Tatiana bit her lower lip firmly, then smiled faintly and spoke again.

“When I received Your Highness’s proposal.”

Gideon stared at her for a while, seemingly surprised by the topic she had brought up. However, curious about what would follow, he soon nodded, as if urging her to continue.

Tatiana smiled softly. Her sparkling eyes seemed to ask, ‘Is it really okay to continue?’ She thought he would surely hate what she was about to say.

“I had feelings for Your Highness, but my expectations for our married life…… weren’t very high.”

Sure enough, his expression was somewhat bitter.

Although he had already sensed this from her attitude during their wedding preparations and early marriage, hearing it directly wasn’t particularly pleasant.

Tatiana added, as if explaining,

“It wasn’t because anything was wrong with Your Highness. It was my own attitude toward marriage. It would have been the same no matter whom I married.”

But Gideon liked that statement even less. “No matter who I married”? Even as a hypothetical, he thought she spoke too easily. He had never even considered anyone other than Tatiana.

Tatiana smiled apologetically seeing his disgruntled expression, but this was the unvarnished truth.

One’s impression of experiences they haven’t had is often influenced by the people around them who have already gone through those experiences.

The temperature and attitude of unmarried people toward marriage is significantly affected by married individuals and the parental generation. The increase in negative perceptions might be evidence that married life doesn’t appear particularly happy to them.

Humans all have selfish and calculating aspects; if something looks good and beneficial, they’ll do it without being pushed. If gold and treasures fall on the roadside, people will pick them up without being told. If they’re hungry, they’ll find a way to fill their stomachs.

In that respect, Tatiana’s impression of marriage was certainly not bad. Her parents had maintained a visibly happy marriage.

However, Tatiana had also noted one other thing, her parents would have lived wonderful lives in their own way even if they hadn’t married.

That’s what she focused on. That one must be able to stand firmly on one’s own.

Tatiana had seen many brides and grooms who were full of dreams before their weddings appear at parties just months or years later with faces full of worries.

How much had they staked on marriage? How greatly had they regarded their partners to be so disappointed and frustrated with reality?

“I just had that kind of wariness inside me. I think I consciously resolved not to place too many expectations on or become too dependent on marriage or a spouse.”

To make sufficient effort, but not to equate marriage with her sense of self. Not to entrust her self-esteem to it.

“I thought that way, my life itself wouldn’t be shaken even if things didn’t go my way or if something unpleasant happened.”

If she guarded against that absurd expectation of becoming happy through marriage, she thought she wouldn’t become unhappy because of it either. If she kept her center of gravity within herself, she wouldn’t collapse because of her partner.

In truth, the failure stories of many people had instilled caution and old-womanish concern in her.

Some might criticize this as an overly calculating attitude, but she believed this mindset would serve as a pillar for maintaining a successful marriage.

However, married life didn’t flow exactly as she had shallowly calculated and prepared for. Relationships are reciprocal, and her heart rippled whenever she felt his heart. Maintaining a distance to avoid getting hurt or adhering to an independent self didn’t always work.

But if asked whether she disliked how she sometimes rejoiced, sometimes felt disheartened, and experienced ups and downs because of Gideon, that wasn’t the case either. Rather, Tatiana…….

“Strangely enough. When I received the proposal, I had no expectation it would be like this…… but since marrying Your Highness, I’ve been happy quite often……”

Sometimes a single word from him warms her daily life. Despite the cold weather, it was bearable. Even after a tiring day, she found strength again. Because of love.

“So if I ever do something wrong, or if there’s anything that makes Your Highness uncomfortable, please tell me.”

“Why are you saying that? There’s nothing about you that makes me uncomfortable.”

“Just. In case.”

“……”

“As much as I’m happy, the person living with me should be happy too. Your Highness should also feel like this marriage was a good choice at least occasionally, right?”

Gideon was about to say something but hesitated, rubbing his forehead. Then he laughed with a “ha.”

For a beloved woman to say she’s happy being married to you is probably the highest praise a husband can hear. But she didn’t stop there; she was saying that he should be as happy as she is. She’s intelligent but somewhat foolish. In fact, he…….

