(One week later)
Royal Palace — Meeting Room
The meeting room echoed with raised voices, men arguing over grim matters that left the air heavy and tense.
Eyan sat at the head of the table, one leg crossed over the other, fingers tapping slowly against the polished wood. His expression remained calm, unreadable.
Richard spoke up, his voice sharp.
“Your Majesty, it has been nine days since Duke Malric Vane was brutally murdered. Have your knights found anything regarding the killer?”
Another noble scoffed.
“Why are you so concerned about who killed him? I don’t recall you ever being that close to the duke.”
Richard clenched his jaw.
“I want to know who killed him because—” He paused, then continued, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. “Because I want to thank that person for killing that monster. He… he harassed my daughter not long ago. I couldn’t do anything because of the difference in our ranks.”
The room fell silent.
“He finally paid for all his crimes,” Richard added bitterly. “And his death was brutal.”
Another man spoke, visibly disturbed. “I read about it in the newspapers. Whoever killed him showed no mercy. His body was covered in stab wounds… every bone crushed. Just thinking about it gives me chills.”
The man turned toward Eyan.
“Your Majesty, you should reward the person responsible. They did the goddess’s work.”
A faint smile curved Eyan’s lips.
“Of course. Once my knights identify the individual, I will reward them generously—with gold.”
Richard hesitated, then continued,
“And about Count Alric Elvaris, Your Majesty. Two days ago, his mansion caught fire. I heard no servants were harmed… only the count himself was burned alive. Have you discovered anything about that case?”
Hans stepped forward calmly.
“Lord Richard, the matter is still under investigation. We will take appropriate action once we determine who started the fire.”
Another noble leaned back in his chair. “I believe it’s the same person. The one who killed Duke Malric Vane is also behind Count Alric Elvaris’s death. They were close friends, after all. And Count Alric was involved in several illegal dealings… I even heard he was planning treason against Your Majesty.”
Eyan’s fingers continued tapping against the table—slow, steady, deliberate.
Hans nodded. “We are investigating that as well, my lord. Everyone will be informed once we uncover the truth.”
He straightened. “Now, if you are all finished, we shall conclude this meeting. His Majesty has other matters to attend to.”
The nobles quickly stood.“Of course.”
One by one, they bowed.
Eyan rose from his seat and left the meeting room, Hans following silently behind him.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Emperor’s Office)
Eyan stepped into his office with Hans. The room fell into a heavy silence as he moved to his desk and sat down, leaning back in his chair.
Hans stood beside him, eyes fixed on Eyan with unmistakable suspicion.
Without looking up, Eyan spoke coldly, “Hans, stop staring at me. It wasn’t me. I didn’t kill Count Alric Elvaris.”
Hans smiled faintly. “I didn’t say anything, Your Majesty. I know you didn’t kill him. I mean… why would you kill Her Majesty’s father?”
Eyan’s expression darkened instantly. “Don’t call him her father. Eva has nothing to do with that man.”
Hans bowed his head.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. I will remember that.”
BANG—!
The office door burst open without warning, the sound echoing sharply against the stone walls.
A gorgeous woman walked in.
She was stunning—long glossy hair cascading down her back, sharp confident eyes, and a smile that suggested she feared neither emperors nor death. Every step she took screamed trouble.
She bowed gracefully. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
Hans nearly jumped out of his skin.
“L-Lady! How dare you burst in here without knocking? You are disrespecting His Majesty!”
She waved a hand lazily.
“Relax. His Majesty doesn’t mind.”
She smirked. “I have the freedom to do whatever I want.”
Before Hans could stop her, the woman turned toward Eyan, leaned over his desk, and lifted his chin with a single finger.
“Your Majesty,” she purred. “Did you miss me?”
Hans panicked. “L-Lady! What are you doing?! Remove your hand from His Majesty’s face at once!”
Eyan replied calmly, “Hans, don’t stop her. Let her do whatever she wants.”
“B-But, Your Majes—!”
The woman suddenly grabbed Eyan’s hand. “How have you been, Your Majesty? I’m sorry I couldn’t attend your birthday celebration. That’s why I came today—to give you your gift.”
Eyan smiled faintly. “Really? Then where is my gift?”
She pointed dramatically at the corner of the room. “Your Majesty, look there.”
Eyan turned his head—
SMOOCH
She kissed his cheek.
Hans gasped so hard he nearly swallowed his tongue and covered his mouth.
The woman smiled proudly.
“Did you like my gift, Your Majesty?”
Eyan smiled back. “Very much.”
Then he added casually,
“I have a gift for you too. Do you want to see it?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Really? Then give it to me!”
Eyan stood from his chair, walked over, and stopped in front of her.
He smiled sweetly. “Here is your gift.”
BAM—!
PUNCH—!
His fist slammed into her stomach.
She collapsed instantly, clutching her abdomen.
Hans screamed, “Y-Your Majesty! How can you hit a woman this hard?!”
