Noah doesn't try to control me with force or command me with harsh words.
He simply pushed his way through with a refined and smooth tone, a kind smile, and a gentlemanly, well-mannered demeanor. He persisted, his tail swishing like a white fox, until I finally said, "Yes."
He even persuaded me to set the wedding date for early May, instead of next year or fall. He's a far more dangerous type of person than someone who acts tyrannically and tries to control others. If you can discern that someone is a swindler, you can at least come to your senses and avoid them.
A truly dangerous person can manipulate others with words that are so sweet they melt you in their mouths, and to dominate them with commands that feel ecstatic.
If you possess a charming appearance, you'll be even more captivated. Even a single sigh, without a smile, will make the other person fidget and watch your every move.
Because you made your own judgment and choice, you may not know that you are being used or that you are acting according to that person's intentions.
Because that person fulfills so many needs, even if the reward is only a smile. The other person will blurt out something like, "I did it because I liked it."
I decided to marry this elegant and dangerous man. Of course, I do it because I like him.
He looked at me with an expression that teetered on the edge of languor and desolation, wanting to hear the words "I love you" even though he didn't believe in love. To my eyes, it seemed utterly pitiful.
“I told you I didn’t mean it...”
It may sound harsh, but it was possible because we had a promise to go together in the future.
"Even if you didn't mean it, it was nice to hear. And it was nice that you said you'd tell me. How should I put it... It felt like you'd promised to tell me a long time ago."
This enchanting man rubs his lips against my fingers, squeezing them. Why are they so soft and moist?
He acted like a cat, his face splayed between my fingers. I couldn't help it. Sure, sure. Honestly, who knows the full definition of love and can really talk about it?
You can say it because you want to see the other person want to hear it and be happy.
"Sa..."
He saw my lips starting to move, and his face looked satisfied as if he had already heard what I said.
I feel like I really have to say it, but my mouth just won't open.
My face flushed hot, and even my nose became hot.
“Is it because you’re embarrassed?”
“Cute... No, that’s not it, it’s embarrassing. And you said that was meaningless, didn’t you?”
“It feels a little different now that you’ve told me. If it’s hard, you don’t have to tell me.”
Noah covered his mouth with the hand he was holding and slowly lowered his eyes.
“Someday you will tell me you love me...”
His voice, which had been uttering a sigh, trailed off. My heart sank, and my vision dimmed. "You're saying something like that right now?"
Isn't it so unfair to act like that with such a pitiful face? I almost hugged him tightly, seduced by the sweet, melting command. I fidgeted with my fingers, which were rubbing against his soft cheek.
“You don’t love me either.”
"I like you much more than that. I just don't know what it is. I really wish you'd tell me."
Oh, right. I can't beat this guy, can I?
“I’ll definitely tell you first when I find out.”
My rejection was terribly monotonous and unnatural, but his eyes were wide like crescent moons. I was relieved; he seemed satisfied. Unusually, Noah pulled me roughly and hugged me tightly. My vision spun.
Ugh, was strength always this strong? I'm getting crushed to death!
“Yeah, okay.”
I don't like it. Squeezing someone like they've used up all their toothpaste and saying, "Good." The pressure left me gasping, so I quickly tapped his shoulder as if to tap out.
Noah relaxed his arm. I caught my breath and glared at him with cold eyes.
“Are you a snake?”
"I was usually careful, but I didn't realize it. I'm sorry, I almost broke it."
He returned to his usual routine, gently caressing and stroking me with his precious hands, as if he were handling a fragile sculpture. The blood rushed in and then drained out, leaving me feeling dizzy.
“I won’t die on the first night, right?”
Be careful in the future.
Crazy. My thoughts and words came out in contradiction. I covered my mouth with a loud noise in embarrassment. He was speechless, staring down at me in silence. Why was he looking at me like that?
“Well, what I mean is.”
Not knowing what to say in excuse, I just lost consciousness and buried my face in his chest.
"Yes. I admit I had a strange thought. You can laugh at me."
Noah gently stroked the back of my round head.
"It's okay. It's okay. You're old enough to do that, and I know you secretly read dirty books. I understand."
“How did you know that, no.”
His smooth fingers, wrapped around my side, moved ever so slightly. It was a subtle sensation, but I flinched, as if pricked by a needle.
“And you better not worry about that.”
"Yes?"
The words and voices that followed were so deadly that they could not be described in words of this world.