“Titi. I’ve already…… become too happy.”

“……”

“I don’t ask for more as long as you stay by my side. I’ve felt that way since we got married. Really.”

Who would believe that they’re happy right now? Everyone would laugh and say it’s nonsense.

There’s truly nothing here. No magnificent castle, no soft bed, no warm blanket. Yet in this moment, Gideon and Tatiana felt an unparalleled spiritual fulfillment. They felt that even if they were placed in an even more wretched environment during their lives, it wouldn’t be so bad as long as they had each other.

Which meant that even if they went to a much more impressive place, without each other, they wouldn’t feel the same fulfillment they felt now. It meant that they had somehow become necessary and sufficient conditions for each other. Like trees that had grown with their roots and trunks intertwined, now inseparable.

Gideon caressed Tatiana’s cheek and then playfully poked it once.

Tatiana smiled lovingly, making her husband’s heart flutter, then suddenly said,

“Should I perform a sword dance for you after so long?”

“……Really?”

She must have been sincere about wanting to make her husband happy and joyful. Indeed. She was never one to make empty promises about such things.

Gideon didn’t decline. Fearing she might change her mind, he took her hand and led her outside before she could even answer.

The assassins were quietly moving in the darkness, preparing to depart.

Tatiana approached Kay as if seeking permission. Just 10 minutes, no, 5 minutes.

Kay looked puzzled, but as soon as she drew her sword, he immediately assumed a proper stance.

During the assassination attempt, Tatiana had heard that Kay had faced enemies while under a freeze spell, and she deeply regretted not being there.

In fact, Kay felt the same. He had only heard that the prince’s consort had perfected her master’s swordsmanship but hadn’t yet seen it himself.

Tatiana smiled at the assassins who had somehow formed a circle around her.

The frogs had gathered. But they were quiet frogs that rarely croaked. There was also a king frog and a poison frog in the middle.

She drew a long arc with her sword for all to see. First form, second form, third form. There was no hesitation, and she no longer appeared sorrowful or desperate. She looked as if she was truly enjoying holding a sword, just like in her childhood.

And Gideon, who was watching her, could sense one more thing. That was clearly Sir Bloom’s swordsmanship, but at the same time, it wasn’t. The roots were his, but new branches had grown in his daughter’s hands. It had become more beautiful and incredibly delicate.

Gideon could tell that Tatiana’s world had expanded in the meantime. It could now rightfully be called Tatiana’s own swordsmanship.

Kay felt a similar appreciation. He had sparred with the prince’s consort just days ago, but something was different now.

“Your skill has increased.”

That was the highest praise Kay could express within his usual manner of speaking. Brief and calm, but sincere.

However, sharp-eared Tatiana somehow overheard this and rolled her eyes.

‘That’s all you have to say after seeing this?’

She smiled meaningfully, saying she would surprise them more and make people even happier.

At that moment, exclamations of admiration burst from the lips of the usually taciturn assassins.

Blue roses sprouted and bloomed around them. Bloom’s symbol blossomed more fully with each swing of Tatiana’s sword.

And as she gasped for breath, completing the final chapter of her family’s swordsmanship, Scarlet came out of the tent rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“Oh, it’s so bright. What are you doing in the middle of the night? Having a party?”

She grumbled about being left out, but paused when she saw the flowers blooming in the dead of winter. Soon after, she exclaimed “Oh my!” and expressed her admiration freely.

Tatiana thought, that’s right, that’s the proper appreciation, and smiled contentedly, while the assassins silently turned away and resumed packing their belongings.

Everyone’s lips bore a subtle smile.

* * *

The group rode with the moonlight as their companion. They witnessed the whitish dawn and saw the red sun peeking over the horizon.

Throughout this time, the biting wind constantly brushed against their cheeks. It felt as if they would freeze solid if they didn’t keep moving their bodies continuously.

How long had they galloped across the barren land, using the rugged mountain range as their landmark? Reflecting the exclusive nature of its inhabitants toward outsiders, a tall and sturdy fortress appeared before the group.

It was the Northern Principality.

* * *