When Greta had disappeared from view, only then did Reynard turn to look at Evelyn.

“What did you talk about?”

“It wasn’t anything special. Just as I mentioned earlier.”

Though there had been a short exchange of small talk, it wasn’t of much importance, so she left that part out.

“I’m glad to hear nothing happened.”

“Yes.”

Reynard nodded, appearing relieved.

Evelyn watched him for a moment before speaking cautiously.

“…I’ll be careful not to cause you any concern.”

Reynard’s gaze turned to Evelyn. His eyes seemed to be gauging her intentions.

But he couldn’t find anything suspicious in her.

“I’d appreciate that.”

Just as he finished speaking and was about to leave, Reynard paused.

“And if the Duke of Emmett or Lady Greta says anything foolish, be sure to tell me. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go.”

After hearing Evelyn’s reply, Reynard extended his hand to her.

Strangely, Evelyn hesitated to take his hand.

“Why is that?”

Seeing her remain still, Reynard asked in confusion.

Evelyn parted her lips slightly, then shook her head with an awkward smile.

“It’s nothing.”

Soon after, Evelyn took Reynard’s hand and left the terrace.

“You can head back now. You’ve stayed at your post long enough.”

As they stepped into the ballroom, Reynard made the suggestion.

At the welcome words, Evelyn’s expression brightened.

“Really? Is that all right?”

She had been worried she would have to sit back down and stay put.

Since she knew nothing about Bait, she couldn’t socialize with anyone, and spending time alone made the hours crawl. On top of that, the nobles of Bait kept sneaking glances at her as if she were some spectacle.

Every moment of enduring that had been a burden to her.

Reynard saw her brighten and let out a quiet laugh.

“Go ahead.”

“Yes!”

Reynard led Evelyn to the ballroom entrance and handed her over to Martin, who had been waiting.

“See that she returns safely.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Martin bowed politely to Reynard and began to escort Evelyn.

“I saw you speaking with the Duke of Emmett’s daughter on the terrace earlier. What did you talk about?”

The same question again.

Just like Reynard, Martin also seemed curious about what Evelyn and Greta had discussed.

Understandably so, given that the Emmett family was Reynard’s political rival in Bait.

“It wasn’t much of a conversation. She offered me a drink, and I declined.”

“A drink?”

“Yes.”

“Hm, I see. Thank you for letting me know.”

Martin offered a short word of thanks.

After boarding the carriage and returning to the main estate, Evelyn only relaxed once she entered her assigned bedroom. She let out a long sigh.

Her bedroom was one of the few places in Bait where Evelyn could rest.

Especially for Evelyn, who had hardly any time to herself, this space was even more precious.

Though she had only been sitting quietly, a wave of fatigue washed over her.

Evelyn sank into the soft bed. Her eyes slowly closed on their own.

***

Knock knock.

Evelyn awoke to the unfamiliar sound of knocking at the door.

She slowly lifted her heavy eyelids and looked toward the door in a daze.

Soon, a familiar voice came from beyond the door—it was Joy.

“Your Majesty the Empress, His Majesty the Emperor has arrived.”

“…His Majesty the Emperor?”

At the unexpected visitor, Evelyn lifted her upper body.

In the meantime, the door opened with a clicking sound.

As Joy had informed her earlier, the man beyond the door was Reynard.

Seeing Reynard in a lighter outfit than usual, Evelyn got up from the bed.

“Your Majesty? What brings you here…?”

Though she hadn’t checked the time, it seemed quite a bit had passed while she slept, as the once blue sky had darkened to black.

“What do you mean, ‘what brings me here’? Isn’t it natural for me to visit my wife’s chambers?”

“Pardon?”

Evelyn asked in confusion.

Perhaps anticipating her reaction, Reynard chuckled softly and said,

“It seems you weren’t informed, but tonight is our consummation night.”

“Ah…!”

Only then did Evelyn realize why Reynard had come. She let out a small sigh.

She had wondered why they had paid such careful attention during her bath—it must have been because of the consummation.

“Th-then… are you really going to…?”

Evelyn asked cautiously. Her throat suddenly felt dry, and she swallowed hard.

“Is there any reason not to?”

“But I’m just a fake. There’s no need to actually go through with it, is there?”

As Reynard took a step closer, Evelyn took a half-step back, questioning him again.

But Reynard’s strides were faster than her retreat.

He was soon standing right in front of her, raising his hand to gently lift her chin.

Naturally, Evelyn’s gaze rose to meet his.

“If I don’t take you into my arms, rumors will spread instantly. There must be attendants and maids in the imperial palace supported by House Emmett.”

Only the children of lower nobility or those backed by high-ranking nobles could become attendants and maids.

From what she had heard, Duke Emmett was a nobleman who had earned the former emperor’s trust, so it was only natural that he had planted many attendants and maids in the palace.

Now that Reynard had become emperor, it was likely that there were still many servants in the palace loyal to the House of Emmett.

“Haven’t you heard about the relationship between Greta Emmett and me?”

“Yes. Under normal circumstances, Your Majesty would have married Lady Emmett.”

“You understand well. But with you as an unexpected variable, the proud Duke Emmett couldn’t even think of making his daughter a mere concubine. So then, what do you think would happen if I didn’t take you into my arms?”

“…”

“Being a princess from a conquered nation already puts your position in jeopardy. But if you’re rejected on your wedding night as well? What do you think would happen then? Do you think Duke Emmett would sit still?”

“No.”

Even from a logical standpoint, Evelyn’s current position was exceedingly precarious.

Reynard must have been aware of this when he made her empress.

After all, she was just a maid from an enemy nation—useful as a target to keep political enemies in check, and easy to discard afterward.

“Then… you’re going to… embrace me?”

Evelyn stammered. Her gaze lowered in resignation, looking pitiful.

Watching her, Reynard slowly nodded.

“Yes. I intend to embrace you.”

With those words, Reynard grabbed her arm and guided her to sit on the bed.

He gently pushed her shoulder until she was lying down.

Placing his hands on either side of her head, Reynard trapped her within his arms.

Trembling, she looked up at him.

She had thought it would be something she’d eventually experience if she ever got married.

But never had she imagined it would happen like this.

The way he looked down at her—she didn’t know why, but it frightened her. She lowered her gaze.

Reynard couldn’t help but find her trembling form both pitiable and strangely alluring.

“Look at me.”

He ordered in a low voice.

But Evelyn couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

“Evelyn Ebenezer.”

When she didn’t respond, he called her name.

At the sound of her name from Reynard’s lips, Evelyn flinched.

She cautiously raised her eyes to meet his directly.

Reynard moved his right hand, gently caressing her cheek with care.

Though she flinched every time his hand touched her, he didn’t stop.

Soon, Reynard’s face drew closer.

Evelyn tensed up, swallowing dryly.

Just as she felt his face getting uncomfortably close, she squeezed her eyes shut.

Then she felt something soft and tender press against her lips.

She instinctively knew it was Reynard’s kiss.

But she didn’t have the courage to open her eyes and simply froze in place.