Sienna had entered her bedroom, saying she would go to bed early, and sent away all the maids. She sat on the sofa, lost in thought. Although she had been tired earlier, the more she thought, the more her sleepiness faded away.

"I should plant someone in the Red Palace too."

It was something her mother did first. There was no reason she couldn’t do the same thing.

"The mother I’ve known until now was all a lie. Let's admit it. I don’t know my mother. Because I don’t know her, I can't understand her thoughts or predict what she might do."

It felt cowardly to sit back and be a bystander, saying she didn’t have enough information from her dreams.

"Even knowing what I do now is better than nothing. My dreams of the future are a privilege granted only to me. No one else knows even this."

Who would be suitable?

"That maid?"

What about the maid who provides information to the countess?

"No, she’s not enough. At most, she could only figure out who goes in and out of the Red Palace."

She needed someone who could approach her mother without arousing suspicion. Suddenly, the perfect candidate came to mind.

"Ben Stus."

Could she use him against his will? Sienna thought it highly likely that Ben Stus was aligned more with her mother than with her uncle.

Her mother already had a history. She had tried to figure out Sienna's daily activities through the maids, and it was also her mother who had troubled the countess.

When Countess Pope returned after a trying ordeal, Sienna hadn’t asked what had happened with her mother. It was an event that wounded both of them. They pretended it hadn’t happened and never spoke of it.

Sienna roughly guessed the reason. Her mother had probably asked the countess to report what she saw and heard in the Silver Palace, but when the countess refused, her mother took offense.

But Sienna didn’t understand why her mother went to such lengths. Was it really something that could warrant turning the Countess's household upside down?

Recently, however, Sienna had begun to vaguely sense Patricia’s twisted affection and obsession. The trigger was none other than Fatima.

Seeing Fatima had awakened twisted feelings in Sienna. Ever since a shadow had formed in her heart, Sienna had become aware of the darkness in others.

In the past, Sienna had seen the world simply. She divided people’s natures into good and evil and their emotions into light and dark. But recently, she was learning that humans were not that simple. Good and evil were not separate.

Looking at this matter with her new perspective, she felt she understood. In the series of actions that led to entrapping the knight and forcing Stus into the Silver Palace, she sensed an obsession. Even what Patricia had said in the dream served as evidence.

"Your Majesty. Sir Stus is undoubtedly your loyal servant."

Patricia had actively defended Stus.

Sienna assumed that Stus was Patricia’s man. She dismissed the possibility that Stus was genuinely loyal. A loyal servant would never betray. Sienna needed a traitor.

"What if Stus had no choice but to be loyal?"

Two reasons came to mind. Either loyalty was rewarded sweetly, or he had too much to lose if he betrayed her. Sienna focused on the latter.

"I need to find out if Stus has any weaknesses."

Just a year ago, such an idea would never have occurred to Sienna. Serving loyally because of a weakness? She wouldn’t have even imagined it.

"How should I find out?"

It was probably hidden very well. If her mother held a weakness over Stus, she wouldn’t have made it easy for anyone to find out.

She needed someone with the sharp eyes of a hawk, who could discreetly investigate Stus’s background without arousing suspicion.

"The Inspection Department is no good."

Her mother would surely hear about it. It had to be unofficial. At first, she thought of Evita.

"No."

Sienna shook her head. That woman’s true identity was unclear. She couldn’t tell how much she could trust her.

Next, she thought of Levan. Levan had shown remarkable ability by quickly and accurately investigating the circumstances around Countess Pope. Levan’s identity was also vague, but somehow Sienna trusted him.

However, she didn’t know where Levan went after resigning from his position as an aide. When she ordered Gilbert to find out about his current situation, she learned he had resigned from government service altogether.

"I should have figured out a way to contact him."

Tap, tap. There was a sound of something tapping. Sienna turned her head toward the direction of the sound. It was coming from the balcony. The weather had been gloomy since morning. She thought it might be the wind, but then the tapping sound continued rhythmically. It felt deliberate.

She got up from the sofa and approached the balcony. Her heart had already started pounding, so she wasn’t too surprised when she saw Kuhn standing outside the balcony window.

When Kuhn met Sienna's eyes, he pointedly tapped the window frame with his finger again.

"This man, really…"

It was always like this. He appeared suddenly when she least expected it. He barged in before she had time to prepare herself. If this place were a battlefield and he an enemy, she would have already lost her life countless times to his attacks.

Sienna walked slowly to the window. She placed her hand on the latch and looked at him. She felt that once she opened the window, there would be no turning back. Her bedroom was her entire heart, and this glass window was a fragile barrier.

Though he had the power to break in anytime he wanted, he always knocked from outside. If she didn’t open, he would obediently leave. Whether to open or not was entirely up to her.

