I Became the Emperor’s Sleeping Pill - Chapter 14

Schedule: Tuesday and Friday

“Delicious?” Theor asked, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at Lysei. Lysei returned the smile, amused by his curious expression.

“About twenty times better than that leech blood wine?”

“Haha.”

Theor laughed heartily. His smile was incredibly charming. Of course, this man looked handsome whether he was smiling or not.

‘Though, he can’t compare to the Emperor, who’s silently staring at me right now.’

“This Nyxna is interesting, isn’t she?” Theor said, glancing at Edin. One of Edin’s eyebrows arched upwards.

“Leave.”

“Huh?”

Theor’s face was etched with bewilderment, clearly not expecting Edin’s curt dismissal.

‘Judging by that reaction, these two weren’t just playing a little prank. They must have been up to their nasty, bullying antics all night. Of course, there was no mention of that in the original story, but the Emperor and the Duke seemed to have similar tastes and maintained an equal footing, enough to fight over the female lead.’

“Leave already? Really?”

Theor was genuinely taken aback by Edin’s attempt to dismiss him before they’d even begun.

‘Usually, when a new Nyxna arrives, Edin takes the first experience. Then, with the Nyxna’s consent, the following day, he either watches me take my turn, or if he’s particularly pleased, the three of us partake. Naturally, no Nyxna has ever refused us, so I assumed today would be similar. Moreover, this Nyxna seemed amenable to the latter option, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for the three of us. But now Edin’s suddenly trying to send me away. It’s baffling.’

“Why? Isn’t a drinking party more enjoyable with more people?”

‘Moreover, the Nyxna, who should be flustered by my presence, is actually discouraging my departure.’

‘Appearing before others without being properly dressed is a mortifying situation for any Nyxna, or anyone for that matter. Why is she so brazen? And that pose, with her legs crossed to reveal just a sliver of her thigh, as if she’s trying to be seductive… it’s undeniably intriguing. Which Nyxna would dare behave like this in front of the Emperor and a Duke? Edin’s mischievousness and my playful nature have always led us to humiliate every Nyxna who enters the palace in this manner.’

“Since you’re already here, join us, Your Majesty.”

‘But instead of shame, she displays such audacity!’

Theor’s eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Edin felt a surge of irritation as he watched his old friend’s eyes light up with amusement. This woman was still a mystery to him. He didn’t want to share her with anyone, and if possible, he didn’t want anyone else to even lay eyes on her.

That’s why he’d instructed her not to leave his chambers and had intended to prevent Theor’s usual visit. But, d*mn it, the endless stream of noble meetings and the overwhelming workload had made him forget. And now, albeit late, Lysei was suggesting they all drink together, just as he was trying to send Theor away. Infuriating.

Edin’s simmering annoyance unconsciously unleashed his pheromones. The suffocating intensity alerted Theor that he was no longer welcome.

Lysei, too, noticed the shift in Edin’s mood. The pleasant, refreshing scent had become chillingly sharp and heavy.

‘The heroine in the original story always discerned the male leads’ moods through their pheromones.’

“It seems today isn’t the day. I’ll see you again, Nyxna. We’ll exchange names then.”

“Yes.”

Lysei nodded, taking a long sip of wine, though she already knew his name.

Theor rose, addressing Edin, whose irritation was still palpable in the air.

“Make time for me later. We need to talk.”

“Fine.”

Edin nodded, flicking his hand dismissively as if to hurry Theor along.

Lysei watched Theor’s retreating figure as he headed towards the door, idly swirling her wine.

“So, more the merrier?”

Edin had moved to stand before her, his arms braced on either side of her on the sofa, caging her in as he looked down, his voice a low growl.

Slightly tipsy from the wine, Lysei gazed up at him, her mind wandering with frivolous thoughts.

‘He has a nice jawline, too.’

“Answer me. Did you say more the merrier?”

“When drinking…yes?”

“Even in this one’s company?”

“So, when drinking…”

“You dislike being alone with this one?”

“No, it’s just…”

“Do you prefer Theor?”

“No, that… What?”

Lysei’s face crumpled in bewildered confusion.

‘How did “more the merrier when drinking” translate to “I prefer Theor”?’

Judging by his intensely serious expression and the still suffocatingly heavy, icy pheromones, he seemed quite upset that she’d prevented Theor’s departure.

‘The fact that she hadn’t reacted with the expected fluster or tears, ruining their little game of tormenting the innocent Nyxna, probably added fuel to the fire.’

Lysei was dumbfounded.

‘Ha…how am I supposed to civilize this brute?’