The Saintess Returned to the Emperor’s Arms Chapter 153

Just You and Me

 

Riela leaned against the ship’s railing and looked down.

 

The southern sea of the empire was so calm and clear, it looked like a lake.

 

The ship moved slowly, cutting through the water.

 

Because of that, the gently rippling surface reflected her like a mirror.

 

Her cloak fluttering in the sea breeze.

 

Her hand holding down her wide-brimmed hat so it wouldn’t fly away.

 

Her hair, flowing like flames in the wind beneath it.

 

And behind her— Herhan, holding her tightly in his arms.

 

Riela let out a small laugh.

 

She had ignored his advice to stay inside because of the cold wind and came out to the deck anyway.

 

Herhan had immediately followed her.

 

She thought he would drag her back inside— but instead, he simply wrapped the cloak around her.

 

“It’s not cold at all.”

 

“This is the south. Even in midwinter, it’s like early spring. Still, if you stay in the wind too long, you’ll catch a cold…”

 

“I don’t want to. I’m not going inside.”

 

Just as expected.

 

When Herhan tried to gently pull her back, Riela stood firm.

 

“This is our honeymoon. I’m going to see everything and remember every moment!”

 

At her strong determination, Herhan couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“Yeah… you’re right. It *is* our honeymoon.”

 

There was a hint of resignation in his voice.

 

Because this wasn’t their original plan.

 

* * *

 

Right after the beautiful wedding, the palace held banquets— for an entire week, day and night.

 

It sounded long, but it was barely enough to host all the delegations from different countries.

 

Because of that, Herhan and Riela had no time to rest, constantly moving between banquet halls and audience chambers.

 

“First night? Haven’t you already had that a hundred times—”

 

Asion made another careless remark and was punished again.

 

Normally, Riela would have helped him,

 

but this time she had no energy.

 

She was too exhausted— and, honestly, a little annoyed at him.

 

Still, she endured the entire exhausting week for one reason.

 

The honeymoon.

 

“What should we do in Peona? It’s famous for its snowy mountains—and its food.”

 

“Hm… first, I’m going to hug you and sleep until I’m completely satisfied. I won’t wake up for two days.”

 

“Two days? I’m fine with that, but can you handle it?”

 

“What do you mean handle it? I just said I’m sleeping!”

 

Even while their feet ached from greeting guests all day, they endured everything, excitedly thinking about their snowy getaway.

 

But then—

 

“Your Majesty, it may be best to cancel the Peona trip.”

 

“What? Why?”

 

“Peona is already crowded with people hoping to see you both. All transportation there has practically shut down…”

 

“…How did it get that bad? I told you to keep the destination secret.”

 

“This *is* with it kept secret. If it had been announced, there might have been an international summit there.”

 

Riela looked devastated.

 

“Then… do we have to stay in the palace?”

 

The palace was comfortable—home.

 

But right now, it wasn’t what they wanted.

 

Guests kept coming endlessly.

 

“They say this could go on for another month or two…”

 

“Anywhere is fine… I just want to leave…”

 

“Your Majesty, then how about Etre Island in the south?”

 

The suggestion came from Duke Brenike.

 

She had helped with the wedding preparations and planned to stop by the island before returning home.

 

“If you don’t mind, you can use my reservation—for both lodging and travel.”

 

* * *

 

And so, they ended up escaping on a sudden, unplanned honeymoon.

 

“There it is.”

 

At the boatman’s words, Riela’s heart began to race.

 

Etre Island was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

The sea shone emerald.

 

The steady sound of waves cleared her thoughts.

 

The winter sun was warm, and even the sea breeze felt gentle on her skin.

 

“E-Excuse me…”

 

An old man at the dock greeted her.

 

Riela smiled back, recalling Brenike’s instructions.

 

“When you arrive, a servant will greet you. Just don’t reveal your identity. Pretend to be me and use my name.”

 

“Me? Pretend to be a duke? Will that even work?”

 

“Yes. It’s a remote island—news from the mainland doesn’t reach here. They only know the reservation name.”

 

* * *

 

The servant frowned, looking between the paper and Riela.

 

Her heart pounded nervously— But just as Brenike said, he didn’t recognize her.

 

“You must be Duke Brenike?”

 

“Yes, yes! That’s me!”

 

Riela answered brightly.

 

The servant respectfully extended his hand.

 

“Oh my, such an honorable person visiting this humble island!”

 

Riela smiled warmly at his kindness.

 

“Watch your step—the sand is soft. Here, I’ve brought comfortable shoes for you.”

 

“Oh! Thank you so much. You’re very kind.”

 

After that, the only one left was Herhan, still standing on the boat with his arms crossed and a sulky expression.

 

The old servant stared straight at him.

 

For a moment, the servant’s wrinkled eyelids lifted high, as if he might recognize the emperor.

 

But—

 

“You there! Are you the duke’s servant?! Your master is struggling in the sand, and you’re just standing there looking grumpy? Get down here right now and attend to your master properly! Honestly, kids these days!”

 

After scolding him harshly, the old man turned away with a huff.

 

Left alone, Herhan’s face crumpled instantly.

 

Riela had to cover her mouth to stop herself from bursting into laughter.

 

She remembered what Duke Brenike had told her.

 

“However, the people of Etre Island probably won’t recognize even His Majesty the Emperor… They might behave a bit rudely. But that’s far better than your identities being revealed, so please just enjoy your trip freely.”

 

* * *

 

Everything was good.

 

The mansion the duke lent them was wonderful, and the quiet scenery around it was beautiful.

