Chapter 112

If it had been Rezef before her reincarnation, he’d have laughed at their
reaction and called Cayena on over just to show off how beautiful and
stupid his doll was. But now, rather than calling for Cayena, Rezef drove
the nobles away.

’I must make sure that you won’t be able to get married.’

Although Rezef was a cunning child, he was not yet skilled at controlling his
emotions. When she recalled her first life, it seemed like he was not able
to even after becoming the Emperor.

’Good. While you’re wasting your time and energy on preventing

a marriage that wouldn’t take place, I shall be tipping the scales
in my favor.’

Cayena glanced over at Jonathan again.

«Oh, by the way, have you not been appointed as Count Hamel?»

She deliberately asked — knowing Jonathan would like to discuss such

a subject. As expected, Jonathan’s mood changed as the topic about the
position of Count had come out. In turn, he spoke with a wistful expression.

«I’m at an old age and it’s difficult for me to get better… But don’t worry, I’ll
take care of it well.»

He made a slight cough.

«Hm, about that… When would the succession take place?»

«Ah-ah.»

Jonathan hurried on when Cayena responded as if she wasn’t really

interested.

«There has been a lot of noise within the family.»¹

All this time, Jonathan was anxiously waiting in hope that the Princess
would come to support him. He must have already told the relatives that
she would support his succession.

’But Jonathan isn’t the only one who has the right to succeed Count’s
position.’

His blood relatives haven’t heard any news, so they must be questioning
him as their suspicions grew. Cayena had speculated the situation though
she pretended not to know.

«Oh, is there any disagreement within the family about the succession?»

Jonathan waved as if he burned his hands — startled by the Princess’s

question.

«Oh n-no! It’s not like that, it’s just, I mean everyone is looking out for the
prosperity of the family.»

Cayena dropped meaningful words in a light tone as if a joke.

«I see. And I thought that the right to succeed the position of the Count was
a battle of your own blood.»

«Ha… ha-ha…»

Jonathan was forced to smile though his insides were boiling.

’This is crazy. I have no time to take care of my relatives — Prince Rezef

is already a pain in the neck.’

As the days went by, Cayena became a big shot in an instant. There was
a growing rumor circulating the inner workings of nobility saying that those
favored by the Princess would lead the next generation. It was the trend
of the current times.

The older generation was growing older and sicker as their more youthful
successors were taking charge of the family posts one by one. Jonathan
knew that if he did not gain the title of the Count Hamel, he would be left
with nothing. In order to gain an advantage, he needed to wheedle down
Cayena’s graces to gain her favor. However, he could hardly take the
initiative in the conversation with her. He was constantly trapped by this
woman as old as his daughter.

«Ah.. the situation within the family appears to be uncomfortable and it’s
unfortunate that my uncle is going through such a difficult time…»

«Oh, is this so? As expected, Your Highness is the only one who cares
about your uncle.»

«By the way, uncle…»

Cayena asked Jonathan with a grin.

«Wouldn’t the person who would succeed the family would inherit ‘the
weakness’ as well?»

Jonathan clamped his mouth shut. At that moment, he immediately

understood what Cayena meant about ‘the weakness’ – the black market.

«It is already a clear weakness of County Hamel, am I correct? As long

as it is being exposed by Rezef, it will continue being a shackle.»

Cayena threatened her uncle despite speaking gracefully.

«As you know, he’s not a child who will listen to someone: he sees people
as expendables.»

She said that last word tongue-in-cheek and Jonathan chewed his lips
nervously. Fees from the black market were beyond imagination. Since all
the goods there were stolen ones, it was impossible to make general
transactions and the owner of the black market set the fee just
as he wanted. The collected fee secretly powered the Count Hamel; but
because of Rezef’s intervention, Jonathan unfortunately had to lower it,
much to his dismay.

«How long do you think Count Hamel will be able to protect it from the
hands of Rezef and the Grand Duke?»

Jonathan realized he had to make a decision right now; whether he will

give the black market to the Princess and succeed the County in return,
or will he forcefully endure and drag the black market down.
’The Princess has an army. If Rezef were to ascend the throne, she would
be the sister of the Emperor in the future. On the other hand, if Heinrich
were to become the Emperor due to unforeseen circumstances, he would
try to make Cayena his wife because of the legitimacy aspect. As for the
black market, it has been exposed to the Prince Rezef at this point in time
and so it’s like a bomb that can explode anytime.’

