Chapter 87
It felt strange.
I never imagined that I would stand in the imperial palace hallway in someone else’s form entirely of my own choice, without being forced.
‘It’s especially quiet today.’
The royal banquet to celebrate the arrival of the royal delegation was still ongoing in the palace’s main hall.
Because of that, the guard along the path to the emperor’s private chambers was looser than usual.
I memorized the faces of the passing servants a few times as I followed the familiar path and arrived at the ornate door.
‘Will he be waiting?’
Even though it was my choice, I knew the effect of feeling blank for a moment would not be lost on him, so Kaisis would be quietly waiting inside.
I swallowed nervously and opened the door.
Inside, the moment I stepped into the space—the emperor’s bedroom, a room befitting the wealthiest man in the empire, and which opened silently and smoothly—the first thing I saw was:
“My guide.”
His face was relaxed, as if drunk, smiling brightly.
Silver hair slightly tousled, a loose robe, cheeks faintly flushed with obvious delight.
The cold, sharp gaze I usually knew was gone, replaced by blue eyes sparkling like jewels.
Of course, the quest’s effects made his pupils slightly unfocused, but his smile was no less brilliant.
‘Ugh, why does he have to smile like that and make me think strange things?’
The problem was, he now smiled like this even when facing me, Ariel, the Duchess.
‘Definitely not good for the heart.’
Humans naturally are drawn to beauty and sparkle, after all.
I tried to steady my awkward feelings and pretended to be calm as I stepped inside.
Kaisis immediately reached out his hand.
I stared at it.
It was a hand I could never have held as the Duchess Ariel.
I recalled the playful dance talk from the banquet.
‘Kaisis dances well.’
I could still clearly remember the scene in the original story where he danced elegantly with the bright heroine, even as my memory began to fade.
I felt a pang of regret.
It seemed unlikely I would ever have the chance to dance with such a handsome man.
As I slowly took his hand, he squeezed it tightly, as if refusing to let go.
“Your Majesty.”
“You used to only come when I was in danger.”
His soft whisper and the subtle curve of his eyes were the very picture of a “Seeker” trying to captivate their guide.
“But today is different.”
Even though I knew that, there were moments I found myself gazing blankly at him.
“I’m very glad.”
Of course—today had to be different.
I watched him carefully, his faint orange blush lingering, and felt my tongue twitch in my mouth.
“Or perhaps…”
He glanced at me thoughtfully and asked softly:
“Did you come to scold me?”
His gentle tone made my hands and feet feel hot, but I had no idea what he meant, blinking slowly.
Who would scold whom?
“Oh, right.”
At the royal banquet, Kaisis had mentioned my traits—my vivid red hair and shining golden eyes.
The emperor had discussed this with Duchess Ariel, but now, the promise I made to remain hidden had been broken.
‘How should I react?’
Should I be angry, or laugh it off?
For now, I decided to act as though I felt a slight betrayal.
I tugged gently on the hand I held and said curtly:
“That’s right, Your Majesty—you broke our promise.”
In the past, this would have frightened Kaisis more, but why did he now look at me with wide, round eyes?
Does he think I’m being cute?
He smiled even more, looking at me as if I were utterly adorable.
‘Ugh, I hate using words like that…’
But it was true.
He gazed at me with that expression—as though I were extremely charming, as though he loved me.
Being in front of that gaze made my toes curl.
To hide my flustered body, I hurriedly dragged him to the bed.
‘The banquet ended hours ago, and he’s still working?’
I glanced at the messy papers on the table and clicked my tongue.
Duchess Ariel might have been a workaholic, but this man—more diligent than even a forcibly disciplined workaholic—was another level.
Even as I sat on the bed pretending not to notice, Kaisis continued to hold my hand tightly.
‘Why is he holding on so tightly?’
I wanted to pull away, but he stubbornly refused, even giving my eyes a forceful look.
Then he quietly whispered, studying my hand:
“Duchess Ariel.”
My heart stopped. I forgot to breathe.
It thumped painfully in my chest.
What did he just call me?
Kaisis slowly lifted his gaze from my hand to meet mine.
His eyes were still faintly unfocused, but cold sweat broke out on me. Could it be that he… had discovered my true identity?
“That hand resembles hers.”
No way!
As Duchess Ariel, I had never held his hand before.
His large hand gently enveloped mine, as if scolding me not to resist.
“There’s a woman like that.”
My heart pounded like it was sprinting.
“Some irritating people held that hand.”
The conversation was not going the way I expected.
Surely he didn’t mean the two annoying cardinals.
Trying to calm my bursting heart, I spoke carefully, feigning composure:
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
He blinked slowly and then smiled faintly.
“I couldn’t hold that hand, but I can hold this one.”
What a strange thing to say.
I wanted to yank my hand away immediately. Why was he upset that he couldn’t hold Ariel’s hand?
I licked my stiff lips and spoke slowly:
“So… you mean I’m standing in for that hand?”
I said it coldly, pretending to be displeased.
He was silent for a moment before opening his lips softly:
“Of course not.”
“Then what?”
“But… which came first, that hand or this hand?”
“…You’ve been saying strange things since earlier. I came here to see the emperor who betrayed me, you know.”
The system remained silent.
Now, I could no longer completely trust that blasted status screen.
While I bristled inside, he placed my hand atop his head…
‘Huh?’
I opened my eyes wide.
“What… what are you doing?”
“My head.”
“You mean your head!”
“Touch it.”
He spoke in a gentle tone and smiled softly.
It was as if he were using every feature of his face to enhance his charm!
‘Ugh, ughhh.’
Did he really think he was Louis?
And yet, it felt strange.
Why couldn’t I pull my hand away?
Why did my face feel so warm?
‘It’s because I’m embarrassed, that’s why.’
Even though I wanted to curl my fingers, the sensation of brushing through his hair felt good.
It was like stroking a soft puppy, comforting a nervous heart.
“Touch my head and release your energy.”
Perhaps this cunning man was vividly recalling the time I had allowed him to act spoiled while drunk.
Perhaps he had perfectly noticed where to stretch out, just like that time.
But I had no choice.
I gave in and ran my fingers softly through his hair, releasing energy.
“Ah.”
“….”
“Good, my partner.”
