Episode 140. Why Did You Marry Me?
It will probably not disappear for her entire life, or even after her death. And isn't that the reason the royal family accepted her?
Noah took a short breath as if holding something in, then spoke.
"So please, just wait. Until people's attention fades from you."
His voice seemed to be trembling slightly.
Olivia stared blankly at Noah. A stifling feeling, as if she had indigestion, washed over her. Olivia's lips tightened.
She feels like she should now ask what she really wanted to ask, but couldn't because she lacked the courage.
She asked quietly.
"Didn't you need that attention?"
“...”
Noah parted his lips and fell silent. Then, he roughly scanned his face.
“Why did you marry me?”
Just as they had on the old road where they had exchanged proposal letters, they looked at each other with unfamiliar eyes.
“Think carefully, Olivia. In that crumbling house, you desperately put a lock on the window you couldn’t open out of fear, even in the bitter heat. Didn’t you want to escape from that house?”
The strength drained from Olivia's hand that had been clasped together.
Words that cannot be contained pour out.
“You must have thought that marrying me would allow you to escape that house. And you wouldn't have wanted to be ignored again by the woman who tried to slap you, even after committing a wrong.”
“...”
"That's why you married me, isn't it?"
Cruel words mercilessly tore at Olivia's heart.
As her eyes began to turn red, Olivia habitually turned her gaze away to think of something else.
'Don't cry. Don't cry, Olivia. You mustn't cry. Look at the sofa. What color is that?'
But Noah seemed to have no intention of letting her go. He took another step closer and whispered.
"So, don't act like you wanted to work as a Princess from the very beginning. I have given you a safe home and status, and I will provide you with anything you want."
Eventually, tears began to fall from Olivia's eyes. She lifted her reddened eyes to look at Noah and asked.
"Then why did you marry me?"
“...”
“I... yes. Just as you said, I lived in a crumbling house, and because of poverty, I had to worry every single day. Why did you propose to someone like me...? If I don’t have to do anything as a Princess, then I... to you, I would just be someone who spends your money and squanders your honor.”
The question she least wanted to ask finally slipped out of her mouth. Olivia hunched her body, trembling with fear.
Noah remained silent. Time stretched out for a very long time.
He had to take very shallow breaths from the pain of sharp thorns piercing his lungs. As he slowly exhaled the breath he had barely managed to inhale, his cold lips parted.
“You really did make me say this.”
The fierce energy that had been surging disappeared like a lie.
He returned with an extremely calm face and spat out words as sharp as an ice pick.
“I was promised peace in exchange for marrying you. I got a promise from my father that I would never again stand before that dreadful press.”
He spoke slowly and softly, as if to make sure she understood.
"So do you understand what I deserve in exchange for marrying you, and what you have to pay me? Don't try to do anything. It's not even a difficult thing."
Noah has always told her that the only thing he wants is marriage.
Olivia realized the meaning of those words too late.
At that moment, the sky, which was already gloomy, suddenly grew dark.
Just as she thought, she heard the eerie sound of the sky vibrating in the distance, and raindrops began to pound on the window.
Olivia turned her head and looked out the window.
It was surely the sound of rain coming from within a stone's throw, yet for some reason, it felt incredibly distant. The ground she stood on, the light and warmth of the fireplace burning behind her—everything seemed to have taken a step back from her life.
No, it seemed like she had taken a step back from her life.
He reached out his hand toward her. Because she had turned her head, she could feel his presence near her cheek. It was so distant, too, that Olivia just stood there blankly.
Raindrops hit the window, shattered, and flowed down.
It's raining quite a bit. Is it winter rain?
Clunk. The sound of a door closing was heard.
Suddenly, she felt lethargic and sleepy.
Olivia trudged to bed and lay down without even thinking about taking off her coat. However, she felt as if a cold snake were slithering around inside her stomach.
Like thick paint spreading slowly, the migraine that started at the temples extended to the space between the eyebrows.
It was pain she hadn't felt in a very long time.
And on days when she had these symptoms, the pain usually wouldn't subside unless she took medicine, and she couldn't fall asleep either.
Where did I put that medicine?
Olivia staggered to her feet and entered the dressing room. Amidst the fancy items, her worn leather bag was visible. And inside, there was medicine she had brought from Pulder.
She took out two pills, swallowed them, put the medicine bottle deep in the drawer, and lay down on the bed.
Soon, pitch-black darkness descended like a curtain and swallowed her, and Olivia closed her eyes, feeling as if she were slowly sinking into a deep abyss.
The third-rate newspaper 'Les Duants' sold about five months' worth of newspapers in just one day, with a single photo of the old house where Princess Olivia lived during her childhood.
Famous newspapers contacted Les Duants to try to buy any other old photos of the Princess that they might possess, but they all failed. This was because they could not locate Les Duants' headquarters.
