The lips that had been thinly interlocked soon became deeper. His tongue pushed in, splitting the gap between my teeth. The hot, soft tongue plundered each and every one of my teeth and the soft parts inside my mouth.
Yes, this was a robbery. Every time my tongue was pressed, a sweet liquid gushed out. My breathing was ragged.
As I grabbed his shirt, he covered the back of my hand with his large hand.
I used to think that kissing was all about locking lips. But now I realize how naive that was.
I felt alive on every skin that touched him. It was so hot, so suffocating, so tingly. Goosebumps ran down my spine.
Finally, our lips parted. Unlike me, who was panting, he was calm. At least, it seemed that way.
He opened his mouth slowly. His voice was completely still.
“...I know that once you take me here, you will never treat me the same way again.”
I shrugged my shoulders, feeling my heart pricked.
That was right. I was acting like someone obsessed with finding any flaw in the perfect guy.
So that I don't give him my whole heart. So that I can abandon him and live a good life in the future.
“Look at me, Your Highness.”
His voice, a soft voice, rang out like it was scratching my eardrums. It was already an overly good voice. But like this... It was completely unfair.
I instinctively covered my ears. He slowly took my hand and lowered it. Then he very slowly kissed each joint of my fingers.
“As I said, I am a very greedy person, so I must have Your Highness’s whole being, from beginning to end, with every last bit of your heart intact.”
“..."
“So, next time, please ask me with a clear mind...”
I wanted to see the face of the man who said those words, so I lifted my eyelashes which were wet with tears. The man’s deep golden eyes were filled with longing, hidden behind a wicked smile.
I forgot to even breathe for a moment. He whispered with his lips pressed against my ear.
“You can’t appear before me looking so neat.”
I collapsed on the bed, unable to overcome the hangover from last night. My head hurt as if it was going to split open, and I felt like vomiting whenever I tried to move my body even a little.
Think about it, Sasha. How much did you drink yesterday? Two bottles? Definitely not one. If I remember correctly, it was at least seven.
But how could one drink only a few sips of that expensive champagne and leave it behind? It was clear that the aristocrats regarded expensive liquor as if it were water.
For a common citizen like me, it was an unthinkable distribution. So what can I do? I store all the remaining champagne in my stomach.
“Your Highness, huh, are you awake?”
As I fidgeted, Irina, who was lying next to me, touched my forehead and asked.
Thalia curled up in a corner of the bed, and spoke in a hoarse voice.
“Hey, Rina, can I get some water...”
Irina felt around the table while lying down, looking for a glass of water. Judging by their pale faces, they both seemed to be suffering from serious hangovers like me.
“How did it end yesterday...”
“Your Highness must have fallen asleep in the middle of the night, so His Excellency the Duke of Laskan brought you here. How much did you drink yesterday...?”
I put my hand on my forehead and tried to recall last night. Thinking back, I think I vaguely saw Laskan’s bewildered face...
I felt like I had missed something important, though I didn't know what it was. I tried to think about it some more, but couldn't overcome the throbbing headache and held my head.
“I didn’t know it would be that poisonous, ah, I’m dizzy....”
“Everyone has had a drink.”
Lisa said, pulling back the canopy curtain she had placed over the bed.
In the sudden sunlight, we frowned and clung to each other like ghosts in a story.
“Do you know how surprised I was yesterday? To come back in the arms of His Excellency the Duke! The ladies should have been there to stop Your High Priest. After all, this was your first time at a banquet!”
“No, it’s just my fault...”
“Yes, Your Highness should have held back!”
Lisa nagged at me with her hands on her hips. Her eyes were so stern that it seemed like it had been a long time since I had heard Olga nagging me
We were so used to it that we just quietly agreed, but the maids who had been called in from other places looked curious and peered in from beyond the door.
It seemed like a strange sight for the young ladies of a noble family to be scolded so harshly.
“I’m sorry. I’ll be really careful next time.”
I sat up in bed and wrapped my arms around Lisa's waist. I knew that if I did this, she would feel weak. It was also a time of real reflection.
I'll never again store champagne in my stomach because I feel bad about wasting it. I've only had one hangover. I'd rather sneak a few bottles.
“...You must be feeling sick, so drink this first. It’s tea with mint leaves and honey in it.”
