Ch.88Prologue (End of Part 3 Episode)

# A Bright Afternoon at the Imperial Palace

It was a bright afternoon at the imperial palace.

In the audience chamber, which had become considerably more modest compared to the days of the deposed emperor, I was having a private audience with the Emperor and Empress—Serin’s parents. The two looked at me with faces full of anticipation. They seemed quite interested in the subject I had requested to discuss.

“So?” the Emperor prompted, pressing for the topic at hand. “I hear you’ve decided on the territory you wish to receive.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I’m curious. I still vividly remember the day you firmly declined.”

“I felt the need to reconsider my stubbornness.”

“Hmm.”

He asked, “Let’s hear it, then.”

With the Emperor’s permission, I steeled my resolve and made my request confidently.

“I would like to inherit the former Grand Duchy in the north, exactly as it was.”

“Oh my.”

The Emperor gasped.

His reaction was understandable, as the territory I was requesting was none other than the Grand Duchy of Literion, which the Emperor himself had once ruled. The forces that overthrew the deposed emperor had originated from there, and it was also where the historic marriage contract with the Empress had been established.

It was inevitable that he would question me.

“Why that place specifically? Speaking as the former lord of that land—though I hesitate to say it—I honestly can’t sugarcoat it as a good choice, even if my mouth were to tear at the corners.”

“I’m well aware.”

The Grand Duchy of Literion was extremely barren.

Despite being part of the empire, it had surprisingly low temperatures, as if it were a foreign country far away. The ground was parched, always requiring supplies from the central regions.

That wasn’t all.

Beyond the northern border stretched endless unexplored lands, from which numerous magical beasts periodically threatened the security of the north.

In short, it was the worst possible land, unsuitable even for territorial expansion.

That’s why Emperor Harum Literion was strong.

Having shouldered the harsh northern environment since childhood, he had ultimately grown into a warrior who transcended human limitations.

Given this, it was only natural for the Emperor to try to dissuade me from my decision.

Nevertheless, my resolve remained unchanged. So I slowly explained my reasons.

“I have two reasons.”

“I’m listening.”

“First, it’s the land that needs me the most.”

“Hmm…!”

Even with that brief statement, the Emperor seemed to immediately understand what I meant.

The Dragon’s Authority to manipulate weather. Using it, I could potentially transform the northern environment itself. It would open a path to completely save the people suffering from the geography.

Moreover, I could drive away the magical beasts from the unexplored lands and contribute to territorial expansion.

After listening carefully to my explanation, the Emperor urged me to continue.

“Go on.”

“Second, there are two people close to me who like such a place.”

“Two people…?”

“Yes. Of course, you wouldn’t know this, but… Eshtiel greatly admires the Northern Grand Duke.”

“Haha, ahem…”

The Northern Grand Duke that Eshtiel would know could only be the man before me—Emperor Harum Literion. Pleased by the unexpected compliment, his eyes softened.

“If I become the next Northern Grand Duke, I believe Eshtiel will be pleased as well.”

“Your brotherly affection is truly admirable.”

“You flatter me.”

“Then, who is the other person?”

It was a light question, given the warmly primed atmosphere. But I swallowed hard at this seemingly casual inquiry.

I felt the critical need to choose my words with utmost care.

“That is…”

I steadied my breath.

Keeping my voice as calm as possible, I met their eyes—the eyes of those with whom I would need to be deeply connected for a long time to come.

Finally, having prepared myself, I spoke.

“Princess Serin… Her Highness Seriniel.”

“Huh?”

“What is this…?”

The royal couple reflexively expressed their confusion aloud.

Of course they would.

They had no way of knowing why she would like a place she had never even visited.

…Even I didn’t know until I heard Serin’s unconditional agreement.

[“What, the former Grand Duchy of Literion? That’s such a wonderful idea!”]

[“…Y-yes?”]

[“It’s an environment where we can be isolated and cozy together, away from central politics. It’s perfect!”]

[“B-but what about the cultural amenities… the cold… it will be difficult for you to adapt.”]

[“Your face is all the cultural amenity I need. And I can adapt to the cold with Rian’s body heat. Besides, inheriting your parents’ newlywed home isn’t bad either.”]

Above all, she had asked if I thought she had the kind of body that would succumb to the northern environment.

When she proudly thrust out her chest, I found myself nodding in agreement.

If the environment is harsh, I can change it. With time, the north could achieve a considerable level of development quickly.

These were the reasons that firmly supported my decision.

“I will save as many people as my parents’ sins have affected, and never shirk my responsibilities. So I ask for your trust.”

“No, that’s…”

“It doesn’t matter either way…”

“Pardon?”

When I asked for clarification, the Empress composed herself and said:

“You have no sin to begin with, so there’s no responsibility for it either. There’s no such thing as sin one carries from birth.”

“…”

“It’s just… well, we’re curious about how Seriniel’s fondness for that place influenced your choice.”

“…I understand.”

How should I phrase this to properly convey my intentions? Originally, I couldn’t reveal the reason to protect her honor, even if my mouth were to tear.

But now, in this audience chamber, there were only three people present: myself and Serin’s two parents.

Only the two people who should know everything about Serin were having this private audience with me.

So, after much hesitation, I finally spoke.

“I… I took Serin’s purity.”

Therefore, we need a home.

“What madness is this?!”

The Emperor instantly flew into a rage while the Empress lost her composure, her mouth hanging open in shock.

Instinctively, I summoned a fog.

It didn’t take long for news of the imperial palace being turned upside down to spread throughout the empire.

I managed to escape and survive by enveloping the entire palace in dark mist.

◇

“Ahaha, puhahahahaha!!!”

“Stop. Please stop laughing, Serin.”

“Kup, ha… ah… I can’t believe this.”

