In the bright daylight, he released the emotions he’d held back for so long. He whispered that he’d missed me for ages, that he’d wanted to hold me in his arms, and then he took me. I released my longing for him in his embrace as well.

After we made love for a long time, I blinked my eyes. Luden stroked my cheek and spoke quietly.

“Go ahead and sleep first.”

“Are you going to see Anan?”

“It’s evening, so I think I should go.”

“Come back safely.”

I waved at him and closed my eyes. I was tired since it had been a while since we’d been intimate. Compared to me, Luden was full of energy though!

I’d suspected it from the moment he said he’d go in the evening, but he really did take me from broad daylight until evening. Still, I was happy it was Luden.

I gradually fell into slumber, hoping Luden would have a good time with Anan.

* * *

Alsellon slowly read the letter the Emperor had sent. The letter stated that Luden would become Marquis Charlot from now on, so he should stop coveting that position.

The Emperor, who had been weighing between him and Luden, had completely turned to Luden’s side.

“Brother.”

Brother, who had always taken what was his. The detestable face came to mind—the one who had taken Anan, yet acted like he was the victim. Alsellon crumpled the letter right there.

He wanted to tear it up, but he had to endure for now. Nothing good came from letting emotions lead his actions.

“Luden has finally returned.”

He must be feeling relieved now. The Emperor had become his ally, and he’d safely completed his knight training. He’d distinguished himself in the war, so he would think no one could covet his position.

So he would let his guard down. Alsellon sat in his chair and drank wine.

Imagining his future victorious self, he smiled. Though today’s events had angered him somewhat, thinking of the future ahead, he could endure this much.

Luden had changed from before. And he’d gained precious people too.

Annelia, Anan—what would happen if both of them got hurt? He grinned.

No matter how strong Luden was, he would waver then. He just needed to exploit that opening and bring him down.

That’s what he thought.

* * *

Time flew by quickly, and finally the victory celebration party day arrived. Since it was a war victory celebration party, attention focused on those who had distinguished themselves greatly, so Luden received tremendous interest along with Reytan.

I also felt the attention concentrating on me as Luden’s wife, so I’d taken care to prepare my outfit in advance. 

Hadn’t I looked through countless catalogs to find an outfit that matched what Luden would wear, called in designers, agonized over the designs they showed me, and agonized some more before choosing?

“Luden, do you like the outfit?”

He adjusted his sleeves and looked at his reflection in the mirror. Then he turned around to look once more, and nodded with satisfaction.

“It’s fine.”

Then he looked at me and slightly raised the corners of his red lips in a subtle smile. It gave off a languid feeling, so I tilted my head to one side and asked him.

“Why are you making that expression?”

“I’m just feeling strange thinking about spending time alone together after this victory banquet is over.”

What is he planning to do after the banquet that makes him think about when we’re alone? 

I made a puzzled expression, not understanding his words, and seeing me like that, Luden approached and lifted my chin with his fingertips.

“Something like kissing, perhaps?”

At his words, I recalled what we’d shared until just moments ago. At the same time, many things came to mind—his breath, the small trembling of his body, the masculine scent from his sweat, and so much more.

“That won’t happen… well, it’s not like it won’t happen.”

I smiled awkwardly and tried to turn my head, but he trapped my face with his fingers and wouldn’t let me go.

“It’s a shame I can’t kiss you right now because you’re wearing makeup.”

You don’t need to feel regretful! I tried to say that, but overwhelmed by Luden’s sticky gaze, I couldn’t speak and just quietly rolled my eyes. 

Luden’s fingers, watching me like that, delicately and gently stroked my chin. It felt like a warning not to run away from him, so my body naturally tensed up.

“I’m looking forward to the time alone with Annelia after the banquet more than the banquet itself.”

Luden said that, removed his hand from my chin, put on his watch, and turned around. Annoyed at him acting like nothing had happened, I glared at him before quickly checking and finishing my preparations for the banquet hall.

Of course, I didn’t forget to greet Anan, who had caught a cold yesterday from coming out to meet Luden.

* * *

Lorina looked at her reflection in the mirror, then spread her hand to look at her rings. Rings of different colors adorned each finger. They were gifts from the new lover she’d recently started seeing.

“I’m truly happy to be accompanying you today.”

Lorina looked at her lover, who approached her side and tried to embrace her by wrapping his arm around her waist. 

The lover she’d agreed to go to the banquet hall with today was Marquis Mires, famous for his long blonde hair and seductive smile. This man, notorious as a playboy, also had multiple lovers.

He said he would be faithful only to Lorina from now on, but Lorina didn’t believe those words. And Lorina didn’t particularly care about that fact either.

“How about after the banquet today?”

Lorina raised the corners of her lips in a smirk and spoke in a soft voice. Then Marquis Mires tilted his head and tightened his grip on her waist.

“I always have time. If you call me, I’ll do anything.”

He looked over Lorina’s body with a suggestive gaze. Lorina grabbed his cheek and began kissing his lips. After a passionate kiss, Lorina smiled, reapplied her smudged lipstick, and prepared to go to the banquet hall holding hands with him.

Luden was coming with Annelia today. Lorina’s expression hardened as she recalled that fact.

* * *

Caromiel walked toward the front door to board the carriage alone. But Millen was standing at the door waiting for him. He’d told him never to come to the estate again after repaying the money before, but Millen wasn’t listening.

