It took them almost half an hour to completely bring Ilios out of his discomfort.
When they finished, Ilios was smiling, fully satisfied with their activity, and had continued to wash her body himself as his way to apologize for getting hot and bothered inside the washroom.
They had to request a new tub of water as the temperature had dropped while they were busy touching each other, luckily for them, it seems Ilios's people had foreseen this situation and were already prepared.
Eve on the other hand felt tired. Her arms were hurting from moving her hands constantly and her lips were tender from all the biting and sucking.
Eve had looked at the smiling culprit, he looked very pleased from being given a handj*b.
" You're welcome," Rosaria said tiredly and Ilios only chuckles lightly while continuing serving her. He kissed her shoulder before continuing to wash her.
Remembering their conversation, she looked at Ilios before speaking.
" Since there's a change of plan, are you willing to let me learn of your own goals? " Rosaria says, knowing things have changed since they met each other when both of them have different objectives to achieve.
Ilios listens and started to wash her skin. Scrubbing her back gently as she leans her head on his shoulder.
" Ilios, If you're going to take down both the Emperor and Empress, I suggest you let the war on the south come to an end first. A few spies are enough to take the hundreds of knights roaming around the palace grounds? " She suggested and was also worried about how many people are sacrificing their lives for the comfort of the nobles who only pay a few bags of silver coins to contribute to aiding the soldiers since most came from the commoners' taxes.
Ilios attended to his small yet fierce woman, fearlessly ordering the Harthrmerian general who was also the third prince no less.
Ilios was again feeling drawn to her, it makes him want to take her to bed.
" I planned to bring more of my people inside the palace and replace every worker here one after another, my previous intention would have taken more years to complete, since it's not easy to put new staffs here" he continues to lather soap on her smooth shoulders and back, not minding how their chest was pressed close, they were both comfortable with each other.
Hearing his words, she pieced the puzzled on Rosaria's world and was slowly understanding what happened to this story.
It took 13 years before Rosaria died, during her death while the village she was staying in was being conquered by the Harthemrs, the emperor's palace had also collapsed.
Every corner of Rosemond had been taken down in a unison attack, a plan that no one had foreseen, a plan that had been organized by this third prince for years.
Rosaria would have feared this man if he wasn't her lover, to be the mastermind of such ruthless attack, only a cold-blooded beast would have thought of that.
Her golden eyes stared at him and slightly squinted at the thought of the previous Ilios.
When he killed everyone and got what he wanted, what did the third prince feel after taking the throne?
She tried to imagine him.
Drench in blood and a courtroom filled with corpses, the old Ilios standing alone with his sword stained from slaughter.
Rosaria thought, he might have tasted the momentary pleasure of achieving vengeance but lost a bit of humanity in him.
Now Ilios isn't like the old one since data decided to follow her in this world and had slightly changed the person's whole being.
Everything should be fine if she avoids letting the people suffer unlike before, erase the mass massacre and just punish the nobles and royals, letting Ilios have his revenge.
Everything would be fine if she follow this plan.
There's just one problem. She thought.
Ilios had noticed her staring and glanced at her.
" What are you thinking so deeply about? " he lifts his finger brushes her silver hair away from her temple with his wet hand.
Rosaria knew the day when Ilios have to kill Christopher would come, but she can't let that happen unless it was his time to drop dead.
She has no issue with that, the problem is that...
Rosaria dies first inside a church, days before Christopher could be killed in his courtroom by the Harthemrian General and prince.
Years later, the general dies at the hands of Christopher and Caroline's son who was the rightful ruler of the throne that had been taken by the Harthemr Empire.
Rosaria looks at Ilios who was now grabbing scented oils from the rack of glass bottle containers.
She had remembered how this man reacted when the system suddenly killed her in the previous world, her heart still aches from his pained expression.
"Should I tell him that I have a deadline? " She asked herself as she looked at him.
Rosaria hasn't yet decided if she should and only shakes away the thought of her death in this world.
" There's still 12 more years before I'll get sent out, I'll let the future me decide on how to lightly say it to him " She mentally says to herself
" I hope you won't get mad at me in the future," she says all of a sudden after breaking away from her silence.
Ilios was amused by her words and he smiles lightly, dark hair swept back and his sharp jaw moved when he licks his lips before speaking.
" Don't expect that to happen, my love, I can never be mad at you," he say and washed off the bubbles on his skin.
Rosaria grabs a bucket of warm water and also helped him, small hands wiping away the remaining soap as she pour the water on him.
" I hope you keep your word, " Rosaria says quietly with a smile.
After they finished bathing together and changing into their clothes, Ilios escorted the princess to the other side of the palace grounds.
Riding a carriage before entering the Emperor's palace, walking down long hallways and corridors. He had worn a knight's armor from head to toe, covering his whole appearance and imposingly guarded her as they head to their destination.
