When was the last time you saw me looking at the break room?
“What are you talking about?”
He confessed it hotly. Surprised by my honesty, his lips, which had been smiling teasingly with one corner of his mouth raised, opened slightly. I raised my hand and touched his lower lip,
“By location.”
I waved my index finger in front of my face and ordered him, the Emperor. Linel looked at me as if I was laughing at him, but he obediently repeated what I said and dug into my lips. Our softness was gently intertwined. I felt a brief conflict in my ecstasy, but I slowly got up from the sofa where I was lying. I couldn’t delay any longer. Linel couldn’t stop me and ended up getting up with me, but our lips didn’t part. We walked with difficulty to the office door without our lips or bodies leaving each other. When we reached the door, perhaps because we felt that we had to leave each other now, the kiss we were sharing became more intense, and our bodies stuck together became stickier. It was a passion that didn’t need any kind of health checkup. His body was as strong and healthy as an iron wall, strong enough that he didn’t have to eat deer steak for years. The back of his head and the back of my head hit the office door once, and then the back of my head went back and forth. It was like a final struggle that was becoming more intense because it was regrettable that it had to end here.
“?”
Someone called me from behind, as if whispering. Not only I, but Sharon and Bonis, who were walking with me, also turned around at the same time.
“...Why are you coming out from there?”
Grand Duke Martins was visible through the half-open door.
“I’ve been waiting for you. Come here for a moment.”
“It won’t be possible for too long.”
I glanced at the far-off reception room door and lowered my voice.
“Yes, I know. It will only take a moment.”
The Grand Duke of Martins opened the door a little more and said. I nodded and went into the room where the Grand Duke was with Sharon and Bonis. Sharon and Bonis stood guard in front of the door to see if anyone was coming into the room, and Sharon put her ear to the door and started to listen for sounds outside. I walked to where the Grand Duke of Martins was standing and glanced around the room. Several famous paintings were hanging on the walls, and the room only had a table and a sofa. It seemed to be a space used as a resting place by nobles who visited the main palace.
“What are you doing here? How did you know where I was and wait for me?”
“There will be a banquet in a little while. All the guests are at the main palace.”
“Ah... that’s right.”
“I heard from Princess Resilia that the ladies gather in a separate reception room before the banquet. The other guests are currently gathered in the lounge on the first floor, so don’t worry. No one saw me come here because I came up the stairs that the servants use.”
“Because of the magic potion, I don’t have time to worry about the Grand Duke right now.”
I forced a bitter smile and replied. For some reason, Grand Duke Martins' expression looked as dark as mine.
“I saw the note the Grand Duke sent.”
I spoke first. Grand Duke Martins nodded and responded immediately.
“Yes, that’s why I came. I have some news.”
What's new?
“By any chance... did Wizard Big return? Did you find him?”
I asked urgently, with a glimmer of hope.
“I’m sorry. That’s not it...”
Grand Duke Martins lowered his head. He felt frustrated, not disappointed.
“Then, why did you want to meet me?”
Without realizing it, my voice came out a little nervous.
“Wizard Big has indeed disappeared, but it doesn’t seem like Prince Tesla took him.”
“What?! Is that... true?”
I hope it's true. It has to be true. The whereabouts of Wizard Big are still unknown, but at least if Prince Tesla hadn't taken him, there's a good chance he's alive. So please, please...
“It's true.”
"Ha...!"
The breath I had been holding burst out at Grand Duke Martin's words.
“Just before boarding the carriage from the annex to the main palace, Sir Ken, who had been away from the palace for a few days, returned. I was on my way back after hearing him report to Prince Tesla.”
“What did he say?”
I asked, holding my dress tightly with both hands, feeling like the tension was going to explode.
“When Sir Ken went to the clinic, Wizard Big was already gone. So he broke into his house and waited for a whole day, but he didn’t come back.”
Grand Duke Martins quickly explained the situation. He added that he and Sir Ken had coincidentally visited the clinic on the same day, and that he had seen Sir Ken coming out of the wizard Big's house the next day as he was on his way there.
“So I naturally assumed that Sir Ken had taken the wizard Big. That’s why I wrote that in the note.”
