* * *

The two stayed at the Count's Castle for a few more days to search the neighborhood.

And it was also confirmed that the temple was watching this side.

Judging that it would be safer than moving directly, I left the collection of evidence entirely to Orphana.

Since we are only staying here, the temple will surely try to calm the situation with peace of mind.

'No doubt.'

Raphine gave Orphana special instructions.

If you find evidence of a biological experiment, use water to save it so you can watch it again like a video.

If Orphana's magic is put in plain water, it can create mysterious things.

It was also possible to record momentary situations, dreams, and memories, just like CCTVs from previous lives.

It is one of the small abilities that can be used after obtaining the Holy Relic, and the ways to use it are endless.

Raphine watched the reaction of the temple in such a relaxed way.

And as a result of searching with the knights of the Count Castle, no more magical beasts were found.

Zerkan quickly reported to the capital city so as not to cause confusion.

There was only one Beast found, and it was said that they were killed on the spot.

Thanks to this, the bustling atmosphere of the capital seemed to have come to an end.

Raphine and Zerkan reassured the residents for a few days and prepared to return to the capital.

"Orphana hasn't contacted me yet, so I don't know if she can leave as it is."

At Raphine's words, Zerkan thought for a moment and said.

"The fact that Orphana is not in touch means that they are not moving. He's probably going to try to process the evidence after we've left. Because that side is safe."

"Hmm.... That's right."

Zerkan's words were also true.

Raphine nodded and looked at Zerkan.

Come to think of it, I thought it was like a honeymoon trip, probably because she left a few days after her engagement.

'Is this what it feels like to go home after a honeymoon?'

It's a bit unfortunate, but it feels like a new daily life that will unfold after you return.

At that moment, Raffine made eye contact with Zerkan and immediately avoided their gaze.

Last time I was overwhelmed with emotions.... After crying and screaming and saying things, it was more difficult to make eye contact with Zerkan.

"I didn't have anything to bring because I didn't bring anything."

Raphine turned his words around and muttered casually.

But it wasn't exactly like that. He had quite a few things to take care of.

Count Nicklas was gratefully prepared for a carriage.

Rafine saw the large carriage standing in front of his mansion and said politely to the Count.

"I appreciate your consideration, but I have to hurry on the road, so I'll just ride a horse."

"Yes, you are. This wagon will know you and follow you."

"Yes?"

"That is.... There are a lot of things that Yeongji-min took care of in the story of His Majesty's return to the capital. I have prepared something...."

The Count smiled shyly.

Raphine blinked his eyes and looked inside the carriage, astonished.

The carriage was full of different things. From hand-harvested crops to a variety of fruits and unique flowers from the Counties.

I could feel the warm hearts of the young people towards Zerkan.

This place was not very close to the battlefield where the rift had opened, but it was not too far away.

For that reason, there were many soldiers who volunteered on the battlefield, and there were many victims.

Raphine smiled a little and closed the carriage door.

Zer Khan also seemed to have checked the carriage, but he did not show any envy.

With the warm greetings of the count couple, the two returned to the capital.

Raphine wished as she passed the hill overlooking the Count's estate.

I hope that the warm heart contained in the carriage that follows you will lighten the weight of Zerkan, even a little.

* * *

capital city of Hwangseong.

"Good work. Don't worry too much about the nobles' reaction."

When the emperor reported what had happened in the Countess of Niklas, he congratulated Zerkan.

On their way back to the capital, Raphine and Zerkan decided to keep the temple a secret.

Because it's safe to keep them from swaying until the evidence is solid.

So, he reported it to the emperor as well.

One demon survived by hiding in a nearby cave, caught it, and there was no trace of another beast.

Zer Khan bowed his head lightly and bowed his head.

"Then I will."

"for a moment!"

The emperor grabbed Zerkan with an angry expression.

"I have a question for you."

"Say it."