Seeing that, Caromiel’s lips pressed firmly together. He’d been in a good mood because something good had happened to Luden today, but seeing Millen, his mood sank to the floor.

“What is it?”

At Caromiel’s words, Millen raised his head, made a servile expression, and rubbed his hands together.

“Brother, I want to go to the imperial palace too. Please take me with you.”

Looking at Millen’s expression, Caromiel frowned and sighed. Annelia had said that Millen was clinging to this side trying to get something, so he absolutely shouldn’t give in, and she was right.

“Shut up and just go home.”

“Brother…?”

“We’re not brothers anymore. Not after what you did to my daughter.”

“No, I said I’d apologize for that.”

“Your apology wasn’t sincere. Don’t come here anymore. I’m going to tell the knights not to let you in.”

“Aren’t we brothers!”

“Before talking about brotherly duty, reflect on your own actions first.”

Caromiel said that and passed by Millen. Millen turned and shouted, so in the end, Caromiel called the knights to chase him away.

Why was Millen suddenly clinging to him? Was it because Luden was officially becoming a marquis and his own business was doing well?

If only Millen had helped him when he was struggling before, if only he’d extended a hand, their relationship wouldn’t have become like this. Caromiel made a regretful expression.

Just because they were brothers didn’t mean there was necessarily love between them. He hadn’t been more important to Millen than money. 

With a bitter feeling, Caromiel raised his head and stared out the window. It seemed he’d need to have a glass of wine at the banquet hall today.

* * *

Luden and I entered the banquet hall holding hands tightly. In the banquet hall, those who had distinguished themselves in the war were gathered in clusters talking. Of course, Reytan was at the center. And next to Reytan stood Laysia, beautifully dressed and holding his hand.

“Luden, Annelia!”

He spotted us and waved. Luden and I walked over to greet him first in the banquet hall where the Emperor hadn’t yet arrived.

Luden and I greeted them, and a while later, Kajiian entered the banquet hall and called those who had distinguished themselves one by one to give them awards. Luden and I waited our turn.

“Luden Charlot, come forward.”

At Kajiian’s words, Luden gave me an affectionate look, then slowly walked before Kajiian and knelt on one knee. To him with his head bowed, Kajiian held up his staff and said with a smile.

“Luden Charlot, you have distinguished yourself greatly in the war. You have safely completed your knight training, so no one can question your title. Furthermore, if there is anything you wish for as a reward for your achievements, speak.”

We’d already received sufficient prize money and land. We hadn’t been elevated in rank, but we didn’t particularly want that, so we’d decided to just end it there. Kajiian seemed bothered by that, which is why he was asking again here for him to state his wish.

I clasped my hands tightly together and looked at Luden. I was curious too—what did he wish for, what would he say?

“Thanks to Your Majesty’s grace, I was able to come this far. What more could I wish for? I only hope that my heir can finish knight training a bit earlier.”

What Luden wished for was radical. I was surprised, and Kajiian’s eyebrows twitched as well.

Luden didn’t say he wouldn’t send his heir to knight training, but he asked for the period to be shortened. What answer would Kajiian give?

“Is that what you wish?”

“Yes.”

“Very well, Luden Charlot. When your child becomes your heir, knight training will be completed in about one year.”

Shortening knight training was only possible when the Emperor trusted someone or when they’d made radical contributions to the country. Kajiian judged Luden’s value to be that high.

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”

Luden said that and stood up. I pressed my chest and waited for Luden to come to me quickly.

“Were you nervous?”

Caromiel held out a wine glass and spoke to me. Then I turned my head to look at Caromiel and grinned.

“I didn’t know Luden would wish for something like that.”

“It’s good for the heir to have shortened knight training.”

Caromiel seemed to be saying Luden had made a good wish. Luden finished his final greeting to Kajiian and walked to where Caromiel and I were. A smile hung on his lips.

“Luden, well done.”

“When he told me to state my wish, that was the first thing that came to mind.”

“It was a good wish.”

“Are you satisfied too, Annelia?”

At Luden’s question, I smiled brightly and nodded. Then a while later, Reytan walked before Kajiian. I could see Laysia clasping her hands tightly together, seemingly trembling.

“Reytan, you have done something meaningful as a prince. You were on the battlefield as a representative of the imperial family, distinguished yourself with numerous achievements, and showed sufficient qualities as a member of the imperial family. Son, I am proud of you.”

Kajiian was acknowledging Reytan. Reytan’s eyes were shaking. It must be even more special to him since it was a place where his father, who hadn’t recognized him for so long, was acknowledging him.

“I appoint you as Crown Prince.”

This too was a radical appointment. A Crown Prince born of a concubine, not the Empress, had been created. Reytan raised his head in surprise, and Laysia also made a stiff expression.

Others were equally shocked. They knew Reytan would receive a great reward, but they probably didn’t think the Crown Prince position would go to him.

I’d suspected it from reading the original work, but while some content flowed the way I knew it would, other content didn’t, so I couldn’t be certain.

“Did you know?”

Luden asked me. Then I looked at him, tilted my head, and curved my lips in a smile.

“I did see this future, but I didn’t know it would turn out like this…”

Luden and I sincerely blessed Reytan and watched him ascend to the Crown Prince position. Luden was Reytan’s closest aide.

Luden would have much work to do from now on. Lorina quietly entered the banquet hall and stood with Marquis Mires. She watched Reytan become Crown Prince and clenched the fan she was holding in her hand.