What I Gained by Giving My Body - Chapter 3.5

‘Because… he doesn’t see me as an equal…….’

To a god who only needs to leave this world as soon as he receives his power back, wouldn’t an ordinary human be nothing more than a toy to play with and throw away? Thinking so, she could somewhat understand his cruelty. And also the fact that all she could do was cater to his whims.

So Caitlyn did not resist. It was an act that had already lost its purpose and meaning, but she had no choice but to endure with the single thought that she must not offend the Archduke’s mood. So even when the Archduke made her crawl on all fours and mounted her like a rutting dog, she didn’t utter a single word of protest. More than the shameful posture, it was harder to feel her insides being pierced as his c**k entered even deeper.

The carriage was filled with obscene sounds and smells. She didn’t want to admit it, but it wasn’t just Archduke Akbar’s desire that melted into the air. Because from a certain point, Caitlyn also had nothing left but instinct.

Finally, Roxias Akbar pulled away from her. It was only after he had completely satisfied his own greed. Naturally, her cursed foresight hadn’t faded in the slightest.

In the silence, Caitlyn looked at her reflection in the carriage window. She was a mess. More so than at any moment she had shared a body with Archduke Akbar before. Her lips were all red and swollen, her hair was disheveled, and her dress was torn in places. Feeling like she had become a beast rather than a human, Caitlyn’s heart felt even more wretched.

“You won’t want to show up in the ballroom again in that state…… and I doubt you’d want to go home either. If I were you.”

“…….”

Caitlyn bit her lip. What he wanted was clear. For Caitlyn to follow him to the Archduke’s mansion. To enter the domain of Roxias Akbar alone, where no one else could intrude… At the same time, Caitlyn felt it poignantly. The fact that she had no choice.

Just as Roxias Akbar had toyed with the fates of humans back when he was full of power, he now possessed the ability to handle her whereabouts as he pleased. Finally, Caitlyn nodded. It was exactly what the Archduke wanted.

* * *

Once the testimony of the waiting servant confirmed that the two would not be returning, the ballroom became noisy in an instant. It was because Princess Adelheid, who had essentially made a public proposal, was faced with an unprecedented situation.

“Did you see? Princess Adelheid’s face…….”

“His Grace the Archduke is also quite heartless. If he humbles her like that, what becomes of the Princess’s position?”

“I just hope it doesn’t become a diplomatic issue.”

Everyone whispered busily, but in reality, they hid their feelings of satisfaction. It was because public opinion regarding the Empress Dowager, who had abandoned all her duties and gone to her home country of Solaris, was very poor. Among them, the most exceptionally joyful person was definitely Princess Julia.

“Haha, to see the day I witness such a side of my uncle… Father should have been here.”

“……P-Princess.”

Princess Adelheid replied with a trembling voice.

“Is this situation fun for Your Highness……? I came to Britannia prepared to give up everything.”

“I wonder, Princess.”

Princess Julia replied with a bright smile. Since she had internally disliked this fragile princess who had charmed her father, the Emperor, in an instant, she couldn’t help but find all of this enjoyable.

“If you had done a little preliminary research before coming, such a thing wouldn’t have happened. I don’t know how it is in Solaris, but here in Britannia, we don’t publicly propose to a man who has a fiancée.”

“……Is it okay for a member of the Imperial family to marry a commoner in Britannia? I didn’t know because my education was lacking.”

This time, even the Princess had to search for the right words. It was because the fact that Caitlyn Hardick’s status was no different from a commoner was true. Nothing would look more pathetic than trying to argue with a baronet title acquired only a few generations ago. Just then.

“Everyone, show your respect! His Majesty the Emperor, and Her Majesty the Empress!”

Princess Julia turned and automatically paid her respects. No matter the relationship between parent and child, the laws of the Imperial family were strict. The very laws that would never make her the successor. The Emperor, who entered grandly holding the Empress’s hand, sat on the elaborately decorated seat of honor and then summoned his daughter with a gesture.

“Where is Roxias?”