There was nothing more he had to worry about and so a satisfied smile
appeared on his face.

«That’s valuable advice. The Princess has got a great insight. If so, may I
leave the matter to Your Highness?»

Cayena smiled softly and nodded when she was told she could take the
black market over.

«Of course. Don’t worry and lead the County Hamel well in the future.»

Jonathan treated Cayena with respect and courtesy.

«I’ll do my best.»

Around that time, newly arrived guests began to trickle into the Grand Hall.
Cayena could tell who came without having to turn around and check.

«Then I shall take my leave.»

Cayena moved before Jonathan could stop her. She had to greet her
chaperone — Catherine. Catherine was descending down the spiral
staircase leading which resided in the direction of the Emperor’s private
quarters. Her gown and adornments were unrivaled compared to everyone
else. Had it been anyone else, it would be a mistake to arrive later than
Cayena, the main character of today’s banquet.

’However, it is different if she carries the Emperor’s love on her back.’²

Today, Cayena didn’t visit the Emperor on purpose. It was to highlight that
Catherine had been meeting the Emperor after a long time alone since the
first day of Cayena’s coming-of-age ceremony. The Princess greeted
Catherine with a big bright smile.
«How was your conversation?»

Catherine smiled solemnly. It was a smile without any sign of joy, filled with
a sense of confusion. Perhaps seeing the sick Emperor made her
convinced that it would be difficult to provide her son’s safety. Cayena did
not surrender any information and therefore, Catherine was kept in the dark
about what her ploy was… Catherine hesitated before speaking.

«I don’t know how to repay Your Highness’s favor.»

Catherine knew how unusual the way the Princess treated her was.

«You’re family.»

Catherine took a teeny box out of her small bag.

«Ethel asked me to pass it to Your Highness.»

«Ethel?»

Apparently, it was a birthday present. Cayena opened the box curiously.

Inside of it was a slender bracelet with a moon-shaped pendant. Cayena
smiled at the jewelry that the young boy had been picking with great care.

«When the ceremony is over, there will be an afterparty. So please, come

with Ethel. The present for Ethel will arrive by then.»

«I will, Your Highness.»

With the appearance of the chaperone, the men of the nobility began
to make their approach towards Cayena. One of the main reasons for the
banquet was for the chance to become a suitor for the Princess and so the
men had to be proactive with their efforts.

’There is no one more suitable than Raphaelo for the second dance.’

The possibility of marrying the first dance partner excluding the family
is high. Until now, the Princess had unrequited feelings towards Raphaelo.
Only this much made the public know — so everyone outside of their
relationships would consider the possibility of their marriage to be ridiculous
rather than predictable. However, because of the tension created by the
recent kidnapping incident and the beautiful flower carriage that arrived
at the Imperial Palace today, the possibility of Raphaelo becoming
Cayena’s fiance was coming to light.

But even aside from politics, if it wasn’t with him, Cayena wouldn’t like
to dance at all.

’I am being ridiculous as well.’

Cayena smirked and laughed casually. She got her hands on magical
powers and definitely made herself a place in his mind.

’If it had been before, I would have been wary of variables I could never
control…’

She mumbled a little.

«Is it power?»

«…?»

Catherine, who was next to her, looked at her curiously. Cayena smiled
as if there was nothing and turned around.

«I’d like to take a rest on the terrace.»

For now, she was going to avoid men who would bother her.

«Shall I accompany you?»

«No, I will be heading to the private terrace so no one will be able

to access it.»

«Okay.»

Cayena headed to the Imperial Terrace. The terrace was located on the
innermost side of the Grand Hall but there were no guards because knights
couldn’t have access to this place. The Princess rolled up the curtains and
went inside. The sky was dim because the sun was still short. Her nerves
that had been sharpened by numerous eyes and political dialogues had
softened a little. It was impossible to identify who was on the terrace
or what kind of conversation they were having unless they were being
outlandish about it. This area was constructed in such a fashion to allow
the royal family to privately have affairs with favorites during the banquets.
However, unlike its original purpose, it was quaint and cozy here. Built
in front of the terrace was a fountain in which you could play in the water —
which would result in your garments becoming very wet. Blocking that view
was a conveniently placed tall bush. Much to her surprise, there was
a handsome man residing in such a private area.

