Seeing that the Pope and David were already in the Imperial Palace. Evelyn was both anxious and wary.

Fabian strengthened the guard in the Empress Palace, and he reduced the number of residents as much as possible. He wanted to make sure the Palace was secure by having only trustworthy people in it.

Is this the holy water you said before? Evelyn looked down at the liquid in the basin and asked her. Unless she was a fool, she couldnt have trusted and used what was given by the Vatican.

Yes, they sent it to the entire Imperial Palace to share Gods blessings. Nora said carefully.

Its not a blessing, its a curse.

Dont mind it, Princess. Nora was a prudent person. She smiled gently as Evelyn asked her thoughts with her eyes.

Watertheres a simple way to deal with it.

Soon, the same smile appeared on Evelyns lips. The water in the basin would be just plain water in the Empress Palace.

Wheres the real holy water? Evelyn asked curiously.

As soon as Lily brought it, I took it and threw it into the sewer.

Well done. Evelyn praised Nora greatly.

Nora was the epitome of a noblewoman who had a bold impression behind her calmness. Even though it was just plain water that had no effect, she didnt want to see whatever the Vatican had given her.

Later, everything that will given by the Vatican, please handle it the same way.

Yes, I will. Nora nodded solemnly. She became stronger whenever she remembered Adrian, who was attacked by a demon. She was also the person Evelyn needed right now.

What about Lily? Youve to tell her to do it too.

I will, since shes also serve the Princess, she has the same hearts. Rather, the problem is..shes too motivated Nora smiled vaguely.

When Lily returned to be the Empresss maid, she was very excited and full of motivation. It would be nice if her passion could help Evelyn.

Lily is a smart and stubborn kid.

Yes, I know her well.

Evelyn felt at ease when she saw Nora. It was a big difference from the past that now she had someone to trust.

And well be more confident with the presence of the King and Queen of the Felice Kingdom who will arrive soon. Nora said warm words as if she had read Evelyns mind.

When Evelyn recalled her parents rising spirits, her worries seemed to disappear.

If Arthurs powerful love was here, even the demon king wasnt able to hurt Adrian.

Oh Nora, how about Rebecca?

She went to see Duke Akshire. She complained, but she left anyway because maybe Duke Akshire has some important information.

Yes, otherwise, they wont look for each other. Evelyn agreed immediately. A brother seemed to be someone you didnt want to meet unless it was necessary.

The Prince is sleeping after Sir Philips examination.

Im glad hes not having trouble sleeping lately. But just in case, Nora, please stay by his side.

What about you, Princess? asked Nora.

After a brief thought, Evelyn smiled faintly. Im thinking of going to see His Majesty.

Nora was a little surprised at that, but she nodded quickly. Thats a good idea.

Really? Evelyn was still a little uncertain. But Nora gently moved her shoulders, Yes, Im sure youll be happy.

No, I just Im going to ask him about whats going on. His Majesty is a busy person, so I feel bad that I just keep waiting for him and hes the one who always comes here all the time

Evelyn looked embarrassed; her words went on for no reason. But Nora decided to close her eyes, pretending not to see the lovely intention clearly showing on her face. Even now, Evelyns cheeks were still blushing.

Thats a good idea in many ways.

Evelyns face reddened, Thatis that right?

Yes, take Lily with you. I will be with the Prince.

When Nora did push her back, Evelyn complied.

After that, Lily led her way, displaying a high-class Empress maids striking and elegant posture.

Now, everywhere Evelyn went, Lily showed more gracious courtesy and manners than when she was an Empress in the past.

***

is this my first time?

Princess, what did you say? Lily looked back when Evelyn muttered alone in the empty corridor.

Just Lily, back then, when I was still the Empress, have I ever met His Majesty first like this?

Lily tilted her head as she had no recollection of it, Ive never been here.

Then, it must be the first time. Evelyn said calmly as she watched the sunshine pouring down the corridor.

The Inner Palace had a building structure that was interconnected from one place to another.

From the Empresss Palace, If they walked down this long corridor made of marble, they would be able to arrive at the Emperors residence.

It wasnt surprising because the Inner Palace was the residence of Imperials couple to stay. So, when the Emperor came to the Empress palace, he had to go through this corridor.

This is my first time walking down this corridor.

Theres a new feeling, like a bird; one step felt like a miracle.

The sunlit marble corridor twinkled as if welcomed Evelyns steps. In the past, she thought it was a cold and scary path. But when she looked back, it was a stupid thought.

This corridor Its longer than I thought. she said. Evelyn, in the past, never attempted to meet Fabian first.

Is that so? asked Lily.

Yes, its a very long way.

Evelyn looked at the end of the corridor. It was like her relationship with Fabian back then, so long and far away.

But now I dont think so. Lily glanced at Evelyn with a strange grin.

As Evelyn turned back slowly, Fabian was seen leaning on the other side of the corridor.

Lily, you You and Nora.

Pardon? I dont know, Princess. Just a coincidence, His Majesty is here. Lily, who had a sheepish smile, quickly bowed and left Evelyn, who was embarrassed.

