Chapter 127
Riana gently leaned her head against Ianheart’s shoulder, taking in the scenery he had wanted to show her.
The place that once felt lifeless was now overflowing with a surprising vitality of nature.
The full moon rested on the surface of the clear pond, breaking apart beautifully yet never losing its shape.
Earlier, when she had simply glanced at the moon through the window, all she thought was, “Oh, it’s round tonight.”
But now, standing here, she felt something completely different.
It was strangely comforting… and at the same time, an impulse swelled up inside her chest.
She wanted to say it.
She wanted to tell the man at her side.
“Your Majesty.”
Riana didn’t resist the impulse.
“Yes, Riana.”
As always, Ianheart’s voice answered her warmly.
Riana slowly drew back from his shoulder and reached out her hand.
Whoosh—
A faint ripple of magic brushed the air, and in her hand appeared a long, slim box.
Ianheart’s eyes fixed on the box, which carried Riana’s color through and through.
Without hesitation, she offered it to him.
“A gift.”
For a moment, Ianheart’s flawless face froze.
The man said to be the coldest in the Empire… was utterly undone by something as simple as Riana’s gift.
“…A gift? For me?”
The foolish repetition made her laugh.
“Of course for you. Who else is here?”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
Still, Ianheart didn’t reach for it right away. His eyes lingered on the delicate white ribbon, as though he had already guessed what might be inside.
Well, the box was pretty obvious.
Smiling, Riana grabbed his hand and placed the box on it.
“Maybe I should’ve wrapped it in a round box so you couldn’t guess.”
Her teasing whisper nudged him.
“Go on, open it.”
“…Alright.”
Obediently, Ianheart tugged at the ribbon.
Swish—
The silk slipped apart with ease.
Holding the ribbon in one hand, he slowly opened the box.
“….”
For a long moment, he said nothing.
But Riana wasn’t worried.
She could see everything written clearly on his face.
The man who could wear indifference better than anyone else never hid his emotions when he was with her. Not even a little.
That was why she felt no unease. And why, at last, she no longer wanted to hide her own feelings.
“Ianheart.”
For the first time, she spoke his name.
“…Ian.”
Once more.
The name, shortened to two syllables, sounded soft, delicate, and full of warmth—just like his crimson eyes gazing back at her.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. It took longer to finish than I thought.”
“…Riana.”
Her name trembled from his lips, his throat tightening as if he already knew what was coming next.
Riana didn’t stall.
She had made him wait long enough.
“I like you, Ianheart.”
The quiet, steady confession carried straight to him.
Her gaze was unwavering, fixed solely on him.
“I like you too.”
Her bright smile followed as she repeated her feelings.
A heartbeat passed. Then another.
“…Ah.”
Ianheart’s reply never came. He just stared at her, stunned—his neck and ears flushed crimson.
Oh, you unbearably tender man…
Riana laughed, pure and clear, stepping forward to wrap her arms around his neck.
The box in his hand was set aside carelessly—getting in the way of holding him was unforgivable.
Ianheart’s ruby eyes trembled, locking on her.
“Was I too late to answer you?”
“…No.”
“Then answer me. Tell me you like me too.”
Her voice, sweet in a way she never imagined she could sound, pressed him for a reply.
Ianheart never refused her.
“I love you, Riana.”
His voice was low, steady, and just a little shaky.
Riana’s eyes curved with warmth.
“I love you too, Ianheart.”
The words “I love you” left her lips for the very first time, pounding her heart so hard it ached.
The tremor was overwhelming—yet it filled her with joy.
So she listened to her heart. Rising on her toes, she pulled him close and kissed him.
His lips, hotter and rougher than the ones that had brushed her forehead or her hand, tasted so sweet.
It was their first kiss—and the completion of their confessions.
A brief touch. Then they parted.
When she opened her eyes, Ianheart’s dazed face greeted her. Riana laughed again.
“Ianheart. Ian.”
“…Yeah.”
“You look like such a fool.”
Her giggle spilled out as she stayed in his arms.
But she liked that foolish look.
Because she loved seeing the moments when Ianheart lost control of his feelings because of her.
“…Riana.”
“Yes, Ian.”
This time, she answered softly, just as he always did for her.
His heavy breath brushed her shoulder.
“Tell me this isn’t a dream.”
His voice brimmed with disbelief, his breathing uneven and full of awe.
Riana stroked his hair gently.
“I wonder what I’m like in your dreams… but no, this isn’t a dream. I bet the real me is better.”
She whispered playfully, then pressed a light kiss to his temple and hair.
The shiver in his body, the way his arms tightened around her—everything about him was so precious.
But she did feel a small pang of regret.
Because she couldn’t see his lovely ruby eyes just then.
“Ianheart.”
“…Yes.”
“Show me your face.”
After a moment’s hesitation, he lifted his head.
“….”
His flushed eyes, his reddened ears and neck—his face was overflowing with emotions he couldn’t contain.
He hadn’t even looked this shaken when sharing his past, or when confessing his love.
But now, just because of her confession…
“As if that alone was the most overwhelming thing in the world.”
“You…”
Her heart swelled with affection, so much she could hardly breathe.
Could anyone in this vast world ever love her as completely as this man did?
She cupped his cheek gently.
Ianheart turned his head slightly, kissed her palm, then pressed his face against it.
“…Where did you learn to do things like this?”
Riana laughed softly at the sweetness of it.
“I never learned.”
Of course. That was exactly what she expected.
These were gestures meant only for her—gentle, vulnerable, and so full of love they made her chest ache.
“Riana.”
Still watching her tenderly, he spoke her name again.
“Yes, Ian.”
Her smile was gentle as she answered.
The desire in his eyes told her what was coming, so she wasn’t surprised when his lips met hers again.
Riana wound her arms around his neck and let her eyes fall shut.
The warmth of his lips brushed hers.
Tilting her head slightly, she deepened the kiss, letting herself be swept away.
Ianheart nipped softly at her lower lip, as if asking for permission, before pulling her closer in an embrace that was firm yet tender.
“…Mhm.”
Riana let out a sound—half reply, half sigh.
But when her lips parted, her answer was clear.
Just like the way Ianheart always held her hand carefully, never too tightly, his kiss was unhurried, gentle, endlessly tender.
He was probably holding back.
And though Riana would not have minded more intensity, she decided their first kiss should remain gentle.
