Red Riding Hood - Chapter 72

Cinq almost let out a sigh but managed to swallow it down. She pursed her lips tightly and politely pushed her husband away. Then, steadying her breathing, she said calmly,

“It’s… strange.”

At her blunt remark, Ylfus’s large eyes grew moist.

“Only strange?”

“……”

“You wouldn’t believe how much Mother scolded me. What was it she said? Oh yes—’When you two are together, you’ll look like Beauty and the Beast. At least try to look human!’ Then she dragged me to Jenna and had me stripped bare with wax and linen.”

Cinq looked puzzled.

“Beauty and the Beast? That’s not true. No one sees us that way.”

“Really?”

Reaching out, she gently stroked her husband’s smooth cheek and spoke in a kind voice.

“I like the fluffy wolf, too. You’re not beastly at all.”

Her words made Ylfus emit a low, growling purr from deep in his throat.

“Ah, Cinq, you’re so adorable.”

Though her words were meant to comfort him, they seemed to excite him instead.

Hurriedly withdrawing her hand, Cinq firmly added,

“I like both the fluffy wolf and the enchanted version of Ylfus. But right now, I need my husband to attend the banquet with me.”

At her warning, Ylfus let out a deep sigh before pulling her into a tight hug.

“Hmm, patience bears fruit.”

He then lifted his head and grinned.

“Alright, Cinq. Let’s go meet some old friends.”

Delighted by his cooperation, Cinq smiled brightly.

“Sounds good…!”

Ylfus extended his arm, and Cinq placed her hand lovingly on it.

Though her small stature made it seem as though she were clinging to him, to anyone watching, they appeared not as Beauty and the Beast but as a perfectly matched couple.

***

Ylfus’s ‘old friends’ consisted of local landowners, noble families, and knights. They were young men whose natural refinement was balanced with an approachable demeanor.

Ylfus introduced Cinq to them as though presenting a treasure.

“Friends, allow me to introduce my wife—Cinquerus Gracian.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The group’s eyes widened as they observed the young couple.

After the formal introductions, one of Ylfus’s closest friends, Lawrence, spoke up to address everyone’s curiosity.

“But Ylfus, what happened to your beard? Weren’t you the one who said shaving was a blow to your masculinity?”

Ylfus responded with a charming smile.

“I still dislike shaving. But what wouldn’t I do for my beloved wife? For today, I couldn’t stand the thought of looking like Beauty and the Beast.”

Indeed, if Ylfus had shown up as his usual rugged self, the couple might have resembled that fairytale pair.

Lawrence chuckled and said,

“Sorry to disappoint you, Ylfus, but you still look like Beauty and the Beast.”

“No way!”

Everyone laughed at the joke.

Lawrence’s wife, Emily, smiled kindly and said,

“I never realized how lively you are, Sir Gracian. Welcome back to Kalasca—and welcome to you as well, Madam.”

Other women in the group added with soft smiles,

“Welcome, Madam, to Kalasca.”

“Let’s be friends going forward.”

With her arm linked through Ylfus’s, Cinq smiled warmly and nodded.

***

That summer banquet at Kalasca’s lord’s castle was a resounding success.

Those who had worried about the future of the estate felt reassured as they saw the young lord, Ylfus, return home with his loving wife.

Of course, there were still those who viewed the common-born young madam with disdain.

But with the legendary Lantimos, a southern knight known for his heroic tales, the dignified Marianne from a noble knightly family, and the celebrated war hero Ylfus all fiercely protective of the petite mistress, there wasn’t a moment for anyone to send even a single scornful glance her way.

Yet there was one person simmering with anger at this unshakable support.

“This is absurd.”

“Katherine, what’s wrong?”

“Why did Sir Ylfus Gracian reject my marriage proposal only to marry some commoner? What am I lacking?”

Claire, who was eating peppermint sherbet from a silver dish, looked at Katherine with wide eyes.

“Wait, you had marriage talks with Sir Gracian?”

“Yes! My father sent proposals several times when we were younger, but he returned them all unopened. And now look! I had to settle for Baron Alonso instead…”