Rosaria had worn a dark green dress that was suitable for today's cold weather. She also had to cover her neck and chest, as Ilios had left marks on her body, proudly creating such a beautiful masterpiece on her skin.
Once he touches her neck, it won't be left alone without any signs of his interest in her, he makes sure she was painted with red.
When she arrived in the dining room, Christopher has yet to arrive.
Rosaria had looked around and saw her maid Sandra was not present, thinking deeply, she opens her system and saw where Sandra and Christopher were.
Her maid was watching the results of her master's order, eavesdropping from outside the door of where the two quarreling couple were hiding.
When the princess told her to write a letter acting as Christopher, Sandra already guessed what she was up to.
Now Christopher was stuck in his room and arguing with Caroline.
Of course, the crown prince still had feelings for Caroline, even if he had found out that Rosaria wasn't as desperate for his attention as before and gotten interested in the princess, he couldn't ignore his feelings for Caroline.
She was the reason that he had to marry Rosaria who was from a lower-class noble family and someone whose uninteresting and unrefined.
She was the reason why he wanted to become the Emperor and wanted to rule the empire along with her.
But lately, she was the reason for his headaches and doubt.
" Who let you inside? I've notified everyone to keep you away from my palace " Christopher says and watches Caroline tearfully held his arm.
" I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scream at you the other day. It was my fault, I was too uncomfortable with Rosaria being with you "
" You know why I had to do it, yet you keep crying like a child-- forget it, I don't want to see you in the meantime"
They were talking so loudly that Sandra didn't need to place her ear on the door.
" Does she even care for you as I do?" Christopher was not fully aware of how weak he was for Caroline, the crown prince knew he still cared for her knowing he didn't push her away.
" Has she been loving you the way I do? " She had gotten his attention as she tries and seduced him.
" Let's talk more Christopher, I don't want to end our conversation in such a cold manner " she pushes him on the seat nearby and the crown prince didn't even flinch.
" Princess Rosaria " everyone's attention shifted, the one who called her name and the Empress looked displeased as the Princess was distracted the whole time.
" Apologies, I was just very impressed with the dishes today. As always, the palace chefs never disappoint. " She looks at the maids serving more of the dishes on the table.
" Send my regards to the chef and the kitchen workers " she smiles and the palace maids were happy to be complimented especially those who worked in the kitchen.
They started eating as the Emperor lift his fork and knife, the table was only occupied by three people and they talk from time to time. The conversation was mostly shared by the two older rulers, sharing their insights of yesterday's events and Rosaria would speak if she was called.
When they were served desserts, the conversation headed to a different topic.
At this point, the Empress held Emperor Philippe's hand and the old man nodded.
He then turned to Rosaria and spoke.
" I heard rumors that you've spent the night at the crown prince's chamber in the past few days, I hope to receive good news from you in the future " he gave a smile but the curve in his lips didn't reach his eyes, the Emperor was just showing his many talents to make people think he was a kind Emperor.
Rosaria lifts her glass and swirls the contents inside before drinking the sweet wine.
She wants to wash down the curses that her mouth wanted to voice out but decided to keep a respectful response.
" I won't disappoint you, your Majesty " she emptied half of the content of the drink and finally looked at the woman next to the Emperor.
" You will hear some very good news from Christopher and me " she smiles and no one knew what she was hinting.
Rosaria continued minding her own business, gracefully eating her meal with the family in silence. Small bites, the gentle sound of the silverware, and only speaking when she was needed to speak.
Ilios stood a few steps behind her, watched how Rosaria puts on a mask of a naive and adorable princess in front of them. His eyes showed a hint of amusement and glinted with interest of how she handled the situation at the dining table.
Ilios blends in the rest of the Emperor's knights and some of Ilios's own spies, no one would realize that intruders were just a few meters away from the Emperor.
" Tonight, why don't you and Christopher spend more time together. " Empress Valinetina suggested.
" Last night's celebration, you didn't have time to dance and enjoy the night with the crown prince. " there was a hidden mockery in her voice and Rosaria looks at her with a gentle smile, the insult was like a punch hitting a soft pillow. There was not much impact.
" The crown prince had matters to attend to, I understand he was making sure his people were able to pay their respects to the future crown. " she butters up to the two old rulers, and Valentina was pleased to her words that she didn't try to make any more remarks.
The Empress gestures for one of her maids to come closer and she ordered.
" Inform the crown prince of his night duty today and tell the palace butler to prepare for their room tonight. "
Rosaria didn't like the talk of her bedroom duties during a meal, it was a bit distasteful for her.
When the maid left, the meal continued and small conversations were spoken.
While Rosaria was smiling and pretending to be interested in the Empress's talk of her son's shallow achievement and popularity.
Ilios watched closely on their interactions and listened to their words, he frowns when he had heard the Empress's words.
the late breakfast was uneventful and Ilios stayed behind and watched the whole exchange between two women.
Christopher was nowhere to be seen and the Emperor seemed to ignore his absence during their meal.