The original owner of Les Duants shrugged and replied.
"I sold it, you know? I even got the money. But I don't know who I sold it to."
The new owner of Les Duants, whom everyone was curious about, was none other than Ansen Wilhelm.
The head of the Herod branch of Wilhelm was lost in thought as he gazed at the photos sent by Ansen. There was a photo of the Princess strolling through the school grounds, and another of her smiling at Ansen.
Today, by publishing a photo of the Princess's most unremarkable home, no one among the citizens of Harolington does not know Le Duans. The standing he had built by breaking the scandals of actors also helped greatly.
"It is said that Meson Loktar, acting on orders from Prince Noah, is frantically searching for the headquarters of Les Duants."
The Prince's bodyguards, composed entirely of former members of the Navy Special Forces, were so skilled in search that they were sometimes even selected as secret agents to extract intelligence from other nations. The one considered the best among them was Meson Loktar.
As the image of bodyguards in pitch-black suits and a man with a sharp appearance and dark gray hair came to mind, cold sweat ran down the branch manager's spine.
If you get caught, you will die without a sound.
“But... Wilhelm’s Company picked a fight with the Herodian royal family. Even if we lose that fight, we’re dead anyway.”
The branch manager remained silent and sorted out his thoughts a bit more.
His employer's ultimate goal is the construction of an empire. His empire has neither territory nor people, but instead possesses money and power.
And if he built an empire, he, as the branch manager, would also wield immense power. He decided to stake his life on Ansen Wilhelm.
The branch manager composed himself in fear and reviewed Ansen Wilhelm's orders.
There were two orders given to him.
First, build up the recognition of the third-rate newspaper.
Second, gather all news regarding the Prince and Princess, especially any news that could potentially drive a wedge between them.
The second order was puzzling, but Ansen didn't explain the reason. But that didn't mean there couldn't be a reason.
Then, his secretary said.
“Branch Manager, how should we handle the sales? Meson Loktar will track backwards to see where the newspapers are moving from and to.”
“Don’t worry about that. There is one more person who is hell-bent on disparaging the Herodian dynasty.”
“Ah... you mean Harold Beam.”
He even served as the head of the Guild Union.
“We just need to hand over a few photos to the newspapers helping us out. They will be sold mixed among several newspapers, so it will be difficult to trace the source. Besides, the newspapers seem to be planning to release some pretty interesting special editions tonight.”
"Yes, I understand."
“And since the President will be entering Herod soon, make sure everything is perfectly prepared to welcome him.”
At the branch manager's words, the secretary answered with disciplined gestures, like a soldier in command.
Around that time, Ansen arrived in the Republic of Pulia, which was adjacent to Herod. There was no better place than Pulia, where the monarchy had been abolished, to escape the watchful eyes of Herod's royal court.
As soon as Ansen arrived, Branch Manager Polia gave him updates on what had happened.
"The royal coalition in Norfolk is continuously applying pressure. They have sent multiple official letters demanding a clear explanation for the delay in the repairs to the Herod Magic Dome. Furthermore, it appears that Prince Usher has already met with the executives of the dispute resolution committee."
"Greater pressure will begin soon. What about Herod?"
"It appears they intend to replace the roles of the two malfunctioning Magic Domes with the Magic Domes from the recently cast warship. I suspect Prince Noah will issue the order personally, though he won't be returning to the military."
"I could return if it's urgent."
Ansen stroked his rough chin, then picked up a razor himself.
Although he had expected it, the battle with the Herodian royal family was formidable. Funds were short due to Noah's cancellation of the investment, and royal families from various nations were banding together to put pressure on him.
"Furthermore, navies and shipping companies from various countries are continuously demanding inspections of the ship-type Magic Dome. They are constantly asking about safety. It is to the point where even operations are being paralyzed..."
"Check it out. And reassure them that it is safe."
“Representative, each country is protesting because they fear that they might one day find themselves in a situation like Herod's. It would be better to concede a move to Herod this time...”
"Ah."
"Are you alright?"
Red blood immediately seeped out from the razor cut. Ansen frowned and pressed the cut with the handkerchief his secretary handed him.
He irritably stopped the bleeding from his wound and kicked out Branch Manager Polia, who was about to speak again.
"You keep whining endlessly."
Then, he took Herod's morning newspaper from his secretary. Ansen, flipping through the pages haphazardly, muttered lazily.
"It's absolute chaos.
It was all about Olivia. Following the dress, shoes, and bag she wore, even her hairstyle occupied the pages of the newspaper.
Literally from head to toe, the attention of Herod's people was focused on everything about her.
Ansen, who had been carelessly flipping through the newspaper, returned to the front page and stared intently at the photo of her and the Prince taken affectionately.
The pain of the cut wound vanished before he knew it, leaving only a stifling feeling, as if he had indigestion.
