I Would Rather Marry The Black Beast Than Become an Empress

“Episode 5”

After a cheerful dinner, Lance handed Arist a somewhat suspicious-looking box.

“What’s this?”

“Well, as I mentioned earlier, I’m not acting as the deputy duke anymore.”

“You’re only sixteen.”

Arist teased with a laugh, but Lance didn’t withdraw his smile, indicating he had some sort of plan.

“Parrel Duchy’s Grand Festival is famous for its magnificence.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“Starting tomorrow, there will be events in the square where everyone wears masks.”

That didn’t concern Arist directly. Even though she was a princess, she was always bound by restrictions.

“I’ll be busy preparing for tomorrow night’s dinner.”

Lance nodded subtly, indicating the box.

“I’ll be so busy preparing the dinner that no one will notice if esteemed guests briefly wear masks and go out for a stroll. Moreover, the Duke, who enforces the law, happens to be absent.”

Finally understanding Lance’s intention, Arist’s eyes widened.

“Even if two ladies briefly enjoy masquerade, no one will notice.”

Lance smiled slyly.

“It’s difficult for ladies to freely enjoy themselves after marriage.”

Although he was still thought to be an immature cousin, Lance seemed to understand Arist’s feelings well.

“Father also assured that you’ll be chosen as the Empress.”

It was definitely something to celebrate, but as Arist’s peer, Lance felt a bit awkward. Becoming Empress at just nineteen meant she might never return to Parrel Duchy. She wouldn’t even be able to imagine attending a masquerade festival.

“Parrel is truly a wonderful place. Especially with a deputy duke like you.”

Arist smiled warmly.

“I can’t express enough gratitude for your praise, Princess. Rest well tonight.”

Lance joked intentionally, but Arist nodded in thanks.

“Once the Queen Mother knows you’re here, she’ll soon regain consciousness.”

“Yeah, thank you.”

Lance, who was now mature in many ways, seemed to understand Arist’s feelings and needs.

“I’m glad you came here.”

“Parrel Duchy always welcomes you, Princess. As the deputy duke, I am its representative.”

That was why she came here again, knowing there was no guarantee of finding answers. Nevertheless… it was still the warm place Arist knew.

* * *

Arist fell asleep comfortably for the first time in a long while. Here, there were no critics blaming her for not bearing children, no husband who deceived her and drove her into despair. Moreover, there was no father inflating her hopes by considering her daughter as the Empress, no calculating stepmother yet.

‘If only every day were like this…’

Arist fell asleep comfortably for the first time in a long while. Here, there were no critics blaming her for not bearing children, no husband who deceived her and drove her into despair. Moreover, there was no father inflating her hopes by considering her daughter as the Empress, no calculating stepmother yet.

“If only every day were like this…”

She didn’t dream that night. When she woke up after a deep sleep, she heard the birds chirping outside the window.

“How long has it been since I woke up to such a peaceful morning?”

Arist muttered softly to herself. It had been so long since she woke up refreshed without being haunted by nightmares. At least since she entered the palace, she couldn’t remember such a time.

“I don’t want to repeat those nights.”

Awakening in such a peaceful place made Arist realize how miserable and dry her past life had been. She felt like a prisoner sentenced indefinitely without committing any crime.

“First, let’s try to find a solution.”

She couldn’t afford to despair in the past forever. There was still a possibility. So she couldn’t spend even this time lamenting.

“Princess, are you awake? May I come in?”

Veronica’s voice came from outside the door. It was a reminder that a new day was beginning.

“Yes.”

Soon, Veronica entered and smiled warmly at Arist’s bright face.

“You seem to be in a good mood today.”

“It’s a good morning.”

Arist’s voice was more beautiful than the chirping of the birds.

“What about the Queen Mother…?”

“Not yet. But the doctor said she might wake up soon.”

“Then, shall we go on an adventure today?”

“Surely you don’t mean what the deputy duke said yesterday…”

Veronica looked worried.

“Look at this.”

Arist grabbed Veronica’s sleeve. There was a box Lance had handed over yesterday on the table. When she opened it, two exquisitely crafted masks came out. One had jewels embedded on a white background, and the other was simpler by comparison.

“If we wear masks, no one will recognize us.”

“But, Princess…”

“During the festival, all the knights of the Duchy voluntarily patrol for security. There’s no danger. We just need to be back before the evening banquet, as Lance suggested.”

Arist desperately tried to persuade Veronica. She wanted to leave behind good memories even if it meant risking her life. She already knew how miserable a life without a single good memory was.

