I Stole the Emperor's First Night - Chapter 108

So suddenly, they left for Macglier. Just like last time. Leaving all the work to Walter.

Ah. This time, Evan also stayed in Atlan.

It was a trip for just Leopold and Ariel.

They didn’t even bring any attendants.

“It’s just the two of us going, right?”

Leopold couldn’t tell Ariel, who was asking with sparkling eyes, that he wanted to bring at least one attendant.

Living without Richard by his side wasn’t something he was used to. But since Ariel wanted it, he gladly left with just the two of them.

However, once they arrived in Macglier and started living there, life without attendants turned out to be very comfortable and pleasant.

Of course, it wasn’t that he was mindful of their presence… As Empress, Ariel’s dignity had to be upheld, so he had no choice but to act cautiously.

But here, he could lay her down anywhere. He could hold her whenever he wanted and kiss her whenever he wished.

Just like now.

Even while chatting in the garden, it was okay to crumble at her radiant smile, bright as the sunlight.

It was unbearably sweet.

This moment, free from anyone’s interference. This time, when their breaths mingled and they desired each other without anyone prompting them.

“Mm…”

A moan slipped through her plump lips. He worried about what might happen if someone saw them passing by…

But he was so immersed in the giddy delight that he forgot about that worry.

Leopold deeply sucked on her lips, making a smacking sound as he released them, then buried his face in her exposed neck.

The sweet scent emanating from her skin made his reason fly away.

“Ugh… Leo…”

A shiver ran down Ariel’s spine at the sensation of his breath and nimble tongue on her neck. She felt a chill running through her body.

The slippers on Ariel’s feet had long since been kicked off. Her white, slender toes curled tightly.

She barely supported herself on the bench with her arms… but eventually, her upper body slowly lowered.

Over her, Leopold’s rough chest pressed down.

***

The carriage arrived in front of the Macglier palace.

Leopold, dressed in a black suit, got off the carriage first and extended his hand to Ariel, helping her down safely.

Ariel appeared. Her dress, made of glossy red silk, fit her body perfectly, accentuating her curves.

The top of the dress was a sleeveless design that exposed her shoulders. The bottom flared out into a skirt from the waist.

The color of the dress complemented her alabaster skin and matched well with her red lipstick.

She wore gold necklaces and earrings to match the dress, and a small pearl bracelet on her wrist.

Her hair was neatly combed to the side, adorned with a flower-shaped hairpin.

In the dress, she looked like a magnificent flower.

Originally, Ariel hadn’t planned to bring any fancy dresses on this trip. But May had insisted on packing one in her travel bag, saying there might be an occasion to wear it.

‘Well, it’s a good thing I brought it.’

Being invited to a dinner, it wouldn’t have been appropriate to go in something too casual.

“It feels nice to come out in the evening like this.”

“…I’m glad you think so.”

‘I’m glad’… Ariel raised her eyebrows.

Was Leopold not in a good mood? She studied his face as they followed the attendant. He didn’t seem angry or displeased.

Why did his words have a sharp edge?

Puzzled, she headed towards the banquet hall.

Then suddenly, Leopold firmly stated that this would be the last time he would accept an invitation from Kaiser.

“Do you think it’s reasonable to call someone who’s come to rest here and there? To enter the palace, you need to be properly dressed and groomed. It seems Kaiser has completely forgotten that we’ve come here without attendants.”

His face was as cold as ice.

Ah… what he said was absolutely right.

The two had comforted their weary hearts. Shopping in the market like an ordinary couple or strolling through the village.

But to come to the palace, they had to give those things up. Things they could never enjoy once they returned to Atlan.

The attendant stopped in front of a red door.

Knock, knock-!

The attendant knocked. Before he could open the door, Kaiser swung it open and welcomed them.

“Welcome.”

Despite his warm welcome, Leopold entered the banquet hall with a blank expression. Ariel smiled at Kaiser.

Click-!

The door closed.

Leopold sat down and leaned back in his chair. He squinted and surveyed the interior of the banquet hall.

“I dismissed all the attendants to avoid any discomfort. Was there something that upset you?”

“I’m concerned that frequent visits to the palace might reveal our identities to the nobles.”

Kaiser finally understood why Leopold was displeased.

‘Since they came to Macglier right after I sent the invitation, I thought they accepted my invitation. It was a huge misunderstanding.’

Weren’t they people who came here to fully rest, leaving behind their imperial duties? The King of Macglier realized his mistake and didn’t know what to do.

Ariel noticed Kaiser’s flustered face and regretted it. To change the atmosphere, she deliberately spoke in a brighter voice.

“Oh. I apologize for the late greeting. Thank you for inviting us. If not for your invitation, we would probably be spending a dull time in the Atlan palace right now.”

“Oh, no. In my eagerness to see you… It seems I’ve been discourteous.”

“Indeed… We were thoughtless. We ask for your understanding, Your Majesties.”

Queen Celine, supporting King’s words, trembled slightly. To them, Leopold Diaz was still a conquering monarch and a figure of fear.

“There’s no need to blame yourselves so much. Thanks to you, we get to enjoy delicious food.”

Ariel smiled and looked around the banquet hall.

Under the beautiful light of the crystal chandelier, a variety of dishes were laid out on the table.

Beautiful glassware was filled with fresh seafood, and lamb dishes were meticulously decorated with lavish plating.

The well-cooked steak oozed with juices, and the fresh salads combined with fragrant dressing seemed to promise a refreshing taste.

In the middle of the table, there was a crystal vase filled with a lavish floral arrangement. Yellow roses, purple lavender, red tulips, and various other flowers harmoniously blended together.

“Ah, I’m glad you like it. Please eat before the food gets cold.”

“Thank you.”

Ariel served food to Leopold.

“Try it.”

“…Okay.”

He reluctantly put the food into his mouth.

“Since we left, the dark mages haven’t reappeared, have they?”

“No. All the demonic beasts have also disappeared. After you left, I thought our gratitude was too insufficient.”

Kaiser said.

“Ah… you don’t need to worry about that. It’s more than enough.”

“So, if you ever return to Macglier, there’s a place I really wanted to show you.”

Celine handed Ariel a small picture.

“What is this?”

A blue sea reflecting the sky and a silver sandy beach. A small house built beside it. That was all the picture contained.

Ariel stared at the picture, mesmerized, spellbound. The scenery was so enchanting it seemed unreal. Maybe it was so beautiful because it was a painting.

I want to go there.

Ariel’s eyes sparkled.

“It’s a royal villa owned by the Macglier royal family. The nearby beach also belongs to the royal family. It’s a place where you won’t be disturbed by anyone. Only those who possess the King’s scepter can enter. The first king used mages to cast a spell on the place.”

“Does that mean we need the King’s scepter to enter as well?”

The King’s scepter can only be held by the king. Possessing it signifies being the king. Lending something so important to us…

Leopold was also surprised by Celine’s words. As a ruler, he knew how difficult such a decision was.

“I can lend it to you both anytime.”

“Please go and make many memories…”

Kaiser handed the scepter to Leopold with both hands.