(106) Unexplained feelings (4)
‘When did you become like that...?’
He didn't know when he saw her face every day.
Maybe it's because they haven't seen each other for a few days, but he can definitely see her growth.
When he first saw her at the Bronte manor, she looked like a girl of about ten, but now she looks her age. She's still smaller than her peers, but she's put on some weight, giving her curves a more refined appearance.
The dark blue dress matched her sky-blue hair perfectly. The deep color of the dress made her pale skin look particularly clear.
Ariana sat at the opposite end of the long table. The distance was a pity.
“I have something important to tell you.”
At some point, whenever he's in front of Ariana, he finds himself impulsively talking. There's nothing urgent to talk about.
Ariana narrowed her eyes slightly and spoke softly.
“Then shouldn’t the person who has something to say move to the other side?”
Cyrus moved to Ariana's side and thought about what he had to 'have an urgent conversation about'.
“The dress suits you well.”
“I didn’t know that the Northern Lord was someone who would give such praise.”
“Did you know I’m the type of person who can’t even give a compliment to a lady?”
“Because I heard a story.”
“Ah. The Princess has been listening to my rumors.”
"Even if I try not to hear it, it's the name most often mentioned in social circles. So it's surprising."
“What?”
“I thought there would be jealous women if I became close with the Northern Lord, but the noblewomen and young ladies of the Northern Territory were kind to me.”
“Because the people of the North are not that narrow-minded.”
Actually, that wasn't the reason.
Women who had been eyeing Cyrus's place at his side were driven away by his ruthlessness, and those who had tried to stick with him until the end met with a bitter end. Those who had tried to secure their daughters as the Northern mistress were also brutally treated and forced to retreat, leaving no one to dare challenge for the position.
Besides, Ariana was called "Princess Consort" by Cyrus's closest associates. It was obvious what would happen if you messed with someone like that.
The people of the North knew Cyrus's cruelty better than the people of other countries, so they did not dare to offend the guests who were treated so well by him.
“But what is it that you want to talk about so seriously?”
“I did it.”
"Hmm?"
Ariana tilted her head to the side, then remembered what Cyrus had said the moment he moved to the seat next to her.
“You mean the dress suits me well?”
"Yes."
Ariana laughed out loud. The bright smile that spread across her small face was dizzying.
He just wanted to see that smile.
“The Northern Lord really makes his speeches interesting.”
“Should I have just thrown the lord away and become a clown?”
Ariana laughed again.
'It looks like flowers are blooming.'
That's what Ariana looked like in Cyrus's eyes.
In the Bronte household, Ariana was a bud yet to bloom. A tiny, tiny flower bud, eagerly awaiting its bloom. A tiny bud, tightly closed, waiting for the day to bloom.
Having been showered with love by the White family at Chase Castle, she began to gradually unfurl her petals. Unbeknownst to her, the petals unfolded, little by little, until by the time they reached the North Ridge, their colors were clearly visible.
And now Ariana is smiling brightly.
Cyrus felt as if he were standing before a beautiful flower in full bloom, boasting its fragrance and color.
He didn't want to just pick it and put it in a vase. He wanted to watch it bloom and eventually bear fruit. That process wouldn't be boring at all.
“If the Northern Lord has nothing to say to me, I would like to have a closer conversation.”
As Ariana spoke, the attendant approached.
“Shall I prepare a meal?”
"Except for dessert, all at once. I don't want to be disturbed while eating."
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
The maids brought several dishes on a trolley. The two watched in silence as the food was served. It took a long time just to move everything from small plates to large plates onto the table.
After the servants and maids had all left, the two enjoyed a short meal. The clam soup was rich, and the freshly baked bread was soft.
“I thought about it in terms of the perfume factory building.”
Cyrus always looked forward to Ariana's thoughts.
“If we develop and sell a drug that can quickly cure perfume-related illnesses, I think we could make a significant profit, even if only temporarily.”
