Chapter 82.1

It occurred to her that perhaps, this time, he was truly disappointed in her.

Excited that Aven treated her the same way as before, she became impatient and thought there might be no chances to confess if they broke up like this. Seira was unsure if she made a mistake or not.

However, Seira couldn’t take back what she said already, so she had no choice but to wait for his answer, biting her lips as if like a criminal about to be sentenced to death.

On the other hand, Aven’s head was completely blank as he stared at her. In the pure white background of his mind, only one thing kept flashing.

‘Companion…’

Even though he unilaterally imprinted on Seira, Aven had never hoped that she’d become his companion. He knew she cared about him a lot, but he believed it was affection for someone that stood by her during her most difficult times.

‘Is it real?’

If what she said was true, he had done her terribly wrong. Wasn’t he the one that pushed her towards Baron, saying she’d ought to give him a chance? He was so obsessed with the thought of doing it for her sake, but he only ended up hurting her several times.

“Don’t feel pressured, just think slowly.”

Her hand fell helplessly off his sleeve. At that, Aven grabbed her hand without realizing it. Seira’s purple eyes shook greatly as she looked up at him.

“Aven…?”

“I will…”

Only after forcing himself to utter a word did Aven realize that his throat was tight.

“If I ever hurt you… I’m really sorry.”

“Huh? Why are you apologizing? I’m full of things to be sorry about too.”

She reached out her hands and cupped his cheeks.

“No matter what you say, I want you to remember the fact that to me, you remain the same person.”

Aven wanted to hold her in his arms and confess that he was all hers. But he knew better than that.

His work in the future was very dangerous. If he succeeded, he could bring all precious things to Seira, but he couldn’t help but think of the possibility of his failure.

As Louis warned, it would be safer to keep his distance, but it seemed like he couldn’t bear it. In the end, he wanted to keep their relationship a secret.

“Just a little…” Aven replied to her, barely suppressing the feeling of wanting to strangle himself, “Give me time.”

He’ll tell her when it’s all over. What Seira Askan was like to him. He will offer her a shining crown at her feet, and ask her if she still felt the same way and if she’d want to stand by his side.

“Of course.”

Smiling broadly, Seira gently ran her thumb over his eyes and withdrew her hand.

“Okay, now go ahead. I think you should change your clothes, too.”

She had been a mess because she didn’t take off her clothes completely and had sex with him earlier before taking a bath. To avoid unnecessary suspicions, they had to hurry as she said.

“Yes, then…”

He lowered himself and kissed the back of Seira’s hand, which he hadn’t let go yet.

If he stayed longer, he’d kneel down and crave for affection, so he clenched his teeth and let go of her hand. Then he took a step back and disappeared into the shadows.

Seira was now left to look at herself, and she couldn’t confirm the emotions in her eyes.

* * *

Since its foundation, dinners between Viseltium, Askan, Jeff, and Franto have always been held at the round table. This was customary in a sense of respect to the three families who founded the Empire of Hesrad, and was still maintaining it to this day.

“Uselessly.”

Seira was very resentful of the person who created such a custom.

She was the last to arrive at the dinner table, as Aven moved leisurely, counting the time for her to return in her clothes. Because of that, she was caught in an uncomfortable game of mind.

“Your place is here,” Calrad said, pointing at the seat next to him.

Seira turned to confirm Aven was sitting on the left side of Calrad, and then headed to the table with a sigh.

“The Duchess of Askan will be comfortable in this seat, Your Majesty,” Baron said as he stood up from his seat beside Aven.

Then, he tapped Louis on the shoulder as if telling him to move to a seat next to Calrad.

“Baron Jeff,” Calrad said with a low voice.

“Let’s look at the situation. Wouldn’t a conversation be necessary between His Highness the Crown Prince and the Duchess of Askan?”

“…”

Surprisingly, Louis followed Baron’s suggestion without saying anything, and he wasn’t one who’d follow just anyone.

Naturally, Seira’s seat turned to be between Baron and Aven. As she approached, Baron pulled out her chair and whispered softly, “I’ve warmed up the seat, Seira.”