreal.

With a strangely dazed yet happy expression, I turned to Ascan and said,

“It’s a letter from Noxia. She says her wedding date with His Royal Highness is set. I’ll need to return to Arwen Empire sooner than planned.”

“I see. We should prepare a congratulatory gift.”

He wasn’t wrong, but somehow his reply sounded perfunctory—as if his mind were entirely elsewhere.

When our eyes met briefly, I instantly lost my words. It was painfully obvious where his full attention was directed.

His burning gaze was fixed entirely on me.

I could feel his desire radiating from his entire body, even without him saying a word.

I averted my eyes slightly and murmured,

“…If you stare at me like that, I can’t help but know exactly what you’re thinking.”

At my words, Ascan smiled faintly, cupped my face, and locked eyes with me as he replied in a husky, restrained voice,

“I have no thoughts I wish to hide. Every minute, every second feels unbearably long—I’m practically melting with impatience.”

Seeing Ascan’s eyes gleaming as if he wanted to tackle me right then and there, my own heart began pounding wildly.

Was his heat contagious?

The moment I recognized his desire, I too was overcome with the impulse to pull him fiercely into my arms and kiss him.

Dekain’s confession and Noxia’s wedding news were momentarily forgotten—my mind was completely filled with Ascan.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the carriage arrived at our lodging.

Zen approached as usual to open the carriage door—but Ascan and I opened it ourselves and stepped out faster than he could.

Brushing past Zen’s startled expression, we hurried inside the lodging.

Neither Ascan nor I stopped walking until we reached our room.

Click. The door shut behind us, sealing us away from all prying eyes—and without hesitation, we crashed our lips together in a frenzy.

As we shared deep, passionate kisses, my hands unbuttoned Ascan’s shirt, while his skilled fingers helped me out of my dress.

In some ways, this night was even more intense than our very first together—because now, unlike then, we were no longer inexperienced.

For a long time, we lost ourselves in exploring each other.

Ascan gently traced my glistening lips with his thumb and murmured,

“Nothing will interrupt us now.”

His voice, grown even deeper and rougher, was maddeningly sexy.

Without speaking, I reached out and pulled him close by the nape of his neck.

Having achieved our goal of making Dekain Emperor, it was finally time to unleash all the desires we’d suppressed for so long.

Fortunately, the night ahead was still long.