(207) Side Story; Precious and New (1)
Two months have passed since the war ended.
Russell, having returned from the war, was so busy working to repair the damage and provide relief to the victims that there was hardly any time to see his face.
Ariana was busy in her own way as well.
Now, as the Princess of the Kingdom of Stella, she had almost no time to stay at Chase Castle as she was busy comforting the people who had suffered from the war.
Everyone told her, “You don’t have to go that far,” but she couldn’t. Just as Ariana was making a new start, the Kingdom of Stella was also beginning anew. Therefore, she thought it was only right for her to act as the monarch’s daughter.
While moving around frantically like that, Ariana's 23rd birthday arrived before she knew it.
Given the circumstances, she decided to have a birthday party by inviting only close acquaintances.
Ariana's eyes fell upon a light green teddy bear when she opened her eyes in the morning.
"You've gotten so old, too."
Even in the midst of the chaos, the teddy bear returned safely to Ariana.
The first birthday gift she received from Russell was still by Ariana's side.
"Tomorrow marks exactly seven years since I received it."
It was a period that was long if you consider it long, and short if you consider it short.
The events leading up to her arrival in the East and becoming the Princess of the Stella Kingdom unfolded like a dream.
Ariana was lost in memories while holding a teddy bear for a moment when, tap, tap, there was a knocking sound on the window.
A human shadow was visible beyond the white curtain.
Ariana quickly got out of bed, put on a robe, and pulled back the curtain. As she widened her eyes at the sight of Cyrus beyond the curtain, he smiled.
"You're pretty even in the morning."
“Sei, when did you get here?”
Two months ago, as soon as the war ended, Cyrus visited Arinaa to propose and returned to his country. This was because he, too, had many problems to solve.
She thought she wouldn't see him for a while, so seeing his face after two months was both welcome and surprising.
“Just now. Could you open the window? A scary person was approaching...”
“Cyrus, you insolent rascal! Why are you stuck to our Rian’s window since it’s morning? Can’t you come down right now?”
Theodore's shout was heard, interrupting Cyrus.
It seems he was caught by Theodore, who was doing morning training.
"Sorry, Sei. I couldn't look like a granddaughter letting a man into the bedroom so early in the morning. Go handle it yourself."
Ariana drew the curtain. A melancholic voice was heard from beyond the curtain.
"Oh dear, how cruel."
“Cyrus! Come down here right now! Hurry!”
“Yes, Grandpa. I’m coming down now.”
Ariana chuckled and rang the bell next to the bed.
Shortly after, the maids came in to prepare the bathwater and help her groom. It was only after about an hour had passed that Ariana went out and finished getting ready to meet the Emperor of Arcana.
When she went out into the garden, Cyrus was still being scolded by Theodore.
“Yeah, I know you care a lot about Ariana. I know it very well. But there is a proper order to things. Ariana is just a kid, only 23 years old, isn't she?”
"Yes, she's a child."
"Right, so you should set an example."
“Yes, of course. It is something I should have set an example.”
Still, Ariana was worried whether it was right to scold the Emperor of a country like that, but seeing Cyrus answer obediently like a gentle lamb was somewhat amusing. So she watched for a moment, and then Cyrus spotted Ariana and mouthed the words.
'Help me.'
After hesitating for a moment, she decided to be generous. Ariana approached softly and gently placed her hand on Theodore's arm.
“Grandpa, did you sleep well?”
"Oh my, my dear. Grandpa slept well, right? And you slept well, my dear?"
"No. I had a restless night because I was looking forward to the birthday party tomorrow."
Theodore's expression softened at the sight of his granddaughter, who smiled like sunshine and said she had a restless night. Theodore repeatedly stroked Ariana's head and spoke.
“My little one, is there anything you want for your birthday?”
"If Grandfather stays healthy and by my side for a long, long time, that is more than enough."
At his granddaughter's sweet answer, Theodore teared up.
Oh, my pretty one. How can you speak so beautifully?
It was the first time in Theodore's life that a grandchild had spoken so beautifully.
If it had been Geor or Isabelle, they would have written down a list of what they wanted and handed it over, and if it had been Averater, he would have said quite meanly, “Hahaha. What do you mean? What do you want? As long as you don't go senile, that is enough!”
Theodore looked back and forth between his beloved granddaughter and Cyrus, who was smiling leisurely beside her.
