Chapter 17

‘Is it alright to accept this?’

Eileen stared at the ring on her finger, feeling its surprising weight. She’d accepted it in a daze, but the large sapphire was, as it turned out, an heirloom of the Hyksar Imperial Family. When she heard it had been prepared by Kallian’s mother, the Empress, her expression grew heavy.

All afternoon, she tried on three dresses and helped choose Kallian’s formal wear, and without realizing it, Eileen forgot about Leios and simply enjoyed herself. Like a bride happily preparing for her wedding.

Realizing how happy she’d been, a heavy weight settled in her heart. From the moment she drew Leios into her room and accepted his feelings, she considered him her lover. But calling him a lover, wasn’t she acting more like one with Kallian? At that moment, she felt as if she could hear Leios’s wet voice somewhere.

‘You dance with the Prince, but spread yourself for me.’

It felt as if she were someone committing something illicit, and Eileen herself began to feel confused. If someone asked about her relationship with Kallian, she could answer clearly—they were to be married soon, soon to be husband and wife. Yet, having given her heart to Leios first, it was hard for her to simply enjoy these happy moments with Kallian.

‘So, this is…….’

What should she do? A shadow fell over Eileen’s face. Now, she had changed out of her elaborate dress into suitable street clothes, with a wide-brimmed hat to cover her face, strolling through the city hand in hand with Kallian.

“Is something making you uncomfortable, Eileen?”

“No, Your Highness. It’s just that this is my first time experiencing something like this.”

“Hm, I thought we agreed ten minutes ago you’d call me Kallian.”

Kallian suddenly bent down, his face appearing under the brim of her hat, startling Eileen so she stumbled back. Her delicate body wobbled when her shoe caught a small stone in the street, and Kallian quickly pulled her into his arms. Pressed against his lightly dressed chest, her arm touching his, Eileen tried not to think about the contact and turned her head.

“Oh dear, are you alright?”

“Ugh, how can you just show your face like that all of a sudden, I—no, Kallian.”

Eileen grumbled as she regained her balance in his arms, and Kallian laughed brightly and apologized to her.

“But if I don’t, I can’t see your face at all. This hat is terrifyingly large.”

“…Marianne did pick an excessively large one. I’m not the only blonde in the Kingdom, after all.”

At Eileen’s words, Kallian burst out laughing. It wasn’t the blonde hair, but her beauty that truly set her apart, though she seemed unaware. No wonder her maid had looked so worried as she left in the royal carriage. Kallian thought so and added, as if agreeing,

“I can see how worried your maid is. So I’ll take even better care of you.”

At Kallian’s playful answer, Eileen awkwardly touched the brim of her hat with her free hand, glancing up at his nearly bare attire. He had a noble face, but with his shirt unbuttoned, it was easy to see why women in the Empire never stopped chasing him.

The reason the two were dressed so lightly and out together was simply because Eileen couldn’t resist Kallian’s suggestion.

‘How about a real date today? Not as a Princess, but just as yourself.’

When Kallian had made that suggestion, Marianne had looked pale, desperately signaling Eileen, but she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

The twenty-year-old Princess had only ever seen the palace, the ballroom, and at most another noble’s townhouse. Especially since Queen Edna fell ill at sixteen, Adrian had shielded her even more. After the Queen was nearly poisoned, there was no way she’d be allowed out.

So, she’d naturally become confined, and couldn’t possibly pass up a chance like today.

“Riaton District, was it? This place is much more peaceful than Hyksar.”

“This is the best part of the capital. The maids say all the famous cake shops and restaurants are here, especially near the lakeside.”

“Lakeside?”

Kallian listened with interest, and Eileen, feeling proud, continued,

“Just like Riaton District, there’s a large lake in the center of the capital. It’s called Lake Criang, and it’s said to be very beautiful. Sometimes, fish are found there, and if you’re lucky, you might spot turtles sunbathing. Seeing a turtle is said to bring good fortune.”

Eileen chattered on about the lake. The hat brim was so big she couldn’t see well, but her red, cherry-like lips moved constantly, which Kallian watched with quiet interest. He could easily imagine how sweet they’d taste if he kissed them. Feeling a thirst rise within, Kallian smiled silently. At times like this, the Princess showed her youth.

“There are also many famous restaurants nearby. Not just famous, but so much so that even foreigners come to Staerfix for them.”

It was certainly different from Hyksar. The capital there had its own famous district, but at night it turned into a city of pleasure.

The Empire, expanded by war, had a constant slave trade, with nobles buying and selling beautiful slaves and indulging in drink and drugs. So, while elegant by day and perhaps more glamorous than Riaton, it was impossible to enjoy the city’s scenery so innocently.

“Eileen, have you been to the lake often?”

“…Well.”

Caught off guard by Kallian’s sudden question, Eileen pursed her lips and didn’t answer. Seeing her hesitate, Kallian’s eyes sparkled as he spoke.

“Then let’s go today, together.”

“…It’s quite a distance from here to Lake Criang.”

“If your feet hurt, I’ll carry you.”

“N-no, that won’t be necessary!”

This man seemed to think nothing of touching a woman, so different from Leios, and Eileen couldn’t help but get swept along by his words.

“Or… is it that you don’t want to go with me?”

