Julian looked like a large dog with floppy ears. I was amazed that he could be so cute.
But it seemed impolite to call him cute now. Julian seemed more serious than ever.
I asked, wrapping my arms around Julian's hands as tightly as I could.
“How can I make you trust me again?”
“I decided not to trust you anymore.”
“Still.”
“You are too wild to be trusted.”
Some people call me vicious or wicked, yet he insisted on calling me "too wild." Even his choice of words, which avoided harsh words, was endearing.
I grabbed his arm and gently pulled him onto the bed. I was planning on sitting this large, yet incredibly cute man down there and giving him a good hug.
But Julian didn't budge. He'd always been pulled along, so I looked at him curiously, wondering why he was acting this way.
Julian raised his eyebrows, as if he didn't like the situation. I blinked several times.
"Why? Come here. This lady's leg hurts, and she can't move."
“Just say it like this.”
“But you’re upset with me. I want to comfort you.”
I wiggled my hips and moved to the side. I created an empty space next to me and tapped it with my palm, staring at him intently. For some reason, Julian looked terribly embarrassed.
"Ma'am."
"Yes."
I nodded vigorously as if to ask what the problem was.
“Let’s refrain from sharing a bed in the future.”
The words that came out of Julian's mouth were something I never could have imagined. Bewildered, I asked back like an idiot.
"Yes?"
How many times have we shared a bed? Sometimes, I'd sleep next to him, keeping an eye on the maids or guests. And why did he ask me to sit down for a moment?
“It’s a bit weird to sleep in the same bed.”
Is this how it's supposed to be, since I was the one who did something wrong? And you're the one who's so obviously upset with me? This time, I was the one who got upset and started sulking for no reason.
“If you don’t want to get on the bed, don’t come into my room either.”
“This isn’t a room, it’s a barracks...”
“Anna! His Highness the Grand Duke is leaving. See him off!”
Anna came in, startled by my shout.
“Madam, Your Highness, what is the matter?”
“It’s nothing. Just get out of here...”
"His Highness the Grand Duke is leaving. He hates me and doesn't want to be with me."
“Layla.”
Julian spoke sternly, but I rolled over. My legs ached from the thoughtless action.
"Ah!"
“Layla.”
Julian called me urgently, but I pulled the blanket tighter around me and escaped his touch.
“Don’t touch me. I’m angry.”
I felt him staring at me intently, but I didn't turn around. Julian sighed deeply.
“Rest. I’ll be back later.”
I didn't answer and just covered myself with the blanket.
After Julian left, Anna hurriedly grabbed my blanket and got angry.
“Madam! Why did you do that...! Oh my!”
I covered my face with both hands and squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn't even bear to look at Anna's face.
“Has His Highness gone?”
"He's gone. Why is your face so red? You're about to burst."
“Don’t ask.”
I pulled the blanket Anna had kicked away again. Even though I was hiding under the blanket, I didn't feel like I was hiding properly.
'Let's refrain from sharing a bed in the future.'
'It's a bit weird to sleep in the same bed.'
To not know what that meant... I wasn't such a naive girl. Well, both Julian and I were adults, both men and women, and we were quite careless. I'd forgotten because Julian seemed so old-fashioned, but I suppose he too had desires...
But the thought that I might be the target was unbearably embarrassing. And I wasn't even a teenage girl experiencing love for the first time.
It was only after a while that I got out of bed and fanned my face.
Anna smiled happily at the sight.
“What did you two do to make your faces turn so red?”
“Be quiet.”
I glared at Anna and scolded her, but she didn't flinch and just smiled and served me.
I sighed deeply as she pulled back the blanket and checked to see if the bandage was loose.
"Anna."
“Why are you so listless? You looked like a ripe tomato earlier.”
“Is it cruel to make someone live alone after getting married?”
“Oh my, how could I know that when I’m not even married? Are you kidding me?”
“You’re kidding me. You’re kidding me.”
Anna and I looked at each other and smiled bashfully. I thought of Julian, who had stood firm while gently stroking my delicate legs. Anna looked at me like this and asked, puzzled.
"I'm not in a position to interfere with your relationship, but is there a reason you avoid sleeping together? If you have any concerns, please let me know. That's why I'm here."
