Lewd Courtship - Chapter 65

She lay back on the bed with a deep exhale, pulling the thin summer quilt up to her chin. Freeing her wrists from the covers, she carefully examined the red marks. They were darker than she’d expected she’d have to keep them hidden for a while.

Suddenly, the memory of that man, the one who had tended to her wounds—resurfaced once again. Along with it came the image of his expression when he’d pushed her away, seemingly disgusted by her nature. A new worry sprouted: what if Kyle really did spread rumors about her tendencies?

He’s a loyal knight—he wouldn’t… but still, what if?

Anxious, Rachel let out a faint, bitter laugh. If a scandal really broke, she might even become famously notorious across the continent for her… appetites.

Wow, I must be losing my mind.

Even in her absurd musings, that man refused to leave her thoughts. Feeling utterly defeated, Rachel closed her eyes.

Feeling utterly defeated, Rachel pulled the quilt over her head, burying her face in the pillow. She shook her head back and forth, wishing she could just faint on the spot, and squeezed her eyes shut.

***

It was the tenth day of Killian’s stay in Porhen, and lunchtime had arrived.

Seated loosely in his chair, his head dipped slightly forward. A few strands of black hair slipped across his forehead with the motion. The stray locks tickled his cheek, but Killian didn’t open his eyes.

Though he often napped, he had never fallen this deeply asleep before. It was understandable—he hadn’t slept properly for two consecutive nights. The faint scent of cooled black tea lingered in the room, and the lazy midday atmosphere was abruptly broken by a knock at the door.

“…Enter.”

Killian opened his eyes slowly and straightened up. The door opened to reveal the imperial physician.

“I have returned, Your Majesty.”

Carrying a thick book, the physician stopped before the desk. After a slight bow, he set the book down and began his report calmly.

“The palace library is quite extensive. I searched every corner, but this is the only book I could find on Semensty”

Killian picked up the book without a word, flipping open the thick cover and scanning the table of contents. Habitat, etymology, folklore, blooming season—nowhere could he find the information he sought. His eyebrow arched slightly.

“Did the physicians of Porhen lie?”

The imperial physician quickly continued.

“I suspected as much, so I also spoke with the head librarian. Though he wouldn’t elaborate, he mentioned that materials related to Semensty are kept separately in the royal private archives.”

“The royal archives?”

“Yes. It’s a repository within the library accessible only to royalty. Non-royals must obtain permission from the king to enter.”

Royalty. The word brought to mind a face he had tried hard to suppress. Half the reason he had decided to investigate Semensty in the first place was because of her.

Killian blinked once, casually brushing aside the lingering image. He opened a desk drawer and retrieved a sheet of stiff paper. Taking a quill, he began writing in elegant script:

[The Sementsty tea gifted by the king suited my taste. Before returning to my homeland, I wish to learn more about it. Would you grant me access to the royal private archives?]

After finishing the note, Killian stamped the emperor’s seal in the corner. He slipped it roughly into an envelope, sealed it, and handed it to the physician.

“Deliver this to the king.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The imperial physician bowed and quickly exited, leaving the room in silence once more.

Killian’s eyes began to close again. In the air where the faint scent of black tea had now faded, he drifted back into sleep.

“…Ha.”

A familiar voice tickled his ear.

“Your Majesty.”

At the clearer sound, Killian opened his eyes. The imperial physician had already reentered the room and was standing beside him.

Did I really sleep through someone entering…?

Killian felt a twinge of embarrassment. I must force myself to sleep early tonight, he resolved, straightening his posture.

“A reply from the king, Your Majesty.”

The physician promptly presented the sealed letter. As Killian took it, his gaze lingered for a moment on the ornate decoration of the envelope.

“As extravagant as ever.”

Just like the previous hunting tournament invitation framed in gold, this one was studded with small green sapphires—a color unmistakably reminiscent of her eyes, as if the king were proudly flaunting his doting fatherhood.

“Green…”

It was a rare shade of sapphire. A single one could likely cover a commoner’s living expenses for an entire year.

Though he had no particular interest in luxuries, he felt an odd urge to preserve the envelope in his drawer. Carefully, Killian slit open the top and read the contents:

[Good afternoon, Your Majesty. I am delighted to hear that the humble tea I gifted has pleased you. I am sending along an access pass to the royal private archives, as well as an attendant. I have instructed them to guide you, so please feel free to explore at your leisure.]

Before Killian could finish reading, the imperial physician added:

“The attendant is waiting outside.”

“We’ll go now.”