Fish Don’t Know About Water - Chapter 40

— Haha… Just kidding. No, I hope it’s a joke. Yes, it must be a joke.

— Princess, are you already drunk?

I looked at her with concern as she started to ramble incoherently. Her cheeks, visible under her glasses, were flushed red.

I could smell the strong scent of apple wine every time she exhaled. Just standing next to her made me feel like I was getting drunk from the smell.

— Come closer, Pepe. I’ll tell you what kind of man you need to marry to be happy.

She mumbled with slurred speech as she leaned in closer.

— But I’m already married?

— This isn’t just for you, but also for the innocent girls of Westenia. I was saving this for my autobiography when I become queen, but consider yourselves honored, girls of Westenia.

Getting this drunk from just a few glasses of apple wine. I felt both embarrassed and flustered. The princess, with half-closed eyes, mumbled while glaring at me.

— Remember this. You need to marry a man who puts his wife above all else, even if it means facing humiliation and disgrace!

— Oh… Okay…

I nodded absentmindedly. Princess Rosemary grabbed another glass from a passing soldier’s tray, downed it in one gulp, and shouted in an irritated voice.

— It’s true. Men who act petty and prideful aren’t cute at all.

She emphasized the words ‘at all’ while making a coin shape with her fingers. (Though even a coin-sized amount seems quite generous.)

— What do you think? Am I right, Pepe?

— Yes…

— There are so many of those worst-of-the-worst types around.

— Uh-huh…

— The moment you get tangled with such a guy, your life becomes tough. Got it?

— Yes!

Honestly, I didn’t understand half of it. I let most of it go, thinking it was just drunken rambling.

— I’ll definitely keep that in mind…

— Ugh, Costonian liquor is quite strong… My head hurts…

The princess staggered, not waiting for me to finish my answer. She turned and stumbled towards the house. I carefully supported her and led her inside.
The living room and reception room were already in full swing with the reception atmosphere. People were gathered in small groups, chatting and sharing drinks. I looked around, avoiding the crowded areas. Where is Viett?
At that moment, I made eye contact with my friend XX, who was sitting on the kitchen table, drinking.

— XX!

The princess spotted XX and staggered over to her. I followed and asked XX.

— XX, have you seen Viett?

— He went in there.

XX, patting the princess who was resting her head on her shoulder, pointed with her eyes. It was a utility room with the door slightly ajar. Someone’s long legs were visible through the crack.
Viett was sitting on a drum, smoking a cigar absentmindedly. Cigarette smoke billowed out from the utility room.
Why is he smoking alone in such a place…? He was with the other officers just a while ago.
I tilted my head, watching Viett. He seemed to be trying to avoid drawing attention, but his large build and distinct presence were having the opposite effect, attracting guests’ gazes. People were glancing at the utility room as they passed by.

— Why is he in such a cramped place?

I sighed slowly and turned my head, startled to see XX’s big eyes filled with tears. XX was pouting and staring at me.

— XX, are you crying?

— What? What nonsense? Are you crazy?

XX turned her head and rubbed her eyes vigorously.

— I just saw you looking at me with teary eyes!

— When? You must be as drunk as the princess.

She gently tapped the princess’s forehead resting on her shoulder. I looked at XX, who was quickly downing her drink, with suspicion. (Strange. I’m sure I saw tears just now.)

— It’s just… I can’t believe you really got married.

XX spoke, staring blankly at her empty glass.

— Normally, you’d be hiding in some corner, causing trouble quietly. But just now, you came in and immediately looked for His Highness.

— Did I?

But isn’t it natural to look for him, as XX said? I tilted my head and asked.

— But isn’t it strange for a couple to be apart for long during the reception?

— Exactly. You used to do such ‘strange’ things without a second thought, you idiot.

XX chuckled as she added.

— If you had been forced to marry the man the Count chose for you, you would have looked for XX and me as soon as you entered the party hall. But now, you look for His Highness before your ten-year friends or first love.

Unable to refute her point, I just pouted. XX gave a weak laugh at my reaction.

— That’s what family is, Pepe.

— …Family…

— Someone who is naturally by your side. Someone you automatically look for with your eyes when they’re not there.

I turned my gaze to the utility room. I could see his hand lighting a new cigarette through the crack in the door.

— How many is he going to smoke? It was a cigar just a moment ago!

I snapped without thinking, and XX chuckled at my annoyed face.

— Maybe your change… is simply because you feel comfortable with His Highness.

— Right! Ea… comfortable.

— Oh my, you were about to say ‘easy,’ weren’t you?

The princess mumbled with a laugh, pressing her cheek against XX’s shoulder. XX looked at me with an intrigued expression.

— Is that true?

— N-No?

I hurriedly shook my head. Though her eyes were closed and she seemed to be nodding off, the princess had been listening to everything. (But how did she know my true feelings?)

— I didn’t think he was easy!

As soon as I denied it, the princess giggled and spoke again.

— Tomorrow’s newspaper novel will say this: Open parenthesis, how did she know, question mark, close parenthesis…

— Is it true?

XX looked at me expectantly, her eyes sparkling more than usual, eager to tease me. Just then, a few tall officers passed between us, excusing themselves.

— Enjoy the reception!

Seizing the opportunity, I quickly slipped away and headed straight to the utility room.
When I pushed open the half-closed door, Viett, who had been sitting on a drum smoking, looked startled.

— Why are you here?

He hastily stubbed out his cigarette and waved his hand to disperse the smoke out the window. I opened the window wider and snorted.

— What are you doing alone in such a cramped place?

— The damn guys won’t even let me smoke in peace.

He gestured with his chin towards the door connecting to the living room. Several senior officers were playing darts there, including Viscount XX.

— The ceremony is over, so it’s okay to be near fire and smoke now, right?

He smiled faintly, putting the cigarette pack on the windowsill back into his uniform pocket.

— …Were you hiding here because you don’t like mingling with people?

I glanced at his fellow officers through the crack in the door. They all seemed to be having a great time. They looked happier and more joyful than Viett, who had just gotten married. It was nice to see them laughing like children over a game of darts.
I was convinced Viett had fled here because he couldn’t stand their bright energy. I tried to imagine him enjoying the dart game with them.
Strangely, I couldn’t picture it easily. (What’s the problem? Is it that my husband’s default expression is sullen and stern?)
It was surprising he managed to endure life at the Desfield Military Academy, where group activities were essential. Or maybe he just didn’t like parties? (My confidence in successfully throwing a birthday party for him began to waver!)

— I hate crowded places.

He stretched his long legs slightly and pushed the utility room door shut. The laughter of the partygoers became somewhat muffled.

— Give me your hand.

He suddenly grabbed one of my hands. When he let go, a gold coin was left in my palm. I stared at the flat coin in bewilderment.

— What’s this?

— A commemorative coin from the Republic of Caribou. There’s an officer from there outside, and I won it from him earlier.

— Won it? How?

— What else? A dart game.

He spoke nonchalantly, leaning his head against the wall and closing his eyes.

— Look at the back.

I immediately flipped the coin. It was intricately carved with a beach, palm trees, and a sea turtle, the pride of the Republic of Caribou.

— The sea…