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The very moment she whispered those words, an array of lights that had all the colors of the rainbows shot up in the sky.
Boom, boom! Soon, a bright golden light poured out.
Many exclamations burst through, loud enough that it filled her ears entirely, then the shouts died down just like the fireworks that grew more infrequent.
At last, when the glittering afterimages had disappeared from the dark sky, Helios looked back at her.
“Did you say something, Miss Popo?”
“Pardon, Your Majesty?”
“I thought you said something to me earlier.”
However, the dream-like atmosphere brought on by the magnificent sight was only for a moment. Just like how there were no more traces of the fireworks display in the sky.
When the colorful fireworks disappeared, the emptiness that she was left with pulled her back to reality.
As the crowds left the balconies, hearing their voices made her despair.
This man was His Majesty the Emperor, of the noble imperial lineage. On the other hand, she was just a daughter of a humble, countryside viscount.
They were not lovers. The only relationship they had between them was between a guardian of two children and the tutor who’s teaching them.
Just as otherworldly his beauty was, the person standing before her was impossible to reach.
‘It’s ridiculous of me to confess my feelings to a person of his stature. I can’t dare to cross the line.’
Just in time, she recalled Cinderella from a fairy tale that she had read in her previous life. Cinderella was the daughter of a count.
There was a similar story in the Adelio Empire. Even in the story, the female protagonist was from a noble household of a low social standing.
That female protagonist wasn’t an orphan like Sera, neither was she a noble without any wealth.
However, it was found out that it was all because of her evil stepmother. Her stepmother had abused her and led her to think that her position in society was low.
‘Anyway, it’s not like I said that while hoping you’d hear.’
Sera repeated this to herself like a determined mantra. She said it right then because she knew that the booming of the fireworks would make sure that her words wouldn’t reach him.
No. In the first place, it’s something that she wouldn’t have dared to utter.
“I didn’t say anything, Your Majesty.”
Sera smiled widely, as if she wasn’t struggling with this turmoil.
“Really? Then I must have misheard.”
He smiled as well because she was smiling brightly at him. However, perhaps it wasn’t so bright because Helios’ gaze towards her soon carried concern.
Without any hesitations, a wide, pale hand came up to touch her heated forehead.
“Your complexion has turned pale.”
Maybe it was because of the effects of inebriation, which hadn’t gone away yet. Still, because her face was heated up, she felt herself cooling down because of his slightly chilly hand.
Sera laughed with more sincerity this time. She suddenly remembered that Her Highness RosĂ© once mentioned that her Oppa’s hands are always kinda cold.
But somehow, it felt as if they were crossing the line here. Whenever he acted in such a way that’s only ever for the sake of comforting her, he never failed to strike a chord in her heart.
Just like how the hand that was touching her forehead now was making her feel emotional.
“I’m alright.”
Raising her guards, Sera murmured. She hesitated for a moment, but she eventually placed one hand over his. Gradually, she took his hand from her forehead.
When it was time to let go of his hand, it was difficult for Sera. She just wanted to hold his hand, even for just a moment more.
“I made you uncomfortable. I’m sorry for doing that without your consent.”
“No, Your Majesty! It’s not like that
 It’s just. I’m not feeling sick. Just a little drunk!”
After she had been hit with a wave of reality, she realized not just their respective positions.
‘Come to think of it, there’s not much time left.’
There’s only a month left. Then, she would cease to be RosĂ© and Ferre’s tutor.
She would never visit the palace ever again. After that, the only way she’d meet the twins and Helios were through the news and through magazines. It was a sobering reality check that they truly were from different worlds.
She wouldn’t have another chance to be with him this close. By that time, another woman would be standing next to him already.
Wasn’t that the purpose of why Duke Saruvia Cross was his partner at today’s banquet?
From this line of thought, Sera was reminded of Saruvia, who she had forgotten for a moment. Or, who she had pretended to forget.
Perhaps she’s going to be His Majesty’s fiancĂ©e. Soon, the question arose whether Sera might have unknowingly taken away Saruvia’s position here by chance.
Watching fireworks together. Gentle touches. These were things that Duke Cross would definitely find unpleasant.
Sera immediately felt apologetic, and the remorseful feelings permeated her chest. The excitement she felt for a brief moment just now quickly plummeted to the coldest depths.
“Miss Popo, if you’re feeling very intoxicated, would it be better if I heal you with my divine power?”
Helios asked this with a gaze full of worry. Perhaps it wasn’t believable when she said that she’s not sick.
“No, Your Majesty! It’s not that bad!”
Sera waved her hands vigorously. It must just be because she was feeling down now.
Maybe because of her vigorous actions or because of her firm rejection, but Helios nodded as though he understood now.
He couldn’t understand it fully, but Helios felt that as Sera looked away from him at that moment, her eyes had become lonely.
Even though her blue eyes were still shining beautifully and even if her smile would make anyone feel warm just as she usually did, she looked lonely.
“Heli Oppa.”
“Heli Hyung.”
The awkward moment was broken when his name was called by the twins, who were accompanied by Raphael.
With heavy eyelids, Rosé and Ferre walked through the curtains and appeared before them.
The twins were so glad to see their familiar faces that they both jumped towards Helios and Sera.
In turn, Helios and Sera didn’t even care about how their well-tailored clothes would get dirty. They leaned down and went on their knees to catch the children and hug them.
Ferre to Sera, and Rosé to Helios.