Side Story, Episode 10
“…Sniff, sniffle.”
“Have you calmed down a bit now?”
In the dimly lit bedroom, Ian looked at me as I sat wrapped in a blanket, sniffling away.
The bedside lamp, the only source of light in the room, softly illuminated his profile.
After crying my heart out in the rain, by the time he carried me back to the main building, both of us were drenched, looking like drowned rats.
He comforted me, took me to the bathroom, washed me, and helped me change clothes, but I was too caught up in my sorrow and frustration to stop crying.
How could this happen?
I worked so hard.
I wanted to propose in the most wonderful way in the entire empire.
Even if fate was toying with me, this was too much.
As those thoughts swirled in my head, the sorrow welled up again, and my face twisted into a grimace.
“Hic….”
Just as I was about to burst into tears again, Ian’s face showed a hint of panic.
“Eloise?”
“Sniffle.”
As tears and snot flowed uncontrollably, Ian, unsure of what to do, held me tightly in his arms.
The problem was that his gentle embrace only made me feel more pitiful.
“Waaaah, what is all this… I wanted to propose so spectacularly.”
I lamented through my stuffy nose, and he rhythmically patted my back.
“I worked so hard to prepare this. Sniff, sniff, so you wouldn’t find out, hic, and I….”
“I know. Please don’t cry.”
“This wasn’t supposed to end up so messy, sniff.”
“The weather didn’t cooperate.”
“Waaaah!”
After crying for a long while, I finally calmed down, sniffling as I slowly pulled away from his arms.
Ian reached out and gently wiped my swollen eyes.
“Didn’t I tell you? As long as I have you, Eloise, that’s enough for me.”
“But….”
It’s just so unfair.
As I pouted, Ian tilted his head slightly and let out a soft laugh.
…Is he laughing?
“Do you find this funny right now?”
“No, I’m sorry. It’s just….”
When he looked up again, his face couldn’t quite hide the faint amusement.
“I’m happy.”
“…What?”
“You were preparing a proposal just for me, and now you’re upset that it didn’t go as planned. That makes me happy.”
…What is this man even talking about?
Caught off guard by his unexpected reasoning, I stared at him, dumbfounded, momentarily forgetting my tears.
But even as I made an obviously bewildered face, Ian didn’t seem to mind, continuing to wipe my tear-streaked face.
“And,” he added, his lips twitching as if he couldn’t suppress a smile, “you’re especially adorable when you cry like this.”
“Are you… out of your mind?”
Unable to hold back, I asked in earnest.
At this point, he must have a screw loose, right? Did our AI finally malfunction?
But Ian only gazed at me with a look so full of affection it was almost unbearable.
Then, rolling his eyes playfully, he said with a mischievous expression,
“Besides, technically speaking, it’s not completely ruined yet, is it?”
“What nonsense are you talking about now…?”
What does he mean? It’s a complete disaster; what is he even saying?
Ian tapped his empty left ring finger and replied,
“You haven’t put the ring on me yet.”
“…What?”
“Since it’s quiet here, and we have the romantic lighting you wanted….”
“……”
“Why not do it now? Put the ring on me.”
Saying this, he extended the ring box from the bedside table along with his hand.
So… he’s shamelessly asking me to put the ring on him now, in this situation?
Staring blankly at the items before me, I watched as Ian used his free hand to brush my hair aside and asked teasingly,
“Aren’t you going to put it on?”
How could I possibly do this now, when the proposal was already ruined….
“Eloise.”
But his voice was so tender that I couldn’t bring myself to refuse.
“…Fine, I’ll do it.”
Finally, I pulled my hand out from under the blanket and awkwardly took the ring box from him.
With a soft click, I opened the box, revealing a blue diamond glimmering faintly under the bedside lamp.
“…….”
“…Sniff.”
After sniffling one last time, I carefully took the ring out and slid it onto his finger.
As expected, it fit Ian’s finger perfectly.
‘Even his hands are beautiful.’
I stared at his hand for a while, and when I finally looked up, my eyes met his.
Ian had been watching me the entire time, his serene gaze unwavering.
As he gently closed his azure eyes, he leaned in and placed a kiss on my forehead.
“It’s a perfect fit. I love it.”
“…Are you really okay with this? I wanted to give you a more spectacular proposal.”
“There could be nothing better than this.”
His voice was so genuine, without the slightest pretense, that I felt a warm fullness in my chest.
As I stood there, feeling the depth of his sincerity, Ian softly cupped my cheek and said with a small smile,
“So, Eloise.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t think you’ve finished what you were about to say earlier.”
“…Oh.”
The proposal line.
The memory hit me, and I hesitated, feeling a bit embarrassed as I fidgeted and avoided his gaze before taking a deep breath.
“Well, what I wanted to say is….”
Clutching his hand tightly, I finally met his eyes again.
He didn’t rush me, patiently waiting for me to speak.
“…….”
Even though this was far from the proposal I had planned….
“All the days I’ve spent with you have been wonderful, and I think they always will be.”
This moment felt complete, as long as I had the person in front of me.
