Side Story 1

After Meia became the Grand Duchess of Florence, the Grand Duke’s residence began hosting tea parties regularly, bringing noticeable vitality to the estate.  

Meia, with her exceptional social skills and elegant speech, gradually became the rising “flower of the social scene” in the Sirius Empire. Together with Theodore, she actively participated in balls, banquets, and diplomatic activities, which naturally dispelled the negative rumors surrounding her.  

To contribute to the economic development of Florence, Meia organized theatrical and opera performances for the enjoyment of those visiting for cultural and entertainment purposes. This initiative caused an influx of people to the Florence Port.  

“It would be nice to create various events… Perhaps something for couples preparing for marriage…” 

Meia murmured to herself while reviewing documents.  

“The sight of you working so diligently is charming, but I’m worried you might overwork yourself.”

Theodore said with a gentle smile.  

“Thank you for your concern, Theo.”  

“That’s why I’m suggesting we take a break this time.”  

“A break?”  

“Do you know of the Gradi Empire?”  

“Of course. It’s a neighboring empire close to Florence, and most people entering it use our Florence Port and teleportation services.”  

“That’s correct. The Gradi Empire and our Florence territory share a close relationship.”  

The Gradi Empire is home to unexplored, dangerous dungeons. The greater the risk, the more valuable the treasures found within these dungeons. Thus, adventurers seeking fortune often use ships from Florence Port to enter the Gradi Empire.  

“As you may already know, Meia, the Gradi Empire has an academy exclusive to nobles.”  

The academy, boasting a long history, is renowned for producing distinguished knights and grand mages, making it one of the most prestigious institutions.  

“The Gradi Empire sends invitations to its academy’s graduation banquet around this time every year.”  

Theodore took out an invitation from his pocket and handed it to Meia.  

“I’ve always declined, but… if you’re willing, I’d like to attend with you.”  

“Are you saying you want to go now, Theo?”  

“…Yes.”  

Meia looked at Theodore with a curious expression.  

“Why the sudden interest, Theo? Is there something going on with the Gradi Empire?”  

“Huh? What do you mean, Meia?”  

Theodore wasn’t particularly fond of social gatherings or diplomatic activities—in fact, he almost disliked them. Hearing him suggest attending a banquet in another empire felt unusual to Meia.  

“You’re not one to enjoy social activities, Theo. So, when you suggested going together, I wondered if something urgent required your presence in the Gradi Empire.”  

Hearing Meia’s concern, Theodore made a troubled expression.  

“No, nothing urgent. This year, the Crown Prince of the Gradi Empire is one of the academy’s graduates.”  

“You’re attending because the Crown Prince is graduating?”  

“It’s… complicated to explain…” 

Theodore’s face turned red as he shook his head.  

“Is it something difficult to share with me?”  

“Well… When the Crown Prince of the Gradi Empire ascends the throne…” 

Theodore’s voice trailed off, and his face and ears gradually reddened.  

“When he ascends the throne… that is…”  

As Theodore’s face turned as red as an apple, Meia gently stroked his cheek.  

“Theo, your face is so red. You’re not thinking something indecent, are you?”  

“I always have indecent thoughts. But this time, it’s something different.”  

“What are you thinking about?”  

“Well… it’s just that…”  

Theodore, visibly flustered, covered his cheeks with his hands.  

“I’m curious about what you’re thinking. Can’t you tell me?”  

“I thought it would be good to meet the Crown Prince, who will eventually become Emperor, since we’ll need to maintain relations with the Gradi Empire. And…”  

“And?”  

“Although the Grand Duchy of Florence holds a superior position compared to the Gradi Empire, I thought it would be wise to teach our future child the importance of peaceful diplomacy. I don’t know why I’m thinking about children when I just want to enjoy our honeymoon right now.”  

Hearing his muttered words, Meia brushed back Theodore’s black hair. Theodore blinked slowly, his face reddening further under her touch.  

“Theo, do you know how adorable you are?”  

“You’re the only one who thinks I’m cute, Meia.”  

“I wouldn’t like it if others found you cute.”  

Theodore smiled brightly and hugged Meia tightly.  

“If you don’t want to go to the Gradi Empire, I’ll decline the invitation.”  

“Don’t decline. I’ve always wanted to visit the Gradi Empire at least once.”  

Theodore leaned down and lightly kissed Meia’s cheek, exhaling softly.  

“Meia, if we go to the Gradi Empire, I plan for us to stay at the Marquis Zenovil’s estate, not the imperial palace.”  

