I Stole the Emperor’s First Night - ✿ dusk blossoms ✿

The day Leopold and Ariel left Macglier and returned to Atlan. Ariel had expected to feel a deep sense of regret when leaving that place.

However, unexpectedly, she felt quite calm.

“Your expression looks relieved.”

“I guess I’m starting to miss Atlan.”

Ariel’s expression, as she waited for the coachman to bring the carriage from the nearby lodging, was quite excited.

It was around the time when the life of doing everything themselves, like cleaning and cooking, had become burdensome, making her think about wanting to return to Atlan.

Leopold’s eyes wrinkled with a bright smile at Ariel’s playful response.

His red eyes shone like autumn leaves.

“I think I’ll start missing this life as soon as I set foot in Atlan.”

Under the early autumn sunlight, he tousled his golden hair with his fingertips.

A life free from status was attractive enough for Leopold, who was used to Richard’s service, to endure the inconvenience.

Riding the horse sent as a gift by King Kaiser, he galloped along the endless beach. Lowering his body while holding the reins to reduce the area exposed to the sea breeze, he was captivated by the breathtaking scenery before him.

He could act on his desires without anyone’s concern, not even his own.

“I kind of miss my family now.”

She envisioned her mother, father, and brothers, whom she hadn’t seen for a long time.

Oh, she was also curious about May and Solviche’s current situation. She worried about whether her master Hyle was doing well.

She had tried to send someone to Atlan, but Leopold had always stopped her, saying they were probably fine.

She wanted to see with her own eyes that everyone was well.

“I’m sure I’m right. They must have missed us, but they would have been living very well, to the point where we might feel a bit hurt.”

Leopold’s voice, saying ‘us,’ was filled with affection. He hoped Ariel would realize that now, the two of them were the closest family to each other.

But then.

The space where they stood twisted, and a blue portal appeared. Soon, Kaiser, Celine, and even Zayd emerged.

Ariel smiled brightly at the appearance of these familiar faces.

“This time, you really seem to have rested well, fitting for a vacation.”

Kaiser said to Leopold and Ariel with a fairly relaxed face.

“Thanks to you. The royal family of Macglier provided us with a beautiful place, and we had a very happy time. Thank you.”

Ariel waved to Zayd, who was holding Celine’s hand tightly. Zayd’s expression, bowing his head to greet her, was quite complex.

Meeting the beautiful princess with long blonde hair and emerald eyes, like the The Princess in the Forest, made his heart flutter.

Although he hadn’t seen her often even while staying here, the thought of not knowing when he would see her again after returning made his face a mix of emotions.

Zayd extended his hand to Ariel. In his palm was a small wooden rabbit carving.

Ariel’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Did you make this?”

“Yes… It’s a gift.”

“Thank you so much, Zayd.”

Ariel moved the rabbit carving from his palm to her own. The rabbit, about the size of her thumb, was intricately carved.

She raised her hand to her eyes and carefully examined the rabbit carving.

“Here you go.”

Leopold glanced at Ariel and Zaid, then handed the king’s scepter to Kaiser.

“It wouldn’t be bad for the two of you to visit Atlan for a trip. Ah, I suppose it would be three of you.”

At his words, Empress Celine’s face lit up.

“Really, Your Majesty? I’ve never been to the Atlan Empire, and I’ve always wanted to experience its elegance and high culture. If you invite us, we will definitely go.”

“Oh, is that so? Then, since the topic has come up, how about we set a specific date? We also need to prepare for your visit.”

Ariel responded to Celine’s words, suggesting they set a date while watching the two quietly exchange opinions. She then lowered herself to Zayd’s eye level.

“Zayd. Don’t be too sad about our farewell. It seems we’ll meet again soon.”

“Wow, really?”

The child’s previously frozen expression brightened with anticipation.

“Since it’s almost harvest season, it might be difficult right now. After this busy farming season, we’ll come. Let’s keep in touch.”

“Feel free to come whenever it suits you. But, I’m a bit worried because we were treated so well. I’m not sure if we can host you as well as you hosted us.”

Kaiser and Celine had put their hearts into understanding the situation of the two, to the extent that even Leopold, with his high standards, praised their hospitality.

Of course, they had treated them generously because they were the Emperor and Empress of Atlan. But they also wanted to express their gratitude to Ariel and Leopold for stopping the dark mage’s attack and defeating the demonic beasts, so they had been even more attentive.

“Your Majesty’s words lighten our hearts as we see you off on this long journey.”

“We’ll be waiting, so please contact us. I’ll have the seamstress and fashion designers responsible for the royal dresses on standby.”

Ariel said to Celine as she stood up.

“Oh, haha. I must tell Kaiser that we definitely need to go.”

The Atlan royal family, ruling over neighboring countries, led the trends of those nations. Dresses imported from Atlan’s famous fashion houses were very popular in Macglier, despite their high prices.

They sold out as soon as they arrived.

Empress Celine, who loved to dress up in beautiful dresses and accessories, smiled brightly with anticipation.

Responding to Celine’s smile with her own, Ariel suddenly leaned forward. She had heard the sound of hooves from afar.

She could hear it thanks to her superhuman hearing.

“It seems the carriage is coming.”

Ariel looked up at Leopold’s face. He met her eyes with a gaze full of honey.

Kaiser and Celine, though quite familiar with the sight, couldn’t hide their surprise. There was a moment of silence.

“Yes. Let’s go back. To Atlan.”

Despite their surprised expressions, Leopold did not restrain himself and kissed Ariel’s hair.

***

At Ariel’s request, they stopped by the Marquis Clark’s mansion before arriving at the palace.

As dusk deepened, an unfamiliar carriage appeared in front of the mansion, and the butler Henry rushed out.

Knock, knock!

“Who are you, and what brings you here at this late hour?”

Click!

Leopold opened the door from inside. Henry quickly lowered himself upon recognizing the faces of Their Majesties.

“Glory to Atlan.”

“May I come in?”

Ariel asked Henry.

“O, of course, Your Majesty the Empress. Please, come inside.”

Henry took Ariel’s hand and escorted her. Leopold got off the carriage on his own.

The two were dressed so plainly that it was hard to believe they were the Emperor and Empress of Atlan.

“Henry, thank you. Let’s go in, Leo.”

Ariel gently let go of Henry’s hand and linked arms with Leopold. Henry quickly went inside the mansion ahead of them.

It was to announce that Their Majesties had arrived at the mansion. Ariel and Leopold slowly entered the Clark mansion.

“It’s really been a long time, this house too.”

“Yes. It seems like it’s been a long time for me as well.”

Leopold remembered how he used to eagerly look for opportunities to come here to see her before they got married.

“Oh! What brings you here? Why didn’t you go straight to the palace! You must be tired, why come to such a humble place!”

Upon hearing that her daughter had arrived, Marchioness Rose came sliding down the stairs, shouting. Following her, Marquis Louis appeared.

Just back from the imperial palace, Evan, Walter, and Lloyd¹ were also gathered in the dining room. Hearing Henry’s shout that Their Majesties had arrived, they hurriedly came out to the entrance.

“Glory to Atlan.”

At the greetings from her sons and husband, Marchioness Rose belatedly bowed politely. Ariel waved her hand in the air as if saying it wasn’t necessary.

“Mother, Father. Brothers. Have you all been well? But I don’t see Liese?”

As Ariel looked around the interior, Leopold also turned his head to look around.

There was no sign of Liese Clark anywhere.