Lisa's expression softened noticeably as I hugged her gently.
Since we were already feeling sick, we drank the refreshing tea Lisa handed us, which was very sweet. The hangover that had been making our heads throbbed seemed to disappear in an instant.
“You’ll have to drink three more times. Then I’ll give you some soup. I know you don’t have much of an appetite, but you have an appointment right now...”
“Today? Did I have another appointment right away?”
“Have you forgotten? You delayed the appointment of the Guardian Knights last time. You said you had someone special to appoint.”
"Ah!"
I let out a short gasp. I felt like my mind was suddenly awakened.
Yes, I did. How could I have forgotten that? I was clearly preoccupied with my first New Year's experience.
Lisa smiled happily at my expression, which was a mixture of regret and joy and answered.
“Yes, Your Highness. Sir Enoch has returned from the front.”
Since the Emperor promised me the status of a true Princess, many things have changed around me.
Not only were the maids needless to say, but the budget of the Princess's palace was also greatly increased. It was only two weeks ago that the direct knights were assigned.
Until then, things that had been postponed from today to tomorrow would proceed smoothly with just one word from the Emperor. If it was really not good, it was something to be done with a higher rank.
Anyway, thanks to the creation of the direct knight order, I was able to appoint their captain and my guardian knight. Normally, being appointed as a guardian knight of the royal family is said to be a lifelong honor.
But they have to defend the honor of a conman like me... I felt really sorry for Enoch, but I couldn't find any other way to get him out of the battlefield, so I had no choice.
Enoch's official status was that of a criminal who had been stripped of his knighthood, so his appointment as Guardian Knight was a formal ceremony held in my garden.
If I had been a Princess who had passed the blood test, I would have had at least a high priest by my side. But now, all I had was a rookie priest.
As I entered the garden, Enoch, who had been hunching his shoulders, quickly lowered his head.
“Your Highness the Princess.”
At first I didn't recognize him as Enoch because his face was so badly injured. But his voice was the same and his eyes were the same color, so I could barely tell it was him.
I can't even imagine how much he must have struggled on the front lines, where even a knight would have found it difficult to survive. I couldn't speak out loud because of my regret and guilt.
“You’ve been doing well...”
As I was about to say something, the priest coughed in vain. It seemed to suggest that I should postpone the discussion.
That was right because I wanted to clear him of the stigma of being a sinner as soon as possible.
I hurriedly approached Enoch.
“Enoch of Druen, bend your knees.”
“Enoch, a lowly man, I accept the call of Her Highness the Princess.”
Enoch knelt down on one knee. I drew the ceremonial scabbard from the scabbard the priest had carried. The knighthood ceremony was very simple.
“I appoint you today as my guardian knight. Valor and justice will light your path, and loyalty and trustworthiness will be your eternal friends. With unwavering faith and unwavering hope, I command you, knight, to fulfill your calling.”
I struck his shoulder alternately with my sword while reciting the verses.
At first, I was worried about how I could hit someone with a sword, but I was told that the ceremonial sword blade was very dull. It was a good thing.
Enoch bowed his head once more and said.
“I will humbly accept it.”
I suddenly felt like I was in a fairy tale. A garden full of flowers and the scent of grass, a priest, and a knight. It was a picturesque sight.
I placed the Commander's red cloak around his thin shoulders.
When I faced the awakened Enoch, his eyes were filled with pure joy. After the priest left, Enoch smiled and took a step closer.
“It’s been a while, Your Highness. Is that what you wanted to say first?”
“Well, it’s really great. Really.”
I kept repeating the same thing like an idiot. The long-standing guilt grew thicker as time went by, hardening like a crust. To the point where I couldn't even say hello and ask how things were going.
Enoch shrugged his shoulders and laughed nonchalantly.
“I have been doing well wherever I am. I am glad to see that Your Highness is doing well as well.”
“...”
“You seem to become more beautiful every time I see you. I can’t take my eyes off you.”
“Just kidding.”
I finally smiled at his joke and answered. No matter how I looked at it, my appearance today was far from being 'very beautiful'. The alcohol I drank yesterday must have been a bit strong.
Of course, the maids' skills were so excellent that they even made my dull skin look lively... But no matter what the outside looked like, the inside was to die for.
