Then Kaiden could become a strong shield for the north, protecting Khalid as its Duke and safeguarding the Rowen Kingdom. He could have a healthy wife and family, creating a perfect picture to display in Khalid. With that, Dana’s objective could be fully achieved.

‘Three years should be enough.’

Three years was also the time Dana had spent in Khalid. One year to experience things for the first time, two years to get accustomed, and by the third year, it was time to strive for further development.

‘So that should be enough.’

It should be sufficient for this man to firmly establish himself as the Duke of Khalid. During that time, he would accomplish more, making it difficult for Taras to strip him of his title. She intended to help facilitate that.

Essentially, the scenario Dana envisioned was a marriage born from a princess’s naive infatuation, where the duke would not share a bed with her and would endure for three years, ultimately annulling the marriage. Although it might appear that Kaiden was using the princess for a title, there was no other way.

Dana now looked at the man sitting before her, who had truly become like a painting. He sat there, not moving an eyelid or opening his mouth, utterly still.

Dana understood that her conditions could be far more disconcerting than her sudden proposal, so she waited quietly. She anticipated that the man would break the picture-like silence and reveal that he was indeed a living being.

After a silence that felt like lifeless desolation, Kaiden finally spoke.

“Are those your conditions, Your Highness?”

Even though his question ended with an upward inflection, it sounded lower than his usual voice. Dana nodded in response.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I see.”

Kaiden still didn’t move, only his lips. Another silence followed.

Dana waited patiently, contemplating what she would say if he rejected these unreasonable conditions and declared he wouldn’t marry her. If he wanted to retract yesterday’s proposal and return the ring. Although the position of Duke of Khalid was tempting, it felt like being bound for three years…

As Dana prepared herself to respond to his reaction, Kaiden spoke again.

“Alright. Then my condition is…”

Ah.

Dana opened her eyes wide in surprise. She thought, without showing much emotion, that this knight had also come prepared with conditions. Of course, that was only natural.

She resolved not to be surprised by whatever came next and waited for him to continue. Kaiden looked directly at Dana and said,

“My condition will be revealed in three years.”

“……”

Dana blinked repeatedly. Despite her determination not to be surprised, she couldn’t help but wonder. To state the marriage condition at the end of the marriage?

“May I ask why?”

In response to Dana’s question, Kaiden answered, “Because it will be a necessary condition then.”

Then, without asking for permission, Kaiden abruptly stood up. Dana had no choice but to follow suit. She confirmed with him, as he seemed ready to leave the room without her consent.

“Then, you and I are…”

Kaiden paused, turning back to look at Dana, and replied, “Yes. We will get married.”

At that moment, Dana realized that Kaiden’s gaze, which had been lowered, was now fixed on her clasped hands. He extended his hand, and Dana placed hers on top of his. It was the hand that wore the ring he had given her.

He lifted her hand and bent down to kiss the ring. Once again, his lips touched only the ring, as if they were forbidden from making contact with anything else.

Releasing her hand, he turned and left the room. Dana watched the swaying hem of his cloak and his straight back as he walked away. She listened to the steady sound of his footsteps, unhesitating and without a backward glance.

As she quietly watched Kaiden disappear into the distance, Dana unconsciously touched the aquamarine gem on the ring he had kissed. He left without discovering the other birthday gift he had given her. Only his last words lingered in the air along with the sound of his footsteps.

‘We are…’

Kaiden’s figure soon vanished from sight, and Dana turned her gaze away. She looked at the window with the curtains wide open, revealing the outside.

She saw the garden she had been observing ever since arriving in Khalid. Beyond the garden, filled with green grass and brightly colored flowers, were fields and lush trees.

When she first arrived three years ago, she thought it was a view she would continue to see. It was a view she had witnessed every spring since then. But after another three years, it would be a view she could no longer see…

Reflected on the glass window covering the scenery was the spot where the man had been sitting just moments ago. Now the seat was empty. Dana imagined the man who had risen from that spot and walked out without hesitation, leaving with the same resolute demeanor after three years. Just as Kaiden had made quick decisions, a swift proposal, and a speedy visit, it seemed he might also conclude matters just as swiftly three years later.

‘Naturally…’

She would have to do the same. Dana withdrew the hand that had been absentmindedly toying with the ring on her finger.

Lost in thought, Dana heard the creaking sound of the door moving. When she turned her head, she saw Hilda leaning against the doorframe. Hilda had been sitting just beyond the open parlor door while Dana conversed with Kaiden, to avoid leaving an unmarried young man and woman alone together. Naturally, she must have heard the entire conversation between Dana and Kaiden.

“……”

Dana noticed that Hilda’s face looked as if it might crumble into tears. It was the expression of someone who understood that this story could not become a beautiful, rosy tale of a princess and a knight in love. Dana smiled silently.