“Episode 38”
“I’m nothing without you.”
Daphne clenched her lips tightly. She wanted to storm out right away, go to the groom’s waiting room, and grab her cousin’s ankle to dunk him in the sea. But could Daphne, a petite woman, defeat the bulky navy man? Especially on the sea!
“No.”
Daphne dropped the note on the floor and reached for the dress on the hanger.
Doing something that would displease him was nothing new for Daphne, except for being accompanied by Celestian.
“If you don’t want to see it, don’t pretend to. You’ve done it all.”
The image of a navy man with a face like a Moai statue flashed through her mind.
“Yeah, I have to admit.”
The crazy woman who would treat her fiance’s rival as a public target of affection and accompany him to the wedding was none other than herself.
“It’s a dress.”
– Psyche. I’m serious. If you marry Romeo, I’ll definitely show up in a suit and slap you.
At that time, it had been gossip as the words of a villainess blinded by jealousy. But Daphne’s true desire was to protect Psyche from the lunatic.
Daphne laughed blandly as she tore off the lace veil.
“Who else would prepare something like this besides Romeo?”
Since childhood, her cousin had been unable to make Daphne cry. The reason was simply, “It’s fascinating.” Whenever Romeo did that, Daphne just sighed and did her own thing.
As she entered her teenage years, the intensity of her torment increased. He tried to set her hair on fire, or he intercepted love letters from admirers and held a reading session, embarrassing them into fleeing.
Well, things had been quite peaceful since Daphne’s accident, but for how long?
“When will this end? When will you grow up, seriously?”
Daphne brushed her trembling lips. She opened the bathroom door with a bang. The green eyes leisurely observing her didn’t seem surprised at all.
“Why aren’t you surprised?”
“Because you’re the only one outside.”
Daphne glanced down at the scattered top and bottoms of the man next to the bathtub, then stood in front of the sink. The smeared mascara hadn’t been completely removed.
“Celestian.”
“Hmm?”
He looked up at Daphne. She grabbed her hair, which fell down to her collarbone, and shook it as she asked,
“Would I look bad if I went out like this?”
Celestian scrutinized Daphne carefully.
“…Why?”
Then he tilted his head, genuinely puzzled. Although his green eyes seemed to speak only the truth, Daphne wanted a different response.
“Because I didn’t tie my hair.”
“Do you have to tie your hair?”
“Because there might be a party going on by now. And there’ll probably be no one else with untied hair.”
“Why?”
Confusion still clouded Celestian’s face, so Daphne decided to refrain from asking such questions in the future.
“Never mind. I’ll just grab anyone and…”
As she was about to ask anyone to braid her hair casually,
“Should I tie it for you?”
“Huh?”
“Simply, if that’s okay.”
Celestian mimicked the act of braiding hair with his large hands and moved them as if weaving strands together. As if it were some kind of magic, Daphne immediately handed him the comb. Then she grabbed two hair ties and sat down in front of the bathtub, turning her back to him.
The floor was wet, but it didn’t matter since she would change clothes anyway.
“Damn black dress.”
Celestian, with his hands deftly twisting her hair, held Daphne’s hair in his hands. As if turning his upper body in this direction, a faint sound of shuffling came from behind. Daphne tightly closed her eyes to suppress her growing curiosity.
He combed Daphne’s hair quite gently. Each movement seemed to cherish every strand of her red hair that reached down to her waist.
“Celestian, do you have a child?”
“A child?”
The voice from very close behind, right behind her head, sounded overly tender. Daphne continued to call out the name she only knew.
“Are you a father?”
A warm hand passed over the back of her neck and ears at regular intervals.
‘Wow.’
Daphne regretted her decision very belatedly. Every time he swept his warm hand through her hair, it felt like water flowing. With each small movement, the sound of water accompanying it echoed.
“I… I’m nothing without you, Daphne.”
Celestian’s voice, muffled by the sound of water, was barely audible.
“Why does the word ‘wife’ sound so sweet?”
Daphne thought to herself, even though she knew she misheard.
“That’s why there couldn’t possibly be a child.”
As Celestian started to braid her hair, which had been tangled, into two sections from the back of her head, a shiver ran down her scalp and neck.
“Can you braid Anne’s hair?”
“Yeah. Spoiled Miss.”
“Not Annie?”
“…Who’s Annie?”
“She’s a girl with red hair and freckles, similar to Anne, but a bit more mischievous.”
There was a moment of silence.
Maybe he didn’t hear her properly because he was concentrating on braiding, but Daphne pursed her lips again.