“Well...”
Because I couldn't have a baby. To tell that story, I had to explain how absurdly ill I was and how much of a burden that child would be to Julian.
Unable to bring myself to do so, I kept my mouth shut. Instead of asking further questions, Anna brought me warm tea. Despite the fragrant, heartfelt tea, it tasted bitter.
“More than that, Young Lady Sasha asked me to convey this.”
“What is it?”
I received a small note from Anna. I thought it was from Nife, but seeing the blank page, I knew it wasn't. I ran my fingertips over the surface of the note. There were faint, but troubling details.
“Anna, bring the candle closer.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Anna approached me, holding a candlestick. I held the small note close to the candle. Then, where the candlelight shone, letters began to appear.
"The Second Prince still trusts me. I will continue to persuade him about the hunting competition. Please do not worry too much. However, Grand Duchess Duchzan is digging up information about me. I will not be able to contact you for a while. Please take care of yourself, Your Highness."
As I read the letter, my eyes widened. This was... I raised my head and looked at Anna.
“You said it was a note from Nife?”
“Yes, that’s for sure.”
If so, this was undoubtedly a note intercepted from the Marquis of Eriant. The strange thing was that it wasn't addressed to Prince Cain. "Your Highness." Anyone could tell...that this was addressed to Princess Abigail.
The hunting competition ended rather indifferently. This was understandable, for there had been a secret struggle, clearly stemming from the struggle for the throne, and the outcome had already been determined.
People were so consumed by the story that they didn't even bother to hunt properly. As a result, the hunting grounds were littered with broken traps and the remains of eaten bait.
Because of this, the commemorative banquet following the hunting competition required the opening of the imperial treasury. However, Prince Aslan calmly welcomed everyone into the banquet hall, as if there were no problems with the banquet.
Prince Aslan smiled brightly as he watched Ruin enter the banquet hall.
"Young Master Winsley, you've caught the most game in this hunting competition. Excellent."
“It’s not a great skill.”
Despite Prince Aslan's praise, Ruin's expression darkened. He realized too late that I had fought the demon and even suffered injuries. It was because I had participated in the hunting competition more diligently than anyone else.
That's understandable. Ruin had been taking successor training recently, so he had significantly less physical activity than before. So, participating in this competition after a long absence must have been quite enjoyable.
I told him several times that it was okay, but Ruin blamed himself for not realizing it sooner. He was ashamed of himself for not knowing it and for having taken more prey than anyone else and rejoicing in it.
I felt so sorry for giving my precious little brother bad memories.
"My younger brother has the best swordsmanship of anyone. I'm proud of you."
“No. I’m embarrassed.”
Despite my efforts to speak, Ruin's expression didn't brighten. Prince Aslan seemed to sense the source of the gloomy atmosphere, and he quickly chuckled and changed the subject.
"The Grand Duchess's complexion looks much better. To recover so quickly and even attend the banquet is truly a testament to the spirit of a Margrave's daughter."
I sat in my wheelchair and lifted the hem of my skirt slightly. It was a gesture that served as a greeting.
“It is all thanks to Your Highness the Crown Prince’s grace.”
Prince Aslan nodded coolly at me. "For this, Prince Aslan owes me a great debt."
Just because I hadn't intervened, there was no guarantee he'd lose his Crown Prince title. However, he would undoubtedly have been subjected to various investigations to uncover the distribution channels of the rare magic stone.
Those vying for the throne will have secrets, big or small, and Prince Aslan likely didn't want them discovered. Thanks to me, this matter was easily resolved, so it was only natural that his trust in me would be strengthened.
Prince Aslan asked about Julian's well-being for the last time.
“It seems His Highness will not be attending the banquet.”
“His Highness said he wanted to rest quietly.”
Actually, we didn't speak directly. Feeling embarrassed to face Julian, I asked Anna if he would attend the banquet, but he declined.
But if I were to send only Ruin and Nife, I felt bad because it felt like I was only sending the children. So, I decided to stay in a corner of the banquet hall, so I pushed my wheelchair out.
The wounds were so deep that I couldn't even drink. Just as I was regretting sending Ruin and Nife away, a person with a glowing face appeared in the center of the banquet hall. Everyone, not just me, was looking at her.
