Avoid 19-rated content

Chapter 27

Hunter was confident in not showing his emotions. So, even if his heart fluttered a bit, he thought it was easy to deceive and pass by Del.

However, every time Hunter and Del made eye contact, Del would purse his lips and tighten the muscles around his eyes. It was a slightly disgusted and fearful expression, filled with suspicion and wariness.

"Is there something on my face?"

Although Hunter asked calmly,

Del turned his head, muttering something like, "It's not that..." softly. Internally, Hunter was bothered by Del's attitude, but he didn't directly ask. In fact, he found it more disturbing why his own feelings were so tangled.

Del, in many ways, was a person I appreciated but to me, he was merely a political marriage partner. Hearing about the two-year deadline was reassuring, such a short period of time seemed like there was no need to be nicer to him than necessary. Del's past of messy relationships also suited him. He didn't seem like the kind of person who would settle down with Hunter

Hunter glanced at the golden crown of Del's head, who was walking alongside him. His hair was similar to his own, shiny and golden. A single strand of hair popped up playfully on his rounded head. It was funny and cute.

Hunter couldn't help but make a snorting sound unconsciously. In response, Del looked up at Hunter.

"Why. Why again. I was just standing still, and another increase in favorability...."

"Favorability?"

Suddenly hearing the word 'favorability,' Hunter's face stiffened. It seemed like Del had read his inner thoughts. Del lowered his eyes as if realizing something.

"His Highness the Crown Prince seemed to be showing favor towards me."

Hunter was slightly shocked. With a short laugh, Del seemed to have genuinely perceived Hunter's inner thoughts!

"But, Your Highness, I hope you know the virtue of 'five steps.'"

Del stammered.

"There's a saying that 'men and women should be separated at seven,'" he continued. "Even though I'm not a woman, we're all human, right? Being too close can be uncomfortable, lead to unpleasant situations, and anyway, everyone living in the Empire should have personal space guaranteed. I, too, will respect Your Highness's personal space, so please remember the freedom of five steps."

Del circled his arms to create space in front of him.

A pleasant voice flowed continuously without stopping. At some point, Hunter started tuning out the content of Del's words, fixing his gaze on Del's lips that were rambling. After finishing his words, Del looked at Hunter's face slyly, then turned his head and entered the room. Alone, he murmured, "Ugh, it rings like a doorbell every time I talk."

Although Hunter couldn't understand the meaning of those words, once again, Del seemed to have noticed that Hunter had stolen a glance at his lips. Even the Empress had never instantly grasped Hunter's concealed feelings beneath his poker face. However, Del seemed to have some talent for revealing things that were hidden.

Wait a minute. Could it be... does he really has the skill to read minds?

Hunter's expression became serious as he slowly entered the room. Del was already walking toward the living room inside.

The room they entered was filled with clothes and accessories brought by the imperial designer. They were called to get fitted before attending the 1st Princess's birthday party. Hunter sat on the sofa, while Del chose a seat a bit away. Hunter didn't look at Del and focused on the designer who was bowing politely in front of him.