“If you’re already scared, what are you going to do later? I don’t intend to let you off the hook.”
I flinched and looked at him. His true colors were revealed, and I was mesmerized by the sight, both dangerous and captivating.
After seeing Noah and our new home, I returned home in a good mood (almost glued to the bed, but to be exact, my lips).
But the moment I received the letter the maid handed me, my excitement plummeted. It was from Celine, the culprit who had ruined my mood.
[My younger sister, this older sister, is busy preparing for her wedding. How are you? I heard you're getting married too. You're getting married sooner. Congratulations. I'd love to go to the wedding, but I heard that entry to Medea, the Belford people, is restricted until June unless it's for business. Is it too much to ask for you to come to my wedding?]
I crumpled up the letter and tossed it into the trash. What the hell is this? At this point, I don't even know what I'm hoping for.
"Where did you hear the news of my marriage?"
He simply pushed his way through with a refined and smooth tone, a kind smile, and a gentlemanly, well-mannered demeanor. He persisted, his tail swishing like a white fox, until I finally said, "Yes."
He even persuaded me to set the wedding date for early May, instead of next year or fall. He's a far more dangerous type of person than someone who acts tyrannically and tries to control others. If you can discern that someone is a swindler, you can at least come to your senses and avoid them.
A truly dangerous person can manipulate others with words that are so sweet they melt you in their mouths, and to dominate them with commands that feel ecstatic.
If you possess a charming appearance, you'll be even more captivated. Even a single sigh, without a smile, will make the other person fidget and watch your every move.
Because you made your own judgment and choice, you may not know that you are being used or that you are acting according to that person's intentions.
Because that person fulfills so many needs, even if the reward is only a smile. The other person will blurt out something like, "I did it because I liked it."
I decided to marry this elegant and dangerous man. Of course, I do it because I like him.
He looked at me with an expression that teetered on the edge of languor and desolation, wanting to hear the words "I love you" even though he didn't believe in love. To my eyes, it seemed utterly pitiful.
“I told you I didn’t mean it...”
It may sound harsh, but it was possible because we had a promise to go together in the future.
"Even if you didn't mean it, it was nice to hear. And it was nice that you said you'd tell me. How should I put it... It felt like you'd promised to tell me a long time ago."
This enchanting man rubs his lips against my fingers, squeezing them. Why are they so soft and moist?
He acted like a cat, his face splayed between my fingers. I couldn't help it. Sure, sure. Honestly, who knows the full definition of love and can really talk about it?
You can say it because you want to see the other person want to hear it and be happy.
"Sa..."
He saw my lips starting to move, and his face looked satisfied as if he had already heard what I said.
I feel like I really have to say it, but my mouth just won't open.
My face flushed hot, and even my nose became hot.
“Is it because you’re embarrassed?”
“Cute... No, that’s not it, it’s embarrassing. And you said that was meaningless, didn’t you?”
“It feels a little different now that you’ve told me. If it’s hard, you don’t have to tell me.”
Noah covered his mouth with the hand he was holding and slowly lowered his eyes.
“Someday you will tell me you love me...”
His voice, which had been uttering a sigh, trailed off. My heart sank, and my vision dimmed. "You're saying something like that right now?"
Isn't it so unfair to act like that with such a pitiful face? I almost hugged him tightly, seduced by the sweet, melting command. I fidgeted with my fingers, which were rubbing against his soft cheek.
“You don’t love me either.”
"I like you much more than that. I just don't know what it is. I really wish you'd tell me."
Oh, right. I can't beat this guy, can I?
“I’ll definitely tell you first when I find out.”
My rejection was terribly monotonous and unnatural, but his eyes were wide like crescent moons. I was relieved; he seemed satisfied. Unusually, Noah pulled me roughly and hugged me tightly. My vision spun.
Ugh, was strength always this strong? I'm getting crushed to death!
“Yeah, okay.”
I don't like it. Squeezing someone like they've used up all their toothpaste and saying, "Good." The pressure left me gasping, so I quickly tapped his shoulder as if to tap out.
Noah relaxed his arm. I caught my breath and glared at him with cold eyes.
“Are you a snake?”
"I was usually careful, but I didn't realize it. I'm sorry, I almost broke it."
He returned to his usual routine, gently caressing and stroking me with his precious hands, as if he were handling a fragile sculpture. The blood rushed in and then drained out, leaving me feeling dizzy.
“I won’t die on the first night, right?”
Be careful in the future.