'It's Ari Eriant, right?'
But it seemed impolite to call him cute now. Julian seemed more serious than ever.
I asked, wrapping my arms around Julian's hands as tightly as I could.
“How can I make you trust me again?”
“I decided not to trust you anymore.”
“Still.”
“You are too wild to be trusted.”
Some people call me vicious or wicked, yet he insisted on calling me "too wild." Even his choice of words, which avoided harsh words, was endearing.
I grabbed his arm and gently pulled him onto the bed. I was planning on sitting this large, yet incredibly cute man down there and giving him a good hug.
But Julian didn't budge. He'd always been pulled along, so I looked at him curiously, wondering why he was acting this way.
Julian raised his eyebrows, as if he didn't like the situation. I blinked several times.
"Why? Come here. This lady's leg hurts, and she can't move."
“Just say it like this.”
“But you’re upset with me. I want to comfort you.”
I wiggled my hips and moved to the side. I created an empty space next to me and tapped it with my palm, staring at him intently. For some reason, Julian looked terribly embarrassed.
"Ma'am."
"Yes."
I nodded vigorously as if to ask what the problem was.
“Let’s refrain from sharing a bed in the future.”
The words that came out of Julian's mouth were something I never could have imagined. Bewildered, I asked back like an idiot.
"Yes?"
How many times have we shared a bed? Sometimes, I'd sleep next to him, keeping an eye on the maids or guests. And why did he ask me to sit down for a moment?
“It’s a bit weird to sleep in the same bed.”
Is this how it's supposed to be, since I was the one who did something wrong? And you're the one who's so obviously upset with me? This time, I was the one who got upset and started sulking for no reason.
“If you don’t want to get on the bed, don’t come into my room either.”
“This isn’t a room, it’s a barracks...”
“Anna! His Highness the Grand Duke is leaving. See him off!”
Anna came in, startled by my shout.
“Madam, Your Highness, what is the matter?”
“It’s nothing. Just get out of here...”
"His Highness the Grand Duke is leaving. He hates me and doesn't want to be with me."
“Layla.”
Julian spoke sternly, but I rolled over. My legs ached from the thoughtless action.
"Ah!"
“Layla.”
Julian called me urgently, but I pulled the blanket tighter around me and escaped his touch.
“Don’t touch me. I’m angry.”
I felt him staring at me intently, but I didn't turn around. Julian sighed deeply.
“Rest. I’ll be back later.”
I didn't answer and just covered myself with the blanket.
After Julian left, Anna hurriedly grabbed my blanket and got angry.
“Madam! Why did you do that...! Oh my!”
I covered my face with both hands and squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn't even bear to look at Anna's face.
“Has His Highness gone?”
"He's gone. Why is your face so red? You're about to burst."
“Don’t ask.”
I pulled the blanket Anna had kicked away again. Even though I was hiding under the blanket, I didn't feel like I was hiding properly.
'Let's refrain from sharing a bed in the future.'
'It's a bit weird to sleep in the same bed.'
To not know what that meant... I wasn't such a naive girl. Well, both Julian and I were adults, both men and women, and we were quite careless. I'd forgotten because Julian seemed so old-fashioned, but I suppose he too had desires...
But the thought that I might be the target was unbearably embarrassing. And I wasn't even a teenage girl experiencing love for the first time.
It was only after a while that I got out of bed and fanned my face.
Anna smiled happily at the sight.
“What did you two do to make your faces turn so red?”
“Be quiet.”
I glared at Anna and scolded her, but she didn't flinch and just smiled and served me.
I sighed deeply as she pulled back the blanket and checked to see if the bandage was loose.
"Anna."
“Why are you so listless? You looked like a ripe tomato earlier.”
“Is it cruel to make someone live alone after getting married?”
“Oh my, how could I know that when I’m not even married? Are you kidding me?”
“You’re kidding me. You’re kidding me.”
Anna and I looked at each other and smiled bashfully. I thought of Julian, who had stood firm while gently stroking my delicate legs. Anna looked at me like this and asked, puzzled.
"I'm not in a position to interfere with your relationship, but is there a reason you avoid sleeping together? If you have any concerns, please let me know. That's why I'm here."
“Well...”
