Chapter 287 - Common Enemy

I didn’t think he would listen. It seemed that things had improved compared to before, yet Bea and Max’s relationship was not a close one, most likely due to the empress. I had expected this reaction, but his frozen expression made me uneasy. Was he mad at me?

I was thinking I may have made an unreasonable request, but he sighed. Looking into my eyes, he answered, “I’m working on it.” Contrary to his exasperated tone when he would speak of Bea in the past, his calm eyes now contained sincerity.

‘Thank heavens.’ Relief overcame me. “Max, I’m actually worried that something might happen to Bea during the hunting contest…”

Before I could finish speaking, he cut me off. “I was planning on having one of my knights escort her.” His brow was slightly furrowed. Still, my heart swelled at his promise.

“Really?”

“Yes. I don’t want to let the emperor get what he wants.” Although he was saying this, I could tell that he was more concerned about Bea than wanting to get revenge against the emperor.

“Thank you.”

He hugged me and asked, “By the way, who will be escorting you that day?”

“Ah, don’t worry about me. I decided to watch it with my dad. Besides, not all of our knights will participate.”

He sighed in response to my answer and patted my head. “I see.” He seemed somewhat uneasy, so I smiled to ease his worries. He was a busy man. I didn’t want to cause unnecessary concerns.

“Don’t worry. I’m just going to watch as an audience anyway. What could happen?”

“But…”

I stood on my tippy toes and brought my lips close to his. It wasn’t a deep kiss like before, but it was enough to surprise him. ‘Okay, this is good enough…’ I thought, gently pulling away from him. Then, he pressed his lips firmly against mine, his soft tongue penetrating my mouth.

I had just kissed him, yet he was biting and sucking like someone who had starved for several days. I sighed. ‘I guess he won’t worry so much now.’

* * *

Having tasted ecstasy, Max lusted after her coral lips without stopping. Her small but thick lips that resembled a red fruit tasted sweet. It was enough to blow away the worries that had been giving him a headache.

‘Wait… I just…’ His sense of reasoning returned. Max pulled away and looked at Jubelian. Her slightly puffy lips and long wet eyelashes tempted him once more, but he managed to hold onto his rationality. ‘These safety measures are not enough.’ Max sighed softly. He then turned to Jubelian, who was looking at him curiously.

“Max, what’s wrong?” Contrary to her fragile appearance, she was a stubborn one. It was clear that she would be disappointed if he did what he wanted and attached an escort to her.

Kissing her on the cheek, Max replied, “You’re beautiful.” Flushing, she looked up. Seeing her smile with her eyes, Max felt his face heat up. Her pale hand soon caressed his cheek.

“You’re beautiful, too, Max.”

He frowned slightly. He hated those words before, but now they were tolerable. ‘I guess it’s a good thing that she sees me that way.’ Max enjoyed her soft touch for a moment before burying his head in her shoulder.

Stroking his hair, she mumbled softly, “You’re like a little kid.”