By Zephyria 
After the meeting ended, only Cecile and the Empress remained in the guest room.
Once the guests had disappeared, the Empress wiped the smile off her face. Unable to shake off her anxiety, she repeatedly bit her well-groomed nails.
“I never thought Princess Larisa had feelings for the Crown Prince. We must prevent their national marriage at all costs. The Kingdom of Kazarsan must not become an ally of Alexis.”
In contrast, Cecile remained calm.
“Please do not intervene, Mother.”
The Empress shot him a doubtful look.
“Do not intervene? Why not?”
Cecile slowly savored the black tea in front of him and replied calmly.
“Even the same words can be received differently depending on who says them. If you interfere, the princess will feel that not only she but the entire Kazarsan is being rejected. Instead, I will try to persuade Princess Larisa myself.”
The Empress chewed her nails thoughtfully. Cecile’s words had merit. The other party was of royal blood from Kazarsan, and the Empress fully understood that they were not to be taken lightly.
Seeing the Empress wavering, Cecile settled comfortably into his chair and pressed his point once more.
“You know very well that there is no benefit in creating friction with the Kingdom of Kazarsan, right? I will do my best to ensure that feelings are not hurt.”
“Alright, since you put it that way, I will trust you. Oh, Cecile. One more thing.”
The Empress’s eyes lit up as if a good idea had just struck her.
“Build a rapport with Killian. He is destined to become the king of Kazarsan, so winning his favor will surely be beneficial.”
Cecile had anticipated that suggestion. He bowed his head and smirked at the Empress’s predictable ambition. He feigned indifference and replied casually.
“I will consider it if I have the time.”
“This is a very good opportunity. Moreover, since it doesn’t matter about gender, you should be proactive….”
Cecile paused as he brushed his hair back. He looked up at Empress Elizabeth with wide eyes.
“Are you suggesting that I seduce Killian?”
In that moment, Elizabeth realized she had misspoken. She regretted it but there was no turning back now. Instead, she maintained an arrogant demeanor.
“What’s the problem?”
“You, who used to be so ashamed of my liking men, shouldn’t be saying this.”
“It’s not just anyone; it’s the heir of Kazarsan. He has enough value. I’m saying this for your sake.”
“Come on, be honest. You’re not doing this for me; you’re trying to satisfy your own desires. Do you really want to sell your son out like that?”
Cecile countered without missing a beat. He then pushed the sofa aside and stood up. The sound of the sofa legs scraping against the floor was quite jarring.
“I will not be seducing Killian. I will handle it myself. As I said, please do not interfere.”
“Cecile!”
Even at the Empress’s sharp call, Cecile kicked the door open and left. He felt a wave of disgust rise at the unreasonable demand.
In a way, it was for the best. This way, he could sever even the little family affection he had left.
Once outside the Empress’s palace, Cecile moved quickly. First, he returned to Peridot Palace and headed to his study.
Who would be suitable? He held an ink pen and pondered for a moment.
In a short time, various faces flashed through his mind, and before long, Cecile dipped the sharp nib into the ink and began to write.
He handed the paper to his loyal attendant and firmly instructed.
“Bring everyone listed here. It’s important.”
“Yes, Sir Cecile.”
His faithful attendants hurried off with the paper in hand. Cecile then took out another clean sheet from the drawer. This time, he wrote carefully.
Before long, the palm-sized paper was filled with neat handwriting. After letting the ink dry, he crumpled it up and hid it in his palm.
Cecile immediately stood up. It was already close to midnight, but he couldn’t afford to sleep peacefully yet. There were still people he needed to meet.
He cautiously made his way to Saint Palace, avoiding the gaze of others.
“I need to see His Highness.”
“I will guide you right away.”
Despite the sudden visit, the steward of Saint Palace welcomed the guest calmly. Cecile’s unexpected appearances had become quite a normal occurrence for him.
Navigating through the maze-like corridors, they arrived at the office. The steward dismissed all the guards and stood in front, ready to keep watch. Cecile, guided by him, quietly knocked on the office door.
Knock, knock, knock. After three short knocks, he immediately pushed the door open. As expected, Alexis was still in the office, handling state affairs at this late hour.
