I Became The Tyrant's Limited Time Wife

“Look at them. It reminds me of the coronation. I was terrified when I first got the invitation, but now they look just like a newlywed couple, don’t they? Hahaha!”

Hmm, good. My image and the perception of Sian’s image are improving significantly.

“Xian, be honest. You’re glad you decided to host this ball, aren’t you?”

“I was just wondering what new thing I’d hear from you this time.”

When I poked him in the side to tease, Xian replied in a flat tone.

Liar. I saw you awkwardly run your hand through your hair just now.

“…Then, will you comb your hair too when you tell me something new?”

“What? Why my hair?”

I was preparing to track down Marquis Lenscule and other men, as Lindo recommended, when Xian asked an unexpected question, leaving me confused.

“…It helps me sleep better.”

Apparently embarrassed at asking me to comb his hair even though he’s the emperor, Xian hesitated before looking away and answering.

Ah, I see. I chuckled and nodded readily.

“Sure. Then I’ll do it for you tomorrow night.”

With the plan progressing so smoothly, I was in an exceptionally good mood. It felt like I was floating on a cloud.

‘I can’t rest here!’

I pushed forward for a flawless finish.

On the first day, while Xian led the social hunting event, I worked hard at the tea party to build rapport with the nobles.

“Your Majesty the Empress. Rumor has it that His Majesty has changed significantly.”

“Oh, yes, it’s true. His Majesty is really warm and considerate.”

“My goodness. Isn’t that all thanks to you, Your Majesty? Do you have a secret?”

I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to call my relationship with Xian—a mutual contract—romantic, but whatever.

The ladies, misunderstanding everything and blinded by their own romantic notions, quickly let down their guard, making it easy to build connections.

“Your Majesty, is there a particular industry His Majesty favors? In Hevingston, we’ve been considering trade with Bermuth…”

Male nobles and diplomats started showing interest in me, hoping to gain diplomatic tips because I seemed close to Xian.

“Of course! I don’t know much about trade myself, but His Majesty is particularly interested in…”

I offered a few suggestions while casually building rapport. Among them were Lindo’s recommended targets, giving me a sense of accomplishment.

Then, finally, the much-anticipated second afternoon arrived.

With the ceremonial reveal scheduled for the evening ball, the guests began bringing congratulatory gifts to the hall, arriving from their accommodations one by one.

“Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress!”

“Ah, Duke Simand! It’s so wonderful to see you today.”

Under the pretext of welcoming guests, I popped in here and there unannounced.

And along with the men I befriended at the tea party, I began targeting those I hadn’t bonded with at the hunting event.

“Haha, it is truly an honor.”

The tanned Duke Simand, hailing from a tropical climate, smiled warmly. I struck up casual conversations with him at a side table.

“Ah, you say you’re acquainted with Marquis Lenscule? That’s unexpected. You seem so different.”

“Opposites attract, after all.”

The sociable Duke Simand was an easy conversational partner.

But even as I spoke, I couldn’t stop eyeing his luscious hair, recalling the details Lindo had dug up.

‘He’s rumored to be a notorious playboy, untrustworthy and constantly flirting even after arriving in Bermuth.’

As appealing as his quality hair looked, he didn’t seem worth much otherwise. Ugh, I can’t stand guys like this.

Still, outwardly, I played it cool and kept the conversation light and friendly.

“Your Majesty, may I ask what that is, if it’s not too forward?”

Finally, Duke Simand showed interest in the comb I had casually brought up.

‘Gotcha.’

As I lightly combed through my loose hair, I smiled as if I had just remembered something.

The white comb, carved from a single piece of pure wood, looked like a luxurious wedding gift, but it was actually a bait item.

“Oh, excuse me. It must seem odd. This is something a craftsman recently presented to the Empress Palace. If you use it regularly, it’s said to bring peace of mind and help with sleep.”

“A comb with such effects? How fascinating.”

As expected, Duke Simand looked intrigued.

“Of course! It makes you feel lighter without needing any supplements, and your mood improves too. The more you use it, the better the effect, so I always carry it with me.”

Total nonsense. It doesn’t have any such properties. Yet.

Feigning complete sincerity, I boasted, and Duke Simand began showing genuine interest.

“How extraordinary! Would it be possible for me to purchase one during my stay?”

Internally, I fist-pumped in triumph.

“Ah, would you like to try it first? If you like it, I’ll arrange one as a keepsake for you.”

“Such generosity! I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty.”

As we exchanged polite remarks, I handed him the comb. Duke Simand, without suspicion, used it lightly.