“So, will you…?”
I paused briefly, my heart pounding as I spoke in a small voice.
“Marry me, Ian.”
The moment my words ended, Ian’s lips curved into a radiant smile.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
In the next instant, he leaned in and kissed me softly, and I quietly closed my eyes to savor the moment.
The weather was bright and sunny, as if the rain had never happened.
The azure sky was as clear and blue as the ocean, with clouds drifting like petals, adding a serene beauty.
In just one week, the flowers in the grand duchy’s garden had bloomed magnificently, and colorful fabrics fluttered gently around them.
The wedding was held on a small scale as planned, so all the faces around us were familiar ones.
The Empress, clapping enthusiastically.
Diana, smiling beside him.
Madame Zed, watching us with an unusually proud expression.
ViVi, dabbing her tears.
And Kyle, patting Vivi’s shoulder beside her—he wasn’t even trying to hide his feelings anymore.
Along with them were the members of the Marquess Merry family, Countess Olson standing nearby, the Duke and Duchess of Brilluse looking pleased, and the nobles who supported Ian and followed him faithfully.
Amidst them all, Ian and I stood side by side at the end of the wedding aisle, draped in the collaborative work of Diana and Madame Zed.
A gentle breeze brushed my cheek and made my dress flutter as Ian turned to me with a radiant smile.
“You look stunning, Eloise.”
“You look amazing too, Ian.”
As we gazed at each other, the officiant, none other than Empress Elisia, interjected from her spot at the front.
“Calling me to officiate your wedding, only to get lost in your own world—how bold.”
Despite her words, she wore the most pleased expression of anyone there. She might as well have smiled all the way to her ears.
“This being your second wedding, let’s skip the drawn-out formalities. As everyone knows, I’m not one for lengthy speeches.”
Soft laughter rippled through the crowd.
Once the chuckles subsided, Elicia cleared her throat and spoke in a deliberately solemn tone.
“Ian Cloud, Grand Duke, do you swear to love Eloise Cloud, the Grand Duchess, for the countless days yet to come, just as you have until now?”
“I swear.”
His response was immediate, without the slightest hesitation, and a deep smile formed on Elicia’s lips.
“And Eloise Cloud, Grand Duchess, do you swear to love and cherish Ian Cloud, the Grand Duke, as your husband, for eternity?”
“Yes, I swear.”
I, too, answered without a moment’s pause.
“Well, there’s nothing more to ask, then. Seal your vows with a kiss and let’s call it a day.”
With the Empress’s almost exasperated proclamation, Ian and I leaned in at the same time, sharing a kiss.
Simultaneously, brilliant bursts of light and loud sounds exploded across the sky.
Unable to suppress the laughter spilling through our joined lips, I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck.
Though we didn’t voice it out loud, I had no doubt Ian and I were thinking the exact same thing at this moment:
Right now, we are, without question, the happiest two people in the world.
• • •
THE ENDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD — YAAAAYYYYYY
These are the novels I am currently translating, if you want to take a look at them:
- I Have A New Family
“… Is she really my daughter?”
His voice, usually dry and irritable, made Hilane think he could be mistaken. She believed he would soon return to his normal self. She held onto that hope.
“Are you willing to sacrifice your entire life for a child from a woman who deceived you?”
“…”
“Please, wake up, Revan.”
But her husband seemed to trust another woman’s words more. Ironically enough.
“Let’s get a divorce.”
When she no longer wanted to make any effort, Hilane finally ended it.
The belief that she would surely be happy was nothing but a mistaken illusion.
***
“In order to prevent war, you must marry Grand Duke Belzette.”
Afterward, she remarried Aachen, the former crown prince of Requier and now Grand Duke of Belzette, solely for her daughter’s sake.
As the Grand Duchess of Belzette and as a new mother, she hoped for nothing more than fulfilling her duties.
The Grand Duke showed no particular desires, so he must have felt the same way.
But why? On their first night after the national wedding, the person who had only been kind seemed different.
“Duchess. Raise your head.”
“…”
“How long do you plan to avoid looking at me? You must fulfill your duties as a wife.”
Aachen’s blue eyes shone like a predator’s upon discovering its prey, as if he could devour Hilane at any moment.
Feeling the blatant obsession in his eyes, Hilane’s slender shoulders trembled.
- I Became the Villain Guardian of the Wolf Male Lead
I possessed a character from a novel. And not just any character, but the sheep who harshly bullied the original male lead who is a wolf.
«Does this make sense? How can a herbivorous beastman bully a carnivorous one!»
But then the young wolf in front of me, teary-eyed, spoke.
«I’m sorry. I’ll listen to you.»
Is this really happening?
I wanted to wipe those chicken-poop-like tears away, but only the choices before me were glowing in blue.
「1. Are you a baby? Crying over something like this!
2. What are you crying for? I don’t want to see you, so stay out of my sight.
3. Be quiet, you’re noisy.」
It seems like my days are numbered.
***
Three months until the original male lead’s uncle comes to pick him up.
