Since Ive been summoned in Your Highness name, I couldnt ignore it. I didnt expect Your Highness, who is very busy, to come earlier than expected.

Id be crazy to sit around after receiving a response to a letter I dont remember sending.

When she heard his reply, she was convinced.

After receiving Theodores forged letter, Rishe called her handmaid, Elise, and wrote this reply: [I accept your invitation. Then Ill go to the chapel alone at the specified time, 9:30.]

The time she indicated was 30 minutes later than the time Theodore summoned her.

It was right before Rishe left her room that she sent the letter through her maid. She didnt want him to reply too soon and be stopped from going out.

It was nice of you to have come early, thank you. But

Rishe looked at Arnold.

I feel like His Highness Theodore didnt want to be heard speaking ill of him

Whats wrong?

When asked, she was about to shake her head and say it was nothing.

But on second thought, Rishe decided to go for it.

She figured she had to clarify this matter properly.

Why do they say youre a cruel person?

Arnold then lowered his gaze slightly.

Because its true. Ive killed a plethora of people on the battlefield, and Ive done it more than once. Ive done some atrocious things, not once or twice.

I know, but

Rishe still wasnt satisfied with his reply.

I dont need to hear from you such tales that can be heard from others.

So what do you want to know?

Your thoughts.

Not words uttered by a third party.

Right now, she wanted to hear what Arnold had to say himself.

My thoughts?

Yes, Your Highness. I understand that youve earned exemplary merits in the last war. I also know you treated those bandits who attacked our carriage cruelly and heartlessly And yet, you didnt kill them.

At that time, Rishe thought it was probably because the place where they were attacked was another countrys territory.

She thought the Emperor Arnold Hein she knew wouldnt have shown mercy to those bandits.

However, seeing him up close and personal, it was hard to believe that that was the only reason.

Hmph

Gloomy shadows shrouded his blue eyes when he looked up.

It seems Ive been a little too easy on you, havent I?

Arnolds hand reached for her.

And then his right hand, wearing a black glove, stretched out and slowly gripped Rishes neck.

If you want to survive in this castle, youd better get rid of those fancy ideas right now.

Neatly shaped fingers dug into her throat.

Even with the weakest force he was exerting, his large hands could have easily wrung Rishes neck.

I believe in what Ive seen.

You havent even seen me on the battlefield, what are you talking about?

Youve given me so much consideration. That unmistakably is your true self.

Ridiculous.

Arnold sneered with a slight catch in his mocking voice.

I brought you here to use you.

Then, all the more so.

Rishe gently laid her own hand on Arnolds.

Rather than pulling it off her neck, she wrapped it around her neck tighter. This way, would it convey even a little bit of her meaning?

I dont think youre a cruel man, husband-sama (I went for husband rather than Master.)