It will probably not disappear for her entire life, or even after her death. And isn't that the reason the royal family accepted her?
Noah took a short breath as if holding something in, then spoke.
"So please, just wait. Until people's attention fades from you."
His voice seemed to be trembling slightly.
Olivia stared blankly at Noah. A stifling feeling, as if she had indigestion, washed over her. Olivia's lips tightened.
She feels like she should now ask what she really wanted to ask, but couldn't because she lacked the courage.
She asked quietly.
"Didn't you need that attention?"
“...”
Noah parted his lips and fell silent. Then, he roughly scanned his face.
“Why did you marry me?”
Just as they had on the old road where they had exchanged proposal letters, they looked at each other with unfamiliar eyes.
“Think carefully, Olivia. In that crumbling house, you desperately put a lock on the window you couldn’t open out of fear, even in the bitter heat. Didn’t you want to escape from that house?”
The strength drained from Olivia's hand that had been clasped together.
Words that cannot be contained pour out.
“You must have thought that marrying me would allow you to escape that house. And you wouldn't have wanted to be ignored again by the woman who tried to slap you, even after committing a wrong.”
“...”
"That's why you married me, isn't it?"
Cruel words mercilessly tore at Olivia's heart.
As her eyes began to turn red, Olivia habitually turned her gaze away to think of something else.
'Don't cry. Don't cry, Olivia. You mustn't cry. Look at the sofa. What color is that?'
But Noah seemed to have no intention of letting her go. He took another step closer and whispered.
"So, don't act like you wanted to work as a Princess from the very beginning. I have given you a safe home and status, and I will provide you with anything you want."
Eventually, tears began to fall from Olivia's eyes. She lifted her reddened eyes to look at Noah and asked.
"Then why did you marry me?"
“...”
“I... yes. Just as you said, I lived in a crumbling house, and because of poverty, I had to worry every single day. Why did you propose to someone like me...? If I don’t have to do anything as a Princess, then I... to you, I would just be someone who spends your money and squanders your honor.”
The question she least wanted to ask finally slipped out of her mouth. Olivia hunched her body, trembling with fear.
Noah remained silent. Time stretched out for a very long time.
He had to take very shallow breaths from the pain of sharp thorns piercing his lungs. As he slowly exhaled the breath he had barely managed to inhale, his cold lips parted.
“You really did make me say this.”
The fierce energy that had been surging disappeared like a lie.
He returned with an extremely calm face and spat out words as sharp as an ice pick.
“I was promised peace in exchange for marrying you. I got a promise from my father that I would never again stand before that dreadful press.”
He spoke slowly and softly, as if to make sure she understood.
"So do you understand what I deserve in exchange for marrying you, and what you have to pay me? Don't try to do anything. It's not even a difficult thing."
Noah has always told her that the only thing he wants is marriage.
Olivia realized the meaning of those words too late.
At that moment, the sky, which was already gloomy, suddenly grew dark.
Just as she thought, she heard the eerie sound of the sky vibrating in the distance, and raindrops began to pound on the window.
Olivia turned her head and looked out the window.
It was surely the sound of rain coming from within a stone's throw, yet for some reason, it felt incredibly distant. The ground she stood on, the light and warmth of the fireplace burning behind her—everything seemed to have taken a step back from her life.
No, it seemed like she had taken a step back from her life.
He reached out his hand toward her. Because she had turned her head, she could feel his presence near her cheek. It was so distant, too, that Olivia just stood there blankly.
Raindrops hit the window, shattered, and flowed down.
It's raining quite a bit. Is it winter rain?
Clunk. The sound of a door closing was heard.
Suddenly, she felt lethargic and sleepy.
Olivia trudged to bed and lay down without even thinking about taking off her coat. However, she felt as if a cold snake were slithering around inside her stomach.
Like thick paint spreading slowly, the migraine that started at the temples extended to the space between the eyebrows.
It was pain she hadn't felt in a very long time.
And on days when she had these symptoms, the pain usually wouldn't subside unless she took medicine, and she couldn't fall asleep either.
Where did I put that medicine?
Olivia staggered to her feet and entered the dressing room. Amidst the fancy items, her worn leather bag was visible. And inside, there was medicine she had brought from Pulder.
She took out two pills, swallowed them, put the medicine bottle deep in the drawer, and lay down on the bed.
Soon, pitch-black darkness descended like a curtain and swallowed her, and Olivia closed her eyes, feeling as if she were slowly sinking into a deep abyss.
***
The third-rate newspaper 'Les Duants' sold about five months' worth of newspapers in just one day, with a single photo of the old house where Princess Olivia lived during her childhood.
Famous newspapers contacted Les Duants to try to buy any other old photos of the Princess that they might possess, but they all failed. This was because they could not locate Les Duants' headquarters.
