By Zephyria 
Unknowingly, I scanned Alexis’s body. His solidly built muscles and smooth skin were truly like a divine manifestation. And above all, his masculinity…
Cecile straightened his impudent gaze and looked up at Alexis’s face. After quickly swallowing the saliva that had pooled in his mouth, he immediately added,
“You told me to visit Yuria often. It seems the Empress has realized that it’s difficult to plant a spy on her. She asked me to take on that role instead. She instructed me to thoroughly inquire about what Yuria discusses with His Highness and what plans she has, and to relay that information.”
“Cecile, you’re going to be quite busy. You’ll have to play the spy on both sides.”
By now, Alexis, properly dressed, had left his chair and leisurely perched himself on the long desk. His chamber was always equipped with a work desk for him to conduct business.
As Alexis flicked his fingers, the quick-witted attendant hurriedly brought warm tea and freshly baked pastries.
The Crown Prince, who had lived his life without ever tasting sweets, had recently caused the kitchen of the Saint Palace to fill with the rich aroma of butter and sweetness due to the frequent visits from guests.
“Make sure to speak plainly and straightforwardly to the Empress. She’s not one to miss a trick, and if your lies are exposed, it could put you in danger.”
“Is that really okay?”
“No problem. After all, you’ll be the one providing me with news from the Empress. As long as you know in advance, it won’t be difficult to respond. It might even be easier to find an opportunity to counterattack.”
Alexis flashed his characteristic confident smile. He then picked up a bundle of parchment that lay on the desk. His previously bright expression crumpled into annoyance the moment he unrolled the parchment.
“Ugh, why are the nobles so obsessed with other people’s marriages? These requests keep piling up every day.”
He tossed the scroll he was holding away. Cecile quietly observed this and asked,
“Are they… asking you to get married?”
“Yes. They say it’s about time for me to welcome a Crown Princess and produce an heir. ‘Produce’—it makes me feel like I’m some kind of beast.”
“You can just ignore the nobles’ requests. Besides, you have… Yuria, don’t you?”
“The Emperor is vehemently opposed to my marriage with Yuria.”
Cecile’s eyes widened in surprise. This was the first he had heard of it.
“Why is that?”
“The Emperor believes that a saint must remain pure for her power to be intact. Since Yuria has already been recognized as a saint by the royal family, I cannot go against his wishes.”
Cecile sighed in disbelief. He pressed his forehead in thought.
He had always been curious about why Alexis hadn’t married Yuria sooner. He had cherished her more than anyone else, yet had wasted years. This was a question that would remain unanswered until Cecile’s death.
To think it was because of the Emperor’s opposition. The reason for the opposition was so ridiculous that it left him feeling deflated. To think that purity could somehow diminish her abilities—was that even a reasonable argument?
“What will you do?”
“For now, I’ll have to stay in this situation. When I become Emperor… then I’ll think about making arrangements. I can wait five years, or even ten.”
When Alexis becomes Emperor… yes, no one will be able to go against his will. Who would dare defy the wishes of the highest authority in the Empire?
Cecile blew on the tea in front of him, contemplating the future that lay ahead.
It seemed Alexis was considering a rather long timeline, but Emperor Arnold would pass away sooner than expected. And that time would be just a week before Cecile’s own life would end.
‘Unexpectedly, I’ll be attending a series of funerals.’
Cecile let out a self-deprecating laugh. The bitterness in his mouth didn’t seem to be solely from the taste of the tea.
“Yuria will be quite upset.”
“Yuria is a good girl. She understands my situation better than anyone. In fact, she was the one who suggested it first.”
“In that case, at least tell her you’ll marry her within three years, even if it’s a lie.”
“You’re always saying such outrageous things. Are you implying that I’ll become Emperor within three years?”
It was a conversation that could only happen in a place where no one else was present. Even upon reconsideration, it seemed so absurd that Alexis chuckled and shook his head.
Cecile took a deep breath, puffing out his chest. He was trying hard to manage his expression.
After that, no one spoke, and the chamber fell silent as if a mouse had died.
Clink, as Cecile set down his teacup, a low voice suddenly broke the silence.
“You.”
Cecile abruptly looked up. Alexis, leaning on the edge of the desk with both hands, was gazing down at him with a steady gaze.
