If I Were Reborn, I Wouldn’t Marry You - Chapter 119

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 119
“Welcome to the Arcadia Empire, Grand Duke Orcain.”
Prince greeted the Tervan delegation with a radiant smile.
Since this was a matter of considerable importance, he had prepared thoroughly, and his demeanor brimmed with confidence and composure.
He had dispatched the Knight Order and luxurious carriages to the harbor where the Tervan envoys arrived.
He had taken meticulous care to ensure their journey from the harbor to the Capital would be entirely pleasant, free from any inconvenience.
In fact, I myself, as Crown Prince, had even come to greet them upon their arrival in the Capital.
This was the utmost courtesy one could extend without appearing obsequious or deferential.
“Thank you for your generous hospitality.”
Grand Duke Orcain, as expected, responded with a satisfied smile despite the weariness etched across his face from the long journey.
Grand Duke Orcain, who led the delegation, was the youngest son of the Tervan Emperor.
The Emperor was now past sixty years old, while Grand Duke Orcain had just turned twenty—an age gap closer to that of grandfather and grandson.
Consequently, even the Tervan Emperor, renowned for his volatile temperament and fiery disposition, was known to be indulgent and lenient toward Grand Duke Orcain alone.
If I could only win over Grand Duke Orcain’s heart, establishing a peace accord would be a simple matter.
‘Winning over one thoughtless, naïve Grand Duke Orcain should be easy enough.’
However, Prince’s bright prospects soon darkened.
“By the way, when might I have the pleasure of meeting Prince Leonhardt?”
The problem was a question posed by Grand Duke Orcain with eager anticipation as they exchanged pleasantries.
Prince forced his expression to relax as it began to crumple, then asked carefully.
“What business do you have with that boy? Do you perhaps have some prior acquaintance?”
That was impossible.
Neither Grand Duke Orcain nor the red-eyed monster had ever left their respective countries.
Prince busily deduced possible connections between the two in his mind.
However, the reason that came from Grand Duke Orcain’s lips completely contradicted Prince’s expectations.
“I heard he has awakened an ability—a trace left by the divine itself. I simply wished to meet him once.”
The Jeffnos Religion was believed by approximately half the Continent’s population.
The other half followed the Mardian Religion, which revered Mardian, the twin sibling of Jeffnos, as their supreme deity. Though they differed only in which god they worshipped, they shared the same spiritual roots.
The Terban Empire was a nation where the majority of its population believed in the Mardian Religion, and Grand Duke Orcain was renowned as a devout follower of the Mardian faith.
Yet for some reason, Grand Duke Orcain appeared to harbor tremendous affection for the red-eyed monster.
Prince clenched his teeth, then forced his lips upward into a smile.
“Well, you see, that child is quite occupied with matters, I’m afraid.”
Prince deflected the conversation, unwilling to allow Leonhardt to steal even a shred of credit for the negotiations, but Grand Duke Orcain lacked perceptiveness.
“What a pity. Truth be told, the reason I accepted leading this delegation—despite being an idle wastrel—was precisely to meet him.”
His expression grew dejected, as though he had failed to meet his favorite opera singer.
The Tervan delegation members felt embarrassed by the candor of this well-bred youth, yet they smiled faintly nonetheless.
They resembled people who had just witnessed a child’s innocent antics.
‘And yet he’s of the Imperial Family, lacking all dignity and majesty.’
Prince inwardly clicked his tongue in reproach toward Grand Duke Orcain.
However, the feeling of being mired in filth did not improve in the slightest.
Since taking charge of the Tervan delegation and seeing matters progress smoothly, he had been in excellent spirits recently, but now everything seemed to have fallen apart.
Prince gathered what little patience remained and endured.
Yet he could manage only the bare minimum of time required to maintain propriety.
Unable to bear it any longer, Prince awkwardly concluded the reception for the Tervan delegation.
“I fear I’ve kept you distinguished guests far too long after your arduous journey. I’ve instructed the staff at the Separate Palace to prepare accommodations, so please retire and rest well.”
Grand Duke Orcain, who had been conversing with measured composure, accepted the suggestion with visibly delighted expression.
“Thank you. I was beginning to feel the fatigue of travel, truth be told.”
As if he’d been waiting for this moment, Prince watched the Grand Duke’s departing figure toward the Separate Palace and clenched his teeth hard.
Though considerable obligations remained on the schedule, Prince disregarded them entirely and made for the Underworld.
Unaware that the curious and travel-loving Grand Duke Orcain had disguised himself and ventured out alone to tour the Capital, evading the eyes of the delegation members and the Separate Palace servants.

