The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 56

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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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Atilenta’s Revenge: A Contract Marriage, Episode 56
He seemed like a most gracious and tender husband, perfectly at ease with his surroundings.
Henrik had always been this way in public, but seeing it now made me oddly self-conscious, my whole body tensing without reason.
“The fact that Your Highness is here with me—that alone brings me the greatest joy.”
Barsha was watching intently, so I reached out to take his arm gently and we stepped into the villa together.
“Ah, but the Duke’s mother—the Queen—has been occupied with state affairs of late and could not attend.”
It was exactly as I had anticipated. Of course Henrik’s mother, the Queen, would not be present either.
“And the Minister Rescha has been absorbed in managing both domestic and foreign affairs.”
Though Henrik himself was equally occupied with such duties.
Barsha smiled brightly and gestured toward the mountain of gifts piled high in the corner.
“Yet they have sent gifts for you, Duke. And there are many more preparations arranged, so I do hope you will forgive any shortcomings.”
“How could I ever harbor any disrespect toward His Majesty, Princess? It is truly an honor that even in such busy times, a gift should be sent. I am deeply grateful.”
She led us forward with an unwavering smile. The interior of the villa was striking at every turn. Even the dining table was furnished with an exotic rattan style quite unlike anything seen in the palace.
“If there is any music you prefer, please feel free to say so.”
At Barsha’s signal, the musicians began to play with practiced precision.
“Then let us enjoy without restraint, Atilenta.”
Henrik, seated beside me, spoke softly.
In this unfamiliar atmosphere, I savored the fine seafood of this land, the light music as gentle as the whisper of distant waves creating an air of perfect leisure.
Through the transparent windows, white sunlight streamed in, illuminating the blue sky, the glittering sea, and the broken shimmer of light upon the water.
“Would you care for a drink? The aroma is quite exquisite—I think you would enjoy it.”
Sipping the sweet wine Henrik offered, I played the part of someone truly on holiday by the sea.
Yet a thought crept in unbidden.
Once I had mentioned wishing to see the sea, and Antonio had promised he would take me.
I nearly laughed bitterly. Instead, I stuffed a piece of tender steak into my mouth and swallowed the past along with it.
Even in this beautiful place, my mind was fixed on the object of my revenge.
Like waves spreading endlessly across the horizon, a melancholy washed over me. My heart envied pure, untainted passion, and relationships built on deep trust, yet—
I glanced sideways at the man beside me. Henrik, always composed and impeccable. He had expressed his feelings with sincerity toward me.
“Does it please you?”
Henrik asked after my thoughts, and I nodded as though content.
What was love given with a whole heart to someone like me?
I drank the sweet wine again, swallowing it as though it were bitter medicine.
There was no need to revisit the reality I already knew. Here at this gathering, the Duke of Biavubia had brought his daughter like a bird cradled in his palm, standing before Henrik.
“Your Highness, Your Royal Highness. The Duke of Biavubia presents his respects.”
I leaned my head gently on Henrik’s shoulder and looked down at the man offering his courtesies.
“I offer felicitations on this Birthday Celebration, and pray that the blessings of Bwendia may shine upon you.”
“May blessings and glory attend upon Biavubia House as well.”
He was an elderly man with thick black hair, quite unlike his daughter. Even from his bearing alone, one could see he had gained considerable experience in the field.
I had seen him several times during the various celebrations since arriving here, but I still found him difficult to warm to.
“I trust the gift my daughter presented to you last time met with your approval. This time I have prepared something equally fine and befitting Your Highness, though I confess my daughter lent her eye to the selection. Ha ha.”
This was precisely the sort of flattery he excelled at—and the way he mentioned his daughter to Henrik seemed so natural, as though he were simply a doting father.
As if all the warnings Tatra had shown me meant nothing, and as if he had never breathed a word about the hunting tournament.
It was absurd, but I maintained the gentle demeanor of a princess and replied accordingly.
“Duke of Biavubia, I am well aware of your daughter’s refined taste.”
“It pales before the discernment of Your Highness. I only hope that you will continue to guide my daughter with such wisdom.”
I offered Tatra a benevolent smile as well.
