‘Vera’ was technically a subordinate territory under the domain of Karileum but was officially designated as an autonomous red-light district. It was where Ruth lived with his mother until he was ten. Originally under Karileum’s control due to its strategic location in the heart of the Leman continent, Karileum was forced to grant Vera autonomy due to constant invasions by Clozium to the south and Baikan to the north. These invasions weakened Karileum’s military power, and 120 years ago, the Treaty of Vera was signed, which included a promise not to attack Vera first. Since then, Vera had developed into an independent red-light district.

Of course, as a subordinate territory of Karileum, Vera adopted its language and culture and still paid taxes to Karileum, but the non-aggression treaty remained valid to this day. It was not a place where troops could be sent recklessly. Moreover, it was Ruth’s hometown.

“Why? Are you concerned because it’s your hometown?”
“Yes. It’s a place I’ll return to someday.”
“Really? You’re willing to give up this comfortable life in the Imperial Palace to return to a red-light district? Why? Aren’t you supposed to marry and have children?”
“I dislike this place. If my mother and younger sibling’s safety were ensured, I’d return to Vera immediately. I plan to have children in Vera.”

Ruth’s heartfelt statement made Ail look genuinely surprised.
“Interesting. Being the Crown Prince’s guard is quite a prestigious title, isn’t it? What will you do when you return to Vera at your age? You’re too old to sell your body, so are you planning to become a brothel owner?”

At Ail’s twisted question, Ruth sighed and removed the pin stuck in Vera on the map.
“I just want to return and rest. So, please don’t touch it.”

Ruth casually tossed the pin aside, bowed his head to examine the map closely, and then asked again,
“Is this a new map? I see some areas I’ve never seen before.”
“…Yes. I got a new map because the Duchy of Albia has split into three parts. Are you really planning to return?”
“I have to leave before things get more complicated. Once His Highness’s coming-of-age ceremony is over, he’ll have to marry someone, and I can’t remain in the palace.”

Without replying, Ail coldly observed Ruth studying the map. Ruth felt uneasy under Ail’s icy gaze. No matter how much Ail changed his tone or behavior, that cold look in his eyes remained. It reminded Ruth that Ail had not completely transformed into a different person. It kept her from acting carelessly.

Ail Linus was a predator hiding sharp claws and teeth. His languid and lazy demeanor was a facade. Lower your guard, and he’d strike your neck in an instant. Ruth always kept her guard up around him. Anyone who underestimated him was a fool. Ruth resolved never to make that mistake. If she did, that beast would devour her in an instant—her mind, body, everything.

She had to escape before being devoured.

“You remember our agreement, don’t you?”
Still looking at the map, Ruth asked calmly. Ail replied in an equally composed voice,
“Of course.”
“Please honor it. Once His Highness’s coming-of-age ceremony is over, my younger sibling will marry Lord Jessie immediately, and my mother will leave with me. As long as Your Highness keeps your promise to release Erita, I’ll leave the palace without causing any trouble. I hope you’ll uphold the contract cleanly until the end.”

For a moment, Ail looked caught off guard. He hadn’t expected Ruth to think that far ahead. He’d always assumed his innocent, trusting demeanor meant he blindly believed in him. Over the past four years, Ruth had never brought up the contract himself.

“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden? Why mention it now?”
“The coming-of-age ceremony is approaching. I’ve fulfilled my part of the agreement, so it’s natural for me to expect the promised compensation.”
“That’s true, but… there’s still quite some time left before the contract is fulfilled. I’m not automatically crowned Emperor after my coming-of-age ceremony.”
“I’ve heard His Majesty’s health isn’t well. It seems likely you’ll be entrusted with regency as soon as you complete the ceremony.”
“I didn’t know you were so well-informed.”
“You already knew, didn’t you? In fact, everyone in the palace knows. There’s bound to be some upheaval before then, too.”
“You’re that eager to leave?”
“I don’t want to stay here and risk being killed by you or your future consort. You planned to get rid of me anyway, didn’t you?”

Even as Ruth hit the mark, Ail maintained a stoic expression. But internally, he was quite surprised. He hadn’t expected the seemingly simple Ruth to have such sharp political instincts. Yet Ruth still didn’t look at him, his finger resting on Vera on the map, gazing at it with affection.

“I’ll leave on my own, so you don’t have to do anything. That place is my only refuge.”

“You’re really an amusing one.”

At Ail’s remark, Ruth glanced at the clock, stood up, and bowed politely to him.
“I’ll be taking my leave now.”

As expected, Ail, also checking the time, smiled as he asked Ruth,
“Will you eat before you go?”
“I have a prior engagement.”
“With whom?”
“I need to discuss something with Kamiel. The new personnel changes have created some complications. I also need to prepare for the hunting tournament.”
“Is that so? Then it can’t be helped. Go on.”

Ail’s curt reply, without pressing further, made Ruth pause and look at him for a moment. Ail was smiling—his face that of a playful, somewhat debonair man. But his eyes were as cold as ice, so much so that Ruth felt he couldn’t dare speak further.

“Your Highness.”
“What?”
“When you’re with me, you don’t have to strain yourself acting.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s burdensome. And, more than anything, it’s unnatural. Maybe it works with others, but I find it uncomfortable. Knowing the truth and still seeing you act here in this room—it feels forced and unsettling. Moreover… your sudden changes in demeanor confuse me at times.”

For the first time in four years, Ruth voiced his honest feelings. Or at least, that’s what it seemed. The truth was, calling it “unnatural” and “uncomfortable” was a lie. Ruth was terrified of being drawn to the persona Ail created. His mischievous, teasing displays of affection swayed him. His heart raced when he met his gaze. He was scared that he might start believing his playful words were genuine—and relying on them.

Though he had maintained control thus far, with the end of their contract approaching, his resolve was weakening. Ruth needed a clear boundary. And the only one who could establish that boundary was Ail himself.

“What’s your reason for bringing this up now?”
“I think I’ve been too informal with Your Highness until now. My elder brother also warned me to be more cautious. It’s dangerous for us to get any closer.”
“Why? Once I become Emperor, you could simply enter the palace as my concubine.”
“That’s exactly why. And because I don’t want to live my life waiting for someone who looks at me with such cold eyes. I’ve already told you—I want to have five children and live happily.”

When Ruth firmly cut off any possibility, Ail’s smile faded. His expression became unmasked, and oddly, Ruth felt relieved. That face would not make him waver. Ruth let out a small sigh of relief. He feared that face—the true face of Ail. But as long as he wore it, he wouldn’t be drawn to him. It would lessen the risk of being swept away and hurt by him. And that way, he could leave his side without any regrets.

“You insolent fool… but you’re not wrong.” Ail finally said, his voice razor-sharp. “Fine. I’ll do as you wish.”

It felt like a sharp, icy blade cutting through him. Ruth clutched his aching chest, bowed in gratitude, and quickly left Ail’s study. He then hurriedly fled the Golden Palace as if running for his life.