Chapter 88

“Sorry, Artemis, I still don’t get it. Was it just a joke because you were drunk?”

“If it was alcohol, I would’ve sobered up by now. You cried so much, remember?”

“Then, can you explain why you’re targeting me as a potential husband? I need to understand.”

“It’s not complicated. I’m already certain. First, you’re strong. You’re more than capable of protecting me by my side. Second, you’re honest. You don’t flatter me, even though I could give you a life of luxury. You speak your mind, which makes you a good advisor too.”

“A bodyguard and an advisor? Hmm, that’s some cold, calculated judgment.”

“Exactly.”

Kairon finally nodded as if he understood.

Artemis had shown vulnerability by crying, but she was still the Emperor.

Everyone knew that the throne couldn’t be maintained without cold calculation and strong charisma.

“And third.”

“Wait, there’s more?”

“I want you.”

“……”

Kairon’s eyes wavered.

But soon, he grinned and waved his hand dismissively.

“That doesn’t sound like you want me as a man, though.”

“Honestly, I’m not sure either.”

Artemis, seemingly frustrated, pounded her chest with her fist.

“I don’t know. I don’t know why I want you or what this burning feeling in my chest is when I’m with you.”

“I’ve never been in a position as high as an Emperor, so I can’t say for sure, but maybe it’s a ruler’s judgment. The desire to gather talent, right?”

“Similar, but different. Definitely different! But it’s still not clear. So……”

As if realizing something, Artemis stepped closer to Kairon.

Then, she suddenly spread her arms wide.

“What does this mean?”

“Like before, hug me again. I think I’ll understand better then.”

“……Uh, sure. It’s not hard. As friends, right?”

“Hurry up!”

“Okay.”

Artemis’s demand for a hug was firm, and her voice carried the dignity of an Emperor, almost too luxurious for this situation.

Kairon slowly approached and hugged Artemis, who was waiting with open arms.

Artemis also slowly wrapped her arms around Kairon.

“So, how is it? Do you feel something?”

“I understand one thing now.”

Artemis smiled comfortably and closed her eyes.

“It’s comforting. I like it. And I’m sure now.”

Suddenly, Artemis tightened her grip.

She squeezed Kairon tightly.

“Ah, Empress Artemis? If you do this, I can’t let go.”

“I won’t let go. I haven’t given you permission. I won’t let you go now.”

“Wait, wait! I don’t plan on leaving you anytime soon, so can you let go first? Let’s talk about this!”

“Since you’re pleading so earnestly, I’ll let you go. But remember our promise. Don’t distance yourself from me.”

“Of course! So let go first, okay?”

At Kairon’s desperate plea, Artemis reluctantly let go.

Finally, Kairon took a deep breath, having been unable to breathe properly due to Artemis’s tight embrace.

“Were you in pain? I’m sorry. If you want, you can take revenge on me.”

“I’m not sure if that counts as revenge.”

“Haha, you caught me.”

Artemis looked disappointed but also strangely satisfied.

“Now I finally understand. This comforting, warm feeling—it’s the first time I’ve felt such warmth since my mother passed away. I’m sure of it now. I could stay in your arms all day and it still wouldn’t be enough.”

“That’s… Do I remind you of your mother? That feels a bit weird.”

“No.”

Artemis glared at Kairon with a changed expression.

Kairon, who had seen that sharp look before, froze instantly.

“Gasp. What’s with that fierce look? It’s the same murderous look you gave me when we fought in the arena.”

“I’ve never wanted something so badly before. Kairon, which country do you belong to?”

“……I don’t belong to any. As you know, I’ve lived in the mountains, away from any nation.”

“That’s a shame. I was ready to crush the country you belonged to with my army just to have you.”

“Uh, that’s… unfortunate.”

“Then answer me. Will you become my husband, or not?”

“How can I decide something like that right now? Besides, I have personal aspirations.”

“Personal aspirations? Tell me. As the Empress of Limpos, I can grant most wishes.”

“Well, it’s just that……”

Kairon hesitated and couldn’t finish.