“I was being serious…”

Despite my gloomy complaint, Serin showed no signs of containing her laughter.

We were sitting on the grass, leaning against a large tree trunk. If there had been no tree to lean on, Serin would have been rolling around holding her stomach, ruining her clothes.

For the first time, I found Serin annoying.

“Whew… hoo… haa… No, how could you possibly say it like that…”

“D-didn’t you say it that way, Serin?!”

“My goodness, our innocent Rian. Even so, to believe that a kiss could take someone’s purity… your naivety is too much.”

“I…!!! I know that… um, taking one’s purity generally refers to intimate relations between a man and woman…”

“And you knew this yet still said that?”

“Depending on one’s values… even a kiss could be considered strict purity. And since you said it that way… I thought you naturally considered it as such.”

“Well, that’s not wrong. I would be terribly disappointed if you had kissed someone else before.”

“I swear I have no such experience. Even with Rashera, I never did anything beyond holding hands.”

“Ugh, that bi—”

…

……

Serin hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“Don’t even mention that bitch. Honestly, I don’t even like that you held her hand.”

“W-what could I do… There’s bound to be contact when dancing or escorting someone.”

“Hmph…”

Despite my hasty excuse, Serin still seemed displeased. Seeing her reaction, I countered:

“What about you, Serin? Have you never held hands with anyone?”

“Ugh…”

On this point, Serin seemed to have no retort.

As a princess, how many events had she hosted, how many banquets had she attended?

Surely she had danced with and been escorted by many people.

“I-I had no personal feelings!”

“…”

“…I’m sorry. Truly. I just stepped on a landmine. Should I go bang my head against that tree and collapse right now?”

“…It’s… fine. It’s an undeniable truth that I was foolish.”

“No. I was wrong. Please don’t blame yourself…”

Rashera was a thorny woman in many ways.

She became a thorn that hurt both Serin and me, wounding us with every touch.

But it’s alright now.

Because the person who licks the wounds and applies medicine is looking at me with a face full of guilt.

So, I decided to tease her a little as a small revenge.

“It’s painful when hurtful memories resurface.”

“Ugh… my mouth ran away with me… I’ll make it up to you without complaint.”

Now this was a welcome statement. I had intended to play a small prank, but Serin had laid the groundwork herself.

I seized upon her setup.

“Make it up?”

“Yes.”

“Without complaint.”

“…I will.”

“I’ve received your clear commitment.”

“W-wait, could you at least tell me in advance how difficult it will be… mmph…?!”

Serin’s urgent words were cut off, and the unfinished sentence slipped back down her throat.

“…Haa.”

“Mmph…”

Lips suddenly pressed together. And a tongue exploring the other’s intimate place.

I devoted myself to the kiss like an unbridled colt. While feeling the sensation of our tongues intertwining like mating snakes, I stole glances at Serin’s flushed face.

Her face, reddened with surprise and excitement from the unexpected kiss, was captivating.

A strange feeling.

It felt like I had awakened to a pleasure I shouldn’t know.

“Phew…”

“Hnngh…!”

As our sealed lips parted, our saliva stretched between us like fine silk. Worried it might soil Serin’s clothes, I quickly sucked on her lips once more.

Frozen by the unexpected aftermath, Serin couldn’t utter a word.

“Why… why…”

Serin’s lips moved while she remained completely frozen.

After organizing her thoughts, she finally managed a short, cute question.

“Why… are you so good at this…?”

“I wonder. Without objective evaluation metrics, it’s difficult to judge.”

“What is this… Ah, never mind… Male leads in romance fantasy novels are all like that. They claim to be good at anything physical.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’m sure Serin is just as good at physical things.”

“…I’ll just stop talking.”

Serin, after getting worked up on her own, firmly closed her mouth.

Though she buried her face deeply in her knees, she couldn’t hide her reddened ears.

Seeing her shy demeanor, I felt the urge to kiss her again. The strange sensation I had discovered carried a strong addictiveness.

Still, I resolved to exercise patience for now.

We would have plenty of time ahead.

“…I’ll get revenge.”

“Serin?”

Revenge, huh.

With her face burning hot, how formidable could her revenge possibly be?

I was actually looking forward to it.

That is, until I saw where Serin’s eyes were directed.

“Sister Narin! Second Prince! Tiel! Tesser!”

“W-what…! Serin…?!”

“Guess what Rian told our parents todaaay!!!”

“Serin…?”

“I have a bad feeling about this…”

“I’ve never seen my sister with such a terrifying expression.”

Indeed, Serin’s impulsive action seemed disastrous for everyone.

“No, no, Serin…!!!!”

I hadn’t realized the appointed time for everyone to gather was already approaching.

Eshtiel with his innocent face.

Tesser, Serin’s younger brother.

My friend, Second Prince Luca.

Kanarin, Serin’s close noble friend.

With this nightmare-worthy group assembled, I desperately rushed to grab Serin, gasping in shock.

A cry like a battle shout filled the blue sky.

The sky, having shed its color of tragic love, was the hue of aquamarine.

It was the color of a certain child’s eyes, often compared to terrible desire.

“If you go any further… I-I’ll make it rain! A lot…!!!”

Perhaps it was the color of a hopeful sky, just before turning dark.

“As if anyone would believe that! Our Tiel would get soaked too!”

“Don’t listen, Eshtiel!”

“If I cover my ears, will you buy me a jar of candy?”

“…!”

I hesitated momentarily at Eshtiel’s outrageous demand.

And as always, a moment’s hesitation leaves me with regret.

My mind grew distant.

Faced with this enormous trial, I looked up at the bright blue sky and sought hope.

I wished that I could properly overcome this overwhelming daily life.

And that the future ahead would bless us.

I made my wish with sincere hope.