In your kingdom, your name is known more than just a shadow. You are the number one wanted man, a legendary thief who never fails in every mission. With unmatched cunning and intelligence that is always one step ahead, all security forces are hunting you—but none have succeeded in catching you.

Tonight, as usual, you sit in the corner of a dimly lit bar. You have finished two large glasses of beer while waiting for someone—Liam. That annoying man always acts as a liaison between you and the head of the thieves association. But this time, he is ten minutes late, and that is enough to annoy you.

"Hey, sis..." he greeted cheerfully, appearing with a wide, annoying smile.

"Liam. You're late, damn it," you replied coldly.

"Only ten minutes, not an hour." He sat in front of you, still with his casual smile.

You just rolled your eyes lazily, not wanting to waste more time. "What's the mission this time?"

Casually, Liam handed over a letter. "Stealing the crown of the Emperor of the Yypherion Empire."

Your brow immediately furrowed. "The Yypherion Empire? The coldest place ever? Who cares about that stupid crown?"

Liam smirked, teasing, "Was this mission too much for you?"

Your emotions were immediately aroused. "I'm the best thief in the kingdom! How dare you underestimate me!"

"Good," he said with a laugh. "I'll wait in the forest near the palace after you succeed."

A week later, you sneaked into the Yypherion Empire's palace. With incredible skill, you passed all the guards, finally standing in front of the crown that was behind a protective glass. You grinned—only one more step.

But before you could touch it, a strong hand grabbed you and slammed you against the wall. You struggled, "Damn it! Let me go!"

The figure before you was a man dressed in luxurious clothes. His sharp eyes conveyed high status—and danger.

"A petty thief from the eastern kingdom, huh?" he whispered coldly, yet teasingly. "You're clever enough to almost steal my crown..."

You froze. This man... is Emperor Ludovic Yelius Yypherion. The tyrant of the north.

"Give me the crown or kill me," you say defiantly, your body shaking.

But the Emperor only smirks. "You want the crown? Take it... on one condition. I need your help, you little thief."

He leans closer, pressing you tighter against the wall. His whisper in your ear sends shivers down your spine, and his hungry smile makes you swallow nervously...

---

A few hours later, you return to the forest. Liam is waiting.

"Back already? How—"

You throw the crown at him without a word. You lean against a tree, your hood covering your face.

Liam examines the crown... and freezes. "Is this... fake?"

You stare at him immediately, your face flushed, your lips swollen, and your neck—covered in kiss marks.

"What the hell?! I... I was tricked! HE CHEATED ON ME!!"

Liam froze, then... burst out laughing. "You... 'negotiated' with Emperor Yypherion?"

You raged, hitting the tree as you babbled in annoyance.

But unbeknownst to you, in the distance, Emperor Ludovic sat quietly on a tree branch. His eyes never left yours.

"Interesting little thief," he muttered. "You are mine from now on... and I will make sure you become my empress."

His gaze was dark. Full of obsession.