Chapter 16

Madame Katarina had cleared out her atelier completely for today. She had prepared various fabrics that suited the Princess and several luxurious materials for the new Prince, waiting anxiously for the door to open. Soon, the bell rang and her beloved muse walked in, and Katarina rushed forward, curtsied deeply, and greeted them.

“Princess Eileen, and Your Highness the Prince, welcome. I am Madame Katarina.”

“It’s much larger than I expected.”

Kallian remarked, admiring the atelier. His pleasant baritone caught the ears of not only Katarina but all the staff bowing with her. This was the first time Katarina had seen the Prince in person, and as she sneaked a glance upward, she couldn’t help but part her lips and feel her heart pound.

Perfect!

They were a perfect, doll-like pair. She’d heard rumors of his looks, but also negative ones, so as a follower of Eileen, she’d privately downgraded her expectations of the Prince.

But just look at him! It would be hard to find a more perfect creation among the goddess’s works. He seemed at least twenty centimeters taller than Princess Eileen, with a cascade of star-like silver hair and a face so finely shaped it looked painted by a master. Yet, unlike his beautiful face, his body was solid and well-built.

Katarina could already imagine the firm, delicate muscles beneath his clothes. His bone structure was sturdy, and his profile strong. He must have trained in martial arts since childhood, or perhaps was simply born that way.

“This way, please. I’ve made every preparation to serve you both. I stake my honor as Madame Katarina on it.”

Seeing Katarina’s confident red hair, Eileen glanced at Kallian, who shrugged with a small smile, and the two entered the atelier’s inner room together. Originally reserved for VIPs, this area had been remodeled for the royal visit, with the finest sofas and tables and a wardrobe that stretched up to the second floor.

There was a changing area with large curtains that could be drawn open, so guests could enjoy watching the process. Naturally, Kallian sat on the sofa, and Katarina stood by Eileen’s side.

“Of course, ladies first. Princess, you are the flower of the wedding. Here, I’ve prepared a catalogue and a few sample dresses. They’re made to your usual size, but the details will be added!”

“My goodness, Madame. You made these dresses in such a short time?”

“It’s a royal celebration! Just being entrusted with your wedding dress is enough for me to die fulfilled—I couldn’t just sit and wait!”

As Katarina fussed over Eileen, and Eileen flustered, Kallian leaned back comfortably and laughed. It was his first time visiting a dress shop with a woman, and he found the scene rather pleasant. He sipped pre-prepared lemon madeleines and tea, waiting for Eileen.

There was much commotion. Eileen, with her maid Marianne, chose several dresses and decided to try one on. But the trouble started behind the curtain.

“…Oh my!”

Madame Katarina gasped at the sight of Eileen’s mottled skin. Eileen, knowing exactly what had surprised her, could only part her lips in silence. Marianne, quick-witted, poked Katarina’s side, but it seemed impossible to stop the already-shocked Madame.

“You two will be the most affectionate couple in Staerfix!”

Of course, unaware of Leios’s existence, Katarina assumed all the marks were Kallian’s doing. Her words even carried outside the curtain, reaching Kallian’s ears. He had no idea what was happening behind the curtain, but he could guess why Madame Katarina was saying such things.

‘…How flamboyant.’

He thought it would be amusing. After all, he’d chosen this marriage as an escape, and Eileen pleased him—she was more beautiful and clever than he’d expected, a perfect partner for a comfortable married life.

So even if she had a lover, it didn’t bother him. He even imagined the three of them together. Princess Eileen, spread wide between two men… The image in his mind was rather appealing.

But now, his gaze had grown cold. Imagining it was one thing; seeing another man’s marks on her was another. Kallian’s face hardened, and only his attendant Lucan nervously swallowed.

“So that’s how it is…”

While Eileen changed behind the curtain, Kallian thought. Sharing her wouldn’t be hard, but a predator’s instinct demanded to establish rank. Deep in thought, Kallian beckoned Lucan with a finger. Lucan approached, and Kallian whispered something.

‘Just in case, fetch a pen and paper for writing a letter.’

Lucan looked puzzled but quickly hid his expression and slipped out of the atelier. Kallian smirked and drummed his fingers on the table, waiting for Eileen.

“Are you ready, Your Highness?”

“Anytime.”

Katarina bustled out from behind the curtain, unable to hide her flushed cheeks. It was time for the Princess to appear. After exchanging glances with her staff and counting one, two, three, the curtains drew open with a swish.

“……”

“Oh……”

Everyone, hoping for a reaction from the Prince, looked at Kallian, but he said nothing. He simply stared at Eileen. As the situation grew awkward, everyone became uneasy. The Prince’s expression was so blank, even Katarina, who had expected a dramatic reaction, stiffened and watched. Eileen, to break the silence, carefully spoke.

“Is it… that strange?”

Only then did Kallian break his gaze and rise from his seat, slowly approaching her.

He still couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her hair, styled for the first time, the beautiful line of her neck, and the glossy silk below—she wore it all perfectly. The silk, gathered in pleats, hugged her slender waist below her gently rounded chest, and the flared skirt seemed to waft the scent of lilies.

Each passing second felt like an eternity.

What could he do? Kallian realized, in truth, he had truly fallen for Eileen.

As the onlookers watched in silence, they gasped at the Prince’s next gesture.

“Eileen.”

He knelt on one knee and kissed her bare hand, then took something from his pocket. A small, gold-trimmed box—surely containing what everyone imagined.

“I don’t think I’ve ever proposed to you directly. I always thought I’d do it someday, but I didn’t expect it to be today.”

“Y-Your Highness…”

“But it has to be now.”

Kallian’s low whisper wasn’t loud, but it rang through the room like a scene from the opera. Everyone present, including Eileen, held their breath.

“I’m honored to have such a beautiful bride. Will you accept this ring?”

With a click, the box opened. Kallian held out a ring set with a large, delicately cut sapphire before Eileen’s eyes. She hadn’t expected such a scene, and her eyes fluttered in confusion. To receive romantic proposals from two men in just a few days! Unable to answer, Eileen only blushed, and Kallian smoothly slid the ring onto her left hand. It fit as if made for her.

“Beautiful, truly.”

“…Th-thank you, Your Highness.”

“I wish you’d call me Kallian.”

He smiled playfully as he stood. One of the witnesses, unable to help themselves, started to applaud, and soon everyone joined in. The cheerful sound of clapping filled the atelier.

But no one noticed that Kallian’s gaze, though smiling, lingered on the faint red marks around Eileen’s chest in a beast-like way. Not even Eileen herself.