In the carriage back to Starr Mansion, Killian carefully held Emily's hand as she sat next to him.
A corner of his heart still worried that she might regret meeting him, that she might think that he was a disaster that took away her happiness.
Fortunately, Emily slowly leaned her head on Killian's shoulder, her hand still holding his, as if to soothe his heart.
Then, as if by magic, Killian's anxious mind calmed down in an instant.
This much was clear: he truly couldn't live without this person.
“Did you have a good conversation with Marquis Huppert?”
Emily's voice softly whispered in his ear.
“Yes, he also said he would like to meet Prince Kite.”
"Thank god."
In the future, Killian was scheduled to greet the nobles together with Prince Kite.
“Oh, but.”
Emily suddenly lifted her head from Killian's shoulder and stood up.
“I couldn’t ask you at the dinner because I was trying to keep my cool.”
Killian swallowed dryly, feeling an inexplicable tension.
He was already afraid of what would happen next.
“I guess you were very close to Marlene when you were young?”
Somehow, he felt like she was just going to let it slide earlier.
“I have no memory of it at all.”
That's a lie. Actually, when that story came up earlier, he vaguely remembered a blonde girl running around crying and saying she'd marry him.
“What did you say when Marlene asked you to marry her?”
“I really don’t remember.”
This is also a lie. He said he would marry her when she grew up. He just didn't want to hear her cry.
Emily gave him a suspicious look, making a humming sound.
Finally, Killian swallowed a sigh and opened his mouth.
“Emily, I was only about seven years old at the time.”
Marlene was only four years old.
“Still, it’s shocking to think that you might have married Marlene.”
“Is that so?”
It was the first time he had ever felt jealous of Emily.
Emily felt Killian smile without even looking up.
“No matter what, we would have stayed together.”
"Why?"
“I don’t know. I just can’t imagine myself without you by my side.”
At those words, Emily chuckled.
“What is that?”
Killian turned and placed his hands on Emily's shoulders, meeting her gaze.
“Then can you live without me?”
“Ugh, that kind of question is cheating...”
She wanted to pull back from Killian's suddenly approaching face, but there was no room to retreat any further. Emily avoided answering and turned her head away.
“Honey, it’s dangerous, so please sit down.”
The sight of her avoiding something made him feel victorious, as if he was chasing prey.
“You are the one in danger.”
Killian leaned down and kissed Emily's lips.
He didn't know why he was doing this either.
From the moment he realized Emily was jealous, he couldn't resist touching her.
As the sweet scents mixed, Emily found it impossible to think rationally. She felt intoxicated, as if drinking wine.
The longer the kiss went on, the more strength Emily felt drained from her body.
As if he couldn't take it anymore, Killian supported the back of Emily's head with his other hand and continued the kiss in a more stable position than before.
The air inside the carriage began to warm up due to the actions of the two people.
His tall nose brushing her cheek every time he changed his posture, his large hands and broad shoulders supporting her, the feel of his soft lips—all of it made her dizzy.
Only when they could no longer breathe did their lips part.
'What happened?'
Thump, thump, thump. The sound of her heart pounding with excitement was loud enough to be heard in her ears.
Killian took advantage of Emily's distraction to give her one last light kiss and then sat facing forward as if nothing had happened.
Killian's hand came closer again and wrapped the back of Emily's white hand in his palm.
Emily was worried that Killian would kiss her whenever he was asked a question that was unfavorable to him.
Then it would be obvious that she wouldn't be able to say anything to him.
When Emily and Killian returned to the mansion, an invitation from the palace arrived.
“This is an invitation to the Rose Palace completion party.”
What kind of royal family is in so much debt and throws so many parties?
Killian placed the questionnaire on the invitation absentmindedly.
“And this party will soon be the last one held by the Manfredi family.”
Killian's voice, as he spoke, felt as cold as ice.
The day of the banquet has finally arrived.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, it’s okay.”
Emily took another deep breath as she entered the party hall with Killian.
She was already getting a lot of attention, but today was especially bad.
She felt burdened by the people's shining gazes, so she barely turned her head to see the gazes of people on the other side.
'You're so persistent.'
Sweat dripped down the back of her neck.
On the one hand, Emily was glad she didn't have to put her hair up today.
“Still, the atmosphere seems quite friendly.”
“Yes, by the way.”
Killian's eyes looked at Emily's back with discontent.
“Why are the backs of your dresses so slit?”
It was something he didn't know when she was wearing her coat.