“Oh! It feels entirely different from an ordinary comb. It’s incredibly soothing!”

No way. It’s just a regular wooden comb.

While his personality was lacking, his acting skills were impressive.

“I’m glad you like it. I’ll arrange a keepsake for you.”

Smiling to myself, I retrieved the “bait” comb he handed back.

Hah, foreign hair secured! I’ll use the promise of a comb to gather more samples later.

“Haha, had I known Your Majesty would be so interested in me, I’d have brought a gift in return.”

But then, Duke Simand subtly tried to brush my hand. My eyes narrowed instinctively.

‘Oh no, you don’t.’

I gracefully avoided his hand and rose from my seat.

“You’re too kind. I’ll be off to greet others now.”

“Ah, yes. I’ll see you at the ball, then.”

Duke Simand, apparently thinking I hadn’t noticed, cheerfully parted ways.

But even as he walked away, I could feel his sticky gaze lingering.

‘Hmph. Of course someone like him would behave like this.’

Keeping a neutral face, I memorized his features for future reference, then moved on to cast my bait with other nobles.

As expected, everyone welcomed the chance to connect with the empire’s empress. The “special comb” excuse worked wonders, and I successfully gathered hair samples.

Even if all the combs were fake.

Between the hall, rest lounges, and Lindo’s lab, I ferried the hair samples constantly. Foreign men’s hair turned out to be highly effective.

Lindo and I even identified specific samples for additional collection during the ball.

“But you know, some people seem to put too much significance on combing.”

“That’s why we prepared this.”

While reviewing the final steps, Lindo revealed the completed ultimate weapon.

It wasn’t the “fake” comb I had carried around today but a real special comb.

“Right. Some might find it strange for the empress to go around combing hair.”

Those whose hair I took today probably found no effect from the comb. But because I’m the empress, they played along.

Still, some might have suspicions about my intentions.

‘But when they see the real comb’s effects, they’ll be blown away.’

That’s what I was aiming for—to deflect suspicion and captivate attention with something tangible.

People are easily distracted by shiny truths, forgetting the suspicious background.

“If anyone reacts poorly, they’re just revealing their own shady motives.”

From my experience, the ones who misinterpret goodwill are always the ones who cause trouble, like Duke Simand.

“Hmm. Shall we exclude him from additional sampling? He seems risky.”

Hearing what had happened earlier, Lindo scratched his chin. But I shook my head, my eyes gleaming.

“No, I’ve got an even better idea.”

I added the perfect twist to elevate the plan.

“How’s that? Doesn’t it feel more dramatic and cathartic? Everyone will be utterly distracted!”

Operation Diversion, complete.

Hearing my explanation, Lindo clapped enthusiastically.

“How do you come up with these ideas? Did you deal with a lot of weirdos before?”

“Oh, I’ve got plenty of colorful stories. My exes make harem men seem tame.”

Smiling brightly, I casually shared with Lindo as we waited for the ball, watching the antidote take shape.

Ah, I could cry with satisfaction. Once this is complete, I’m done with my limited-time mission! Goodbye, poison ending!

*****

 

The grand ballroom of the imperial palace was filled with a beautiful melody.

Xian sat idly on the imperial throne, waiting for time to pass.

On one side, mountains of precious gifts were stacked, and on the other, noble couples in glittering clothes and dazzling jewelry danced gracefully.

Yet, the only thing that truly held his attention was one singular thought.

“Combing my hair, huh.”

Unconsciously, a slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Honestly, it did feel like he slept better when his hair was combed.

But he wasn’t so oblivious as to mistake that for the real reason.

If it were genuinely for better sleep, he could have easily had someone else comb his hair all night long.
Leah always stopped the moment he seemed to doze off.

Which meant the real purpose was…

“She just wants to comb my hair herself.”

What kind of empress personally combs the emperor’s hair?
Especially an empress born into a high-ranking noble family, one who likely never combed even her own hair.

It might have seemed like an odd behavior at first glance, but then again, both Leah and Xian had always been a little odd, so he didn’t mind.

What he did care about was the word “personally.”

That small figure of hers running around, doing things no one else would think of, saying and acting in ways that defied expectations—it no longer bothered Xian.

At first, it was annoying and tiresome, but now he had grown used to it.
In fact, watching her was starting to feel amusing.

“I need to figure out why she insists on doing it herself.”

Perhaps then, he could uncover why she had kissed him that day.

At that moment, Xian was startled by his own thoughts and straightened his expression.
Of course, that didn’t stop the nape of his neck from flushing slightly red.