The Kidnapped Prince is Mine Now - Chapter 46

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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 46
“…!”
I nearly shot to my feet in shock at the sight before me.
Within the Empire itself, there were perhaps only five individuals worthy of his bow.
Yet here was Rotar Eisenrit, lowering his head before the Belgrum—those branded as savages—in genuine apology.
In that moment, the elegant laughter of a woman echoed through the air.
[Hehe, I know you exhausted every ounce of patience just to keep from killing me. Honestly, I would’ve done the same in your position. Elise backed down.]
She was taking Rotar’s side?
Betrayal and relief crashed over me simultaneously at Shisha’s words.
I was about to spring up and refute every syllable she’d uttered.
[Ah, we’ve finally arrived.]
My body moved before my mind could process Shisha’s words.
As I lifted my gaze, the end of the endless tunnel came into view. And what emerged was—
“…!”
A vast underground expanse, open and boundless in all directions.
Dozens of Belgrum stood within it.
The one adorned in the most ornate garments raised an arm and cried out.
[The moment we received the signal to activate the train, we knew it was you, my Lord! Thank the heavens you’ve returned safely!]
[Thank the heavens you’ve returned safely!]
The metallic chorus of the Belgrum erupted in unison, their voices piercing the air.
Though the sound grated on my nerves, the meaning behind those words struck far deeper.
“…Lord?”
At my murmur, Shisha turned to face me and spoke.
[Welcome to my domain, my friends.]
“….”
Was this how the poor farmer felt upon opening the gourd filled with gold and silver treasures?
***
Hyimentel Lumenova. That was Shisha’s true name, the one I’d learned the moment we entered Lumektia.
“So what should I call you then? My Lord?”
[Just call me Shisha. You have the right to do so.]
“…Yes!”
Shisha was simply Shisha. A privilege I was genuinely honored to receive.
Shisha guided us to the Lord’s Castle. The hospitality that followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Even in thin silk garments, I felt no chill—the air was delightfully warm. Hot water flowed abundantly in the bathroom, perfect for bathing.
‘Is this magic stone thing just a scam?’
With mana, there seemed to be no country more comfortable to live in. Of course, assuming one actually possessed mana.
I’d attempted to channel my holy power to operate a few of the machines out of curiosity, but without success. Right. Drinking filtered water wasn’t exactly a contribution to anyone else’s welfare….
Meanwhile, Shisha had to leave the territory to address Lumektia’s political issues the moment her severe hand wound was treated.
[Your companions are likely still wandering the Snowy Mountains. I’ll send Golems and soldiers—write them a letter explaining the situation.]
[Oh, and you mentioned finding information here. I’ll have the scribes gather all records related to the barbarians beyond the Snowy Mountains. Though it will take some time.]
She dispatched the tasks before her with terrifying efficiency, and within two days, she departed for the Capital of Lumektia. Even by large train, the journey took several days, or so I was told.
And so, now. Rotar and I.
“…Ah, ahh!”
“Mmm, Elise….”
Yes, that’s what happened.
If I had to make excuses, the foreign castle where we stayed as the Lord’s honored guests was peaceful. There were no Empire people whose favor I needed to court, no monsters or beasts threatening our lives.
But that didn’t mean there was anything to do. Bringing in knights, organizing records related to Zaikas’s blessing—Shisha’s retainers handled it all.
Half a day was enough to tour the castle filled with complex magical machines. I’d considered venturing outside to see the territory, but… two races with such drastically different appearances would only invite unnecessary trouble. The emergence of what they’d consider savage barbarians would cause unwanted commotion.
So.
“Yes, ah, ahhhh!”
It meant that newlyweds with time on their hands didn’t have many options to choose from.
“Ah, mmm….”
I trembled with pleasure, my breathing ragged and uneven.
Rotar gathered the damp bed sheets and threw them to the floor. He lay back on the bed and pulled my sprawled body toward him.
“Elise.”
Rotar whispered my name as if forcing it out, his eyes languid.