“I see. I’ll tell Isaac.”
"Compensation for the damages will be handled by the seller, Count Gabion, and the noble investors who don't want their reputations tarnished. I think it would be best to sell the medicine at a very high price."
“Yes. Distribution of sales profits is..."
"I'm fine. I've already received a favor from the Northern Lord, so I think of this as a payment for that."
"No, that can't be. The Princess has no money except what you have in the bank."
“That’s true, but...”
“Except for the cost of commissioning Isaac and the cost of making the medicine, the Princess will take everything.”
Ariana's eyes widened, and she looked like a startled rabbit. Just seeing that expression made Cyrus feel like he was getting more than he could ever earn from selling the drug.
“That can’t be, Your Highness.”
“That could be. The Princess gave me the idea.”
"Still..."
"The Princess will need more personal funds in the future. A Princess with ample funds will definitely be helpful to me. Let's say I'm investing in the Princess."
Ariana hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes. Then I’ll give the Northern Lord some good information.”
"What?"
"I saw a gladiator named Baisen being sold at the slave market where I met Shini. Langster says he's incredibly strong. He's probably fighting again in some arena right now."
Cyrus nodded as if to continue.
“If you train him well, he will be of great help to the Northern Lord.”
Originally, Baisen was supposed to be taken in by the Third Prince, Harold. Recognizing Baisen's talent, Harold purchased him and, through excellent training, raised him into a brilliant swordsman.
Baisen would do anything for the Harold who saved him. Though he was a cruel man, his loyalty to Harold was genuine.
It could be said that Baisen's contribution was great in helping Harold safely ascend to the throne.
Cyrus already had many excellent knights, so adding another Baisen wouldn't do much. However, it could clip one of Harold's wings.
Cyrus nodded slightly.
“Let’s find out. Do you have any other advice?”
“You believe me.”
“Didn’t I tell you? Since we agreed to do the same thing, I’ll trust you.”
“Then can you tell me?”
"What?"
“Your purpose.”
Cyrus smiled faintly.
“I think the Princess is smart, so you must have already guessed my purpose.”
“Are you going to punish those involved in the death of the previous Northern Lord?”
"Yes."
“Does that include the Emperor?”
“The Princess speaks so frighteningly without a care. You are very brave.”
“Is it really included?”
“If it has to be so.”
Ariana's heart sank at Cyrus's answer.
If Cyrus was after the Emperor, aligning with him would be extremely dangerous. Ariana would rather seek revenge than get involved in a power struggle.
What's more, the opponent is the Emperor of the empire.
“Northern Lord. I don’t want the wind of blood to blow in the East.”
"Don't worry, Princess. If I move, it will only be when I am certain of victory."
"So that's why you're leaving the Western Lord alone for now. If you rashly provoke the Western Lord and the empire turns its back, it'll be difficult to plot against the Emperor."
"That's right. There's a saying that the more difficult an opponent is, the closer you should keep them."
“I repeat, I don’t want the water that the Northern Lord has soaked and splashed on my family.”
“Is it okay to jump on the Princess?”
“Since we have decided to share the same purpose, I would gladly give up my life.”
Cyrus couldn't take his eyes off Ariana, who spoke calmly about her own death. Her eyes lit up with each declaration of her resolve.
He knew it wasn't just empty words. She was always prepared to die, and that was what made Cyrus uneasy.
He was afraid that she would die without a care in the world. He was afraid that she would go somewhere he could never reach.
"I must do my best to ensure the Princess doesn't have to risk her life. Is the Princess's goal the Western Lord and the Bronte family?"
“And the Third Prince is added to that.”
“Why the Third Prince?”
Because he played with her heart. Because he cruelly degraded the heart of a woman who longed to be loved, because she was unloved. Because he exploited the hopes of a poor, foolish woman who simply wanted to be acknowledged, who simply wanted a single word: "Thank goodness you exist."
