Nergal sighed while flipping through the documents piled on his desk in the study. Being away for just a few weeks had resulted in a mountain of work.

When he mentioned wanting to rest for another week since he was already taking a break, Ishin quietly approached the window. He then untied the curtain cord and wrapped it around his own neck.

“Since you said retirement isn’t an option, I suppose I’ll have to die.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“I’ll show you just how serious I am right now.”

Seeing him actually about to tighten the cord, Nergal promised to return to the palace soon, and only then did Ishin cheerfully remove the cord from his neck and tie it back around the curtain.

Threatening one’s superior with suicide – that was a threat only a capable subordinate could make. If anyone other than Ishin had done it, Nergal would have dismissed them without a glance, saying he was busy and to finish quickly.

His hand stopped while flipping through the documents. It was paperwork about retrieving the Holy Sword.

Since the Holy Sword’s disappearance hadn’t been officially confirmed yet, the retrieval mission was still ongoing. Nergal looked at his name written on the first page of the document. It was the Emperor’s will that made him responsible for this task.

It meant that since all the direct royal family members would be blinded with greed once the Holy Sword’s existence was revealed, he should handle things appropriately from the middle.

‘Though that’s probably because they judged we might lose the Holy Sword otherwise.’

Nergal recalled the records of the Holy Sword he had seen. The Holy Sword chooses its master, and takes revenge on those who try to possess it without being acknowledged. However, the extent of that revenge wasn’t specifically defined, nor was it immediate. That’s why throughout the Holy Sword’s history, there were endless attempts to steal it.

‘Though only those who can read the records know that.’

Among common people, stories spread widely about how unauthorized handlers would burn to death, or their entire family would be cursed. They probably spread such rumors to prevent people from even considering taking the Holy Sword.

Nergal’s eyes quickly scanned through the documents. As with all reports since the Holy Sword’s disappearance, there was nothing particularly significant. Just suggestions to proceed with the complete dissolution of the 9th Knight Order.

“…”

Nergal rubbed between his eyebrows and put down the documents he was holding. Then he looked again at his name written at the very top. If he hadn’t been the one responsible for this task…

He remembered Ir answering only with facts while looking at him.

‘If someone else had been in charge of this…’

Then Ir would have lied to them without hesitation. She would have deceived them and run away, looking for opportunities to escape on her own.

‘She would have undressed without hesitation if another man had wanted it too.’

Ir lets out cute moans every time he touches and licks her. But there was no particular shame on her face. She thinks all of this is necessary for her revenge. Like waking up in the morning, washing, getting dressed, and training – just something she ought to do.

Nergal got up from his seat with a short sigh. He pushed aside the 9th Knight Order documents he had been reviewing and picked up other papers he had prepared in advance.

As he walked into the corridor with those documents, Seviti, who had been waiting for him, bowed her head.

“Is something wrong?”

Seviti was someone who wouldn’t bother him unless there was a specific problem. Knowing that she handled everything flawlessly and neatly even without interference, Nergal had entrusted her with everything from managing this place to taking care of Ir.

Yet here she was seeking him out on the very first day.

“Well, Lady Ishtar…”

As soon as Ir’s name left Seviti’s lips, Nergal immediately turned around. He quickly climbed the stairs to the upper floor, taking several steps at once with his long legs. If he could fly, he would almost certainly have already done it. Going straight to the bedroom, he opened the door.

“Ir!”

He had been thinking on his way that perhaps he had been too obsessive. Though he hadn’t gone all the way, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he had done everything else, freely expressing the dark desires he had been harboring all this time in the moving carriage.

Her white, soft body was too sensitive, trembling and getting wet just from his touch.

Though he thought he should let her rest more, he kept holding her as if he would die if they separated. Hadn’t he diligently taught her about climax until last night when they arrived here? Was that the problem? If she was in pain again…

Nergal looked into the bedroom, his face pale.

“Oh?”

There sat Ir on the sofa, holding a large piece of bread in one hand. Moreover, with something in her mouth, she looked exactly like an autumn squirrel greedily stuffing its cheeks with nuts.

Looking at Nergal who had suddenly entered with surprised eyes, Ir chewed her food.

Gulp.

After quickly swallowing what was in her mouth, she choked a bit and took a refreshing gulp of the fruit juice beside her.

