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nChapter 86 | A Difficult Request

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nRienne “Wha…..”

nIt all happened while she was asleep.

nRienne “When did this get finished?”

nThe entire bathroom had been redone.

nIt used to be so sparse, with only the water basin and a few discarded water buckets stacked to the side, but now the magnificent marble bathtub had been completely restored. In addition, there was now a large mirror, a vanity, and a spacious place for a more ornate water basin.

nA large brazier had even been installed in the bathroom so that hot water would be more readily available. All one needed to do was fill the bath with water and then light the brazier, and the water would become hot soon after.

nRienne “I’ve never seen anything like this before. It must be from another nation.”

nWearing only a towel, Rienne stood in front of the bathtub, curiously inspecting the strange device connecting the brazier to the tub. With anticipation in her heart, she took a step inside.

nMrs. Flambard told her that the best thing she could do for her body right now was soak in warm water, and she wasn’t wrong. The moment her entire body was submerged, a comfortable warmth spread all through her body.

nRienne “Hah….I love this so much.”

nShe’d forgotten how nice it was to have a bathtub.

nRienne leaned her back against the edge of the bathtub and closed her eyes. Already she could feel the once throbbing pain lazily melt away as she soaked.

nKnock, knock.

nSomeone was knocking at the door.

nBlack “Can I come in?”

nIt was Black.

nRienne “Ah…..Oh, hold on a moment. Yes, it’s fine.”

nRienne nodded, quickly making sure the towel was securely around her body. She barely had enough time to cover herself before the door opened and Black entered the room.

nRienne “Ah, don’t come too close. It’s embarrassing.”

nAs he confidently walked in, his steps faltered for just a moment when he heard her shy voice, causing him to smirk.

nBlack “If you say that, I’ll listen, but I don’t think you have any reason to be embarrassed anymore.”

nRienne “What are you talking about?”

nWith her back facing him, Rienne tilted her head towards him, occasionally turning her gaze away before going to look at him again. By this time, it was already nearly evening, so she actually hadn’t seen him in a long time.

nRienne “I only have a towel on and my face is really red right now.”

nBlack “You didn’t have a towel on last night.”

nRienne “No……but it was dark, at least.”

nBlack “The moon was very bright.”

nThis man really didn’t have an ounce of shame, somehow not even a little bit embarrassed, even when he said those kinds of things with such a proud voice.

nRienne “I only get more shy when you tease me like that. Maybe you should leave.”

nBlack “Actually, I think I might be misremembering things. It was very dark.”

nRienne “Is there any point in lying about that now?”

nBlack “Please let yourself be fooled just this once. I was waiting to see you all day long.”

nWhen you say things like that, I can’t really argue with you.

nBlack “Even then, I had to sneak in here. I didn’t want to be caught by those women.”

nThey told me you were intimidated by them. I suppose that was true.

nBlack “……Do I really have to go?”

n……….Of course not. I really wanted to see you, too.

nRienne “If you’re going to stay, then please stay behind me.”

nRienne smiled and sank back into the water. The moment he heard her approval, Black approached and sat near the bathtub, leaning his arms against the edges.

nAnd with a sigh, he immediately kissed her wet shoulder.

nBlack “I missed you.”

n…….I missed you, too.

nRienne “Where were you all day?”

nBlack “I walked around for a bit. They told me to stay away from the bedroom.”

nImagining Black actually being intimidated by those little old ladies, Rienne let out a soft giggle.

nRienne “Were you really that afraid of them?”

nBlack “The one I was afraid of was you, Princess.”

nMe?

nWhat would he have to fear from her?

nHe pulled his lips away from her shoulder only to gently kiss it again. From where he touched her, it spread a deep warmth all throughout her body.

nBlack “I was afraid you would be disappointed or angry with me because I couldn’t control myself.”

nWas that…..what he was worried about?

nThe memories of last night were already unforgettable, but Black managed to bring them back to mind so vividly with just a few words.

nHer body felt so warm from the water, but now she could feel a blush crawling up her neck.

