Lewd Courtship - Chapter 5

Rachel smirked slyly as she looked at herself in the mirror. Even though her preparations weren’t yet complete, she was quite satisfied with her appearance. Her fair and luminous skin, gently curved eyes that gave her a soft impression, her small yet well-defined nose, and pink lips all came together in perfect harmony.

With only a hint of exaggeration, she was beautiful enough to say that no man could resist her if she set her mind to it. In truth, so many men were already throwing themselves at her that it had become a nuisance. Brimming with confidence, Rachel spoke in a bold tone.

“Maria, how old is the Emperor?”
“I heard he’s twenty-eight.”
“Twenty-eight?”
“Yes.”
“…If I remember correctly, the Empress seat is still vacant. No concubines either.”
“You remember correctly, Your Highness.”
“Oh… hmm… I see.”

“Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will never be defeated”—

With that principle in mind, Rachel sought out some basic information before making her move. But the Emperor’s age was unexpected.

Wasn’t it typical for members of royalty to be married before their mid-twenties?

And yet, the Emperor was already twenty-eight. Rachel began to reason through things logically. Rather than focusing on how to seduce him, she first needed to consider why a man of that age, unmarried and without even a political marriage, would bother coming to Porhen.

It was unfortunate to admit as a princess, but the truth was that Porhen had no particular strengths. Its location was too middling to become a strategic hub, it had no rare resources like iron, and it wasn’t known for academic advancement.

For an emperor who was a workaholic and placed importance on practicality, there was no real reason to visit a kingdom like Porhen—especially not in such a discreet and sudden manner.

“Is he here to demand tribute or something? No, if that were the case, he wouldn’t need to come in person.”

As Rachel pondered the Emperor’s intentions, she continued her preparations. As if to honor her father’s gift, she perfectly pulled off the pure white dress and hurried off for the morning greeting.

Inside the audience chamber, the King of Porhen sat in a chair by the tea table, wearing a kindly smile.

Rachel stood before him and offered a respectful bow.

“You may lift your head, Rahel.”

The king greeted her by using her nickname, and Rachel straightened her posture, responding with warmth.

“Father, the dress you sent is so beautiful. Thank you.”

As she spun once in place, showing it off, a look of pride softened the king’s face.

“It’s the dress that flatters you—if only your conduct were as lovely, I’d have no further wishes,” he said.

The warm atmosphere dimmed slightly. Rachel met her father’s now-stern gaze, her eyes flicking thoughtfully.

In Porhen’s sexually liberal culture, her father did not mind his daughter sleeping with men—in fact, he encouraged a healthy s*x life. What clearly displeased him was that she’d summoned three men while drunk at the banquet.

“Well, Father…”

Rachel trailed off, searching for an excuse. The king merely shrugged no matter what, this doting father could not bring himself to be harsh with his beloved youngest daughter.

“Just be more careful next time. Are you all right?” “Yes, Father. Thanks to your care, I’m always healthy,” Rachel replied with a playful smile. Her obvious flattery melted the tension entirely. The king, indicating the chair opposite him, seemed ready to let the matter drop.

“Go ahead and sit.”
“Yes, Father.”

Rachel seated herself with grace. The chief chamberlain, standing at the doorway, approached and placed a teacup on the table.