TOOCM 92

Chapter 92

Reina had resolved to corner him one day, but time slipped mercilessly by.

Kaiden was constantly summoned by the emperor, and Reina herself was dragged around high society.

Exhausted from mingling with new people, she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

Finally, the day arrived when the couple would attend an official event together.

It was the final performance of an opera hosted by the Helio Foundation, followed by a reception.

Reina waited in the box seat with a fluttering heart.

Lily had dressed her more elaborately than usual.

Kaiden had been called to the palace since morning, so she arrived first.

Their assigned seats were excellent—a couple’s box with a single wide sofa.

It was spacious enough for two.

Bored while waiting, Reina idly adjusted her opera glasses.

“Ahem.”

With a cough, Kaiden sat on the sofa. It had been a while since she’d seen him in daylight; she was glad—

“You’re early.”

His voice sounded awkward as he stuck himself to the very edge of the sofa.

Leaving plenty of space and clinging to the corner, Kaiden earned a puzzled look from Reina.

“What are you doing?”

“Hm?”

“Why are you sitting in the corner?”

At her repeated question, Kaiden’s lips twitched.

How could he say that sitting beside her made him tremble too much, that he’d want to kiss her again like last time?

“I like corners.”

He gave a ridiculous excuse and stubbornly kept his spot.

In truth, he wanted nothing more than to wrap an arm around her waist right now.

Watching quietly, Reina murmured,

“Is that so?”

Then, as if it were the most natural thing, she stood and plopped down right next to him.

“!”

Kaiden shrank at the sudden rush of Reina’s scent.

She even leaned against him and asked calmly,

“Why?”

“…Isn’t it cramped?”

“Not at all. It’s perfect for me.”

As Reina played innocent, Kaiden tasted death.

He sat stiffly reciting military codes in his head when Reina said plainly,

“You like the corner, and I want to sit glued to you—so no choice, right?”

“…”

“What should we do? Watch uncomfortably like this? Or sit comfortably close?”

At her determined pale-blue gaze, Kaiden could only surrender.

“…Comfortably close sounds better.”

“Right?”

Reina grinned, took one step back, and patted the seat beside her.

Kaiden looked at her with strange eyes.

Was it his imagination, or had Reina become much bolder than usual?

As he hesitantly moved over, Reina whispered,

“Did you know this opera is based on a novel?”

“Really?”

“It’s by my favorite author…”

As Reina began quietly explaining the original work, Kaiden’s palms sweated.

First of all, they were too close. The narrow, dark, private box made it impossible to relax.

“So the author’s early works…”

While Reina continued, Kaiden, unable to concentrate at all, suddenly stood.

“Bathroom.”

He fled. Reina stared at his retreating back and burst into laughter.

“Pfft. Ahem.”

It felt oddly satisfying.

She had deliberately teased him just now—an indirect protest about him coming home late every night under the pretext of training.

She was also extra mischievous because it had been so long since she’d seen his face.

It was strange. Once she understood her feelings, everything became vivid.

In the past, she would have wilted, thinking he was avoiding her again.

Now, instead of worrying, she only wished he’d hurry back.

Of course, she didn’t mind teasing him a little.

“…Come back soon.”

Reina whispered, looking at the empty seat.

A smile spread across her lips.

Her husband, who could sever a demon’s neck without blinking, was running away just because they were alone—it was too adorable.

But at that moment, Reina had overlooked something.

The real reason he avoided her especially at night.

Nighttime conversations were different from daytime ones.

She had no idea that her husband was exhausting himself nightly at the training ground precisely because he knew this.

Meanwhile, Kaiden, who had bolted to the restroom, clutched his bursting heart.

“Why is she so pretty today of all days?”

Reina, dressed up with Lily’s full effort, was devastatingly beautiful.

Someone already beautiful without trying had been made up—she was lethal.

They say beauty silences you. Lately, whenever Kaiden saw Reina, his throat closed up.

Barely calming down and exiting the restroom, he bumped into someone in the hallway.

At that instant, a faint scent of blood reached him.

It was so faint that only someone sensitive to blood would notice.

He tried to see the person’s face, but the announcement rang out.

“The performance will begin shortly! Please take your seats!”

In the brief distraction, the man had already vanished.

* * *

After the opera, the reception began.

It was a grand party with many familiar faces.

Since it was the couple’s first official appearance together, people approached to greet them one after another.

Only after the greetings subsided did Reina casually murmur,

“Come to think of it, I don’t see Duke Helio and his wife. I heard they’re hosting tonight’s reception.”

Normally, the hosts would enter first to greet guests.

Recalling the commotion around the start of the performance, something seemed off.

Then someone joined their conversation.

“I heard Duke Helio was attacked at the opera house. Fortunately, his life isn’t in danger, but he’ll be bedridden for a while.”

The shocking news was delivered in a gentle, melodic voice.

Reina recognized the speaker and startled.

“Sir Michael?”

“It’s been a while, Lady Reina. Good to see you too, Your Grace.”

Michael greeted Reina with a relaxed smile.

Her suspicions about him had eased after past events, so she welcomed him comfortably.

“Duke Helio attacked? Who would do something so dangerous?”

“Well, isn’t it obvious in the capital? One of his political rivals, no doubt.”

As Michael said, great nobles had many enemies.

Especially the Helio ducal house, head of the aristocratic faction, always faced assassination risks.

Still, it felt strange.

If they really meant to kill him, they wouldn’t attempt it in an open place like the opera house.

It felt deliberately staged for show.

The duke attacked at an event hosted by his own house.

Since it happened in public, it would soon be in the papers.

Kaiden, who had been listening silently, spoke.

“They didn’t intend to kill him, then. It was a warning.”

“Who knows? The assassin might have failed. Who would openly send a warning?”

“Would someone bold enough to act in what is essentially the duke’s territory make such a sloppy mistake?”

Kaiden’s eyes sharpened.

He stared at Michael.

“Everyone here knows Duke Helio proposed many bills opposing the emperor’s faction at the recent noble assembly.”

“Do you think the emperor’s faction is behind it?”

“…Hard to say. Regardless of the mastermind, a proper investigation seems unlikely. It’ll be wrapped up quickly.”

“Is that so?”

Michael feigned innocence. Kaiden wasn’t surprised—he already knew how the game was being played.

From their conversation, Reina also easily guessed.