“While we’re apart, we’ll probably discover things we don’t know about each other.”

At Jill’s invitation, Hades only gave her a look.

“You’ll probably get anxious and worried—isn’t that somewhat thrilling?”

“Would you stop suddenly talking like an adult and confusing me?”

“Of course, cheating isn’t allowed.”

“That should be my line, though…”

Hades took another long, deep breath and asked while sulking.

“…Three months.”

“Yes. I’m sure it will get busy soon.”

“Will you keep in touch with me every day?”

“I’m not good at writing letters, so no.”

“What kind of attitude is that!? Well, even if you wrote me letters, they’d just be your daily menus…”

Hades hugged her—even more tightly this time.

“Only for three months, alright? After that, I’ll fly over to pick you up. Why are you laughing?”

I mean, it’s nice that you’re coming to pick me up on a dragon.

But she thought she should keep quiet. She didn’t really understand, but it was better that way.

“It’s a secret.”

“What is that? You’ve been saying that for a while now! Let me say this, I don’t like it! I haven’t completely forgiven you!”

“I know. Be a good boy and wait for a little while.”

“What did you say!? Ah, I’m getting embarrassed…!”

Hades, blushing all the way to his ears, came and snuggled up to her. He buried his face in her. It would be troublesome if he became serious, so she didn’t dare to look into his eyes.

Then, Jill shifted the topic.

“Your Majesty, please do your best. Prince Geraldo is currently in the imperial palace.”

Geraldo was imprisoned within a powerful barrier that could only be broken by the Holy Spear of the Goddess. Nevertheless, they couldn’t let their guard down. Jill could easily gauge her chance of winning if she were to go one-on-one without the Sacred Relic of the Dragon Empress.

Negotiations had begun with the Kingdom of Kratos, but the other party would definitely come back for Geraldo.

Geraldo, who ran the government, had left. Hence, the notorious king had to return to the royal castle. Contrary to expectations, no major chaos ensued.

Above all, Geraldo was talented and smart. Even if he was imprisoned, he could still attempt something. Jill, his former fiancée, knew that his title as prodigy was well earned.

“He might do something. Be careful.”

“…”

“By the way, the one I love right now is Your Majesty.”

Hades, who knew that Jill’s first love was Geraldo, looked clearly displeased. Hence, Jill tried to resolve it. Hades clicked his tongue.

“I know. I’m not going to be manipulated that easily. I won’t let my guard down. If he escapes, Rave will notice right away.”

“But Rave and Your Majesty haven’t fully recovered yet… Besides, I heard that Princess Natalie is frequenting the tower where Prince Geraldo is.”

“Well, that girl is planning to get engaged to him.”

Hades said this as he held Jill in his arms. He stood up and moved to the sofa.

“I guess the offer is still on the table.”

“Is there a problem? Are you dissatisfied?”

She sighed, thinking it was a pain to deal with every single time. Hades seemed shocked.

“That reaction just now was the most hurtful of all the cold reactions I’ve received today…”

“I can only soothe Your Majesty’s irrational anxiety once a day. Otherwise, there’ll be no end to it. I was just wondering if Princess Natalie is doing okay. I hope she isn’t overdoing it…”

Hmm, Hades tilted his head and lifted Jill up again. He didn’t seem to want to take her off his lap.

“We’re maintaining a friendly front, so it’d be strange if no one from the Rave royal family were to visit Prince Geraldo. If she’s doing it out of her own volition, there’s no reason to stop her.”

“…By the way, does Your Majesty have any intention to meet and talk with Prince Geraldo?”

“Once it’s time to behead him, I will.”

That’s very honest, which is good.

This way, he wouldn’t let his guard down and let Geraldo escape.

When Jill returned from Kratos, she saw the King of Kratos, Rufus—Geraldo’s father—entrusting something to Natalie. Natalie didn’t explain what it was because she was still unsure.

It wasn’t that Jill didn’t trust Natalie, but she still felt uneasy.

“It’ll be fine. Natalie is smart. She knows her own abilities and duties.”

Jill looked up in surprise at the unexpectedly gentle voice. Hades shrugged.

“The other day, she threw the matter to me because she trusted me. Isn’t she starting to resemble Elynsia? Both Vissel and Listeard were grumbling about how troublesome she was. She would throw away things she really needed. Nevertheless, her judgment is usually accurate. Besides, Frida is very observant, she’ll let us know… Eh, what’s the matter, Jill?”

Jill wrapped her arms around his broad back and hugged her tightly.

When did he start talking about his siblings so casually?

Come to think of it, when they returned from Kratos, Hades had relied on his siblings.

Aah, I have to become a fine Dragon Empress as soon as possible.

Even if Jill was surrounded by many people who were smarter, more dependable, stronger, and kinder than her, she wanted to hold her head high at being the one he needed most.

How could she convey these feelings to him?

“Your Majesty, I love you.”

“What is it this time!? Why would you suddenly say that!? I’m not that easy, so I won’t—”

—Words alone weren’t enough, so she leaned upwards, and after wondering where to do it, she kissed Hades on the cheek. It was still too early and not to mention, embarrassing to go for the lips herself.

Even if that wasn’t the case, it was the first time Jill had made the first move. Her heart started pounding after she did it, and a feeling of shame welled up inside her. But Hades didn’t react.

Then, it dawned on Jill how embarrassing it was.

As a natural consequence, Hades went into cardiac arrest, his face peaceful.

---

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