This Emperor Is Running a Marriage Scam - Chapter 259

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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 259

“It’s not merely durable. Etarium Thread is an extraordinarily rare mineral fiber.”
At Raven’s continued explanation, my jaw went slack.
Etarium Thread was so strong it could easily block Dragon Breath and all manner of toxic substances, and it was resilient enough not to snap under attacks infused with aura. On top of that, it was remarkably light, making it ideal material for crafting weapons and armor.
“It’s occasionally discovered during mining expeditions, but a single strand costs as much as a noble’s entire manor. Even the color varies depending on which mineral deposit it was mined from. I was collecting it to make a cloak for His Majesty.”
“Y-you used something so precious just to make a thread bracelet?”
As I stared at him with wide eyes, Bloden gestured to Raven to step back.
Raven, receiving silent reproach, lifted the corners of her mouth slightly before taking her leave. Bloden then drew my wrist—the one wearing the bracelet—toward him and kissed it, laughing.
“What better use could there be?”
“……?”
“I caught someone harder to catch than a dragon……”
The moment our eyes met, heat flooded my face.
‘When did he get so smooth?’
“Your cheeks are flushed. It’s beautiful.”
Was he really saying this to me right now?
“Stop trying to flirt and—what, what are you—”
My heart pounded so frantically that my words tangled of their own accord.
My face burned hotter, and I couldn’t bear to meet Bloden’s gaze any longer, so I quickened my pace.
“Hailey.”
There was honey dripping from his voice. I couldn’t understand why it felt so sweet.
“Where are you going in such a hurry?”
An inexplicable thirst drove me forward, but Bloden followed at my heels.
‘Oh no! I’m losing it! Why does this feel so good!’
If this kept up, my heart would explode.
‘I need to calm down first. I can barely breathe!’
It was then that festive music—a blend of lutes and violins, pipes and tambourines, hand drums—began to fill the distant town square.
A large bonfire blazed beneath the dimming dusk sky. Among the gathered crowd, some had begun drinking beer, while others clapped their hands or joined hands and spun in circles.
As more people gathered, it was unmistakably clear they were preparing for the Ilpein folk dance.
‘If I slip into that crowd, maybe I can distract myself.’
I quickly pointed toward where people were dancing.
“That looks so lively over there.”
“……Hmm?”
“The beer looks refreshing, and dancing together like that seems like it could be fun, doesn’t it?”
“You want to dance with the common folk?”
“Don’t you want to?”
Bloden stared at the dancing figures before answering.
“It’s not that, but I don’t know how commoners dance. I’ve never done it before.”
“Neither have I. But when else would we look like we fit in?”
Bloden let himself be led by me.
“Let’s watch for a bit first, and if it seems manageable, we can try it together.”
“I don’t like other men holding your hand.”
“Oh, come on. Everyone links hands together—how else would it work?”
I clapped enthusiastically as if deeply invested in their celebration, prodding the pouting Bloden to join in.
“What are you doing? You need to clap along—it makes the atmosphere better.”
Bloden, who had been watching me intently, soon relented with a rueful smile and began clapping in rhythm with the music.
‘Phew, at least I’ve temporarily sealed away that dangerously smooth charmer.’
I exhaled in relief and watched the dance unfold.
Men and women paired off, clapping once, then again, spinning in circles. They held hands and hopped lightly, moving along the circle while still twirling.
To the infectious rhythm, my shoulders and feet swayed naturally. Though energetic, the movements themselves weren’t difficult and were easy to pick up.
Moreover, I discovered something unexpected.
“It doesn’t look like they’re changing partners at all, does it?”
Just then, the dancers stomped their feet hard, and the man grabbed the woman’s waist, lifting her clean off the ground and spinning her once. Her skirt bloomed like a flower, then folded delicately as the man caught her and set her down gently, holding her close.
“Whoopee!”
The moment the man kissed the woman’s cheek, the crowd’s applause and cheers grew louder.
Among them, I could see other couples embracing sheepishly and laughing—the man lacked the strength to lift his partner off the ground.
‘Ah, it’s impressive, but the man might find it exhausting.’
It was then that—
“Hailey.”
Bloden seized my hand.
“This dance seems well worth doing.”
“Wh-what?”
“Come on. You said you wanted to dance together.”
I was swept into the dance in an instant, pulled along by Bloden’s hand.
The music swelled, the applause and cheers grew louder. The melody turned brighter, more spirited, and several more couples joined in. Everyone danced with newfound joy written across their faces.
‘Ah, the mood has truly ripened.’
Watching people laugh, I couldn’t help but smile too.
Facing Bloden, we clapped once, then again.
Spinning in rhythm with the music brought a thrill and lightness altogether different from what I’d felt at the Imperial Palace ball.
The crowd stamped their feet once more. Bloden’s hand found my waist, and suddenly my feet lifted from the ground as though gravity had no hold. The starlit night sky wheeled above my head. I felt the steady thrum of his heartbeat against my cheek as his lips brushed there.
The music soared, and under the stars, he whispered words I’d heard before—but my heart still lurched as though struck by a wave.
“I love you so much, Hailey. Let’s get married.”
“Wooow!”
Though he had confessed and proposed countless times before, my heart still trembled as if caught in a tidal surge.
The music ended, and the crowd gathered around us burst into cheers and applause for all of us dancers.
I was grateful the festival was so loud and chaotic.
It drowned out the sound of my racing heart.
‘If this keeps up, maybe I can hide how excited I am.’