“I chose this design because I wanted to wear it like this. Is that not allowed?”
“That’s not it, but...”
Killian suddenly and roughly took off the glove he was wearing on his left hand without saying anything.
“I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Where are you going without talking to me?”
A flustered Emily grabbed his arm and asked.
“I’m going to gouge out that man’s eyes.”
"Why?"
“They looked down your back.”
The look in her husband Killian's eyes as he spoke those words seemed like it was about to burst like an active volcano.
“Killian.”
Emily called him with a serious expression.
“Just take it easy.”
Emily took a lipstick gun out of the clutch she was holding.
“If anyone tries to talk nonsense, I’ll take care of it.”
He had forgotten that his wife was a Grade A magician who had received mafia training.
"...All right."
Killian put his gloves back on quietly. Emily shook her head at the sight.
Of course, there had been a series of events that had made Killian uneasy, but even so, it was problematic to view every man in the world as one's enemy.
At that moment, someone approached the two people hesitantly.
“Marlene.”
"Hi."
Marlene greeted Emily and then awkwardly exchanged greetings with Killian.
Originally, it was only Marlene who would have been squeaking, but now even Killian found her annoying.
'Dad said that to lighten the mood, but it didn't help at all!'
Marlene roared inwardly.
“Marlene, what’s wrong?”
Emily's question brought Marlene to her senses.
“Yeah, the ladies are waiting for you in the break room.”
Not only that, but around here, nobles were seen itching to get close to Killian.
“Have a nice trip.”
Killian sent Emily to Marlene. He, too, had to actively deal with the nobles who approached him for the sake of his future.
“Then I’ll be off.”
Emily greeted Killian with a worried look on her face and followed Marlene out of the hall.
Women close to the Empress, such as Countess Phryne, were absent. It seemed that Lady Howard had intentionally left her out.
“Welcome, I haven’t had a proper greeting with you since you got married.”
It was only natural that Mrs. Howard didn't treat Emily, who had married a mafia man, as a fellow noblewoman for a while.
But after it was revealed that Killian was a descendant of the Velvet family, Mrs. Howard felt very sorry for Emily as well.
“Is the Velvet family now being restored?”
A woman present asked cautiously.
“There has been no news yet that His Majesty has issued an imperial edict.”
A woman whose husband worked in the Imperial Household Agency answered on his behalf.
“Before that, we need to use the magic detector to prove that Marquis Starr is indeed a member of the Velvet family.”
At those words, Emily opened her mouth with a pensive expression.
“I’ve already requested an inspection from the royal family several times, but I haven’t received a response.”
“Oh my...”
The ladies' expressions darkened.
“They seem to know for sure that if it is revealed that Marquis Starr is a descendant of Velvet, it will be a disadvantage for them.”
The Manfredi family became imperial because there was no one left to inherit the throne from the Velvet family.
Mrs. Howard, who was a stickler for legitimacy, always had a suspicious feeling about the Manfredi royal family.
They even enjoyed the mansions and estates that the Velvet family had owned by incorporating them into the imperial estates.
“If the Duke’s family pressures the royal family to conduct an inspection, they will have no choice but to comply.”
Marlene thought this was her chance and cautiously broached the subject of the royal family's debt.
“Perhaps the inspection is being postponed due to the royal family’s debt.”
“What does that mean, Young Lady Huppert?”
“To examine Marquis Starr, we need to summon someone from the temple, but isn’t the cost of summoning someone from the temple considerable?”
“Even so, wouldn’t the royal family have that much money?”
“Yes, I heard from an acquaintance in the finance department that the debt paid by Marquis Starr was even more enormous than they had reported.”
Mrs. Howard frowned at those words.
“Are there so many things we indulge in without knowing it?”
At that moment, a woman whose husband was in the palace intervened in a quiet voice.
"Actually, I've heard that quite a bit of money is being sent to the temple. For some reason, His Majesty seems to grant any and all demands, no matter how unreasonable they may be."
“Really? That’s really suspicious.”
Emily nodded inwardly as she listened to the story.
Since the current Emperor ascended to the throne through collusion between the temple and the Manfredi family, the Emperor would have had no choice but to grant all of the temple's demands.
“Anyway, we have to make sure that what needs to be made is done.”
Mrs. Howard spoke strongly.
"I will gather the Howard family. If it is revealed that the Marquis of Starr is a member of the Velvet family, we must quickly restore the family."
A smile appeared on Emily and Marlene's lips.