He knew what Ariana, who had dressed up nicely, and Cyrus, who had come looking for her since dawn, wanted. However, feeling stubborn, he didn't want to put Ariana's hand in Cyrus's.
Theodore also knew very well that Cyrus was a good kid.
Cyrus is not only strong, but he has now become the Emperor of a nation. He is also strikingly handsome.
Theodore knew there was no one better than Cyrus for Ariana, but in his eyes, his granddaughter was too young. No matter how he looked at it, she didn't seem old enough to be on a date alone with a boy early in the morning.
“My dear, shall we take a walk in the garden with Grandpa?”
So he was thinking of interrupting their time a little.
"Honey."
Carradine called out to Theodore from the edge of the garden, though he had not known when she had arrived.
“Stop bothering young people and come here.”
Theodore was weak to Ariana, but even weaker to his wife. Theodore slumped his shoulders and left the garden with Carradine.
Of course, Theodore did not forget to give a word of advice before leaving.
“Cyrus. Ariana is still young. Understand? As an adult, you must look after Ariana carefully and not cross the line. Understand?”
Watching the two people walk away, Cyrus muttered softly.
“He’d faint if he knew how long ago we crossed the line. I need to be careful, Rian.”
"You just need to be careful. I'm always being careful."
"I want to share a reunion kiss."
“Look at this, again!”
Cyrus chuckled softly as Ariana glared at him.
His laughter, which sounded like the blowing wind, was pleasant to hear.
Cyrus naturally took Ariana's hand. The two walked side by side along the path through the spacious garden.
It was a sunny day.
The blue sky, with a few pure white clouds drifting by, was so clear that it was perfect for a picnic. Cyrus seemed to share the same thought and asked, "Shall we go on a picnic?"
Ariana called a maid and asked her to prepare for the picnic.
The two sat on a bench and waited for the maids to bring things like lunch boxes and parasols.
When Ariana turned her head, Cyrus was already looking at her. As their eyes met, he smiled brightly and lightly kissed her forehead.
“Rian, do you know your forehead is really pretty?”
"Is only my forehead pretty?
"Your whole body is beautiful, so I want to kiss every single pretty spot on you... But is it okay to do that here?"
His heated eyes moved from Ariana's face, down her neck, to her chest and abdomen. Ariana realized what he was imagining and blushed.
She quickly supported his chin with both hands and lifted it up.
“You lewd man. Did you forget what Grandfather said?”
“I forgot. My memory is bad.”
“Oh dear, if you're already that bad, that’s a big problem. Do the people of the Arcana Empire know that their Emperor is such a fool?”
“You must have an idea. Still, I am just grateful that you are pretending not to know because you have a kind heart.”
"Aren't you busy with state affairs?"
"Fortunately, I have many capable ministers. I have returned after handling urgent matters, so I should be away for a while."
Before leaving the Arcana Empire, Cyrus entrusted a task to Duke Hern, who wanted to retire, and said.
"I'm thinking of bringing the Empress."
He did not go out of his way to tell Ariana that at those words, Duke Hern's eyes welled up with tears, and he said, "Your Majesty, it does not matter how many years it takes, but you must bring her here."
The large tree behind the bench was lush with leaves, and just as many flowers were in bloom. A single bright red petal fluttered down and landed on Ariana's head.
“I once went deep into the mountains because Isaac asked me to help him find herbs.”
Wondering what the sudden sound was, Ariana tilted her head to the side.
“I was sitting down to rest for a moment when a huge wolf ambled over and stopped right in front of us. With a leaf stuck to its forehead. It was amusing to see it sitting there trying to act all solemn, completely unaware that a leaf was stuck to its forehead.”
“Hmm... is that so?”
Ariana narrowed her eyebrows slightly, not knowing what to say. Cyrus smiled softly and kissed the space between her eyebrows.
"That is how you are right now."
"Yes?"
"You are much prettier than that wolf from back then, though."
The petal was still attached to Ariana's head. When the ordinary petal was placed on Ariana's hair, it looked like a pretty hairpin.
Ariana, looking puzzled by the incomprehensible sound, was ridiculously cute.
Cyrus felt like all these moments were a dream.
How can this woman be so lovely in every single way? Isn't it a problem to be this pretty?
Ariana, who had no idea what Cyrus was thinking, was tilting her head with the flower petals stuck in her hair.
Just then, the maids returned, having prepared for the picnic. One of the maids discovered a flower petal stuck in Ariana's hair.