Moreover, the Grand Duke could not help but think so, having personally witnessed Sir Ken coming out of the wizard Big's house.
“But... that’s not what you’re saying?”
It felt like my heart had been torn apart and thrown into a whirlwind.
“Yes, Prince Tesla also believed that Sir Ken had taken care of the matter, and was very angry when Sir Ken reported back to the palace. That is certain.”
A feeling of relief was followed by a huge question.
“Then... who took Wizard Big away?”
“We need to find out. He could have disappeared by a third party, or he could have disappeared on his own.”
“If a third person kidnapped Wizard Big, what on earth would be the reason?”
It's not common for someone to be kidnapped unless there are enemies around you.
“I’m also curious about that part. Anyway, fortunately, it didn’t come from Prince Tesla, so I’ll do my best to find out.”
“I guess you were waiting to tell me that.”
I felt grateful to Grand Duke Martins all over again.
“I know exactly how the Empress will feel when you receive my note.”
“Thank you for thinking of me, Your Highness.”
If I had been a little closer to Grand Duke Martins, I would have hugged him tightly.
“No. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you any magic potions.”
“It’s not the Grand Duke's fault. I wish I could find Wizard Big before I leave for the hunting tournament, but I think...”
I shook my head and held back my words to quickly clear my negative thoughts.
“Your Majesty, I will hire informants to find out secretly, so don’t give up yet.”
“Yes, I won’t give up. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”
“If necessary, I will do so. Then, let’s go to the reception room.”
Grand Duke Martins glanced at the clock in the room and said.
“Yes, I will go out first. Your Highness, thank you very much for letting me know before dinner.”
If I hadn't heard this fact in advance, I might have done something to Prince Tesla during dinner.
“No problem, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
“Go down carefully.”
After greeting Grand Duke Martins, I left the room with Sharon and Bonis and headed to the reception room. No matter how much I thought about it, it was strange. If it wasn't Prince Tesla, then who on earth... Where did Wizard Big go...?
As I entered the reception room, everyone stood up to greet me.
“Your Majesty, your complexion doesn’t look well. What’s wrong?”
Rosie asked with a worried look.
“I don’t feel very well today. I’ll feel better if I rest early. Thank you for your concern.”
“I think I made a pointless suggestion.”
Emperor Katria scratched her neck and spoke to me.
“No. I should have made this arrangement first, but it was too late. Instead, I would like to thank Empress Katria.”
As I responded with a slight smile, Emperor Katria waved her hand and opened her mouth.
“I suggested this place because I was curious about what kind of conversations they would have when they gathered together, especially among women, and since they are the ones who will spend the entire hunting competition together. But...”
Emperor Katria seemed to be dissatisfied with this position.
“Have your curiosity been satisfied?”
“Yes, the arrows were flying here and there with the eyes.”
Before I could finish my question, Emperor Katria laughed in vain and replied. I looked around at the women gathered in the reception room and asked.
“What happened before I came...?”
“What are you talking about?”
He confessed it hotly. Surprised by my honesty, his lips, which had been smiling teasingly with one corner of his mouth raised, opened slightly. I raised my hand and touched his lower lip,
“By location.”
I waved my index finger in front of my face and ordered him, the Emperor. Linel looked at me as if I was laughing at him, but he obediently repeated what I said and dug into my lips. Our softness was gently intertwined. I felt a brief conflict in my ecstasy, but I slowly got up from the sofa where I was lying. I couldn’t delay any longer. Linel couldn’t stop me and ended up getting up with me, but our lips didn’t part. We walked with difficulty to the office door without our lips or bodies leaving each other. When we reached the door, perhaps because we felt that we had to leave each other now, the kiss we were sharing became more intense, and our bodies stuck together became stickier. It was a passion that didn’t need any kind of health checkup. His body was as strong and healthy as an iron wall, strong enough that he didn’t have to eat deer steak for years. The back of his head and the back of my head hit the office door once, and then the back of my head went back and forth. It was like a final struggle that was becoming more intense because it was regrettable that it had to end here.
