The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 60

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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 Contract Marriage for Revenge — Episode 60
Henrik and I had excused ourselves early, but fortunately the banquet ended without incident.
I made sure to thank Barsha again for realizing the admiration I’d held since childhood.
Once back at the palace with Henrik, I went straight to the Mirror. It was an instinctive gesture.
But the moment my reflection appeared in that tarnished, worn glass—
“……Good heavens.”
Alone in my quiet chambers, I understood.
During that long, secret conversation with Henrik, I hadn’t thought of Antonio as much as I thought I would.
“……Is that a good thing, or isn’t it?”
Just until we’d arrived at the palace, I’d clung to Henrik. But now, standing alone like this, I’d fallen back into that tired, worn torment I knew too well.
“What am I even supposed to ask…….”
I polished the Mirror again, though it was already spotless.
This Mirror was supposed to be a guide to the future I desired.
And Henrik was merely a means to that future—a weapon perfectly suited for me to wield.
I wouldn’t regard him as my master and follow him passively. I would be the one to raise him to the throne.
I murmured this like a vow.
“I cannot forget this truth, no matter what.”
But deep down, I knew the situation had changed. I couldn’t deny the reality that I was now, in secret, acutely aware of him.
Was I dreaming of him never betraying me, of us forever together—just like that?
All because of some moderately intimate time we’d shared?
Without thinking, I shook my head.
“That can’t be…… it just can’t be. And it shouldn’t be.”
I had etched into my bones the memory of my foolish greed from the past. The reason I’d come all this way to a distant foreign land was to repay malice with malice—that singular resolve.
“But that doesn’t mean I want him to betray me either…….”
Finding myself changed yet unchanged, I clenched my fists so hard my nails left deep marks in my palms.
From the start, I had resolved firmly never to trust him completely, Atilenta.
But even that conviction now seemed to be wavering. I held back the sigh threatening to escape.
Yet one belief remained clear.
“He’s a man of steady ambition, after all.”
The truth was, becoming something special to him didn’t mean we’d become an ordinary couple like anyone else.
“And neither would I.”
So I couldn’t afford to fit him completely and wholly into the future I desired, permanently.
I was certain—absolutely certain—that times like those we spent together would recur, and that this anguish of mine wouldn’t end with just one instance. It was clear.
Because this is who I am.
“Henrik, you’ve certainly chosen a difficult woman.”
The moment the words tumbled out like a lament, a bitter smile crossed my lips.
What was I doing, pitying him? How dare I.
He doesn’t need anyone’s pity. He’s the sort of man who thrives without such things.
“Ah…….”
I swept my innocent hair back roughly, again and again.
Should I ask the Mirror right now what state Henrik is in?
“No, no matter what, I can’t do that…….”
The image of his satisfied expression as he looked at me came vividly to mind.
Yes, I was curious about him. I wanted to ask him something direct.
The unease that I might remain foolish didn’t fade easily, and in the end, I asked the Mirror about Henrik’s condition.
Will it feel like I can stay with him into the future?
Clear green light bloomed across the Mirror’s surface, and Henrik’s face appeared. Even though it was a reflection in a Mirror I had created, I found it difficult to meet his gaze directly.
Henrik appeared as he always did.
I shut my eyes tight.
The future held countless variables, and the Mirror was not omniscient.
After turbulent emotions had churned through me, I arrived at this conclusion.
I am far from perfect.
That’s why I was foolish enough to be deceived.
“……I’ll ask again later.”
Hesitating, I hid the Mirror away in my bosom once more. For now, I was still with him.
Even if things changed later.

* * *
If one were to call it that, it had been quite some time.
I had a dream—one that brought me no joy.
The massive trees crowding the space around me kept their distance, as if by design.
Strange murmuring voices drifted between dozens, hundreds of trees that seemed to draw near while radiating an alien chill. Yet they had no faces.
I told you to be careful…….
The words carried a clear warning, though whether they held regret or resignation, I couldn’t say.
After such a peculiar dream, I couldn’t bring myself to tell anyone what I’d seen.
That said, my days with Henrik didn’t change dramatically as a result.
Though they were different when we were alone together.
“Atilenta. Listen.”
During meals when knights and servants were present, he didn’t sit pressed against my side. He simply greeted me as usual, and we ate in calm surroundings.
“I do hope you enjoy your meal as well.”
“As it happens, one of your favorite dishes has been prepared.”
Yet his gaze and tone and gestures carried warmth—not the language of someone burning with desire, but rather a distance that struck precisely the right note given our audience.
Had he been the sort to fuss over me like a doting fool, I wouldn’t have known how to respond without embarrassing myself.
“I’d like you to offer Barsha some advice.”
As we were finishing the main course and moving to dessert, I turned to face him directly.
“How might I be of service to the princess, Your Highness?”
In name alone I was Princess Consort, though in truth the title was little more than an empty designation. Barsha, by contrast, seemed to possess every skill—the grace to lead a gathering, the ability to read the currents of high society, with nothing lacking.
Henrik rose from his seat and leaned close, his whisper barely audible.
“With your particular abilities.”
The attendants and knights who had been stationed nearby had already withdrawn. Still, I lowered my own voice to match his.
“……Wasn’t that something only Your Highness knew?”
Of course, when I’d confessed my mysterious magical abilities, Sir Krakup and the other knights had been present as well—but they were all directly Henrik’s men, so I had no reason for concern.
Even if the truth were to leak out, only Henrik had the authority to punish them for it.
Henrik nodded in agreement.
“No one has dared speak of it, naturally. It’s only that Barsha seems to have grown rather close to you of late. ……These days, whatever burden she carries appears quite heavy.”
I felt my lips part as if an exclamation were about to escape.
So he really is weak when it comes to his little sister.
“……I thought you were someone who suspects everything.”
He drew near and took my hand as though handling something precious, stroking it gently.
“It’s been only the two of us since childhood.”
He brushed me with that warmth, his face bearing a quiet smile.
I couldn’t refuse either his touch or his request. I’d already benefited too much from his goodwill.
“I shall do as you ask, Your Highness.”
I simply accepted it all.

* * *
The next day, Barsha visited Henrik’s palace. I received her in the sitting room, having prepared refreshments befitting a princess.
“Your Highness, welcome. I’m always the one calling on you, so I’m delighted you’ve come in person.”
“I was thrilled to hear that the Princess Consort would help me, even with everything keeping you so busy.”
The maid attending Barsha laid out various books and portfolios on the table. I glanced through them casually, mindful not to appear rude, and saw they contained illustrations of different artworks.
“The matter at hand is this—Princess Consort. You remember the exhibition you attended with me before, didn’t you? You seemed quite pleased with it, so I’ve come with a separate proposal.”

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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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