I smiled elegantly.
“It’s so nice to see you like this.
Yes, this was a robbery. Every time my tongue was pressed, a sweet liquid gushed out. My breathing was ragged.
As I grabbed his shirt, he covered the back of my hand with his large hand.
I used to think that kissing was all about locking lips. But now I realize how naive that was.
I felt alive on every skin that touched him. It was so hot, so suffocating, so tingly. Goosebumps ran down my spine.
Finally, our lips parted. Unlike me, who was panting, he was calm. At least, it seemed that way.
He opened his mouth slowly. His voice was completely still.
“...I know that once you take me here, you will never treat me the same way again.”
I shrugged my shoulders, feeling my heart pricked.
That was right. I was acting like someone obsessed with finding any flaw in the perfect guy.
So that I don't give him my whole heart. So that I can abandon him and live a good life in the future.
“Look at me, Your Highness.”
His voice, a soft voice, rang out like it was scratching my eardrums. It was already an overly good voice. But like this... It was completely unfair.
I instinctively covered my ears. He slowly took my hand and lowered it. Then he very slowly kissed each joint of my fingers.
“As I said, I am a very greedy person, so I must have Your Highness’s whole being, from beginning to end, with every last bit of your heart intact.”
“..."
“So, next time, please ask me with a clear mind...”
I wanted to see the face of the man who said those words, so I lifted my eyelashes which were wet with tears. The man’s deep golden eyes were filled with longing, hidden behind a wicked smile.
I forgot to even breathe for a moment. He whispered with his lips pressed against my ear.
“You can’t appear before me looking so neat.”
***
I collapsed on the bed, unable to overcome the hangover from last night. My head hurt as if it was going to split open, and I felt like vomiting whenever I tried to move my body even a little.
Think about it, Sasha. How much did you drink yesterday? Two bottles? Definitely not one. If I remember correctly, it was at least seven.
But how could one drink only a few sips of that expensive champagne and leave it behind? It was clear that the aristocrats regarded expensive liquor as if it were water.
For a common citizen like me, it was an unthinkable distribution. So what can I do? I store all the remaining champagne in my stomach.
“Your Highness, huh, are you awake?”
As I fidgeted, Irina, who was lying next to me, touched my forehead and asked.
Thalia curled up in a corner of the bed, and spoke in a hoarse voice.
“Hey, Rina, can I get some water...”
Irina felt around the table while lying down, looking for a glass of water. Judging by their pale faces, they both seemed to be suffering from serious hangovers like me.
“How did it end yesterday...”
“Your Highness must have fallen asleep in the middle of the night, so His Excellency the Duke of Laskan brought you here. How much did you drink yesterday...?”
I put my hand on my forehead and tried to recall last night. Thinking back, I think I vaguely saw Laskan’s bewildered face...
I felt like I had missed something important, though I didn't know what it was. I tried to think about it some more, but couldn't overcome the throbbing headache and held my head.
“I didn’t know it would be that poisonous, ah, I’m dizzy....”
“Everyone has had a drink.”
Lisa said, pulling back the canopy curtain she had placed over the bed.
In the sudden sunlight, we frowned and clung to each other like ghosts in a story.
“Do you know how surprised I was yesterday? To come back in the arms of His Excellency the Duke! The ladies should have been there to stop Your High Priest. After all, this was your first time at a banquet!”
“No, it’s just my fault...”
“Yes, Your Highness should have held back!”
Lisa nagged at me with her hands on her hips. Her eyes were so stern that it seemed like it had been a long time since I had heard Olga nagging me
We were so used to it that we just quietly agreed, but the maids who had been called in from other places looked curious and peered in from beyond the door.
It seemed like a strange sight for the young ladies of a noble family to be scolded so harshly.
“I’m sorry. I’ll be really careful next time.”
I sat up in bed and wrapped my arms around Lisa's waist. I knew that if I did this, she would feel weak. It was also a time of real reflection.
I'll never again store champagne in my stomach because I feel bad about wasting it. I've only had one hangover. I'd rather sneak a few bottles.
“...You must be feeling sick, so drink this first. It’s tea with mint leaves and honey in it.”
Lisa's expression softened noticeably as I hugged her gently.
