275/277: Worse Than Guilt


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    275/277: Worse Than Guilt


    Beatrice groaned as her eyes fluttered open.


    “Ugh… my head,” she mumbled, pressing her palms against her temples and rubbing gently, hoping to soothe the pounding inside.


    “You’re finally awake!”


    Her eyes snapped shut at the sound of Ri’s voice. A small smile tugged at her lips despite the throbbing in her head. At this point, she and Princess Ri had be like sisters, more than just


    friends.


    Beatrice had always looked up to Ri when they were younger, relying on her like a big sister. But that bond had been fractured when Ri fell ill, her mind slipping after the chaos caused by Cain.


    For nearly a year, their interactions had been rare and cautious. Visits were limited, often guided by the Queen Mother, who feared Ri’s unpredictable temperament at the time.


    Now, everything had changed. Ri had healed, and the warmth between them was restored. They were back to how things used to be-barging into each other’s rooms without warning,ughing, teasing, and enjoying the closeness they had missed for so long.


    Beatrice couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face despite her hangover.


    “Are you sure you were that happy spending time with Urielst night?” Ri asked, perching on the edge of Beatrice’s bed.


    The moment she heard Uriel’s name, Beatrice jolted upright, blinking rapidly at Ri. “I was with Urielst night?” she burst out, eyes wide.


    Ri creased her forehead. “You really don’t remember?”


    Beatrice frowned, trying to piece together the fragments of memory. “I… I saw him leaving while I was pretending to enjoy thepany of other men. That annoyed me, so I started drinking. I remember the taste of wine… and then you and Uncle Arturo brought me to your table.”


    She paused, blinking. “After that… nothing? But I’m sure it’lle back to meter.”


    Ri scoffed. “You better hope so.”


    Beatrice tilted her head, frowning. “What’s with that face? Are you saying I messed upst night?”


    Ri’s smile turned teasing. “Well… I don’t know the whole story. You and Uriel were alonest night, right? But what I do know is that he left quitete… after carrying you to your bedchamber. Your maidservant said she waited for him to leave before tending to you… but he took his time.”


    Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “So… what did you two do? Or what did you do that made him stay longer instead of just dropping you off and leaving?”


    275/277: Worse Than Guilt


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    Beatrice felt her face heat up. She truly couldn’t remember.


    “I… I don’t know,” she admitted with a weakugh. “Let me just freshen up first. I need to eat and recharge. I’ll tell you once my memory startsing back.”


    She pushed herself off the bed, wincing slightly from her headache but smiling brightly. Despite the lingering ache, she was in a good mood and Ri could see it clearly.


    *****


    Meanwhile, Uriel tried to focus on the documents in his hands, though another yawn escaped him before he could stop it.


    “Are you sleep-deprived?” Simon asked, ncing at him while handing over another stack of papers.” You’ve got dark circles under your eyes, and you keep yawning.”


    Simon ced the documents neatly on the desk. “His Majesty is already back, you know. You don’t have to finish all of these today.”


    Uriel scoffed. “That king… Yes, he’s back, but can you believe he still wants me to extend my work with these documents?” He rubbed his temples in frustration. “I’m a healer mage, Simon. The Minister of Healing, not some overworked clerk.”


    In truth, the reason for his exhaustion had nothing to do with paperwork.


    Last night, Beatrice had tormented him so badly that he barely slept at all.


    “Well,” Simon replied with a casual shrug, “I suppose His Majesty wants to enjoy a few more days of his honeymoon.”


    Uriel let out an exasperated breath. “He’s been on his honeymoon forever.”


    Simon nodded in quiet agreement as he continued reviewing another set of documents.


    “I’m just d Osman is finally back,” Simon added after a moment, a faint grin spreading across his face. “Now he can return to his duties in the field, which means I get to spend more time here in the pce.”


    Uriel didn’tment. He already knew why Simon looked so pleased.


    After all, the man had finally reunited with Melva, and he was clearly enjoying every moment of it.


    “Also, you’re doing an excellent job. His Majesty is very pleased,” Simon added while organizing the documents on the desk. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he promotes you to Chancellor soon.”


    Uriel let out a dryugh. “Please don’t wish that kind of fate on me.”


    Just then, a loud knock echoed through the room before the door suddenly opened.


    “My Lord! I got all the information you wanted!” Leon burst in, panting heavily. A proud grin stretched across his face as he hurried forward with a thick stack of papers in his arms.


    275/277: Worse Than Guilt


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    But in his rush, his foot caught the edge of the carpet.


    “Ah-!”


    Leon stumbled forward and crashed onto the floor. The papers scattered everywhere, fluttering across the room like startled birds.


    Uriel groaned and pressed a hand to his forehead.


    Simon sighed but bent down to help gather the fallen sheets. He calmly picked them up one by one until something on the pages caught his attention. His brows slowly drew together as he scanned the names listed.


    “These men…” Simon murmured, pausing as he held one of the documents up.


    He turned to Uriel with a puzzled look.


    “Why are you investigating them?” he asked. “Are they some kind of threat?”


    “Of course, they’re a threat to My Lord! They’re possible suitors,” Leon burst out proudly. “They are the best candidates the Queen Mother is considering for Lady Beatrice!”


    Simon slowly turned his head toward Uriel, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Well, well,” he scoffed lightly. “So much for someone who said it wasn’t his concern.”


    Uriel stiffened. “It’s not my concern. I was just checking to make sure-” He stopped mid-sentence, suddenly unable to find the right words.


    Simon simply shook his head, clearly unconvinced.


    “Do you know the worst thing a person can feel,” he said calmly, “worse than guilt?”


    Uriel remained silent, but Leon leaned forward with curiosity sparkling in his eyes.


    “What is it, my lord?”


    Simon nced briefly at Uriel before answering. “Regret.”


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