Ascan and I did not leave the bed for three full days and nights.

We had servants bring meals into the room; occasionally we chatted softly, but whenever our eyes met, we sank again into passionate rapture.

Apart from eating and sleeping, it was time devoted entirely to becoming one with Ascan.

Those instinct-driven moments felt soothing, as if rewarding me for all my past hardships. I had achieved my goal of making Dekain emperor, and my beloved man was beside me—nothing was lacking.

In my heart, I wished these days could last forever.

But we could not remain indefinitely in Lazent Empire.

It had been several days since Helsion’s bounty prevented me from returning to Arwen Empire. Moreover, Noxia’s wedding date had been set, so we had to return promptly.

Lying in bed, I looked up at Ascan. He was leaning back against the headboard, gently stroking my hair.

“Ascan, I think it’s time we start preparing to return to Arwen Empire.”

At my words, a deep regret flickered in Ascan’s eyes. But since traveling to Arwen Empire was inevitable, he offered no objection.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I hoped this time would last a little longer.”

“It’s not the end today, though. Once we settle matters in Arwen Empire, we can take our time and relax.”

Somehow, Ascan’s expression looked sorrowful—as if he feared such moments might never come again.

I found it strange, but since the expression vanished so quickly, I assumed I had misread it.

Naturally. Everything was flowing smoothly according to our wishes—I never imagined he might have something to grieve over.

Ascan continued stroking my hair as he spoke.

“Alright. Once affairs in Arwen Empire are settled, let’s go on that trip we talked about before.”

His words brought back a conversation we’d shared not long ago, while planning to make Dekain emperor.

─After everything settles down, shall we go on a trip?

─A trip?

─Once everything is resolved, there won’t be any more tasks like before. I want to experience things I’ve never done—with you. Teach me how to swim properly; I’ve never really learned.

─Alright, let’s do it. After we make Dekain emperor and Lazent Empire forms an alliance with Arwen Empire, we’ll go traveling. We’ll start our ‘Live Happily and Enjoy Life for a Long Time’ project.

My trip with Ascan ten years ago had been the worst, but this time would be different.

Smiling gently, I nodded. Now was the time to settle all affairs and truly enjoy leisure.

“Good. Where should we go? Any place you’d like to visit?”

“You know. As long as you’re by my side, anywhere is fine.”

As he spoke, Ascan grasped my hair and pressed his lips to it. Though I felt no physical sensation, my heart fluttered.

Laughing as if I couldn’t stop him, I replied,

“Do you think I’m any different?”

I felt exactly the same. As long as Ascan was with me, I knew I’d be happy wherever we went.

Ascan smiled warmly and kissed my forehead. Then slowly, his lips traveled down to my nose, lips, and chin, continuing the tender kisses.

Even without words, I sensed his hot breath and understood the mood had turned intimate.

Though we’d just shared a passionate moment, seeing him recover his energy so quickly and come at me again made me shake my head in disbelief.

Ascan never seemed to tire. That was the truth I’d realized after spending three days and nights with him in bed.

Complaining weakly, I said,

“I don’t even have the strength to lift a finger now.”

“Tanashia, just one more time. Last one.”

Hearing his voice turn tender, as if coaxing a child, I burst into laughter. He was getting better at sweet-talking, it seemed.

As before, pleasure gradually bloomed under his movements. Though I thought the embers had died, flames quickly roared back to life.

Unable to endure the overwhelming sensations, I suddenly pulled Ascan tightly into my arms.

And so, we sank once again into rapture.

It was a peaceful afternoon.

Ascan and I prepared to depart for Arwen Empire.

Previously, Helsion’s bounty and the absurd rumor that I had been kidnapped by Ascan had restricted me—but not anymore.

Rumors spread wildly that Kalua Empire sought my life due to Reiana’s actions, causing the earlier kidnapping rumors to fade.

Moreover, I had rendered great service in elevating Dekain to emperor. Naturally, no one dared treat me carelessly under Lazent Empire’s protection.

Additionally, my younger sister Noxia was soon to become Crown Princess of Arwen Empire—no one would easily dare to provoke me.

