Chapter 17

"Well then, Lady Lilies. We will take our leave now..."

"Don't worry, everything will be fine. His Highness is supposed to come tonight. Leave it to me!"

"...Good night."

Taina swallowed her rising anxiety and stepped back, impressed by Lilies' determination, which seemed out of place for a newlywed bride.

Thanks to the Emperor's consideration, there were no appointments or visitors today, so she had plenty of time to explore the room during the day.

All that was left was to wait for Jesarado's arrival.

In an attempt to look beautiful, she let her long brown hair, which had been brushed until it shone, fall over the pillow and picked up a book she had prepared as a way to pass the time.

And she waited. She waited for a very long time.

When she suddenly woke up and looked at the clock, it was already late at night.

(When did I fall asleep...? And His Highness hasn't come...)

No matter what, since she had taken a long nap during the day, she should have noticed if someone had entered the bedroom.

That meant, in other words...

Lilies placed the book that had fallen on her lap on the side chest and got out of bed.

Then, after standing in front of the mirror and checking for any drool marks, she headed for the door.

Of course, it was the door to Jesarado's room.

If he wasn't coming, she would go to him.

Simple and straightforward. An easy solution.

The ever-optimistic Lilies opened the door to Jesarado's room with a flourish.

"Your Highness—!"

But before she knew it, a sword was at her throat, and her thoughts came to a halt.

Her mind quickly started working again, and she panicked, wondering if His Highness had been attacked by an assassin. She only moved her eyes to confirm the owner of the sword.

"I'm glad... It's you, Your Highness."

"...I don't understand what you're glad about. Who else would be here at this hour?"

"No, I thought it might be an assassin. But I'm glad it's you."

"..."

Jesarado had also thought it might be an assassin, but he didn't mention it.

After a quick inspection, he saw that Lilies was only wearing a thin nightgown and had no weapons.

"So, what are you doing here at this hour?"

"What are you talking about! I came because it's this hour. Didn't you promise to come to my room today? Why didn't you come?"

"...I was... tired today..."

It was an excuse that sounded like a middle-aged man tired from work.

Jesarado wanted to bang his head in frustration at having to make such a pitiful excuse.

However, Lilies, unaware of his feelings, looked apologetic.

"I see... Even so, I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep. I'll return to my room, but it would be very helpful if you could let me know in advance next time. Good night."

"...Ah."

As Lilies, looking dejected, returned to her room, Jesarado suddenly realized something.

Next time? From tomorrow on, he would have to inform her?

He almost said he wouldn't do that, but he stopped when he saw Lilies turn back at the door to her room.

Lilies smiled and waved, then disappeared behind the door.

"What was that..."

Lilies' actions were far beyond Jesarado's comprehension.

As he closed the door and returned to his bed, he remembered the words of Lilies' brother, Eam.

"That child is a bit... no, quite different, but she is a rare treasure, to say the least."

Indeed, she was quite different. But a rare treasure...

Thinking this, Jesarado snorted and placed his sword by the pillow, lying down on the bed.

Until now, the only people who had entered this bedroom were skilled assassins who had slipped through the security net.

There were even women who had bribed the guards and waited in bed to seduce Jesarado, but even they had not dared to meet his eyes.

But this morning—now technically yesterday morning—Lilies had burst into the bedroom, glared at Jesarado, and shouted at him.

Just now, she had also looked him straight in the eye while talking.

"A rare treasure..."

Realizing he had spoken aloud, Jesarado snorted again.

Ridiculous.

But it seemed that Lilies was indeed quite different.

Thinking about it, he felt a bit curious and decided to visit her room tomorrow.

He was interested to see what attitude she would take.