Ordinarily, the emperor would have called Max to vent his anger and give a scolding. The man was quiet today for an unknown reason, and so Max lay in his bed to rest after having changed into comfortable clothes. Feeling slightly fatigued, he closed his eyes for a moment. Several scenes flashed by—her gasping for breath, swollen lips soaked in his saliva, and reddened cheeks. Max felt his face heat up as he relived the kiss in his mind.

'I'm going crazy.' He realized that no amount of sugar could outdo the sweetness he tasted from her.

'I wonder what she's doing now…' The lady's face flitted before his eyes. Unable to suppress his desire to see her, Max got up. He decided it would only take a moment, and to prepare for the possibility that the emperor might look for him, Max called Victor.

"Your Highness," the subordinate greeted once he entered the room.

Throwing the mask he wore during the banquet to the man, Max ordered, "Wear this in case the emperor comes looking for me."

Victor sighed at yet another act he had to put on. However, he stopped the crown prince this time and asked urgently, "Your Highness, what if the emperor ends up finding out about this?!"

"If you get caught, just tell him I asked you to do it."

Victor turned pale in response to the ruthless answer but protested, "I might go to jail for impersonating a member of the royal family!"

Max smirked. 'It seems he doesn't know his place. I should give him a beating—'

"You are definitely the one to be kind to your subordinates, aren't you?" Jubelian's charming voice interrupted his thoughts, and Max felt his boiling anger subside.

'She won't like it if I do that. I should speak kindly…'

Normally, Max would have made a sarcastic remark. However, he asked plainly this time, "Do you hate it so much?"

The unfamiliar voice gave Victor chills. 'Is he…' According to rumors, the crown prince behaved like a wild beast on the battlefield. However, there were times when he was calm. 'It's when he is getting ready to torture his prisoners…' His eyes trembling, Victor looked up at his liege. There was a smile on his lips.

"You can be honest with me."

The eerie sight terrified Victor. He quickly lowered his head. "I will endeavor to serve you to the best of my abilities, Your Highness."

Victor was the one to always say what he wanted even if it meant he would receive a beating. It was strange to see him suddenly become obedient.

'It seems… Being kind isn't bad, after all.' With Jubelian on his mind, Max raised the corners of his lips. 'She sure is good at dealing with people.' Filled with pride, Max stepped out of his room.

* * *

The silvery moon served as guidance as Max maneuvered through the thickets in the dark of the night.

'I'll just see her face for a moment if she's sleeping. If she's awake…' Her appetizing lips on his mind again, Max swallowed dryly. Wanting to see her as soon as possible, he moved faster than usual.

Upon seeing the Floyen mansion in the distance, Max smiled. 'I'll see her soon.' He hadn't given her a proper goodbye back at the banquet and regretted not looking into her periwinkle eyes before parting. He had wanted to hug her tightly and give her another passionate kiss before leaving her.

'Well, I've done something praiseworthy before coming here.' Anticipating his reward, Max grinned. He then felt something approaching him and swiftly avoided it. It was a small stone.

'Someone who would throw something like this at me…' Max looked back in the direction where the stone came from. His master stood amidst the darkness, his eyes shining with a dangerous light.