As soon as she parted ways with the Crown Prince, Emily went looking for Killian.
“You were here.”
Emily grabbed Killian's arm.
“What happened?”
Killian's expression hardened as she gasped for breath.
“No, I just want to leave because the treasure hunt is no longer fun.”
“Are you saying this all of a sudden?”
Enoch, who happened to be nearby, intervened.
“Madam Starr, are you leaving already?”
“Ah... The Count is here too.”
Emily greeted Enoch with an embarrassed smile.
“You were looking for the treasure so passionately earlier, so why are you suddenly giving up?”
'When did you see that again?'
Emily answered with a sour expression.
“Come to think of it, I don’t really want one. I think the village festival would be more fun.”
“Oh, really?”
"Anyway, we'll be going now. Your Grace, enjoy yourselves."
Fortunately, Enoch let them go without asking any further questions.
“It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing we can do. Please be careful!”
After saying goodbye to Enoch, Emily and Killian left the palace.
“Oh, I didn’t return the gloves.”
Left alone, Count Blois shrugged and stuffed Killian's gloves into his pocket.
As soon as he got into the carriage, Killian took off his stuffy mask and asked.
“So where do you plan to go?”
Emily pondered for a moment. It would be a shame to just go home after all the effort she'd put into decorating. She also didn't want to miss out on enjoying National Foundation Day because of the Crown Prince.
“Where is the most festive place?”
Killian told his coachman his destination without much thought.
They were headed to Radiance Street. Because it had a large plaza, crowds would gather there during festivals to dance.
You can watch the fireworks festival held at the palace, and street vendors are selling various goods and street food, so it's fun to just look around.
As they approached Radiance Street, the coachman stopped the carriage.
“There are too many people, I think we’ll have to walk from here.”
Emily, who had descended from the carriage with Killian's help, looked around the village with a curious gaze. A festival of a different kind from the one at the palace was taking place.
“What is that?”
Emily asked, watching the meat being grilled. It was a dish of meat, vegetables, and even French fries wrapped in bread, drizzled with sauce.
“Would you like to try it?”
"Yes."
Because there were so many people, Killian let Emily's hand slip into his own. He strode briskly to the stall and ordered food from the vendor.
“Here it is.”
The merchant who made the two whirligigs gave them to each of the two people.
“Be careful not to spill the sauce on your clothes!”
"Thank you."
Thinking they should head to a less crowded area to eat, they found an empty seat by the square fountain. There was only enough space for one person to sit.
“Please sit here.”
As Emily sat down, Killian stood across from her and ate his food.
Emily burst out laughing at the unique and cute way he ate it carefully, afraid of spilling the contents.
“Why are you laughing?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t usually see you like this.”
Killian's expression was grim, but he couldn't stop eating. Food like this would just slosh down the drain the moment he gave it a break.
That was when.
“Hey! Who is this?”
It was the last thing Killian wanted. Getting caught eating street food by someone he knew.
Killian quickly stuffed the remaining food into his mouth and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.
“It’s been a while.”
Emily wrapped up more than half of her food back in its packaging and stood up.
“How have you been? Maria looks healthy, too.”
Now it was Endymion, the head of the Gotio family, and his wife, Maria.
"I heard the news that you two got married. Unfortunately, we were in the Sinope territory at the time, so we couldn't go see you."
“It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing we can do.”
Maria, who was standing next to Endymion, also nodded.
"You sent me a wedding gift instead. I really appreciate it."
Killian shrugged as if it was nothing and asked Endymion.
“How are your capos doing these days?”
“I’m working hard to make up for the fact that they tried to make a conman their boss.”
“That’s fortunate.”
"Thanks to the Starr family for all your help. Madam, in particular, was instrumental in helping us. I will definitely repay this kindness someday."
Emily shook her head shyly.
"So you two were out on a street date here? Wow, Killian, you've really changed a lot, haven't you?"
At Endymion's words, Emily looked up at Killian with a proud expression.
Now that she thought about it, Killian had never shown any signs of displeasure before, simply following her every move. Sensing Emily's gaze, Killian felt awkward and fiddled with the handkerchief in his hand.
