Lewd Courtship - Chapter 45

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It was yet another fine day for a walk in the royal palace.
Killian strolled under the gentle sunlight, and beside him, Rachel was guiding him past the palace buildings.

Rachel chattered on as she walked.

“This part I’ve already explained, so now it’s time for the Knights’ building.”

“That was the arched structure built 679 years ago, wasn’t it?”

“Oh, Your Majesty remembers well.”

“It’s basic.”

Killian answered flatly, taking the chance to show off his memory. Rachel, looking up at him, curved her lips into a small smile. The way the corners of her mouth lifted was as innocent as a child about to play a prank.

“I have something I’m good at too. Guess what it is.”

“Something you’re good at… Archery?”

Killian lowered his head slightly to meet Rachel’s gaze. She smiled even wider and wagged her fingers to either side.

“Wrong! Of course, my archery skills are exceptional, but I’m even better at something else.”

“Hm…”

Killian thought back on the things he had seen and heard from her over the past few days. Plenty of trivial things came to mind, but none he’d truly call a skill. Still, if he had to name one, she was very good at kissing.

Of course, that probably isn’t the answer.

Suddenly, he found himself wondering what her reaction would be if he said “kissing” right here.

Would she show that animalistic expression again, aroused and unrestrained?

Or would she recoil in disgust and call him a pervert?

She was unpredictable enough that “kissing” really could be the answer.

…Honestly.

The fact that he was even thinking this meant he must have gotten somewhat used to her eccentricities.

Killian tore his gaze away from Rachel.

Meaningless exchanges like this weren’t the sort of thing that suited him.

“Is it something so impressive that I should keep asking until I guess it right?”

Rachel’s eyebrows furrowed sharply, her once-innocent tone turning suddenly sharp.

“Ah, Your Majesty really… You don’t have any friends, do you?”

“…I am the Emperor. It’s only natural that I have no friends.”

“That does seem to be the case.”

Annoyed, Rachel closed her mouth. Killian’s expression also hardened, and he continued walking in silence.

In the uneasy quiet, they arrived at the front gates of the knights’ building.

From inside came a loud, energetic cheer, making Killian’s ears perk up.

He wanted to see the kingdom’s knights for himself.

But even as an Emperor, he couldn’t be the one to ask to see another nation’s knights first in fact, because he was an Emperor, it was the sort of request he absolutely shouldn’t make.

Feeling a twinge of regret, Killian subtly slowed his pace.

Rachel, who had walked ahead, turned to glance back at him.
When their eyes met, she gave a knowing little smirk, as if to say she’d expected this.

“If you’d guessed what I’m good at, I was going to reward you with a tour of the knights’ order. Too bad.”

“…A reward?”

“Yes, a reward.”

Her tone, when she mentioned the reward, carried a hint of mischief, and her chin was tilted upward in a show of confidence.

That brazen attitude brought to mind a certain moment when the two of them had exchanged a “reward” before.

Killian eased his stiff expression and clicked his tongue. It seemed winning against her in this kind of wordplay would be difficult.

“I’ve found one thing you’re good at.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“Wordplay.”

“…”

“It’s a compliment.”

When Rachel pursed her lips in displeasure, Killian quickly added that it was meant as praise.

She narrowed her eyes at him, studying his face, then shrugged and relaxed her gaze.

In truth, she had planned to give him a tour from the moment she first teased him.

He could be a little irritating, but since he’d at least offered something that sounded like a compliment, she decided to let it slide.

And more than anything, she figured the knights’ tour would be far more interesting than this tedious palace orientation.

“Your Majesty’s compliment has moved me—so I have no choice but to give you the tour. They’re practicing spear drills right now, so it should be fun to watch.”

“Spear drills, hm. I’m looking forward to it.”

“It’s an honor that you’re looking forward to it, Your Majesty. Let’s go.”

Rachel turned her steps toward the knights’ compound. Killian walked alongside her and then realized something unexpected.

Ordinarily, a princess wouldn’t know the training schedule of the knights. Perhaps Porhen’s military system worked differently? The thought stirred his curiosity.

“Princess.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Does Porhen share the knights’ training schedule with its princess?”

“No. Isn’t it the same in the Empire?”

“Normally, no. But I asked because you seemed to know. Are you very interested in the knights?”

“I am interested, but… more than that, one of my escort knights is the spear instructor. He often disappears for two or three days for training. He told me today was the last day of their drills.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Yes. And—there he is.”