Chapter 78.1

“What does everyone have to say about this?”

Calrad asked while Seira was lost in her thoughts for a moment.

“All right. It will do.”

Baron nodded once.

“I’m fine, too.”

Louis was also convinced. Next, it was none other than Seira that Calard’s eyes were on.

‘What question did he ask?’

Although she was embarrassed for a while, she could easily predict that it wouldn’t be a big deal considering the mood.

“I will obey His Majesty’s wishes.”

As she answered with a smile, Calrad’s expression softened as well.

“Yes,” he continued, “Then after the meeting, go to the Emperor’s Palace. We can relax and talk over dinner.”

It seemed to be a conversation between the heads of the four major families about having a meal and talking separately. Thinking that Aven, who became the Crown Prince, would also attend, Seira’s heart suddenly became troubled.

At the same time, she wanted to spend a little more time with Aven, who she wouldn’t be able to meet as leisurely anymore. Then again, she was worried whether she could act calmly without making a single mistake.

‘…What’s the point of being a little awkward? Aven isn’t even a helpless vassal to Askan anymore.’

Fortunately, Aven would no longer be in danger because of her. When she thought about it, she felt a little relieved.

Everything went smoothly since Calrad’s joining was confirmed. A few more nobles applied, perhaps because they wanted to look good in the eyes of the emperor. Some families, like Cyril Glad, expressed their intention to participate, while others decided to send one of their children.

Using the Countess of Osron, which was closest to the Ardennes Islands, as a defensive line, the reserve forces under the command of the Crown Prince Aven decided to prepare in case of an emergency.

The detailed strategy wasn’t a matter to be discussed at the meeting, so it ended with the final decision of the families who’d be in charge of the defense of the imperial capital, and the person in charge while the emperor was away from the palace.

As Calrad first rose from the throne, all the nobles immediately followed.

“You come with me.”

Seira glanced at Calrad’s hand, which was extended toward her. She didn’t want to hold it, but she couldn’t commit such disrespect to the emperor of the empire in everyone’s presence.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

He lightly took her hand and placed it on his arm.

Although their close proximity was uncomfortable, Calrad was seemingly satisfied to say the least. His forehead, which cracked like habit, straightened for a long time, and the corners of his mouth her raised.

When the distance between them and the nobles was quite considerable, she spoke with a small voice.

“You don’t seem to be disgusted. I smell like another alpha.”

Even looking straight ahead, Seira could feel his gaze touching her cheek.

“I just acknowledged it.”

“…what?”

“That you had no choice but to bring another alpha to replace me.”

At that moment, Seira blinked because she didn’t know what to answer. What kind of weird was this?

As if understanding her silence, he added, “Unlike Alpha’s inhibitors, I heard that Omega inhibitors are terrible. It must have been unbearably painful for you, who are a pure blood, but how could I blame you for not being by my side?”

Calrad seemed to think she would’ve had a heat cycle with him if they had been together.

‘Of course, I thought of it when I first developed into an omega…’

At that moment when she felt like she was about to die, Seira instinctively couldn’t help but think of having sex with any alpha. It was only natural that she had never kissed an alpha other than Calrad in her dreams.

‘Cal… ugh…’

Calling his name, she carelessly caressed her breasts and rubbed herself below to relieve the pain. But somehow her thirst wasn’t quenched, and with her fingers she couldn’t imitate a fraction of the pleasure that Calrad gave her then.

By the time she thought she’d rather lose her consciousness, Aven found her.

She was in such distress that she couldn’t even recall what his expression was like when he saw her. Except that he, who took her to bed, made her know very faithfully what it meant to unite with her alpha as an omega.

In fact, Seira didn’t even know who she was involved with until the next day. She thought she had been distracted by the sweet alpha’s pheromone, but when she came to her senses, she was holding Aven’s finger in her mouth.

At that time, she was mortified and sorry, so she thought it was a good thing that she couldn’t remember anything, but not that she thought about it, she felt sorry.

The first night she spent with Aven… No, how she wished she could remember the second, third, and all the nights since. She could’ve recalled and reminisced from time to time.

“What are you thinking about?”

Seira woke up from her light daydream at the low voice that came from beside her.

“I suddenly remembered the day it first happened.”

“With whom… No, I said I shouldn’t ask you this.”

Nervously sweeping his hair, Calrad added after a short sigh.

“Anyway, there will be a chance to resolve the misunderstandings between us. From now on, I will be by your side.”