The Sub Male Lead is Burning with Jealousy - Chapter 8 Part 4
However, there were several issues with that. First, if “that incident” wasn’t simply caused by the ring itself but only occurred when Anais wore the ring.
In that case, someone else would have needed to wear the second ring and pass through the portal while Anais kept hers on. But—
‘I’d rather die than let another man wear that ring!’
There was always the risk that whoever wore it wouldn’t be able to remove it. If that happened, Rahil knew he’d kill that person without hesitation. He couldn’t stand the thought of Anais desiring another man, under any circumstances.
Even so, there were alternative approaches. He could have just opened the door for the others and then stepped back, letting someone else take over. But the mere thought of something unknown trying to lure Anais enraged him to the point where he couldn’t stay idle.
“…You know what I’m about to say, right?”
“I do! But standing by and doing nothing—that’s not what a man does!”
“Your Majesty. The empire should come first.”
“I’m a man who can do both. I’ve proven it by returning safely—! …I’m sorry.”
As soon as Rahil noticed Anais’s gaze turning colder, he quickly backpedaled. But Anais sighed deeply, sensing that his apology was only superficial. She knew he would prioritize his emotions again.
Her advice didn’t seem to reach him because, as he said, he was strong enough to handle both responsibilities. While that was fortunate, Anais knew there were no absolutes in this world, and she wanted him to be more cautious.
Right now, there was no one in the imperial family who could replace him. If the worst happened—if Rahil were to go missing or die—the entire empire would be thrown into chaos.
‘…We really need to have an heir as soon as possible.’
Though while wearing this suspicious magical artifact, having an heir would have to wait. Removing it should be our first priority.
“Your Majesty, no matter what happens, your safety must come first. I’m happy that you’re concerned about me, but please prioritize your own well-being.”
Rahil quietly gazed at Anais as she spoke seriously.
“That’s going to be difficult.”
“Your Majesty.”
“No, I can’t do that, Anais. I don’t want to be that kind of emperor.”
Although he had been reprimanded and apologized, there was a line even Rahil couldn’t cross. He cared deeply about the empire and was committed to his duties as emperor, but he wasn’t willing to sacrifice everything for the empire.
“The empire and you are both mine. I plan to hold onto both. If you think this might harm the empire, then the solution is simple—make sure you’re safe first.”
“But there might come a time when you have to choose….”
“If that time comes, I’ll protect you and the empire. Anais, I’m not so incompetent as to let what you’re worried about happen. Trust me.”
Anais couldn’t help but think about the countless choices Rahil made in the original novel. He never hesitated when Angelica was in danger. The only time he stepped back was when Angelica and Theodore confirmed their feelings for each other.
He knew that forcing his feelings would only harm the empire and hurt Angelica, so he let her go.
‘But even then, he eventually made that vow.’
“You look like you’re remembering something that puts me at a disadvantage…. But now’s the time to be impressed by what I said.”
Rahil didn’t miss the moment when Anais’s expression grew more reserved. Anais realized arguing would be pointless as people don’t change easily.
‘This is Rahil’s pattern throughout the novel…. Arguing won’t change anything; it’ll just lead to hurt feelings.’
Anais didn’t expect Rahil to change. She only hoped that when the time came, he would remember her words and make the right decision.
‘For now….’
Anais looked up at Rahil. He was taller than her, so she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze.
“Your Majesty, may I hug you for a moment?”
“Huh? Uh…y- yeah! Of course!”
Rahil eagerly approached her, arms open, and Anais didn’t hesitate to step into his embrace. Rahil hugged her tightly, his face flushing with warmth.
“I was worried.”
Though they had been married for only a few weeks, they were family. Not just because they shared a bed as husband and wife, but because she cared for him. She feared for his safety, afraid he might get hurt or worse. Rahil’s heart pounded fiercely and he buried his face in Anais’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
It was her kindness that made her worry, he knew. Even though he understood that, Rahil couldn’t help but feel his heart race. It was inevitable.
‘Because I like her.’
Who wouldn’t be thrilled when the woman they love expresses concern and embraces them? Especially with midnight approaching.
“Oh!”
Suddenly realizing something, Rahil lifted his head. Anais looked at him curiously as he blushed and awkwardly lowered his gaze.
“I was thinking of taking a shower. Let’s wash… together?”
Would that be okay? Probably not… Rahil wondered. Since they were already hugging, it would be easy to coax her. Anais gently stroked his back, pondering his suggestion. Midnight was approaching, and they would inevitably end up together.
When Rahil’s warm lips brushed against her neck, Anais flinched and looked at him. His deep blue eyes were filled with an intense, unspoken passion.
She didn’t dislike it.
As she spent more time with Rahil, Anais found herself constantly assessing her feelings. They weren’t in love, but she wanted to confirm her feelings every time.
‘What do I really want? I’ve already decided it would be hard to part from him. It would be difficult if I started to dislike being with him while we’re still without an heir.’
“If you promise not to touch too much.”
Rahil found her blushing expression and hesitant gaze utterly endearing, and he felt an urge to pinch his thigh to control himself. With the difference in their heights, Anais had no choice but to look up at him, and when she did so with such an expression, he found it hard to resist.
“There’s no way I can promise that. Looking at me so sweetly like that… Are you teasing me because I didn’t listen to you?”
“When have I ever teased you?”
“Then let me kiss you. I want to touch you.”