“You’re a bit scary and, um, a bit…mischievous, it’s true.”
“Yeah.”
“But Diana suits you better.”
Celestian murmured softly with a hint of air mixed into his voice.
‘Oh, is he crazy?’
Daphne’s spine felt like it had been struck by a sledgehammer. Even though it was such a trivial remark, her mind became incredibly noisy!
“…My name is Daphne.”
When Daphne realized that several classic novels were intertwined in this conversation, she wondered how much effort she had put into keeping her nose from getting freckled.
“Are you finally allowing me to use your name?”
“You’ve been calling me that on your own.”
If Anne, a girl with red hair like Daphne’s, had been a figure of admiration for girls who admired the quirky style, then Daphne had probably wanted to be her at least once.
It was fortunate that he wasn’t looking directly at her.
“You pervert. Control yourself.”
Daphne scolded herself. Even without looking in the mirror, she knew her face had turned completely red.
“Yeah, Daphne.”
When Daphne tried to turn around, Celestian gently held her head in place.
Daphne brought the braided hair forward and touched it gently. It wasn’t just a simple braid; it was intricately woven into complex patterns. He wasn’t bad with his hands.
‘I wonder when he realized.’
He then brought the completed hair from the opposite side over to the front of Daphne’s shoulder. Daphne smoothed out the bulging parts of the braided hair with her fingertips.
“Your hair is a bit damp.”
Celestian lightly tapped Daphne’s protruding hair with his index finger.
“It’s okay. This much dampness will dry quickly.”
Daphne pretended to be indifferent and quickly stood up, leaving the bathroom without looking back.
***
She put on the black dress and neatly arranged her red hair on top. Daphne now looked like a young noblewoman.
‘Just wander around, whatever.’
The black shirt and suit pants were lying under the wardrobe. Daphne neatly folded them and placed them in front of the bathroom, declaring that she would never touch them.
‘Just head straight to the left and come to the deck. What’s the point of running away? It’s still a ship.’
After firmly planting the warning, Daphne left the room first.
She headed towards the A deck promenade, outside the hotel section. Many nobles adorned with jewelry were seen.
“Romeo, where is this rascal?”
While Daphne strode confidently, everyone passing by had an aloof expression on their faces.
They leaned against the gently blowing white iron railing, discussing the grandeur of the ship and the upcoming evening’s party. The sun, still high in the sky, cast a refreshing light, and the emerald sea, split by the hull, created a storm of foam as it broke apart… The sea breeze blew gently, making everything seem affectionate for a moment.
But then…
“Why is everyone dressed in black?”
Expecting Daphne to stand out alone by wearing shades of blue in accordance with the dress code, it was surprising to see everyone dressed in monotones. Amidst jewelry sparkling conspicuously, there were black suits, black dresses, black shirts with black skirts.
“Has the protocol changed?”
While Daphne took care of the invitation list and dress code, she couldn’t intervene in the overall protocol, as it was solely the realm of royalty.
“Oh, so about that baby…”
Celestian suddenly remembered the lily he had.
Daphne wanted to curse Romeo for not mentioning such things, but it was probably because of the distinguished royal family members who were sowing seeds rather than hair on their heads.
Back at the port, there were more people wearing blue, so they must have all changed after coming aboard.
“Miss Beaucater, your dress is modest today. It suits you well.”
“Thank you.”
There were many familiar faces in this area, as expected. Daphne had to receive cheek kisses from one lady every five steps.
Sitting at a cafe table in front of the railing on the third deck, Daphne tried to guess where the Cercadian banquet would take place.
Celestian tightened the sides of the strap he had personally tied, ensuring that Daphne’s hair wouldn’t come loose in the wind.
At that moment, someone approached from behind and enclosed Daphne in their arms, grasping the table.
“What’s this?”
Daphne rotated her body to punch the intruder’s face.
“Didi.”
The man grabbed Daphne’s wrist right in front of her face. Sure enough, his golden eyes gleamed as he looked down at her with a smile.
Episode 39
Celestian’s skill
Sitting next to Daphne was a neatly dressed man with a blue sapphire pin on his tie. He then pushed a glass of water towards her.
Without even turning her head, it was evident to everyone that his dignified gesture belonged to royalty.
“Didi.”
Elegantly arranged jet-black hair, as smooth as obsidian. Despite being exposed to so much sunlight, his skin remained as white as a corpse. A terrifyingly handsome appearance that didn’t match his pockmarked cheeks at all!
“You’re still in jeopardy of regicide.”