That was a delusion from merely twenty minutes ago.
Thump-thump-thump-thump.
The Night Sea was so still, barely rippling, that two hearts beating at lethal levels of excitement couldn’t possibly hide it from each other.
After we’d left the dance, Bloden bought a small Fireworks Set from a stall. We came to the quiet Night Sea to set it off, sitting side by side—but he suddenly pulled me close and kissed me.
It was only a light peck, so I accepted it gladly enough.
I was naive.
In that moment, he caught my lower lip between his teeth and drew my breath in. His arms tightened, pulling me flush against him. Our lips sealed together, hot breath mingling.
When our lips parted for a moment, even in the darkness I felt the intensity of his gaze. Then they met again. The sensation sent my vision spinning, as if brilliant fireworks were erupting all around us.
‘Oh, what if tonight…….’
His persistent advance made it clear what was coming. I could feel heat rising through his body.
Just as I was about to suffocate in sweetness, Bloden’s palm slowly traced my back as he called my name.
“Hailey.”
“Your Majesty!”
Only when he spoke my name could I catch my breath. And in that instant, I felt a pang of regret.
‘At this rate, he’s going to devour me.’
Realizing how dangerous this was becoming, I forced myself to speak and break the mood.
“Wait, I thought we were supposed to watch the fireworks together.”
“Hmm, you didn’t see them?”
“What?”
“I was only looking at you.”
……
So those fireworks were just those fireworks?
“I’ll have to do better.”
‘What is this whispering voice doing to me?’
I have no idea why it sounds so seductive.
He gently nipped my earlobe, then his lips traced down my cheek and returned to mine.
“Well, I—I did see them, but—”
“They were beautiful.”
“Th-they were, but if someone sees us—mmph.”
He caught my lip lightly and laughed softly.
“It’s fine. There’s no one around.”
“But we’re outside… ah—”
Our lips met again, and my hands, which had made a token attempt at protest, were caught and intertwined with his.
My entire world narrowed to the sweetness he offered, the sensation like fireworks ignited by emotion bursting inside me.
Every fiber of my being was sending a signal.
The man before me was neither the Baron I had known nor the Bloden who called me sister.
Today, this man was mad for me. A truly dangerous predator.
‘I know. I know too. If I surrender now, there won’t be anything left of my heart.’
But I think I’m just as mad.
This beast was too magnificent for me to push away.
Just as she felt she might suffocate again, Bloden drew his lips away and asked in a voice still wet with desire.
“Hailey, will you come to my room?”

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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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