CH 163

* * *

“Ah, it’s done.”

I smiled as I held a small ‘radar magic tool’ that was colored like a hologram.

In the middle of the magic tool, a highly concentrated magic stone ‘Terra’ was embedded and scattered a mysterious light.

This radar magic tool could detect any monster.

It would also prevent demons from blocking the magic of wizards.

It was an item that I actively took the lead in developing for the defense of the country based on past events.

So it was more meaningful.

“This will increase public safety, Your Majesty.”

Duke Orléans bowed and said politely.

“…Well, that’s really good.”

Now fewer people would die or get hurt. A sense of satisfaction filled my chest.

I ordered the newly developed magic tools to be planted in the main boundary.

Then before working out my afternoon schedule, I stood in front of a wide-open window.

“Ah…”

‘The spring sunshine is very nice.’

The warm spring breeze gently embraced my body. The sweet scent of flowers brushed the tip of my nose. The wind on my cheeks was as light as a feather.

The chilly winter melted, and life sprang up again.

Last winter was a pretty significant season for this empire.

Step by step, I fulfilled the promises I had made to the empire.

At the same time as the development of magic tools, exchange between Spinel’s magic research team and Aktoum’s was promoted.

At first, it was a simple magic exchange, but the people of Aktoum, who knew how to repay the favor, passed on their advanced skills to Spinel.

It was the know-how of growing food even in the cold weather of midwinter.

When the team used Spinel’s magic techniques on that know-how, an amazing thing happened.

Now even in the barren and cold land of Spinel, flowers were blooming, fruit was bearing, and crops were growing.

Both countries had satisfactory results.

And—

“Is the medical center case going well?”

Duke Orléans answered my question with a slow smile.

“It opened yesterday. The sick and poor people of Aktoum are now receiving treatment without worry, Your Majesty.”

At that good news, I had a smile as warm as the spring breeze on my face.

“…Yes? It’s really good.”

After the mess Johann caused, the Aktoum nobles voluntarily raised money for the supply of medical centers across the country.

Perhaps they felt it too. Seeing people disappearing before their eyes, the moment when this precious country seemed to come to an end…

Anyways, that established the foundation, and the insufficient amount was covered by the profits from the Terra mine.

Even today, the Terra mine was letting out a constant stream of money. It was making astronomical profits, breaking records every time.

It was very fortunate. That money that had nowhere to go could be used for something valuable and good.

“Now the people know that all this is thanks to Your Majesty.”

“…Thanks to me.”

To me, who was embarrassed for nothing, Duke Orléans raised his eyebrows and spoke with more emphasis.

“Now they are completely your people. How could they not love Your Majesty now more than the actors of the empire’s most beloved troupe?”

I gave an arrogant answer with the most humble expression possible.

“It’s kind of like that.”

“Haha.”

Duke Orléans scrunched his wrinkled face and smiled brightly.

When spring came, the minstrels sang in the plaza.

About a queen who destroyed the heart of a fallen demon, and a prince who overcame his own limits with his deep love for that queen.

To be honest, a little bit, it was true that I felt the people’s love.

As news spread that I had stopped the demon and saved the world, letters arrived from Spinel as well.

All of them were letters of thanks from the people to me.

‘It seems that I’m no longer a hated monarch.’

It was a heart-pounding day when I could feel their love, respect, and passionate support.

I laughed comfortably.

“I’m leaving. I have a lot of work to do today.”

But it wasn’t just about working every day.

I took the time out of my busy political life to spend time with Rixus.

“Rixus…!”

The tall silhouette waiting for me in the garden turned slowly.

The dark eyebrows and cold-looking eyes spotted me and melted sweetly like honey.

He ran up to me and held me playfully, lightly making a turn. Without realizing it, a chirping sound came out.

“Where are we going today?”

Rixus grabbed my hand and looked down.

“On a leisurely spring day like this, newlyweds should go to see flowers and kiss.”

“!”

He put his forehead against my flushed one, and he squeezed my waist and whispered sweetly.

“You don’t have to worry about the world going to ruin anymore, Candy.”

“…Not everyone kisses just because the world doesn’t perish…”

He quietly narrowed his sharp eyes and whispered.

“…It’s not just about kissing.”

“!”

In a moment of embarrassment, I cried out in a small voice, “Rixus!”

All the maids around us became surprised, whispering, “Oh my gosh.”

As Rixus said, we went for a picnic alone in a garden full of flowers, sat on mats, and kissed in the shade under a large, beautiful tree.

Our lips touched, we shared breaths, and each time the soft and hot flesh mixed, the body gradually melted.

“Ha…”

Sitting on his thigh, I was short of breath after a long kiss, and when I first dropped my lips and leaned my head against Rixus’ wide chest, he gently stroked my back as if to soothe it.

Small, lovely kisses poured down my face. On my eyes, on the bridge of my nose, and again on my cheek… 

Happiness filled my heart.

