A Blend of Romance and Fantasy - Chapter 36

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

36.
“Yes. The Guard Knight mentioned he was concerned about it.”
“I understand that ring has been worn by the Myers Duchess for generations.”
Leonard Blake’s crimson eyes betrayed his displeasure.
“That’s right. So I won’t wear it. What I mean is, Cedric will be by my side from now on, so you can stop worrying.”
“….”
After a long silence, he returned to his seat.
“You’re truly worthy of being the male lead—capable, handsome, a master swordsman, wealthy, and intelligent. What’s your flaw?”
Well… a cold and indifferent personality?
But it wouldn’t be right to gossip about someone who follows me, and besides, that temperament wasn’t something he chose for himself.
“Perhaps there isn’t one. Isn’t the male lead of a romance fantasy novel perfection itself?”
“Then why haven’t you fallen in love with him?”
“Cough!”
The sudden question caught me off guard, and I choked on my water.
“W-well… I’ve just been busy with many things. There hasn’t been much reason for me and Cedric to become entangled.”
“There will be plenty of opportunities going forward, so it’s possible.”
“Why are you asking such things? Cedric has no interest in me.”
“Isn’t that the typical story—people think that way, and then love blossoms…”
“Pardon?”
“Never mind.”
What was he muttering about? I frowned, but Leonard Blake didn’t bring up the subject again.
“I’m telling you in advance—even if the Duke follows as your guardian knight, don’t be too close to him. The Blake Imperial Family won’t view such behavior favorably.”
“Do they see it as improper?”
“Yes. Moreover, Demian will be searching for reasons why you want to marry me. You must continue to act as though you’ve fallen in love with me.”
Was it just my imagination that his tone suddenly felt stiff and cold? His behavior seemed to have become irritable as well.
Whenever Cedric’s name came up, he acted like this, and it worried me.
“Leonard, did something bad happen between you and Cedric?”
“Nothing like that. Or did I say something inappropriate?”
“No, what you said is right. It’s just a feeling I have.”
“It’s a misunderstanding. Even if you remarried Cedric Myers after everything is over, I wouldn’t think anything of it. Rather…”
Leonard Blake gazed at me quietly, then smiled faintly.
“If you’re happy, that would be good. At least you’d certainly be happier in Sincester than in Blake.”
“Ah, yes. I suppose so.”
“Then shall we finish eating?”
As if on cue, William called for Leonard Blake from outside.
Leonard Blake extended his hand to me. It was clearly meant to escort me, yet his hand looked oddly cold.
* * *
After returning to the Princess Palace and attending to my duties, Erdan sent word that I should come to the Altar of Sacred Blood alone in the evening.
When I entered the altar, Erdan stood before the sacred platform.
Dressed in pure white ceremonial robes and wearing a golden crown, Erdan looked truly noble.
Erdan, noticing my arrival, gestured for me to approach the Altar.
“Charlotte, come here.”
Strangely, Erdan’s gaze was different from usual—sharp and resolute.
“Brother?”
Erdan, who had been staring intently at the Altar, turned his attention toward me.
“…You have always sacrificed yourself for Sincester.”
“Goodness. Did you call me here just to say that? Brother, this time I’m going to the Sixth Prince because I love him.”
“Yet in the end, you will save Sincester. Just as you did with Knox Glaston before.”
Erdan caressed my cheek tenderly and spoke my name with affection.
“Charlotte.”
“Brother, why are you doing this?”
I gently took the hand that was touching my cheek.
“I have always cherished and protected you, but now it seems the time has come to truly speak.”
“Speak about what?”
Erdan exhaled softly.
“Charlotte, could you kill a person?”
My breath caught at his sudden words.
I hoped it was a jest, but Erdan’s eyes were hard and cold.
“Blake is a world of survival of the fittest. The actions of Camilla, who came from the Reaper Organization, prove it—it is a place where one must be capable of great evil to survive.”
“…Brother.”
“You received a bow from Elisia. No matter how sacred an artifact it is, there may come a time when you must use it to harm others. You must be prepared for that.”
“….”
His fingers interlaced with mine, as if in prayer to the divine.
That poignant gesture pained my heart, yet guilt washed over me as well.