Perhaps this was the most significant decision of her life. Surprisingly, her hesitation didn’t last long. As he persistently knocked, cracks slowly formed in Sienna’s barrier. Finally, today, it shattered completely.

Sienna pulled the latch. At the same time, the lock on her heart opened.

Kuhn was always the one who approached. Sienna stood still, moderately protecting herself, sometimes taking a step back. To approach him as he did to her, Sienna still needed a little more courage. But now, she would never retreat.

As soon as Kuhn pulled the window open and stepped inside, he wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her tightly.

"Either you do it on purpose, or you’re just naturally like this."

Kuhn kissed Sienna briefly on the lips.

"I was afraid you wouldn’t open the window. Did you hesitate?"

"…Yes."

"Why?"

"It’s late."

"The light was on. If you were asleep, I wouldn’t have woken you."

His arms, which had been holding her waist, slowly loosened. It had become a habit to hug her, and he was startled by the softness pressing against him. Sienna was dressed in a nightgown. She wore only underwear underneath a long linen dress.

She had thrown a wool cardigan over her nightgown. The cardigan, which reached below her knees, looked like a woolen dress at first glance.

Thanks to the woolen cardigan, her clothes weren’t see-through, but the feel of touching her was different from when she was fully dressed. The softness of her skin and the curve of her waist were clearly felt.

It was only after noticing her attire that Kuhn started sweating nervously. He tried his best to remain composed. He didn’t know whether to thank her for opening the door or worry about her vulnerability.

"Have you been at the palace this whole time? The countess said she would meet you. Could she still be waiting for you?"

"Ah… the countess. Yes, I met her."

He had escorted Countess Pope home, entered the Ivy Mansion, and then came back out.

Beth’s bold proposal had been the last straw for him, barely holding back. He couldn’t wait until morning. The countess probably never guessed that Marquis Raad would re-enter the palace and knock on the princess’s bedroom window.

"Maybe it’s better to come back in the morning?"

"I wasn’t sleeping. It’s fine."

Sienna didn’t notice his discomfort at all.

"Also, wouldn’t it be awkward to run into the countess if you came in the morning?"

"It’s fine. I got permission."

"Whose permission?"

"The countess’s."

Sienna put her hands on her waist. Kuhn quickly added an explanation to avoid any misunderstanding.

"The countess told me not to come to the Silver Palace from tomorrow morning."

Sienna’s eyes wavered. She thought Kuhn had received the message she had sent, asking him not to come.

Earlier that evening, the countess had said, "I’ll see the marquis and then leave the palace. I’ll come back in the morning." Afterward, Sienna regretted it. She had told him not to come so abruptly. She wondered if she had been too cold without an explanation.

"So I said I’d meet you and talk to you directly, so I’d visit you unofficially. The countess didn’t say much."

Kuhn reversed the situation to make it sound like the countess had suggested it first.

"That’s not permission."

"Well, implicit permission…?"

"And you should get my permission, not the countess’s. Why hers?"

"Because the countess is your nanny. Isn’t she?"

"…"

Sienna lowered her gaze. She had never told anyone how she saw the countess as a nanny. She didn’t mind that Kuhn read her thoughts, but she felt a bit embarrassed.

"…Still."

"Now that I think about it, I assumed too much. It’s not the countess’s fault. It must have been hard for her to say 'no' to my face."

Sienna turned around and smiled softly. She felt good that he had defended the countess. It was nice that he recognized and valued someone dear to her.

"Come here. Since you’re here, there’s something I want to talk about."

Sienna sat down on the sofa. Even after sitting and waiting for a while, he didn’t come. When she turned her head back to look, he was still standing. When she urged, "What are you doing, not coming?" he reluctantly sat across from her.

"What’s this?"

Sienna narrowed her eyes and looked at him. He wasn’t acting like usual. It was strange that he didn’t sit next to her when he was usually eager to stick close.

"Is it because of my mother?"

"I heard that my mother was rude to you today. Let me apologize on her behalf."

"There’s no need for you to apologize. You and she are different people. Just because I have grievances with her doesn’t mean I should take it out on you."

He drew a line between mother and daughter. It showed his desire to see her as separate from the Red King.

"Did you meet my mother?"

Kuhn nodded.

"I didn’t spend much time with the Red King. We didn’t have a long conversation."

"Why did she call you? What did you talk about?"

"Nothing important. Just a warning not to loiter around her daughter. That’s all."

Kuhn smiled lightly at her as she stared at him with her lips pressed together.

"That’s all."

"Did she… say anything harsh?"

"By my standards, not at all. Don’t worry. I’m really fine."

In Kuhn’s view, nobles were too refined to speak bluntly. They didn’t drag down one’s parents or use vulgar insults to crush one’s spirit. Instead, their grudges were incredibly tenacious and nasty.