“Cecile, what do you plan to do?”
“What do you mean?”
“You said you like men. So, what are your thoughts on marriage?”
The question was so unexpected that Cecile could only laugh weakly.
“What kind of crazy girl would want to marry me?”
“You’re quite resolute. It sounds like you’re saying you won’t do it even if forced.”
“Yes. I won’t. I’d rather date freely and live alone.”
He said it deliberately boldly. At that, Alexis’s lips curved into a round smile.
He stepped down from the desk and approached Cecile. He picked a bright red raspberry from the untouched tart and shoved it into Cecile’s mouth.
“Yes, don’t get married. You must stay by my side for life.”
The syrup-coated raspberry was sweet enough to make his tongue tingle. Cecile had to hold the fruit in his mouth without being able to chew it.
Alexis’s eyes held the same warm glow they did when he looked at Yuria.
There had been times when he desperately wished for Alexis to look at him with such eyes. He thought it was a wish that could never be fulfilled. But now, facing those eyes, Cecile felt like crying.
His kindness felt like poison to him.
* * *
It was the day the delegation from Temion was arriving.
The Kingdom of Temion was far from the Berka Empire, but it had maintained a long-standing alliance as a brother nation.
It had been nearly two years since a delegation had visited the Empire. The palace had been preparing for the esteemed guests for weeks.
In particular, the task of hosting this delegation had been entrusted to Cecile Adrian. It was something he had volunteered for eagerly.
“Here they come.”
The Foreign Minister shaded his eyes with his hand and recognized the procession of carriages in the distance. The red flag, a symbol of the Kingdom of Temion, was fluttering, and the ornate decorations of the carriages were striking.
Standing beside him, Cecile waited with a smile for the guests to arrive. Perhaps because he knew who was coming, he couldn’t hide his excitement.
Soon, a luxurious large carriage came to a stop, followed by a line of carriages and horses. The door of the leading carriage opened, and a young man stepped out.
“My goodness! Cecile Adrian! What a joy it is to see you here to greet me!”
“Johannes.”
Cecile and Johannes embraced each other, sharing their joy. Then Johannes quickly realized something important and straightened his posture. He struck a dignified pose and spoke in a serious tone.
“I am Johannes Albrecht IV, the representative of the delegation from Temion. Thank you for the noble hospitality of the Berka Empire, and I wish for the Empire’s endless prosperity and peace.”
Cecile also straightened up and formally returned the greeting.
“I, Cecile Adrian of the Berka Empire, am delighted to welcome the delegation from Temion. Thank you for your efforts in traveling such a long distance. I will ensure your stay in the Empire is comfortable and pleasant.”
“Oh, you’re quite the royal, aren’t you?”
“You are the same.”
The two embraced once more, rejoicing in their reunion. Perhaps because it had been a long time since they last met, their joy felt deeper than usual.
Johannes was the first friend Cecile had made since entering the palace.
It was quite a challenge to have made a friend from the distant Kingdom of Temion, but despite the geographical constraints, the two had forged a deep friendship.
They had been busy exchanging letters and had finally met face to face after several years. How could they not be happy?
After Johannes met with the Emperor, he immediately sought out Cecile. They had a mountain of old stories to share. As they strolled along the path of the royal court physician, they busily chatted without pause.
“I kept it a secret to surprise you! How did you know? Was it a coincidence?”
“I just had a feeling you would come.”
“You have a good intuition! I’m so glad you’re hosting me! I’ll get to see you a lot while I’m in the palace.”
“You can look forward to it. I’ll take good care of you.”
Cecile smiled subtly. Knowing Johannes would come, he had prepared everything filled with the things he liked. At the upcoming banquet, he might just faint from joy.
The delegation had been provided with separate accommodations, and Johannes had decided to stay at Peridot Palace. With the prince’s attendants joining in, Peridot Palace was livelier and more bustling than ever.
“I have a question, Cecile.”
“What is it?”
“The saint. Is she really in the palace?”
“Um…”
“The rumors have spread all the way to our kingdom. They say a very beautiful and noble saint has appeared in the Berka Empire. They say her prayers are incredibly sacred! Is it true? Have you received the blessing of the divine? Is the saint really here?”
Cecile pressed his forehead. Unlike the excited prince, his face was calm to the point of being troubled.