Rebecca showed a smile tinged with anger. “It’s despicable to covet what belongs to others.”
“Anyway, the result won’t change. Even if they pour in the dowry from Viscount Sudsfield, the Fourth Order doesn’t have knights worth the investment.” Ludwig coldly evaluated the knights under Kayden.
Rebecca frowned deeply, recalling unpleasant memories at his words. “Do you think I don’t want to relax? If Joseph causes trouble again……” Just pronouncing the name ‘Joseph’ made her grit her teeth.
Joseph Findlay. He was the son of Duke Findlay, Rebecca’s maternal grandfather, born to his late-in-life second wife. Spoiled by the duke since childhood, he grew up more unruly than Ferand. Rather than just flirting with women like Ferand, Joseph was violently aggressive.
Rebecca’s engagement to Millard Sudsfield was hastily arranged to cover up an incident where Joseph beat a servant to death merely because they ‘annoyed him.’ If this were revealed, Rebecca’s reputation, tied to the Findlay family, would plummet. A monarch who loses the people’s favor is no longer a monarch.
Rebecca spoke in an irritated tone. “Bringing Viscount Sudsfield to our side isn’t bad. But his son is incredibly annoying. His daughter would have been better.” She paused, then dismissed the thought. It’s better to have her in love, hindering the third prince’s path than being a nuisance. Of course, that didn’t mean she could fully relax.
Rebecca leaned back in her chair, smiling warmly. “Mercy from those above must be fair. I should send the third princess consort a gift soon.”
“You’re wise, Your Highness.” Ludwig bowed deeply beside her.
* * *
Meanwhile, Kayden returned to his palace late in the evening and sought Diana.
“Diana.”
“You’re back.” Diana greeted him warmly.
He examined her worriedly while smiling. “I heard the first concubine sent her maids. Was everything alright?”
“Of course. They were all nice people.”
In reality, the maids, led by Tania, were extremely rude, but Diana answered with a gentle smile. However, Kayden had already heard about the maids’ insolence from Patrasche before returning to the palace.
Is she pretending just because she doesn’t want me to worry? He looked at her silently for a moment, then sighed deeply, patting her head lightly. “You’re too gentle for this harsh world.”
“…?”
Diana blinked, puzzled by his words. Why such a misunderstanding…?
I didn’t bother because they’re not worth it, seeing as they’ll be discarded soon anyway. From the perspective of someone who had served Rebecca, there was no way she’d keep someone like Tania Hamilton close for long. They were likely sent for monitoring and temporary villainess roles.
Hmm.
Diana couldn’t reveal her true thoughts and smiled awkwardly. To Kayden, her smile seemed even more poignant. After gently stroking her for a while, he suddenly stood up.
“Oh, and wait for me before sleeping. I’ll be back after washing up.”
“…Pardon?”
Did she just hear something strange? Confused, Diana looked up at Kayden, who grinned mischievously.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Our contract states we won’t share a bed anyway.”
“Ah.”
“Did you expect something, Wife? If you want to amend the contract…”
“No, just go. You said you’re going to wash up.” Flustered, Diana blushed slightly and pushed Kayden’s back. Her weak push was akin to a kitten’s kick, making Kayden laugh heartily as he left.
I can’t believe he’s such a pervert. Diana muttered inwardly as she washed herself too.
“I’ll take my leave.”
The maid who helped her change into her nightgown left, leaving one candle burning. The room darkened instantly, with only the flickering orange candlelight remaining.
Diana fiddled with the ribbon around her neck, awkwardly waiting for Kayden. He soon returned, dressed in a nightgown with a robe over it.
“Did I keep you waiting long?”
“No, I just finished too.”
“Good.”
“Why did you ask me to wait?”
Kayden smiled at her words. With his damp hair lying softly on his forehead, he looked especially youthful.
“Since it’s our wedding night, we should move our bodies a bit instead of just sleeping.”
When Diana heard those words, she felt like she wanted to cry a little. Why does he have a knack for saying such strange things…?
* * *
Barely holding back tears, Diana changed clothes, followed Kayden, and left the imperial palace wearing a large cloak. Patrasche, waiting with a horse in a secluded corner by the wall, handed over the reins to Kayden.
“Aren’t you taking any guards?”
“Taking them at this hour would be more conspicuous. Besides, after the chaos on the wedding day, it will take time to recruit new assassins.”
“I understand.”
Their conversation was quick and low, ensuring Diana couldn’t hear. After finishing, Patrasche politely greeted Diana and withdrew.
“Please pardon me.” Kayden briefly apologized, lifting Diana onto the horse and then getting on behind her.
Diana adjusted her hood and fixed Kayden’s as well. “Where are we going?”
“There’s a place I visit sometimes. Hold on tight.” With those words, Kayden spurred the horse, and Diana clung to him as they rode through the night.
After some time, they arrived at a brightly lit street filled with taverns, even at night. Men and women, drunk, were kissing passionately everywhere.
Diana dismounted with Kayden’s help, eyeing him suspiciously. “…You visit here often?”
“I know what you’re thinking, but it’s a misunderstanding.” Kayden laughed lightly and led her to a store.
Diana was wide-eyed, marveling at the unfamiliar sights inside. “Wow…”
The store’s interior was as flashy and brilliant as an illegal gambling den. However, judging by what people were doing, it seemed they were using exercise equipment. The sound of wooden clubs hitting balls or balls rolling to knock over pegs was accompanied by loud voices.
Fascinated, Diana wandered around like a child in a toy store. Watching her, Kayden stretched and explained. “It’s a store combining the traditional sports of Ravic Kingdom with the magical tools of Arlas Kingdom. My brother knows the owner, so I got to know it. The owner is discreet, so don’t worry.”
“Welcome! Oh my, if it isn’t you! Please, come in!” The owner, recognizing Kayden, greeted them warmly. He bowed familiarly to Kayden, then paused, seeing Diana. “…Are you here with your wife?”
“Yes.”
“Good heavens. Bringing such a delicate lady. And you’re newlyweds!”
“My wife is stronger than my brother… right?” Kayden mumbled seriously, noticing Diana’s cloak dragging on the ground.
Feeling challenged, Diana spoke to the owner. “Can I try that game over there?”
“Ah, you mean ‘bowling’? Let me guide you.”
The owner, worried about her strength, didn’t want to ignore her determination. With utmost politeness, he led Kayden and Diana inside. The owner provided indoor slippers, set up a light snack, and partitioned off a section for them.
“This area is private, so feel free to enjoy. If you need anything, pull that cord.”
“Thanks.”
“Thank you.”
Kayden and Diana thanked the owner, who left with a friendly smile. Then, Kayden skillfully operated the magical device, explaining the rules to Diana.
“All you have to do is to roll this ball to knock down the pegs over there. You hold the ball like this.”
Kayden demonstrated and handed her the lightest ball. As soon as Diana took it with both hands, she nearly slumped but caught herself. Kayden supported her as she almost fell to the ground. There was a moment of silence.
“…Is it heavy?”
“…I was just surprised, I’m fine now. You can let go.” Diana forced a smile, refusing Kayden’s help.
As he slowly released her, the ball dragged her hand down again, but she didn’t fall this time. With trembling hands, Diana followed Kayden’s example and rolled the ball. Thud… roll.
“…”
“…”
The ball, lacking strength, stopped halfway.
Kayden silently cleared the ball and cheerfully suggested, “Shall we try something else?”
“Yes!” Diana, smiling brightly as if nothing happened, quickly agreed.
They were a well-matched couple.
I was expecting sparring. Instead we got bowling. 🤣
Thank you for the chapter!