Because I couldn't have a baby. To tell that story, I had to explain how absurdly ill I was and how much of a burden that child would be to Julian.
Unable to bring myself to do so, I kept my mouth shut. Instead of asking further questions, Anna brought me warm tea. Despite the fragrant, heartfelt tea, it tasted bitter.
“More than that, Young Lady Sasha asked me to convey this.”
“What is it?”
I received a small note from Anna. I thought it was from Nife, but seeing the blank page, I knew it wasn't. I ran my fingertips over the surface of the note. There were faint, but troubling details.
“Anna, bring the candle closer.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Anna approached me, holding a candlestick. I held the small note close to the candle. Then, where the candlelight shone, letters began to appear.
"The Second Prince still trusts me. I will continue to persuade him about the hunting competition. Please do not worry too much. However, Grand Duchess Duchzan is digging up information about me. I will not be able to contact you for a while. Please take care of yourself, Your Highness."
As I read the letter, my eyes widened. This was... I raised my head and looked at Anna.
“You said it was a note from Nife?”
“Yes, that’s for sure.”
If so, this was undoubtedly a note intercepted from the Marquis of Eriant. The strange thing was that it wasn't addressed to Prince Cain. "Your Highness." Anyone could tell...that this was addressed to Princess Abigail.
***
The hunting competition ended rather indifferently. This was understandable, for there had been a secret struggle, clearly stemming from the struggle for the throne, and the outcome had already been determined.
People were so consumed by the story that they didn't even bother to hunt properly. As a result, the hunting grounds were littered with broken traps and the remains of eaten bait.
Because of this, the commemorative banquet following the hunting competition required the opening of the imperial treasury. However, Prince Aslan calmly welcomed everyone into the banquet hall, as if there were no problems with the banquet.
Prince Aslan smiled brightly as he watched Ruin enter the banquet hall.
"Young Master Winsley, you've caught the most game in this hunting competition. Excellent."
“It’s not a great skill.”
Despite Prince Aslan's praise, Ruin's expression darkened. He realized too late that I had fought the demon and even suffered injuries. It was because I had participated in the hunting competition more diligently than anyone else.
That's understandable. Ruin had been taking successor training recently, so he had significantly less physical activity than before. So, participating in this competition after a long absence must have been quite enjoyable.
I told him several times that it was okay, but Ruin blamed himself for not realizing it sooner. He was ashamed of himself for not knowing it and for having taken more prey than anyone else and rejoicing in it.
I felt so sorry for giving my precious little brother bad memories.
"My younger brother has the best swordsmanship of anyone. I'm proud of you."
“No. I’m embarrassed.”
Despite my efforts to speak, Ruin's expression didn't brighten. Prince Aslan seemed to sense the source of the gloomy atmosphere, and he quickly chuckled and changed the subject.
"The Grand Duchess's complexion looks much better. To recover so quickly and even attend the banquet is truly a testament to the spirit of a Margrave's daughter."
I sat in my wheelchair and lifted the hem of my skirt slightly. It was a gesture that served as a greeting.
“It is all thanks to Your Highness the Crown Prince’s grace.”
Prince Aslan nodded coolly at me. "For this, Prince Aslan owes me a great debt."
Just because I hadn't intervened, there was no guarantee he'd lose his Crown Prince title. However, he would undoubtedly have been subjected to various investigations to uncover the distribution channels of the rare magic stone.
Those vying for the throne will have secrets, big or small, and Prince Aslan likely didn't want them discovered. Thanks to me, this matter was easily resolved, so it was only natural that his trust in me would be strengthened.
Prince Aslan asked about Julian's well-being for the last time.
“It seems His Highness will not be attending the banquet.”
“His Highness said he wanted to rest quietly.”
Actually, we didn't speak directly. Feeling embarrassed to face Julian, I asked Anna if he would attend the banquet, but he declined.
But if I were to send only Ruin and Nife, I felt bad because it felt like I was only sending the children. So, I decided to stay in a corner of the banquet hall, so I pushed my wheelchair out.
The wounds were so deep that I couldn't even drink. Just as I was regretting sending Ruin and Nife away, a person with a glowing face appeared in the center of the banquet hall. Everyone, not just me, was looking at her.
'It's Ari Eriant, right?'
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