Chapter 80
“Brother! Why is the sky blue? Why do flowers bloom? Why is the sun round?”
The child followed him around all day, asking questions, playing pranks, overturning the office, and climbing into the unlit fireplace right after a bath, getting covered in ashes. It was similar to the puppy that the butler had once suggested he try raising. But never did he think of sending her back.
“Rosie, I love you more than anything in the world.”
At the end of the day, when he held the soft, warm body that nestled into his arms as they went to bed, he was overwhelmed by a feeling he had never experienced before. It felt like the aimless ship of his life had finally found a direction. This emotion, he believed, was undoubtedly love.
Could it be that realizing this noble feeling was the purpose of life? To keep someone who makes you feel this way by your side, to care for them, cherish them, and nurture them—perhaps that is one of the reasons humans endure this tedious life.
Whenever he was lost in thought, Iscarion would always contemplate this. As Rosen grew, this conviction became stronger and more certain.
“Isca, I didn’t love your mother at first.”
He had said nothing at the time, but now he could clearly offer his advice. His father was wrong. It wasn’t that his father didn’t love his mother at first sight, but rather that he had loved her from the very beginning without realizing it. The love he knew was not a trivial emotion that changed over time. It was something that existed steadfastly from the start, merely a matter of when one realized it.
His father’s mistakes were twofold. First, not recognizing the woman he loved so deeply at first sight, realizing he loved her too late. And second, not understanding what she truly wanted. If he really loved her, and she was a girl waiting for a prince on a white horse, he should have become the prince. If she wanted to conquer the world on horseback, he should have at least become the horse she rode on.
He would never make the same mistakes as his father. Fortunately, he recognized in time that Rosen was his match. If Rosen had wanted to become Empress, he would have gladly become Emperor, enduring even that burdensome position.
“Brother!”
He was deep in thought when he heard light footsteps tapping down the hall and the door behind him burst open. The only person who would enter his space without knocking was her.
Iscarion turned to Rosen with a faint smile.
“Rosie, you’re here?”
“Brother! Where have you been?”
“Just, for a moment.”
When he extended his arms, Rosen widened her eyes and obediently came into his embrace. She had said she would change into more comfortable clothes as the reception was wrapping up, and though he thought it might take a while, she had returned quickly and was now looking for him.
“But are you going to keep calling me that?”
Though his tone was playful, he felt her body stiffen in his arms. Perhaps she was unconsciously recalling the harsh ‘education’ he had given her, as she asked in a small voice,
“…Grand Duke?”
“Not that.”
Holding her close, Iscarion chuckled lightly and whispered,
“We’re married now. Call me by my name.”
“Your name? That still feels a bit awkward…”
“Then at least in bed, okay?”
“Mmh, alright…we’ll see.”
When he gently nibbled on her tiny ear, her body reacted by flushing red along her neckline. The tips of her toes, peeking from beneath her dress, came together.
He could tell her legs were wet even without lifting her skirt and touching her intimately. It was the natural result of the consistent lessons he had given. It seemed she had learned something from the ‘bridal lessons’ as well.
‘…Maybe it wasn’t just bridal education or groom education, but bride and groom education together.’
Just as he was lost in his idle thoughts, Rosen took advantage of his distraction to pinch his arm and slip out of his embrace. She darted away, sticking out her tongue at him from a safe distance.
“Dummy.”
“…Rosie.”
Had anyone else done this to him, he wouldn’t have let them live. But now, he found it more amusing than anything else. Though he was strict with rewards and punishments, Rosen was always an exception.
Iscarion realized that the feeling spreading through his chest was unmistakable love. Recognizing his one true love, making her see him, and finally nurturing their mutual feelings—this was the noble purpose of life…
“Hurry up! …Isca.”
“Yes, I’m coming, sweetheart.”
Smiling at Rosen’s playful gestures, he moved towards her with joy.
The one he would love even at the end of his life.
His one and only exception.
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