Chapter 29

Eileen thought she would stay at Ruby Palace. She assumed she and Kallian would spend their first night there. But instead, wearing a light dress and nightgown, she found herself in a carriage again.

“Where are we going? This wasn’t mentioned.”

“I only heard about it today, sorry Princess. From tonight, you’ll be staying at Rozalian Palace for a while.”

“Rozalian Palace?”

“Yes, that’s all I was told. The other maids will change and bring your things to Rozalian Palace, so don’t worry.”

Elisa, the most reserved maid, explained, leaving Eileen with nothing more to say. She was tired anyway. Eileen leaned back in the carriage seat, knowing there was no point in asking Elisa for reasons behind the sudden move.

At least she’d taken off the whalebone corset; otherwise, she might have fainted on the way to Rozalian Palace.

“You must be very tired. I’ll have a bath ready as soon as we arrive.”

“Yes, please.”

Eileen’s body shook like a paper doll every time the carriage jolted. She’d spent the whole banquet receiving congratulations, danced first with Kallian, then Adrian, then Leios. Adrian had glared at her, but Kallian had distracted him with conversation.

What had Leios said then? Something about meeting soon. Eileen thought it an odd thing to say on her wedding day, but she nodded, since everything had already happened and there was no reason not to answer.

“We’ve arrived, Princess.”

Lost in thought, Eileen hadn’t realized she’d fallen asleep. Elisa’s voice woke her abruptly.

The carriage door creaked open, and Elisa helped Eileen out. The brightly lit Rozalian Palace came into view. Eileen entered and naturally climbed to the third floor.

She’d visited since childhood, so she could find her room with her eyes closed.

“Would you like something to eat before your bath?”

“I am hungry… If His Highness comes, won’t he eat too?”

Eileen’s innocent question made Elisa blush for the first time. Elisa didn’t have much experience with romance or marriage, but she’d received plenty of training as a maid—including how to serve on a bride’s first night.

Elisa hesitated, wondering if she should say it directly, then finally spoke with a determined expression.

“Usually, on the first night of marriage, dinner is not served. Many fill their stomachs at the reception, and typically only simple snacks and wine are prepared for the night.”

“Wine?”

Eileen, who had never properly tasted alcohol, widened her eyes. Was she really supposed to drink on such a sacred night? She looked at Elisa with curiosity and confusion, prompting Elisa to quietly add further explanation.

“It’s said that many seek it to ease nerves before consummating the marriage. Of course, if you want food to fill your stomach at that time, I can prepare it for you…”

“…But?”

“B-but you might proceed with the relationship right away… So I think it would be best if you eat something now, Princess.”

Elisa, whose tone and expression were usually stiff, blushed deeply. Even though she was easygoing and calm, this topic was clearly embarrassing for the relatively young Elisa.

Likewise, the mention of starting the relationship immediately made Eileen’s face bloom like a pale pink flower. Naturally, she was so tired that she hadn’t really considered that she’d be expected to spend the night with Kallian.

“A-and!”

Was there more to say?

Eileen stared blankly at Elisa, who, now completely red-faced, nearly shouted.

“S-sometimes, couples don’t eat properly for a week…”

“For a week? Food?”

What could possibly keep someone from eating for a week? Eileen tilted her head, not grasping the meaning, and Elisa, face about to burst, answered tearfully.

“B-because they keep… being together inside…”

“……”

Eileen felt dizzy at the unexpected answer. Her mind was possessed by a mischievous spirit. The thought of spending a week together inside made her think of Kallian’s bare chest and his curved manhood.

Trying to shake off the intrusive images, Eileen hesitated, making small noises, then nodded to Elisa.

“Then I should eat something simple before bathing. Please prepare some food first, then I’ll wash.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Elisa nodded with equal seriousness and moved quickly. Eileen waited until Elisa was gone before slumping into a chair at the table in her room. After standing and greeting guests all day and dancing several times, her legs felt swollen and heavy.

Was she really supposed to do this for a whole week?

Eileen sighed, feeling overwhelmed. Soon, Elisa returned with warm bread, soup, and a lightly cooked beef steak.

“You even brought steak?”

“Well, you’ll need strength…”

Eileen blushed again at Elisa’s words and silently picked up her utensils. She felt like a knight preparing for battle, unable to laugh or cry.

After eating with resolve and bathing, Eileen was comforted to see the other maids had arrived. Of course, they wouldn’t join her in the bridal chamber, but spending the night at Rozalian Palace instead of Ruby Palace left her feeling unsettled.

“You look so beautiful, Princess.”

Eileen wore the dress Madame Katarina called her masterpiece, feeling embarrassed. Only the essential parts were covered with white cloth; the rest was nearly transparent. She wondered if it could even be called clothing. Every movement made the fabric ride up her thighs, leaving her almost n*ked.

But as all the maids praised her beauty, Eileen couldn’t ask for anything else and soon headed for the bridal chamber, followed by the maids.

“By the way, has His Highness arrived?”

“I saw his carriage arrive earlier, and the horses are resting.”

Eileen, covered in a large shawl, asked as she walked down the corridor, and Marianne replied that he’d arrived some time ago. At the news, Eileen’s heart began pounding wildly. Even though it wasn’t her first time, her body reacted with nervous excitement.

“I wish you the most wonderful first night, Princess.”

“…Thank you.”

“Have a lovely evening.”

That was the extent of Marianne’s farewell. The other maids also left brief goodbyes and bowed. By etiquette, maids could not spy on the bridal chamber, so they withdrew, leaving Eileen alone. Now it was up to Eileen to open the door and enter.

“…It’s nothing. I’ve already done this.”

Eileen spoke to herself, carefully grasped the bedroom door handle, and pushed. With a creak, the door opened and quickly shut behind her. The room was quiet, but the moonlight was so bright it wasn’t completely dark. As Eileen scanned the room, she noticed someone on the large canopy bed. It seemed Kallian was waiting for her. Eileen closed her eyes to prepare herself, then walked over.

But—

“…You look beautiful, Princess.”

“…!”

Eileen gasped, covering her mouth with her hand as she nearly collapsed. Sitting on the bed waiting for her was not Kallian, but—

“L-Leios…”

She whispered his name, and Leios approached with a happy smile. Just then, the bridal chamber door creaked open behind them. In a panic, Eileen rushed to Leios and pushed him away, fearing someone might discover him there—surely a disaster.

But the person entering seemed to know Leios was present, whistling casually as he spoke from behind Eileen.

“So beautiful, my bride.”

“K-Kallian. This is, I mean…”

If Kallian saw this, he’d surely think she’d brought Leios to Rozalian Palace herself. Anyone would think so. As Eileen turned hurriedly to explain, grabbing Kallian’s collar, he spoke first.

“Don’t be nervous, Eileen.”

“K-Kallian, I didn’t…”

“Tonight is the first night for the three of us.”

The three of them.

Eileen froze like a broken clock, staring at Kallian, then Leios. Both were smiling. It all felt like a staged play. Eileen stepped back.

“Kallian, does that mean you knew Leios was here…?”

“Of course. I invited him.”