Chapter 153:RihannanInitiates the Kiss

Rihannangazed into his purple eyes, prodding for any hints. His unexpected response surprised her. It was the first she heard Igor viewing Dimitri in a positive light.

Do you really think so?

Igor did not reply and made a somewhat vexed face. He traced his hand around her neck and lightly pulled her face toward his chest.

He had no plansor what seemed like oneto work anytime soon, and soRihannansaid with slight hesitancy, Basil left the documents with me before leaving. If you dont finish your work, the blame will fall on me.

Why did you take it from him? Igor clicked his tongue.

A fit of slight meager anger crossedRihannansface sensing that Igor was blaming her for taking the responsibility.

Youre the one exploiting and overloading Basil with piles of work! Why do you continue to overwork him like that?Rihannancriticized.

Actually Igor quickly pulled out an excuse card, Rihannan, part of that well Basil brought it upon himself.

What do you mean?

In the past, when I appointed Basil as Grand Chamberlain, there came a massive amount of protests from the nobility. They say his status was too low to place him inthatposition of power. Therefore, I intentionally left the Grand Chamberlains position empty while handing the work of a Grand Chamberlain to Basil. As the seat of the Grand Chamberlains position remained cold and empty, Basil became the prime candidate, and now were here.

Rihannanwasnt satisfied.

But your reasoning shows that Basil didnt bring it upon himself, but you who forced that position on him.

Igor gave a helpless sigh before explaining to escapeRihannansmurderous mouth.

I had originally planned to give Basil a title of nobility. If he became a noble, the nobility would have no choice but to accept him. However, Basil vehemently declined the offer, only willing to bear the work of a Grand Chamberlain without a noble title.

I dont understand. Why did he decline the offer?Rihannanasked.

For a commoner to receive the title of nobility, theyll need to undergo a successful trial worthy enough to receive accolades. I ordered Basil to venture to a conflicting region and act as a commander. Should he succeed in his efforts for one month battling the region, hell automatically receive a noble title, but Basil declined with fervent passion. He claims that if a single life was lost due to his leadership, hed have no face to deal with his wife.

Rihannanburst out laughing. Goodness, thats just like him.

In the end, Basil would rather be with the person he loved than to gain power unlike a certain someone.

Rihannanclosed her eyes, remembering the words her father said to her.

Your mother was testing me.

Had she not suggested a contract of providing him land, estate, and power, hed have lived a happier life with his lover. But he never came to the realization that the problem was not the contract but him. Before his passing, he had probably cursed her to death.

Oh yes, Igor, you know that I received an invitation to visit Countess Saphias place next month, right?

Igors face quickly hardened. You plan to go?

Rihannannodded. Ive already promised.

Its dangerous out there right now. I think itd be best for you to cancel it.

Rihannanpuffed her cheeks. Igor, Count Saphia and his wife are beneficial to the royal family. I dont wish to let go of this opportunity. Dont worry. Ill bring an adequate amount of bodyguard knights and Mrs.Cessleywill be with me.

But still

At that moment,Rihannankissed his lips. It was as if fire ignited his bones, like his soul returned to the gentle water, like every part of him came back to life again.

She had left him breathless.

Since the last incident, shed initiate a kiss like this. Not that he was complaining. He was overjoyed on the inside, happily dancing while receiving her clumsy signs of affectionthe clumsy kisses of poems she left in his mouth.

However, her kiss that tasted of love troubled him. Shed use it to seal his mouth.