Since we were already feeling sick, we drank the refreshing tea Lisa handed us, which was very sweet. The hangover that had been making our heads throbbed seemed to disappear in an instant.
“You’ll have to drink three more times. Then I’ll give you some soup. I know you don’t have much of an appetite, but you have an appointment right now...”
“Today? Did I have another appointment right away?”
“Have you forgotten? You delayed the appointment of the Guardian Knights last time. You said you had someone special to appoint.”
"Ah!"
I let out a short gasp. I felt like my mind was suddenly awakened.
Yes, I did. How could I have forgotten that? I was clearly preoccupied with my first New Year's experience.
Lisa smiled happily at my expression, which was a mixture of regret and joy and answered.
“Yes, Your Highness. Sir Enoch has returned from the front.”
***
Since the Emperor promised me the status of a true Princess, many things have changed around me.
Not only were the maids needless to say, but the budget of the Princess's palace was also greatly increased. It was only two weeks ago that the direct knights were assigned.
Until then, things that had been postponed from today to tomorrow would proceed smoothly with just one word from the Emperor. If it was really not good, it was something to be done with a higher rank.
Anyway, thanks to the creation of the direct knight order, I was able to appoint their captain and my guardian knight. Normally, being appointed as a guardian knight of the royal family is said to be a lifelong honor.
But they have to defend the honor of a conman like me... I felt really sorry for Enoch, but I couldn't find any other way to get him out of the battlefield, so I had no choice.
Enoch's official status was that of a criminal who had been stripped of his knighthood, so his appointment as Guardian Knight was a formal ceremony held in my garden.
If I had been a Princess who had passed the blood test, I would have had at least a high priest by my side. But now, all I had was a rookie priest.
As I entered the garden, Enoch, who had been hunching his shoulders, quickly lowered his head.
“Your Highness the Princess.”
At first I didn't recognize him as Enoch because his face was so badly injured. But his voice was the same and his eyes were the same color, so I could barely tell it was him.
I can't even imagine how much he must have struggled on the front lines, where even a knight would have found it difficult to survive. I couldn't speak out loud because of my regret and guilt.
“You’ve been doing well...”
As I was about to say something, the priest coughed in vain. It seemed to suggest that I should postpone the discussion.
That was right because I wanted to clear him of the stigma of being a sinner as soon as possible.
I hurriedly approached Enoch.
“Enoch of Druen, bend your knees.”
“Enoch, a lowly man, I accept the call of Her Highness the Princess.”
Enoch knelt down on one knee. I drew the ceremonial scabbard from the scabbard the priest had carried. The knighthood ceremony was very simple.
“I appoint you today as my guardian knight. Valor and justice will light your path, and loyalty and trustworthiness will be your eternal friends. With unwavering faith and unwavering hope, I command you, knight, to fulfill your calling.”
I struck his shoulder alternately with my sword while reciting the verses.
At first, I was worried about how I could hit someone with a sword, but I was told that the ceremonial sword blade was very dull. It was a good thing.
Enoch bowed his head once more and said.
“I will humbly accept it.”
I suddenly felt like I was in a fairy tale. A garden full of flowers and the scent of grass, a priest, and a knight. It was a picturesque sight.
I placed the Commander's red cloak around his thin shoulders.
When I faced the awakened Enoch, his eyes were filled with pure joy. After the priest left, Enoch smiled and took a step closer.
“It’s been a while, Your Highness. Is that what you wanted to say first?”
“Well, it’s really great. Really.”
I kept repeating the same thing like an idiot. The long-standing guilt grew thicker as time went by, hardening like a crust. To the point where I couldn't even say hello and ask how things were going.
Enoch shrugged his shoulders and laughed nonchalantly.
“I have been doing well wherever I am. I am glad to see that Your Highness is doing well as well.”
“...”
“You seem to become more beautiful every time I see you. I can’t take my eyes off you.”
“Just kidding.”
I finally smiled at his joke and answered. No matter how I looked at it, my appearance today was far from being 'very beautiful'. The alcohol I drank yesterday must have been a bit strong.
Of course, the maids' skills were so excellent that they even made my dull skin look lively... But no matter what the outside looked like, the inside was to die for.
I smiled elegantly.
“It’s so nice to see you like this.
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment