Chapter 13

Shutal was having tea with Adela before escorting her to Braden’s quarters.

The first lady to kiss a gladiator in the special viewing box was still as dignified as ever today. The gap between her boldness and elegance was immense.

“You don’t need to guide me every time, Duke.” 

Adela said to Shutal.

“This much is only natural for me to do. You are a Princess.” 

Shutal replied with a broad smile, thinking to himself, ‘If I don’t, that petty man might stab me with his fork.’

Even without Braden’s request, Shutal would have treated her with respect.

“There’s no need to be so formal. It’s just a country a little larger than your territory, Duke.”

Shutal had been awarded the empire’s largest territory for his achievements, from subjugating magical beasts to winning wars.

“But isn’t it prime land? My territory is just a vast wasteland.” 

The Edel Kingdom had enough resources that, if not for war, its people could live in abundance for generations. Its magic stone processing technology was excellent.

The reason such a country was left untouched by strong nations was its geographical advantage. Located atop high cliffs, Edel Kingdom was a natural fortress.

Moreover, it was self-sufficient, making invasion difficult unless the inner walls were opened. Of course, without political sense, even that couldn’t be maintained.

“That land wasn’t a wasteland from the start.”

“…….”

It seemed a casual remark, but it carried much meaning. The territory Shutal was awarded was conquered land, ruined by war.

“It’s been almost two years since the Sovaro Empire ended its conquest war, hasn’t it?”

“Yes. There are still remnants of the defeated countries.”

The Sovaro Empire was embroiled in succession struggles.

The current Empress, called the Iron Empress, won the succession battle ten years ago at the young age of twenty-four, purging all her half-brothers.

Even her eight-year-younger full brother, the Fourth Prince, was sent to subjugate a grand magical beast, and then the Empress immediately began the conquest war, throwing the spoils to the nobles to quell their complaints.

The Fourth Prince’s fate after the magical beast subjugation was unknown. Thus, the Empress secured her position.

“Minor skirmishes will soon fade away. The Empress is wise and works with excellent retainers like you, Duke Shutal. People want a strong fence more than a name for their country.”

Adela’s words were true. Despite her nickname as the Iron Empress, after the conquest war, the Empress enacted rational laws and ruled wisely.

Neighboring countries, once suffering under tyranny, now welcomed the Empire.

“You’re so cool-headed. Favorable towards an invading Empire.”

“The leader’s and the people’s perspectives are different. That’s why our Kingdom strives to become a country the people want to protect.”

Adela’s tone was gentle, but to Shutal’s ears, it sounded like a warning to help the Empress make the Empire a country the people want to defend.

“I envy the stable Edel Kingdom.”

“You flatter me.”

Adela appeared gentle on the surface, but there was a firmness that made her hard to deal with.

Though their time together had been short, Shutal felt tension in his neck.

Fortunately, it was almost time to leave.

“Well then, shall we go?”

Shutal stood and offered his hand to Adela.

“As I said earlier, I can go with my escort knight. So please, Duke, don’t trouble yourself further.”

Adela placed her hand atop Shutal’s.

To be escorted by an Imperial Duke to a slave gladiator’s room was excessive.

“I plan to stay here for about a month. I’ll annul the slave papers, release Braden from the arena, and then return to the Empire. Until then, I’ll guide you.”

“I see. By the way… Did Braden mention what kind of contract it was?”

“No, only the conditions.”

Shutal skillfully lied to avoid embarrassment. For a politician, skillful lies were basic.

“I see… But it seems there are more people today.”

When she first went to meet Braden, there hadn’t been this many, but today the corridor was crowded. Their gazes followed Adela.

“After what happened earlier, it’s only natural. I considered controlling the crowd, but Braden said to leave it. Should I control them if you’re uncomfortable?”

“No need.”

The more eyes on her, the better for Adela. To spread rumors quickly, it was better to have many witnesses.

As they turned the corner toward Braden’s quarters, two knights on guard greeted them with courtesy.