Crazy. My thoughts and words came out in contradiction. I covered my mouth with a loud noise in embarrassment. He was speechless, staring down at me in silence. Why was he looking at me like that?
“Well, what I mean is.”
Not knowing what to say in excuse, I just lost consciousness and buried my face in his chest.
"Yes. I admit I had a strange thought. You can laugh at me."
Noah gently stroked the back of my round head.
"It's okay. It's okay. You're old enough to do that, and I know you secretly read dirty books. I understand."
“How did you know that, no.”
His smooth fingers, wrapped around my side, moved ever so slightly. It was a subtle sensation, but I flinched, as if pricked by a needle.
“And you better not worry about that.”
"Yes?"
The words and voices that followed were so deadly that they could not be described in words of this world.
“If you’re already scared, what are you going to do later? I don’t intend to let you off the hook.”
I flinched and looked at him. His true colors were revealed, and I was mesmerized by the sight, both dangerous and captivating.
***
After seeing Noah and our new home, I returned home in a good mood (almost glued to the bed, but to be exact, my lips).
But the moment I received the letter the maid handed me, my excitement plummeted. It was from Celine, the culprit who had ruined my mood.
[My younger sister, this older sister, is busy preparing for her wedding. How are you? I heard you're getting married too. You're getting married sooner. Congratulations. I'd love to go to the wedding, but I heard that entry to Medea, the Belford people, is restricted until June unless it's for business. Is it too much to ask for you to come to my wedding?]
I crumpled up the letter and tossed it into the trash. What the hell is this? At this point, I don't even know what I'm hoping for.
"Where did you hear the news of my marriage?"
"I won't be coming, so she's pressuring me to either come or send a congratulatory message or money."
Suddenly, the question arose as to why Lieutenant Colonel Groenendaal had to marry her.
When I heard it from Noah, I dismissed it as an incomprehensible, end-of-the-century sentiment, but in the past, I was the one who ground my teeth, thinking that I would somehow tear the two apart.
Oh, come to think of it, that's true. I can never let you be like that. You can never be happy, that's what I'm saying. With a vengeful spirit, I took out a piece of stationery and a fountain pen, sat down, and began to write.
"Colonel, that's the wrong meeting."
I quickly crumpled it up because I thought I might end up writing lyrics for a famous pop song.
"You're marrying my sister? I'm against that."
No, this is like a huge mess, right?
"That woman is a very bad woman."
I think he already knows this too well, but writing is so hard.
I closed my eyes for a moment and lost myself in thought. Seeing as the international wanted list was lifted and the admiral's side remained silent after the news of our marriage, it seemed likely that some sort of agreement had been reached between the lieutenant colonel and Celine.
The condition of not touching me? Even thinking about it myself, it seems like I'm being overly self-conscious.
But that's the only answer. Why on earth would you throw away a man's life for me? My mind was limited, so I ended up having to consult Noah, who was reading the newspaper.
When I asked Noah again, he smiled faintly and opened his mouth.
“He has his reasons, but there are other reasons.”
“What is that?”
"In the past, the lieutenant colonel's mother committed a crime in Medea and fled to Belford. She appears to have confessed the truth to her son, Jace, and the lieutenant colonel."
“It’s possible that Celine found out about this and threatened the lieutenant colonel.”
"If this were revealed, Medea would declare war. What choice would Belford, already struggling with the reparations, make to prevent war?"
I tried to cool my overheated head and answered the question that was asked kindly, like an elementary school teacher.
“Put your hands together and pray?”
“That’s right. Belford will execute all the members of the Duke’s family, including the collateral line.”
This is on a whole other level than just raining. What's right? Is it just generosity that acknowledges that I got it right?
"The same goes for the Admiral. The incident with the deceased Duchess Groenendaal, the kidnapping of the royal family. In a way, your sister, their child, and the lieutenant colonel's interests align."
“Was the Duchess the maid who switched the child?”
“Yeah, that’s right. They say she was depressed her whole life because she felt guilty, and then she died.”
Noah loosened his tie and answered calmly. Why would the daughter of a nobleman, who lived a life worthy of others, do something like that?
“...No one on Medea’s side would know.”
"I didn't know. Only a few others knew, and now you know too. That I'm a Princess."
So, as soon as I arrived in Medea, Jace, the dark money laundering bank president and heir to the Duke family, left Belford under the pretext of business and was staying in a neutral country.
The lieutenant colonel knew that too and tried to rescue me. If it were revealed, I would be executed.