«…Why are you here?»

***

1.Bad gossip, bad atmosphere.

2.To have love and protection of the Emperor.

Chapter 113
The day before Raphaelo attended the Princess’s coming-of-age banquet,
he had visited the temple.

«Nice to meet you, Priest Denian.»

Priest Denian gave a serene smile for his greeting.

«Welcome, Duke.»

They made their way to the deserted reverent chapel where highlights were
coming through the stained glass. Those who had frequented this temple
were unreasonably superstitious.. Raphaelo crossed himself and went to
the front of the chapel. After that the priest brought a small chair and sat in
front of the Duke.

«I would like to serve you some tea, but please understand that it isn’t the
right place to do.»
Raphaelo didn’t mind it and so he got to the main point.

«I require the help of an upright high priest who has not chosen a side.»

Denian’s eyes widened slightly. The tone of the conversation chilled as the
cheerful expression on his face faded away.

Yes, there certainly must be a reason why he ran such a fine temple
without losing his post to someone from a high-ranking noble family.

«I don’t intervene with political issues,» said Priest Denian.

Raphaelo notated the word ’I’. The priest’s words were appropriate. On the
other hand, the temple had been wavering in its neutrality and was slowly
sinking into the capital’s politics. It was an inevitable dilemma with great
power. Meanwhile, it seemed like he said he would not lose his
independence. Well, at face value that’s what it appeared to be for the
moment.

«I have no intention of bringing the temple into political issues. I just want
you to do something that is in line with the wishes of the temple as well.»

«Isn’t this a political issue?»

That was true: the initiative itself had a political color.

«That’s why I didn’t say ’this temple’, did I?»

Peering into Raphaelo’s red eyes, the Priest broke into a small grin.

«Are you trying to secure Her Highness’s safety?» he asked.

It was curious for a man who said he would not intervene in political
matters to pose such a question. Raphaelo’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Suddenly, he remembered the report about the investigation that his aide
made on the Priest. As a result of Jeremy’s investigation, it was revealed
that, oddly enough, high priests of the temple secured positions for
generations.

«There’s a priest named Denian and he’s a little strange. He’s more like a
ghost than a real person.»
Appearance wise, he seemed to live in a small temple with little to no
influence. He had neither set foot in the Cathedral nor formed a faction of
his own.¹ The weird thing was that every assigned priest of this temple
behaved in the same manner.

’Nobody has become suspicious of this so far?’

Raphaelo was convinced that there was something about this temple.

«I know it must take great efforts to maintain such temples.»

He spoke vaguely so it could not be inferred as to whether ‘efforts’ referred

as ones on preventing outside interference in the temple matters or on
maintaining the integrity of the establishment.

«I’m not so sure myself but I believe that the previous kidnapping incident
must have left an impression on this temple,» Raphaelo deliberately
elongated his words.

Priest Denian’s curved eyes straightened out. His smile had been changed
as well. He did not make that impression which a temple’s high priest would
have. Traces of the rough and dark times glimpsed on his face.

«Since Her Highness’s visit, I heard that the Cathedral had gotten a weak
spot.»

«It’s going to calm down over time.»

«Grand Duke Heinrich doesn’t seem to think so.»

«So, are you saying that the Duke of Kidray is going to be the second in
line to the board?»²

It was a word that was not at least a bit noble. However, Raphaelo thought
it was necessary to have this conversation. Though, he didn’t like spending
time without Cayena.

«You can call it as you want. Instead of protecting the temple’s

independence, you only need to help me once.»

«How can I believe that this will be an only one-off request?»

«If you want, I’ll notarize it with the family’s crest.»

«You don’t appear to have the slightest will to hide your heart from Her
Highness,» Denian spoke amused.

«I believe that you wouldn’t do anything even if you know.»

At that moment, a strange voice was heard behind Raphaelo.

«That’s not enough.»

Wait, what? He didn’t sense any sign of human existence. Raphaelo looked
back with his slightly chipped bleak eyes. There was a man with bright
brown hair and caramel-colored eyes.

«Who are you?»

«You didn’t have to come out, Mr. Bael,» the Priest called the stranger’s
name.

