I recalled Kyle in the bathroom, cooling down the heat on my thighs. And Kyle, who kissed the back of my hand…

I quietly fanned myself to cool down.

Just thinking about that day made my face flush with heat.

Although I was fully dressed, the fact that I was alone with Kyle in the bathroom while being completely drenched was scandalous to the point where if anyone had seen us, it would have caused a huge commotion.

That’s right.

We had already attracted attention by entering and graduating from the academy together as friends. And now, being alone together in an empty room, specifically in the bathroom. 

It’s no surprise that rumors would spread about what might have happened in such a secretive space. Thankfully, no one saw us!

I looked at my legs, which were covered by my skirt.

Although hot water was poured down, it was not a serious burn, so the wound completely disappeared without leaving even a faint trace.

It was all thanks to Kyle’s timely first aid and application of ointment.

As if that wasn’t enough, Kyle made sure to send me ointment continuously, accompanied by letters mixed with concerns, stating that I should properly treat the injuries, just in case.

“Ah.”

My fanning became faster.

I could feel Kyle’s caring heart, and my heart beat even faster.

Ever since the incident at the Tower of Helinoa, Kyle and I have been in a strange relationship that may or may not be romantic.

It had already been two years since then.

Initially, I planned to wait until the day Kyle confessed his feelings to me. But now, I couldn’t wait any longer.

‘I want to be more than just the closest friend to Kyle, not just someone who lingers as his best friend.’

The suppressed emotions of my adolescent infatuation resurfaced.

***

The Ygritte Empire’s founding anniversary celebration held at the palace would span five long days.

By the time my family and I arrived, the banquet hall was already filled with many nobles.

I could see the first prince, Prince Logan, along with the Empress and their relatives, Duke Graslyn, and the Duchess.

Beside them stood the princess Rosaline, and she shamelessly looked away as she made eye contact with me.

I gritted my teeth slightly.

Rosaline, the mastermind behind everything, managed to stay away from all the trouble unscathed.

Of course, it didn’t mean I let everything slide and moved on.

‘You will definitely repay that debt to me.’

I confidently placed Rosaline on the blacklist in my heart.

Titania is at the top, and Rosaline is second.

Coincidentally, Titania caught my eye.

“Ohhoho, how do you do, Countess Demerin.”

Titania wore a pretentious smile in the center of the hall where everyone’s attention was focused, fully engaging in social activities.

I tilted my head in puzzlement.

“Why isn’t Kyle here?”

I thought he would be here first, but no matter how much I looked around the venue, I couldn’t spot Kyle.

Suddenly, I felt a bit worried. Kyle was not someone who would be late for such occasions.

Glancing at the entrance to the venue, I blended in with the rest of the crowd.

“It’s been a while, Lady Rosiere. Have you been well?”

“Yes. Hello.”

“My goodness. You look even more beautiful after all these years.”

The noblewomen gathered there greeted me. I smiled beautifully and gave appropriate responses.

“Yes, the lady’s face is glowing too. I heard you got engaged this time, so congratulations.”

“Thank you. I heard that you attended Princess Rosaline’s tea party before. I also have plans to host a tea party before my wedding. Would you be able to attend?”

“Of course.”

I would attend ten times over as long as it wasn’t a party hosted by Princess Rosaline.

Engaging in conversations with other nobles, I was able to get a better sense of the atmosphere surrounding the banquet.

Today, as the Empire’s founding anniversary begins, the emperor made a rare appearance in front of the nobles. Until now, the emperor had been handling all his affairs in his own bedroom.

His rule remained excellent, but as the period of his absence grew longer, some speculated that the emperor’s condition had worsened.

And that speculation was true.

In the original story, the emperor dies suddenly within a few years after Kyle comes of age. And with the vacant position of the emperor, the situation becomes even more chaotic.

Were the nobles who didn’t know the future sensing something ominous?

“When will His Majesty the Emperor come out?”

“We are especially looking forward to His Majesty’s words today.”

The nobles seemed to anticipate that the emperor would make a significant announcement on this auspicious occasion of the founding ceremony.

And perhaps it would be related to who would fill the still empty position of  crown prince.

