Chapter 286 - Kiss To Wish Victory

“What? But…”

I wanted to say that we should stay out of the emperor’s eyes during the competition, but he said, “It would be strange if I didn’t do anything, especially since I can’t stand losing.”

I was reminded of his previous actions.

“Stop with the informal talk, now”—boldly telling me to talk respectfully to him despite my status as the daughter of a duke, and the same went for how he had treated Baron Gordon. “I don’t know why I have to apologize when you’re the one at fault for falling,” he had said. Lastly, when he had quarreled with Mikhail, the heir of Marquis Hessen… “It’s none of your business.”

There were many other instances, but these were enough to remind me that he was a proud person. He was right—the emperor was more likely to harbor suspicions if Max was not acting competitively. It was when I was completely persuaded by his speech that he said, “More than anything else, I want to give the winning prize as a gift for your coming-of-age ceremony.”

I don’t know how I ended up with two men offering to give me the prize. In any case, it would be a pleasant gesture if Max was the one who gave it to me. I was human too, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t fancy expensive jewelry. The reason why I hated it when Lord Elios offered it to me was not only that I didn’t like the man, but it was that he had offered to present it to me publicly in front of everyone as if to show off his courtship.

On the other hand, Max was my lover. I would be pleased with whatever he gave me. The hairpin he had bought me when I thought he was a commoner—whatever the price was, it was my treasure. Because he was someone I held dear to my heart, I was elated when he offered to give me something of great value. I pictured him giving the flower to me when we were alone, and if I hid it well, our relationship would remain safe as well!

A national treasure was soon to become mine…!

Unable to restrain a smile, I looked at him. Max grinned back and stroked my cheek with his finger. “Are you happy?” I nodded, and he patted me on the cheek again. “Seeing you like it so much, I’m determined to win the reward for you.”

I was happy with those words for a moment then remembered what I had been thinking about earlier. This was not the time to be giddy. I was about to tell him to protect Bea for me when he suddenly untied the ribbon holding my choker at my neck. “Max!” I yelled immediately.

Regardless, he studied my neck and said, “It’s still there.” He was wearing a satisfied smile, and I was offended.

“Do you know how much I struggled to hide this?” I was about to complain, but he frowned.

“I don’t want you to cover this. I want others to know that you have a lover.” His eyes turned a tone darker again, and I flinched. Stroking the spot on my neck, he said, “But since you don’t like it, I won’t do it in a visible place from now on.”

I hadn’t said it openly because I was afraid of hurting his feelings, but he had read my mind. “Thank you.”

He smiled. “You’re welcome.”

* * *

Max looked at the innocent Jubelian and smiled. ‘It doesn’t matter. I can do it anywhere once she comes of age.’ As he thought about dying her pale body red, he stroked the mark on her neck.

Jubelian called just then, “Max, I have a request.”

Imagining a happily married life with her, Max nodded happily. “What is it?” He had already received a kiss and a handkerchief from her as good luck charms for the competition. He was willing to do anything she wanted.

“…I want you to take care of Bea tomorrow.”

At the unexpected words, Max had no choice but to scowl.