Chapter 36
“Yes?”
“Would you like to take Rahel?”
“What?”
“If you didn’t hear me, never mind.”
Rachel teased him a little, annoyed by his aloofness. When Killian raised an eyebrow in response, she gave him a shy smile.
“I was joking. You’ll take her, right? Our Rahel is really smart, gentle, and has a great appetite.”
Like a proud mother boasting about her child, Rachel listed off Rahel’s good traits. Watching her, Killian fell into thought.
A bribe? A real gift…?
Having become Emperor, Killian had grown used to dealing with bribes and all sorts of solicitations. So when she offered her cherished horse, he couldn’t help but suspect she had some ulterior motive.
However, the way she continued praising Rahel felt so genuine that he relaxed the brow he had lifted.
“Just because you’re giving her to me doesn’t mean I’ll do anything in return.”
“Did Your Majesty think I was giving you Rahel because I wanted something from you?”
Rachel burst into cheerful laughter.
“Really now, how disappointing. You see me as such a materialistic person. Your Majesty doesn’t have to do anything at all. It’s just… she’s pitiful, you know? Born a fine horse, but stuck inside all the time because she met the wrong master.”
“…….”
“There’s no point in her staying here as nothing more than decoration, so wouldn’t it be better for her to be with someone who understands her worth?”
“The worth of a horse…”
Killian murmured in a low voice, but Rachel abruptly cut him off. Her inherently serious personality made her averse to sappy or sentimental atmospheres.
“Ah, please don’t take it too seriously. You can say no if you don’t want her. Of course, I doubt His Majesty would try to force anything.”
To lighten the mood, Rachel reached her arm through the bars. Rahel immediately came over and stuck her head out. Rachel gently stroked her white mane like usual.
Killian blankly watched the scene. Judging by her actions alone, it seemed she was quite fond of the horse. That she would gift such a fine steed felt unusual. Her words and actions were full of oddities today.
‘A strange woman, indeed.’
Killian redefined Rachel. Though the gift came from a strange woman, he saw no reason to refuse such an exceptional horse. Still, accepting a gift with no strings attached might bring trouble, so he decided to give something in return.
“In exchange for receiving Rahel, may I teach you horseback riding?”
“Huh?”
At the unexpected suggestion, Rachel blinked. Her eyes, briefly hidden beneath her eyelids, revealed a flicker of confusion as they reappeared. Killian, watching her closely, tilted his head slightly.
“Why are you so surprised?”
“Because Your Majesty said it so suddenly, of course I’m surprised.”
“It’s merely a token of appreciation for your gift. If you dislike the idea, I won’t force you.”
“No, I didn’t say I disliked it. I’d like that.”
Rachel accepted it right away. Of course, she didn’t actually think she’d be able to learn horseback riding now, especially since she hadn’t managed to pick it up even after trying as a child.
But thanks to his suggestion, she now had a brilliant plan. If she pretended to learn while pressing her body close to his, she might just be able to recreate what happened in her dream that morning.
‘Perfect! Push him down!’
Rachel smiled slyly, her mind full of skin-colored fantasies.
To pull off pretending to learn horseback riding, she first needed to wear something lighter. After all, men were creatures easily swayed by sight.
“I don’t have a proper riding outfit. Is it okay if I just wear something casual?”
“Whatever you like.”
Killian assumed she would go change her clothes. But when he saw what she did next, he instinctively shut his eyes tightly
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