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
The woman stopped moving.
Hans screamed. “Y-YOUR MAJESTY—YOU KILLED HER—?!”
Eyan shrugged.
“Relax, Hans. She’s fine. Not dead.”
He paused. “Not yet, at least.”
Eyan nudged the body with his foot. “Get up.”
Nothing.
He kicked again. “I said get up.”
Hans dropped to his knees.
“Your Majesty, please! Violence is not the answer!”
Eyan sighed, bent down, and poked her forehead. “Wake up, Luca. You’re embarrassing yourself.”
The ‘corpse’ twitched.
Suddenly, the woman gasped loudly. “AAAGH—! I SEE THE AFTERLIFE—AND IT’S UGLY!”
He rolled onto his back, clutching his stomach. “You bastard!” Luca wheezed. “Why did you hit me so hard?!”
He began crawling dramatically across the floor.
“After everything I’ve done to help you, this is how you repay me?!”
Eyan crossed his arms.
“I went along with your nonsense only because you helped me.”
He wiped his cheek in disgust.
“But you crossed the line.”
Luca pouted exaggeratedly.
“Eyan, why do you hate my affection so much? You know how much I love you.”
“Stop making that face and saying weird things,” Eyan snapped.
“You’re giving me chills.”
Hans bowed deeply, relieved.
“Master Luca, welcome back home. I’m happy to see you.”
Luca sniffed dramatically.
“Oh, Hans… at least YOU treat me like family.”
He glared at Eyan. “Unlike . He doesn’t love me at all.”
Eyan cracked his knuckles. “Do you want me to hit you again?”
Luca jumped to his feet instantly.
“No! No! One was enough!”
Hans sighed.
“I’ll go bring some tea and something to eat for Master Luca.”
Luca brightened immediately.
“Oh, good. I’m starving anyway.”
Hans left the room, shaking his head.
--------------------------------------------------------
Luca and Eyan sat on the couch together.
Eyan leaned back, arms crossed, eyes sharp. “Now,” he said flatly, “explain why you are wandering around in a woman’s disguise.”
Luca looked down at his dress, pinched the fabric, then shrugged.
“Oh, this? Nothing special. Just for fun—”
“Did you kill him?” Eyan cut in instantly.
Luca froze.
Slowly, he turned his head.
Eyan met his gaze, eyes cold.
“Count Alric Elvaris. killed him, didn’t you?”
Luca sighed dramatically and tapped his foot against the floor.
“…Yes. I did.”
Eyan didn’t react. “Why?”
Luca stared at him like he’d just asked the stupidest question in the world. “You’re really asking me that? After knowing what he did to sister-in-law?”
Eyan’s jaw tightened.
“It was his fault she ever met Duke Malric Vane,” Luca continued, voice sharp.
“And when she told him what that man did to her…”
He scoffed. “You remember what he said, don’t you?”
Eyan’s voice dropped, repeating the words he hated most.
Silence followed.
Luca smiled—soft, terrifying.
“Yes. That’s why I burned him alive.”—“It was beautiful,” Luca added cheerfully. “The screaming. The begging. Very emotional. Ten out of ten.”
Eyan exhaled slowly. “You didn’t have to get involved. I would’ve taken care of him.”
His eyes darkened. “And I wanted to hear that scream myself.”
Luca grinned. “Too bad. I was faster.”
He leaned back lazily. “Oh, by the way, I heard there’s an investigation going on. They’re looking for me.”
Eyan sighed. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it—”
“You don’t have to.” Luca interrupted proudly.
“I already handled them.”
From his purse—because of course he had a purse—Luca pulled out several documents and a set of keys, tossing them onto the table.
Eyan scanned the papers. “…He was planning treason.”
“Yes,” Luca nodded happily.
“And that’s not even the fun part. He was involved in the slave market too. And bribery. And blackmail. And—oh—human trafficking.”
Eyan looked up slowly. “These documents alone are enough to execute him publicly.”
Luca smiled sweetly. “Exactly. Even if I get caught, I just show these and say, ‘Oops.’”
Eyan smirked. “You did well.”
Luca puffed up proudly. “I know.”
Just then, Hans entered the room carrying a tray of tea and cake, carefully placing it on the table.
Luca’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Oh, finally! I can eat!”
He grabbed a cake without hesitation and began eating like he hadn’t been fed in days.
Eyan watched him for a moment, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Luca noticed. “Why are you looking at me like that?” He tilted his head proudly. “Do I look beautiful in a woman’s disguise?”
Eyan replied without missing a beat, “Quite the opposite. You look ugly and ridiculous.”
Luca gasped. “HOW DARE—”
Eyan reached out and grabbed Luca’s long hair. “And this,” he added, inspecting it, “looks like you haven’t washed it for months.”
Luca slapped his hand away instantly. “Don’t touch my hair! Do you know how long it took me to do this? And getting ready in the morning?!”