But the lieutenant colonel tried to protect me. He came to see me when I was lost in the forest, and when I was imprisoned.
From his perspective, it would have been easier to just let me die at the admiral's hands. The guilt and pity that occasionally flickered in the lieutenant colonel's blue eyes came to mind.
Was it an attempt to preserve the minimal conscience that exists between guilt and survival? Celine is truly a terrifying woman. Proposing something like, "Will you marry me?" or "Will you die with me?"
I don't want to get involved in any more abnormal relationships that go beyond my common sense.
Noah didn't tell me for sure whether he would reveal or hide the fact that I was a real Princess. He probably wouldn't.
If it is revealed, the Admiral and Celine can be sent to the other world, but it is also awkward because the Groenendael family is not safe either.
I didn't want to cause any trouble, so I thought it would be better not to reveal it.
I have a new goal for my idle, thoughtless life: I won't do anything that bothers me like a Queen.
The wedding was just around the corner. Preparations were going smoothly, like a ship sailing with the wind on a clear day.
The wedding dress was completed, and preparations for the outdoor wedding in the palace gardens were nearly complete. The Republic of Helis was chosen as the honeymoon destination.
Noah had made the grand idea of crossing the Atlantic on a passenger ship in these times, but seeing my hardened face, he said, "No. The princess decides."
We planned to move into our new home before the wedding.
I felt bad about leaving all the wedding preparations to Noah, so I went with Vincent and Molly to buy furniture, decorations, carpets, seasonal bedding, and curtains to fill the mansion.
As a housekeeper, I asked Molly, who will be living with me, to choose the furniture and bedding for her room. Contrary to her casual image, she chose a lovely pink color for everything.
“Where did you say your new home was located?”
As I was sitting by the window, looking over the list of furniture I had purchased, Dr. Rugen, who was sitting in the rocking chair opposite me, reading a book, asked me a question.
“They sold Countess Chloe’s mansion on Hamilton Street. It’s on the reservoir side.”
“It’s towards the reservoir. The view must be nice.”
“If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll leave it in your room.”
The doctor put down the book and looked at me with a puzzled look, his blue eyes narrowed.
“Should I go too?”
"Of course. You'll enjoy it there too. It's a nice place for a walk."
Dr. Rugen, who had been lost in thought for a moment, opened his mouth.
“...Go buy a book and put it in there. I want to read a philosophy book by Descartes.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
“Why are you doing that?”
I hesitated for a moment and then smiled awkwardly at him.
“My father is away. Can I ask you to escort me down Wedding Road?”
“Yes, I’ll do that for your father that day.”
Dr. Rugen smiled kindly as he took notes in the small notebook he always carried.
“I will definitely remember this.”
I smiled at him and got up to get ready for the social party that was going to be held that evening.
It was a social party being held at the Marquis of Wales's residence, and since the Marchioness had previously visited me in the hospital, I couldn't refuse. I wasn't particularly keen on going, partly because of my own inclinations, but also because the unsightly Erita was coming.
Suddenly, the question arose as to why Lieutenant Colonel Groenendaal had to marry her.
When I heard it from Noah, I dismissed it as an incomprehensible, end-of-the-century sentiment, but in the past, I was the one who ground my teeth, thinking that I would somehow tear the two apart.
Oh, come to think of it, that's true. I can never let you be like that. You can never be happy, that's what I'm saying. With a vengeful spirit, I took out a piece of stationery and a fountain pen, sat down, and began to write.
"Colonel, that's the wrong meeting."
I quickly crumpled it up because I thought I might end up writing lyrics for a famous pop song.
"You're marrying my sister? I'm against that."
No, this is like a huge mess, right?
"That woman is a very bad woman."
I think he already knows this too well, but writing is so hard.
I closed my eyes for a moment and lost myself in thought. Seeing as the international wanted list was lifted and the admiral's side remained silent after the news of our marriage, it seemed likely that some sort of agreement had been reached between the lieutenant colonel and Celine.
The condition of not touching me? Even thinking about it myself, it seems like I'm being overly self-conscious.
But that's the only answer. Why on earth would you throw away a man's life for me? My mind was limited, so I ended up having to consult Noah, who was reading the newspaper.
When I asked Noah again, he smiled faintly and opened his mouth.
“He has his reasons, but there are other reasons.”
“What is that?”
"In the past, the lieutenant colonel's mother committed a crime in Medea and fled to Belford. She appears to have confessed the truth to her son, Jace, and the lieutenant colonel."