The original owner of Les Duants shrugged and replied.
"I sold it, you know? I even got the money. But I don't know who I sold it to."
The new owner of Les Duants, whom everyone was curious about, was none other than Ansen Wilhelm.
The head of the Herod branch of Wilhelm was lost in thought as he gazed at the photos sent by Ansen. There was a photo of the Princess strolling through the school grounds, and another of her smiling at Ansen.
Today, by publishing a photo of the Princess's most unremarkable home, no one among the citizens of Harolington does not know Le Duans. The standing he had built by breaking the scandals of actors also helped greatly.
"It is said that Meson Loktar, acting on orders from Prince Noah, is frantically searching for the headquarters of Les Duants."
The Prince's bodyguards, composed entirely of former members of the Navy Special Forces, were so skilled in search that they were sometimes even selected as secret agents to extract intelligence from other nations. The one considered the best among them was Meson Loktar.
As the image of bodyguards in pitch-black suits and a man with a sharp appearance and dark gray hair came to mind, cold sweat ran down the branch manager's spine.
If you get caught, you will die without a sound.
“But... Wilhelm’s Company picked a fight with the Herodian royal family. Even if we lose that fight, we’re dead anyway.”
The branch manager remained silent and sorted out his thoughts a bit more.
His employer's ultimate goal is the construction of an empire. His empire has neither territory nor people, but instead possesses money and power.
And if he built an empire, he, as the branch manager, would also wield immense power. He decided to stake his life on Ansen Wilhelm.
The branch manager composed himself in fear and reviewed Ansen Wilhelm's orders.
There were two orders given to him.
First, build up the recognition of the third-rate newspaper.
Second, gather all news regarding the Prince and Princess, especially any news that could potentially drive a wedge between them.
The second order was puzzling, but Ansen didn't explain the reason. But that didn't mean there couldn't be a reason.
Then, his secretary said.
“Branch Manager, how should we handle the sales? Meson Loktar will track backwards to see where the newspapers are moving from and to.”
“Don’t worry about that. There is one more person who is hell-bent on disparaging the Herodian dynasty.”
“Ah... you mean Harold Beam.”
He even served as the head of the Guild Union.
“We just need to hand over a few photos to the newspapers helping us out. They will be sold mixed among several newspapers, so it will be difficult to trace the source. Besides, the newspapers seem to be planning to release some pretty interesting special editions tonight.”
"Yes, I understand."
“And since the President will be entering Herod soon, make sure everything is perfectly prepared to welcome him.”
At the branch manager's words, the secretary answered with disciplined gestures, like a soldier in command.
***
Around that time, Ansen arrived in the Republic of Pulia, which was adjacent to Herod. There was no better place than Pulia, where the monarchy had been abolished, to escape the watchful eyes of Herod's royal court.
As soon as Ansen arrived, Branch Manager Polia gave him updates on what had happened.
"The royal coalition in Norfolk is continuously applying pressure. They have sent multiple official letters demanding a clear explanation for the delay in the repairs to the Herod Magic Dome. Furthermore, it appears that Prince Usher has already met with the executives of the dispute resolution committee."
"Greater pressure will begin soon. What about Herod?"
"It appears they intend to replace the roles of the two malfunctioning Magic Domes with the Magic Domes from the recently cast warship. I suspect Prince Noah will issue the order personally, though he won't be returning to the military."
"I could return if it's urgent."
Ansen stroked his rough chin, then picked up a razor himself.
Although he had expected it, the battle with the Herodian royal family was formidable. Funds were short due to Noah's cancellation of the investment, and royal families from various nations were banding together to put pressure on him.
"Furthermore, navies and shipping companies from various countries are continuously demanding inspections of the ship-type Magic Dome. They are constantly asking about safety. It is to the point where even operations are being paralyzed..."
"Check it out. And reassure them that it is safe."
“Representative, each country is protesting because they fear that they might one day find themselves in a situation like Herod's. It would be better to concede a move to Herod this time...”
"Ah."
"Are you alright?"
Red blood immediately seeped out from the razor cut. Ansen frowned and pressed the cut with the handkerchief his secretary handed him.
He irritably stopped the bleeding from his wound and kicked out Branch Manager Polia, who was about to speak again.
"You keep whining endlessly."
Then, he took Herod's morning newspaper from his secretary. Ansen, flipping through the pages haphazardly, muttered lazily.
"It's absolute chaos.
It was all about Olivia. Following the dress, shoes, and bag she wore, even her hairstyle occupied the pages of the newspaper.
Literally from head to toe, the attention of Herod's people was focused on everything about her.
Ansen, who had been carelessly flipping through the newspaper, returned to the front page and stared intently at the photo of her and the Prince taken affectionately.
The pain of the cut wound vanished before he knew it, leaving only a stifling feeling, as if he had indigestion.
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