"It fits so well it’s almost like a lie.”
It was dinner time. The two people who were busy with their own work faced each other in the restaurant. Liene wore a lilac dress from some time ago. The two ladies had dressed her up nicely to commemorate the last time they had together before becoming a couple.
“When we were trying on the wedding dress, both of them holding a needle. If there was anything that didn’t fit well, they had to fix it right away. But there was nothing to fix.”
They both looked very happy, but they also had slightly disappointed expressions on their faces. Liene giggled like a child as she spoke.
They both looked very happy, but they also had slightly disappointed expressions on their faces. Liene giggled like a child as she spoke.
“If you look at the two of them, there are so many similarities. You could say they’ve been friends their whole lives. Of course, they’re still awkward with each other.”
That's why she said it made her laugh more.
“I think they’ll soon be getting along so well that it’ll make you wonder when they were like that."
“That’s good."
“And they decided to choose earrings and a necklace to wear with my wedding dress, and they even chose the same ones. Just looking at them, you can tell they’re getting along well... Oh, I forgot.”
“What are you talking about?”
Black asked this and continued to whisper, putting small pieces of roasted pigeon into Liene's mouth.
“Talk while you eat. I don’t like it when the Princess can’t eat properly.”
Liene took the food Black gave her in a panic, swallowed it, and then became serious.“
Liene took the food Black gave her in a panic, swallowed it, and then became serious.“
"Just a moment. I had something to say.”
“Tell me."
“The jewels in the jewelry room. They’re too excessive.”
“What does excessive mean?”
“You spent so much money. You don’t even realize how much it was. It’s just...”
“It’s nothing.”
Black cut her off mid-sentence. He always had the same expression on his face whenever Liene said something like that. Liene thought it was an expression of displeasure, but it was actually a look of pity. His heart raced when he thought of the moment when Liene had to sell those jewels alone.
Black cut her off mid-sentence. He always had the same expression on his face whenever Liene said something like that. Liene thought it was an expression of displeasure, but it was actually a look of pity. His heart raced when he thought of the moment when Liene had to sell those jewels alone.
“Why, it’s nothing. It’s a lot of money.”
“I told you not to worry about money anymore.”
“It’s not a worry, um...”
“You’re right to worry. You're saying this because you're worried my pockets will be empty.”
Liene couldn't say no.
Liene couldn't say no.
“Dermos manages Tiwacan’s property, and in fact, Fermos hates spending money on nothing the most.”
“Then I guess he were against buying jewels too.”
“No, on the contrary. It is royal property, so it is natural to recover it, and besides, it is worth buying.”
“Why?”
“It’s cheaper than the general market price on the continent, so the price is likely to go up. And since I bought them all at once, the price was even better.”
In fact, all of those reasons were trivial. Even if they were several times more expensive, and even if Fermos had jumped, Black would have put those jewels back where they belonged.
“And it’s a little embarrassing to say this.”
“Why?”
“I did it to see you happy, but I was worried that if I listed other reasons, I would look like a loser."
“Why are you saying that? That can’t be true.”
“Then just be happy. That’s what I spent my money on.”
Liene, who was at a loss for what face to make, just sighed and buried her forehead on Black's shoulder.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to... I’ve been worrying about money all these years, so I guess it’s become a bad habit.”
Black slowly stroked Liene's back.
“That habit will disappear soon.”
“I can’t make any promises. It’s not easy.”
“It’s harder to stick to a habit that you don’t need. Worrying about money is no longer a problem for the Princess.”
...Really? It was still hard to believe, but Liene knew that Black was right. The debts that had been sucking her money were all gone, and the Kleinfelter family’s assets had been transferred to the crown. That would be enough, but now the five families had agreed to pay taxes. Unless there was a sudden outbreak of disease, there would be no shortage of money. That was all a gift from Black.
“Then take another bite. It seems like you haven’t been eating much since earlier.”
Black brought the food back to his mouth.
“...Let’s eat together.”
Liene, who had swallowed a piece of meat, offered the same dish to Black.
“I think Lord Tiwakan is the one who is not eating.”
“I’m a little busy right now.”
"Huh? Is there anything more hectic to do besides eating at the table?”
“I have to look at the Princess.”
“...Why is that?”
“Because I don’t want to miss it.”
Black pulled Liene's hand and buried his lips in her wrist... This is a big deal. If this keeps up, she'll end up eating and drinking again. And to make matters worse, Black didn't close his eyes while keeping his lips together. The eyes that were visible between her fingers were crazy.
“I have to... eat.”