“That’s not it! It’s just… Staerfix is much hotter than Hyksar. You’re already sweating…”

Unable to admit she couldn’t walk that far in heels, Eileen tried to subtly blame Kallian, but he saw through her innocent excuse and chuckled, nodding as if agreeing.

“It is hot. Then maybe we should call a cab and go. With a cool drink and some cake, the heat might pass.”

“…That would surely help you too, Kallian.”

Accepting his neat suggestion, Eileen nodded gracefully. Marianne had returned to the palace to help prepare for the wedding, but Lucan, Kallian’s attendant, overheard their conversation and quickly disappeared to fetch a cab.

“Lucan will have a carriage ready soon. In the meantime, shall we rest in the shade?”

Following Kallian’s lead, Eileen walked beneath a tree between buildings. She had tried on several dresses at Madame Katarina’s atelier and was tired, but the thought of going to Lake Criang lifted her spirits.

How she’d wanted to visit! Whenever Stella, Marianne, or other maids went out and brought back cakes, Eileen had always wished to go herself. But Adrian never allowed it, so she’d only vaguely hoped someday she’d get the chance.

Thanks to Kallian, that luck had come. Eileen smiled unconsciously, and Kallian, seeing her childlike delight, smiled as well. He had no idea what scheming thoughts he’d been having; seeing her so happy made him think it wouldn’t be hard to win her heart.

It was regrettable that her first time had been taken by another man, but in the end, Eileen would want him more. Just as all the women in Hyksar had wanted him.

While each was lost in their own thoughts, the sound of hooves thundered in the distance.

“…Oh, he’s already found one.”

Eileen spoke cheerfully, unaware that Kallian’s thoughts were different. The carriage showed no sign of stopping for them, racing straight ahead. As its speed increased, Kallian quickly shielded Eileen with his body, and her hat fell to the ground.

“K-Kallian! Eek!”

“Ugh. Hmph.”

The carriage sped past, kicking up a cloud of dust. To keep Eileen from breathing it in, Kallian held her close, taking the brunt of the dust himself. Eileen, completely enclosed in his arms, struggled to breathe.

Her lips ended up pressed against his chest, right between the open shirt, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Rather than feeling dirty, the scent of Kallian and the pounding of his heart made her feel a ticklish tension in her stomach.

“Cough!”

Kallian coughed loudly, and only after the dust settled did he release her. Eileen couldn’t hide her flushed face from their brief contact. A short silence hung between them.

“Ah…!”

Seeing Eileen’s tousled hair, wide eyes, and tightly closed lips, Kallian pulled her into his arms again. Knowing he’d done it to protect her, Eileen knew she should say something considerate, but her pounding heart made her dizzy.

Thump, thump, thump.

Eileen’s heart began beating in time with Kallian’s, thumping against her chest. Their bodies were close, and her full chest pressed against his sternum, making his lower body react, slowly rising.

“……”

“……”

Kallian was almost embarrassed by how quickly his body responded. The little Princess in his arms was that stimulating. Her shoulders were delicate and small, but her full chest pressed against him was soft and yielding, more than he’d imagined. If he tried to hold it in one hand, it would spill out between his fingers. His arousal grew under his thin trousers, swelling and pressing against something.

“……!”

Eileen, pressed close to him, shivered at the thick sensation against her upper thigh. Instinctively realizing what it was, she blushed like a ripe strawberry and tried to pull away. But Kallian didn’t let her go. Instead, he nudged his hips between her thighs, causing her short dress to ride up.

The clothes were made for the hot weather, thin and light. Feeling his arousal against her thigh, Eileen’s heart pounded as if it would burst.

Knowing she’d have to spend a night with him and bear his child was one thing; feeling a man’s body against hers was another. Unlike Leios’s rock-hard body, Kallian’s was firm but soft, and—

‘It’s… bent.’

Whether it was the clothes or just how he was made, Eileen couldn’t tell, but she was sure his arousal was curved like a hook, pulling up her dress and exposing more of her thigh.

“Ha, Eileen.”

“K-Kallian! P-please, let go.”

No matter what, they were in the middle of Riaton District. It was quieter than usual, and the shops were expensive, so few people walked here, but if anyone saw…

Eileen’s face crumpled, and Kallian loosened his grip on her shoulder. Feeling herself slip free, Eileen turned to face the tree trunk.

‘What do I do.’

With trembling hands, she straightened her wrinkled dress and picked up her hat, pulling it down over her head so no one could see her face. Only then did she turn to see Kallian’s lower body.

He was still looking at her, and his arousal was obvious, bulging like a weapon that might tear through his trousers.

Just then, another carriage approached slowly. If it wasn’t the one Lucan had fetched, Eileen thought she might have to pretend to faint. She couldn’t imagine facing Kallian after seeing that. Maybe it would be better to pretend to faint and go back to the palace.

Eileen squeezed her eyes shut, preparing to collapse, but—

“I’ve brought the carriage.”

With a screech, the cab stopped right in front of them, and Lucan, still catching his breath from running, prevented Eileen from fainting.

“Shall we go to the lake now?”

“…Yes.”

Eileen, having missed her chance to faint, replied quietly. Then, as if nothing had happened, Kallian took her hand and led her to the carriage. She couldn’t tell how she ended up in Kallian’s arms twice in one day, but one thing was certain—she could no longer think of Kallian’s presence as something simple or comfortable.