Eyan raised an eyebrow. “Why? Are you going somewhere?”
Luca froze, then slowly turned to him. “What do you mean ?”
He stared in disbelief. “Don’t tell me you forgot that today I was supposed to meet .”
Eyan’s eyes widened. He grabbed his own head. “Oh. Right. I totally forgot about that…”
He paused. “…I didn’t tell her either.”
Luca slammed the table.
“YOU FORGOT?! How can you forget something this important?!”
He pointed dramatically at Eyan.
“I don’t care. I want to meet her today. That’s final!”
“Okay, okay,” Eyan said quickly. “Stop getting angry.”
Luca took a deep breath, straightened his back, and instantly returned to elegant lady mode.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t get angry.”
He adjusted his dress. “I’ll ruin my makeup before I meet sister-in-law.”
Eyan sighed. “But why are you meeting Eva as a woman? Just meet her as Luca. She doesn’t know you anyway. Not many people know what you look like.”
Luca leaned closer, eyes serious for once. “You don’t understand. Listen.”
“If I meet her as a man, she won’t talk freely. She won’t share her thoughts. She’ll be guarded.”
He smiled slyly. “But if I meet her as a woman, I can become her friend.”
He began counting on his fingers.
“I can drink tea with her. Have tea parties. Gossip. Share secrets.”
Eyan and Hans exchanged a look.
Both of them shook their heads at the same time.
Luca frowned. “What? Why are you shaking your heads like that?”
Eyan sighed. “Nothing… Just tell me you didn’t forget what you’re supposed to say to her. About our relationship. About how we know each other.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t mess it up.”
Luca placed a hand on his chest proudly. “Relax. I have everything memorized.”
Eyan stood up and turned toward the window. The sky outside had already begun to darken, the sun slowly sinking behind the palace towers. “Then let’s go,” he said quietly. “The sun is already down.”
Luca jumped up with excitement.
“Okay!”
--------------------------------------------------------
Eva was being dragged through the bustling market by Aranel, her arm nearly pulled out of its socket.
Aranel tugged harder. “Eva, walk faster!”
Eva stumbled slightly, clearly exhausted. “Aranel, please slow down…” she pleaded. “You’ve been dragging me around the market since morning, and you still haven’t found anything. Just buy already.”
Aranel stopped suddenly and turned toward her, hands on her hips. “How can I buy just anything? It’s your wedding gift!”
She looked offended. “I have to choose carefully.”
Eva sighed deeply, rubbing her temples.
Just then, Aranel’s eyes lit up.
She pointed excitedly. “That shop looks new! Eva, let’s go and see what they’re selling!”
Before Eva could protest, Aranel pulled her again. Eva finally stopped, holding her leg.
“Aranel, I’m tired. My legs hurt.”
She smiled weakly. “You go inside. I’ll wait here.”
Aranel hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. Don’t move.”
Leaving Eva outside, Aranel rushed into the shop.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Inside the Shop)
A woman behind the counter smiled warmly. “Welcome, my lady. How may I help you?”
Aranel glanced around the shop, her eyes scanning the shelves filled with neatly arranged boxes.
“I’m looking for a wedding gift,” she said thoughtfully. “I couldn’t attend the wedding, so I want to give them something now.”
The woman’s smile turned knowing. “Oh? How long has the couple been married?”
“Only a few months,” Aranel replied.
The woman nodded slowly, then gestured for Aranel to follow her.
“Then you’ve come to the right place. We have something for newlyweds.”
She lowered her voice slightly. “It’s also our best-selling item.”
She led Aranel to a particular shelf filled with elegant boxes of chocolates. “Here,” the woman said. “This is the gift.”
Aranel stared at them, unimpressed. “Chocolates?” She tilted her head. “What’s so special about these?”
The woman chuckled softly.
“These are no ordinary chocolates.”
She leaned in closer, careful not to be overheard. “They’re infused with a rare blend of herbs—completely safe, of course.”
Her smile widened. “But they gently warm the blood, heighten emotions, and… increase closeness between married couples.”
Aranel’s brows lifted slightly.
“…You mean?”
The woman leaned even closer and whispered into her ear. Aranel’s eyes widened—then slowly, very slowly, a mischievous grin spread across her face.
“Oh,” Aranel said, clearly pleased.
“That special.”
She straightened and nodded decisively. “These are perfect. I’ll take two boxes.”
The woman wrapped them carefully.
“An excellent choice, my lady. Many couples thank us later.”
Aranel accepted the boxes, smiling to herself. “I’m sure they will.”
--------------------------------------------------------
Eva was still standing where she had left her.
Aranel grabbed her arm excitedly.
“Eva, let’s go back to your house. Our work here is done!”
Eva blinked. “You already bought the gift? What did you buy?”
Aranel linked her arm with Eva’s, smiling mischievously. “It’s a secret.”
Aranel laughed and pulled her along. The two disappeared into the lively marketplace.
--------------------------------------------------------