Romeo whispered softly as he grabbed a lock of Daphne’s hair. The ribbon tied by Celestian was on the verge of coming loose. Daphne tilted her head as Romeo held it.
“Your Royal Highness, could you please loosen your grip on the delicate hair of your frail cousin?”
“Why were you late?”
Daphne’s words were met with no response. She simply looked up at her towering cousin with her arms folded. Even if she resisted, he would only do what he liked openly.
“Don’t be sulky. The wedding invitation was missing.”
“Impossible.”
As expected, Romeo quickly lost interest and released his grip, muttering to himself.
“You didn’t do that, did you?”
“Impossible?”
Romeo had a genuinely puzzled expression. Daphne continued to scrutinize him suspiciously.
“About dinner.”
“Are you hungry?”
“You seem to have completely forgotten our lunch appointment.”
Romeo muttered with his lips downturned. He suddenly remembered the lunch appointment he had made with his sister.
“If there was really no invitation.”
As Daphne replied, Romeo’s dimples deepened with his smile.
“Even so, you managed to enter.”
“I’m not the one who can’t enter.”
“How can I believe that?”
“If it was missing, you should have come to the palace to find it. If someone had really taken it, with your personality, you would have turned this kingdom upside down. Why didn’t you do that?”
Daphne realized that the invitation had arrived two days ago, and under normal circumstances, rushing to Romeo’s palace to confront him and demand it back would have been one way to handle it.
“I didn’t know I couldn’t enter.”
“You were the one who emphasized that there are no exceptions. Probably.”
“Daphne, did you enjoy watching the Beaucaters?”
“Yep. I gladly allowed the very first ‘Miss Daphne Beaucater’ to come aboard.”
Daphne’s mouth fell open.
“Uh, well, if you, um, feel unwell, go to the hospital, cousin.”
“You’re trying to be funny, but it’s not hitting the mark. Want me to go with you?”
Nodding here would make it seem like they were about to swim to a mental institution right away. Daphne ran her fingers through her hair and popped a grape into her mouth.
“You, um, flinch when Psyche’s mentioned. Enjoy it?”
“You also like it when I call my brother crazy.”
There was no arguing with that. Daphne raised an eyebrow.
“In the end, if I hadn’t made it in, Psyche would have pulled all your hair out.”
“My wife wouldn’t do that to me.”
“You still don’t know Psyche.”
“Why bother? Sometimes it’s best not to reveal everything in a relationship. If my wife knew everything about me, she’d probably want to run away again.”
Honestly, there was no arguing with that either.
But hearing the phrase “in a relationship” coming from Romeo sent shivers down her spine.
“Cousin, I actually feel a bit aggrieved.”
“What’s bothering you now?”
Daphne looked straight ahead as she stabbed her salad with her fork. Romeo’s expression genuinely soured as he lowered the corners of his lips.
“Still… quite…”
Daphne, with a sour expression, flicked an olive toward her cousin’s face. Romeo caught it easily and placed it back on the table without retaliation.
“You’re unpredictable, which makes it more amusing, Didi. I didn’t know you’d go as far as gambling. Plus, involving my brother.”
“Wow, roped someone else in too?”
Romeo shrugged. It wasn’t surprising, so Daphne just shook her head.
“At least you intended to give me a ride, and there were conditions before that.”
If Romeo hadn’t actually stolen the invitation, then Daphne erased the premise itself, and let out a long sigh.
“I cried. In third class.”
“I heard. You rejected a man who loves you. It was very pitiful.”
“How can we never see each other again? Should we exile ourselves to another country? Should I really get married and go to the empire?”
“I’ll make you an international criminal before that.”
“Amen.”
Daphne clasped her hands together in prayer.
“Suddenly, I feel like becoming a criminal enough to develop faith?”
“What? Just because of you, my cells of decency died collectively. I’m just sending them gently to God.”
When Daphne shot back with a calm voice and less-than-polite language, Romeo laughed cheerfully.
They were supposed to have a meal, and she thought they would eat peacefully. But he seemed relentless in wanting to tease Daphne. He didn’t even touch his food. Daphne lost her appetite and only sipped on her lime soda.
“Did you like my reply?”
“What… Oh.”
Daphne recalled the note she had written in third class, beautifully penned on the note that was now in front of her.
It was a sight that would surely terrify all the knights and sailors who served as Romeo’s eyes and ears. Daphne smiled mischievously.
“Screw you.”
Romeo raised his glass in response.
“I’m glad you liked the gift. Thank you for coming dressed like this.”
