Yes, he had started to question things. That much was true. But on an emotional level, he did want to trust Somnus. That was also the truth.
Somnus's expression softened, and he smiled gently.
"That makes me happy to hear," he said. "But… you fell out of bed yesterday, didn't you? I figured it's time we move to the next phase—if it doesn't overexert you. Honestly, I enjoy having you all to myself like this, but your mental well-being is the top priority."
He leaned in and touched his forehead gently to Li Shen's.
He spoke so sincerely, so calmly. Li Shen found himself staring into those eyes, speechless. How long had he been holding his breath?
I just got out of bed. That's all. I didn't say anything. I didn't even speak yesterday. I was asleep most of the time.
And yet… just from that… he thought this far ahead? He tried to understand what I might have been feeling, what I was thinking…?
What the hell?
Is he a mind reader or something?
"…Is there such a thing as magic that lets you read someone's thoughts?" Li Shen asked, quietly.
"Hmm… magic can't do that. Maybe sorcery could, but I likely wouldn't be able to use it," Somnus said.
Then why do you understand me so well?
Li Shen's thoughts slipped out into words. "I… I kind of thought maybe you were lying. I mean, you're supposed to be the Emperor, but you seemed… too free. Like someone with nothing to do."
Somnus chuckled. "That's not entirely wrong. I'm mostly a figurehead now. The next Emperor, my successor, is handling the actual ruling. So I do have a lot of free time. And anything minor that needs handling gets done while you're asleep."
"Oh… right. I do sleep a lot. So yeah… I guess you would have time."
Somnus's voice, so smooth and relaxed, carried not even a hint of annoyance as he responded cheerfully to Li Shen's half-apology.
It felt… really good to hear. Like something warm settling deep in his chest.
What the hell is happening to me?
No one's ever treated me like this before Not even in my old world.
This is bad… this is really bad... Li Shen's mind spun. I think I'm actually happy right now. Like really, deeply happy. The Emperor is way too powerful...
He knew he was being emotionally vulnerable. Too quick to soften. Too easily swayed. But at the same time, maybe that was okay.
After all, if Somnus was using him—if all of this kindness was just a performance meant to manipulate him like a tool—then… maybe Li Shen could accept that. Maybe he wouldn't even mind being used by someone like this man.
So at the very least, he wanted to say this one thing.
"…Somnus."
"Yes, Li Shen? Do you want something to eat?"
"Yeah. I mean… no. I mean, yeah, maybe. But before that…" Li Shen took a breath. "I just… I'm really glad you've been thinking about me. That you care. It… really made me happy. So… thank you."
And the moment he said that, Somnus's violet eyes sparkled like amethysts catching sunlight—so stunning, Li Shen couldn't help but wonder.
If this is a dream, then I hope I never wake up.
So when Somnus's hand gently brushed against his cheek and their faces slowly drew closer—when warm breath touched his lips—Li Shen's eyes fluttered shut without thinking, letting himself go completely—
"Your Majesty, may I finally have the honor of greeting the Prince of Darkness'?"
W-WHAT?!
Li Shen's eyes flew open. I was seriously about to be kissed like it was the most normal thing in the world—WHAT THE HELL?!
"Tch. Good job, Agares. Your pay will be cut."
Wait. WHO JUST CLICKED THEIR TONGUE?!
Was that Somnus?! Seriously?! That doesn't even suit him!
And—hold on—was someone else here this whole time?!?
"OH MY GOD!!!"
Li Shen screamed inwardly. No, no, no, this is SO BAD! I said something so embarrassing! Someone heard all of that!
Okay. Fine. Please, PLEASE let this be a dream. I take it back. I want it to be a dream. Please, someone, anyone—wake me up!!!