It didn’t hurt at all, even when I hit the back of my head. Rather, my lips, which were being eaten away by Linel, fell off as I burst into laughter. He must have felt bad about that, because he grabbed the back of my neck and kissed me again, before turning his back to the office door and banging his head against it again. At the same time, the office door opened wide, and I heard Raphael’s voice.
“Why do you keep knocking on the door from inside... ugh!”
As soon as the office door opened, Linel, who had been leaning against the door with all his weight, fell backwards. As a result, I, who was in his arms, also fell. Thanks to him wrapping his arms around my waist and falling, I was able to safely raise my head above his body. My eyes met Raphael's. Raphael looked down at us, who were lying on the marble floor, with his eyes wide open, as if he had no idea how to handle this situation.
“The doorknob is broken, so it won’t open...”
It was an excuse that came out without me knowing. Then, Linel, who was lying under me, started laughing like crazy. Did you hit your head when you fell? I'm so embarrassed. Why are you laughing like this?
“Why do you keep knocking on the door from inside... ugh!”
As soon as the office door opened, Linel, who had been leaning against the door with all his weight, fell backwards. As a result, I, who was in his arms, also fell. Thanks to him wrapping his arms around my waist and falling, I was able to safely raise my head above his body. My eyes met Raphael's. Raphael looked down at us, who were lying on the marble floor, with his eyes wide open, as if he had no idea how to handle this situation.
“The doorknob is broken, so it won’t open...”
It was an excuse that came out without me knowing. Then, Linel, who was lying under me, started laughing like crazy. Did you hit your head when you fell? I'm so embarrassed. Why are you laughing like this?
Raphael tried moving the doorknob himself and then glanced at me and said.
“I will instruct you to fix it...”
His expression was one of complete disbelief, but he seemed to be just going to let it go. Linel laughed even louder at Raphael’s response, as if he was enjoying something so much.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please smile a lot. The atmosphere at the banquet hall may become heavy.”
Raphael asked him with concern. Why was the atmosphere at the banquet hall so bad?
“I’m still heavy anyway.”
Linel looked up at me and answered Raphael.
“Oh, I’m sorry...”
It was only then that I realized that I was sitting on him the whole time, so I deliberately got up more slowly.
“I will instruct you to fix it...”
His expression was one of complete disbelief, but he seemed to be just going to let it go. Linel laughed even louder at Raphael’s response, as if he was enjoying something so much.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please smile a lot. The atmosphere at the banquet hall may become heavy.”
Raphael asked him with concern. Why was the atmosphere at the banquet hall so bad?
“I’m still heavy anyway.”
Linel looked up at me and answered Raphael.
“Oh, I’m sorry...”
It was only then that I realized that I was sitting on him the whole time, so I deliberately got up more slowly.
***
When I went up to the bedroom to change into my dress, Bonis was waiting for me anxiously in front of the bedroom waiting room.
“Your Majesty, the Empress!”
“What’s going on?”
I took Bonis into the bedroom with Sharon and asked her.
“Grand Duke Martins left me a note. He said it was important. What could it be?”
Bonis handed me the note she was holding tightly in her hand.
'It was a mistake to go to the clinic.'
I had that feeling intuitively. As soon as I opened the note, the first thing I saw was the word “sorry” written on the first line. I took a deep breath, opened the note, and quickly read it.
"Ha..."
As I crumpled up the note and sighed, Bonis and Sharon exchanged worried glances and asked me cautiously.
“What is it, Your Majesty, the Empress?”
“Your face has turned pale.”
“The wizard Big... has disappeared.”
Fear crept in.
“It says that it seems to be the work of Prince Tesla.”
If Prince Tesla really was the one who kidnapped Wizard Big, as Grand Duke Martins wrote in the note, he might already be dead. Then what will I, what will I do now? Even if I drink the last remaining magic potion, it won't be enough to last the entire hunting competition.
“If Wizard Big is gone, then the magic potion...!”
Bonis raised her voice and then covered her mouth with both hands.
“If we ask Her Highness Rosie, wouldn’t we be able to find out where he is?”
Sharon said calmly.
“She said she's never met the wizard Big since becoming a concubine, so she probably doesn’t know.”
My shoulders lost their strength. My entire body felt like it was sinking into a deep abyss.
