After returning to the imperial palace, Chloe’s life hadn’t changed much from before. She still spent most of her time in her office.

Of course, some things had changed. The most significant change was that their royal wedding date had been set.

The Emperor, upon belatedly learning that Chloe had been kidnapped rather than having run away, was furious with Duke Granard.

‘Duke Granard shall be tortured until he confesses each of his crimes in detail. If he omits even one of the crimes the Crown Prince has investigated, do not stop until he speaks.’

The Emperor ordered Duke Granard to be confined in the t*rture chamber, a place rarely used except for serious crimes. He also added orders to capture everyone involved in Chloe’s kidnapping.

At the same time, he issued commands to Lucius and Chloe.

‘Such incidents must never happen again. The royal wedding will be held as soon as possible. The Council of Elders will determine an appropriate date, so keep that in mind.’

He had firmly established that he recognized only Chloe as the Crown Princess. As a result, their wedding was scheduled for three months later, and Chloe had to spend her time frantically busy, balancing her work with wedding preparations.

During this time, Chloe found it in her heart to forgive Lady Brooke. After experiencing Duke Granard’s plot, Lady Brooke’s actions seemed like merely mischievous pranks in comparison.

Moreover, learning belatedly that when Lady Brooke had been secretly sent to Lucius’s bedroom, he had made her stand for hours while he threw darts before throwing her out, also contributed to her forgiveness.

She had always returned with a pale face, apparently having been thoroughly tormented by Lucius. Though she hadn’t been physically injured, it was clear she had suffered mentally, so there was no reason not to forgive her.

‘Thank you, Your Highness. From now on, the Brooke family will always be on Your Highness’s side.’

Because of this, the Brooke family had become one of the families supporting Chloe, so there was no longer any disadvantage.

With all the nobles who had tormented Chloe now punished, no one would trouble her anymore.

While she was intently looking at documents, a knock sounded. Chloe raised her head and looked toward the door.

“Your Highness, a visitor has arrived.”

Eri opened the door and entered, and behind her stood Raymond.

“Brother!”

Seeing the welcome face, Chloe immediately jumped to her feet.

“You seem very busy.”

“No matter how busy I am, I must make time for you, Brother.”

Since returning to the imperial palace, Chloe hadn’t been able to visit the Limerick family. Except when she was in her office, Lucius had unilaterally taken her to the Crown Prince’s Palace, leaving her no time to visit.

Of course, she had informed them of her experiences by letter, but fearing Duke Limerick would worry, she had delayed sending it. Raymond, having received the news belatedly, had hurriedly come to see her.

“Why did you tell us about the incident with Duke Granard so late? Do you know how shocked I was reading your letter? You should have told us at least when the royal wedding was decided.”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t bring myself to tell you because I was afraid you would worry.”

“I’m glad nothing happened to you. By the way, I heard the news that your royal wedding has been decided. Congratulations, Chloe. I should have come to see you earlier, but I’ve been busy. I’m sorry I’m only coming now.”

“I’m grateful that you came at all.”

“Father and Mother are so happy. I too am glad that you seem to have found happiness.”

Raymond looked at Chloe with proud eyes.

“It’s all thanks to you, Brother.”

“Thanks to me?”

“Everything you said was right. I just followed your advice.”

“Is that really true? It wasn’t your own will?”

Raymond’s expression turned regretful. Chloe smiled at him.

“Of course my will was involved too. But it was because of your help that I could find happiness. Thank you for always standing by my side and supporting me.”

Chloe rushed into Raymond’s arms.

“I’m so glad you’re happy.”

Just as Raymond was about to embrace Chloe, there was a loud knock followed by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Chloe and Raymond’s gazes simultaneously turned toward the door. There stood Lucius, leaning against the doorframe.

“No matter how close siblings are, isn’t that too intimate?”

“Your Highness, you’ve arrived.”

Raymond corrected his posture and greeted Lucius respectfully. Lucius barely acknowledged his greeting and turned his gaze to Chloe.

“My brother is the person I feel most comfortable with.”

“What? Then what about me?”

Displeased with her answer, Lucius gave her a crooked look.

“Your Highness… you trouble me too much.”

Every night he would take her to the Crown Prince’s Palace and torment her all night long. Part of the reason Chloe was so busy lately was because of Lucius. Her efficiency had decreased due to lack of sleep.

“I’ve been very patient, but you say I’m troublesome… Haa. I should show you what being truly troublesome means so you won’t say such things.”

Lucius strode forward and lifted Chloe into his arms.

“Put me down! What are you doing in front of my brother?”

Chloe looked at Raymond with an embarrassed face. He smiled brightly.

“I’m relieved to see you two getting along so well. Please don’t mind me and continue what you were doing.”

“Brother!”

Chloe shouted with a reddened face, but Raymond merely shrugged his shoulders without taking back his words.

Not wanting to show unseemly behavior in front of her brother, Chloe signaled Lucius with her eyes to put her down, but he deliberately avoided her gaze.

Helplessly, Chloe struggled to break free, but it was useless.

Lucius carried her to the sofa. She felt she shouldn’t be laid down there. It seemed like he might do something inappropriate in broad daylight, especially in the Crown Princess’s office.

Particularly with Raymond still in the office, it absolutely couldn’t happen.

“Put me down on the chair.”

“Why? Don’t you like the sofa?”

“I prefer the chair. Your Highness, this is my office!”

“Well, if this were a bedroom, I could lay you on the bed…”

“Your Highness! What are you saying in front of my brother?”

Afraid he might say something inappropriate, Chloe hastily covered Lucius’s mouth.

“Please put me down on the chair and leave. I have a lot of work to do… Ahh!”

Before she could finish speaking, Lucius licked her finger, causing Chloe to inadvertently let out a m*an.

She quickly covered her mouth, but Raymond had already heard. He hastily moved toward the door.

“I think I should leave now. Your Highness, excuse me for leaving first.”

After saying his farewell, he immediately left the office.

“Brother, wait!”

She had wanted to talk more since they were meeting after a long time, but Lucius had interfered. Watching Raymond leave the room, Chloe’s face was filled with regret.

Soon, Chloe bit her lower lip and glared at Lucius.

“How could you send him away when I was meeting my brother after so long?”

“Tell him to come again tomorrow.”

“My brother is just as busy as I am. He can’t come often, so how can you say that so easily?”

Chloe protested indignantly, but he merely looked at her with loving eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Can’t you see I’m angry?”

“You’re most lovable when you look like this.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Lucius placed Chloe down on the sofa.

“Don’t put me down… mmph.”

She tried to cling to his neck somehow, but the moment their lips met, her resistance weakened.

Lucius pushed Chloe as he desired. He always acted selfishly like this, but she didn’t dislike being led by him. After all, it was Chloe herself who liked this despite knowing it.

However, sometimes she needed days when she took the lead. That would be fair. Just like now.

Chloe wrapped her arms around Lucius’s neck. Then she inserted her tongue first and stirred inside his mouth.

Fin.

Thank you for reading this novel!