Selvia lay awake in bed, recalling last night.

‘That was dangerous.’

It was still vivid as if it happened today. She struggled to regain her composure.

She requested breakfast in her room.

“Something is definitely different.”

Selvia felt that the meals had changed somehow.

While previously the meals focused on meat, recently she noticed more dishes incorporating meat, fish, and vegetables.

But since she wasn’t particularly picky about food, she ate well whatever was served.

“Today’s tea is honeysuckle tea.”

Moreover, Mellin brought echinacea tea every evening.

‘Something has subtly changed.’

There wasn’t anything specific she could point to as having changed.

But not long after finishing her meal, Mellin appeared again.

“Once you finish, I’ll prepare for you to go on a walk.”

“……A walk?”

“His Majesty said he would like to walk together if you’re feeling well.”

“I see.”

Selvia nodded and savored her tea.

‘Somehow I feel awkward thinking about seeing his face.’

She calmed her fluttering heart once again. Perhaps because of the tea, her mind settled quickly.

With a composed expression, Selvia finished getting ready and headed to the garden where Ratius would be waiting.

As she walked toward the garden, she saw Ratius looking up at the sky.

Selvia stopped in her tracks and watched him as his scent wafted gently with the wind.

Dressed in a navy blue uniform, he looked quite fitting standing among the fresh green leaves.

His golden hair swaying softly in the wind, his sharp nose bridge, and slightly upturned lips were enough to captivate anyone’s attention.

Sensing her gaze, Ratius turned his head toward her.

Upon spotting her, he immediately strode toward her with long steps.

Selvia looked up at Ratius who reached her in just a few strides.

“Did you sleep well last night?”

His voice and eyes were still gentle as ever.

After saying this, he stared at her face for a long while.

‘She seems to be at ease.’

Ratius immediately examined her complexion.

Under his gaze, Selvia tilted her head slightly and gave him a puzzled look.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No. I was worried you might not have slept, but it seems I worried for nothing.”

“Did you not sleep well?”

“How could I sleep? I couldn’t get a wink thinking about you all night.”

Selvia’s eyes narrowed. As she stared at him quietly, she could see the corners of his mouth quivering.

Witnessing this, she immediately realized he was teasing her.

“For someone who didn’t sleep, you look quite well.”

“I’m always handsome, so it doesn’t show.”

“Is that so?”

Selvia grabbed his escorting hand and turned her head sharply.

“It’s true, don’t you believe me?”

“I’m not falling for it anymore.”

Even seeing Selvia’s sulky expression as she looked ahead, he was in a good mood.

Ratius gazed for a long while at their joined hands.

Watching Selvia casually hold his hand, Ratius held back a smile.

The two strolled through the garden for a while. Ratius, who had been waiting for the right moment to speak, casually said.

“I’m thinking of having a gathering at the banquet hall the day after tomorrow.”

“The day after tomorrow?”

Ratius nodded. Then he continued.

“I plan to invite the nobles you must know.”

“So all that’s left is for me to persuade them. That’s my role after all.”

Ratius nodded.

Of course, before Selvia met them, he planned to first convene the Noble Council. He needed to resolve Selvia’s title with the Noble Council first.

This part was his responsibility, so he planned to tell Selvia after meeting them.

He shortened his stride to match her pace and slowed down.

“I’m not sure how they’ll react, but they won’t treat you carelessly.”

“I have a good idea. It might take some time…… but please leave it to me, Your Majesty, and don’t worry.”

“If you say so.”

He nodded.

Since he had been busy with state affairs, this time walking with her felt precious.

He thought he would have more time to see her face after bringing her to the Empire, but when the situation actually came, there was less time to be together than expected.

Being the Emperor, he had to be mindful of others’ gazes and manage rumors from spreading.

Moreover, Selvia would not be able to spend long periods with him as she needed to hide her condition.

With that thought in mind, Ratius carefully asked.

“Are you experiencing any discomfort during your stay?”

“No, not at all. Everyone is treating me very well.”

Selvia felt better than ever. It seemed the holy water Amon gave her was finally taking effect. She even felt healthier than when she was in Delpheron.

Suddenly remembering that she didn’t have much holy water left, Selvia said.

“The holy water will run out soon.”

“That’s concerning.”

Selvia carefully said to him.

“I’m planning not to take the holy water tomorrow.”

Ratius’s eyebrows twitched at her sudden statement.

Not taking the only treatment that prevented her from coughing up blood? She must have something else in mind.

Since she wasn’t the type to act recklessly, Ratius asked in a calm voice.

“What are you planning?”

Though he seemed somewhat surprised, he quickly regained his composure. Selvia spoke her thoughts as if she had anticipated this reaction.

“I want to confirm whether the absence of blood coughing is due to the holy water or Your Majesty.”

“If we confirm that, we’ll know how my power affects you.”

She immediately nodded.

Indeed, as she said, if he was the key to saving her, it must be related to her deteriorating body.

Selvia seemed to have more to say as she watched Ratius’s reaction.

Now that the etiquette lessons were over, she needed to resume her endurance training. However, he made no mention of it.

It felt wasteful to keep waiting.

“I have one request. I hope you’ll grant it.”

“I don’t intend to automatically reject what you want to do. I didn’t bring you here to oppress you.”

At his gentle tone, Selvia asked with a relieved expression.

“May I visit the temple tomorrow?”

“……You plan to train again.”

Though he had deliberately avoided mentioning it, Selvia finally brought it up herself.

“I want to see if I react the same way to other priests’ powers as I do to the High Priest’s. I won’t push myself too hard.”

Ratius’s expression hardened.

Was it still not allowed?

Selvia watched him with a slightly tense expression.

“Alright.”

Selvia was inwardly surprised at Ratius’s ready permission, having expected him to refuse.

“I respect your opinion. But promise me one thing. Don’t push yourself to the limit like last time.”

“I promise.”

Selvia smiled brightly and briefly squeezed Ratius’s fingertips.

Her heart felt lighter after receiving permission. When the banquet is held, she would face the nobles.

Selvia made one more request to Ratius.

“Could I see the list of nobles attending the banquet in advance?”

“Of course. Since it would be easier if you knew beforehand, I’ll tell Belrocan.”

“Thank you.”

“If you need anything, just ask anytime.”

“Your Majesty really gives me everything I ask for.”

“If it makes you smile, I could even give you my heart.”

Selvia turned her head toward him. Her golden eyes sparkled like molten gold.

She was beautiful enough to make precious metals and jewels seem worthless just by looking at her.

“From now on, I should set aside time to walk with you no matter how busy I am.”

Though it was a short time, his smile never ceased. It felt like the happiest moment of the day.

Though he thought she wouldn’t respond to his words, she smiled brightly and said.

“If that’s what Your Majesty wishes, I’d like that too.”

Ratius found Selvia’s unusual affection toward him today unfamiliar. But he hoped this atmosphere would continue.

He firmly held Selvia’s hand and interlocked their fingers to prevent her from pulling away.

He suddenly wished their joined hands would never separate. So unconsciously, he gripped her hand even tighter.

“……Your Majesty?”

“I’m just too happy.”

At his direct words, Selvia turned her head to look at Ratius.

Gentle sunlight filtered through the dense leaves.

Though the sky was dark as usual, it seemed dazzlingly bright as if light shone only on Ratius.

The warmth from their joined hands made her heart flutter once again.