Chapter 11.2
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Elena was walking around the lively square and crowded plaza, holding hands with the wolf emperor.
“My goodness~ Look there. The imperial couple is walking hand in hand!”
“They look just like young lovers.”
“Aren’t they truly a well-matched pair!”
“I’m so envious~”
Elena’s head naturally lowered in embarrassment from the attention they attracted wherever they went.
“Empress, what’s wrong? Would you like to rest for a while if you’re tired?”
“N-no, I’m fine, Your Majesty.”
“Please don’t push yourself.”
Elena smiled gently as she met his concerned gaze.
“Wow.”
A fountain stood tall in the middle of the square. Inside the fountain, a beautiful mermaid statue caught Elena’s attention.
“Elena?”
“Ah, that mermaid statue is so beautiful.”
“Do you like that mermaid statue?”
“Pardon?”
“If the Empress likes it, I could have one made for your garden as well.”
“Ah…”
Elena felt grateful but also somewhat burdened by the emperor, who wanted to give her anything she showed even the slightest interest in.
“Your Majesty, please don’t try to do everything for me. I feel too indebted.”
She said this, thinking he would continue this behavior otherwise, but Elena was also worried that the emperor might be hurt by her words.
“Um, Your Majesty. Please don’t misunderstand. I just feel like I’m only receiving and… I sincerely feel sorry…”
“Elena.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As her right hand was gently held in his large hand and she met his profound gaze, Elena felt her heart beating intensely again. Above all, she felt she might be drawn into those deep black eyes that were fixed on her.
“I simply want to do everything I can for you. But if these feelings cause you discomfort, I will restrain myself.”
“It’s not that I’m uncomfortable. It’s just… I feel shameless only receiving from Your Majesty, and I have nothing I can give to you.”
“Why do you think you have nothing to give me?”
“Pardon? Well, because I truly don’t…”
Elena felt her breath catch when the emperor’s prominent nose came so close it almost touched the tip of her own. Her body trembled slightly, intoxicated by his scent, he drew near.
“Y-Your Majesty.”
“Loving me as much as I love you. That’s all I want from Elena.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Well then, shall we continue our outing?”
Lucael hummed a tune that naturally came to his lips. He gazed at the infinitely lovable rabbit Empress, who nodded instead of answering verbally. The place where he stopped was the most popular dessert shop in the empire.
“Shall we go in, Empress?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Elena smiled brightly she took Lucael’s arm that he had extended for her, and they entered together.
“That’s His Majesty the Emperor!”
“And beside him is Empress Her Majesty!”
As the imperial couple entered, everyone inside rose from their seats and bowed their heads.
“Ah, please don’t mind us.”
Elena wondered why this kind and caring emperor had gained the reputation of a “Tyrant.”
“Empress, what would you like to eat? Please choose whatever you want.”
“Hmm…”
After some deliberation, Elena chose her favorite macarons, biscuits, and fresh fruit juice to drink.
“Aren’t you having anything, Your Majesty?”
Elena cautiously asked the emperor seated across from her at the table.
“I don’t particularly like sweet foods.”
“What?! Then because of me…”
“My, why would you think that? I simply wanted my lovely Empress to taste the most delicious desserts in this empire.”
“Th-thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Now, please enjoy.”
“Yes!”
Lucael couldn’t take his eyes off Elena as she picked up the desserts from the plate with both her small hands.
‘How cute she is. So cute I could just eat her up. My Eli.’
‘The dessert is truly delicious, but…’
Elena found his steady gaze somewhat burdensome, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask him to stop looking at her.
“Oh my! What a coincidence!”
“!”
Turning toward the familiar voice, Elena saw Ramie standing arm in arm with her fiancé.
“I never expected to meet Your Majesties here.”
“Ah.”
While Lucael merely nodded slightly, Elena looked at Ramie, who approached them.
“Does Ramie come here often, too?”
“It’s my regular spot. Honestly, there isn’t a woman living in this empire who doesn’t love this dessert shop.”
“Ramie, we shouldn’t disturb Their Majesties’ intimate time, so let’s be on our way.”
“Yes, then we’ll take our leave now. Have a pleasant time.”
“You too, Ramie.”
Elena watched Ramie’s retreating figure as she left with Young Duke Rodney, smiling shyly.
‘I shouldn’t feel this way, but that man makes me uncomfortable every time I see him.’
Elena’s brow furrowed involuntarily, and she was startled when she felt a hand caressing her cheek. Looking up, she met Lucael’s smiling face.
“Y-Your Majesty?”
“What were you looking at so intently?”
“N-nothing. Um, Your Majesty, I’d like Runi to taste these delicious desserts too.”
“Then let’s have some packed to take with us.”
“Thank you.”
“For thanks… I’d rather hear you say you love me more often, Eli.”
At his radiant smile and gentle voice, Elena’s body suddenly felt hot, and she hurriedly put the straw in her mouth and took big gulps of her drink.
‘My adorable rabbit.’
Lucael found Elena utterly lovable. She blushed and glanced at him nervously while drinking her beverage. He couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of showering his adorable rabbit Empress with love again tonight after she fell asleep.
……
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