«…Bael?»

Raphaelo’s brow wrinkled at the mention of that nomiker.⁴ Wasn’t that the
name that came from the time at the temple when they were talking with
Cayena about her fictional husband?

’Is it a coincidence?’

However, something felt off about this: both Bael’s clothes and the
atmosphere around him.

’Moreover, those eyes… I’ve seen them before.’

Raphaelo readied his hand at his side, as if he were preparing to pull out a
weapon.

«Here’s the owner.»

«…what?»

«That priest over there is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes»³
The Priest Denian shook his head at Bael’s words. It appeared to be that
they were fairly close.

«Are you a nobleman?»

«Nobleman? Well, depending on as you view it, maybe yes and maybe no.
I am the real owner of this temple, but I am neither a priest nor a
nobleman.»

Raphaelo sensed that Bael was the reason for the suspicions about the
temple. In other words, it was Bael who could get what he needed.

Raphaelo rose from his seat and approached the man who was standing
about without a care in the world. Bael frowned as Raphaelo approached
him. From broad shoulders to elongated legs — it was not even necessary
to say that his build was good.

‘Why are kids so tall these days?’

He was not short himself, standing at 180 centimeters of height, but he had
to raise his eyes to look at Raphaelo’s face. It felt like he somehow lost.

«What do you want?» Raphaelo asked Bael.

’Ah, the audacity of this man….’⁵

Asking this all of a sudden? It seemed that he was not interested unless it
was related to the safety of the Princess Cayena.

’The Princess is strange but this guy is peculiarly strange, too.’

Wasn’t it common to try to figure out who Bael was or if he had any
weaknesses? Raphaelo only dryly asked with his handsome face that Bael
had never seen before. He was like a hero from a novel.

’Nah, nah. Usually, that’s what a heroine should hear.’

Bael shrugged off all of his unnecessary thoughts.

«I heard that high-ranking nobles can be accompanied by a partner,»

Raphaelo narrowed eyes as he heard it.
In fact, Bael had something to check with the Princess.

’It would be easy to break in using magic, but…’

The problem was that he heard what Cayena had said while she was at the
temple before. When she mentioned his name saying she was going to
create a fictional husband, he almost stumbled in front of her and wondered
if she had gone crazy.

‘By the way, those humans are…’

Bael intended to be Cayena’s assistant while working with Raphaelo. It was

due to his sense of sympathy for her poor fate.

«All you have to do is to be a friend of Bael Cronus,» he replied to

Raphaelo’s inquiry.

«···!»

Cronus was the surname of the Madrena dynasty, the fallen kingdom. It
was the name that perfectly matched what Cayena had planned.

«In that case, I’ll go ahead and move my pawns accordingly — is there
anything else?»

«Are you a man of Her Highness?» Raphaelo couldn’t help but ask.

«Let’s just say yes for now.»

«So, are we going to be friends or not?» Bael approached Raphael and

spoke while reaching out his hand.

Raphaelo looked down at the other man’s hand. To be friends with a man
whose name shared with that one which his beloved woman said she
would marry to… He let out a short sigh. He’d like to get rid of it, but he
couldn’t help it. Everything related to Cayena was an ‘unforeseeable
circumstance’ to him. Eventually, Raphaelo took Bael’s hand.

«Yes.»

***
1. The Cathedral or the Embassy, but the first sounds better.

2. I don’t know if this is obvious but still if someone isn’t aware the board
also means the throne.

3. A nominal boss or a representative behind whom is a real person in

charge. This is Bael’s phrase about Denian.

4. Another word for a name.

5. Actually, either he expresses his slightly surprising anti sympathy for

Raphaelo or he is cursing him… It’s the phrase people use when someone
you don’t like bragging out and so you feel offended.

Chapter 114
Edited by Cera

***

Cayena’s grand banquet marked the start of the social season — viewed
as the largest to come yet. The bar of expectation was set so high, the
Grand Hall was bustling with guests from wall to wall — it must have been
because all sorts of rumors had sprouted throughout the capital.

«Oh, Duke Kidray, congratulations on your family title succession!»

Raphaelo was probably the only person in this banquet who had received
as many congratulatory greetings as Cayena had. It was due to his
inheritance of the Dukedom which had happened not long ago.

