emperor chapter 16

I was genuinely surprised when Lowell’s name appeared in a book I happened to open.

I knew that those in high social positions, like the emperor, sometimes used myths, biographies, and other writings to cultivate a positive public image.

But to write about him again in a book, even though he had only recently ascended the throne…

Of course, it was utterly useless to me.

The moment I saw Lowell’s name in the book, chills ran down my spine, and I slammed it shut. I didn’t know the details, and if possible, I didn’t want to know until I was in my coffin.

Even though this world itself was built upon the love story of Lowell and Helion, and I had already witnessed their story unfold…

“…Ahem.”

Judging by the number of books piled up around me, I must have been there for quite a while. The library had no windows, so I couldn’t tell what was happening outside. Fortunately, I had a secretary who was incredibly punctual.

Raphaerd didn’t come himself but sent a representative. Aria, following Raphaerd’s instructions, found me holed up in the library and led me outside.

Good choice.

As soon as we were a good distance from the library, she started fussing excitedly.

“He told you to dress up and come alone! A secret rendezvous in the dark, just the two of you…! What in the world is going on, Your Holiness?!”

“He never said anything about dressing up. And since you know about it, it’s not exactly a secret rendezvous.” I felt the need to calm Aria down.

“And it’s not just Lowell. Helion is there too.”

“Oh my…!”

Aria, misinterpreting my words somehow, suddenly had a nosebleed. I tilted her head downwards.

She looked so docile nestled in my arms that I thought she was just shocked by the blood.

“Your Holiness! Please accept this meager offering, may it be of assistance!”

I was wrong.

Aria, clutching a small bottle she’d produced from who-knows-where, aimed its contents directly at my heart and sprayed with all her might. It didn’t hit me or stain my clothes. Only the scent lingered. Aria had sprayed me with perfume.

“An expensive magic perfume I bought! The faster your heart beats, the stronger the pheromones!”

It wasn’t just any perfume, but a magic pheromone perfume, no less.

“You! You, you, you, what is the meaning of…!”

I almost let a string of curses slip from Miniel’s lips. With the sun already touching the horizon, I didn’t have time for a leisurely bath!

I remembered from the novel that Lowell had exceptionally sensitive senses, comparable to a beastkin. And now, I was about to appear before him with this insane scent clinging to me.

Simply put, I was doomed.

Suppressing my violent urges with saintly patience, I asked Aria, “So, as long as my heart doesn’t race, it’ll be fine, right?”

“Pro… bably?”

“Probably?! What do you mean, probably?!”

“Kyaaa! Your Holiness, please stop shaking me! I’m getting dizzy!”

Sigh. I released Aria with a sigh.

There wasn’t any scent at the moment, so… should I trust Aria’s words? Even if I didn’t, there wasn’t much else I could do.

There was no way my heart would flutter or my cheeks would flush because of Lowell. My mind was solely focused on escaping from him.

My priority was rescuing Helion. I took the pouch of gold coins from Aria, left the temple, and headed for the imperial palace.

***

I was led by a servant into a dark, unlit room. The only light came from the candles in the candleholders. The silent room, devoid of guards, contained a single large bed. The imperial palace was so large and complex that I only realized it now.

It was the bedroom prepared for Lowell and Miniel’s wedding night.

“It seems I arrived first today.” There was no need for formalities when he wasn’t surrounded by his subordinates.

Lowell, leaning against the wall, was casually dressed in only a thin, white shirt. Did he know how the sight of his thick wrists peeking out from the sleeves sparked dangerous imaginations?

Setting down the glass he was holding, Lowell began unbuttoning his shirt, one button at a time, with his now-free hand.

He approached me slowly, like a predator stalking its prey.

“…Ah.”

Mesmerized, I followed his movements until I snapped back to reality.

“As promised, I came to repay the borrowed money. I’m sorry for giving and then taking back, but I think the gift is a bit premature. I’ll give him to you when the time is right.”

I knew he was tall, but I hadn’t realized the difference was this significant.

Standing a step away from me, Lowell exuded an overwhelming aura even when he was still.

I understood now that not just anyone could be emperor. I wished he would just leave, but I’d forgotten that he wasn’t a man who conformed to my wishes.

“I was just about to mention that. What should we do? Interest has accrued, Miniel.” Lowell asked, his expression not at all troubled. His languid voice sounded particularly provocative today.

He tossed his shirt onto the floor, revealing his physique. Was this the second time I’d seen him shirtless? The first time, I had just been transported into this body, so I could only take a cursory glance. I knew he had an impressive physique, but I never imagined it would be to this extent.

Lowell’s body, once again before me, was breathtakingly sensual. Even the scars etched onto his skin only served to accentuate his raw masculinity.

Lowell was skilled with a sword, so those scars were likely from sword practice.

However, among the marks on Lowell’s body, one stood out. He raised his arm, and I recognized it instantly.

“I was bitten.”

Deep teeth marks.

Lowell, as if boasting, presented the arm Helion had bitten.