“Veronica, please.”

With determined eyes, Arist pleaded with Veronica.

“It’s just once.”

Veronica’s wavering heart wasn’t unreasonable, especially considering Arist’s impending selection as Empress. After that, there would be no freedom. That’s why Lance was considering Arist in this way too.

“Just for a moment, really just a moment.”

In the end, Veronica reluctantly agreed.

“Yes!”

“Don’t go to dangerous places, and you must come back quickly!”

“I got it!”

Arist, excited, jumped for joy. She had no idea what fate these masks would bring.

—

The festival crowd bustled around the central square. The fact that everyone wore hoods and masks made it all the more exciting.

“There are so many people.”

Whispered Arist, wearing a mask, to Veronica. Veronica tightened Arist’s hood even more, fearing Arist’s platinum blonde hair might attract attention.

“There are a lot of children, everyone seems so happy.”

As Arist spoke, children, lovers, and families were all enjoying the festival in their own way.

“Look at that!”

Once again grabbing Veronica’s sleeve, Arist felt more like a child than usual. Always cautious at formal palace banquets, she was now visibly excited by the atmosphere of a real festival.

“The new toy is flying in the sky… How does it do that?”

Even though she knew it was time to graduate from toys, she couldn’t help but be swept away by the festive atmosphere she felt for the first time.

“Do you want it?”

Knowing Arist’s feelings, Veronica decided to loosen up a bit today.

“Can I have it?”

“I brought some money.”

“As expected of Veronica! Then… Can I go and buy it myself?”

Even though she wore a mask, it was obvious how excited Arist was. It was rare for even a noble family’s daughter to directly pay for and buy something without going through the royal family. Arist was no exception.

“I know how to do it. You pay and get the change.”

In fact, it was a simple matter. After much consideration, Veronica nodded her head.

“I’ll watch from the side. If the change amount is correct, I’ll nod, so just take it.”

“Yes!”

With Veronica’s permission, Arist hurried even faster. In one corner of the square, the toy vendor had set up a large stall and was delighting children.

“After winding it like this and releasing the button, the bird flies away!”

Even the crude toy captured Arist’s heart.

“I’ll buy that. How… much is it?”

“Today is a festival, so it’s special.”

The toy vendor held up three fingers. It meant three coins. It was hard to gauge whether it was cheap or expensive, but Arist obediently took out three coins from her pocket. Then the toy vendor quickly tried to pocket the money.

“Wait a moment.”

Someone grabbed the toy vendor’s wrist firmly.

“Three gold for such a crude toy seems excessive.”

The man’s voice was low. Even in summer, his black leather gloves stood out. The mask, surprisingly, was plain black.

“Even if the customer is a naive noble lady, one should observe proper business ethics.”

While holding the toy vendor’s wrist, the man turned to Arist. Veronica discreetly brought out three gold coins.

“You seem to be a servant, but even so, there should be a limit to your ignorance.”

“Now, please release his wrist. I was about to say that it was an excessive amount…”

At the toy vendor’s explanation, the man chuckled. It was an absurd excuse, as it was clear he was about to pocket the gold without giving proper change.

“Exhibiting excessive greed at the Grand Festival will surely attract the attention of the knights. And you, as a noble lady, should exercise more caution.”

The man’s tone indicated nobility. Veronica bowed slightly in acknowledgment.

“…I truly intended to return it. However, since you’ve spoiled the mood of the festival, I’ll just give you this toy bird.”

As if reluctant to deal with further hassle, the toy vendor handed over a box. Veronica accepted the box and took Arist’s wrist, leading her away from the square.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness…”

Once they reached a quieter spot by a pond, Veronica spoke.

“I didn’t know the prices well in the Duke’s territory. Moreover, vendors like that one are different from regular shops.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t know either. But thanks to the kind person, we didn’t get ripped off.”

Arist said cheerfully.

“I found that man scarier.”

“Why? He was just being kind.”

“Just… had a feeling. It was kind of eerie. His black leather gloves in this weather seemed odd too.”

The moment the man grabbed the wrist, even the toy vendor looked surprised. After Veronica acknowledged his presence, she felt a stifling feeling and wanted to avoid him.

“Well… there must be a reason.”

Arist casually remarked and opened the box they got from the toy vendor.

“Shall we try flying it here?”

As they were near a quiet pond, away from the festival crowd, Arist eagerly wound up the toy’s mechanism.