«Thank you.»

He lost count on how many times he had shaken hands with various
nobles. It felt nauseating. If it weren’t for the warmth he had shared with
Cayena before, Raphaelo would have left the party immediately. He was
one of those people who would hate social gatherings — the aftermath of
his childhood wounds. Originally, he would have attended the banquet for a
very short time and avoided contact with people as much as possible. But
not this day. He wanted to meet with Cayena right away. It was necessary
for him to breathe in her breath, feel her warmth, and make sure she was
alive and well… because of this, he was able to attend the banquet from
the early hours.

«Your Grace.»

Jeremy, dressed in a banquet suit, approached Raphaelo and handed over

a glass of water. Raphaelo tried to take ease of his mind and cool down by
drinking cold water.

«How about going out for a while?»

Raphaelo shook his head and refused Jeremy’s suggestion. The esteemed
guest of the evening was about to arrive.. At that time the music had
changed and Cayena came down the spiral stairs, escorted by Rezef. Just
looking at her made him feel strangely better. Just Cayena’s presence
alone quelled his mood.. Raphaelo felt alive only when looking upon her.
Besides, it occurred to him that it was just like illness.

«Here you are.»

His mother’s voice was heard. He had looked back and saw his mother in
flawless old-fashioned costume — indeed it was her style.

«You came.»

Despite Raphaelo’s dry response, the prior Duchess replied yes. As usual,
everything was the same between mother and son.

«Why did you buy the rose farm?»

«Do you ask because you don’t know?»

«You’re not the kind of person who would do charity work in Her
Highness’s name out of kindness of heart.»

The madam snorted at her son’s remarks out of the blue.

«Does it mean I should have received your permission to bestow a gift?»

«If it’s something that could affect Her Highness’s safety, then yes.»

An eyebrow was raised upon his mother’s face at the defensive response.

’Has he ever paid such attention to someone?’

It was the first time she saw Raphaelo with such a warm expression when
he spoke of or looked at someone. Even as he made eye contact with the
Princess…

«I don’t see her chaperone,» he glanced around while trying to find the
opportune moment to approach her.

«…I see.»

At that moment, Yester was approaching Cayena after her first dance.
Raphaelo involuntarily fumbled inside his jacket. It was where a gun would
usually be pocketed. The movement of that trash was rightly expected, but
now that he was witnessing it before him, Raphaelo just wanted to shoot
his head instead of plotting. However, he couldn’t ruin the painting Cayena
was drawing.¹

«May I ask you for a small favor?»

Noah’s eyes narrowed as she had already known what her son would ask
of her.

«Are you asking me to intervene upon their business?»

«Right.»

«What about you?»

«Their situation isn’t something I could interfere with.»

Noah agreed. If Raphaelo was involved in such a situation where Cayena,

Rezef, and the Grand Duke were competing with each other, it would
definitely be considered as him joining the power struggle.
«I’ll do it. You’d better leave the hall for a while, pretending you didn’t see
it.»

«…Yes, I suppose so.»

Leaving Cayena among those crazy people wasn’t easy for him. However,
apart from unwillingness, Cayena was supposed to be able to handle them
well enough. His mother’s unwavering personality wouldn’t lose to both the
Prince and the Grand Duke. As Raphaelo left the Grand Hall, the ardent
rays of the gradually fading sun touched the tip of his nose. The disgust he
had felt throughout the time he was at the banquet hall eased little by little.
And then at that moment, Baston had approached him.

«The news has just arrived that the Priest Denian has entered the
Cathedral.»

’Pretty fast.’

Was this man named Bael the real owner of the temple?

«As planned, assure Bael Cronus’s identity status and draw attention,»
Raphaelo nodded.

«Yes.»

Bael must have been a descendant of the fallen kingdom and an

acquaintance of Raphaelo.

«He isn’t going to become a husband of the Princess…»

Come to think of it, he was also the owner of the temple that had been the
subject of the strange rumors. He was sincere about his intention not to
confront Cayena, but it was necessary to expand Paladin’s scope of
influence.³ It was not because of the belief in their power, but because of
the power that the temple community had.

