Chapter 38
“W-What, really?”
Diana asked in surprise. But then she mumbled with an uncomfortable look.
“Ah, but… Your Grace has the Lady Marquis you’ve promised a future to…”
“Fortunately for Your Highness, my engagement was called off just a short while ago.”
Of course, by sunrise tomorrow, the engagement would likely be mended. But there was no need to inform this woman, currently hesitating under a sudden and misplaced sense of morality.
“What? Even so… Wouldn’t that make it worse? Doing something like that with Your Grace, who must be hurting from a broken heart…”
Viern let out a short laugh at her words. ‘The pain of a broken heart’—what a supremely ill-fitting phrase for a man like Viern Erkman.
“Your Highness, there is no romantic affection between you and me. This is merely the ‘study’ you insist upon for gaining experience, isn’t it?”
He smoothly wrapped his hand around her pale ankle—the same one another man had touched moments ago—and let his thumb glide suggestively over the prominent bone. At the blatant touch, Diana’s body shuddered involuntarily.
“Study… yes, that’s true, but…”
“So, there is no problem. This is simply… a lesson.”
Viern found himself growing more impatient because of Diana’s inconveniently timed conscience. But he kept his true feelings hidden, speaking with cool finality.
“Just as I’ve taught you countless other things you need to survive in this world, this too is merely one part of that.”
Diana Rosenheir was a young beast I rescued from that burning tower, took in, raised, and taught myself. From how to read and write, to dressing, sleeping, and eating—every single rule for breathing and surviving in the world beyond that cramped spire was something I personally imparted. Therefore, the method of engaging with a man should also, rightfully, be taught by me.
Yes. This was preferable to letting her meet a man with depraved tastes and developing a warped sexuality. I would show her how people with ordinary dispositions share love, what normal, intimate union between people who genuinely care for each other truly is.
And then, perhaps, Diana might come to realize it. Just how abnormal Aisen is. That there is no need to strive to match the tastes of such a piece of trash.
“Mmh…”
Persuaded, Diana nodded.
“I’ll have someone summoned. Do not return to the banquet hall. Go back to your chambers and rest comfortably.”
He moved aside her discarded high-heeled shoes and slipped comfortable slippers onto her feet as he spoke.
“Then, tonight… I will come to you.”
Looking at her bewildered expression, swallowing nervously as she stared at him in the midst of this suddenly unfolding situation, Viern’s lips curled upward with deep satisfaction.
* * *
What did I think I was doing, making a promise like that?
Viern realized he had been far too impulsive. Perhaps he’d drunk too much and lost sound judgment for a moment.
And even now. Even as he was aware of his own impulsiveness, standing here having truly come to her, he felt like he was still incapable of proper reasoning.
Diana’s bedroom, formerly used by the Crown Prince, had a secret passage for emergencies. Late at night, to avoid prying eyes, Viern used that passage to find her.
Screech—
The wardrobe set into the wall slid to the side with a rusty scraping sound, revealing the hidden door. Diana, sitting on the bed, stared at the shadow of the man entering. She wore an uncharacteristically tense expression.
In the darkness, Viern quietly gritted his teeth. In the dim bedroom, with candles lighting the space around her, the sight of her sitting alone on the bed, waiting for him, made his chest itch strangely. It was an unfamiliar feeling, as if a soft feather was tickling his heart.
He forcibly ignored the alien sensation and slowly approached her.
Step, step.
His measured, elegant footsteps were followed by the soft rustle of the mattress shifting. Having climbed onto the bed, he called to her in a low voice.
“Your Highness.”
“Y-Yes.”
Her voice was trembling slightly. Perhaps because he was used to seeing her as a feisty kitten, her highly-strung demeanor now felt a little… cute.
“If your mind has changed, even now, please say so.”
Viern slowly reached out and brushed her hair aside. The Princess, who had washed after the long day’s events, carried a sweet fragrance.
“Your Highness said you didn’t mind who the partner was, but the first time is precious for everyone.”
Half of him said this hoping she would stop this impulsive decision, but the other half was genuine. He wanted to dissuade her, who had insisted on summoning him here without even knowing who she truly loved. He wanted to stop this woman’s foolish action, knowing she would cling to him again if she regained her memory…
“My mind… hasn’t changed.”
Diana looked at him with resolute eyes and answered. Seeing her unbreakable will, Viern let out a low sigh.
“Very well. If Your Highness’s wish is truly so.”
Viern moved his hand onto her clothes. Diana wore only a light cardigan over her bustier.
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