Side Story 3

“Congratulations on your pregnancy!”  

“Thank you! Not only are you beautiful, but your heart is beautiful too! Unlike someone else… Hoho!”  

At Bella’s words, the King of Rakus wore an apologetic expression and bowed his head to Louis. Louis forced a smile and offered a small, half-hearted consolation to the King of Rakus, who had married his cousin.  

“I’m fine with everything else, but I’ve been struggling because I get sick whenever I ride in a carriage. I really wanted to attend the wedding…”  

“No, it’s fine. Meeting like this is just as good.”  

“Our Crown Princess is an angel!”  

“Mother! That’s right! She’s like an angel! An angel! So pretty!”  

Alisa clung to her mother’s knees and jumped up and down.  

Louis, looking slightly uncomfortable, glanced between Vivian, Bella, and Alisa. He sipped his tea, then stood up from his seat.  

“After a long journey, the Crown Princess seems tired. It would be good for her to rest a little.”  

“Ah, you’re right. I wasn’t being considerate. I’ll have you shown to the room we’ve prepared.”  

At Louis’s words, the King of Rakus promptly stood up and called for the chamberlain. Bella, though regretful, let the two go, saying she looked forward to the banquet.  

Guided by the chamberlain, Vivian arrived at the prepared room and couldn’t help but marvel again.  

“Is this your first time seeing the ocean, Vivian?”  

“Yes. It’s so beautiful.”  

The room was perfect for a newlywed couple. The stunning view of the ocean through the glass windows was more breathtaking than any painting, and the small terrace offered a romantic space to fully enjoy the sea of Rakus.  

Vivian walked to the glass door leading to the terrace, placed her hand on the handle, and turned to look at Louis. When Louis nodded, Vivian smiled brightly and opened the door.  

Earlier, in the reception room, Vivian hadn’t been able to properly look at the ocean due to the watchful eyes of the King and Queen of Rakus.  

It was her first time seeing the ocean.  

In the Raspol Empire, where Vivian was born and raised, there were vast plains that were well-known. In autumn, the golden wheat fields shone brighter than gold. The endless wheat fields that stretched to the horizon were a magnificent sight created by the harmony of humans and nature.  

But now, in Vivian’s clear eyes, the ocean filled her view entirely. She was utterly captivated by the grandeur and beauty created solely by nature.  

The blazing sun of Rakus reflected off the ocean’s surface, shining brilliantly.  

With no one else around, Vivian decided to momentarily set aside her dignity as the Crown Princess. Holding onto the terrace railing, she slowly closed her eyes.  

The scent of the ocean, which she had faintly smelled earlier in the reception room, was now much more vivid. Breathing in deeply, Vivian felt the fragrance of the sea filling her senses.  

“Do you like it that much?”  

“It’s so beautiful that I feel like I could look at the ocean all day and never get tired of it. It’s… overwhelming, in a way.”  

Was I like this the first time I saw the ocean?  

For a moment, Louis recalled a time when he was 14. But what did it matter? He quickly abandoned the memory and wrapped his arms around Vivian from behind.  

“Seeing how much you like it makes me happy too.”  

Louis buried his face in Vivian’s delicate shoulder. Vivian tilted her head slightly, resting it on Louis’s black hair.  

Louis’s soft hair tickled Vivian’s cheek.  

“What do you think is beyond that ocean?”  

Vivian’s voice fell gently over Louis’s head. Lifting his head slightly, Louis replied,  

“The Kingdom of Altine.”  

“Is the Kingdom of Altine far from here?”  

“No. From Tezen’s port, it’s about a day and a half by sea.”  

“Hmm… Is that close?”  

Having never traveled far by ship, Vivian tilted her head, unsure of the distance.  

“It’s not far. That’s why it’s a headache…”  

Louis let out a deep sigh and tightened the arm he had around Vivian’s waist, pulling her closer.  

For a long time, the Kingdom of Rakus and the Kingdom of Altine had not been on good terms. Due to geographical and religious conflicts, their animosity had lasted for many years.  

The Kingdom of Rakus, with its favorable geographical location, lacked resources, while the island nation of Altine had abundant resources but poor geographical conditions for trading with the Empire or the Mage Tower.  

“Altine doesn’t even have gates, so to trade with the Empire or Palterno, they either have to go through the Kingdom of Rakus or trade with the Empire’s Jaten region…”  

“Jaten is far from both the capital and Palterno.”  

“Exactly. And I’ve heard it takes a week to get there by sea from Altine.”  

Louis chuckled bitterly at the thought of the political and economic disputes hidden beneath the seemingly peaceful and beautiful scenery.  

“For now, let’s set aside the complicated thoughts.”  

Louis spun Vivian around and gently cupped her small face with his large hands. As his thumb stroked her soft cheek, Vivian smiled bashfully.  

“You’re beautiful.”  

At Louis’s words, Vivian’s eyes widened.  

Smooch.  

Louis naturally kissed Vivian, his hand slowly sliding down her back. As his golden eyes gleamed mischievously, Vivian involuntarily swallowed hard.  

“No.”  

“Oh dear.”  

He almost crossed the line. The sun was still high in the sky, and they had just arrived. Besides, if he held onto her now…  

Vivian, her face flushed, grabbed Louis’s wandering hand and pushed it away.  

“I need to soak in some warm water first. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden in a carriage for so long, and my whole body aches.”  

Leaving behind Louis, who looked deeply regretful, Vivian stepped off the terrace. She picked up the bell on the desk by the window overlooking the ocean and rang it.  