«I…I’ve got something else to say,» Baston muttered it cautiously,

uncharacteristically, with a slightly subdued face. «Mr. Leo is in the
capital.»
Raphaelo’s father was a man who said he would never set foot in the
capital for the rest of his life. At an earlier age, Raphaelo couldn’t have
guessed why, but now he knew. Perhaps, it was due to his memories about
the deceased Empress.

But why this time? Why did his father come here when he had learned
everything?

Despite Raphaelo wanting to show how disgruntled he was by smacking

his own face with his palm, he didn’t show any outward signs.²

«Have someone tailing him,» he ordered without visible distraction.

«Yes, my lord.»

Not knowing whether it was a feeling of lassitude or fatigue that stirred him
up. Raphaelo thought it’d be better to settle in silence in the secluded
middle of nowhere.

«I’m going to take a break outside and return to the banquet hall later, so
go in first.»

«Why don’t you go to the lounge?» Baston asked curiously.

«It doesn’t even function as a resting place.»

«That’s true,» replied Baston. «The banquet is in full swing, so you can’t go
to the Imperial Palace’s lounges…»

Then he backed out and Raphaelo walked in search of a suitable place. He

had frequently visited the Palace as if it were his own house before Cayena
had changed her demeanor. She invited him every day. Therefore, he
clearly knew the space near the Grand Hall where usually nobody was.
Raphaelo headed to the most private place available only to the royal
family, the terrace dedicated to private affairs. It was used by the Emperor
or his immediate descendants, but both Cayena and Rezef were busy at
the moment, so there was a good chance that no one would come. Maybe
there were no quiet places around that would be as deserted as this
terrace. There was no one stationed nearby on his way to the garden due
to the special nature of the place.⁴ The fountain, apparently cleaned up
ahead of the banquet, was spouting water and the landscaping was also
well kept. He exhaled a long sigh. The noise of the banquet hall was heard
all the way here, but the scenery detached him from all the chatter.
Gradually, his mind calmed down — though not as well as when he was
with Cayena. He missed her right away.

«…Why are you here?»

«···!»

Raphaelo looked through the terrace. Was this a hallucination? Why was
Cayena on this terrace?

«Did you know this is a patio for the royal family?»

Cayena was talking at him with a ridiculous look on her face. Raphaelo’s
feet moved on their own toward the terrace railing. She also approached
the railing and leaned down with her gold hair loosely flowing naturally
around her, painting a moment you’d only read about in fairy tales.
Raphaelo stretched out his hand however he could not reach her because
it was too high from the floor to the terrace. He climbed the outer stairs that
led from the terrace to the garden. In the meantime, Cayena spread her
magic barrier around. It was to recognize someone’s presence immediately
and to prevent any leakage of their conversation. No wonder why she
couldn’t find him at the Grand Hall— Cayena never would have thought he
would be here. There was a rough guess as to why he came to the terrace.
He wasn’t a person who could stay around…

«Are you alone?» Raphaelo wondered just to be sure.

They had to be alone because of the indulgent primary use of this terrace.

«That’s not the problem,» spoke Cayena with a slight sigh.

«First and foremost, it’s an important issue.»

She tilted her head obliquely at his resolute words and spoke
mischievously.

«I’m not alone.»

***

1. Despite the lack of information about this Korean idiom with painting
(well, at least I couldn’t find it, or maybe you got it even without my
explanation and I’m the slowest one) we can guess by the content that it
means plotting.

2. He wanted to facepalm.

3. This phrase isn’t really clear for our understanding. However, we

suppose it is a reference to Bael’s temple, something like expanding its
scope of influence.

4. Yes, in the 119th chapter it was said that there were knights, but it turned
out there weren’t. Though it’s kinda strange for this super duper private
terrace…

Chapter 115
Edited by Flynn 

Raphael¹ opened his eyes wide and parted his lips. 

«Just kidding,» said Cayena, refreshingly watching his reaction. 

«You’re making a dangerous joke.» 

He angled his head askance. His hand stretched out as if to touch her
cheek and stopped. Cayena tensed at the gesture — it was like the calm
before the storm. 

’Everything because of this location.’ 

Of all places, this terrace for such a purpose… Therefore Raphael’s actions
seemed to be especially lewd. 

«We’re at the banquet now,» she sidestepped his gaze. 

«Your lips are attractive.» 

