Weekly chapters (2/2)
What a cute couple.
Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 25 – I am at the mercy of my (future) husband
[Why is Your Highness here?]
It’s the first time Rishe has seen Arnold since the evening party a few days ago.
She had heard that he didn’t have a room in the villa yet, and that he was doing a lot of work in the main castle. Therefore, as far as Rishe knows, Arnold has only come to this villa once.
By chance, this was the second time today that Rishe happened to sneak out of the castle.
[――Someone from Aria Company came during the day, right?]
Arnold, who rested his chin on his armrest, said quietly.
The lantern on the side table beside him was flickering. The room was dark and she couldn’t see his expression clearly.
[I was looking forward to seeing what kind of follow-up request you would ask me for, but I haven’t heard from you yet. When I received a report from your escort knight, I was told that the company declined your business negotiation.]
[That’s…]
Arnold got up from his chair and approached her step by step.
[It’s really strange. A mere merchant would reject your request who will become the Crown Princess.]
[…..]
Instinctively sensing danger, Rishe naturally backed away.
However, there is a wall behind her. At this rate, she would be cornered in just a few meters.
[In the first place, when you specified requesting that company, I had expected something from that Aria Company. You don’t seem like the kind of woman who cares about where you shop, because you don’t have interest in it.]
Arnold usually kept his collar pinned tightly, but now it was loose around his collarbone.
Although the way he wears his clothes makes him vulnerable, the air of his surroundings is not. The moonlight shines in, illuminating the old scar on his neck and his expression.
Arnold smiled widely.
However, his eyes were more ferocious than usual, like a wolf trying to corner its prey.
[I finished work and came to check on you, but your room was empty even though your door is closed.]
Rishe remembered. Once upon a time, she was killed by Arnold, who had eyes similar to right now.
Rishe doesn’t know whether to call that the past or the future. However, her body naturally tensed up at the sight she knew for sure.
The air is extremely tense.
The only difference is that Arnold has no murderous intent.
[I was the one who said, “You can live freely in this villa”. That’s why I thought it was unreasonable to start blaming anyone, so I ordered the knight who was guarding the hallway to return, and I quietly waited for you to return.]
[…Your Highness.]
[I see.]
Arnold put his hand on the wall as if to trap Rishe, looked in close and laughed darkly.
[You can make that kind of face when you are left alone with a man at night, huh.]
[…!]
Rishe was shaken when he suddenly said something like that.
There was probably something like fear on her face. Frustrated by this, she tries to open her mouth, but then realizes that her rebuttal would be a mistake.
She had done something to him for which she had to apologize.
[I am sorry.]
[…..]
When Riishe said this from the bottom of her heart, Arnold’s smile disappeared and he looked at Rishe.
[Sneaking out of the castle alone at night is not an action befitting a fiancée to Your Highness. If it is done poorly, it could even damage your reputation.]
Until now in her life, Rishe’s failures had been Rishe’s alone.
However, this time it’s different. Even though she was nothing more than a “hostage” and it was decided only for a formality, she lacked the self-awareness of being someone’s wife.
She was prepared for the scandal and punishment that she would receive if she ever got caught, but she realizes that it wasn’t enough.
However, Arnold said:
[I don’t care about that matter.]
[!]
Rishe, who had been looking down at the unexpected remark, looked up.
[Even if the people in the castle town saw you, they wouldn’t realize that you were the woman who would become the Crown Princess someday. You had appeared in front of the public only once, through a carriage, and you also dyed her hair a noticeable color this time. It would be a different story if you were actually unfaithful, but I can guess you were doing something for your negotiation with Aria Company.]
[…Your Highness. Those are too generous words.]
[That’s not my concern.]
Then, there were other outrageous mistakes that Rishe didn’t notice.
When Rishe looked at Arnold nervously, he frowned.
[Your Highness.]
[…You’re not injured, aren’t you?]
[Eh?]
That’s an unexpected question.
Why would he ask such a thing? Rishe blinked repeatedly, but eventually nodded.
[Yes. I’m fine.]
[Are you involved in some kind of crime?]
[Nope.]
[…]
When Arnold said that, he let out a sharp breath.
His arm that had been trapping Rishe against the wall was lowered, and she finally released from his grasp.
[…Whenever you go to the castle town from now on, I’ll be sure to accompany you. Understand?]
[Eh? Do you want to accompany me?]
[I told you, after you get married, you can do whatever you want. And I can help you with that.]
[But! I can’t let His Highness go along with my selfish actions. Ah, no, I’ll be a little more careful from now on…]
[I said you can do whatever you want, but I didn’t say you can do something dangerous.]
Rishe was left speechless.
[Also, make sure that no one other than me is aware of your plans. It’s difficult to control other people’s gossip after all.]
[Ah…]
[Ah?]
[You’re too sweet on me.]
No matter what kind of circumstances may be..
She doesn’t understand why anyone would come to such a conclusion. Even though she was treated excessively to begin with, Rishe wondered why she was still being tolerated even after she committed a blunder.
[Since it was you that we’re talking about. If I restrict yourself to “never go outside the castle”, you’ll keep silently leaving, right?]
Arnold sat back on the chair and grinned as usual.
[Rather than that, I think it’ll be easier for both of us if I give you permission with conditions.]
[…Is that so.]
Rishe felt somewhat weak and sat down on the edge of the bed next to her.
[…Am I really that easy to understand?]
[Not at all. Rather, I think you’re a type of person who is difficult to understand and unpredictable.]
[I’m sure you’re having fun. You and the Chairman.]
Rishe also remembered her conversation with Tally, and she became depressed.
Having her actions and thoughts read by two men in quick succession can lead to such disappointment.
(I don’t know why, but Arnold Hein perhaps has his own reason by letting me do as much as I want to some extent…)
Rishe thinks that she should take full advantage of it, but she still feels guilty for it. Even though it’s to avoid war in the future, she doesn’t want to act like a bad wife.
After thinking about it, Rishe understood what Arnold meant when he said, “By granting you permission, you seem to have more restraint”.
[You said the chairman. What exactly happened between you and Aria Company?]
[…]
Rishe, feeling somewhat tired, looked up at him and said to him,
[…Your Highness. I have something to ask you.]
[What?]
[Are you hungry by any chance?]
When he heard that question, Arnold became silent and amazed.
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