In short, crossing into Arwen Empire now posed no problems whatsoever.

Thus, before leaving Lazent Empire, we paid a final visit to Dekain.

Partly to bid farewell, but also to confirm our agreement regarding the alliance between Arwen Empire and Lazent Empire.

Dekain, now emperor, sat upon the highest throne in the grand hall. Seeing him there, I suddenly felt anew the reality—he truly was emperor.

Ascan and I bowed respectfully and spoke simultaneously.

“We come to pay our respects to His Imperial Majesty.”

Dekain’s expression suggested he had expected our visit.

He looked at me, then at Ascan, and spoke softly.

“You’re leaving now?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Noxia’s wedding date is set, and it’s time we returned to Arwen Empire. Staying too long in Lazent Empire has let tasks pile up.”

At my words, deep regret surfaced in Dekain’s eyes.

“Now that I’m emperor, visiting you in Arwen Empire won’t be easy. When will I see you again?”

“I can’t promise a date, but if I ever return to Lazent Empire, I’ll certainly come to see you.”

Perhaps my reply sounded too formal—Dekain smiled sadly, as if hurt by the lack of certainty.

Quickly masking his expression, Dekain said,

“As promised, now that I am emperor, I intend to formalize the alliance with Arwen Empire. I’ve prepared an envoy to convey my intentions—you needn’t worry about that part.”

I had intended to ask about this anyway, so hearing it directly from Dekain eased my mind.

I never doubted he’d break his promise, but confirming it aloud brought relief.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Also, we received news of the Crown Prince’s marriage in Arwen Empire and plan to send our congratulations. I’ve prepared separate gifts for Lady Noxia—it’d be good if you could review them personally.”

Though Dekain and Noxia weren’t particularly close, they had become acquainted through frequent visits to the Brellof household.

In the original , Dekain had loved Noxia—but now their relationship had shifted into this selfless, platonic state, which felt slightly strange.

Unable to refuse Dekain’s goodwill, I slightly bent my knee and replied,

“Understood. On behalf of Noxia, I thank you.”

“The chamberlain will show you the gifts I’ve prepared. Let me know if anything seems lacking.”

With a light gesture from Dekain, the chamberlain—who had been waiting at a distance—approached me and bowed.

I glanced sideways at Ascan. Leaving him alone with Dekain in the grand hall felt slightly unsettling.

Ascan must have sensed my concern—he softened his eyes and spoke gently,

“Go ahead. I’ll wait here.”

At that, I nodded and replied,

“I’ll be right back.”

Given the situation, there was no alternative. Besides, worrying about Ascan and Dekain’s relationship was likely my own excessive anxiety.

Ascan was not a man who would easily yield to anyone.

After one last look at Ascan and Dekain, I followed the chamberlain out.

The moment Tanashia disappeared from the grand hall, silence descended like a lie.

The atmosphere had changed from moments before. A strangely lethal tension now hung in the air, revealing just how fraught the relationship between Ascan and Dekain truly was.

Breaking the silence, Dekain spoke first.

“Don’t mistake yourself for the victor. It’s not over yet. Until Tanashia dies, I will never give up.”

Even hearing those words, Ascan’s expression remained utterly unchanged. He already knew Dekain would never easily relinquish Tanashia.

Anyone ensnared by Tanashia’s charm could not easily escape—it was a truth Ascan understood better than anyone.

“Did you deliberately send Tanashia away just to say that?”

At Ascan’s sharp question, Dekain frowned.

This was precisely why he had always disliked him—even back when Ascan was merely a lowly slave, he had never once truly lost to Dekain.

“Yes. I wanted to warn you not to grow complacent. If Tanashia never becomes mine in the end… don’t you dare make her cry.”

This was sincere.

Dekain could not give up Tanashia—but if her heart never turned to him, he wished her happiness.

Though occasionally, impure thoughts surged within him—now that he was Emperor of Lazent Empire, perhaps he could forcibly take Tanashia—he knew he could never act on them.

This position he held had been created by none other than Tanashia herself.

He could not repay kindness with betrayal.