nRienne “I don’t think it’s your fault alone.”

nBlack “I didn’t know you’d have such a hard time, but I should’ve known better than to lose my mind like that.”

nHis voice was so quiet and it sounded strangely weak, but now Rienne knew the reason why he felt so nervous.

nIt wasn’t because he got yelled at by a couple of old women. It was because of her.

nRienne “How could you have known? It was our first time doing that together.”

nBlack “Still, I got too excited last night.”

nHearing how powerless his voice was, Rienne reached her hand back, holding Black’s face in her palm.

nShe was curious what kind of face he was making, but she wasn’t very confident to look him in the eye right now.

nRienne “I don’t think so…..”

nRather than him being too excited, it might’ve been the other way around.

nIf she were to compare her feelings from last night to something, it was akin to riding a wave. A constant rush of passion crashing against her like a never ending torrent.

nIt was a feeling that was entirely inescapable, too. She never knew it was possible to experience such pleasure, or that there were so many places she could be touched that could elicit all those different sensations, granting an equally endless variety of pleasure.

nRienne’s face turned a bright crimson like a ripened fruit.

nBlack “I thought a lot about what I did.” (1)

nBlack ran his lips over and across her shoulders, and up along the nape of her neck, never slowing even as he spoke against her skin.

nRienne spoke back, letting out a thin sigh.

nRienne “So you say, and yet you keep kissing me.”

nBlack “It’s because I reflected on things.”

nRienne “Hm?”

nBlack “And now that I’ve considered things deeply, tonight will be different.”

nWhat…..? How does that count as reflection?

nRienne “I’m not sure you really reflected on things as much as you think you have.”

nBlack “You’ll see. You’ll be able to feel the difference.”

nIn other words, he was saying they would need to do it again for her to see the fruit of all his deep thinking.

nThis was bad. She was trying so hard not to laugh, but she couldn’t hold back her smile. Turning her head to the side, Rienne playfully tugged on Black’s ear.

nRienne “You truly are shameless. How will we face everyone tomorrow?”

nBlack “Is shame really necessary?”

nBlack took Rienne’s chin and pulled her forward, hastily overlapping their lips. Somehow, with her whole body submerged in warm water, this kiss tasted especially wonderful and blissfully intense.

nRienne “Ah, that’s enough…I haven’t finished bathing…”

nPressing her wet palms against Black’s chest, Rienne tried to push him back. If she didn’t stop things here, they would only continue to escalate.

nBlack “Can you please cut me some slack? It’s our first kiss today.”

nBut it had already lasted long enough, and she kept worrying about whether or not her towel would fall off if she moved too much.

nAnd to be honest, if he got too determined about this, they would be here long enough that she wouldn’t even notice if her towel ended up falling off, anyway.

nShe needed to stop him here while there was still time.

nRienne “I think you’ve kissed me enough.”

nBlack “No, I haven’t.”

nBlack cupped the back of her head, digging into their kiss more deeply.

nBlack “I’ll never get enough for as long as I live.”

nRienne “That’s…..Ah…..”

nBut despite her best efforts, she ended up giving in to him, and the kiss went on for so much longer.

nRienne “But….no more. I can’t oversleep again tomorrow…”

nBlack “We’re newlyweds, so it’s fine if you do.”

nRienne “Well….it’s my first time being a newlywed, so I wouldn’t know much.”

nBlack “If you don’t know, then just listen to me.”

nOh, he could be so stubborn when he wanted to be sometimes.

nHe was so good at listening to her when it came to everything else, but with this, talking to him was like speaking to a rock.

nRienne “I haven’t eaten yet.”

nBlack “Ah……”

nBut with those words, he fell away from her slowly.

nHer lips still felt hot from his kiss, but left behind were far too many lingering emotions—desires left unfulfilled.

nAnd ringing in his voice was an overwhelming sense of displeasure.

nBlack “I guess I can’t be stubborn anymore.”

nSo he was aware of his own stubbornness.

nBlack “Come out once you’re finished. I’ll have a meal prepared.”