"It would be better to hear a few insults, honestly."

Kuhn pulled an envelope from his pocket and placed it on the sofa table.

"I was going to give this to you with flowers tomorrow, but it’s an invitation that was just finished this evening. You’re the first guest."

Sienna opened the envelope and checked the invitation.

The venue was the Ivy Mansion. After it was known that Ivy Mansion was Marquis Raad’s residence, its status as the largest mansion in the capital was newly spotlighted.

"You’ll come, right?"

"Yes."

"I’ll come to escort you."

Sienna frowned as she looked at Kuhn.

"Don’t say ridiculous things."

"Why not?"

"You’re the party host. You should greet the guests. I’ve never seen a party where the host escorts the guests."

"Ah…"

Seeing his bewildered expression, Sienna asked, just in case.

"You didn’t know?"

"No, I knew…"

He knew, but he had completely forgotten. He was so lost in the dream of being her partner. He was ashamed of himself for being so excited he’d forgotten even basic common sense.

Sienna covered her mouth with her hand and laughed silently. The fierce-looking man’s disappointed, deflated expression was adorable.

"I will come to the party. It’s your first social event. I’m sure a lot of people will attend."

Would merchants come too? He was a marquis, but also a merchant. He would have connections with prominent traders. As she put the invitation back in the envelope, a thought suddenly crossed her mind.

"Since he’s a merchant, he must be well-informed. If it’s the Raad Trading Company, there must be specialists handling information."

How about asking him to investigate Ben Stus? Kuhn was currently an investigator. No one would find it suspicious wherever he poked around. The more she thought about it, the more perfect he seemed for the job.

However, she would have to explain what information she was looking for and why. Naturally, she would also have to talk about her mother and reveal parts of herself.

Sienna had never fully opened up to anyone before, not even the countess, whom she trusted and kept close.

She had learned that this was how a ruler should be. She thought it was only natural and never questioned it. But now, she was about to do something that would shake her lifelong beliefs.

"I want to show myself."

It was a foolish thing to do. The world considered her and Kuhn to be political opponents.

"I want to trust him."

Even if this trust eventually brought her painful consequences, she wouldn’t regret it. It wasn’t a decision based on rational judgment but a choice faithful to her momentary emotions, which made her feel rather liberated. Her heart felt like it was overflowing with hot blood.

Even though Sienna stared at him for a long time, he only met her gaze without saying anything. He didn’t ask why or urge her on.

The countess had once cautiously assessed Marquis Raad.

"Marquis Raad has a certain composure not typical of someone his age. So when I talk to him, I feel calmer too."

Sienna felt a similar emotion to the countess. He was laid-back, as if observing the world from a slight distance. It was akin to the imperial studies Sienna had learned since she was young.

The more she got to know Kuhn Raad, the more curious she became about his past. Where was he born and raised, who taught him, and what experiences had he been through?

"Kuhn. I have a favor to ask. I need your help."

His eyes unmistakably showed joy. A favor? Help? You need mine? She could see what he was thinking without him saying a word. Sienna felt a bit embarrassed.

"I want to investigate someone."

"Who?"

"Ben Stus. He’s a knight who recently joined the guard."

"A short investigation or a long one? I mean the duration of the investigation. Naturally, the depth of the content will correspond to the duration."

"…Probably a long one?"

"It could take several months if it’s long."

"I’m not in a big hurry."

"Got it."

Sienna prepared herself to answer his next question. But when he said, "It’s late, so I’ll go now," and got up, she was caught off guard.

"Don’t you have any other questions? About Ben Stus, about…"

"Isn’t that what you want to find out through the investigation?"

Kuhn wasn’t at all curious about why she wanted to investigate that man. Sienna felt deflated after all her mental preparation.

But he was always like that. He never tried to pry into her using a pretext. If she didn’t speak first, he wouldn’t press. This trait of his dulled Sienna's wariness.

"Oh, just one thing. Should I consider the man’s reputation?"

"No. There’s no need to show any leniency."

"Alright. Then I’ll dig everything up and bring it to you."

She had a feeling that Ben Stus would be thoroughly exposed, with nowhere to hide. Sienna felt a slight twinge of sympathy for Stus, who had become this man's prey.

Kuhn strode toward the balcony window. He seemed to be in a hurry. Sienna followed him, who had quickly gone far away.

He touched the balcony window and looked back at her.

"Good night. Make sure to lock the window."

He wanted to leave quickly. It was nerve-wracking. Whether it was because of the late hour or her attire, everything was starting to look provocative to him as he became conscious of it.

He was barely holding himself back, but even his body’s instinctive responses would soon reach their limit. The signals were already creeping up on him. He couldn’t understand how he used to come and go so casually in the past.