Although Rachel and Helena were the ones who openly mocked and despised Ariana, it was the 3rd Prince Harold and Victoria who drove Ariana to her death.
Every time she remembered her miserable life, where she would wag her tail in the face of even fake affection, her hatred for the Third Prince and Victoria swelled.
Even this moment, when they were alive and breathing the same air, was disgusting.
She couldn't tell Cyrus this story.
So Ariana said.
“I just don’t like him.”
“I just don’t like him.”
In that moment, she realized that she had made a mistake.
You just don't like it. You're giving such childish reasons.
Ariana blushed and tried to change her words, but Cyrus spoke.
"That's a very good reason to take someone's life. I just don't like him."
"Yes?"
"Good, then our objectives are clear. The Western Lord and the Third Prince. And if necessary, the Emperor."
You're going to let it go so easily? You said you'd make enemies of the royal bloodline, not just anyone else?
“The Third Prince will be a difficult opponent, Northern Lord.”
"The Emperor has a prerequisite of 'if it must be done.' And by the time you strike the Emperor, I'll be out."
"Oh. I've never seen anyone so frankly say they'd break off the alliance just to get a piece of the pie."
"The Northern Lord will also take advantage of my favor. I'm only the Third Prince. I can't stand seeing my family endangered by provoking the Emperor."
“Understood, Princess. And the Third Prince.”
"I'll say it again: the Third Prince will be a difficult opponent, and you can back off when dealing with him. I'll take care of it."
She didn't want to drag Cyrus into the Third Prince's affairs, since she herself was already out of the Emperor's business. Cyrus watched Ariana's firm words, then spoke.
“I didn’t know the Northern Lord was afraid of me.”
"It's true. It's incredibly difficult. That's why I can't even tell you that there's a crumb on the Princess's lips right now."
Ariana frantically brought her hand to her mouth, but nothing came out. Cyrus watched Ariana, her cheeks flushed and her mouth gaping, then spoke.
"I'm kidding."
“...”
‘When did you become like that...?’
He didn't know when he saw her face every day.
Maybe it's because they haven't seen each other for a few days, but he can definitely see her growth.
When he first saw her at the Bronte manor, she looked like a girl of about ten, but now she looks her age. She's still smaller than her peers, but she's put on some weight, giving her curves a more refined appearance.
The dark blue dress matched her sky-blue hair perfectly. The deep color of the dress made her pale skin look particularly clear.
Ariana sat at the opposite end of the long table. The distance was a pity.
“I have something important to tell you.”
At some point, whenever he's in front of Ariana, he finds himself impulsively talking. There's nothing urgent to talk about.
Ariana narrowed her eyes slightly and spoke softly.
“Then shouldn’t the person who has something to say move to the other side?”
Cyrus moved to Ariana's side and thought about what he had to 'have an urgent conversation about'.
“The dress suits you well.”
“I didn’t know that the Northern Lord was someone who would give such praise.”
“Did you know I’m the type of person who can’t even give a compliment to a lady?”
“Because I heard a story.”
“Ah. The Princess has been listening to my rumors.”
"Even if I try not to hear it, it's the name most often mentioned in social circles. So it's surprising."
“What?”
“I thought there would be jealous women if I became close with the Northern Lord, but the noblewomen and young ladies of the Northern Territory were kind to me.”
“Because the people of the North are not that narrow-minded.”
Actually, that wasn't the reason.
Women who had been eyeing Cyrus's place at his side were driven away by his ruthlessness, and those who had tried to stick with him until the end met with a bitter end. Those who had tried to secure their daughters as the Northern mistress were also brutally treated and forced to retreat, leaving no one to dare challenge for the position.
Besides, Ariana was called "Princess Consort" by Cyrus's closest associates. It was obvious what would happen if you messed with someone like that.
The people of the North knew Cyrus's cruelty better than the people of other countries, so they did not dare to offend the guests who were treated so well by him.