«…» 

Raphael raised his thumb and gently pressed her plump lower lip.
Cayena’s ruddy lips were half-opened, and her scarlet tongue disturbed its
view. 

Had it ever been so lovely seeing her excited azure eyes glancing at him
with embarrassment? Raphael immediately gulped in a violent urge to
attack her mouth. Cayena strangely felt sexier as he had this overly straight
face, contrary to the erotic atmosphere created by him as well 

«Raphael…» 

He listened with great seriousness. 

«…could you please take your hands off me?» 

Raphael stopped smoothing her lips curiously and touched the tiara that
adorned her hair. Even this gorgeous, beautiful crown seemed to fade its
value compared to her lustrous blonde hair. Therefore it was better to get
rid of it, so he did. As the tiara was removed from her head and placed on
the table, Cayena got embarrassed. 

«Why did you take it off?» 

«It looks heavy.» 

Truthfully, the tiara was full of jewels so it felt burdensome to wear. Cayena
felt strange as he still looked calm and did not lose his gentlemanliness.
This man seemed to be content just by spending sweet time with her 

’Am I the only one who’s nervous?’ 

Was she the only one having weird thoughts for this place? 

«I’m a little tired,» Cayena turned away awkwardly. «These accessories are
heavy.» 

In fact, she also wanted to take off the massive necklace like a weapon that
hung around her neck. Cayena fiddled with the necklace, and he tore it off
without hesitation. 
Snap! 

Necklace was sent on the table with a rumbling sound and the numerous
jewels shone with a brilliant glow. 

«…ah, you unfastened my wrapping ribbon.» 

The ribbon that had been wrapped beautifully over the Princess as a
wedding good. She never thought Raphael would untie the choker with
such a meaning. 

«Then can I get a gift now?»

«…huh, what?» 

Before she could respond to his low-pitched voice, his lips overlapped with
hers. Raphael’s tongue crept in her mouth as if he had barely endured the
desire to do it til this moment. Their saliva was mixed up in an instant. His
lower abdomen was tight and his body heated up with tension. Cayena
clutched his chest and let out a hot breath. Raphael still pressed her lips
tight, rubbing and sucking them. At that moment he grabbed her hips and
lifted her up. 

«A-ah!» 

Cayena held on to him in surprise. Raphael continued nibbling her lips

savagely, maintaining his sense of perfect calmness as if he was not
nervous at all. 

Flop! 

Soon, they were laying on the sofa-looking bed. 

«Ha-a…!» 

She desperately started to undo the buttons on his jacket. Raphael

grabbed her slim body that was felt under the thin dress and a hot sigh
came out. Oh, if it weren’t for the banquet… Raphael bit the tip of the glove
with his teeth and threw it away. Before she knew it, he threw the
unfastened jacket, too. Baston would nag at him if it got wrinkled, but it
didn’t matter. He hugged Cayena and exhaled quietly. If it was winter, white
breath would have filled the air around them completely. Though his insides
were rumbling, he was as healthy as ever. Rather, his whole body was
clearly awakened by this pleasant tension. 

’What should I do?’ 

How honest and faithful should he be about his feelings? 

‘This is ridiculous.’ 

Contacting people made him anxious… However, Raphael was deeply

addicted to this woman named Cayena. That’s what obsession is like. Now
he could never be satisfied with what he had done so far… Raphael
desired more, much more.² 

‘If I marry her, will my thirst disappear?’

Will it be okay to get up in the same bed and kiss her to wake her up every
morning? To lock her in his arms, to raise her upper body, to bury his face
in the back of her neck, and to mark it with a bite… To hold Cayena’s body
in his arms and kiss her temple while smiling… To ask if she slept well and
dig into her thin negligee… And to put her body back on the bed… 

Then, will his thirst go away? Will he be satisfied with that? 

‘I won’t.’

Such a sweet morning alone could not have pleased all his desires. He
would follow Cayena like a well-trained dog just by seeing her or feeling the
soft scent of her body by the tip of his nose. He would want her anytime
and anywhere. Whether it’s a bedroom, a dining room, a flower garden, or
a terrace in this hypersexual sense.

Raphael licked the back of the Princess’s neck, gently rubbed her
shoulders, and pressed her under him heavily. 
«Cayena…» he whispered sweetly. 