Kuhn started to push the window open but paused. He turned slowly, making eye contact with Sienna, then looked down at his waist. A white hand was clutching the hem of his jacket. Following his gaze, Sienna realized what her hand was holding and quickly let go.

He closed the half-opened balcony window again and turned completely toward her. He didn’t ask why; he just waited.

Sienna spoke.

"There’s nothing wrong… is there?"

"Something wrong?"

"…"

Your behavior is strange. Sienna mumbled to herself. He didn’t try to hold her or kiss her apart from the brief kiss when he came in. If she explained it all, it would sound like she was asking, "Why aren’t you coming on to me?" so she couldn’t say it.

She kept thinking about the dream. It was a future that was dead. The Kuhn in the dream was someone else. It was no use trying to convince herself several times.

Today's future hadn’t been decided yet. She tried to think positively. That the future would be completely different from the dream. That she would definitely make it so.

But the anxiety that things might eventually go as they did in the dream never went away.

Suddenly, she felt warmth on her face, and she flinched. He had reached out and was gently stroking her cheek with his fingertips. It was affectionate and careful. Sienna stood still, letting him touch her as he wished.

He gradually became bolder. He held her jaw gently, rubbing his thumb over her cheek near her lips. He tucked her hair behind her ear and played with the ear that was now exposed.

His gaze was warm and filled with gentle affection. At the same time, there was a hint of possessive desire in his touch. This caused her anxiety to gradually fade. When his hand moved away, she felt a twinge of regret.

"Is there something wrong with you?"

Sienna shook her head side to side.

"Just in case, no matter what you hear, don’t jump to conclusions until you hear my side of the story."

"…Are you asking for a chance to explain?"

Kuhn chuckled with a surprised expression.

"Yes, give me a chance. Even if everyone around you calls me a scoundrel, listen to me once."

"What if the opposite happens? If everyone around you… dislikes me?"

"That won’t happen."

As Kuhn was about to leave, Sienna’s hand touched his back. He paused and looked back at her with a playful smile.

"Should I stay?"

"…"

Without a word, Sienna’s expression became coy.

"…Why are you doing this? Provoking me won’t do you any good."

He warned in a subdued voice. But instead of hesitating, the provocative look in her eyes only stirred up his emotions.

He tried to rationalize her behavior, which he had never seen before. Was it a change of heart? A whim? Was she drowsy because it was late? But his rational thinking ultimately failed.

"I shouldn’t."

He cupped her face with both hands and swallowed her soft lips. There was no thought to kiss her gently as if caressing. He hurriedly explored her mouth. He pushed his tongue inside and stirred the moist interior. Sucking on her soft tongue, he swallowed their mingling saliva.

Sienna wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Through the thin nightgown, she could feel his firm body. His hand gripped her shoulder, then slid down her back. She liked the feel of his large hand caressing her body. She wanted him to touch her more.

His hand that had reached her waist paused for a moment, then he pulled his lips away. He kissed her face here and there. Her lips, eyes, nose, cheeks, ears, and down to her neck. Then he sighed deeply and hugged her tightly.

The feeling of her soft body filling his arms was truly magical. Today, she felt even softer. In her embrace, she nuzzled her face into Kuhn’s chest as if burrowing into his arms.

"Ah, please."

Kuhn gritted his teeth, trying not to lose control. He clearly remembered what Sienna had once said.

"Do you want to become my paramour?"

If he messed up here, he would really be just a lover. He didn’t want to sneak in through the balcony window but enter through the front door and into her bedroom openly.

"Hmm."

She blinked while still in his arms. Her nightgown was so thin that the sensation of their abdomens touching was vivid. Something hard was bulging out and poked her lower belly. Although she wasn’t as embarrassed as when she visited the trading company last time, it felt strange.

She recalled the scene of a sexual act she had directly observed during sex education. She had learned that a man’s organ grows and stands up when sexually aroused. Then the man inserts his hardened organ into the woman’s genitals to unite.

She gulped down the saliva pooling in her mouth. For some reason, a chill ran down her spine, and the inside between her legs stung.

Kuhn cautiously pushed her arms away.

"Sienna. Look at me. Any further…"

He stopped mid-sentence. His eyes lost focus. Her flushed face looked enchanting to the point of taking his breath away. Her plump red lips seemed to be tempting him. He quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought. He praised himself for holding back.

"…No, I can’t. The countess won’t let me off the hook. I’m afraid of your nanny."

Sienna chuckled. He left a short goodbye kiss and turned away to leave as if fleeing. Fortunately, this time she didn’t stop him again.

Kuhn stepped out onto the balcony and let out a sigh of relief. He looked down at the front of his taut pants and sighed. When he lifted his gaze, he saw an exceptionally bright moon. Today was a full moon. He understood the heart of a beast howling at the moon.


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