“Whew, I almost choked. What’s the matter?”

Though it seemed like Ir had tried to call him ‘Your Highness’ when he first came in, that wasn’t important right now.

Nergal examined the table in front of Ir.

The table was lavishly set with food. Starting with a basket full of freshly baked bread, there was a large plate of salad that needed two hands to lift, platters overflowing with neatly cut fruits sorted by type, various kinds of ham and cheese beside that, then yogurt, nuts, and along with the traditional imperial breakfast soup, there were other meat dishes as well.

It was an excellent spread. Judging by her expression, Ir seemed to be enjoying it too.

After examining Ir, Nergal turned to look at Seviti who had followed him.

When he looked at her with eyes asking what the problem was, Seviti spoke with a bewildered expression.

“Well, Lady Ishtar has already requested new meals three times… I was worried if she would be alright…”

At those words, Ir and Nergal answered simultaneously.

“I eat well.”

“Ir eats well.”

***

“Thank you for the meal.”

After finishing her meal, Ir lightly bumped her fists together twice. It was a light prayer of thanks to the gods. Seeing her offer prayers immediately after meals while accurately facing the right direction, Nergal recalled how Ir used to pray like this in his office too.

Of course, he must be the only one who sees the overlap with her past appearance.

“So what should I do today?”

Ir sat up straight and looked at him.

They hadn’t just done lewd things while being together all day in the carriage on their way here. During the occasional breaks when they caught their breath, they had talked about what needed to be done after returning.

‘Entering the palace will have to wait until spring.’

Even though many people come and go from the palace, one couldn’t enter freely at any time. Those involved with state affairs were only allowed access to the outer palace where the Prime Minister’s office was located, and to enter the inner palace beyond that, one had to apply for entry when the seasons changed.

The entry permit was only valid for that season. One had to apply again when the season changed, and with each application, a guarantor’s consent form had to be submitted.

Naturally, those from humble families or commoners had to grovel to their guarantors to maintain continuous palace access. If not that, then find a new guarantor. Most chose the former, but occasionally the latter situation would occur. Of course, such people were those who moved in search of greater power and money.

‘When they felt their guarantor’s affection waning, they would find new people.’

That’s why at parties before the season changed, everyone’s eyes would be bloodshot as they desperately searched for someone who would continue to support them. When attending such parties as security personnel around that time, one had to walk around constantly clearing their throat due to the various amorous moans coming from the garden, regardless of gender.

‘It would be nice if I could finish this before the season changes.’

Though she knew she couldn’t find the attackers that quickly, Ir was still uncomfortable with Nergal being her guarantor.

‘Maybe I could change guarantors in summer?’

Just before applying for a new entry, what if she changed to someone who was in league with the attacker? Then the responsibility would fall only on them without affecting Nergal. She wasn’t sure if they would like her, but with this body, it seemed possible. Even Nergal liked her this much…

“What are you thinking about now?”

Something must have bothered him. Without her saying anything, Nergal frowned while looking at Ir.

“Just thinking about cutting the throat of someone I don’t know yet.”

Since it wasn’t completely a lie, Ir answered brazenly. Fortunately, Nergal didn’t probe further. Instead, he handed over the stack of documents he had brought.

“This is…”

“All the records about the Holy Sword that the palace scholars found. Before we left, you only saw the essential summary. I thought you might be curious, so I brought them.”

“…Thank you.”

Ir bowed her head to him sincerely. She had been planning to visit the palace library to look for more records about the Holy Sword once she entered the palace. Yet he had given this to her first without her even asking.

Actually, Nergal wouldn’t need to help her anymore after guaranteeing her status for her revenge. That alone would have been doing a lot. She also knew that as a minister, he couldn’t move actively due to the many eyes watching him.

If he could just get some pleasure and refuse women sent by other royals, he wouldn’t need to care more…

‘Let’s not expect too much.’

Even this much attention showed that Nergal was helping more than expected.

“How’s your body?”

“It’s fine. Seems my recovery ability stayed the same even though I’ve changed.”

Considering she was perfectly fine after just one good night’s sleep and meal, despite being worn out for 5 days, it might have even improved.

Just as Ir was about to read the documents Nergal had given her with admiration:

“Take your time reading those, let’s go out for a bit.”