She was just kidding, but Arnold looked serious. Realizing this, Rishe was more flustered.

Uh-h, are you sure?! Its hard to remove them, though, and youll get color on your nails and all that!

Whats the problem with that?

.!

Rishe was surprised to hear such a retort with a straight face.

Arnold wasnt wearing any kind of ring or earring, and he didnt seem to be interested in accessories either. It was for this reason that she thought hed be reluctant to have his nails painted.

Maybe, hes more flexible than I thought. Or perhaps, hes not so particular?

That was probably the most likely line. Since he has such a stunning appearance, he probably just didnt need to dress up normally.

With that thought in mind, Rishe convinced herself.

If he was willing to promote for men, nothing could be more reassuring. She was torn, though, as to whether or not she should to let Emperor Arnold Hein be a publicist.

In that case, wed love to have you. Your Highness would be a great ambassador for us.

I dont know about that. Well, suit yourself.

Thank you!

Rishe quickly picked up her tools and asked Arnold to help her.

Then disinfect your hands while I prepare the base solution. Could you take off your gloves, please?

Okay.

Arnold nodded and removed the black glove he was wearing from his left hand.

As she was about to pass the disinfectant to him, Rishes gaze was suddenly drawn to his hand.

Arnolds hand was so beautiful.

Overall, his hands were large. His fingers were long and well-proportioned and stringy around the instep. The bone lines and blood vessels like knots stood out, akin to a sculpture.

sSme parts of his skin were hardened because he wielded a sword on a daily basis.

However, his martial ruggedness proved that he was indeed a flesh-and-blood human being, not a handmade work of art.

His face is unparallelled, but so is the rest of him. Hes so smart and has amazing swordsmanship. How should I put it, its outrageous?

This was the hand that took the pen in the office to save the people.

Then again, it was also the hand that wielded the sword on the battlefield to kill the enemy.

The former Rishe was pierced through her own heart by that sword.

Seems like a long time ago. But it feels so recent

Shes been looking at Arnolds hand absentmindedly like that, but was suddenly jolted.

It was terrible how she just realized a fact.

Wait. Isnt it that in order to apply nail polish to His Highness fingernails, I have to touch his hands all throughout?

She realized that and paled.

It was only natural when you think about it. At least for Rishe, it was impossible to paint someone elses nails without fixing them with her own hands.

Yes, but Im going to be touching this hand! No, dont make it so complicated. This is a necessary part of the treatment, and it cant be helped!

Whats wrong?

Nothing, Im just trying to figure out what color to paint! But first, Ill prepare the primer for you, so please wait!

It wasnt that she had forgotten about it. She rushed making the preparations whilst lecturing herself to calm down.

That aside, this should be nothing! So why are you upset about it?! Because this is the hand of the man who killed you!

Anyway, she has to be calm. She was rushing to mix the solution quickly, when Arnold suddenly spoke.

What did he say?

Ill never get tired looking at your hands.

Pardon?!

What was he suddenly saying at a time like this?

Rishe was terribly confused, as if he could see right through her. But Arnold continued on without a care in the world.

They move quickly and smoothly. There is no hesitation when theyre at work; its a pleasure to watch.

T-Thank you

Arent you going to paint your nails with anything? I think theyll look good on you.

No, Im busy and its okay!

She couldnt use hard-to-remove nail polish in case she needed disguise. She would have omitted that part and explained it too crudely, but Arnold didnt pursue the matter.

Mo, when it comes down to this

She wanted to hurry up and paint his nails before he could say something more heart pounding. Determined to do so, Rishe enthused.

Your highness! Then lend me your right hand!

Here.

!!

Arnold extended his hand before her eyes.

Rishe quailed though she convinced herself that there was nothing to it. She couldnt help but hesitate to touch the pretty hand now that the time was at hand.

Im sorry, Your Highness

She couldnt do it.

After turning around and hiding her face, Rishe said in a mosquito buzzing voice.

Ill take a rain check on this.

Huh?

I really appreciate the offer, Your Highness. One of these days Uhm, when I develop a color that better suits Your Highness! Ill be back then, I appreciate your help!

She hurriedly kept her tools away as she made excuses. Arnold seemed to have agreed and began to put on his gloves, saying, I see.

Phew. He shouldnt have found it strange

She let out a sigh of relief. Rishe was completely caught off guard and looked straight at Arnold.

Then immediately regretted it.

Because Arnold had a terribly despicable grin on his well-groomed face.

I dont mind as long as you touch me.

Words failed her.

Arnold seemed satisfied for some reason, and stood up. Its time to get back to my office.

What was that all about!

Rishe was awfully frustrated because he could see through her own inexplicable emotions.