“It’s possible that Celine found out about this and threatened the lieutenant colonel.”
"If this were revealed, Medea would declare war. What choice would Belford, already struggling with the reparations, make to prevent war?"
I tried to cool my overheated head and answered the question that was asked kindly, like an elementary school teacher.
“Put your hands together and pray?”
“That’s right. Belford will execute all the members of the Duke’s family, including the collateral line.”
This is on a whole other level than just raining. What's right? Is it just generosity that acknowledges that I got it right?
"The same goes for the Admiral. The incident with the deceased Duchess Groenendaal, the kidnapping of the royal family. In a way, your sister, their child, and the lieutenant colonel's interests align."
“Was the Duchess the maid who switched the child?”
“Yeah, that’s right. They say she was depressed her whole life because she felt guilty, and then she died.”
Noah loosened his tie and answered calmly. Why would the daughter of a nobleman, who lived a life worthy of others, do something like that?
“...No one on Medea’s side would know.”
"I didn't know. Only a few others knew, and now you know too. That I'm a Princess."
So, as soon as I arrived in Medea, Jace, the dark money laundering bank president and heir to the Duke family, left Belford under the pretext of business and was staying in a neutral country.
The lieutenant colonel knew that too and tried to rescue me. If it were revealed, I would be executed.
But the lieutenant colonel tried to protect me. He came to see me when I was lost in the forest, and when I was imprisoned.
From his perspective, it would have been easier to just let me die at the admiral's hands. The guilt and pity that occasionally flickered in the lieutenant colonel's blue eyes came to mind.
Was it an attempt to preserve the minimal conscience that exists between guilt and survival? Celine is truly a terrifying woman. Proposing something like, "Will you marry me?" or "Will you die with me?"
I don't want to get involved in any more abnormal relationships that go beyond my common sense.
Noah didn't tell me for sure whether he would reveal or hide the fact that I was a real Princess. He probably wouldn't.
If it is revealed, the Admiral and Celine can be sent to the other world, but it is also awkward because the Groenendael family is not safe either.
I didn't want to cause any trouble, so I thought it would be better not to reveal it.
I have a new goal for my idle, thoughtless life: I won't do anything that bothers me like a Queen.
***
The wedding was just around the corner. Preparations were going smoothly, like a ship sailing with the wind on a clear day.
The wedding dress was completed, and preparations for the outdoor wedding in the palace gardens were nearly complete. The Republic of Helis was chosen as the honeymoon destination.
Noah had made the grand idea of crossing the Atlantic on a passenger ship in these times, but seeing my hardened face, he said, "No. The princess decides."
We planned to move into our new home before the wedding.
I felt bad about leaving all the wedding preparations to Noah, so I went with Vincent and Molly to buy furniture, decorations, carpets, seasonal bedding, and curtains to fill the mansion.
As a housekeeper, I asked Molly, who will be living with me, to choose the furniture and bedding for her room. Contrary to her casual image, she chose a lovely pink color for everything.
“Where did you say your new home was located?”
As I was sitting by the window, looking over the list of furniture I had purchased, Dr. Rugen, who was sitting in the rocking chair opposite me, reading a book, asked me a question.
“They sold Countess Chloe’s mansion on Hamilton Street. It’s on the reservoir side.”
“It’s towards the reservoir. The view must be nice.”
“If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll leave it in your room.”
The doctor put down the book and looked at me with a puzzled look, his blue eyes narrowed.
“Should I go too?”
"Of course. You'll enjoy it there too. It's a nice place for a walk."
Dr. Rugen, who had been lost in thought for a moment, opened his mouth.
“...Go buy a book and put it in there. I want to read a philosophy book by Descartes.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
“Why are you doing that?”
I hesitated for a moment and then smiled awkwardly at him.
“My father is away. Can I ask you to escort me down Wedding Road?”
This is the second time I'm asking. When I first made the request, he asked if we were having another wedding. Since we just talked about the newlywed home, I'm asking again.
Dr. Rugen smiled kindly as he took notes in the small notebook he always carried.
“I will definitely remember this.”
I smiled at him and got up to get ready for the social party that was going to be held that evening.
It was a social party being held at the Marquis of Wales's residence, and since the Marchioness had previously visited me in the hospital, I couldn't refuse. I wasn't particularly keen on going, partly because of my own inclinations, but also because the unsightly Erita was coming.
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