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Chapter 23
“A-a ‘fun rabbit’…? I’ve never heard that before. Seriously, never!”
He had approached me like he was about to share some precious secret, so I wondered what he would say—but for it to be something so childish was baffling. What made it even more absurd was how serious he seemed about it.
I shot him a look of disbelief, but Killis casually took my hand and led me downward.
As soon as we entered the party hall, the nobles swarmed around us as if they had been waiting.
“Your Highness, it is an honor to see you in such good health. Happy birthday.”
“The two of you seem so close—what a delightful sight! The future of Rubidium is truly bright. A joyous day indeed!”
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, it is my first time greeting you. I am from the House of Radotea…”
Voices filled with curiosity and ulterior motives poured in, almost painfully loud.
Killis responded to them without ignoring anyone, though he clearly found them bothersome. He wasn’t exactly kind, but neither could he be called rude—he walked that fine line perfectly, responding just enough to satisfy their attention.
It was supposedly his first time dealing with nobles, yet he handled them with remarkable ease and familiarity. It suited him.
After exchanging brief conversations with the political nobles Kin had told him about, the party atmosphere had fully ripened. Everyone seemed slightly intoxicated, their pheromones mixing chaotically in the air.
Normally, I found such overwhelming pheromones uncomfortable, but perhaps because Killis was by my side, it didn’t bother me as much this time.
After brushing off the nobles, Killis lightly squeezed the hand he had been holding the whole time, drawing my attention.
When I looked at him, his golden eyes still sparkled with interest, as if he hadn’t grown tired at all.
“Lucellin, shall we take a walk in the imperial garden?”
He began coaxing me, saying the late-summer flowers were beautiful and worth seeing.
It seemed more like an excuse to escape the noisy party than anything else. Since this was his first large banquet, it made sense he’d feel overwhelmed.
It reminded me of my past self, always looking for a chance to slip away, and I found myself smiling faintly before nodding in agreement.
“Let’s leave before Kin notices. If we get caught, we’ll both be stuck at our seats.”
The thought of being forced to sit on the stage chairs until the party ended snapped me to attention.
Ah, this is something no one tells you—but I suppose I have no choice but to share my secret escape method…!
“First, furrow your brows.”
“Furrow them?”
“Yes. Make a face that says anyone who talks to you will regret it.”
“Like this?”
“More intimidating. So no one dares ask where you’re going.”
I demonstrated with an exaggerated scowl, and Killis chuckled in amusement before mimicking me perfectly.
“Lucellin, you seem quite experienced at this.”
“Ahem. Just follow me.”
Feeling oddly guilty under his clear amber gaze, I took the lead toward the exit.
Fortunately, Kin was being held up by nobles in his role as the Crown Prince’s aide.
As the person closest to the Crown Prince, Kin must have looked like the next best prize to them.
I gave him a sympathetic glance before turning away without hesitation and slipping out of the hall.
Perhaps because we both wore intimidating expressions, no one stopped us.
“…This is rather fun. From here on, I’ll guide us.”
Having successfully escaped, Killis looked slightly flushed, clearly enjoying himself.
Whether it was the thrill of sneaking out or something else, I didn’t know—but I was enjoying it too.
Doing this alone had always been fun, but doing it together made it twice as exciting. If my father found out, he’d probably faint.
“Killis, if Kin finds out, we’ll get scolded, right?”
“Then we just don’t get caught.”
Mm. Exactly. If we don’t get caught, it’s fine!
Satisfied with his simple answer, I followed him along a shortcut leading to the imperial garden.
The path looked unofficial—likely made by servants for efficiency—but Killis navigated it without hesitation.
“We’re here.”
“Huh? Already…?”
His golden eyes gleamed playfully as he smiled. Just as he said, late-summer flowers bloomed beautifully, lighting up the night.
But… wait. Why does this place feel familiar?
I turned my head—and sure enough, it was the very spot where I had once found Mangdeok.
The grass, once stained with blood, now looked perfectly clean.
‘Is this a good time to ask?’
Unlike the party hall, this place was quiet—perfect for asking questions without interruption.
But I didn’t know where to start.
Asking why he hid the fact that he was a snake felt pointless. Given the empire’s sentiments, of course he would hide it. I would have done the same.
Then…!
“Isn’t the imperial family descended from dragons?”
“Yes, we are. We inherited their power.”
He answered immediately, as if he had anticipated my question. There was no hesitation—no trace of a lie.
A snake with the power of a dragon… It was truly strange.
Though their appearances might be similar, dragons and snakes were fundamentally different—like heaven and earth.
Even knowing it was true, it was hard to accept something that overturned everything I had believed my whole life.
Still, I didn’t need to rush.
“You’re wondering why I never appeared in public, aren’t you?”
“…!”
Lost in thought, I suddenly found his face right in front of mine.
Bending slightly to meet my gaze, Killis smiled faintly and gently brushed my hair aside.
“Yes… I am. Why didn’t you show yourself until now?”
“You know that dragon-kind only become true adults at twenty-four, right?”
“Yes, I’ve heard that.”
That was why his birthday was so special—not just legally, but biologically.
“My power as a dragon only stabilizes after reaching maturity. Even though I’m a snake, my power follows dragon rules.”
“Your power?”
“Yes. It was too unstable before. There were risks in revealing myself.”
Though he didn’t elaborate, I understood.
If his power proved he was of dragon descent, then its instability could expose his true nature as a snake.
So he couldn’t appear publicly until now.
“The power… does that include your hair being long the first time we met?”
Something that had always puzzled me.
“Similar. My hair length changes depending on my condition. Back then, I couldn’t control it.”
So it was because he was injured?
That made sense.
“Then I won’t get to see your long hair again… and I shouldn’t wish for it either.”
Because it meant he was in danger.
“Hm. You must have liked that look.”
As he smirked—
His white hair suddenly began to grow longer.
In an instant, his appearance shifted from simply handsome to something dangerously alluring.
Wow… this is completely my type—wait, no!
He looked… more like a snake now.
More arrogant. More wild. More seductive.
“W-wait! Is it okay to just change like that?”
“If it’s your preference, I should match it.”
Startled, I stared at him, glancing around nervously.
“When did I say that?!”
“It’s written all over your face.”
“…Really?”
“I was just guessing—but I guess I was right.”
Chuckling, he leaned closer and lightly kissed my forehead after seeing me flustered.
“If you want, I can show you anytime.”