“The Marquis Zenovil’s estate?”  

Although Theodore could stay with Meia at the Gradi Empire’s imperial palace, the palace had four young princes. If any of them were to fall for Meia’s beauty and pursue her, it might lead to severed diplomatic ties with the Gradi Empire. To prevent such a situation, Theodore decided on the Marquis Zenovil’s estate.  

“The Crown Prince’s fiancée is Lady Zenovil, the daughter of the Marquis.”  

Hearing this, Meia nodded in understanding.  

“Traveling to the Gradi Empire… I’m really looking forward to it.”  

“So am I.”  

Meia was curious about the Gradi Empire’s tourism industry. Given the influx of adventurers, she was particularly interested in the cuisine tailored to their tastes.  

“I’ve been curious about the businesses surrounding dungeon tourism in the Gradi Empire. I’ll have to see it for myself.”  

“Meia… You’re not planning to work even while we’re there, are you?”  

“Work? I’m just excited to learn something new.”  

“No work during the trip. We’re going there to rest.”  

Theodore picked Meia up gently and walked toward the bed.  

“A trip… You’ll need to be prepared.”  

Placing Meia carefully on the bed, Theodore whispered in her ear as he brushed aside her flowing silver hair.  

“I don’t quite understand what you mean, Theo. Why would a trip require preparation?”  

“This is what I mean.”  

Theodore tilted his head slightly, drawing close to Meia’s nose, and whispered.  

As Meia’s cheeks turned red, Theodore’s lips curled into a slight smile.  

“It feels like the innocent Theodore I once knew is disappearing.”  

Theodore began unbuttoning the top of his shirt with one hand.  

“More importantly… I’d like you to focus on me right now.”  

In a low voice, Theodore bit lightly at her neck, causing Meia’s body to tense with anticipation.  

Lowering his head, he kissed her lips gently. Satisfied with her flushed expression, he smiled as he kissed her once more.  

“I’ll try to restrain myself tonight since I don’t want you to overexert yourself.”  

“Theo.”  

Whenever Meia asked Theodore to show restraint, he behaved like a puppy rolling over adorably in front of its master. It was endearing to the point of being overwhelmingly lovable.  

“Don’t worry, Meia. I’ll restrain myself.”  

“The Theo I love is a man without self-restraint.”  

Hearing her words, Theodore averted his gaze and bit his lips. The idea that she loved him despite his lack of restraint made his heart feel as though it might burst from his chest.  

When Meia smiled mischievously and ran her hand down his back, Theodore’s body flinched.  

“I love you, Theo.”  

Blushing deeply, Theodore looked at Meia with longing eyes.  

“Say it again.”  

“I love you.”  

“Say more, Meia.”  

“I love you very much.”  

With a face full of joy, Theodore kissed Meia’s eyes, forehead, nose, ears, and lips repeatedly.  

“I love you so much… Haha, Theo, it tickles.”  

When Theodore’s hands, which had been wrapped around her waist, began tickling her sides and back, Meia burst into laughter, squirming on the bed. Her silver hair spread across the bed like waves, and Theodore’s gaze grew darker with desire.  

“Stop it. Haha. It tickles… Ah!”  

As Meia tried to escape the tickling, Theodore pulled her back firmly into his arms.  

“As I feel every day, tonight will be far too short once again.”  

Now atop Meia, Theodore whispered in a deep voice near her ear. His nose brushed against her delicate arm and neck.  

“No matter where we are, Theo, our nights will always feel too short.”

***

Meia, utterly exhausted from Theodore’s storm-like passion, lay limp on top of him with her eyes closed. It felt like she had only just shut her eyes when the chirping of sparrows signaled the arrival of morning.  

As sunlight streamed through the curtains, Meia slowly lifted her heavy eyelids and stared blankly at the light.  

“Mei… Mmm…”  

Even in his sleep, Theodore called out for her, bringing a natural smile to Meia’s lips.  

When Theodore opened his eyes, his black pupils met Meia’s blue ones, and his gaze softened with deep happiness. He rubbed his eyes and looked at her intently.  

“Theo, I’m going to wash up.”  

“I was just thinking the same. Perfect timing.”  

Theodore smiled shyly.  

“Let me help you wash.”  

“You won’t stop there, Theo.”  

“The man Meia loves is one without restraint.”  

Seeing Theodore confidently declare this, Meia let out a low laugh.  

Should I give in to his temptation? 

Pondering this, Meia answered by pressing her lips to his instead.