"Oh my, Princess. There are flower petals stuck in your hair."
Only then did Ariana realize why Cyrus had suddenly brought up the wolf story, and she fumbled around on her head with her hand to pluck off a petal.
"If you knew, I'd give you a piece."
“There is no reason why it wouldn’t be pretty, is there? There isn’t a single part that is lacking. Don’t you agree?”
Ariana's face flushed as Cyrus turned to look at the ladies-in-waiting and asked. She had thought of him as a cold and reserved man, but the Cyrus in love was completely different from what Ariana had imagined.
Not only did he drop everything to rush all the way here to celebrate Ariana's birthday, but he also sought agreement in front of everyone, saying how pretty she is and all that.
The maids giggled and answered.
"Of course. Our Princess is truly beautiful without a single flaw."
“Her Highness would look beautiful even with flower petals attached. After all, she is more beautiful than a flower.”
Ariana felt even more embarrassed by the maids' words, but Cyrus smiled with satisfaction.
"The Princess's ladies-in-waiting have discerning eyes. They possess a very distinguished perspective."
“Stop it, Cyrus.”
"Can't I even say what I want to say? I am the Emperor, after all."
The handmaidens were watching Cyrus and Ariana with great interest.
Ariana grabbed Cyrus by the collar, pulled him closer, met his gaze, and whispered softly.
“Even if you are the Emperor, I am the one holding that leash. You should remember that.”
"Ah, right."
Cyrus, held by Ariana and bent over, looked back at the handmaidens and spoke.
“Since things have turned out this way, I suppose I must pause my praise for your Princess for now. Let us continue our unfinished conversation later when we are alone.”
“Yes, fine, Your Majesty.”
"Let's talk all night long later about how beautiful our Princess is."
As Ariana watched the maids giggle as they answered, she frowned but soon ended up laughing along with them.
Cyrus watched Ariana, who was smiling like sunshine, with a pleasant expression, and then said.
“Then, shall we set off? I don’t mind going like this, held by the leash.”
"If I lead such a large beast around, people will be afraid."
Ariana let go of his collar.
"Please act like a human, Your Majesty."
Cyrus smiled and took Ariana's hand.
"I will do as you command, Princess."
Two months have passed since the war ended.
Russell, having returned from the war, was so busy working to repair the damage and provide relief to the victims that there was hardly any time to see his face.
Ariana was busy in her own way as well.
Now, as the Princess of the Kingdom of Stella, she had almost no time to stay at Chase Castle as she was busy comforting the people who had suffered from the war.
Everyone told her, “You don’t have to go that far,” but she couldn’t. Just as Ariana was making a new start, the Kingdom of Stella was also beginning anew. Therefore, she thought it was only right for her to act as the monarch’s daughter.
While moving around frantically like that, Ariana's 23rd birthday arrived before she knew it.
Given the circumstances, she decided to have a birthday party by inviting only close acquaintances.
Ariana's eyes fell upon a light green teddy bear when she opened her eyes in the morning.
"You've gotten so old, too."
Even in the midst of the chaos, the teddy bear returned safely to Ariana.
The first birthday gift she received from Russell was still by Ariana's side.
"Tomorrow marks exactly seven years since I received it."
It was a period that was long if you consider it long, and short if you consider it short.
The events leading up to her arrival in the East and becoming the Princess of the Stella Kingdom unfolded like a dream.
Ariana was lost in memories while holding a teddy bear for a moment when, tap, tap, there was a knocking sound on the window.
A human shadow was visible beyond the white curtain.
Ariana quickly got out of bed, put on a robe, and pulled back the curtain. As she widened her eyes at the sight of Cyrus beyond the curtain, he smiled.
"You're pretty even in the morning."
“Sei, when did you get here?”
Two months ago, as soon as the war ended, Cyrus visited Arinaa to propose and returned to his country. This was because he, too, had many problems to solve.
She thought she wouldn't see him for a while, so seeing his face after two months was both welcome and surprising.
“Just now. Could you open the window? A scary person was approaching...”
“Cyrus, you insolent rascal! Why are you stuck to our Rian’s window since it’s morning? Can’t you come down right now?”
Theodore's shout was heard, interrupting Cyrus.
It seems he was caught by Theodore, who was doing morning training.
"Sorry, Sei. I couldn't look like a granddaughter letting a man into the bedroom so early in the morning. Go handle it yourself."