«Lady Remi, thank you for the bread and milk you sent. I enjoyed it.»
«You’re thanking me for something like that? Work as much as you’ve eaten.»
Even under the control of the choices, I desperately tried to take care of the original male lead.
And finally, the original male lead’s uncle arrived.
I thought I just needed to safely send the child off, but then,
«No! I want to stay with Lady Remi!»
Why is this mature child suddenly throwing a tantrum…?
Moreover, the original male lead’s uncle couldn’t calm the child down and just smiled gracefully with those pretty golden eyes.
«The child wants it, so let’s go together.»
«Me, me?»
«I want you too.»
«Pardon?»
Why do you want me?
«Come with us, Lady Morton.»
Where to, a wolf’s den?
But I’m… a sheep.
- A Blank Slate Regression For The Idol That Lost His Original Intention (one of my fav btw)
Living as a moderately successful second-tier idol, Yoon Eden, who is in his seventh year as an idol, has been equipped with a cold gaze and even caught an artistic illness.
[Your 30,000th fan is disappointed in you.]
[You have met the condition.]
[The project to regain your Initial intention for the idol who lost his initial resolve begins.]
The day before leaving the team,
He was sent back to his debut days when he was a forgotten idol, to find his original intention.
[If your initial intention level reaches 0, you start over!]
[To complete the project, you must meet the essential conditions.]
[You, who have disappointed 30,000 fans, make 30 million fans happy! (0/30,000,000)]
To stop the infinite regression,
The extreme condition is that you must become a first-tier idol!
“D-mn it, my Cheongdam-dong house! My royalties are worth hundreds of millions! My savings account! My Ferrari!”
[Profanity detected]
[Initial intention -2]
With the initial intention level that decreases just by breathing and the endless outpouring of fan love quests, and even the penalties for incomplete tasks!
The story of an idol who lost his original intention, starting from his semi-basement lodging, embarking on a journey to clear his karma!
- What Happens When You Cut Ties With Your Childhood Friend
I broke off my friendship with my childhood friend due to my fiancé’s manipulations.
Eight years later, in a moment where I nearly lost my life, trapped by the fiancé’s schemes—
“Run, Your Highness!”
“…Kayan?”
The one I had cut off so suddenly had returned.
“Don’t cry. You’ll look really ugly if you do.”
With a farewell in the familiar tone of our childhood, he died in my place. As I watched him die, I made a vow.
‘I will never live like this again.’
***
So, I turned back time. The problem? I returned to a year after I had already broken off my friendship with Kayan!
Still, I couldn’t let the tragedy of my past life repeat itself. This time, I was determined to live fearlessly.
First, I gave my bullying half-sibling a taste of rough revenge.
“Aaaaagh! Did you just stab me with a sword?!”
“Oh my, look at that! You’re not dead yet, huh?”
Then, I sent a rough letter to my brother, who was off at war, requesting a break-up with my fiancé: [Just send me the breakup letter without any excuses. If not, I’ll kill everyone and lock myself up in prison.]
And most importantly… I had to clear up the misunderstanding with Kayan!
“I want to be your best friend again, like we were before.”
“Yes, I appreciate Your Highness’s kindness.”
“I’ll work hard to regain the trust I lost.”
“Yes, I appreciate Your Highness’s efforts.”
Kayan, wounded and guarded, was not going to be easy to win back… ‘I’ve even come back through time—there’s no way I can’t break down this wall!’
Just wait. I will definitely become your friend again!
- The Transmigrated Princess Is Way Too Bold!
“Hug me.”
Rose lay seductively on the bed, fully intending to lure him in.
She had transmigrated into the novel as the foolish youngest princess, only to discover that in three years, she would be killed by her favorite character, Arsen.
‘Oh no! I’m going to die soon. And by my favorite character, no less!’
To survive, she had to make this man her ally at all costs.
“…Your Highness, you should be more careful with your words. Someone might misunderstand.”
“It’s not a misunderstanding.”
The black eyes, as deep and turbulent as the night sea, wavered in confusion.
“It’s exactly what you think it means, Arsen.”
She then stretched out her arms, openly inviting him to hug her.
But this man, his emotional defenses were like steel.
“Your Highness, this behavior is inappropriate.”
He’s just leaving? Wait, is he seriously walking out like this?
- Mr. Villain, I Want To Live Too!
The Crown Prince, my older brother, swung a candelabra at me, and that’s when I regained memories of my past life. I realized that this was the world of a book, and that I was Princess Lizbeth, a character who doesn’t even appear in the original story!
I only have two months left to live? I can’t die like this!
Following the advice of a mysterious helper who appeared just in time, I climbed the tower and successfully swallowed the blue jewel(?) that was supposed to save my life.
“You dared to covet my heart without permission. Are you ready to pay the price?”
Of all things, it turns out that this was the Magic Tower, and the jewel was the heart of the dark villain!
Now, I have to work hard to restore my body, which is drained of divine power, take revenge on the imperial family that has only used me, steal the Crown Prince’s position, and fix the crumbling empire!
“So… could you lend me just a little more of your heart?”
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