I Slept with the Villain Holding My Hand

 

✿

 

Karina wanted to protect him as much as she loved Altheon, and she wanted to be her strength and support.

 

With determination, she held out the box in her hand.

 

Karina stared straight at Altheon’s eyes and didn’t avoid his mysterious purple eyes this time.

 

“I can neither use force nor magic. That’s why I can only give you this.”

 

Karina smiled softly and held the box in his hand.

 

Altheon lifted his gaze, looking at Karina and the box alternately.

 

When he opened the dark blue box that could be seen on ordinary streets, there was a bracelet with a gemstone in it.

 

The purple gemstone, with a distinct vivid color, as if Altheon’s eyes were turned to stone, was as small as a fingernail.

 

Karina picks up the bracelet and puts it on Altheon’s arm.

 

“The wizard on the pine nut street, who personally owes me a favor, made it. So neither the Emperor nor the Empress knows of its existence.”

 

“Is it a magic stone?”

 

Altheon asked, swiping over an amethyst-like gemstone on his arm.

 

Most of the wizards of the Empire belong to the Imperial Court.

 

In other words, all the items sold in a magic shop and the list of people who asked for a visit to the wizards were all meant to go into the ears of the Emperor.

 

However, with a magic stone created to avoid those eyes, it was quite predictable what Karina was thinking.

 

She’s probably worried about the threat of assassination during the competition.

 

The threat to Altheon’s life, which had already become a daily routine for him, must have come to her with great fear.

 

Altheon, who swept the bracelet that still had warmth as if it contained Karina’s heart, calmed his heart.

 

In the meantime, Karina, who fitted the bracelet tightly, answered with a nod, “I asked for a protective spell. It’s made in a hurry, so it only works once.”

 

“Your Highness, please don’t get hurt. With that strong body and his upright heart.”

 

“…Karina.”

 

Not knowing what to say, Alteon frowned and nodded stiffly.

 

After that, Altheon was so confused that he didn’t even know how he had finished the meal.

 

As soon as he got into the carriage back to the palace, Eden held out a thick bundle of paper to him.

 

It was a report from the three spies, who he had planted on Queen Helena’s side.

 

Needless to say, Altheon, who received the paper, quickly read the report.

 

As the thickness of the remaining paper became thinner, the wrinkles between his forehead became deeper.

 

Altheon, who had read all the reports on the way to the Crown Prince’s Palace, got off the carriage and headed to the office without delay.

 

“Burn it.”

 

Altheon, who threw the report on the desk, swept his hair and said dryly, “Get out.”

 

Eden quickly lit a fire in the fireplace.

 

Altheon, who had been looking at the burning fireplace, momentarily relaxed.

 

What caught his eye was Karina’s gift hanging from his left wrist.

 

A political fiancé who Altheon accepted for Delphi’s name as necessary.

 

Still, I thought it was a plausible contract with a certain affinity for each other.

 

Helena was trying to kill him, and Dominique’s supporters were as solid as a lie.

 

The palace was the place where those dotted with desire hid knives behind their backs. 

 

It was a very dangerous and dirty place. To the extent that losing a loved one in an instant is nothing.

 

As a child, he lost his mother like that…

 

I didn’t want to feel that pain anymore.

 

Because of this, he warned Karina before,

‘Don’t go deeper and stay where you are.’

 

Don’t come near anymore, as I’ll make sure she won’t ask anything dirty.

 

However, despite his warning, Karina has narrowed the distance.

 

Karina, who was in such a precarious position, approached in stride.

 

Not enough, she reached out to his dirty back that Altheon didn’t want to show only to her.

 

When Karina finally handed me the bracelet, I thought for the first time that the engagement with her was too hasty.

 

The end of all this is for him to sit on the high throne and seize Tristan.

 

It was the final destination that Altheon decided to achieve once he made up his mind.

 

Even if there was blood and death in the process, it was the goal that had to be achieved no matter what the cost.

 

But now, he had a change of heart. Altheon felt fear after a long time indeed.

 

Even when he drank poison on the battlefield, or when he faced the sword at dawn, he was able to overcome the situation smoothly.

 

No one else but himself, but this time he was afraid of losing Karina.

 

Altheon swept the bracelet dearly feeling her warmth, and turned to look at the scenery outside.

 

Before I knew it, the night sky, where the sun had completely set and the darkness had fallen, looked as peaceful as could be.

 

Is it a foolish idea to talk about peace in the imperial palace where his life is always threatened?

 

“Mother… What should I do?”

 

Altheon’s small whispering voice faded away without reaching anyone.

 

✿

 

“Miss, wake up.”

 

“Ummm…”

 

Merria’s pupils trembled at the sound of Lexie’s voice waking her up.

 

When Merria reached out, Lexie put cold water in her hand as if waiting for her to do so.

 

With her closed eyes, Merria, who at once poured cold water to her face, stood shaking her head.