“But what is it that you want to talk about so seriously?”
“I did it.”
"Hmm?"
Ariana tilted her head to the side, then remembered what Cyrus had said the moment he moved to the seat next to her.
“You mean the dress suits me well?”
"Yes."
Ariana laughed out loud. The bright smile that spread across her small face was dizzying.
He just wanted to see that smile.
“The Northern Lord really makes his speeches interesting.”
“Should I have just thrown the lord away and become a clown?”
Ariana laughed again.
'It looks like flowers are blooming.'
That's what Ariana looked like in Cyrus's eyes.
In the Bronte household, Ariana was a bud yet to bloom. A tiny, tiny flower bud, eagerly awaiting its bloom. A tiny bud, tightly closed, waiting for the day to bloom.
Having been showered with love by the White family at Chase Castle, she began to gradually unfurl her petals. Unbeknownst to her, the petals unfolded, little by little, until by the time they reached the North Ridge, their colors were clearly visible.
And now Ariana is smiling brightly.
Cyrus felt as if he were standing before a beautiful flower in full bloom, boasting its fragrance and color.
He didn't want to just pick it and put it in a vase. He wanted to watch it bloom and eventually bear fruit. That process wouldn't be boring at all.
“If the Northern Lord has nothing to say to me, I would like to have a closer conversation.”
As Ariana spoke, the attendant approached.
“Shall I prepare a meal?”
"Except for dessert, all at once. I don't want to be disturbed while eating."
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
The maids brought several dishes on a trolley. The two watched in silence as the food was served. It took a long time just to move everything from small plates to large plates onto the table.
After the servants and maids had all left, the two enjoyed a short meal. The clam soup was rich, and the freshly baked bread was soft.
“I thought about it in terms of the perfume factory building.”
Cyrus always looked forward to Ariana's thoughts.
“If we develop and sell a drug that can quickly cure perfume-related illnesses, I think we could make a significant profit, even if only temporarily.”
“I see. I’ll tell Isaac.”
"Compensation for the damages will be handled by the seller, Count Gabion, and the noble investors who don't want their reputations tarnished. I think it would be best to sell the medicine at a very high price."
“Yes. Distribution of sales profits is..."
"I'm fine. I've already received a favor from the Northern Lord, so I think of this as a payment for that."
"No, that can't be. The Princess has no money except what you have in the bank."
“That’s true, but...”
“Except for the cost of commissioning Isaac and the cost of making the medicine, the Princess will take everything.”
Ariana's eyes widened, and she looked like a startled rabbit. Just seeing that expression made Cyrus feel like he was getting more than he could ever earn from selling the drug.
“That can’t be, Your Highness.”
“That could be. The Princess gave me the idea.”
"Still..."
"The Princess will need more personal funds in the future. A Princess with ample funds will definitely be helpful to me. Let's say I'm investing in the Princess."
Ariana hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes. Then I’ll give the Northern Lord some good information.”
"What?"
"I saw a gladiator named Baisen being sold at the slave market where I met Shini. Langster says he's incredibly strong. He's probably fighting again in some arena right now."
Cyrus nodded as if to continue.
“If you train him well, he will be of great help to the Northern Lord.”
Originally, Baisen was supposed to be taken in by the Third Prince, Harold. Recognizing Baisen's talent, Harold purchased him and, through excellent training, raised him into a brilliant swordsman.
Baisen would do anything for the Harold who saved him. Though he was a cruel man, his loyalty to Harold was genuine.
It could be said that Baisen's contribution was great in helping Harold safely ascend to the throne.
Cyrus already had many excellent knights, so adding another Baisen wouldn't do much. However, it could clip one of Harold's wings.
Cyrus nodded slightly.
“Let’s find out. Do you have any other advice?”
“You believe me.”
“Didn’t I tell you? Since we agreed to do the same thing, I’ll trust you.”