Ever since I possessed this body and resolved to eliminate Knox Glaston, I had already made that resolve.
I gripped Erdan’s hand firmly and spoke.
“Brother, you witnessed the Knox Glaston incident yourself. I am not as weak as you fear.”
“Of course I know you are strong. But when you go to Blake, neither I nor Aurora will be at your side….”
“Instead, Cedric Myers and Leonard Blake will be there.”
“Charlotte.”
“Don’t worry. I will surely survive even in that cold imperial court.”
At my words, Erdan suddenly pulled me into his embrace.
“Will I be able to see you again?”
“Don’t say such things. I won’t be trapped in Blake forever—I’ll visit often.”
Besides, I will return. Absolutely.
With that silent vow, I wrapped my arms around Erdan’s waist and held him tightly in return.
* * *
The month-long Banquet was drawing to a close.
During that time, I had entertained the guests appropriately, and at night I had strategized with Leonard Blake about what lay ahead.
I also kept watch over Camilla, but aside from the first day, she showed no unusual behavior.
It seemed to be the effect of noticing that the White Owls had followed me when I left the Guest Palace and moved about.
The sacred relic, too, showed no particular change except for one instance.
In the meantime, the day to finally depart Sincester drew near.
* * *
“Blake has so many imperial daughters and empresses and concubines, but surely Your Highness is the most beautiful?”
Dorothy’s face, chattering away in the Powder Room, was flushed as always.
Abigail, who was placing a pin studded with diamonds on my head, clicked her tongue.
“Miss Dorothy, you’re so fortunate. You seem to have no worries at all.”
“What do you mean, Mrs. Everhart? I have my own concerns too!”
“What concerns? Worried the food in Blake won’t suit your palate? Worried you won’t be able to marry because there aren’t any decent handsome men?”
“Gasp. How did you know that…?”
Seeing the two of them as usual, the tension I’d been holding since morning melted away.
“I’m really grateful you’re both going with me. Blake isn’t even a nearby kingdom.”
“What are you saying? Though it may sound presumptuous, Your Highness is like my own child.”
“That’s right. Who else would go with you if we didn’t?”
“Yes… I’m truly grateful.”
That was when it happened.
A knock sounded from outside, followed by the flustered voices of knights.
“What is the matter?”
“The Blake Prince has arrived. He wishes to escort Your Highness, he says…”
Abigail seemed flustered, but spoke in a composed voice.
“Tell him that in the Holy Kingdom, the bride and groom cannot walk together until before the Holy Temple.”
“But this isn’t a formal wedding ceremony at the Holy Temple, is it?”
Leonard Blake’s deep voice followed Abigail’s words.
According to Sincester’s customs, an international wedding for a princess is held in the groom’s nation.
Therefore, I was to ride in a carriage with Leonard, circle the Capital of Sincester once, and then teleport to Blake.
“It’s merely going to where the carriage is. Grant me the honor of escorting my fiancée at my side.”
“But…”
“Abigail, it’s fine. Open the door.”
Abigail hesitated for a moment but had the knight open the door.
Leonard, who entered without hesitation, was stunningly handsome.
I’d grown so accustomed to him that I’d forgotten, but he truly was excessively beautiful.
His dazzling white ceremonial robes clung perfectly to his angular shoulders, revealing his toned waist and chest in full.
His legs, glimpsed beneath the cape that fluttered with each movement, were firm as steel, and the hand holding his sword was undeniably masculine.
Hair the vivid color of blood and skin pure as snow, with features as sharp as a sculpture.
Yet what was most extraordinary of all was his eyes.
Those crimson eyes, so bright they stole one’s breath merely to meet them, held an inexplicable loneliness.
Such a perfect man was to be my husband.
Had the circumstances been peaceful, I would surely have been screaming silently with rapturous ecstasy.
But this was merely a loveless contractual marriage.
“Sigh, I never thought I’d be having these kinds of thoughts, and I’m not even the heroine.”
“What thoughts are you referring to?”
“It’s nothing.”
I rose from my seat and naturally linked my arm through his.
The fragrance of the perfume I’d gifted him not long ago tickled the tip of my nose.
Just as my heart was about to flutter, I realized where he was heading and let out a sigh.
“Leonard Blake, we’re not going there.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————