 

Then 

I opened my drowsy eyelids, blinking, but it was still dark outside the window.

 

It was so early in the morning that I didn’t even have to look at the clock.

 

Merria sighed and muttered, “Why are the hunting tournaments held so early?”

 

“It’s dangerous when the sun goes down, so it’s better to start early. There’s a fixed time to hunt.”

 

This year’s hunting competition was to be held in the Etuas Forest.

 

It was a different place from the time of the previous Emperor, but the place used before was not suitable for hunting anymore.

 

Due to the long-term neglect of management, the land was uneven and there were not many preys to hunt.

 

Of course, it’s possible to artificially release the prey, but wouldn’t it be better to use what we have?

 

Therefore, the newly selected venue was Etuas Forest.

 

The Etuas forest was perfect for the game and had a flat terrain, so it was easy to build a fence.

 

Also, as there was a plain nearby, it was good for those who didn’t participate in hunting to build barracks and stay there.

 

“But I feel like I’m going on a picnic.”

 

Unlike Merria, Lexie was smiling.

 

The. She immediately assisted Merria in the bathtub, saying there was a lot of work left to do.

 

Merria, who floated like a tea bag submerged in hot water, was massaged with perfume.

 

Lexie, who even sprayed a lemon-scented perfume, said with a smile,

 

“I heard lemon is good for repelling bugs, so I got it for you. Oh, and since the sun is hot today, you’d better wear a hat with a big brim and let down your hair.”

 

“Okay. I don’t have much time, so please prepare quickly.”

 

Merria, who had been yawning slightly, obediently nodded to Lexie’s every decision.

 

She wore a light-blue dress with cool material and a large-brimmed white lace hat. She tied the thick ribbon from the hat to her chin to keep it from flying in the wind.

 

Lexie went to the dressing room, saying she needed to pack Merria’s coat and other things.

 

Merria hadn’t packed her bags yet as she was busy preparing for the celebration, which will be on the final day of the hunting competition.

 

Merria left the room and the busy Lexie behind.

 

As I went down the stairs, the porch I could see was more crowded than usual.

Since there’s a long way to go, I needed a lot of ancillary things.

 

After gathering all of our family, knights, and even the staff who would assist them, there are quite a few people. Lexie soon mingled among other servants.

 

Themis and Raven are in the carriage in front of them, Merria and Serinia in the rear.

 

As the coachman announced the departure, the wheels began to roll along the horse’s hooves.

 

✿

 

Reukis, who arrived at the Etuas Forest early, flapped his black cloak and left the barracks.

 

It was to meet Merria on time,

considering Merria’s preparation time and from Duke’s residence to the streets of Etuas Forest, this time of year was just appropriate.

 

I waited for her at the entrance the whole time, but what greeted me was my fiancee’s glare. (Reukis)

 

Merria didn’t like Reukis spending time blindly for her.

 

Therefore, Reukis chose this method in terms of concessions as much as possible.

 

In the forest, where the roads weren’t paved, carriages could not enter.

 

Because of this, everyone who came here today had to park their carriages at the same place.

 

Reukis stood still with his gaze fixed at the end of the road.

Not long after, the Rackester’s carriage came.

 

He walked up to where Merria got off.

Soon the door opened and Merria appeared like a fairy in the forest.

 

“Merria.”

 

Reukis smiled as he reached out to her.

Merria’s eyes widened and soon curved as she smiled.

 

“Oh, did you come here first?”

 

Reukis nodded at her question.

 

‘I wanted to take her back to the mansion quickly.’

(Reukis)

 

But a playful remark reached Reukis’ ear.

 

“Oh my, can’t you even see me?”

 

Turning his head, Serinia stood with her hands covering her mouth, with a wounded expression on her face.

 

Merria frowned slightly at her mischievous prank.

 

If Serinia’s hand were to be removed, it was obvious that her mouth would be smiling broadly.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

Reukis reached out to Serinia, who was still in the carriage. But Serinia shook her head lightly and refused.

 

“It was a cheeky grunt from my heart.” (Serinia)

 

Merria glanced sharply, Serinia deftly ignored Merria’s warning and smiled brightly.

 

“I was very curious because my younger sister had a lover. Now I have a chance to talk to you.” (Serinia)

 

“I should have greeted you sooner, but I didn’t have a chance.” (Reukis)

 

“I’ve been living in the academy because of my work in the lab.” (Serinia)

 

Serinia shook her head in exhaustion.

 

“But Your Highness, you came once to the mansion to find me, didn’t you?” (Serinia)

 

“…Yes.”

 

“And you also spoke to me at the Victory Banquet.” (Serinia)

 

“That’s right.”

 

“And each time you were looking for Merria, right?”

(Serinia)

 

Serinia’s eyes, which were filled with light fatigue, gleamed with curiosity.

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