The Sub Male Lead is Burning with Jealousy - Chapter 10 Part 3
Now, only the rabbit-sharing event remained. As this part excluded the nobility, the Emperor, Empress, and other aristocrats quickly exited the circular arena, avoiding the crowd.
Anais let out a breath of relief at the sight of a pre-festival gathering that could be considered a resounding success. Although there was a minor incident where Rahil threw a silver goblet at a candidate for the Knight of Autumn, even that seemed to have added to the lively atmosphere.
As Anais climbed into the carriage, she made a mental note to send a physician to check on Karel’s injuries again and to send a gift in apology.
“……”
Rahil slipped into the seat beside her, his demeanor cautious as he gauged her reaction. Though Anais had been silent, Rahil clearly understood he had done something wrong.
“I noticed Sion was quite busy earlier. Did the tasks you assigned him go well?”
“Uh…not yet. I still need to call someone to check further. B-But good job today. The festival isn’t over yet, but I can tell how much effort you put in. People seem really happy.”
“That’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s dedication to the Empire. The Empire’s swift recovery is entirely due to Your Majesty’s efforts. As one of your subjects, I’m truly grateful.”
Rahil froze for a moment at her words. Since ascending to the throne, he had worked tirelessly, but Anais was the only one who ever acknowledged it.
A flush threatened to creep up his face, but he held it back. To openly revel in her praise would feel unseemly.
“But”
Hmm?
“Why would you throw a silver goblet when you were supposed to hand over the handkerchief? How could you not think about your dignity as Emperor!”
“The handkerchief wouldn’t have flown properly. It would’ve just fluttered down if I hadn’t wrapped it in the goblet.”
Anais was stunned by his flimsy excuse.
“If that candidate had been seriously injured or unable to compete, imagine the rumors that would have spread about you!”
The incident would likely be talked about throughout the harvest festival, if not for decades to come. Rahil, who had already been mocked by Euphira in the past, didn’t need more scandals to tarnish his reputation.
“Are you worried about me?”
Despite the situation, Rahil grinned as though he found her concern endearing. Anais couldn’t help but wonder what to do with this man. She knew it wasn’t fair to dismiss Rahil as simply immature, but his impulsive tendencies often left her at a loss. While those impulses hadn’t caused any major issues so far…
‘Or had they?’
‘Didn’t he swear an oath to Angelica right in front of me, earning himself endless scorn from me?’
“How could I not worry? We’re married, after all.”
Anais’s words struck a chord with Rahil. Though he had often thought himself fortunate to have married her, hearing her refer to them as a couple brought him a distinct kind of joy.
“Alright, I’ll try to be more careful.”
Rahil’s unusually calm agreement made Anais glance at him in surprise. He hesitated for a moment, then gently pulled her into an embrace. Anais didn’t push him away; she simply gazed at him.
Rahil’s ever-present grin made Anais wonder what could possibly make him so pleased. When she had been scolding him just moments ago.
“Why do you keep smiling?”
“Because I’m happy.”
Rahil said with a playful twinkle in his deep blue eyes, making him look like a mischievous boy.
“You’re the best. You always make me happy.”
“I don’t think I’ve done anything special…”
“I mean it.”
When he had been infatuated with Angelica, there had been countless moments where his heart fluttered because of her. But those fleeting thrills had always been outweighed by despair and frustration.
That was likely because, at the time, he had been mired in his own unhappiness. But even so, those old moments of excitement paled in comparison to the sweetness of the present.
‘Because you’re affected by me.’
Even when she tried to deny it, he could see how his words and actions stirred her, made her heart beat faster, and made her hesitate. And Anais wasn’t the only one affected—her reactions mirrored his own.
With the possibility of mutual affection, and with the way she sometimes returned his gestures or even gave more than he expected, Rahil found it utterly impossible to let her go.
“Being with you makes me truly happy.”
At his words, Anais pressed her lips together, but the tips of her ears turned red, betraying her feelings. Rahil pulled her into a tight embrace, his eyes alight with joy.
“So… let me ask you something. I did a good job holding back today, right? I mean, I considered killing him for a moment, but I didn’t.”
Anais blinked in confusion at his sudden comment, unsure of what he was referring to. Then it clicked to her—he must be talking about Karel.
“Killing? Don’t even joke about something like that.”
Even though they were alone in the carriage, the weight of Rahil’s words made her uneasy. As Emperor, his words carried too much significance to be taken lightly.
“But admit it—I held back quite well, didn’t I? I didn’t lose my temper, right?”
Though Anais found his insistence suspicious, she nodded. After all, she had already received reports that Karel’s injuries weren’t serious.
“Yes, yes. You did well to hold back.”
As the words left her lips, Rahil broke into a grin. Though she still found his smile dubious, Anais couldn’t decipher its meaning.
And so, Rahil’s grin shifted back to his usual mischievous grin.
“Since we’re done with everything today, let’s have a proper kiss! That’s fine, right?”
“W-What?”
Anais’s cheeks flushed a peachy hue, and her clear blue eyes focused entirely on him. Seeing her reaction filled Rahil with even more joy, making his smile widen further.
‘There’s still some work left…’
Once they arrived at the imperial palace, they would need to finalize preparations for tomorrow’s ball, and Rahil likely had other duties to attend to as well.
But even knowing that Anais couldn’t help but nod when she saw Rahil’s bright, radiant smile. The moment she did, Rahil leaned in eagerly, their lips meeting as Anais closed her eyes.
This much should be fine. After all, it’s just one kiss.
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