Moreover, he could not forget Ascan’s contributions. Setting aside personal feelings, Ascan had undeniably helped him greatly.

Ascan wore an unpleasant expression. Though clearly displeased at being entrusted with Tanashia’s care by Dekain, he replied calmly,

“As long as I live, that will never happen.”

Dekain and Ascan stared at each other for a moment.

Many envied Dekain for becoming Emperor of Lazent Empire—but he sincerely envied Ascan, who held Tanashia’s love.

Sometimes, he even felt tempted to trade his hard-won imperial throne for it.

Especially after recently witnessing Ascan and Tanashia standing so close they nearly kissed—those feelings had intensified.

How wonderful it would be to possess Tanashia!

Unbeknownst to himself, Dekain’s mind filled with such thoughts—sometimes, it became difficult to restrain himself.

It felt as if a devil whispered within him: Could he forcibly take Tanashia, somehow?

Somehow sensing Dekain’s base desire, Ascan spoke softly,

“I may not find it pleasant, but I’ll gladly accept any request regarding Tanashia’s care. But if you ever attempt to take her by force, I won’t stand idly by.”

Internally, Dekain flinched. Yet the more he thought about it, the more infuriated he became.

He was now emperor. No matter how capable Ascan was, he could not easily obstruct Dekain’s will.

“Do you dare speak like that even seeing my current position? I’ve changed. I am now the Emperor of Lazent Empire.”

To Dekain’s confident declaration, Ascan didn’t flinch—he merely smirked. That smile felt like mockery, and it stung.

Dekain narrowed his eyes, about to retort—

But Ascan spoke first.

“Having heard Your Majesty’s warning just now, allow me to offer one of my own. I raised you to this throne—removing you from it wouldn’t be impossible.”

“…!”

Dekain’s face twisted.

To say such things face-to-face was outrageously disrespectful. Yet he couldn’t immediately rebuke him—he had witnessed Ascan’s true power.

Adel Trading Company, Parusa Guild, Snen Mercenary Corps, Theron Pirate Fleet.

The strength Ascan commanded was powerful enough to shake an entire empire. If he truly set his mind to it, he could become a genuine threat.

Just as Kalua Empire had staggered when he targeted Helsion.

Dekain’s eyes gleamed coldly as his voice dropped even lower.

“How dare you speak like this before the emperor? Your gall knows no bounds.”

In any other person, such a situation would freeze their knees—but Ascan replied with perfect composure.

“I sincerely hope you never test that.”

Even now that Dekain was emperor, Ascan remained unchanged.

Dekain glared at him with profound displeasure. Whether in the past or present, Ascan remained as infuriatingly detestable as ever.

While the two exchanged words, Tanashia appeared at the entrance of the grand hall—apparently having finished reviewing Dekain’s wedding gifts.

Sensing the strange atmosphere between them, Tanashia tilted her head curiously. She bowed respectfully toward Dekain and said,

“I’ve reviewed the gifts Your Majesty prepared. Every one pleases me greatly. Noxia will be truly delighted when she sees them.”

Dekain concealed his sharpened gaze and looked at Tanashia.

He couldn’t guarantee when—or if—he’d see her again after this parting. He wanted to imprint her image in his eyes for as long as possible.

“Yes, please convey my congratulations to Lady Noxia.”

“Understood, Your Majesty. Then, Ascan and I shall take our leave.”

Dekain nodded regretfully. He knew no words could hold her now.

Ascan bowed politely toward Dekain as if nothing had happened—his composed demeanor was infuriating enough to grind one’s teeth.

In truth, Dekain had wanted to flatten Ascan’s nose before parting—but instead, he felt as if he’d been struck first, and irritation surged within him.

Thus, Ascan and Tanashia left the grand hall, walking away affectionately side by side.

Watching their retreating figures, Dekain felt a hollow emptiness in his chest.

‘Even without my saying it… that man would cherish Tanashia more than his own life.’

Having watched them for so long, Dekain knew this too—how sincerely and deeply Ascan loved Tanashia.

He knew, even without Dekain’s warning, Ascan would do everything to make Tanashia happy.

That was precisely why he hated Ascan even more.