“Let’s stop bothering each other and go.”
Maria, sensing a strange current between them, grabbed Endymion's arm and shook it.
“I wonder?”
Endymion raised the corners of his mouth playfully.
“Well then, have a good time. We'll be going now.”
"Yes."
"Goodbye."
After the two left, Emily asked Killian cautiously.
“Should I buy you something to drink? You ate in a hurry earlier.”
Killian's ears turned red with embarrassment at being caught.
“There’s someone selling orange juice over there.”
“Please sit here while I buy it.”
When Emily tried to get up, Killian sat her down again. If she got up now, she'd definitely lose her seat.
“I’ll be back soon.”
"All right."
Since Emily could see Killian right from where she was sitting, she sat quietly and watched him order.
It was just as the person sitting next to her was about to get up.
“Oh, my lady. It’s been a while!”
She greeted Emily warmly, as if she had known her before.
“Who are you...?”
It was a face she had seen somewhere before, but she could barely remember it.
“Don’t you know me? I met you at the Temple of Eloise!”
Emily, who had just remembered, looked embarrassed. She had to get this woman out of here before Killian arrived.
“Ah, thank you so much for that day. But I...”
“I forgot to ask who your new husband was!”
The woman, unaware of Emily's speed, continued to chatter enthusiastically.
“I can’t even guess who among the believers getting married at Eloise this time is. Who on earth is it?”
Emily made up a vague lie in response to the woman's questioning.
“I just decided not to remarry.”
“Yes? Why?”
When there was no answer from Emily, the woman, with a disappointed look on her face, made various guesses.
“Did you fight? Or is it possible your ex-husband won’t let you go?”
“That’s not it.”
Just as Emily was about to make up an excuse, Killian arrived.
“Remarriage?”
The woman, who still hadn't quite grasped the atmosphere, tilted her head at Killian.
“Who is this person...”
“I am the husband.”
The woman trembled at Killian's cold tone and whispered to Emily.
“Is it still not sorted out?”
Emily said, half-given up.
“There have been many circumstances.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I was so excited to have the baby baptized at Eloise.”
"You even said something like that." Emily sighed deeply and quickly said goodbye to the woman.
"Should we end things here for today? I need to talk to my husband right now."
"Yes, your current husband is handsome, but he seems to have a mean personality. I hope you can have an amicable divorce."
The woman clenched her fist as if cheering, said goodbye to Emily, and left.
A sense of silence hung over the remaining fountains.
“I think you need to explain what all this means.”
Killian met Emily's gaze, suppressing his discontent as best he could.
Giuliano Family Headquarters.
The boss took out a bottle of liquor from the display case today as well.
“I always said you were good.”
In front of him sat one of the organization members, kneeling.
“But you know there are many people in the Giuliano family who can replace you, right?”
“I’m sorry, boss!”
“I’m sick of hearing you say sorry.”
He put some ice in his glass with a bored expression.
“What if you don’t know better than I do that you can’t hurt Starr with something like that cake business?”
“I have no face.”
“Ha, no one asked me anything good?”
He scanned the line of members standing in a row. Everyone flinched, but no one stepped forward.
“Why are you all so protective of your body?”
He frowned sharply and kicked the kneeling man's shoulder.
"Boss!"
Before the atmosphere became more tense, one person mustered up the courage to step forward.
“I have a good idea.”
“What is it, tell me.”
“To catch wolves, release the tigers.”
"Tiger?"
It must have been quite interesting, as he calmed down and sat back down.
“Explain.”
"Didn't the boss tell me to investigate Madame Starr's side carefully? That's what I found out while investigating her."
The man explained in detail how he would execute his plan based on his research.
“How is it?”
A satisfied smile appeared on the boss's face after hearing the whole story.
“It looks like you’ve put a lot of thought into it.”
“You are too kind.”
"The attitude of 'if it doesn't work out, don't do it' is problematic. This time, we'll succeed."
“Leave it to me. I will definitely succeed.”
Unbeknownst to Emily and Killian, conspiracies and schemes were brewing in the dark.
