Lewd Courtship - Chapter 9

Killian was abstaining from all official events for the sake of rest.

He ignored every invitation, but it was difficult to refuse the evening banquet where all the royalty would gather. With the banquet about to begin, he hurriedly dressed in formal attire.

“Hm, the dosage is reduced… but the mixture’s different.”

In contrast to the busy Killian, the imperial physician was leisurely examining the new medicine. After completing toxicity tests, he handed the pill to Killian.

“Your Majesty, it can be taken regardless of meals. Would you like to take it now?”
“Let’s do that.”

The previous medicine had taken effect about three to four hours after ingestion. Since the banquet would last around two hours, the physician’s suggestion was well timed. He could finish the meal, return, and then have time to himself.

Killian placed the larger-than-before pill into his mouth. He swallowed it with water and motioned toward the outside.

The hallway was all set, and a royal attendant from the kingdom was waiting outside, so it was time to leave.

“Since I’m ready, let’s go.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Following the attendant’s lead, Killian looked around the royal palace. Chandeliers adorned with dangling crystals were flaunting their presence throughout the halls. The floors were finished entirely in marble, beautifully reflecting the light from the chandeliers. The sapphire-decorated walls were luxurious, and even the guide attendant’s attire was tailored from the finest fabric.

‘The country really is wealthy…’

Other than its s****l culture, there wasn’t much that stood out about this kingdom—so how could it be so affluent? It didn’t seem like the people were being exploited either.

Curious about the king’s political acumen, Killian continued walking. Before long, they arrived at the banquet hall, where Porhen’s royal family was gathered. They stood from their seats to greet the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, thank you for attending the banquet.”
“Thank you for inviting me to this meal.”

After exchanging simple greetings, Killian took the seat of honor. The Porhen royals also sat in their respective seats. Glancing briefly at them, Killian then turned his gaze toward the pitcher the attendant was bringing.

As the pitcher tilted, a pale pink liquid filled the cup. Since there was no scent of alcohol, it didn’t seem to be liquor. While he was wondering what kind of drink it might be, the king spoke to him.

“It’s a pre-meal tea made from herbs that grow only in our kingdom. It aids with circulation, so we drink it often.”

“Ah, it’s my first time seeing this kind. It’s quite interesting. It’s rare to find a tea with such a pale pink color.”
“That must be because we don’t export it. If it suits your taste, I’ll send you some as a gift when you return to the Empire.”
“As it’s the king’s kindness, I will gratefully accept.”

Killian only lifted the corners of his lips in a smile and took a sip of the tea. It was slightly bitter at first, but it ended with a sweet aftertaste. Not bad, but it wasn’t to his liking.

Thinking he wouldn’t drink it even if it were gifted to him, Killian turned his attention to enjoying the banquet. From the modestly sized entrée to the soup and main course, everything was delicious. Perhaps it was because it was his first proper meal in days—it was quite satisfying.

“Is the meal to your liking?”
“It’s very good. I particularly like this sauce.”
“I’m glad to hear that. The head chef put a bit of extra effort into it, haha…”

The king laughed warmly. Killian saw the same kind and gentle smile he remembered from before and reached for his knife. Just as he was about to cut into the next main dish—a steak—his hand, which held the knife, suddenly began to tremble.

‘Poison…?!’

There was no reason for his hand to be shaking like this, so Killian immediately suspected poison. Still, he kept his expression neutral and casually looked around. Everyone else at the banquet appeared to be eating peacefully.

‘Is it only me?’

Puzzled, he looked down at his hand—only for the trembling to stop as if it had been a lie. At the same time, his breathing quickened, and blood rushed to his lower half.

‘Ah, this is…’