After Prince Harrison left, Kathy calmly packed up the used teacups, but her reddened slender ears still revealed that she was not as calm inside as she appeared on the outside.
After she had tidied up the teacups, Kathy stood up, only to meet Colinâs scrutinizing gaze.
The half-elf maid trembled inwardly, she asked nervously, âLord Count, do you have any orders?â
Colin asked indirectly, âKathy, what do you think of Prince Harrison?â
Kathy lowered her head, not daring to look into Colinâs eyes, she carefully answered, âMy lord, Prince Harrison is intelligent and polite. He is an excellent noble.â
âYes, but he is a human noble, and the future Emperor of the Humans.â Colin spoke in a deep tone, âDo you understand what I mean?â
âI⦠I understandâ¦â Kathy of course heard the warning in Colinâs words, she quickly explained, âMy lord, my feelings for Prince Harrison are only of admiration; I dare not harbour any other thoughts.â
âThatâs good.â
Seeing that Colin did not give any further instructions, she packed up the utensils on the wool blanket and then retreated some distance to give Colinâs family some private space.
âI noticed their close relationship while at Red Maple Manor.â Queen Isa quietly said, watching Kathyâs retreating figure.
âAnd what do you suppose?â Colin asked, juggling the playful Sylv, âDid Kathy intentionally seduce the naive Prince Harrison? Or did young and unsuspecting Prince Harrison fall for the beautiful Kathy?â
Isa shook her head with a smile and said, âKathy probably doesnât have the nerve to seduce an imperial prince, especially under your watch.â
Colin also laughed, saying, âIndeed, Kathy does not have such courage. However, once she realized Harrisonâs feelings for her, she might have taken advantage of the situation, even encouraged it.
As the primary heir to the imperial throne, Harrison could not possibly marry Kathy. However, if Kathy becomes Harrisonâs lover, she could leverage his power, even carry the bloodline of the St. Lorenzo family.
Even if she births an illegitimate child, it represents an opportunity for the Savoy family to rise again.â
Colin couldnât help but think of Lady Sharon, Isaâs mother, who successfully married into the Miller family due to carrying the bloodline of the St. Hilde family.
Isa propped up her smooth chin, asking seriously, âWhy donât you think itâs possible that Kathy actually likes Harrison?â
âLove?â
âYes, not all feelings are driven by political intentions.â
Colin snorted subconsciously, but when he turned to look, he saw Isaâs sparkling bright eyes, looking at him with a peculiar gaze.
He touched his nose, coughed lightly and said, âWell, let them be. It should be Emperor Reinhardt and Queen Midelaâs headache anyway.â
However, Isa did not seem to be willing to let Colin off the hook so easily. She pursed her tempting red lips and murmured in his ear,
âSo, the distinguished Lord Angler, do you think my feelings for you are genuine? Or do I want to use your power to control the Half-Elf Kingdom?â
Colinâs heart lurched.
A rare flirtatious look appeared on Isaâs face, her soft and sweet voice made half of Colinâs body go limp.
In his memory, Queen Isa was a mature, elegant, and charming noblewoman, and also a steadfast, brave, and decisive model of a knight.
Forced by her family to marry into the Half-Elf royal family, Isa did not feel sorry for herself. Instead, she secretly planned, seized a perfect opportunity, and avenged her former lover.
Later, after Colin turned her into a bloodline, she had always worked hard to manage everything in the Half-Elf Kingdom for Colin. When he needed help, she dispatched the Silver Moon Guards to the Northern Territory without hesitation. Now, she had even given birth to his adorable daughter.
However, Colin had always intentionally avoided one issue â Isaâs feelings for him, are they genuine? Or does she covet his power? Or is it forced by bloodline constraints and entanglements?
Similarly, his feelings for Isa, are they true affection? Or does he want to use her to control the Half-Elf Kingdom?
In fact, Colin has always been suspicious, preferring to assume the worst about everyoneâs motives.
This cautious mindset has allowed him to smoothly navigate his way to his current position without falling victim to a malicious plot.
But as for Isaâ¦
As Colin was lost in thought, a stunningly beautiful face suddenly appeared before him, and then, his mouth was covered by a pair of soft, warm, sweet lips.
Because he hadnât had time to close his eyes, Colin clearly saw Isaâs exquisite face blush, the rosy hue extending all the way to her pointed ears. Her long, dense eyelashes trembeled incessantly, and a glimmer of tear seemed to sparkle in her half-closed eyes.
In this moment, Isa cast off her pride as a queen, presenting herself to Colin as a vulnerable and charming half-elf noblewoman.
Colin had once heard in his past life that one could discern a womanâs feelings from a single kiss.
He hadnât believed this as a straight man then.
However, now, Colin found himself genuinely and undeniably sensing Isaâs profound love for him.
A strong emotion surged from the depths of his heart, finally letting him clearly understand his feelings for Isa, which he similarly couldnât hide.
When love is intense, all that remains is the desire to possess without restraint.
Colin closed his eyes, cupped Isaâs delicate chin, and passionately kissed her shimmering, dewy lips.
His ardent response made Isa understand Colinâs feelings. At this moment, she felt as if she was enveloped by immense happiness, and joyful tears couldnât help but flow.
âAh ah⦠eeâ¦â
Feeling neglected, Sylv suddenly swung her little arms around, pulling the two lovebirds out of their reverie.
Colin was slightly irritated and gently smacked the little girlâs bottom, blaming her for ruining his moment.
Although Isa was also disheartened, she picked up her daughter and flashed Colin a look filled with allure, appearing slightly annoyed but mostly enticing.
Colin clenched his teeth in secret, preparing to respond more intensely to Isaâs provocations that night.
âIf Kathy and Harrison truly love each other, then let them be.â Thinking of others, Colin finally decided to give his maid and his student a chance.
Isa smiled and nodded, no longer dwelling on this topic, and instead mentioned, âDr. Cliff from the palace was kidnapped while returning home last night.â
Upon hearing this, Colin didnât show any surprise. Instead, he chuckled slightly and said:
âI already know. And Viscount Fein left Silver Moon City early this morning, it seems that he has successfully obtained the information he wants.â
âThis is not surprising, Cliff is a normal doctor; he canât bear the torture.â
âHm, I donât mean to blame Cliff. On the contrary, he suffered a great deal due to my plan this time, and when these matters are settled, he can be compensated appropriately.â
âIâve noted that down.â
âHowever, as for other half-elves involved in this kidnapping, heh, I didnât expect that there would still be some remnants after the previous purge.â
Listening to Colinâs murderous words, Isa simply replied, âAs long as the Eastern Region exists, some half-elves will continue to entertain hopes.â
Colin gave a cold laugh, and said:
âThe Eastern Region, huh, itâs about time I settled scores with them!â