CHAPTER 92………………………..
She reached Mephisto’s room in an instant, passing straight through the door and stopping just a step away from him.
“Nea. Didn’t I tell you not to move around like that?”
To an ordinary person, it would have been a shocking sight — enough to make them faint — and it was behavior that would surely make them question her identity. There was a perfectly good door, yet she had simply passed through it like a ghost.
“But, Your Highness. Something feels strange.”
“What is it?”
“I just turned into the White Lady and went to the Holy Pope’s chambers.”
At those words, Mephisto — who had been gazing fondly at a flowerpot — rose to his feet. Though it contained nothing but bare soil, with not even a sprout showing, he hadn’t taken his eyes off it all day.
“And?”
“The Great Sage came out, glanced my way once, and said I looked nothing like her — then just went back inside.”
“Oh?”
With an intrigued expression, Mephisto walked over and leaned back against the sofa.
“So. Whoever he’s looking for, he must at least know the face, huh?”
“If he’s searching for someone who resembles a certain person, why wouldn’t he give a description?”
Now that she said it, it did seem suspicious. Mephisto thought for a moment, then smirked, the corner of his lips curling slyly.
“It means the face of the one being sought can’t be revealed — but if they’re brought before him, he’ll recognize them instantly.”
“I can’t even begin to guess who it might be that she supposedly resembles.”
“That’s because they don’t want anyone else to find this person first. The moment they give a description, others could start searching too.”
“Oh! That’s pretty clever.”
Nea exclaimed in pure admiration.
“This is going to be a tough one.”
Mephisto leaned back with a laugh. Indeed, it wouldn’t be easy. How were they supposed to find a woman who was almost certainly hiding her white hair?
“Good thing I told Asterios. It would’ve been hard for just the two of us to search.”
Mephisto smiled faintly into the empty air.
At the same time—
Asterios was kneeling before Roziana in her room, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand.
“Haa, As. That’s enough already.”
The awkwardness was all Roziana’s to bear. Ever since she’d told him they should avoid physical contact for a while, Asterios had taken every chance he could to hold her hand or kiss it repeatedly — his small way of protesting.
“Are you going to keep me standing here forever?”
“Your Highness may sit. As long as you’ll lend me your hand.”
His soft lips brushed against her skin again as he looked up at her with pleading eyes. Faced with that earnest gaze and tender voice, Roziana finally surrendered.
“Ha… Fine, let’s at least sit down.”
She regretted ever telling him she’d allow this much until things went further between them.
Suppressing a useless sigh, she sat and offered him her hand. Asterios, as if he couldn’t stand being apart for even a second, quickly took it back and entwined their fingers together.
Then he began to kiss each of her fingers one by one, his eyes locked on hers. Watching him move his lips so tenderly made Roziana’s body grow warm without her realizing it.
“Y-you had something to tell me, didn’t you?”
When had this man become so shameless? Her face burned all the way to her ears.
“Yes.”
Finally, his lips left her hand.
“How is Izeph doing now?”
Still stroking her hand gently, Asterios spoke in his usual calm tone.
“It seems he’s unable to use his holy power. He’s been hearing a voice only he can hear — and it comes with severe headaches, especially when he tries to pray.”
“Ah… so that’s why he collapsed. Because he couldn’t channel his power through prayer.”
“That’s correct.”
“Do we know what the voice is saying?”
“It keeps telling him to continue praying — and to bring someone. But he says he can’t make out the words clearly.”
“Bring someone? To whom?”
“That, he isn’t sure of either.”
Just imagining how frustrated and distressed Izeph must be made Roziana’s worry deepen.
“With his personality, I can already tell how much he’s suffering alone.”
Asterios patted the back of her hand gently, trying to reassure her.
“Still, he seems to have kept his sanity, so please don’t worry too much. I’ve been keeping an eye on him discreetly.”
“So that’s how you noticed when he collapsed. Thank you, As.”
“It’s only natural.”
After all, Izeph was her person — which meant he was Asterios’s responsibility as well.
“I also sent Thomas to watch over him. Told him to help if Izeph feels weak and to make sure he gets what he needs. So he should be better now.”
“…”
Hearing that, Asterios looked at her intently.
“W-what is it?”
“Your concern for Izeph, and sending someone to him — that’s fine.”
He leaned closer, closing the distance between them.
“But could you reserve your tenderness… for me alone?”
“…Huh?”
Roziana’s face turned crimson, her eyes widening. Was he… jealous? Over that?
“I-Izeph’s a patient!”
In response, Asterios guided their joined hands to his chest.
“So am I.”
“What?”
Wait, what part of him was hurt? Since when?
Her eyes darted over his face and body, checking for any sign of injury.
“Are you really sick?”
Under her palm, his heart was beating fast — thump, thump. Was it really illness, or was that just…?
As she blinked in confusion—
A quiet chuckle escaped his lips.
Then, in an instant, his lips brushed her cheek.
“As!”
“Won’t you allow me just a little indulgence?”
When had he become so sly? This wasn’t the Asterios she used to know — a man who could plead and tease her like this. Especially not someone of his size.
Up until recently, I thought he was a loyal big dog… turns out he’s a complete fox.
What startled her most was that… she didn’t dislike it. Roziana squeezed her eyes shut.
Then came the gentle trail of kisses — forehead, nose, and finally, lips.
In truth, Asterios was showering her with tender kisses to comfort her. He could sense danger approaching instinctively, a feeling creeping in from all directions.
He could only hope this blissful, sweet night wouldn’t become the calm before a storm. All he wanted was to leave his desperate affection upon her lips.
“By the way, As — you got the schedule list, right?”
The order for the princess’s tea-time meetings had been decided and distributed to each candidate.
“Yes. I saw it. The first guest is the Holy Pope of Graham.”
“Right.”
Asterios kept close, their faces still only inches apart. Her cheeks and ears, flushed pink, were unbearably lovely.
“My mother will be there too, but I’d like you to stay nearby that day.”
The Holy Pope likely wouldn’t use his divine power again, so her mana wouldn’t react — but she still wanted to be prepared for anything.
“Yes, of course.”
“You’re my knight captain after all. I’ll use that as my excuse to summon you. Stay near the palace garden.”
Roziana smiled softly, as if just the thought comforted her. Asterios’s grip on her hand tightened.
“Did you see my place in the schedule?”
He lowered his gaze from her violet eyes to her soft lips.
“Mm-hmm. I checked first thing. Your turn’s quite far down the list.”
“Who arranged the order?”
“I’m not sure. Probably Their Majesties together.”
At that, Asterios’s face fell.
It was bad enough watching her meet others — but to be near the end of the line?
“…As?”
He didn’t answer right away. His sulking was written all over his face, like a boy who’d been left out. Roziana tilted her head, amused.
“Hmm? As?”
Then— smooch.
He stole a quick kiss from her lips and pulled her straight into his arms.
“Mmph!”
