Chapter: 880

Even though Astelle scolded him, he just smiled without saying a word.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t hiding. I went to the next room for a while and was looking at the books there.”

Astelle kept her mouth shut. The study room has a small cupboard. Astelle hid the medicinal herb books in it. Because she thought Kaizen would be worried if he saw it.

Kaizen sighed low, as expected, and closed the book Astelle was looking at.

“You’ve been reading this late into the night.”

“I’m doing it as a hobby because I have nothing to do.”

Astelle made an excuse in a low voice, as if not confident.

“You don’t have to push yourself like this. Because the Imperial Palace doctors are also looking for it. The doctor also said that I would be fine for the next 10 years.”

That doesn’t sound very believable. The doctor doesn’t even know what kind of poison it is.

“You never know what will happen in 10 years,” Astelle muttered under her breath instead of refusing.

After 10 years have passed, he may be sick again. In the present situation, nothing is certain.

“10 to 15 years is enough,” Kaizen said nonchalantly. “I just need to live until Theor grows up.”

Astelle raised her head at those words and looked straight at him.

“Why are you saying that?”

His life ends after ruling the empire and passing it down to his successor. Isn’t that too harsh?

Astelle’s heartbroken to think that Kaizen will die earlier than his original lifespan. Even more so since she’s responsible for all of that.

Astelle lowered her gaze and suppressed her rising emotions.

“Astelle…….”

Kaizen took a step closer to her as if trying to comfort her.

“It’s not your fault.”

A warm hand rested on the back of her trembling hand.

Astelle slowly raised her head. In front of her is Kaizen, close enough that she can feel his breath.

The flames of the fireplace cast a precarious shadow on his handsome face.

The two eyes met in a quiet atmosphere.

Kaizen carefully grabbed her by the shoulder. His red eyes grew closer and closer. Just before their lips barely touched, Astelle closed her eyes.