Chapter 108.2

I apologize for interrupting, Lady Canilia. His Grace, King Luan wishes to have a conversation, the butler, spoke.

Thats right. Is it alright if I leave for a moment, Mom?

Of course. Ill be with the children.

Once she confirmed her mothers approach to the children, Lia followed Ian into Ians study.

There was something she wanted to ask Luan. To send her mother to Del Casa. She wanted to ask him to make it possible for them to return together.

I have brought her, Your Grace.

Lia entered the second-floor study and approached Ian, who was sitting at his desk, looking serious as he read a note. Ians face brightened with a smile as he greeted her.

Werent you out for a walk with your mother?

She said you wanted to have a conversation.

Well, you seem to have something to say.

Luan raised his graceful lips and stood up, approaching her. Canilia fidgeted with her hands, then clenched them tightly as she looked out the nearby window, eagerly antic.i.p.ating a distinctly different view from Del Casa.

I have a request. Please send my mother to Del Casa.

Its difficult to send an immigrant back. To do that, the warrant would have to be lifted first.

If the warrant is lifted, will you send my mother with me?

Luans chest was suddenly close to her face. With her trapped between his arms, he held onto the window frame, gently tilting his head as his eyes softened.

Then, what will you do for me? Ive been the one at a loss here. Ive done everything for you, and I havent received anything from you.

His hair tickled her nose. Canilia stared intently at Ians face without flinching.

What do I have to give you to satisfy you?

Youre asking a question when you already know the answer. What I want is always just you.

Im not something to be traded recklessly. Please make a different proposal. And I dont have much to offer because I dont have much myself. If you consider my circ.u.mstances

You have nothing, you say. It would anger Duke Ihar to hear that. If you wish, isnt the empire a man I can bring to you?

Of course, that would never happen, but it wasnt entirely untrue, so Lia bit her lip and sank into her thoughts.

Luans grip tightened as he looked down at Canilia. He was pretending to be nonchalant, but his mind was filled with the contents of the note that had just arrived.

Just one kiss will do.

In a moment of unintended sincerity, her widened eyes reflected her surprise.

Once, in the distant past, he had forcefully taken her lips in the empire. She couldnt forget the trembling at that time. Knowing they could never touch again made it all the more urgent.

Sweet, tender, and moist. He couldnt forget the exhilaration that overflowed with the illusion of having her for a moment.

Canilia.

Luan gently brushed her forehead with caution. Just a slight graze of his fingernails against her skin, but it sent s.h.i.+vers down her spine.

I must be crazy.

No, we cant.

Canilias eyes filled with determination. Even her voice had become resolute.

Why not? You said you wanted your mother back.

But I dont want to make someone sad. Ian, werent we friends? Friends who would eat lemon sherbet together. Friends dont kiss each other.

Did he make a mistake in their first encounter? Should he have confessed that he had fallen for her a long time ago?

From the beginning, there was never a friend who would come to eat sherbet together.

Luan sighed deeply and bowed his head, leaning on her shoulder.

Cruel Canilia. I was the first. I loved you before Claude

No, it was Claude who came first, much earlier.

Her voice became moist and reminiscent. She was clearly thinking about that man.

He didnt want to see her blus.h.i.+ng face, thinking about Claude even in front of him. How much time had he wasted before accepting that she belonged to someone else?

Of course, he didnt want to forcibly claim her, but he didnt want to see a woman who had completely fallen for another male in his territory.

Luan decided to momentarily forget the note that had come from Del Casa.

But, earlier, I saw Paulun.

Paulun?

Yes. Didnt he bring a note?

Oh, that bird. His name was Paulun It was just a simple greeting. Duke Ihar was concerned about whether you were eating well and sleeping well. He seemed to have a lot of curiosity.

Lias face brightened at his words. Ian felt a pang of self-loathing as his heart clenched near his chest, burning with intensity.

[An explosion accident occurred at the Valencia Mine. Duke Ihar went into the collapsed mine with rescue personnel, but a second explosion occurred. We request the immediate dispatch of rescue teams to the nearby Geore. If the mine collapses completely, it will cause damage to Duke Sergios territory as well. All personnel from Del Casa are heading to the Valencia Mine, but the cooperation of the Duke is crucial.]

Carso del Anahe. That was the name of the sender of the letter. According to his introduction as the steward of the Ducal House, right now Well, currently, Claude is in Valencia, which is an hour away from here. Moreover, he was buried there in an unknown state, whether alive or not.

After sending Canilia, who knew nothing, Ian summoned his attendants.

Luans gaze was chilling as he looked around at the attendants filling the grand conference room. It made everyone tense as if he were preparing for a war with fervent madness.

Dispatch rescue teams to Valencia Mine immediately. Save Duke Ihar no matter what. And bring him back alive. They may have sent people from their side as well, but we are closer. Through this deal, I will make an offer they cant refuse. So make sure to rescue and bring him back. Understood?