"But why did you bring Raffine there? Somewhere that might be dangerous... why! why! I mean he took it! Do you know how much the Duke of Aston annoyed me?"

Anger was evident on the emperor's face. Just by looking at his face, he could tell how much he suffered from Duke Aston.

"...."

Zerkan, who was about to answer the truth, hesitated for a moment.

To say that I was just begging Raffine to follow me is a bit... felt weak.

After contemplating, Zerkan opened his mouth.

"Raphine said she didn't want to be separated from me even for a moment. He said it would be better to die than to be separated from me, so he had no choice but to...."

"Yeah, yes. done."

The emperor's brow narrowed. His expression turned astringent, as if he had asked for nothing.

The rumours that circulated all the time were known to the emperor as well.

Did Raffine like Zerkan so much all this time? I had doubts, but I thought it was because otherwise there was no reason to get married.

'But it must be about that.'

It was strange to hear such words come out of Zerkan's mouth. Moreover, somehow, the appearance of his son even seemed a little cocky and arrogant.

"...Go see."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Zer Khan bowed his head and exited his audience room. The steps to the Sapphire Palace were somewhat light.

The garden of Sapphire Palace was full of bright flowers. It must have rained here as well, and the flowers and trees drank water and felt fresh.

As he entered the building and climbed the stairs, Zerkan suddenly stopped.

Come to think of it, I felt a subtlety different from before in the sapphire palace.

It's definitely changed. this yellow star.

It was not that the interior decoration, lighting, and furniture had changed, or that the courtiers had changed.

Zerkan looked around with sharp eyes and walked to the bedroom.

In fact, for Zerkan, Hwangseong is the house where he was born and raised, but he did not have the feelings that other people felt about 'home'.

However, Hwangseong, who returned after a few days, felt strangely warm, comfortable, and cozy.

Just like what others think of as 'home'.

Perhaps the reason is... Probably because of Raphine's existence.

Zerkan climbed the stairs and approached the large door.

The courtiers waiting in front of the door looked at Zerkan with questionable eyes.

Raphine will be in the bedroom.

Zerkan wondered at himself that Raphine felt comfortable just because she was here.

And on the other hand, I was worried.

He feels secure with Raphine himself, but Raphine may be the other way around.

What if you feel that it is an unstable, unstable and lonely space like he did before?

If he wants to return to the Aston mansion, where his family awaits, what should he do?

"...."

It seemed that it would not be possible to say that it was okay to return to Raphine in haste.

Even though it was a contract marriage anyway, he didn't want to send it back for any reason whatsoever.

"majesty?"

The courtiers tilted their heads and called him.

Awakening from his thoughts, Zer Khan opened the doorknob and entered the room.

However, Raphine was not in the drawing room. Without realizing it, Zerkan looked for Raphine and checked it all over the place.

The last place he headed was the bedroom.

If Raphine really finds this place uncomfortable and lonely. He had no choice but to send Raffine back. That's the way it should be.

So....

"...."

Zerkan found Raffine lying on the bed and let out a sigh of relief.

Raphine lay asleep in a comfortable chemise dress.

While Zer Khan was reporting to the emperor, Raphine seemed to have visited her Empress and greeted her and returned immediately.

He was quite tired, so it was lovely to see him stretch out.

There was no feeling of loneliness or anxiety at all in Raphine, who was sleeping deeply.

Zerkan thought it was good and went to the bed and looked down at Raffine.

He was kind of cute when he slept, so I thought I would pat him on the cheek.

But it was not easy to reach out his hand.

I'm just a contract marriage partner, can I touch her sleeping face?

We've known each other since we were little, so maybe that's okay.

Zer Khan pondered for a long time, then moved his hand. What touched his palm wasn't Raphine's soft cheeks, but a blanket.

He covered Raphine's quilt up to the end of her neck.

Just as he now regards this imperial castle as a warm home, he thought that Raphine would like it too.

For a very long time.

Even after the contract period is over, she doesn't want to go home.