«Uh-huh…» 

As she answered, Cayena hugged the Duke stronger, took off his tie and
opened his shirt. All reason was left behind, and a series of animal-like acts
followed; that could only be made by someone who only knew how to
follow their instincts. However, Raphael restrained himself despite the fact
that his trousers swelled like they were about to burst. Even with Cayena
underneath who couldn’t hold her racy breath back, expecting to see what
he was going to do. 

«Ha… please…»

 ’God please give me patience!’

 The man made a faint scratch sound. Raphael didn’t want to control his
feelings at all. Violent greed bothered him terribly, that’s why he didn’t care
about what would happen. He was not satisfied with just this, his greed was
not fulfilled.

 Raphael had to hold it in.

 Muah!

 He barely patched up the heat, gently pressing and dropping her puffy lips.

«…it’s bad.»

 Cayena had responded to him like a crazy one so far, but she managed to
calm down, breathing out a warm sigh. The woman was appalled as she
regained her senses.

 Did she really try to use this terrace for its original purpose? This was a
bold thing which even the evil and reckless Princess didn’t do in the past. 

Raphael lowered his head at an angle. 

Muah! 
He pressed and dropped her lovely lips that were blaming him. Thus he just
calmly pleaded guilty.

«You can hit me.» 

«…I’m at loss of words.» 

This time Raphael bit the woman’s ear. 

Flinch! 

«…you!»

Cayena’s eyes had widened and she grabbed his cheeks to make him look
at her. Raphael blinked innocently.

«Didn’t you like it?» 

«…that’s not the problem.» 

«It’s a big problem.» 

Cayena raised an eyebrow. 

«What do I like?» 

«Yes, what you like.» 

What a serious remark this was. Cayena sighed briefly as if she had lost
and hugged him around the neck. 

Thump-thump, thump-thump… 
Their heartbeats gently rang across their bodies. It was a sweet time like
lovers, that read each other’s mind and spent a languid time together,
would have. 

«It’s nice to be like this.» 

Before she knew it, Cayena’s inner thoughts came out of her mouth.
Raphael, who was laying on the side, gave the woman an arm pillow. The
eyes of the two met again. 

«I like being together like this, too.» 

It was enough to stay here forever. Just after getting rid of the obstacles
altogether. 

He touched Cayena’s hair with another free hand and kissed her from time
to time. Raphael smiled just as Cayena did.

«Now we have to go back, right?» 

Cayena didn’t know, but Raphael had been away from the banquet hall for
a while. Thus it was time to go back. Raphael knew it well too, so he kissed
her on the forehead without any greed. 

«You need to call a maid in and get ready again.» 

«I can do it on my own, so don’t worry. If we go back to the banquet hall at

the same time, it’ll be weird. 

They rose from their seats. She personally arranged the collar of his shirt
and pinned the tie. 

«Make sure you clean up before you go in,» said Cayena, pointing to his
disheveled appearance. 

Instead of answering, Raphael kissed Cayena’s hand. 

«Go ahead.» 
Cayena pushed him on the back and Raphael stepped down from the
terrace with a short sigh as if he couldn’t help it. When he disappeared from
her view, Cayena began to groom herself magically as she had been doing
recently; like the last time she used the jewelry casket. Suddenly her throat
had choked up and something rushed from her mouth.

«Cough!» 

The gloves quickly became damp and dark bloody liquid poured down the
floor. 

’I’m sure it was worth that.’ 

Had her condition gotten even worse in the meantime? 

She looked at the floor through her hands with blurred eyes. They were as
cold as ice and Cayena’s whole body ached with dull pain. The Princess
pulled something out of her dress pocket. It was the bottle of the green
Elixir. She drank a drop of it and recovered in a moment. Since then, the
time space had been turned away and bloodstains were removed. As in the
rewind, the red marks were reduced and disappeared soon. No wonder
Cayena was tired.

 «I’m about to die.»

 «Then why do you use magic so much?»

 At the sound of foreign voice, the Princess lifted her head. None other than
a cheese colored cat was watching her from the railing.

***

 1. I haven’t asked earlier, but what name should we use: ’Raphaelo’ or
’Raphael’?

 2. Ahh the author teases us for so long; Raphael’s the sponsor of my
blush! 
P.S.: I publish the chapters on my Wattpad more quickly so better check
updates there.