Alexis, already aware of Cecile’s arrival from the knock, showed no signs of surprise. Instead, he stopped what he was doing and stood up as soon as their eyes met.
In the meantime, Cecile carefully locked the door. When he turned around, he found Alexis standing right in front of him.
Perhaps because it was late, the button around his neck was loosened, and Alexis appeared more relaxed. Cecile froze at the unexpected sight of bare skin.
It was inevitable that his gaze would be drawn to the straight collarbone and the long neck. The distance was too close. Unconsciously swallowing, Cecile managed to gather his thoughts and slowly raised his head.
“Your Highness, I just came from the Empress’s palace….”
“I distinctly told you not to come out of bed. It seems the people living in Peridot Palace do not listen to my words at all.”
Alexis, a head taller than Cecile, looked down at him as if he were about to pin him down with his large frame. With one hand resting on the door, he blocked Cecile’s way, casting a dark shadow over his face.
Alexis reached out with his empty hand and lifted Cecile’s bangs. His knuckles brushed against Cecile’s round forehead. Even while checking his temperature, his blue eyes were fixed on Cecile’s face.
“How is your health?”
“I’m fine. No… I wasn’t sick enough to stay in bed in the first place.”
“I see. You seem to be doing well since you’re talking back.”
“…….”
“What are you doing? Hurry up and give it to me.”
With a light reprimand, Alexis poked Cecile’s forehead with his long fingers.
Cecile frowned and handed over the note he had been holding tightly. As expected, Alexis was sharp. He had cut through Cecile’s words and already knew the reason for his visit.
Alexis quietly began to read the note. In this moment, there was no trace of his usual playful demeanor. His cold eyes scrutinized Cecile’s handwriting as if dissecting it.
The contents inside were akin to a whistleblower’s report. It clearly outlined whom Cecile had met at the Empress’s palace, what they had discussed, and what instructions the Empress had given.
“You’ve shared quite a lot about me in my absence.”
Alexis let out a short scoff as he expressed his thoughts. He walked over to the desk and brought the edge of the note close to the flickering candle flame.
The paper ignited with a whoosh. The secret note vanished without a trace, leaving only a bit of soot and a burnt smell behind.
Alexis dusted off his hands and sat on the desk. When he gestured with his chin, Cecile slowly approached him.
To have a secret conversation, they needed to stand close together. Unintentionally, Cecile found himself between Alexis’s spread legs.
Cecile’s mouth went dry in this intimate position. He gently bit the inside of his lip, fearing impure thoughts might arise.
In contrast to Cecile’s heightened awareness, Alexis whispered casually.
“What do you think?”
“…Princess Larisa is sincere. Her purpose for coming to the Empire is undoubtedly because of you, Your Highness.”
“It would be better for you to handle the princess. It would be troublesome if you get entangled any further.”
“I was just about to say that. She will be leaving after the Birthday Celebration Ceremony anyway. It would be best to avoid meeting as much as possible during this time.”
Cecile also lowered his voice as much as he could. Although it was just the two of them in the office, it would be disastrous if their words leaked out. Perhaps feeling nervous, Cecile found himself unconsciously gripping the hem of Alexis’s clothing.
Suddenly, Alexis lifted his gaze. His cat-like eyes focused sharply on Cecile.
“If Princess Larisa shows any affection towards you, please don’t dismiss her too coldly.”
“Why not?”
“She has a high sense of self-esteem. It’s rare for her to have been rejected by someone in her life. But what if the person she likes builds a wall? Her pride wouldn’t be able to handle it.”
“How can you be so sure? You’re not acquainted with the princess, are you? Is this from experience?”
“…….”
Cecile let out a short sigh.
In a way, it was indeed from experience. He had felt the same way as Princess Larisa, which is why he spoke on her behalf.
“Anyone would think that way. Moreover, Your Highness, you are merciless to those who cross the line, regardless of who they are.”
“That certainly sounds like experience.”
Alexis replied with a relaxed voice, tilting his head back. His expression was as soft as his voice. The gaze that looked down at Cecile was filled only with amusement.