I glanced in Prince Logan’s direction.

It was said that this banquet was being organized by the empress.

The empress’s greatest power is her own family, the Duchy of Graslyn, so it was safe to assume that the duchy had organized it.

Perhaps that’s why.

The expressions on the faces of the people surrounding Prince Logan were very confident. They already seemed to be predicting their own victory.

With the situation becoming so urgent, why hadn’t Kyle appeared yet?

My question was answered with the sound of a resounding horn.

“His Majesty the Emperor and His Royal Highness Prince Kyle are entering!”

Kyle followed behind the emperor, entering the banquet together.

Under the splendid and bright lighting, Kyle confidently revealed himself and was undeniably the male protagonist no matter what anyone said.

His black hair was neatly slicked back, and his deep blue eyes, like an unfathomable sea, shone without hesitation.

The adorned and luxurious navy-blue attire contrasted with his fair skin, making him stand out even more.

But that attire was something only the Crown Prince could wear.

“No way…”

In the original work, on the first day of the founding ceremony, Kyle was designated as the crown prince, destined to lead the empire in the future.

However, things didn’t unfold in such a straightforward manner.

While engaging in conversations with high-ranking nobles, I suddenly heard the emperor’s declaration.

It was an arbitrary decision by the emperor, even unbeknownst to Kyle.

In the original work, Kyle’s self-esteem had plummeted due to long-term abuse.

However, he accepted the position of the crown prince due to Titania’s indoctrination, which was akin to brainwashing, emphasizing that he had to become the emperor.

But now, watching the current situation unfold, it seemed as if Kyle already knew the imminent future.

He didn’t appear to be swept away by Titania.

The emperor ascended the stage, and Kyle stood firmly just below the emperor and opposite Prince Logan.

The face of Prince Logan, who had always been arrogant, and the faction of noble families both strangely turned grim.

At that moment, mine and Kyle’s eyes met briefly. I saw a slight smile in his eyes before he quickly averted his gaze.

The emperor began his solemn speech.

“This year marks the 387th anniversary since the founding of the Empire. I deeply appreciate your unwavering dedication to the Empire. It is thanks to your efforts that our prosperous Empire exists today.”

The nobles responded with applause, echoing the emperor’s words.

The announcement was supposed to take place in a day or two, but the emperor seemed to be expediting it.

Taking a momentary pause, the emperor continued speaking.

“But I, too, have come to realize that it is no longer enough for me alone to lead this grand flow that drives the development of the Empire. Yes, I need someone who will share the same aspirations and move forward together with me.”

A murmur spread among the audience. Today, as they expected, the protagonist who would finally occupy the vacant position of the crown prince would be revealed.

Until now, it was taken for granted that Prince Logan, supported by the Graslyn Dukedom, would assume that position.

But now, everything had become unpredictable.

And finally, the emperor made his proclamation.

“The crown prince who will succeed me as emperor will be Kyle Arnan Ygritte.”

In an instant, the banquet hall fell into a hushed silence, as if a drop of water had tainted the atmosphere. No one uttered a word in response to the astounding announcement.

It’s true that Kyle’s stature has risen recently. But many still favored Prince Logan’s side.

Despite rumors of Prince Logan’s incompetence, he was the emperor’s firstborn and the empress’s son, with the backing of the Graslyn Dukedom.

“What are you saying, Your Majesty!”

To everyone’s surprise, a voice of opposition emerged from the empress’s mouth.

“Your Majesty, your eldest son is here. Logan is here, so why choose that child as the crown prince?”

“Kyle has fulfilled all the requirements to become the crown prince.”

“Hah, what requirements are you talking about? You mean to be His Majesty’s favorite?”

The emperor furrowed his brow in response to the almost defiant words.

“Compose yourself and show some dignity, empress.”

“If you wanted me to compose myself, then you shouldn’t have made such an announcement!”

Starting with the empress’s reproach towards the emperor, chaos began to spread among the nobles in the venue.

“Kyle is hereby crowned crown prince?”

“He may be a skilled swordsman, but there is such a thing as lineage legitimacy.”

“Will the Empress and Duke Graslyn tolerate this?”