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CHAPTER 81….
Facing Idris, Mikael flinched without realizing it.
There was a sharp murderous intent flickering in those golden eyes.
But Leticia, who stood at a different eye level, seemed not to notice that chilling aura and answered Idris’ question cheerfully.
“Oh, he’s an administrative officer who’ll be helping with this bazaar.”
Only then did Mikael come to his senses and bowed lightly but respectfully.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace. My name is Mikael Hildes.”
Idris’ gaze grew even colder as he looked at Mikael.
Unlike when he stammered while talking to Leticia, he spoke fluently—albeit nervously—when addressing him.
That attitude was thoroughly displeasing.
“Oh, so you’re the young master of the Hildes family. I’ve heard often about your outstanding work. I suppose I have nothing to worry about regarding this project.”
“You flatter me.”
“Then I’ll be counting on you. I tend to worry a lot when it comes to Leticia’s affairs.”
At first glance, it sounded like he was simply expressing concern for his lover.
But Mikael, who was facing Idris directly, understood.
That wasn’t concern—it was a warning.
Realizing the underlying message, Mikael swallowed hard.
“I think we’ve exchanged enough greetings and farewells… Shall we head home now, Leticia?”
Though the question was directed at Leticia, it was effectively an order for Mikael to leave.
Leticia, unaware of the hidden meaning, nodded obediently at Idris’ suggestion.
“Sure. I was just about to clock out anyway.”
Then she gave Mikael a final farewell.
“Take care, Sir Hildes.”
“Ah… yes.”
Watching that exchange with clear displeasure, Idris didn’t even wait for Mikael to turn around.
He simply took Leticia and headed toward the carriage.
He hated seeing Leticia smile at Mikael.
Even though he knew it was just polite businesslike behavior, and that Leticia had no feelings for Mikael.
Once they were alone in the carriage, Idris finally spoke.
“Leticia, when you’re working with that guy, you should keep your guard up.”
“You mean Sir Hildes?”
“Yes, that guy.”
“Why so suddenly? Do you two know each other?”
Leticia blinked, puzzled, and looked up at him.
“You really don’t get it? That guy—”
Frustrated, Idris nearly exposed Mikael’s feelings. But the moment he met Leticia’s innocent eyes, he shut his mouth.
After a pause and a sigh, he mumbled with a tightly restrained voice,
“…Anyway. He’s two-faced. Don’t let your guard down.”
Leticia tilted her head, not understanding why Idris was being so hostile toward Mikael.
‘Guard down or not, it’s just work.’
As long as they each handled their responsibilities, there wasn’t much else to worry about.
But Idris’ odd behavior didn’t end there.
That night, returning to her room after a bath, Leticia encountered an unexpected person.
“Idris?”
He was standing at her door, also seemingly fresh from a bath, wearing only a robe.
“What brings you here at this hour?”
Normally, evenings were personal time unless it was a special occasion.
His visit at this time was unusual.
Puzzled, Leticia then offered a suggestion as if she remembered something.
“Well, for now… do you want to come in?”
It would be impolite to keep someone—especially someone who was publicly her lover—standing at the door.
After entering, Idris brought up an unexpected topic.
“We’re supposed to be a couple… but don’t you think we spend too much time apart?”
“Hmm… I suppose that’s true.”
They both worked during the day and were busy with their own affairs at night.
And more than anything—
‘We’re not actually a real couple, so there’s been no reason to spend time together.’
But why bring that up now?
“The staff is starting to get suspicious about our relationship. At this rate, it won’t be long before His Majesty hears about it.”
At the mention of the emperor, Leticia’s heart sank.
“What should we do then?”
“We’ll need to increase the time we spend together. Since we each have our own duties during the day, the evenings are our best option.”
“Hmm…”
“What do you think?”
Leticia fell into thought.
‘At this hour, just the two of us?’
Even if Idris had someone he truly loved, and even if nothing had ever happened between them before… still, wasn’t this a bit…?
And above all—
‘If we’re together, I don’t think I’ll be able to concentrate.’
Being with Idris made her too aware of him.
She didn’t want to show any weakness or imperfections.
‘But… His Majesty’s suspicion would be a problem for both of us.’
After a moment’s hesitation, Leticia replied with a conflicted expression.
“That might be a little difficult. I’ll be pretty swamped with the bazaar preparations for a while…”
“I figured as much. It’d be uncomfortable, wouldn’t it?”
Something flickered across Idris’ face—maybe disappointment.
But before she could get a better look, he stood up and turned away.
Yet for some reason…
That broad back of his looked oddly dejected.
It almost looked like cat ears were drooping above his head…
“I-I mean!”
Leticia, unable to ignore the inexplicable guilt, reached out and grabbed Idris’ arm.
“You’ve already come all the way here tonight, so… stay a little while before you go.”
After all, he was right. For a couple, they really had been spending very little time together.
‘Sometimes, pretending to spend time together might be the safest thing to do.’
If the emperor started doubting them, it would spell trouble for both Idris and herself.
“Won’t you be uncomfortable? With me here?”
But Idris, who was the one to suggest it in the first place, asked again once she took his hand.
‘I’m the one who stopped him. I can’t say no now.’
Leticia nodded readily.
“It’s fine. Make yourself comfortable.”
But once they were truly alone, the atmosphere became awkward.
Outside, they could act like lovers because of others’ eyes.
But here—it was just the two of them.
No need to pretend in front of anyone.
‘Ugh, I really don’t know what I’m supposed to do now…’
After hesitating, Leticia sat at her vanity to dry her hair.
From the mirror, she could see Idris lounging diagonally on the sofa.
Both of them in robes…
‘This kind of feels like… a newlywed couple.’
Even though, in reality, that was far from the truth.
She shook her head to banish the thought—just as their eyes met in the mirror.
Though there was no way he could know what she was thinking, Leticia looked away, flustered.
Idris, unaware of her inner turmoil, asked while watching her through the mirror,
“Are you going to bed after you finish drying your hair?”
“How could I sleep with a guest here?”
“You didn’t seem to mind before.”
Her hand paused mid-brush.
She realized he was referring to that night—the night she had been drunk.
Recalling that forbidden memory made her cheeks burn with shame.
“…I wasn’t in my right mind then, so could you please forget about it?”
“You want me to forget such a hot night ever happened? That hurts.”
When nothing even happened!
Just remembering how he had tricked her with that prank still made her furious.
Realizing he was revving up his playful side again, Leticia clamped her mouth shut.
‘Whoever reacts first, loses.’
She stubbornly continued drying her hair, ignoring Idris’ teasing stare—
until suddenly, a large hand reached out and gently held hers.
“Want some help?”