* * *
A sharp intake of breath.
The sound was brief and audible.
Leonhardt, about to enter my room, froze with eyes wide and lips parted slightly.
Even I, who had observed him across countless years, had never seen such a foolish expression on his face.
I laughed loudly.
“Haha, Leon. What’s with that look?”
From the moment I heard Leonhardt was outside, I’d harbored quiet anticipation.
But I’d assumed that stoic Leonhardt would offer at most a single compliment: “You’re beautiful.”
His reaction, far more intense than expected, delighted me.
“Am I really that beautiful?”
I gathered the skirt fabric so the dress flared in a perfect circle, turned gracefully once to display it, then asked—and Leonhardt nodded with a dazed expression.
“Yes. You’re so beautiful.”
He looked as though lost in a dream.
With a hazy gaze and unblinking eyes fixed only on me, Leonhardt reached out very slowly and touched my arm gently.
As if to confirm I was neither illusion nor dream.
I laughed loudly once more.
This time, even the Maids could not suppress their laughter.
Soft giggles echoed through the room for quite some time.
The Maids, finally composing themselves, quietly slipped out and left us alone.
After confirming the last Maid had departed and the door was locked, I stepped close to Leonhardt and asked.
“Is it this moment that’s beautiful? Or was it more beautiful on our wedding day?”
Though partly meant as teasing, I was genuinely curious as well.
If I were to name the most beautiful moment of my life, it would be either our wedding day or now—I wondered which Leonhardt preferred.
Leonhardt gently touched the rose adorning my hair and, after deliberating for a very long time, answered.
“Both are beautiful.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Though his response wouldn’t have fully satisfied me regardless of which he chose, I pouted petulantly, pushing out my lips.
Leonhardt then watched my expression anxiously, as if wondering whether he’d answered incorrectly.
He seemed to believe there was a correct answer and he had failed to provide it.
That wasn’t quite it.
In truth, Leonhardt’s answer was the closest to correct.
Leonhardt added carefully.
“I mean it. You’re beautiful in every way—whether you’re cute, elegant, or radiant. Each version of you is lovely in its own right.”
I was genuinely moved that he could say something like that.
But there was one thing that nagged at me belatedly.
“Do you remember what I wore on our wedding day?”
Leonhardt answered with a deeply aggrieved expression.
“Of course I remember.”
He rattled off details from the smallest ornament to the style of my hair, and his account was precise.
He’d seemed so preoccupied with Prince’s declaration of war, yet he had been watching after all.
It was the moment I finally laid to rest a suspicion I’d harbored for quite some time.
I smiled with elegant restraint, careful not to reveal how pleased I felt.
But the ticklish warmth that bloomed in my chest made me irrational and impulsive.
Smack.
Unable to resist, I pressed my lips to Leonhardt’s cheek, leaving a vivid lipstick mark.
I drew out my handkerchief and gently wiped his cheek while whispering near his ear.
“You’re handsome too.”
Men’s adornments certainly had their limits compared to women’s.
Yet today, Leonhardt looked precisely twice as handsome as usual—as if he’d done something extraordinary.
I wished to commission a portrait to preserve this moment, but no painter could ever capture his beauty in full.
I gazed at him intently, as if burning today’s Leonhardt into my memory.
For a long while, until his ears flushed crimson under my heated gaze and he looked away first.
The Maids, who had grown impatient waiting outside, knocked loudly and insistently.
“Shall we go?”
Leonhardt extended his hand with relief, as though he’d found his escape route.
“Yes.”
I willingly released my bashful Leonhardt and placed my hand in his.
It was the most perfect debutante ball imaginable.
At least, until word arrived that Grand Duke Orcain, who had ventured out alone for an evening’s entertainment, had been discovered as a mutilated corpse in the Underworld.

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