“Since Her Highness Rosie created that magic potion, wouldn’t it be enough to just get the herbs that go into the potion?”
Sharon quietly got to the point with a gloomy expression at Bonis' words.
“But the most important herb that goes into the potion is...”
“Yes, it is in the Tebello Empire.”
I continued Sharon's words and muttered weakly. I just wanted to disappear somewhere.
“Your Majesty, the Empress!”
“What’s going on?”
I took Bonis into the bedroom with Sharon and asked her.
“Grand Duke Martins left me a note. He said it was important. What could it be?”
Bonis handed me the note she was holding tightly in her hand.
'It was a mistake to go to the clinic.'
I had that feeling intuitively. As soon as I opened the note, the first thing I saw was the word “sorry” written on the first line. I took a deep breath, opened the note, and quickly read it.
"Ha..."
As I crumpled up the note and sighed, Bonis and Sharon exchanged worried glances and asked me cautiously.
“What is it, Your Majesty, the Empress?”
“Your face has turned pale.”
“The wizard Big... has disappeared.”
Fear crept in.
“It says that it seems to be the work of Prince Tesla.”
If Prince Tesla really was the one who kidnapped Wizard Big, as Grand Duke Martins wrote in the note, he might already be dead. Then what will I, what will I do now? Even if I drink the last remaining magic potion, it won't be enough to last the entire hunting competition.
“If Wizard Big is gone, then the magic potion...!”
Bonis raised her voice and then covered her mouth with both hands.
“If we ask Her Highness Rosie, wouldn’t we be able to find out where he is?”
Sharon said calmly.
“She said she's never met the wizard Big since becoming a concubine, so she probably doesn’t know.”
My shoulders lost their strength. My entire body felt like it was sinking into a deep abyss.
“Since Her Highness Rosie created that magic potion, wouldn’t it be enough to just get the herbs that go into the potion?”
Sharon quietly got to the point with a gloomy expression at Bonis' words.
“But the most important herb that goes into the potion is...”
“Yes, it is in the Tebello Empire.”
I continued Sharon's words and muttered weakly. I just wanted to disappear somewhere.
***
I don't know what I was thinking when I changed into the dress. I gathered my wits and headed to the reception room where the VIPs were waiting. I went down to the reception room floor, turned into the hallway, and passed the first door.
“Your Majesty, the Empress...”
“Your Majesty, the Empress...”
“?”
Someone called me from behind, as if whispering. Not only I, but Sharon and Bonis, who were walking with me, also turned around at the same time.
“...Why are you coming out from there?”
Grand Duke Martins was visible through the half-open door.
“I’ve been waiting for you. Come here for a moment.”
“It won’t be possible for too long.”
I glanced at the far-off reception room door and lowered my voice.
“Yes, I know. It will only take a moment.”
The Grand Duke of Martins opened the door a little more and said. I nodded and went into the room where the Grand Duke was with Sharon and Bonis. Sharon and Bonis stood guard in front of the door to see if anyone was coming into the room, and Sharon put her ear to the door and started to listen for sounds outside. I walked to where the Grand Duke of Martins was standing and glanced around the room. Several famous paintings were hanging on the walls, and the room only had a table and a sofa. It seemed to be a space used as a resting place by nobles who visited the main palace.
“What are you doing here? How did you know where I was and wait for me?”
“There will be a banquet in a little while. All the guests are at the main palace.”
“Ah... that’s right.”
“I heard from Princess Resilia that the ladies gather in a separate reception room before the banquet. The other guests are currently gathered in the lounge on the first floor, so don’t worry. No one saw me come here because I came up the stairs that the servants use.”
“Because of the magic potion, I don’t have time to worry about the Grand Duke right now.”
I forced a bitter smile and replied. For some reason, Grand Duke Martins' expression looked as dark as mine.
“I saw the note the Grand Duke sent.”
I spoke first. Grand Duke Martins nodded and responded immediately.
“Yes, that’s why I came. I have some news.”
What's new?
“By any chance... did Wizard Big return? Did you find him?”
I asked urgently, with a glimmer of hope.
“I’m sorry. That’s not it...”
Grand Duke Martins lowered his head. He felt frustrated, not disappointed.
