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Chapter 72
The noisy council chamber fell silent once again.
Only the sound of the Emperor tapping the armrest of his chair echoed through the room.
After some time, Conrad finally spoke.
“This meeting is adjourned for today.”
The nobles who had been glancing at the two of them immediately stood, as if waiting for this moment.
Some breathed in relief, while others rubbed their necks. Once all the nobles had left, only Stella and Conrad remained, their eyes meeting.
“…The dinner… this is the first I’ve heard of it, Your Majesty.”
“Of course.”
Having joined the council immediately after returning, Stella likely had not received any news from the Grand Empress.
She hesitated, looking at Conrad’s calm expression. Conrad, in turn, could not bring himself to speak warmly to his awkward half-sister.
At least while Chloe was still alive, their relationship would not easily change with time.
“If you’re going to prepare for the dinner, shouldn’t the princess leave now as well?”
Stella nodded stiffly at the suitable suggestion.
“…I will take my leave, then.”
Conrad silently watched Stella’s back as she bowed respectfully and left.
The Empress’s palace buzzed with activity due to the sudden dinner.
The head maid who had served tea to Regina before had disappeared that day and had yet to be found.
The newly appointed head maid was now leading the other maids.
“A grand necklace would suit Her Majesty the Empress. Bring something else instead.”
Though her face remained serious, the head maid was secretly thrilled. As one of the closest attendants to the royal family, this was not a position anyone could easily reach.
She considered it lucky that someone had left, giving her this chance.
After dressing Regina as best as they could, the head maid and the other maids nodded as they looked at her in the mirror.
Depending on how she dressed, Regina’s presence could change completely. To them, she was the most captivating model.
‘Truly, it’s a pleasure to dress her!’
No matter how much effort one put in, the result would not compare to Regina’s natural elegance. Her long red hair cascading to her waist was irresistible, and her innate grace made her shine even more.
“The Emperor is here!”
As the door opened and Conrad appeared, the maids bowed.
“Everyone, leave.”
Exchanging meaningful glances, the maids hurriedly left the dressing room. Everyone in the palace already knew how much the Emperor loved the Empress and his frequent displays of affection.
“Conrad.”
Conrad, who had been unable to take his eyes off Regina since she entered the room, paused at her call.
Thinking that hearing his name from her red lips pleased him, he stepped closer.
He approached her boldly and took her hand, lifting it gently and pressing his lips to the back of it.
The soft touch against his lips made his mouth dry; he imagined feeling the same sensation elsewhere on her body.
“Did you receive the Grand Empress’s invitation?”
“Ah, that.”
He did not move his lips away and continued, ignoring the small flinch of Regina’s fingers.
“Of course.”
The kiss moved slowly from her hand up her arm. Conrad looked at her reddened ear and opened his lips.
“Ah!”
She let out a startled sound as he nibbled her arm gently. He wanted to leave a mark, but restrained himself, knowing they would be at a formal dinner.
The heat of the day made her light dress feel even more revealing. As their faint magic resonated, her cheeks grew redder.
“The Grand Empress will surely do something at the dinner.”
Her soft voice reached him, and their blue eyes met, locking in the empty space.
“Hmm, so?”
“We may need more magic to respond.”
“You say it as if I’m just a tool.”
Conrad was slightly annoyed by her teasing, though her red cheeks and trembling hands suggested otherwise.
‘Then I’ll make her admit it.’
He pressed his lips to her cheek and whispered.
“Since I can’t remove your dress, I’ll just have to try harder.”
“Try harder… huh!”
Conrad kissed her lips without hesitation, slipping his tongue in and stealing her breath completely.
Her faint sounds were swallowed by his mouth, leaving only wet, urgent noises in the room.
It took a long time before their lips separated.
“Haah.”
After the long kiss, Regina gasped for air, giving Conrad a chance to kiss her face—the eyelids, nose, and heated cheeks all felt his lips.
“Ticklish.”
Her whispered voice carried a hint of laughter.
“Just ticklish?”
“No, not just that, ah!”
Conrad lifted her and carried her to a long sofa in the dressing room.
‘I had hoped not to remove the dress…’
It was harder than expected, but he smiled faintly and moved his lips again.
“We still have some time before the dinner, right?”
“Yes, but…”
Regina soon realized what he meant. She blinked and nodded slightly, giving Conrad the opening he wanted.
Her hair spread across the sofa, and her heavy breaths filled the room.
“Sorry, I don’t have patience.”
His low voice brushed past her ear, making her swallow hard. The nibble on her earlobe made her body shiver.
He grabbed her thin ankles, nibbled her calves, and licked long strokes with his tongue.
She tried to move, startled, but he used his weight to hold her in place.
“I can feel the faint magic flowing.”
“Y-yes.”
Her small nod and flushed cheeks were adorable.
Conrad pressed his knee against her. She widened her eyes at his bold move.
“Conrad.”
“Calling my name now isn’t a good idea.”
His deep, husky voice brushed against her throat. He wanted to trap her in a place where only he could see her.
He lowered his head, leaving traces on her soft, pale skin.
“Haah!”
She let out a small gasp and grabbed his hair.
Conrad noticed her hands and slipped his fingers between hers, pinning them to the sofa.
Sweet sounds filled the room, further stirring him.
“I told you not to tease me.”
“W-what did I do!”
He pressed his hips and licked his lower lip. Her gaze went dazed at his erotic movements.
She struggled instinctively, but he did not release her.
Even after many encounters, her chest still rose and fell with excitement.
“Regina.”
His rough voice made her bite her lips to hold back the sharp sounds threatening to escape.