Nearby stood the young lady of the Iasha Family as always. And with her, the handmaiden who limped slightly on one leg. Was her injury genuinely painful, then?
“My consort has always been gracious by nature. There is nothing for you to fear, Duke.”
Before my thoughts could drift further, Henrik gently steered the conversation.
“Your words do me honor, Highness. I and my daughter shall make the most of this celebration, always grateful for your magnanimity.”
The Duke and his daughter withdrew with quiet dignity, fully understanding Henrik’s intent. As Tatra turned away, I felt her cast a glance back toward us—tinged with jealousy.
I nestled against Henrik like a gentle creature, and he enclosed my shoulders without gap or space. We must have looked like a perfectly matched couple.
After finishing dessert, Henrik rose from his seat. When I looked up, he spoke softly.
“I have something to attend to, so I shall step away for a time. You will remain with Barsha.”
“As you wish, Your Highness.”
A sudden premonition struck me. What was this? Had he perhaps prepared a separate gift for my birthday?
“It is good to see that you are well, Your Highness.”
In that moment, Barsha leaned in very close and whispered.
“Truth be told, I was rather worried at first.”
When I murmured back in equally hushed tones, expressing my confusion, Barsha’s expression grew embarrassed.
“My brother has always had excellent judgment, but still—to hear that he would marry someone from a foreign land where we had no familiarity… I confess I had my doubts.”
Her concern was entirely justified. I understood well enough, and so I offered my agreement without reservation.
“I believe that’s quite possible, Your Highness.”
“Yes, but things are different now. Your Highness. We’ve grown so close, and we share so many celebrations together.”
Barsha’s gentle hand caressed the back of mine.
“As I mentioned before, my brother is terribly busy…… so I had hoped he would find peace. It may be selfish of me, but I don’t think it was an idle wish. Now, the two of you seem like a model couple to everyone. And this isn’t just my own opinion.”
I could feel it as I watched Barsha’s expression—serene and luminous, like white waves.
“That’s why I’m truly happy…….”
Truly, they were affectionate siblings. Cherishing each other with genuine hearts.
Ah, how I envied that…….
Her sincerity didn’t merely touch my heart—it shook me to my core, like an advancing tide.
Caught in that powerful current, I wanted to clench my teeth. Even after swearing never to trust another soul, I crumbled so helplessly.
“Oh, by the way. You haven’t seen the balcony of the room you’ll be using tonight, have you? The view is quite remarkable. You should look forward to it.”
“Your Highness is most thoughtful. I confess I’ve been so absorbed in the beautiful scenery and the excellent feast that I haven’t yet had a chance to explore.”
Barsha gently grasped my wrist, pulling as though she might lift me to my feet at any moment.
“If you’re free now…… do come and see.”
Her expression, bright with anticipation, made it seem like a most appealing invitation. The hall was crowded and noisy—a quiet space to gather my thoughts would be welcome. And it was only right to indulge Barsha.
I glanced cautiously around before slowly ascending the staircase at the edge of the hall.
The room Barsha had mentioned lay in the uppermost floor of the villa. Even in the corridor, with its snowy curtains cascading down, the scent of the sea drifted thick. The air was crisp and salty—quite remarkable, I thought.
“Oh…….”
The bedroom I entered was overflowing with flowers—like a magnificent garden. The beauty drew an involuntary gasp from me. To find such a sight here. This must be Barsha’s handiwork.
Brushing past the exotic furnishings, I stepped directly onto the balcony. Between curtains that hung like pristine clouds, the sea lay spread before me in all its expanse.
Since coming here, my heart had wandered—melancholy one moment, confused the next, endlessly turbulent. Yet faced with this beautiful, refreshing, magnificent vista, I could not help but lose myself in wonder.
“I had always longed for this…….”
Even in those innocent days, I had harbored such yearning. The sea truly possessed such majestic beauty that a single person’s sorrows seemed small by comparison.
Then I heard the door creak open, and I turned at once.
“Atilenta.”
A man emerged through the pristine curtains onto the balcony and approached me.
Henrik.
A man I would recognize in an instant, no matter how far away he stood.
My heart seemed to plummet.

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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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