Chapter 14
“This is a gift.”
Before standing up, Andria hesitated and handed something over.
“This is…”
What Andria gave was a hair tie made from scraps of fine fabric. It was beautifully crafted, standing out as a striking accessory.
“When I saw this color, I immediately thought of you. I made it in a hurry, but it’s a token of my gratitude for recognizing me.”
Finishing her words, Andria’s face turned red, and she hurriedly left the drawing room as if fleeing.
Watching her go, Beloni let out a small laugh.
“Why are you laughing like that?”
Shanur, who had just entered, asked when he noticed Beloni smiling down at her palm.
Beloni looked at Shanur’s hair, which covered the back of his neck.
“Your Highness, have you ever tied your hair before?”
“I have.”
“Then, would you tie mine for me?”
Shanur was caught off guard by her sudden request. But with Beloni’s eyes curving softly into a smile, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
Before he realized it, he was standing behind her.
“Use this to tie it.”
Beloni handed him a black hair tie.
As he fiddled with the smooth material, he gazed at the back of her head.
Her slightly wavy hair was naturally beautiful, glossy, and thick, tempting anyone to touch it.
Today, Beloni had left her hair down without any decorations, making it look even more elegant.
Reaching out, Shanur gently ran his fingers through her hair. It was as soft to the touch as it looked, sliding like silk through his fingers.
Each time her hair swayed, a faint, pleasant scent lingered in the air. His hands gradually grew bolder as he gathered her hair, lifting it at the nape of her neck.
Her warm skin brushed against his fingers, leaving a lingering warmth as he secured the hair with the tie. When he was done, her pale neck, previously hidden, was now exposed.
Stray hairs naturally framed her glowing skin in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Taking a step back, Shanur looked at Beloni’s back.
Under the sunlight, the black hair tie stood out, its deep color resembling his hair.
“Your Highness, is it done…?”
As Shanur’s hands left her hair, Beloni assumed he was finished and started to speak.
But her words stopped short when Shanur’s hand returned—not to her hair, but to the nape of her neck.
His fingers lightly traced the spot they had brushed earlier, his large hand gently covering her slender neck. His thumb glided down her neckline, following its curve.
Lowering his head, Shanur inhaled the faint scent that had been teasing him.
Beloni, noticing his shadow looming over hers, swallowed nervously.
Shanur’s lips moved to her hair, pressing softly against the smooth fabric of the hair tie. Turning his head slightly, their gazes met in the air.
Looking into her golden, trembling lashes, Shanur took a deep breath before casually stepping back.
“It suits you well,” he said.
“Th-thank you…”
Beloni quickly turned her head, bowing to hide her flushed face.
The sudden movement made her hair brush against Shanur’s cheek and nose. The soft strands felt almost like a flame had touched him.
Shanur, still wearing his mask, silently thanked it for shielding more of his face from her hair.
By the time Shanur sat across from her, Beloni still hadn’t raised her head. He didn’t notice the pink flush on the back of her neck, grateful instead that she kept her head down as he worked to cool his rising heat.
Both spent a while calming their nerves.
Eventually, Beloni cleared her throat softly, lifting her head with a neutral expression. By then, most of the earlier tension had dissipated, leaving a warm, gentle atmosphere they didn’t fully notice.
“So, did things go well?” Shanur asked.
“Yes, of course! I told you I’m capable.”
Beloni answered playfully, trying to lighten the mood.
Shanur smiled lightly.
“I didn’t realize you were capable of keeping such secrets.”
Beloni froze for a moment.
If she told him what she had said to Andria, he would undoubtedly investigate, and her fabrication would be exposed.
“Don’t worry, I won’t ask. You’ve said it before—information is the lifeblood of a merchant.”
Shanur brushed it off casually, though his brow furrowed slightly.
“You certainly have a lot of roles. Merchant, entrepreneur…”
“And now, a future duchess. I’m quite busy!”
Her teasing remark made Shanur grin.
His soft smile revealed even, white teeth, and Beloni fiddled with her teacup to distract herself from how charming he looked.
The back of her neck still felt warm where his hand had lingered.
Shanur pulled out a paper from his pocket and placed it on the table.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“The Crown Prince sent it. He wanted you to check its contents.”
Surprised by how much attention the Crown Prince was paying to her, Beloni began reading. However, after just a few lines, she set the paper down, blushing.
“This is… about me!”
Indeed, the paper contained details of her actions from the previous day, written with an engaging flair.
The Crown Prince had insisted on using her story, knowing it would capture attention.
Though initially embarrassed, Beloni couldn’t help but admire the article’s writing.
“It’s a bit mortifying, but it captures society’s trends perfectly.”
Given Shanur’s fame, news of his marriage was already spreading among both nobles and commoners. Starting their publication with such a compelling story would undoubtedly grab everyone’s attention.
“They’re even asking for an exclusive interview later,” Shanur added.
“An interview?”
The idea was unexpected but intriguing.
“It’s not a bad idea. Oh, by the way, I’d like to propose a topic to the Crown Prince,” Beloni said.
“What is it?”
“About Andria’s story. Could we include it?”
During their earlier discussions, Beloni had shared her plans for Andria’s future.
“It’s a story people will like. You can bring it up with him yourself later.”
Beloni nodded. “I’m also planning to open Andria’s salon to gather information. Salons are the best places for it.”
“Information?” Shanur asked.
“Yes. I’m sure Your Highness has other ways of gathering intel, but this is a bit different.”
Shanur thought for a moment before nodding in admiration.
At first, he had assumed she was merely building a financial network. But her true aim—establishing an information hub—was much more ambitious and valuable.
Beloni, knowing this, raised her chin confidently.
“So, what do you think? Am I proving myself yet?”
Her bright, expectant gaze made Shanur chuckle.
“Yes, you’re proving it. Truly… you’re extraordinary.”
And he found himself looking forward to all the extraordinary things she would do next.