I patted his collar and whispered with reddened cheeks.

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Haha, what? The kiss?”

“No!”

As I slapped Rixus on the chest and gave an all-knowing smirk, he wrapped my cheek with a loving hand and made eye contact.

Then he lowered his head and whispered softly.

“How many times do I have to tell you… I’m going crazy because you’re so cute.”

His confessions were always without frills. So I was more excited.

“I believe it now.”

I looked at him and smiled.

“I used to doubt that you loved me… but now I believe you, Rixus.”

Rixus’ eyes fluttered. The reaction of the man who finally won my trust after such a long time was lovely.

‘I want to tell you now that I love you too much.’

‘I don’t have as much courage as you…’

It was then. He rubbed the back of his nose against the nape of my neck and whispered hotly.

“Now that you’re saying all that, Candy… I’m so excited that my heart is going to explode.”

Badump, badump.

I didn’t know if it was my heartbeat or his, my chest just felt like it was beating hard.

Rixius gently laid me down on the spot.

I put my fingers between his hair, his head was resting on my chest, and gently stroked it.

‘It’s like a big puppy.’

That thought gave me a little courage.

As if taking a bite of a sweet cookie, I briefly moved my lips to his ear and confessed.

“I love you, I love you… Rixus.”

I could feel the low outpouring of Rixus’ breaths.

Then he kissed me on the chest and on the back of my neck, biting my lips.

Slowly, my eyes closed and my own breathing became warmer.

I felt it, so I knew it. That he didn’t just want kisses here.

…In broad daylight like this, in a place like this!

“Hey… you must be crazy.”

Blushing heavily, I slapped him on the shoulder, and he lifted his head and looked at me.

The brazen eyebrows rose slightly.

“Did you get married without knowing?”

“Hey!”

A large, hot hand swept inside the dress.

I thought as I let out a languid moan without help at the touch of his skillfully stroking hand.

‘Ah, cancel the puppy. He’s a really naughty dog.’

* * *

Something special happened this morning.

During the process of unifying the laws of Spinel and Aktoum into one, it was the day when the newly enacted legislation was promulgated under my leadership.

It was the ‘Act on Infants and Children’.

In this world, there were no laws on infants and children yet, so many children were implicitly abandoned and killed as soon as they were born.

Babies whose parents didn’t want them.

Like, odd-eye.

I made a law banning it, and at the same time established a related foundation with the proceeds of the Terra mine, creating an organization.

It was an organization for the relief of abused children.

Whether it was the children of the lowest or the highest status, so that they could have a stable childhood and grow up under the protection and support of the foundation.

Even if it was the crown prince.

I didn’t want children to go through terrible things like Rixus and I did anymore.

Of course, there was a little backlash.

This was because there was still a strong perception in this world that ‘children belong to their parents’.

In addition, there was still a strong prejudice that Odd-Eye is an entity that brought bad luck.

At a legislative press conference with reporters from Spinel and Aktoum, a reporter from a conservative newspaper aggressively asked,

“The perception of the odd-eye was created by the odd-eye, and there have been many cases where the odd-eye has had a bad influence on society since ancient times… Is there any reason to save them, and if so, what was the reason?”

I did not speak much, I simply silenced the entire conference with a statement.

“Isn’t it right in front of you? I am the proof.”

That morning…

An article about a successful legislative presentation was published as a major feature.

A place to rest for children who had been holding their breath and been abused at home had finally been established.

* * *

The three maids held newspapers and chattered.

“You were so cool at the presentation. Look at the papers already out!”

Fuwawa, Seryl fluttered the newspaper like a national flag.

“The people were said to be very responsive to the legislation enacted today.”

Laura calmly said. Then Seryl raised her head and read the headline of the article.

“I am the proof.”

Maribel spoke with a timid voice, hitting Seryl’s 3rd rib with precision.

“…Because you’re the one saying it, there’s no dignity at all… Seryl…”

“Ugh. You’re too much.”

Laughing while listening to their loud voices, I leaned on the chair and yawned.

It seemed like the weather was drowsy these days, so I was feeling sleepy all day.

Noticing that I was tired, Laura offered me warm milk.

I drank a little milk and put it down with a frown.

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”

“Doesn’t the milk smell strange?”

Seryl sniffed, smelling the milk, and tilted her head.

“There’s nothing…”

That was then. The faces of the three maids were full of surprise.

“!”

I asked, frowned slightly.

“…What, why are all three of you looking at me like that?”

“Your Majesty……!”

The maids were trying to say something to me, but then Ires requested for an urgent audience, asking if he could come in.

Ires took his luck with a more serious tone than usual.

“Your Majesty, there is something you must visit now.”

“What’s going on?”

At my question, Ires spared his words and bowed his head.

“…it would be better if you go and check it out yourself.”