I'm Going to Change my Husband with a Predatory Marriage

“…I’m thinking about it. Since neither the bride who disappeared nor the person who was dragged away appeared…”

 

Isabelle said with a sigh.

 

“But now the world thinks that Archduke Ludwig’s marriage has already broken down.”

 

“…”

 

The bride was kidnapped before she could even enter the wedding hall, and three days had passed. Even if the bride returned now, no one could guarantee her honor. The Emperor also thought that Ludwig’s marriage was already over. Besides, he had already seen it.

 

‘It seemed like Ludwig was treating his bride roughly.’

 

It was true that he considered his nephew as an alternative to his son, who may go crazy at any time. But he didn’t know if he would have gone ahead with the marriage if he had known in advance that something like last time would happen. But his thoughts did not go any deeper. Because the saboteur was next to him.

 

“I’m really worried about Arpad, Your Majesty..” said the Empress.

 

“…”

 

“Hasn’t he really been completely consumed by mania? Otherwise, it makes no sense to commit such a reckless act.”

 

That was also what the Emperor was most concerned about. The Empress naturally raised her teacup. With that alone, her long, flowing sleeves were rolled back, exposing her bare arms. There was a large and clear scar left there. The Emperor knew very well what that thing looked like.

 

‘It’s a trace of the wound suffered ‘back then’. When Arpad first showed signs of mania…’

 

His heart became heavy. The consequences of a riot committed by a child of only about ten years old were so great. Because of what happened that day, the Empress was unable to raise her right arm properly. She was the crown prince’s nanny, and a former maid of honor for the deceased former Empress, so Isabelle and Arpad originally had a good relationship. 

However, the Emperor could not blame the Empress for their estrangement after the accident. Because it was a symbol of the Emperor’s debt to his Empress.

 

The Emperor knew that the Empress had purposely raised her uncomfortable arm to show her scar. The idea was to remember Arpad’s madness.

 

‘It’s no wonder that the Empress, who experienced that madness herself, doesn’t trust Arpad…’

 

Just like the emperor himself. One after another, the Empress stabbed the Emperor at his most delicate weakness.

 

“As expected, the crown prince inherited the madness of the late Empress, Her Majesty…”

 

“Be careful what you say!”

 

Bang!

 

The Emperor was furious and struck the armrest. The Empress lowered her head as if she was sorry, but her goal has already been achieved. The Emperor had already thought of a woman. She was the only woman he has ever loved in his life, and the mother of his son. His ex-wife died of mania, leaving a huge scar on his face.

 

The Emperor closed his eyes as if in pain.

 

‘Arpad, he looks so much like her.’

 

This was why he couldn’t trust his only son.

 

* * *

 

When Empress Isabella left the Emperor’s drawing room. There were two people she was waiting for. Archduke Ludwig shouted so that everyone could hear. And Evangeline, who stayed by her side like his wife.

 

Evangeline blushed and approached the Empress.

 

“Mother. What did his Majesty say?”

 

Evangeline was the daughter born to the Empress before she married the Emperor. Therefore, she grew up in the imperial palace, receiving treatment similar to that of her royal family. Nevertheless, she could not become a complete royal family member.

 

The Empress shook her head.

 

“He didn’t have anything else to say. Now that neither Arpad nor the priest has appeared, it seems like he can’t decide what punishment to give.”

 

Ludwig made a sound like he was in pain.

 

“How can he do that? Isn’t the sin clear whether there is a party involved or not? As expected, His Majesty takes sides by saying that he is his own son…!”

 

“Shut up.”

 

The Empress coldly covered Ludwig’s mouth.

 

“Your Majesty is the only one who can control Arpad. Please refrain from saying anything that could incur His Majesty’s wrath.”

 

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

He gritted his teeth in defeat.

 

Evangeline’s muttering came from next to her.

 

“…Brother Arpad, why did he have that woman…?”

 

Empress Isabelle looked reproachfully at her nervous-looking daughter. But she couldn’t speak openly in Ludwig’s presence, so she diverted her attention.

 

“Rather than that, public opinion and rumors are more important. Your Majesty will also be affected by this.”

 

Over the past three days, the Empress has tried with all her might to foster negative public opinion about Arpad.

 

‘This incident is nothing more than an incident caused by mania.’

 

‘So, the marriage between Ludwig and Princess Delphine must take place properly.’