This time, Artemis was the one who got nervous.

“Is it something even I can’t grant? Is that why you’re hesitating? I’m scared. This fear is new to me.”

“No! It’s not like that. It’s just that my wish is……”

Kairon took a deep breath and sighed before blurting out.

“I want to experience liking someone.”

“Are you saying I’m not good enough for you to like?”

“No, absolutely not. Artemis, you’re attractive. Even without your position as Empress, you are. Your healthy, flawless skin, your straightforward personality.”

“What? Oh, I see. Ahem……”

“So it’s not your fault. It’s entirely mine. I don’t know what it means to like or love someone. So I want to experience that feeling at least once before committing to someone.”

“Are you saying you want me to seduce you?”

“Seduce?……”

“My late mother told me. Besides martial arts, I should pay attention to other things. She said that when I find the man I want, those ‘other things’ will be the decisive factor in winning him over.”

“What are those ‘other things’?”

“Well, this is a bit embarrassing. But maybe it was for a day like this. Those ‘other things’ are……”

Artemis hesitated for a moment, then slid her hand down her shoulder, revealing her beautiful shoulder and upper arm.

Her skin, exposed like that, shimmered beautifully under the moonlight.

“My body.”

“Your body……!”

Kairon unconsciously swallowed hard.

“Personally, I think I have a good body, but is it not enough to seduce you? If I’m not good enough in your eyes, I’ll pay more attention to my appearance.”

“That’s not what I meant……!”

Kairon averted his gaze from Artemis’s shoulder and clutched his throbbing forehead.

“You know, Artemis? We’ve only known each other for a week. And I don’t think it’s ideal for you to choose me as a husband candidate after just a week.”

“Not ideal? Are you criticizing my decision?”

“I’m not criticizing. I’m thinking of you. So……”

“If you’re thinking of me, then hug me again right now.”

“That’s not what I meant. I mean, cherish yourself. Think about it. What if you choose me as your husband, and after marriage, you find out I’m a terrible person?”

“That worry is meaningless.”

Artemis shook her head firmly.

“I may look like this, but I’m still the Empress. I pride myself on my ability to judge talent. And my eyes tell me that you won’t disappoint me.”

“……Then let’s make a promise.”

“A promise? Fine. Since you’ve promised me what I want, it’s only fair that I agree. Tell me.”

Kairon thought for a moment, then spread his hands wide, showing all ten fingers clearly.

“What does this mean?”

“Ten years. Can you wait just ten years?”

“Why ten years? I can barely stand the short time we’re not hugging. Isn’t that too harsh?”

“We’re still young. We don’t know much about the world yet.”

“Is that what you’re saying to me, who has survived countless battles and emerged victorious?”

“……I spoke out of turn. Sorry.”

Kairon quickly apologized but didn’t change his mind about the promise.

“It’s because I’m lacking. I don’t know much about the world or love. So just wait ten years. If I’m not in love with anyone by then, I’ll follow your wishes completely.”

“My advisors have been urging me to find a spouse and have children for a long time now. And you’re asking me to wait another ten years? They’ll be devastated.”

“That’s… unfortunate. But there’s no other way. Think of it as my childish selfishness.”

“……”

Artemis thought deeply.

For a long time.

Then, she slowly raised her head and spoke.

“Kairon.”

“Yes.”

“I accept your promise. Thinking about it, if I can have you, ten years is a cheap investment compared to your worth.”

“You’re really something. Truly an Empress.”

“Besides, I don’t think you’ll meet a woman more charming and capable than me.”

“……I agree. I wonder if there’s any woman in this world more capable and charming than you.”

“Thank you for the compliment. I hear it often, but it’s special coming from you. Anyway, I accept the promise. But……”

This time, Artemis filled a glass and handed it to Kairon.

“I want you to stay with me tonight until dawn, and even after dawn.”

“……Gladly. With a good friend like you.”

“That hurts my heart, but I can’t help it. Thank you, Kairon.”

Finally, the two reached an agreement.

Under the soft moonlight, Kairon and Artemis gently clinked their glasses.