“Then, why did you want to meet me?”
Without realizing it, my voice came out a little nervous.
“Wizard Big has indeed disappeared, but it doesn’t seem like Prince Tesla took him.”
“What?! Is that... true?”
I hope it's true. It has to be true. The whereabouts of Wizard Big are still unknown, but at least if Prince Tesla hadn't taken him, there's a good chance he's alive. So please, please...
“It's true.”
"Ha...!"
The breath I had been holding burst out at Grand Duke Martin's words.
“Just before boarding the carriage from the annex to the main palace, Sir Ken, who had been away from the palace for a few days, returned. I was on my way back after hearing him report to Prince Tesla.”
“What did he say?”
I asked, holding my dress tightly with both hands, feeling like the tension was going to explode.
“When Sir Ken went to the clinic, Wizard Big was already gone. So he broke into his house and waited for a whole day, but he didn’t come back.”
Grand Duke Martins quickly explained the situation. He added that he and Sir Ken had coincidentally visited the clinic on the same day, and that he had seen Sir Ken coming out of the wizard Big's house the next day as he was on his way there.
“So I naturally assumed that Sir Ken had taken the wizard Big. That’s why I wrote that in the note.”
Moreover, the Grand Duke could not help but think so, having personally witnessed Sir Ken coming out of the wizard Big's house.
“But... that’s not what you’re saying?”
It felt like my heart had been torn apart and thrown into a whirlwind.
“Yes, Prince Tesla also believed that Sir Ken had taken care of the matter, and was very angry when Sir Ken reported back to the palace. That is certain.”
A feeling of relief was followed by a huge question.
“Then... who took Wizard Big away?”
“We need to find out. He could have disappeared by a third party, or he could have disappeared on his own.”
“If a third person kidnapped Wizard Big, what on earth would be the reason?”
It's not common for someone to be kidnapped unless there are enemies around you.
“I’m also curious about that part. Anyway, fortunately, it didn’t come from Prince Tesla, so I’ll do my best to find out.”
“I guess you were waiting to tell me that.”
I felt grateful to Grand Duke Martins all over again.
“I know exactly how the Empress will feel when you receive my note.”
“Thank you for thinking of me, Your Highness.”
If I had been a little closer to Grand Duke Martins, I would have hugged him tightly.
“No. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you any magic potions.”
“It’s not the Grand Duke's fault. I wish I could find Wizard Big before I leave for the hunting tournament, but I think...”
I shook my head and held back my words to quickly clear my negative thoughts.
“Your Majesty, I will hire informants to find out secretly, so don’t give up yet.”
“Yes, I won’t give up. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”
“If necessary, I will do so. Then, let’s go to the reception room.”
Grand Duke Martins glanced at the clock in the room and said.
“Yes, I will go out first. Your Highness, thank you very much for letting me know before dinner.”
If I hadn't heard this fact in advance, I might have done something to Prince Tesla during dinner.
“No problem, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
“Go down carefully.”
After greeting Grand Duke Martins, I left the room with Sharon and Bonis and headed to the reception room. No matter how much I thought about it, it was strange. If it wasn't Prince Tesla, then who on earth... Where did Wizard Big go...?
***
As I entered the reception room, everyone stood up to greet me.
“Your Majesty, your complexion doesn’t look well. What’s wrong?”
Rosie asked with a worried look.
“I don’t feel very well today. I’ll feel better if I rest early. Thank you for your concern.”
“I think I made a pointless suggestion.”
Emperor Katria scratched her neck and spoke to me.
“No. I should have made this arrangement first, but it was too late. Instead, I would like to thank Empress Katria.”
As I responded with a slight smile, Emperor Katria waved her hand and opened her mouth.
“I suggested this place because I was curious about what kind of conversations they would have when they gathered together, especially among women, and since they are the ones who will spend the entire hunting competition together. But...”
Emperor Katria seemed to be dissatisfied with this position.
“Have your curiosity been satisfied?”
“Yes, the arrows were flying here and there with the eyes.”
Before I could finish my question, Emperor Katria laughed in vain and replied. I looked around at the women gathered in the reception room and asked.
“What happened before I came...?”
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