“You were here.”
Emily grabbed Killian's arm.
“What happened?”
Killian's expression hardened as she gasped for breath.
“No, I just want to leave because the treasure hunt is no longer fun.”
“Are you saying this all of a sudden?”
Enoch, who happened to be nearby, intervened.
“Madam Starr, are you leaving already?”
“Ah... The Count is here too.”
Emily greeted Enoch with an embarrassed smile.
“You were looking for the treasure so passionately earlier, so why are you suddenly giving up?”
'When did you see that again?'
Emily answered with a sour expression.
“Come to think of it, I don’t really want one. I think the village festival would be more fun.”
“Oh, really?”
"Anyway, we'll be going now. Your Grace, enjoy yourselves."
Fortunately, Enoch let them go without asking any further questions.
“It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing we can do. Please be careful!”
After saying goodbye to Enoch, Emily and Killian left the palace.
“Oh, I didn’t return the gloves.”
Left alone, Count Blois shrugged and stuffed Killian's gloves into his pocket.
***
As soon as he got into the carriage, Killian took off his stuffy mask and asked.
“So where do you plan to go?”
Emily pondered for a moment. It would be a shame to just go home after all the effort she'd put into decorating. She also didn't want to miss out on enjoying National Foundation Day because of the Crown Prince.
“Where is the most festive place?”
Killian told his coachman his destination without much thought.
They were headed to Radiance Street. Because it had a large plaza, crowds would gather there during festivals to dance.
You can watch the fireworks festival held at the palace, and street vendors are selling various goods and street food, so it's fun to just look around.
As they approached Radiance Street, the coachman stopped the carriage.
“There are too many people, I think we’ll have to walk from here.”
Emily, who had descended from the carriage with Killian's help, looked around the village with a curious gaze. A festival of a different kind from the one at the palace was taking place.
“What is that?”
Emily asked, watching the meat being grilled. It was a dish of meat, vegetables, and even French fries wrapped in bread, drizzled with sauce.
“Would you like to try it?”
"Yes."
Because there were so many people, Killian let Emily's hand slip into his own. He strode briskly to the stall and ordered food from the vendor.
“Here it is.”
The merchant who made the two whirligigs gave them to each of the two people.
“Be careful not to spill the sauce on your clothes!”
"Thank you."
Thinking they should head to a less crowded area to eat, they found an empty seat by the square fountain. There was only enough space for one person to sit.
“Please sit here.”
As Emily sat down, Killian stood across from her and ate his food.
Emily burst out laughing at the unique and cute way he ate it carefully, afraid of spilling the contents.
“Why are you laughing?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t usually see you like this.”
Killian's expression was grim, but he couldn't stop eating. Food like this would just slosh down the drain the moment he gave it a break.
That was when.
“Hey! Who is this?”
It was the last thing Killian wanted. Getting caught eating street food by someone he knew.
Killian quickly stuffed the remaining food into his mouth and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.
“It’s been a while.”
Emily wrapped up more than half of her food back in its packaging and stood up.
“How have you been? Maria looks healthy, too.”
Now it was Endymion, the head of the Gotio family, and his wife, Maria.
"I heard the news that you two got married. Unfortunately, we were in the Sinope territory at the time, so we couldn't go see you."
“It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing we can do.”
Maria, who was standing next to Endymion, also nodded.
"You sent me a wedding gift instead. I really appreciate it."
Killian shrugged as if it was nothing and asked Endymion.
“How are your capos doing these days?”
“I’m working hard to make up for the fact that they tried to make a conman their boss.”
“That’s fortunate.”
"Thanks to the Starr family for all your help. Madam, in particular, was instrumental in helping us. I will definitely repay this kindness someday."
Emily shook her head shyly.
"So you two were out on a street date here? Wow, Killian, you've really changed a lot, haven't you?"
At Endymion's words, Emily looked up at Killian with a proud expression.
Now that she thought about it, Killian had never shown any signs of displeasure before, simply following her every move. Sensing Emily's gaze, Killian felt awkward and fiddled with the handkerchief in his hand.