Shutal stopped.

“From here, you can go alone, right?”

From here to the quarters was a straight corridor. Knights guarded the entrance, there were no windows along the hallway, and it was perfectly safe.

Braden had instructed that Adela be accompanied only this far.

“Of course. Thank you for escorting me.”

Adela gave a subtle smile and walked gracefully. The corridor wasn’t long, so she soon reached the door.

Before Adela could even stop, the door opened and he came out to greet her.

He wore only a black silk robe. His hair was damp, as if recently washed, and his skin glistened with moisture.

The thin robe clinging to his muscular body exuded a seductive aura, sparking sensual imagination.

“I’ve been waiting.”

Braden hurried to her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pressed a deep, passionate kiss upon her.

“Haa.”

When their lips parted, Adela let out a breath, damp and trembling.

When Braden appeared in just his robe, Shutal had fled, and the knights stared straight ahead, not seeing the kiss.

Braden led Adela inside, his arm around her shoulder.

People who had been peeking at them now brazenly crowded the corridor outside. The knights blocked the onlookers from approaching the door.

At that moment, the closed door thudded several times. The sound and vibrations were felt vividly by the crowd at the end of the corridor.

They swallowed nervously. Not being able to see made their imaginations even more vivid.

***

After receiving a dizzying kiss at the door and entering the room, Adela watched Braden thud the door with his palm several times.

Thanks to his incomprehensible behavior, the blush on her cheeks subsided.

“What are you doing?”

Her voice was as calm as ever.

“Making a scandal.”

At his answer, Adela tilted her head.

A scandal? This behavior?

Adela wasn’t all-knowing, but she had conversed even with sages without difficulty.

Yet she could not fathom how rattling a door could make a scandal.

“Should I help?”

“It’ll be over soon. Please, have a seat.”

Braden’s eyes curved downward as he smiled brightly at Adela.

Suddenly, Adela felt she might hiccup in embarrassment. Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing through her body like the sound of the door. The heat in her cheeks threatened to return.

What was this? He hadn’t even kissed her again, so why?

“Alright.”

Suppressing her hiccup, Adela escaped to the sofa and sat down.

On the table were wine, various fruits, and simple finger foods. She tried to collect herself, but soon Braden came to sit beside her.

“Did you make a good scandal?”

“I think so.”

A playful smile hung on Braden’s lips.

What now? She felt another hiccup coming.

Embarrassed, Adela clasped her hands tightly and held her breath. This time, she realized for certain—her reaction was because of his smile.

So this is what they call ‘the charm of a handsome man.’

She had to keep her wits about her.

Adela was a Princess of the Kingdom. She couldn’t lose her mind to a slave’s charm.

It wasn’t easy. The exposed chest and taut thigh muscles visible through his loose robe kept drawing Adela’s gaze.

The firm, elastic muscles were like a work of art.

Who knew muscles could be so beautiful?

“Nervous?”

Without warning, his hand touched her shoulder and withdrew.

Adela flinched unconsciously. Her senses were heightened, so even a small touch felt intense.

“Are you anxious about what we’ll do tonight?”

He teased her, completely at ease, which was somewhat annoying.

So, he’s that experienced?

Still, even if he is, when a man is about to share a bed with a princess, shouldn’t he show at least some nerves?

She had always lived as a revered Princess. Losing even a little in this power dynamic felt unpleasant, though she didn’t show it.

“Maybe.”

“Would you like a drink?”

Braden poured wine and asked.

“No.”

Adela shook her head slightly.

She never enjoyed alcohol much, but lately, seeing Holden ruin himself with excessive drinking had made her even more averse.

Holden was the one who shouldn’t drink, but Adela ended up avoiding it.

“It helps to relax.”

“Is there anything besides alcohol?”

Her mouth suddenly dry, Adela asked if there was another beverage.

“Of course.”

Braden smiled, and Adela’s thirst intensified.

“Then give me that.”

As soon as Adela spoke, his large hand reached out. His palm touched her small face.