"From the south, huh?" Emma said, resting her chin lightly against her palm as she looked at William. The two of them sat across from each other in the elite region of the common hall, a space reserved exclusively for council members—and for one very specific exception.

William.

His seat here had not been granted by title or favor, but by strength. By defeating Gizel.

William nodded once, expression relaxed. "Yes. Why?"

Emma exhaled softly, her gaze drifting toward the tall windows lining the hall. "They're… quite the people," she said after a moment. "I haven't met them personally, but I've heard enough. Proud to the point of arrogance. They belittle anyone who doesn't share their customs and look at outsiders with open disdain."

William let out a short laugh. "Sounds like the usual brats we deal with."

Emma hummed, tapping her finger against the table. "Maybe. But I think their academy is aiming to inspire competition on both sides." She paused, then added, "This kind of thing isn't new. Even in the army, different units train together from time to time. It lets them observe each other—see what the other side does better. That often becomes motivation."

William leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms behind his head. "So what's your opinion? Excited to meet people from a foreign academy?"

Emma rolled her eyes at him. "You really think that's how I feel?" She shook her head. "I think they either miscalculated—or they ignored the consequences entirely."

She stabbed her fork into a small berry on her plate and took a small bite of it. "A small conflict can easily escalate into a national dispute. History lessons are filled with examples like that."

William watched her for a second, then shrugged. "Well, it's not like they can blame us if someone from the south gets offended and runs crying to their daddies."

Emma hummed in response, raising the berry toward her lips.

Before she could eat the rest of it, William suddenly leaned forward and caught her wrist.

Emma blinked but didn't resist as he gently pulled her hand closer—and casually bit into the berry himself.

Her eyes narrowed, a thin smirk forming. "You could have asked."

William straightened slightly, lips curling into a grin. "You won't always give me what I ask for. Sometimes I have to be a little forceful."

A faint flush crept up Emma's cheeks, but instead of pulling away, she leaned forward as well. "Tell me what you want," she said, voice low, "and see if I don't fulfill it."

William chuckled. "Don't play this game, Emma. We both know how weak you are when it comes to things like that."

"Oh, yeah?" Emma shot back, blue eyes glinting. "Why don't you try me?"

William paused.

He studied her for a moment longer than necessary, temptation flickering in his gaze. Then he nodded slightly. "Alright. Why don't you wait for me in your room tonight?"

Emma's confidence faltered instantly.

"But… Dorothy…" she started, her voice trailing off.

William laughed softly. "Didn't I say it? You're not ready for this game."

Emma clenched her fists, frustration flashing across her face. Then, almost in defiance, she blurted out, "Okay! I'll wait for you in my room—alone. Show me what you've got."

William froze.

Slowly, he leaned closer—dangerously close—until his voice dropped to a whisper. "Are you sure? All men are beasts, you know. Once you let me climb onto your bed… there won't be any turning back."

Heat rushed to Emma's face. Her neck burned as her thoughts spiraled wildly.

She had seen things. Read things. Enough to let her imagination run far ahead of reality.

Her vision felt warm, unfocused.

William didn't need to pry into her thoughts to understand what was happening. Her expression said everything.

He smiled helplessly.

Then he reached out, gently taking her hand. "I'm joking," he said calmly. "Breathe, Emma."

She looked up at him and realized he meant it.

William handed her a glass of water. "Drink."

She did, slowly, her racing heart settling as the cool liquid grounded her. When she finally relaxed, William continued, "I won't force you to take a step you're not ready for. We have time. All the time in the world."

He softened his voice further. "And I know this must make you insecure. Anyone would be. So take it at your pace."

Emma traced the rim of the glass with her thumb, eyes fixed on the table. After a moment, she spoke quietly.

"It's not that I don't trust you… or love you enough," she said. "I'm just nervous. This would be my first time, William. I don't know how I'd react… how I'd behave when I'm… when I'm lying there, vulnerable. Naked."

Two lives.

And yet she had never crossed that line.

In her previous life, she had been consumed by studies, then work. Romance had always been postponed. In this life, she simply hadn't met anyone worth opening her heart to—until William.

So her fear felt natural.

William listened without interrupting. Then he said gently, "That's okay. We'll take things slow. And if I ever do something you don't want…" He smiled faintly. "Just slap me back to my senses."

Emma nodded innocently.

William reached out and rubbed her head, the familiar gesture calming her completely.

After a moment, he said, "Why don't we go see Nana?"

Emma jolted. "Can we? We have class tomorrow."

William shrugged. "Most students are busy preparing for the dungeon trial. Who's going to question us? We can leave in a few hours, stay the night, and return by tomorrow afternoon."

Emma checked the time. It was still afternoon.

She knew they would get scolded if caught—but the thought of seeing Nana again overpowered her hesitation.

"Yes," she said quickly. "Let's do that. Give me ten minutes. I'll freshen up and change."

They both stood at the same time.

"Meet me at the school gate in fifteen minutes," William said.

Emma nodded, already hurrying toward the dorms.

It had been over a week since they last saw her.

And they were both eager—equally so—to reunite with their child.

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