It seemed like things were finally going to work out the way she wanted.
A corner of his heart still worried that she might regret meeting him, that she might think that he was a disaster that took away her happiness.
Fortunately, Emily slowly leaned her head on Killian's shoulder, her hand still holding his, as if to soothe his heart.
Then, as if by magic, Killian's anxious mind calmed down in an instant.
This much was clear: he truly couldn't live without this person.
“Did you have a good conversation with Marquis Huppert?”
Emily's voice softly whispered in his ear.
“Yes, he also said he would like to meet Prince Kite.”
"Thank god."
In the future, Killian was scheduled to greet the nobles together with Prince Kite.
“Oh, but.”
Emily suddenly lifted her head from Killian's shoulder and stood up.
“I couldn’t ask you at the dinner because I was trying to keep my cool.”
Killian swallowed dryly, feeling an inexplicable tension.
He was already afraid of what would happen next.
“I guess you were very close to Marlene when you were young?”
Somehow, he felt like she was just going to let it slide earlier.
“I have no memory of it at all.”
That's a lie. Actually, when that story came up earlier, he vaguely remembered a blonde girl running around crying and saying she'd marry him.
“What did you say when Marlene asked you to marry her?”
“I really don’t remember.”
This is also a lie. He said he would marry her when she grew up. He just didn't want to hear her cry.
Emily gave him a suspicious look, making a humming sound.
Finally, Killian swallowed a sigh and opened his mouth.
“Emily, I was only about seven years old at the time.”
Marlene was only four years old.
“Still, it’s shocking to think that you might have married Marlene.”
“Is that so?”
It was the first time he had ever felt jealous of Emily.
Emily felt Killian smile without even looking up.
“No matter what, we would have stayed together.”
"Why?"
“I don’t know. I just can’t imagine myself without you by my side.”
At those words, Emily chuckled.
“What is that?”
Killian turned and placed his hands on Emily's shoulders, meeting her gaze.
“Then can you live without me?”
“Ugh, that kind of question is cheating...”
She wanted to pull back from Killian's suddenly approaching face, but there was no room to retreat any further. Emily avoided answering and turned her head away.
“Honey, it’s dangerous, so please sit down.”
The sight of her avoiding something made him feel victorious, as if he was chasing prey.
“You are the one in danger.”
Killian leaned down and kissed Emily's lips.
He didn't know why he was doing this either.
From the moment he realized Emily was jealous, he couldn't resist touching her.
As the sweet scents mixed, Emily found it impossible to think rationally. She felt intoxicated, as if drinking wine.
The longer the kiss went on, the more strength Emily felt drained from her body.
As if he couldn't take it anymore, Killian supported the back of Emily's head with his other hand and continued the kiss in a more stable position than before.
The air inside the carriage began to warm up due to the actions of the two people.
His tall nose brushing her cheek every time he changed his posture, his large hands and broad shoulders supporting her, the feel of his soft lips—all of it made her dizzy.
Only when they could no longer breathe did their lips part.
'What happened?'
Thump, thump, thump. The sound of her heart pounding with excitement was loud enough to be heard in her ears.
Killian took advantage of Emily's distraction to give her one last light kiss and then sat facing forward as if nothing had happened.
Killian's hand came closer again and wrapped the back of Emily's white hand in his palm.
Emily was worried that Killian would kiss her whenever he was asked a question that was unfavorable to him.
Then it would be obvious that she wouldn't be able to say anything to him.
When Emily and Killian returned to the mansion, an invitation from the palace arrived.
“This is an invitation to the Rose Palace completion party.”
What kind of royal family is in so much debt and throws so many parties?
Killian placed the questionnaire on the invitation absentmindedly.
“And this party will soon be the last one held by the Manfredi family.”
Killian's voice, as he spoke, felt as cold as ice.
***
The day of the banquet has finally arrived.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, it’s okay.”
Emily took another deep breath as she entered the party hall with Killian.
She was already getting a lot of attention, but today was especially bad.
She felt burdened by the people's shining gazes, so she barely turned her head to see the gazes of people on the other side.
'You're so persistent.'
Sweat dripped down the back of her neck.
On the one hand, Emily was glad she didn't have to put her hair up today.
“Still, the atmosphere seems quite friendly.”
“Yes, by the way.”
Killian's eyes looked at Emily's back with discontent.
“Why are the backs of your dresses so slit?”
It was something he didn't know when she was wearing her coat.
“I chose this design because I wanted to wear it like this. Is that not allowed?”