Ariana drew the curtain. A melancholic voice was heard from beyond the curtain.
"Oh dear, how cruel."
“Cyrus! Come down here right now! Hurry!”
“Yes, Grandpa. I’m coming down now.”
Ariana chuckled and rang the bell next to the bed.
Shortly after, the maids came in to prepare the bathwater and help her groom. It was only after about an hour had passed that Ariana went out and finished getting ready to meet the Emperor of Arcana.
When she went out into the garden, Cyrus was still being scolded by Theodore.
“Yeah, I know you care a lot about Ariana. I know it very well. But there is a proper order to things. Ariana is just a kid, only 23 years old, isn't she?”
"Yes, she's a child."
"Right, so you should set an example."
“Yes, of course. It is something I should have set an example.”
Still, Ariana was worried whether it was right to scold the Emperor of a country like that, but seeing Cyrus answer obediently like a gentle lamb was somewhat amusing. So she watched for a moment, and then Cyrus spotted Ariana and mouthed the words.
'Help me.'
After hesitating for a moment, she decided to be generous. Ariana approached softly and gently placed her hand on Theodore's arm.
“Grandpa, did you sleep well?”
"Oh my, my dear. Grandpa slept well, right? And you slept well, my dear?"
"No. I had a restless night because I was looking forward to the birthday party tomorrow."
Theodore's expression softened at the sight of his granddaughter, who smiled like sunshine and said she had a restless night. Theodore repeatedly stroked Ariana's head and spoke.
“My little one, is there anything you want for your birthday?”
"If Grandfather stays healthy and by my side for a long, long time, that is more than enough."
At his granddaughter's sweet answer, Theodore teared up.
Oh, my pretty one. How can you speak so beautifully?
It was the first time in Theodore's life that a grandchild had spoken so beautifully.
If it had been Geor or Isabelle, they would have written down a list of what they wanted and handed it over, and if it had been Averater, he would have said quite meanly, “Hahaha. What do you mean? What do you want? As long as you don't go senile, that is enough!”
Theodore looked back and forth between his beloved granddaughter and Cyrus, who was smiling leisurely beside her.
He knew what Ariana, who had dressed up nicely, and Cyrus, who had come looking for her since dawn, wanted. However, feeling stubborn, he didn't want to put Ariana's hand in Cyrus's.
Theodore also knew very well that Cyrus was a good kid.
Cyrus is not only strong, but he has now become the Emperor of a nation. He is also strikingly handsome.
Theodore knew there was no one better than Cyrus for Ariana, but in his eyes, his granddaughter was too young. No matter how he looked at it, she didn't seem old enough to be on a date alone with a boy early in the morning.
“My dear, shall we take a walk in the garden with Grandpa?”
So he was thinking of interrupting their time a little.
"Honey."
Carradine called out to Theodore from the edge of the garden, though he had not known when she had arrived.
“Stop bothering young people and come here.”
Theodore was weak to Ariana, but even weaker to his wife. Theodore slumped his shoulders and left the garden with Carradine.
Of course, Theodore did not forget to give a word of advice before leaving.
“Cyrus. Ariana is still young. Understand? As an adult, you must look after Ariana carefully and not cross the line. Understand?”
Watching the two people walk away, Cyrus muttered softly.
“He’d faint if he knew how long ago we crossed the line. I need to be careful, Rian.”
"You just need to be careful. I'm always being careful."
"I want to share a reunion kiss."
“Look at this, again!”
Cyrus chuckled softly as Ariana glared at him.
His laughter, which sounded like the blowing wind, was pleasant to hear.
Cyrus naturally took Ariana's hand. The two walked side by side along the path through the spacious garden.
It was a sunny day.
The blue sky, with a few pure white clouds drifting by, was so clear that it was perfect for a picnic. Cyrus seemed to share the same thought and asked, "Shall we go on a picnic?"
Ariana called a maid and asked her to prepare for the picnic.
The two sat on a bench and waited for the maids to bring things like lunch boxes and parasols.
When Ariana turned her head, Cyrus was already looking at her. As their eyes met, he smiled brightly and lightly kissed her forehead.
“Rian, do you know your forehead is really pretty?”
"Is only my forehead pretty?
"Your whole body is beautiful, so I want to kiss every single pretty spot on you... But is it okay to do that here?"