“Then can you tell me?”
"What?"
“Your purpose.”
Cyrus smiled faintly.
“I think the Princess is smart, so you must have already guessed my purpose.”
“Are you going to punish those involved in the death of the previous Northern Lord?”
"Yes."
“Does that include the Emperor?”
“The Princess speaks so frighteningly without a care. You are very brave.”
“Is it really included?”
“If it has to be so.”
Ariana's heart sank at Cyrus's answer.
If Cyrus was after the Emperor, aligning with him would be extremely dangerous. Ariana would rather seek revenge than get involved in a power struggle.
What's more, the opponent is the Emperor of the empire.
“Northern Lord. I don’t want the wind of blood to blow in the East.”
"Don't worry, Princess. If I move, it will only be when I am certain of victory."
"So that's why you're leaving the Western Lord alone for now. If you rashly provoke the Western Lord and the empire turns its back, it'll be difficult to plot against the Emperor."
"That's right. There's a saying that the more difficult an opponent is, the closer you should keep them."
“I repeat, I don’t want the water that the Northern Lord has soaked and splashed on my family.”
“Is it okay to jump on the Princess?”
“Since we have decided to share the same purpose, I would gladly give up my life.”
Cyrus couldn't take his eyes off Ariana, who spoke calmly about her own death. Her eyes lit up with each declaration of her resolve.
He knew it wasn't just empty words. She was always prepared to die, and that was what made Cyrus uneasy.
He was afraid that she would die without a care in the world. He was afraid that she would go somewhere he could never reach.
"I must do my best to ensure the Princess doesn't have to risk her life. Is the Princess's goal the Western Lord and the Bronte family?"
“And the Third Prince is added to that.”
“Why the Third Prince?”
Because he played with her heart. Because he cruelly degraded the heart of a woman who longed to be loved, because she was unloved. Because he exploited the hopes of a poor, foolish woman who simply wanted to be acknowledged, who simply wanted a single word: "Thank goodness you exist."
Although Rachel and Helena were the ones who openly mocked and despised Ariana, it was the 3rd Prince Harold and Victoria who drove Ariana to her death.
Every time she remembered her miserable life, where she would wag her tail in the face of even fake affection, her hatred for the Third Prince and Victoria swelled.
Even this moment, when they were alive and breathing the same air, was disgusting.
She couldn't tell Cyrus this story.
So Ariana said.
“I just don’t like him.”
“I just don’t like him.”
In that moment, she realized that she had made a mistake.
You just don't like it. You're giving such childish reasons.
Ariana blushed and tried to change her words, but Cyrus spoke.
"That's a very good reason to take someone's life. I just don't like him."
"Yes?"
"Good, then our objectives are clear. The Western Lord and the Third Prince. And if necessary, the Emperor."
You're going to let it go so easily? You said you'd make enemies of the royal bloodline, not just anyone else?
“The Third Prince will be a difficult opponent, Northern Lord.”
“Just the Emperor, I suppose.”
"Oh. I've never seen anyone so frankly say they'd break off the alliance just to get a piece of the pie."
"The Northern Lord will also take advantage of my favor. I'm only the Third Prince. I can't stand seeing my family endangered by provoking the Emperor."
“Understood, Princess. And the Third Prince.”
"I'll say it again: the Third Prince will be a difficult opponent, and you can back off when dealing with him. I'll take care of it."
She didn't want to drag Cyrus into the Third Prince's affairs, since she herself was already out of the Emperor's business. Cyrus watched Ariana's firm words, then spoke.
“To me, the Princess is more difficult than the Third Prince.”
"It's true. It's incredibly difficult. That's why I can't even tell you that there's a crumb on the Princess's lips right now."
Ariana frantically brought her hand to her mouth, but nothing came out. Cyrus watched Ariana, her cheeks flushed and her mouth gaping, then spoke.
"I'm kidding."
“...”
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