Chapter 32

"I want to stay like this with Eleonora forever."

While Eleonora was so shocked by the sudden kiss that she couldn't move, Alexei gently stroked her cheek and touched her lips with his fingers. Then he kissed her again. At first, it was just a light touch, but it gradually deepened.

Sergei saved Eleonora, who had lost all strength in her body.

"Your Majesty! What are you doing?!"

Due to the soundproofing spell Alexei had cast, there was no response to the knocking on the door, and no sound at all, so Sergei forced the door open. What he saw was Eleonora being assaulted by Alexei. Upon noticing Sergei, Alexei reluctantly dispelled the soundproofing spell. Then, Sergei's angry words, almost spitting with rage, echoed throughout the room.

"What are you doing to a young lady you've only met twice? There is a proper order to things. Especially for Lady Eleonora, who has no such rumors about her. Couldn't you control yourself a little more?!"

Eleonora finally came to her senses at the sound of Sergei's voice and, too embarrassed, covered her face with both hands.

(My whole body is burning. I must look so undignified. Oh no, I can't show my face anymore!)

Ignoring Eleonora's feelings, Alexei wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer.

"Why did you just barge in?"

"Your Majesty! Lady Eleonora is a duchess's daughter. Please follow the proper procedures."

The words "follow the proper procedures" made Alexei react.

"Ah, I understand. Let's get married right away."

With a smile, Alexei reached out to touch Eleonora's face again, but Sergei stopped him.

"No way! You must have a formal engagement ceremony in the Imperial Church. The wedding will take place a year later, according to the Imperial Code! Your Majesty is the emperor!"

Alexei thought it was unreasonable. He wanted to make Eleonora his right away, so why did he have to wait a whole year?

"Such an imperial code is unnecessary. Abolish it immediately."

"Your Majesty... It might be fine for you, but when your descendants get married, their partners may not be suitable. You have learned that foolish people who feel secure after an engagement can reveal their true colors. There are two such cases in the history books, right?"

Sergei's breathing grew even more labored.

"No, that's not all. The year between the engagement and the wedding is expected to bring significant economic benefits! It's perfect for the current exhausted empire! So, please start with the engagement ceremony. Besides, the bride's dress must be something to be proud of in the empire. Honestly, a year isn't enough."

Alexei imagined Eleonora in her wedding dress.

"To prepare the most beautiful dress in the world, time is indeed necessary. Yes, I understand. It can't be helped, but I'll stop trying to get married immediately."

It was only then that Eleonora realized she and Alexei were going to get married.

"…Marriage?"

She raised her face and tilted her head. Seeing this, Sergei was furious.

"Your Majesty! How can you talk about marriage without proposing?!"

Driven by a strong desire to make Eleonora his immediately, Alexei had forcibly kept her in his arms without confirming her feelings. She was clearly embarrassed but obviously liked Alexei. However, Alexei thought they should express their feelings to each other.

"Sergei, leave the room for a moment. I want to be alone with Eleonora."

"I don't trust you right now."

"Then, come in if it takes too long."

"Will you really not touch her?"

"I understand, now leave quickly."

Sergei reluctantly left the room.

Once alone again, Alexei and Eleonora. Alexei kept Eleonora seated on the sofa and knelt on one knee. He looked into her blue eyes.

"Eleonora, I love you. I never want to be apart from you again. I want you."

Hearing Alexei's words, Eleonora's face and entire body flushed. She slowly replied.

"H-Ham-chan and I like you too, Alexei-sama."

(Damn! Why can't I use proper lady's language?)

Alexei, who didn't care about Eleonora's way of speaking, smiled and took her hands.

"I will protect you from anything. I will never make you cry or sad."

"…I want to make Alexei-sama happy too."

Moved by her words, Alexei hugged Eleonora and was about to kiss her when, once again, Sergei entered the room.

Thank you for reading.

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