“This is a big deal.”
What's the big deal with you?
What's the big deal with you?
“When I see the Princess these days, only one thought comes to mind.”
It didn't seem like much, but strangely enough, the back of her neck felt hot.
It didn't seem like much, but strangely enough, the back of her neck felt hot.
“What do you think?"
“This is not something to talk about at the dinner table.”
“Then where?"
“On the bed.”
“...”
“...”
It was really dirty.
“You have to eat.”
When Liene, who was shaking her eyes awkwardly, spoke softly, Black lowered his head and whispered.
“That will happen.”
“But why are you whispering?”
“The Princess whispered first.”
Did I do that? But when Liene lowered her head, the distance seemed really close. Sitting next to each other and eating became another habit.
“I think it’s because we’re so close. Then, somehow, we end up speaking quietly.”
“That’s right.”
Liene couldn't help but laugh at the man who kept whispering to her as if he had no intention of doing so, even though he seemed to think that would be enough.
“Then...”
"Yes."
“Before the second course comes out, just a moment...”
"For a moment?"
“Shall we kiss?”
“...”
Funnily enough, the distance widened at that moment. It was because Black had leaned back. He threw his head back and burst into an unbelievably loud laugh.
Liene's lips opened without her knowing as she looked at him. Why are here laughing...? She thought she said that out of courage.
“Stop laughing. That wasn’t even funny. And Lord Tiwakan usually says things like that more...”
“I agree.”
The distance that had briefly grown apart was quickly shortened again.
“Close your eyes.”
And the eyes that had been smiling narrowly became serious as if it were a lie.
“No, wait... I no longer feel like doing that. You laughed.”
Liene covered Black's approaching lips with her hand. It was not that she had lost the desire to kiss him, but rather the opposite. She needed some breathing room as her body temperature suddenly rose.
“Then let’s make it again.”
A soft kiss began on the inside of the palm that covered her mouth. Liene closed her eyes as if frowning and sighed. She felt her toes curling inside her shoes.
“Then why are you... laughing and stuff?”
“I just thought about it.”
After tickling her palm for a while, he grabbed Liene's wrist and pulled her hand away.
“The reason I smile is because of you, Princess.”
The lips that readily approached her lightly met hers. Black whispered while keeping their lips touching.
“I can’t even remember when I last laughed like this.”
The lower lip parted gently. Before she knew it, her arms were wrapped around Black’s neck. The short hair that touched her fingers felt smooth, and even that touch sweetly warmed her body. The kiss would have been very long whether the second course came or not. But unfortunately, there was an interruption.
***
“I’m sorry for being late... No, that’s not it. I should apologize for coming so early.”
Liene tried to calm her expression as she looked at Grand Prince Dieren, who was standing across the table and bending his knees. The unwelcome guest is really acting unwelcome. Why did he suddenly show up and do such a thing? She didn't even invite him to dinner.
“I would have sent the meal to your room.”
Black's voice was so cold that Liene felt goosebumps on her arms. The mercenary who guided Dieren to the restaurant did his best to make excuses to Black with his eyes. Randall did buy him drinks. But as you know, there is a difference in status. The Grand Prince somehow got wind of it and kept saying no to drinks. Randall tried, but he drank all of it by himself and passed out.
I'm sorry. Please forgive me just this once. That was his excuse.
“Shouldn’t this be considered a snack rather than a meal? As a guest, I couldn’t possibly commit the rudeness of disobeying the royal mealtime.”
When he entered the restaurant, Dieren looked a little flustered, but he soon came to his senses, and his complexion returned to normal.
“I apologize for being late, Princess. Would you do me the honor of joining uou here?”
No, I don't like it. What about glory? I said it's a distraction.
“I am worried that this simple meal with a lover might disappoint the Grand Prince of a foreign country.”
“Don’t worry for nothing. How can I call a place where I can see the Princess’s face simple?”
There it is again. He must think that is a good thing. Even though she told you she didn't want to hear it.
“You don’t mean to say that I’m like a flower on your table, do you?”
“How dare I compare a flower to a Princess? Where would be a better place for me?”
There was no sign of him quietly disappearing. Liene gave a reluctant answer, gently squeezing Black’s hand under the table.
“I don’t want to show the guests the table that is already getting cold, but if Your Highness wishes, let us join.”
“Thank you for your permission. I will take this seat then.”
Dieren pointed to the chair opposite Liene. The Grand Prince's servant, who had been standing in front of the door, walked over and pulled out the chair for him. Black looked at it with a displeased expression and then gestured to the mercenary.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Tell them to bring more food. I can’t afford to be rude. I want the table to be full.”
