After that day, time flew by like wildfire.

The summer solstice was a national festival. So, the preparation had to be perfect.

Even though there were very few parts that needed my supervision, I had to move around busily to prepare and memorize the prayers while wearing a ceremonial dress that day.

In the meantime, I met Raniero every morning, moved my body, explored the hunting grounds again, and secretly spied on Jacques' mother and son's training environment. I could not afford to look elsewhere other than what I had to do.

Oh, I saw Sylvia once as well.

Her silver hair caught my eyes when I was training in the gym.

She was such a beautiful person that she immediately caught my eye. Although it seemed that she was striding hastily to the Main Palace for some reason. She was walking fast to her main palace for some reason.

"You... You lost your concentration again..."

When I heard Raniero's voice, I came to my senses and turned her body to the left. The next moment, the tip of his wooden sword pointed towards my forearm.

Am, am I not dead this time?

"...Hoo."

Wow, I was surprised. I almost died—

A moment of relief...

"You're dead."

Raniero's wooden sword was just below my chin.

Well, of course, that is the case...

"Try to concentrate more."

Even though he said so, Raniero's voice sounded a little pleasant.

I did not give up.

I wanted to entertain him and maintain 'the state of lukewarm favor' as it is now. Still, the biggest thing was my desire to survive. It was difficult to be hunted in reverse by a prey.

Marquis Jacques' mother and son were still training and preparing for revenge.

"Since they ate well to make it a great game, they were highly likely to be in good condition on the day of the hunt."

'And...'

As a result of sending Cisen to eavesdrop on their conversation, a rather absurd story was obtained.

I wonder if I can be pardoned if I please the Emperor...

'Of course, even if Raniero is entertained, the possibility of amnesty is as much as a rat's tail.'

Is there any concrete plan...? It concerns me a little.

The end of the dagger wielded by Duchess Nerma began to be visible.

It was only once, though while she was holding a dagger, I grabbed her wrist as she moved and tried to stop it. What she was holding was a real sharpened dagger.

Seeing that, my body trembled with fear.

"Even in real life, you shouldn't be so scared."

Although Duchess Nerma spoke kindly, I was resentful.

"It would be great if I could control my fears at will, like turning a lamp on and off."

"Your Majesty may have come across a situation like that in real life that day."

That is... right.

"Fear makes your body tremble, increasing unnecessary energy consumption and narrowing the field of vision. Both are fatal, so please keep that in mind."

Saying so, she then chuckled softly like a fox.

"Be more afraid of the consequences of being devoured by fear more than those who fear you, Your Majesty."

Even though it might have been rude to advise the Empress like that, the Duchess' words always hit the nail on the head. Well, I would have agreed with it very much if it had not been for Roberta Jacques in the first place.

Is it a relief that we did not get attached to each other? Still, lately, she has been actively making it obvious that she is on my side. It was because the Duke's family was sending me a present every day so that the whole world would know...

The gift itself was not significant, though the point of showing that you support me was what mattered.

So, this kind of attitude is quite cute.

I decided to take a deep breath and close my eyes.

A week before the summer solstice, Raniero suddenly burst into the room again. Slowly, I was getting used to the fact that this person had no concept or thought of informing the room owner in advance and just visited as they pleased.

In the original story, I could not believe that he was the man who had never visited the Empress except for the first night.

...Somehow, it seemed to be taking a slightly different direction from the original.

While I was brooding about something else, Raniero chased out all the maids in the bedroom.

"Empress."

When I woke up to the low voice, the surroundings had already become quiet.

"Is it a chronic disease or are you becoming fearless now, huh?"

"It's a... chronic disease."

"Are you frightened again?"

To be honest, yes.

No matter how often we meet and how much I get used to Raniero, scary things are always going to be scary.

"Rabbit..."

"Yes?"

I glanced back at Raniero in astonishment.

Why is he bringing up the soft, cute little furry animal...?

"You are as weak and startled as it is, aren't you?"

"...."

"Why're you looking at me like that?"

At that, I quickly turned my gaze away before opening my mouth, "H, how am I looking at Your Majesty now?"

"Eyes don't tell lies. You've become very arrogant and bold, my Empress."

"Oh—n, no."

"Oh, was I mistaken? I can't even read the transparent face of the Empress now...? So, did you change your attitude now?"

"I, I wouldn't say that..."

The sharp memories of the first night rushed through my head. It feels like I am falling into a swamp every time I speak!

"It, it's just that if you just bring a soft, cute little furry animal to a human, I feel a little sorry for the animal..."

Raniero's eyes narrowed.

Damn it. Silence is scarier than saying anything...

I shut my eyes tightly.

"However...! I now understand that it was a metaphor for Your Majesty to point out my weakness. I foolishly misunderstood what you said to help me understand! Thanks to Your Majesty's words of intent, I now understand why the story of the rabbit came up..."

My words did not come to an end.

It was because his lips pressed against mine.