Louises eyes locked onto the court official, and time seemed to grind to a halt. The officials startled expression slowly turned into a smile, and he lifted a finger to his lips as if to say, Quiet. Then he pointed towards Ian.

Does he mean not to tell the President?

Or perhaps

He means hes going to keep it a secret.

Or maybe it was just her hopeful thinking.

No. It could mean that hes going to leave quietly now to write it down.

That was a disaster-level scenario. Louises first impression in history would be enormous.

Kissing.

The young official would probably use the entire breadth of his literary skills to portray the scene as vividly as he could.

Well.

While Louises mind was swirling about the appearance court official, a languid voice murmured against her lips.

What am I missing?

He pulled away and leaned his forehead over Louises shoulder. His hand, which seemed like it would never let her go, finally loosened its grip.

Huh?

Ian heaved a sigh.

Well, I am a man of humility, and I dont expect to be good from the start.

Hoo, thats a good attitude.

Right?

Yes, for the crown prince who receives everyones attention.

I dont want everyones attention. I just.

His sigh became heavier.

.I thought I should be able to kiss you well enough so that I dont lose your attention.

My attention?

Yes. I hoped that I could at least satisfy you.

He wrapped his arms around Louises waist again.

Now I realize that my kisses are too terrible to hold your attention.

He called that terrible? No, how could he say that! The male lead is good at anything he does, even for the first time!

Of course, since Im still new to this I have to be a bit more motivated.

A-ah no, President, its not bad at all

He was doing great. She could probably turn into cotton candy from her shoulders to her legs and simply melt.

Its alright, you dont have to console me. I have the will to improve.

If you improve from here, then that will be even more dangerous

Louise muttered to herself, and Ian looked down at her.

Hmm?

Nothing!

Anyway, if theres anything I can improve on, please tell me. Theres no one else to let me know.

Y-you dont need to improve at all. Youre doing great.

Louise answered him awkwardly, touching his arm that was around her waist.

This was beyond mortifying. It was especially mortifying to compliment someone else on their kissing skills too.

Are you sure youre alright?

Louise nodded vigorously, but he still looked doubtful.

That cant be true.

His brow gently wrinkled, and he leaned so that their foreheads were touching together.

I could tell with my own eyes that you were thinking of something else entirely.

I-I!

Louise hastily tried to think of an excuse. Perhaps it was better not to tell him that they were caught by the court official, and the court official would let go of it quietly.

II just didnt know what to do.

You mean you were uncomfortable?

There was concern etched on his features, and Louise quickly shook her head.

In a good way! I mean, it was so good that I didnt know what to do

While Im happy that thats what you were thinking about, Im not really sure what to do from here.

Louise suddenly felt guilty, as Ian seemed genuinely troubled.

Im sorry I didnt focus on kissing.

Now thats worse.

But Ill do better next time! So if theres anything I need to improve on, please let me know!

Youre going to improve from here?

He shook his head gently, dropping his forehead. Something scary must have crossed his mind.

I disagree.

Why? Didnt you like it?

The problem is that youre so good. My patience is strong, of course. But sometimes

Sometimes it doesnt hold.

Yes. Like the time I kissed your forehead when I wasnt your lover.

And the time you gulped after seeing my back.

That was an instance of strong patience.

!

What the hell is this guy! If that was patience, then what was he like when he didnt have it?

Ian let out a short chuckle as Louise fixed him with an incredulous stare.

Anyway.

He changed the subject in a calmer tone.

Ill try my best.

Louise found that wholly unnecessary, but for some reason she didnt want to stop his efforts.

Does that mean Im becoming a pervert like he is

Now the pervert has to pay taxes to the pervert. What should she do about this shameful state of ruin?

Youreyoure thinking about something else.

Ah, no!

Louise quickly denied it, but Ian didnt look like he believed her.

What are we supposed to do with this bubbly brain of yours? Is there no way to tie up your thoughts like tying up your body?

Y-you pervert!

Its okay. I wont do it anyone else

Of course you wont! And you wont do it to me either!

B-besides, you cant tie other peoples thoughts in the first place.

Is that so?

He had a look of disappointment as he pressed his lips against her head.

Thats too bad.

When he said that, she felt like she was being bound up by evil spirits.