"All right."
“And bring some booze. The one Randall drank.”
"Yes."
Dieren, who was sitting in his seat, smiled slyly.
“You don’t have to do that. Instead of calling me a guest, call me a brother.”
Black picked up his glass without saying anything. When the mercenary who had gone to get the drink came back out of breath, he filled the glass and handed it to Dieren.
“...Thank you.”
Dieren took the glass.
“Drink.”
Guests also needed to be polite. It was rude to put down a glass that was handed to you without even touching it. Dieren emptied his glass diligently. In the meantime, Black held Liene’s hand and asked her affectionately.
“How about we move now?”
"Yes?"
“I’ve finished eating.”
"Uh...."
When did that happen? Dieren lifted his glass from his drink.
“What? Didn’t it just start?”
Then, Liene stood up with a slight smile on her face.
“That would be good. We have nothing to do but look at the Grand Prince. Your Highness, please finish your meal in peace. Don’t worry about being late.”
The second course had just entered the restaurant. There were eight delicious dishes on large plates, steaming hot.
“Eat it all. It’s my sincerity.”
“What are you talking about... Isn’t this rude treatment too blatant?”
“Where do you see this being called rude treatment? This should be called extreme treatment.”
Black took Liene's hand and left the restaurant. He left a word for the mercenary who was just bringing the food.
“Check the plates to make sure the guests are eating properly. And tell him that if he leaves any food behind, I will be very upset because it will feel like my courtesy has been disregarded.”
“Understood, my lord.”
Boom! The restaurant door closed, leaving only Dieren and his servant behind.
“Shouldn’t this be considered a snack rather than a meal? As a guest, I couldn’t possibly commit the rudeness of disobeying the royal mealtime.”
When he entered the restaurant, Dieren looked a little flustered, but he soon came to his senses, and his complexion returned to normal.
“I apologize for being late, Princess. Would you do me the honor of joining uou here?”
No, I don't like it. What about glory? I said it's a distraction.
“I am worried that this simple meal with a lover might disappoint the Grand Prince of a foreign country.”
“Don’t worry for nothing. How can I call a place where I can see the Princess’s face simple?”
There it is again. He must think that is a good thing. Even though she told you she didn't want to hear it.
“You don’t mean to say that I’m like a flower on your table, do you?”
“How dare I compare a flower to a Princess? Where would be a better place for me?”
There was no sign of him quietly disappearing. Liene gave a reluctant answer, gently squeezing Black’s hand under the table.
“I don’t want to show the guests the table that is already getting cold, but if Your Highness wishes, let us join.”
“Thank you for your permission. I will take this seat then.”
Dieren pointed to the chair opposite Liene. The Grand Prince's servant, who had been standing in front of the door, walked over and pulled out the chair for him. Black looked at it with a displeased expression and then gestured to the mercenary.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Tell them to bring more food. I can’t afford to be rude. I want the table to be full.”
"All right."
“And bring some booze. The one Randall drank.”
"Yes."
Dieren, who was sitting in his seat, smiled slyly.
“You don’t have to do that. Instead of calling me a guest, call me a brother.”
Black picked up his glass without saying anything. When the mercenary who had gone to get the drink came back out of breath, he filled the glass and handed it to Dieren.
“...Thank you.”
Dieren took the glass.
“Drink.”
Guests also needed to be polite. It was rude to put down a glass that was handed to you without even touching it. Dieren emptied his glass diligently. In the meantime, Black held Liene’s hand and asked her affectionately.
“How about we move now?”
"Yes?"
“I’ve finished eating.”
"Uh...."
When did that happen? Dieren lifted his glass from his drink.
“What? Didn’t it just start?”
Then, Liene stood up with a slight smile on her face.
“That would be good. We have nothing to do but look at the Grand Prince. Your Highness, please finish your meal in peace. Don’t worry about being late.”
The second course had just entered the restaurant. There were eight delicious dishes on large plates, steaming hot.
“Eat it all. It’s my sincerity.”
“What are you talking about... Isn’t this rude treatment too blatant?”
“Where do you see this being called rude treatment? This should be called extreme treatment.”
Black took Liene's hand and left the restaurant. He left a word for the mercenary who was just bringing the food.
“Check the plates to make sure the guests are eating properly. And tell him that if he leaves any food behind, I will be very upset because it will feel like my courtesy has been disregarded.”
“Understood, my lord.”
Boom! The restaurant door closed, leaving only Dieren and his servant behind.
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