“Let’s stop bothering each other and go.”
Maria, sensing a strange current between them, grabbed Endymion's arm and shook it.
“I wonder?”
Endymion raised the corners of his mouth playfully.
“Well then, have a good time. We'll be going now.”
"Yes."
"Goodbye."
After the two left, Emily asked Killian cautiously.
“Should I buy you something to drink? You ate in a hurry earlier.”
Killian's ears turned red with embarrassment at being caught.
“There’s someone selling orange juice over there.”
“Please sit here while I buy it.”
When Emily tried to get up, Killian sat her down again. If she got up now, she'd definitely lose her seat.
“I’ll be back soon.”
"All right."
Since Emily could see Killian right from where she was sitting, she sat quietly and watched him order.
It was just as the person sitting next to her was about to get up.
“Oh, my lady. It’s been a while!”
She greeted Emily warmly, as if she had known her before.
“Who are you...?”
It was a face she had seen somewhere before, but she could barely remember it.
“Don’t you know me? I met you at the Temple of Eloise!”
Emily, who had just remembered, looked embarrassed. She had to get this woman out of here before Killian arrived.
“Ah, thank you so much for that day. But I...”
“I forgot to ask who your new husband was!”
The woman, unaware of Emily's speed, continued to chatter enthusiastically.
“I can’t even guess who among the believers getting married at Eloise this time is. Who on earth is it?”
Emily made up a vague lie in response to the woman's questioning.
“I just decided not to remarry.”
“Yes? Why?”
When there was no answer from Emily, the woman, with a disappointed look on her face, made various guesses.
“Did you fight? Or is it possible your ex-husband won’t let you go?”
“That’s not it.”
Just as Emily was about to make up an excuse, Killian arrived.
“Remarriage?”
The woman, who still hadn't quite grasped the atmosphere, tilted her head at Killian.
“Who is this person...”
“I am the husband.”
The woman trembled at Killian's cold tone and whispered to Emily.
“Is it still not sorted out?”
Emily said, half-given up.
“There have been many circumstances.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I was so excited to have the baby baptized at Eloise.”
"You even said something like that." Emily sighed deeply and quickly said goodbye to the woman.
"Should we end things here for today? I need to talk to my husband right now."
"Yes, your current husband is handsome, but he seems to have a mean personality. I hope you can have an amicable divorce."
The woman clenched her fist as if cheering, said goodbye to Emily, and left.
A sense of silence hung over the remaining fountains.
“I think you need to explain what all this means.”
Killian met Emily's gaze, suppressing his discontent as best he could.
***
Giuliano Family Headquarters.
The boss took out a bottle of liquor from the display case today as well.
“I always said you were good.”
In front of him sat one of the organization members, kneeling.
“But you know there are many people in the Giuliano family who can replace you, right?”
“I’m sorry, boss!”
“I’m sick of hearing you say sorry.”
He put some ice in his glass with a bored expression.
“What if you don’t know better than I do that you can’t hurt Starr with something like that cake business?”
“I have no face.”
“Ha, no one asked me anything good?”
He scanned the line of members standing in a row. Everyone flinched, but no one stepped forward.
“Why are you all so protective of your body?”
He frowned sharply and kicked the kneeling man's shoulder.
"Boss!"
Before the atmosphere became more tense, one person mustered up the courage to step forward.
“I have a good idea.”
“What is it, tell me.”
“To catch wolves, release the tigers.”
"Tiger?"
It must have been quite interesting, as he calmed down and sat back down.
“Explain.”
"Didn't the boss tell me to investigate Madame Starr's side carefully? That's what I found out while investigating her."
The man explained in detail how he would execute his plan based on his research.
“How is it?”
A satisfied smile appeared on the boss's face after hearing the whole story.
“It looks like you’ve put a lot of thought into it.”
“You are too kind.”
"The attitude of 'if it doesn't work out, don't do it' is problematic. This time, we'll succeed."
“Leave it to me. I will definitely succeed.”
Unbeknownst to Emily and Killian, conspiracies and schemes were brewing in the dark.
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