He kissed me with a soft sound, then extended his tongue to lick my chin. One arm remained beneath my head while his other hand moved slowly across my flushed skin, kneading gently.
I’d meant to savor the drowsy sensation, but the moment our eyes met, the atmosphere threatened to ignite again. I hastily pulled away.
“I’ll die at this rate.”
“…Understood.”
Those longing eyes were useless. He looked like nothing more than a lion who’d lost his prey.
Rotar pulled my retreating body snugly back into his embrace and held me firmly. A small sound escaped me as if in protest, but the arm wrapped around my back showed no sign of loosening.
Rotar rested his chin on the crown of my head and opened his mouth.
“Since arriving here, I’ve been thinking.”
“About what?”
As I struggled against the suffocation, the strength constraining my upper body eased slightly.
“Peace, coexistence…. The stories that Lord Shisha shared with me.”
“Ah. I remember now.”
I nodded, struck by the realization that Rotar had begun addressing Shisha with the honorific “Duke.” It was oddly surprising.
“To be honest, it felt rather abstract to me. In Elheim, where I was born and raised, I’ve never experienced such a moment even once.”
Yes, that made sense. I nodded lightly and raised my hand, tracing the bridge of his handsome nose with my index finger while studying his expression.
A man who had been viewed as an obstacle to the First Prince Faction from the moment of his birth, and a lifeline for countless others.
He had survived assassination attempts and bloody wars, clawing his way to this point—whether he wanted it or not, he was the one called “The Empire’s Sword.”
And it was this very Rotar before me who had even been kidnapped and forced into marriage by a mad Saint.
‘Though somehow it feels like ancient history now.’
His face appeared indifferent at first glance, but his thoughtful eyes gazed toward some distant place.
“And then?”
Since he wasn’t particularly talkative by nature, I guided the conversation by sliding my finger across his lips.
Touch. He naturally pressed his lips against my fingertip and continued speaking.
“It’s not an uplifting story. It’s just… I felt ashamed. I don’t regret the choices I’ve made thus far, but.”
“I see.”
I could guess what he meant. If only one could live with clean hands, like a noble scholar untainted by blood.
I slowly brushed back Rotar’s hair, which had grown noticeably longer since we first met. As his straight forehead and thick brows came into view, his already striking features became even more pronounced.
What would this man have become if he’d never been entangled in the Imperial Palace’s machinations and petty intrigues?
If he’d been born as a beloved heir to a moderately wealthy provincial noble house, or perhaps to an ordinary merchant family.
‘He might have smiled far more often than he does now.’
And he would never have met me.
We are bound by a fate that demands we stain our hands with blood simply to survive.
So I pressed my lips against his cheek and whispered.
“If you start comparing, there’s no end to it. Even here, if you look closely enough, things don’t run quite so perfectly.”
“Is that so.”
“It is. There must be problems unique to this place too. Low birth rates, aging populations, that sort of thing.”
“Pardon?”
“No, anyway, what I’m trying to say is.”
My words became muffled as I rubbed my lips against his rough skin. But I continued regardless.
“The Empire can change. If you make it so.”
In that moment, his deep green eyes widened.
“…Me, you say.”
“Yes. Once you become Emperor, you’ll wield absolute authority.”
As long as the monarchy persists, I’m not sure how much or what exactly could be changed.
But it would certainly be better than the Empire of the past, when Maximilian became Emperor.
Different too from when his greedy father ruled the Empire.
Yet when the topic of imperial authority arose, Rotar’s expression became noticeably more complex. He seemed both slightly excited and lost in deeper contemplation.
“What are you thinking so hard about.”
I playfully poked his cheek with my index finger and asked. It was a question thrown out without much thought.
But then.
“…Have you ever considered the life of an Empress, Elise?”
“Huh?”
I’d become the center of attention, entirely unintentionally.
Before I could help myself, I stood frozen with my mouth hanging open like a fool, then responded in a small voice.
“…No?”

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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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