 

Ludwig’s eyes were shining like an animal.

 

‘I will never let you take it from me, Arpad!’

 

He was deliberately ignoring the fact that he had already been looted.

 

* * *

 

Only after a hasty wedding was I able to escape from being like a crumpled tissue paper. When I looked in the mirror, I saw that my appearance was truly amazing.

 

‘I can’t believe he kissed me like this. The crown prince is also amazing.’

 

The priest who officiated the wedding was also amazing.

 

‘Anyway, this is my first time holding a wedding like this.’

 

Because up until now, my wedding had been held in a grand, splendid and solemn way. 

A simple wedding with only a priest in addition to the bride and groom. But I felt more at ease and better than ever.

 

‘It’s okay. I’ve finally taken the first step to escape from that guy!’

 

Moreover, I was very happy to finally be able to wash and change clothes properly for the first time in three days. When I soaked it in hot water, it seemed to melt away. As soon as the marriage was finally completed on paper, my worries rose like soap bubbles.

 

‘Ah, I hope Lord Beltane will be okay.’

 

Since I had to get marauded first, I couldn’t take care of Beltane. Wasn’t it absurd that a princess who was kidnapped and taken away would take his own knight with her?

 

‘He even got hurt…’

 

Besides, he must be extremely worried about me. He thought I was really kidnapped by Arpad. Considering his inflexible nature, he might take responsibility and cut off his own head.

 

‘No way, right?’

 

I felt like I needed to do something about this as soon as possible. By the way, I was also worried about Annie.

 

‘Annie must have thought that I had been robbed.’

 

She was going to be extremely worried. However, since it was better for them not to know the truth, I couldn’t tell them in advance. There was no time.

 

‘At least Lord Beltane escorted me back from the catacombs, and Annie saw me planning something, so I hope she notices to some extent.’

 

This was the limit for now. Now that the seal has been stamped, all we have to do is return to the capital as quickly as possible and take care of everything. While I was busy worrying about the two of them and worrying about the future. The maids with dirty fingers washed me thoroughly, dried me thoroughly, changed my clothes, and brought me to the bedroom.

 

“Please have a happy night.”

 

“I hope you have a nice dream.”

 

These were somehow meaningful words. When I came to, I had been delivered to a bedroom decorated with red silk. There was only one large bed in the center of the room, which was very significant. It was almost the size of a small room, so it seemed like it wouldn’t fall even if it was rolled about 10 times.

 

The red curtains surrounded the bed in a rectangular shape, so it was hard to see inside, but you could tell its size just by looking at it. The scented candles burning softly and emitting fragrance everywhere, as well as the roses in the vase on the side table…

 

‘Overall, it has a very strange atmosphere.’

 

So much so that my face got hot without me even realizing it. Perhaps, if this marriage had been just an ordinary arranged marriage, I would have entered the bedroom with great determination.

 

‘But, isn’t it true?’

 

From the moment my husband and I first met (in this life), it was in a dark underground graveyard. Rather than exchanging pressure, we exchanged my threats and Arpad’s blade first. It wasn’t that romantic of a relationship at all. It’s more like an alliance for survival.

 

‘But there’s no way the maids in the villa would know that… I can’t help it.’

 

Anyway, after three days of forced marching, I was extremely tired. I forgot all about my embarrassment and pulled back the curtains on my bed.

 

“Soft sheets! Pillow!”

 

That’s the only thing that matters… Was it? I froze when I looked inside the bed.

 

“What the hell is this?”

 

Not surprisingly, the pure white bed sheets were sprinkled with overly romantic rose petals! And as if answering my question, an ominous sound came from behind me.

 

Squeak─

 

The sound of the bedroom door opening. One after another, hot steam came rushing in. It was so absurd that it gave me the creeps.

 

“As expected, my bride is very proactive. Because she couldn’t endure the short time I was coming…”

 

“What are you saying, now?!”

 

I shouted and turned around, but then I turned my head back. In front of the open door, for some reason, a damp and wet Crown Prince Arpad was standing naked, wearing a red robe. He started walking towards me and towards the bed.

 

‘Why are you walking as a model wearing only a gown? Also towards me?’

 

“Why, why, why did you come?”

 

Arpad answered my stupid question with his eyes widening.

 

“Tonight is our first night. My bride.”

 

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Translator Note: