The Sub Male Lead is Burning with Jealousy - Chapter 10 Part 6
**
The sun was slowly setting, but the streets grew livelier than during the day, thanks to the bustling night market stalls. However, with this kind of activity came an increase in pickpockets, swindlers, and thieves. So the city guards regularly patrolled the streets to maintain order.
Rahil had received reports that the capital was brimming with a festive atmosphere and teeming with people. The success of the festival was already anticipated. Reports indicated that the tolls collected at each gate leading to the capital had brought in a staggering amount of revenue.
It seemed as though people who had missed the new Emperor’s coronation were determined not to let this festival pass them by.
Reports also mentioned that the concluding rabbit distribution event at the arena had been a hit. Rahil was told that all the children left with smiles on their faces, likely because even those who didn’t receive a rabbit were given candy as a consolation gift.
‘If only the dragon wasn’t involved in all of this.’
Rahil thought grimly. If things went smoothly, he might let go of his intrusion, but if things went awry and lives were lost, Rahil fully intended to strip the Tower Master of his title and make him a servant of the empire, forcing him to toil for the rest of his life.
‘Who’s going to stop me? But more importantly…’
His thoughts drifted to the unusually quiet Calix couple. It was strange that Angelica, who would typically take an interest in anything involving dragons, had remained silent about the situation.
“Did Theo stop her?”
But even if that were the case, Angelica was unlikely to listen. While it would be problematic if she recklessly approached Anais, Rahil had expected her to find some way to get involved through Emilio. After all, Theodore himself was highly skilled, and his support could have been useful in this situation.
‘Not that I need extra hands just yet… but still her silence is strangely unsettling.’
Rahil suddenly realized that thinking about Angelica no longer brought him pain. In truth, this change had occurred some time ago, but this was the first time he acknowledged it. He really felt nothing at all.
Of course, that didn’t mean he had no emotions toward her at all—she was still a friend, also the wife of his closest friend, Theodore, and someone who had been a glimmer of light during his childhood marred by hatred and jealousy.
Rahil genuinely wished for her happiness—alongside Theodore’s.
‘But…’
Apart from that, he was glad to have moved past his feelings for her. The bittersweet emotions of childhood no longer brought him any joy.
At the time, he hadn’t realized it, as he was fully immersed in those feelings. But after falling in love with Anais, he came to understand that what he had felt for Angelica wasn’t true love either. Letting go and knowing when to give up was also a form of love.
‘Though I don’t think I can manage to do that with Anais.’
Unlike with Angelica, he had no reason to give up on Anais. While his foolish actions had made the path more roundabout, he had finally come to face her directly.
And Anais definitely feels something for me too! As long as I keep trying, she’ll… she’ll definitely start looking my way, even just a little!’
Especially tonight, he was looking forward to being with her. After a few days of forced abstinence, he had big plans. Tomorrow, to ensure Anais wouldn’t have any chance of encountering Kirthalros, he planned to keep her in bed with him all day.
Well, I can’t deny that it’s a rather convenient excuse! But still, it’s all for Anais’s safety—what else could I possibly do?
“Your Majesty, the Empress will be returning soon. Perhaps you should reconsider that expression…”
Sion commented with a faintly uncomfortable look while sorting through papers beside Rahil.
“What’s wrong with my expression?” Rahil asked, touching his face and glaring at Sion.
“You looked like you’d swallowed a hundred wolves whole with that scheming expression. Whatever you were thinking… it’d be wise to fix your expression before Her Majesty sees you.”
“……”
Though it was sound advice, Sion was rewarded with a smack for being overly blunt.
**
“Leave us.”
The command came from Rahil the moment Anais stepped out of the dressing room with her maids. He had been waiting for this moment since they parted at the entrance of the main palace, and his patience was at its limit. The sight of her had nearly made him lose control. Yet Anais, seemingly oblivious to his state, remained calm.
“Heading to bed early?”
Anais had intended to ask about Emilio’s extended stay in the imperial palace, but before she could continue, Rahil closed the distance between them. As soon as she was within arm’s reach, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace.
‘Huh?’
It happened before the maids had even fully left the room. The last maid caught off guard, hurriedly dashed out, slamming the door shut in her haste.
“Your Majesty, kisses are for the morning…!”
“Has my dear Anais forgotten the promise you made to me at the arena? I haven’t forgotten a single word…You told me there, right?”
That if I kept my temper, you’d let me do whatever I wanted tonight.
His whisper, accompanied by his hand gently lifting her chin, widened Anais’s eyes in realization. She had said those words offhandedly, thinking nothing of them. After all, hadn’t he hurled a silver goblet at Karel during the tournament? She thought he’d forgotten, just as she had.
“Ah!”
“So, tell me… I did hold back, didn’t I? I mean, I only considered killing him for a moment.”
Then at that time….he was trying to confirm this back then?! Anais, her face flushed bright red, raised her voice in protest.
“Th-That’s cheating! You did lose your temper!”
“No, I didn’t. You even confirmed it yourself. So, from now on, I get to do whatever I want, right? I’ve been holding back for so long…”
Rahil was determined to savor every last bit of her, even down to her hair strands. No, perhaps it was more apt to say she’d melt in his grasp instead, like something sweet on his tongue.