Evelyn couldnt move back or move forward as Fabian approached her.

As fast as possible, Fabian walked over without hesitation, and soon he came before Evelyn.

Its our first time meeting here. Its a trivial greeting, but Fabians voice sounded very pleased.

I know. Evelyn was ashamed to see Fabian without reason. Her face felt hot as she imagined Nora and Lily planning all this and called Fabian.

That dont blame your maids, its not their fault. Fabian grabbed Evelyn by the wrist. At that moment, Evelyn forgot what she was going to say.

Im the one who asked them to bring you here. He said.

What? Evelyn looked astonished.

Your maids did it at my request.

Evelyns eyes grew round. It felt odd and extraordinary to know that Fabian really cared about little things like this.

Yesterday, I felt it on my way to your Palace Fabian walked slowly, holding her hand. Evelyn also walked slowly along with him.

I felt very happy walking through this corridor.

The blinding sun was shining everywhere; their feet touched.

But its regrettable, you dont walk in this corridor like I did.

Thats right. I didnt know its such a beautiful path. said Evelyn softly.

Actually, I havent paid much attention to it all this time, I was always in a hurry and didnt have time to look around this corridor.

Fabian always passed through this corridor every time he went to her Palace. He was an Emperor who lived by dividing his time into minutes and seconds. So Fabian kept thinking Evelyn had waited for him, so he always walked in a rush.

I just went on like a fool without seeing the season or scenery. said Fabian, looking back to the past.

Back then and even now, his feelings for Evelyn were still the same. And he always wanted to do his best for her.

Yet, Fabians own feelings couldnt be passed on to her. Both of them didnt know a simple fact that the couple had to face each other.

Its the same for me, I was foolish, too. murmured Evelyn.

They just needed to walk in this corridor and visit each other, but why couldnt they do that once but stayed away instead?

Maybe the two of us are a little alike.

Is that so? Fabians low voice sounded so sweet.

Maybe before, we hesitated for useless things and chose to stay away from each other.

It wasnt your fault. He cut it firmly.

No. Argued Evelyn as she kept walking. Fabian couldnt let go of her hand this time and stepped behind her.

It was our fault. Evelyns smile looked relieved. Its a matter of two people. It was a problem between your Majesty and me.

Suddenly Evelyn saw Fabians figure clearly visible as if the fog had disappeared.

Fabian furrowed his brows slightly, either because he felt Evelyns gaze or because the sun was too bright.

It was his cold and stiff face, which Evelyn used to fear. But it was just for a moment because Fabians eyes were looking back at Evelyn again with affection.

Your Majesty didnt understand me and I misunderstood you.

Poor reminiscences still lingered in her mind. The despair and regret Evelyn felt in her previous life were still frozen in a tiny corner of her memory.

Fabians eyes and his voice that was always cold still remained in Evelyns remembrance.

Why did I blame and resent you so much? When I didnt have to. Evelyn regretted.

It was my fault. Everything happened because I was unskillful expressing my feelings and too indifferent.

Fabians face was slightly shaded after he said so. And Evelyn didnt want to see him that way.

Its all right. Now I know its a part of Your Majesty.

Not all; it was only a part of him. Evelyn was no longer dreaming of the perfect husband. Since theres no such thing in this world.

I dont want to think that you know everything or think that you dont know everything about me anymore.

That meansI really dont know about you. sighed Fabian.

Evelyn, who saw his nervous expression, smiled unknowingly.

When Fabian saw her gentle smile, a sense of relief was set in his black eyes.

Its easy. Hmm we just need to know what we dont know about each other. Dont judge by yourself, but lets think about it together.

Perhaps, the meaning of marriage was simple from the beginning. But they made it complicated themselves.

Right. Fabian held Evelyns hand more tightly in case this precious moment would fly away.

It was just sad and heartbreaking to think about the long way they had to go through for came back to each other.

But, dont regret it. Evelyns voice rang boldly. Then a faint smile appeared on Fabians lips, ..I understand what you mean.

He said it in a relaxed way. Then, while holding Evelyns hand, Fabian suddenly tilted her upper body slightly.

Your Majesty?

Fabians warm breath grazed her cheeks and made them glowed in red blush.

There was something I didnt know before.

The gap between them was really close now.

More than when we first metwhy do I want to kiss you more now?

At the moment, Evelyn seemed to forget how to breathe properly.

Is it just me?

His hot breath grazed Evelyns face. Right now, Fabian looked like a different person.

Or, is it the same for you?

He almost touched her lips every time he said a word.

I want to find out from now on.

Only

Evelyn trembled softly as their lips nearly overlapped with each other.

Can I do that?

As Fabian whispered fondly, his friendly question tickled Evelyns cheeks.

When Evelyn barely opened her lips to answer his question, Fabians lips immediately sealed her mouth.

Their lips were tangled with gentleness. Soft, carefully spread their warmth and sweet sensation.

It was a passionate kiss with the feeling of love.

Perhaps, Evelyns answer was also the same with him