Rosaria had guessed, the old man must have an idea where Christopher was right now.
When they finished their meal, the princess had to excuse herself as she had to leave and go back to her palace.
She had to talk with Ilios about their plans and see where they will go with it.
When Rosaria was heading outside the hallway and was on her way to ride a carriage to her own palace, she spotted two faces. Christopher and Caroline who just arrived in the prince's own carriage.
Many who were present in the vicinity could see how Rosaria stopped and stared at the two, her expression didn't show any hint of disappointment or distress, they thought she hid her emotion very well.
Unknown to Rosaria, people around were thinking she was going to be jealous of what she had seen and lashed out.
She didn't give them the satisfaction that they were expecting.
A gauntlet appears next to her and she glances at her companion, extending his hand for her to hold her own before assisting her to walk down the stairs.
Even with the metal that laid between their touch, Ilios gestured to rub his thumb on her skin and this made her smile from his affection.
Closing her eyes, she smiled to herself.
When she opens her eyes, her whole expression stayed and she was clearly in a good mood amidst the situation the princess was facing.
She held the knight's hand and walked down towards the crown prince.
When she arrived at the end of the steps, Rosaria was still holding the knight's hand.
" Greetings, your highness, and Lady Vanderbond. It's good to see you this morning, it's such nice weather for a walk, don't you think?. " she laughs lightly, nothing was going to make her smile fade if Ilios keep giving her small gestures with his touch. Her smile was dazzling and true, something she hasn't shown in a long time.
Christopher was too focused on her smile that he didn't realize a dangerous dark abyss had looked at his existence with a killing gaze.
Rosaria continued her words and even her tone couldn't be less than happy.
" Your highness, the Empress seems to have something to discuss with you but you were not here during our meal. I missed the chance to asked further what she was going to say.." she lied and wanted Christopher to find out for himself, she turn to acknowledge the presence of his mistress.
Rosaria had felt Ilios slightly tighten his hold on her hands just enough to keep her attention returning to him. Sensing his displeasure of seeing his woman wasting her time on unworthy individuals.
" I greet the princess of Rosemond, Your highness Rosaria " Caroline watched the hand that Rosaria was holding and the princess noticed her gaze.
" I'm a little tired from walking back and forth, my knight is here to accompany me back so I'll be leaving first," Rosaria says with a friendly smile.
" of course your highness, I hope you rest well " Caroline replies with her smile painted brightly on her face and Christopher only stayed quiet next to her, as if letting her speak for him.
Unlike before, he didn't pursue Rosaria nor tried speaking to her.
The princess didn't see the need to prolonged her time with them and left.
Her knight assisted her to her carriage.
When they left, the crown prince looks at the carriage with unexplained emotions surging in his chest.
Caroline smiles and held his face as she whispers into his ears.
" Your highness, the princess has ignored you again. How can you still be interested in such a woman? Do you still want to lower yourself just to catch her attention? " her eyes watched his expression turn pained and disappointed. She was thrilled to see his feelings for another woman slowly disappear.
Caroline didn't hide the joy in her face.
" Let's go see her majesty and hear what she has to say-- "
" Go home Caroline " her words were interrupted by his harsh commands. Caught off guard, the noble lady's mouth was open with no words coming out of her lips.
Christopher didn't wait for a reply and ordered a knight to escort her back to her residence.
Caroline didn't protest and left him alone.
I'll return later, she slyly thought and held her stomach.
I'm not going to sit back and watch as she takes what's mine anymore! I'll force them to make me his future Empress!
She hurried her steps and went away.
Later that afternoon, Rosaria was left baffled by the letter sent to her room.
She was just handling a few documents that her butler sent to her when a letter from outside the palace was directly sent to her door.
She received it curiously and saw that there was no indication of which family it came from nor who wrote the letter. The wax seal was empty of any family crest.
Ilios had just finished sharpening his sword, he wore a white tunic and training pants that hugged his long legs perfectly, showing those strong thighs and calves.
The large man shifted his gaze to the object in her hand.
" I'm being invited out by the crown prince for a stroll " she explains and hands the letter to her lover, who secured his sword back to his sheath after hearing her words.
Ilios takes her hand to guide her close to him and lets her sit on his strong lap.
Ilios placed a hand on her back to secure her from falling. He nuzzles his nose on her head, taking his sweet time to enjoy her small back and the soft smell of her silver hair.
Rosaria leans closer to him as he kissed her cheeks before focusing on the letter on his hand.
Eve wanted to see his reaction, she was expecting something like this to happen and had already planned on what to do to make better progress in this world.
She opens her system and watched the progress bar increase to 15%.
Eve's golden eyes stared at the bar before she closed the panel and then sighs.
Before she could relax into Ilio's embrace, she finds Ilios wearing a very chilling look.
When he saw the contents of the letter, he was very displeased with what he had read and his fingers crumpled the paper with how much force he was holding it.