 

The villagers they occasionally passed on the way would greet them like welcome guests, and even the kind old servant at the mansion, who lectured Herhan until the very end—“Take good care of your master! Ahem!”—was amusing.

 

“You’re not still sulking, right?”

 

“I was never sulking.”

 

“Oh really? They called you a servant, you know? Said you weren’t taking care of me properly.”

 

Thankfully, the servant had been too focused on treating Riela well to scold Herhan any further.

 

But that, in itself, was another kind of humiliation for him.

 

All his life, he had always been the center of attention—never someone treated like he was invisible.

 

“That servant must’ve wasted his years. If he had real experience, even without knowing my title, he should’ve felt my aura just from my gaze.”

 

“Oh? You have an aura, Your Majesty?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Herhan puffed out his chest and put on a dignified expression, as if daring her to feel it.

 

It was so cute and charming.

 

Even though he was the same man who once commanded the world with a fierce presence, Riela couldn’t stop her laughter from slipping out.

 

“Pfft. Then let’s go test it.”

 

“Go out?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Just earlier, she had said she’d sleep for days as soon as they arrived.

 

But now, she moved as if she had never been tired, grabbing Herhan’s hand and pulling him along.

 

“Aren’t you hungry? Duke Brenike said there’s a night market today!”

 

* * *

 

It was a small island village, with a market held once a week.

 

It wasn’t grand enough to truly be called a night market, but Riela enjoyed every moment.

 

“Wow. What is this?”

 

“Hmm… squid…?”

 

“I don’t think so… You should try it, Your Majesty!”

 

“Why me?”

 

“I’m giving it to you because it looks tasty.”

 

“I want to give it to you instead. Riela, you know just watching you eat happily already makes me full.”

 

In the end, they decided to take a bite together from the mysterious skewer.

 

When sauce got on Riela’s lips, she laughed instead of reaching for a handkerchief.

 

Herhan leaned in to wipe it off—but used his lips instead, satisfying his own selfish desire.

 

No one around paid them any mind.

 

“Hey there, travelers from the mainland!”

 

“You recognize us?”

 

“I’ve never seen your face before, so I guessed you’re from the mainland. Are you two lovers?”

 

“Ah…”

 

This time, Riela answered confidently, without any shyness.

 

“Yes.”

 

The vendor grinned and handed them a sample drink.

 

“Then this is perfect. It’s our island’s traditional liquor—great for a man’s stamina!”

 

“W-What? N-no, it’s fine. We don’t need something like that—”

 

“I’ll gladly drink it.”

 

“Your Majesty! I mean—H-Herhan!”

 

Without hesitation, Herhan accepted and drank the liquor said to make the night burn even hotter.

 

He was usually the type to refuse any food without “verification,” wary of poison or assassins.

 

But here on this island, his guard seemed to have lowered.

 

Or maybe… he was just curious about the drink.

 

Whatever the reason, for Riela, it was a time where she couldn’t stop smiling until her cheeks hurt.

 

And if there was one thing she enjoyed the most—

 

“Hm. It’s a bit disappointing that no one seems shocked by Your Majesty’s aura?”

 

“Is that really disappointing? You look like you’re having a great time.”

 

No one recognized them.

 

So they didn’t have to hide their expressions or voices—they could laugh and talk as loudly as they wanted.

 

“Herhan! Come over here! The beach is right down here!”

 

And even when she called his name loudly so it echoed—

 

The only one who turned and came to her was her man, with eyes as deep as the night sea.

 

“Be careful, Riela.”

 

“You come down too! Take off your shoes and step on the sand—ah! It’s so soft and ticklish!”

 

She was so excited that before Herhan could even stop her, she had already run ahead to where the small waves rolled in, splashing her feet.

 

Watching her so happy like a child, Herhan naturally smiled and followed after her.

 

At this point, he thought—even being treated like a servant for the first time in his life was worth it.

 

Then—

 

“Your Majesty! There are pretty shells here—ah!”

 

“Riela! Are you okay?”

 

Riela suddenly slipped while stepping through the waves.

 

Herhan rushed over and caught her.

 

A small cut had formed on the sole of her pale foot, blood lightly seeping out.

 

It looked like she had stepped on a sharp shell.

 

“…Damn.”

 

“I’m okay. Pfft.”

 

Herhan frowned, clearly upset seeing her hurt— But surprisingly, Riela was still smiling.

 

“You’re laughing? Right now?”

 

“Ah, it’s just…”

 

She laughed a little more before continuing.

 

“It reminded me of when you saved me in Le Der.”

 

Herhan, who had been glaring at her injured foot, relaxed his expression at that.

 

“That’s very different from now.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

Still held in his arms just like back then, soaking wet like a little mouse—

 

Riela thought about all the things that were different now.

 

Where they stood.

 

Their names.

 

Their relationship.

 

She was no longer someone who cried helplessly—

 

Now she was someone who could protect someone else.

 

And then—

 

“It’s salty.”

 

“Hm?”

 

“It tastes salty now.”

 

At that, Herhan finally burst into laughter.

 

“Of course. We’re at the sea.”

 

“Exactly.”

 

Unlike that narrow, shallow river they once thought was life and death—

 

This place was a deep sea that could hold and embrace everything.

 

Right there, Riela wrapped her arms tightly around Herhan’s neck.

 

“I love you, Herhan.”

 

“Looks like you’ve gotten used to calling my name.”

 

“Yeah. Because here, we’re not emperor or empress, or anything like that. It’s just you and me.”

 

Maybe because they were wet from the sea— His embrace felt warmer than usual.

 

“I love you, Herhan.”

 

At her second confession, Herhan replied with a faint smile.

 

“…I love you more.”

 

* * *