“That’s not it, but...”
Killian suddenly and roughly took off the glove he was wearing on his left hand without saying anything.
“I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Where are you going without talking to me?”
A flustered Emily grabbed his arm and asked.
“I’m going to gouge out that man’s eyes.”
"Why?"
“They looked down your back.”
The look in her husband Killian's eyes as he spoke those words seemed like it was about to burst like an active volcano.
“Killian.”
Emily called him with a serious expression.
“Just take it easy.”
Emily took a lipstick gun out of the clutch she was holding.
“If anyone tries to talk nonsense, I’ll take care of it.”
He had forgotten that his wife was a Grade A magician who had received mafia training.
"...All right."
Killian put his gloves back on quietly. Emily shook her head at the sight.
Of course, there had been a series of events that had made Killian uneasy, but even so, it was problematic to view every man in the world as one's enemy.
At that moment, someone approached the two people hesitantly.
“Marlene.”
"Hi."
Marlene greeted Emily and then awkwardly exchanged greetings with Killian.
Originally, it was only Marlene who would have been squeaking, but now even Killian found her annoying.
'Dad said that to lighten the mood, but it didn't help at all!'
Marlene roared inwardly.
“Marlene, what’s wrong?”
Emily's question brought Marlene to her senses.
“Yeah, the ladies are waiting for you in the break room.”
Not only that, but around here, nobles were seen itching to get close to Killian.
“Have a nice trip.”
Killian sent Emily to Marlene. He, too, had to actively deal with the nobles who approached him for the sake of his future.
“Then I’ll be off.”
Emily greeted Killian with a worried look on her face and followed Marlene out of the hall.
***
Women close to the Empress, such as Countess Phryne, were absent. It seemed that Lady Howard had intentionally left her out.
“Welcome, I haven’t had a proper greeting with you since you got married.”
It was only natural that Mrs. Howard didn't treat Emily, who had married a mafia man, as a fellow noblewoman for a while.
But after it was revealed that Killian was a descendant of the Velvet family, Mrs. Howard felt very sorry for Emily as well.
“Is the Velvet family now being restored?”
A woman present asked cautiously.
“There has been no news yet that His Majesty has issued an imperial edict.”
A woman whose husband worked in the Imperial Household Agency answered on his behalf.
“Before that, we need to use the magic detector to prove that Marquis Starr is indeed a member of the Velvet family.”
At those words, Emily opened her mouth with a pensive expression.
“I’ve already requested an inspection from the royal family several times, but I haven’t received a response.”
“Oh my...”
The ladies' expressions darkened.
“They seem to know for sure that if it is revealed that Marquis Starr is a descendant of Velvet, it will be a disadvantage for them.”
The Manfredi family became imperial because there was no one left to inherit the throne from the Velvet family.
Mrs. Howard, who was a stickler for legitimacy, always had a suspicious feeling about the Manfredi royal family.
They even enjoyed the mansions and estates that the Velvet family had owned by incorporating them into the imperial estates.
“If the Duke’s family pressures the royal family to conduct an inspection, they will have no choice but to comply.”
Marlene thought this was her chance and cautiously broached the subject of the royal family's debt.
“Perhaps the inspection is being postponed due to the royal family’s debt.”
“What does that mean, Young Lady Huppert?”
“To examine Marquis Starr, we need to summon someone from the temple, but isn’t the cost of summoning someone from the temple considerable?”
“Even so, wouldn’t the royal family have that much money?”
“Yes, I heard from an acquaintance in the finance department that the debt paid by Marquis Starr was even more enormous than they had reported.”
Mrs. Howard frowned at those words.
“Are there so many things we indulge in without knowing it?”
At that moment, a woman whose husband was in the palace intervened in a quiet voice.
"Actually, I've heard that quite a bit of money is being sent to the temple. For some reason, His Majesty seems to grant any and all demands, no matter how unreasonable they may be."
“Really? That’s really suspicious.”
Emily nodded inwardly as she listened to the story.
Since the current Emperor ascended to the throne through collusion between the temple and the Manfredi family, the Emperor would have had no choice but to grant all of the temple's demands.
“Anyway, we have to make sure that what needs to be made is done.”
Mrs. Howard spoke strongly.
"I will gather the Howard family. If it is revealed that the Marquis of Starr is a member of the Velvet family, we must quickly restore the family."
A smile appeared on Emily and Marlene's lips.
It seemed like things were finally going to work out the way she wanted.
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