His heated eyes moved from Ariana's face, down her neck, to her chest and abdomen. Ariana realized what he was imagining and blushed.
She quickly supported his chin with both hands and lifted it up.
“You lewd man. Did you forget what Grandfather said?”
“I forgot. My memory is bad.”
“Oh dear, if you're already that bad, that’s a big problem. Do the people of the Arcana Empire know that their Emperor is such a fool?”
“You must have an idea. Still, I am just grateful that you are pretending not to know because you have a kind heart.”
"Aren't you busy with state affairs?"
"Fortunately, I have many capable ministers. I have returned after handling urgent matters, so I should be away for a while."
Before leaving the Arcana Empire, Cyrus entrusted a task to Duke Hern, who wanted to retire, and said.
"I'm thinking of bringing the Empress."
He did not go out of his way to tell Ariana that at those words, Duke Hern's eyes welled up with tears, and he said, "Your Majesty, it does not matter how many years it takes, but you must bring her here."
The large tree behind the bench was lush with leaves, and just as many flowers were in bloom. A single bright red petal fluttered down and landed on Ariana's head.
“I once went deep into the mountains because Isaac asked me to help him find herbs.”
Wondering what the sudden sound was, Ariana tilted her head to the side.
“I was sitting down to rest for a moment when a huge wolf ambled over and stopped right in front of us. With a leaf stuck to its forehead. It was amusing to see it sitting there trying to act all solemn, completely unaware that a leaf was stuck to its forehead.”
“Hmm... is that so?”
Ariana narrowed her eyebrows slightly, not knowing what to say. Cyrus smiled softly and kissed the space between her eyebrows.
"That is how you are right now."
"Yes?"
"You are much prettier than that wolf from back then, though."
The petal was still attached to Ariana's head. When the ordinary petal was placed on Ariana's hair, it looked like a pretty hairpin.
Ariana, looking puzzled by the incomprehensible sound, was ridiculously cute.
Cyrus felt like all these moments were a dream.
How can this woman be so lovely in every single way? Isn't it a problem to be this pretty?
Ariana, who had no idea what Cyrus was thinking, was tilting her head with the flower petals stuck in her hair.
Just then, the maids returned, having prepared for the picnic. One of the maids discovered a flower petal stuck in Ariana's hair.
"Oh my, Princess. There are flower petals stuck in your hair."
Only then did Ariana realize why Cyrus had suddenly brought up the wolf story, and she fumbled around on her head with her hand to pluck off a petal.
"If you knew, I'd give you a piece."
“You look pretty even when you're just standing there.”
“They say I look pretty no matter what I do.”
Ariana's face flushed as Cyrus turned to look at the ladies-in-waiting and asked. She had thought of him as a cold and reserved man, but the Cyrus in love was completely different from what Ariana had imagined.
Not only did he drop everything to rush all the way here to celebrate Ariana's birthday, but he also sought agreement in front of everyone, saying how pretty she is and all that.
The maids giggled and answered.
"Of course. Our Princess is truly beautiful without a single flaw."
“Her Highness would look beautiful even with flower petals attached. After all, she is more beautiful than a flower.”
Ariana felt even more embarrassed by the maids' words, but Cyrus smiled with satisfaction.
"The Princess's ladies-in-waiting have discerning eyes. They possess a very distinguished perspective."
“Stop it, Cyrus.”
"Can't I even say what I want to say? I am the Emperor, after all."
The handmaidens were watching Cyrus and Ariana with great interest.
Ariana grabbed Cyrus by the collar, pulled him closer, met his gaze, and whispered softly.
“Even if you are the Emperor, I am the one holding that leash. You should remember that.”
"Ah, right."
Cyrus, held by Ariana and bent over, looked back at the handmaidens and spoke.
“Since things have turned out this way, I suppose I must pause my praise for your Princess for now. Let us continue our unfinished conversation later when we are alone.”
“Yes, fine, Your Majesty.”
"Let's talk all night long later about how beautiful our Princess is."
As Ariana watched the maids giggle as they answered, she frowned but soon ended up laughing along with them.
Cyrus watched Ariana, who was smiling like sunshine, with a pleasant expression, and then said.
“Then, shall we set off? I don’t mind going like this, held by the leash.”
"If I lead such a large beast around, people will be afraid."
Ariana let go of his collar.
"Please act like a human, Your Majesty."
Cyrus smiled and took Ariana's hand.
"I will do as you command, Princess."
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