A clear bell sound echoed, and shortly after—  

“Yes! My Lady! Oh, no! Your Highness the Crown Princess!”  

Tia entered hastily, still struggling with the Crown Princess’s title and the formalities of the Imperial Court.  

Smiling at Tia’s nervous demeanor, Vivian asked her to prepare bathwater. Tia bowed politely and quickly left the room.  

Leaning lazily against the terrace doorframe, Louis crossed his arms with a dissatisfied expression. Vivian ignored him and began inspecting the room.  

The preparations for their stay were flawless.  

Fresh floral decorations, light snacks, and even a tapestry depicting an angel said to bring happiness. Vivian observed each thoughtful touch with a smile.  

Watching her, Louis’s lips curled into a wicked smile after Tia announced that the bath was ready.  

“Vivian.”  

Louis called out to Vivian, who was about to head to the bathroom with the tub. Vivian paused at the door and turned around.  

“No.”  

“At least listen first.”  

“No.”  

At Vivian’s resolute expression, Louis frowned and strode toward her. Sensing danger, Vivian tried to turn the doorknob, but Louis was faster.  

The door, which had been slightly ajar, slammed shut with a loud ‘bang,’ and Louis trapped Vivian in his long arms. Looking down at the wide-eyed Vivian in his embrace, Louis briefly recalled “that day,” but quickly dismissed the thought.  

“Why are you running away?”  

“Well, that’s…”  

“And what exactly are you saying no to?”  

“…”  

Vivian’s lips moved soundlessly. Louis chuckled at her flustered state and lifted her hand, which bore the same ring as his own on her fourth finger.  

Kissing the emerald-studded wedding ring that resembled Vivian’s eyes, Louis smiled mischievously.  

“Let’s bathe together.”  

Louis held the tip of Vivian’s left hand and raised his gaze.

For a brief moment, he saw her face, now flushed red, but before he could take in the sight, a loud impact echoed, and Vivian’s embarrassed face disappeared.

Louis’ body, tilted precariously, soon hit the floor.

“Ugh.”

At the sound of Louis’ groan, Vivian flinched. However, her expression quickly hardened, and she left the room with a small comment in a quiet voice.

“Pervert. Hmph!”

Was it wrong for a husband and wife to bathe together?

On top of his disappointment, Louis felt a sense of injustice.

He had fallen on his backside.

Though it was partly because he had let his guard down, Louis was often startled by Vivian’s bursts of unexpected strength.

How could such power come from that small body?

Rubbing his sore backside, Louis glared at the door.

At that moment, the door creaked open slightly.

Of course.

There was no way kind-hearted Vivian would push me away so harshly and then disappear without a word.

She must be peeking in with a guilty expression, wondering how much I was hurt. In that case, I’d act a little more hurt, and then…

Louis’ lips curled upward as he lowered his head.

“Where is the angel?”

A child’s voice broke through Louis’ mischievous thoughts, and his head snapped up.

Standing there, meeting Louis’ gaze, was Alisa, his cousin’s daughter.

Alisa pushed the door open a little further and stepped inside with her small frame, looking around the room as if searching for someone.

When she didn’t find who she was looking for, her blue eyebrows drooped.

Dragging her feet, Alisa walked over to Louis and crouched down in front of him.

“But why are you sitting on the floor, Oppa?”

“I was just… tired for a moment.”

Louis quickly stood up, dusting off his backside as he spoke.

Alisa also stood up, nodding as if she understood.

“But where’s the angel?”

Narrowing his eyes, Louis thought about who the “angel” Alisa was referring to might be.

Then, he realized it was none other than his shy, powerful wife, who had just pushed him out of the way and left.

“The angel went to bathe.”

“Does the angel like baths too? Alisa likes baths as well. I want to bathe together!”

“Wait your turn.”

Louis put his hands on his hips, adopting a stern expression.

Looking up at him with wide eyes, Alisa moved her small, cherry-like lips.

“Then am I second?”

“…Yes.”

Alisa nodded as if reluctantly accepting the situation, then tugged on Louis’ pants.

“What is it?”

“Since the angel is bathing, Oppa, you should help me.”

Though Alisa looked just like the King of Rakus, her shameless attitude was a perfect match for her mother, Louis’ cousin.

Louis felt something stir deep inside his chest.

It was unease. Yes, definitely unease.

Feeling uneasy about a six-year-old girl, Louis frowned.

But Alisa, unfazed by his expression, continued speaking.

“There’s something I really need to find, but I can’t find it.”

Seeing Alisa’s shoulders slump in dejection, Louis let go of his suspicion.

After a moment’s hesitation, Louis bent down to meet her gaze.

“Did you ask anyone else?”

“Mimi, Jea, and Hans all helped me look, but we couldn’t find it. That’s why I came looking for the angel.”

She must have been referring to the people who looked after her.

Alisa’s eyes began to fill with tears.

Watching her lips tremble as if she might burst into tears at any moment, Louis spoke up.

“Alright. I’ll help you look for it in place of the angel. So, no more tears!”

“No… more tears!”

Alisa wiped her large, teary eyes with her sleeve in a rough motion and took a deep breath, as if trying to calm herself.

Louis lightly patted her head before standing up.

“Lead the way.”

He hadn’t expected to end up using his strength for something like this, but if Alisa clung to Vivian and became a nuisance, that would be just as bothersome.

Whatever it was she was looking for, he figured he’d better find it quickly so he could enjoy the honeymoon in peace.

“Okay!”

“You should say ‘Yes.’”

“Yes!”

Alisa began walking ahead with a cheerful bounce in her step.

Her twin pigtails swayed playfully as she moved.