“Prince Romeo Rodriguez, your Royal Highness. Why are you so talkative today? It’s your wedding day. I remember your partner wasn’t me, but probably Miss Psyche.”
“… ”
“You keep acting like this, and people keep misunderstanding us.”
Daphne calmly admonished him, then slammed her fork into the table again.
“Does your adrenaline surge like crazy now that you’re a married man? I’m going to have my meal now, uncle.”
“Sure, niece.”
Thanks to her cousin, who only spoke up now, her nerves were fraying again.
“Princess.”
Daphne clenched her teeth at Romeo’s address.
“Why, princess?”
She called him the same way, but Romeo didn’t even blink.
“You brought my brother?”
“Of course.”
Celestian looked at Romeo and the bride-to-be. Daphne wouldn’t miss the amusing sight. She already felt creepy shivers down her spine.
“I was wondering if I could borrow him for a bit.”
“Celestian? Why?”
“For a bachelor party.”
A bachelor party where only the foolish men of the royal club would gather.
‘Not that difficult.’
If she were to enter with a prince’s invitation, Celestian’s ambiguous position would surely be established, and afterward, he would occasionally be invited to various events. It wasn’t a bad proposition for Daphne either.
“I was curious, how exactly did the protocol change?”
“We’re having a memorial party now. To show respect for our mother. Then it’s the bachelor party. The wedding is tomorrow.”
“What?”
Daphne’s golden eyes widened.
A memorial party for the deceased queen, who had passed away several years ago, at what was supposed to be the one and only wedding? It was an illogical protocol that she couldn’t understand.
“Those idiots’ idea?”
Romeo nodded. Daphne swallowed her annoyance and drank her soda.
‘Damn those royals.’
A few faces that had looked down on her, despite being lower in rank, or perhaps even having no rank at all, flashed through her mind.
What was it they said? That Daphne had seduced the old man and inherited his rank?
‘Well, to some extent, I have to admit.’
Daphne had indeed met the patriarch very well.
“No, having a memorial party at a wedding? Where does that happen? You’ve become obsessed with money, just like your uncle said.”
They were parasites who lived off royal benefits without paying taxes, and it was clear they were afflicted with a disease that made them die rather than endure Psyche, who worked harder than anyone else to earn her keep.
“You’ve really lost your mind. And you just let it go?”
“Father said to do so. If he says so, then so be it.”
‘Listen to this guy imitating my
She laughed.
“I’m just curious about when your father will return.”
She recalled her uncle, whose complexion seemed to turn pale day by day, indicating his deteriorating health.
Romeo raised one corner of his mouth in a smirk and then flicked an olive with his index finger toward Daphne.
“That statement just now, it’s treason.”
“What do you mean, uncle? I was just concerned about my uncle’s health. I told you. I don’t think much about serious risks because I have a lot to lose.”
“I still don’t understand why you saved my brother.”
“Please understand that I couldn’t help it because I loved him.”
“Your nonsense is getting worse by the day…”
“It’s a family matter, Your Royal Highness.”
Daphne interrupted the prince’s words and emptied her plate neatly. Romeo briefly held the water he had pushed over, then swallowed it behind his throat.
“Send my brother to me, and go to Psyche.”
“He’s the one who made mistakes and always asks me to cover for him.”
“I’ll say it again, I didn’t do anything wrong, sister.”
It was almost fortunate that the blame was shifted solely to Psyche-related matters.
Daphne secretly liked the healthy mental setting where Romeo wasn’t plagued by war or some strange obsession.
‘Of course, he’s excessively possessive!’
That was somewhat acceptable because Psyche was beautiful enough to justify it.
“Who made the effort to cover up for the traitor who saved you? Ah, was it your cousin, ‘you’?”
It was Romeo who silenced the rebellious royals.
“Yeah. Why do you cooperate so well, future king?”
“Well… thanks to Psyche’s unnecessary affection for you, I suppose.”
Even if Romeo threw fifty flattering remarks, Psyche melted at Daphne’s single word.
“Oh my, are you jealous?”
Romeo didn’t respond.
“I was going to go anyway. Just because you asked, I don’t feel like going anymore. What’s in it for me?”
Daphne arrogantly crossed her arms and leaned back against the backrest, crossing her legs.
“You’ll probably gain more than you’ll lose, Daphne the entrepreneur. My brother or I will arrange it.”
“What do you do at a bachelor party?”
Romeo tapped the table with his index fingernail. When Daphne turned around, she saw the faces of those royal club members smiling unpleasantly in their direction.
“He’s good at it.”
