Marriage with a Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 113.1
Chapter 113.1
“Oh, yes. Angela. Thank you.”
“Certainly, Madam.”
I watched Angela’s retreating figure, her light footsteps echoing softly, then shuffled through the remaining papers on my desk, searching for anything I might have missed.
Chapter 16
The deepening shadows seemed to amplify the bustling activity within the Imperial Palace as preparations for the Founding Festival continued.
Kairos and I still hadn’t decided whether to attend.
Our decision hinged on the evolving situation in the North. If Lily awakened her powers and gained potent holy strength before the festival began, our concerns would lessen considerably.
However, if she didn’t awaken by then, the Imperial Family would have to face the consequences. I had no power to stop the festival. If I had wished it, Kairos would have found a way to halt the proceedings, but I didn’t want to burden him with that responsibility.
Despite my unease, the Emperor himself had insisted on the festival. He would bear the responsibility should any problems arise. I had done my best by guiding Lily toward the quickest path to awakening.
Warmth spread across my back as arms wrapped around my waist, a warm breath against my neck.
Since our reconciliation, Kairos had returned to his habit of seeking my closeness whenever possible, though with a newfound tenderness. In these uncertain times, he was my unwavering support.
“Let’s go out together again tomorrow.”
I gently stroked Kairos’s hair. He nuzzled his face against my neck, inhaling deeply.
“Did you hear me?”
“Yes. I suppose I can’t ask you to rest for another day.”
A soft laugh escaped my lips.
“What difference would it make? Until the Founding Festival, at least… I want to focus on this place. The knights, as well as the territory, need a steady supply of purification stones.”
Thanks to my forewarning, Kairos had stockpiled a substantial amount for the North, so we hadn’t yet had to tap into the stores here. But they were dwindling, and we needed to prepare for the worst-case scenario, contaminated water supplies.
I was constantly on edge. Now that I had decided to stay…
“We have enough for now. I’ll tell you before we run into trouble.”
“You can use the stones in storage without telling me.”
I had tasked Hizan with managing the inventory to prevent theft or other mishaps.
“No. You’re the mistress of this place.”
Kairos had repeated this phrase endlessly since our reconciliation, emphasizing my ownership and his inability to change his mind.
It was endearingly childish.
“How long are you going to cling to me like this?”
“Forever?”
“Don’t be absurd. Oh, I should contact Dylan tomorrow. Have you heard from the palace about their search of the enemy’s headquarters?”
“Not yet. They’re taking their time.”
“I know. I thought they would search immediately. Surely they don’t have multiple headquarters… I doubt it.”
“That’s for the Imperial Family to handle. You practically gift-wrapped the information for them.”
“This threat needs to be eliminated for our peace of mind. Now, let go. I need to go to the study.”
“Again?”
“Just to fetch a single document.”
“I’ll get it.”
“No, I need to go. I know which one I need. I’ll be right back.”
Kairos reluctantly loosened his grip.
I kissed his cheek and left the bedroom. The hallway was unusually quiet, and not a single servant was in sight. Well, it had to happen sometime. I hurried towards the study, eager to retrieve the document and return.
“…Hmm?”
A sudden presence behind me made me stop and turn, but there was no one there. Puzzled, I continued toward the study. The feeling persisted. I glanced back down the hallway, still empty.
Perhaps I was being overly sensitive.
I had been since my collapse. The nightmares had worsened, blurring the lines between dreams and reality. While I understood my heightened sensitivity, the feeling of being watched was particularly strong today.
As I turned back to the study door, I nearly screamed. Angela was standing close by, directly across from me.
“…Angela! You startled me.”
She hadn’t been there a moment ago.
“I’m so sorry, Madam. Did I frighten you? I was just finishing my work and heading back to my room when I saw you and wanted to greet you… I’m truly sorry.”
Angela, also seemingly startled, stepped back, bowing repeatedly. I placed a hand over my racing heart.
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