nIt was amazing how even the way he stood up seemed displeased and disappointed.

nRienne “Before you go, I have a favor I’d like to ask.”

nJust as he got to his feet, Rienne reached out, taking his hand and linking her fingers around his.

nBlack “Ask away.”

nRienne “Kiss me once more before you go? Just a quick one.”

nBlack looked down at her with an expression that was somehow both a smile and a frown.

nBlack “Do you have any idea how difficult of a request that is?”

nRienne “Yes, but I know you’ll still listen.”

nThat’s when Black lowered his body back down.

nJust as one might’ve thought, ‘just a quick one’ was a difficult request to grant.

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nDarren “Now’s my chance.”

nDarren murmured as he took in his appearance, reflected in the mirror.

nHis attendant stood to the side, handing him a shirt lined with golden adornments and a jewelry brooch.

nThe reflection of the Grand Prince of Alto was a polished one, sleeked to perfection with a refined and unmatched level of speech. He would be considered attractive to any woman, and this was something he never once doubted.

nDarren “It’s the day after the wedding ceremony. After the first night is usually when the regrets start to set in.”

nDarren smiled at himself in the mirror.

nHis attendant quietly helped him dress. Maybe there was someone else who could convince Darren otherwise, but he was quickly realizing that he was not someone the Grand Prince would listen to.

nDarren “The Princess didn’t come out of her bedroom all day, using the excuse that she overslept. If that’s not proof she regrets things, I don’t know what is.”

nAttendant “…….It is done, master.”

nDarren “Brush my hair again. It has to look good.”

nBut his hair was already entirely combed back with an expensive hair oil. Nonetheless, the attendant silently picked up the comb.

nDarren “What’s the best gift for a heartbroken lady?”

nAttendant “Well, jewelry is always a safe bet.”

nDarren “Yes, you’re right. Go pick something appropriate. Make sure it’s not too expensive, but eye-catching.”

nThe attendant quietly thought about how pointless this all was, like drinking hot tea after it’s gone cold, but he nodded along regardless.

nHe opened up the large travel trunk he had stored underneath the bed, taking a look at what jewels Darren had in his possession. Eventually, he settled on a lily shaped brooch made from a mixture of sapphires and opals. It looked like it would make a good gift for a woman.

nAttendant “What about this?”

nDarren “That’s nice. We’ll go with it.”

nThe attendant took the brooch, keeping it in a gift box.

nAfter that, Darren went to visit Rienne’s room with a jewelry box in hand—dressed up like a peacock in the attire most representative of the Duchy of Alto. (2)

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nPhermos was being faced with a very thankless situation.

nRight now, he was heading off towards the new inner sanctum of Black and Rienne.

nApparently, their late dinner was held not in the dining hall, but rather in the sanctum attached to their bedroom. Without even checking, Phermos knew the cruel reality of it—His Lord had no intention of coming out for the rest of the night.

nThey had so much work to do that had been delayed because of the ongoing wedding celebrations, and Phermos so desperately wanted to ask his Lord if he was trying to kill him with all these assignments.

nHowever, all of those complaints got stuck in his throat, and so Phermos did his best to endure the pain and suck up his sorrow.

nYes, he just got married. I can hold out for this long. If I dare bother him right now, I’ll only be inviting trouble into my life.

nBut as he was heading to the sanctum, he saw the Grand Prince of Alto, struggling just outside the door.

nIs he insane?

nWith a quick and keen eye, Phermos immediately understood what Darren was aiming for, all dressed up like a peacock with a jewelry box in hand.

nIt meant he had untoward business with Rienne.

nPhermos loudly clicked his tongue.

nHow stupid could he possibly be? Though Rienne was a human being with two arms, same as any other, there was one clear difference between her and other women.

nShe was the woman of his Lord.

nPhermos “What are you doing here?”

nWith Phermos’ loud voice calling out, Darren and his attendant both turned around in surprise.

nDarren “Oh, perfect. Let Princess Rienne know I’m here.”

nPhermos narrowed his eyes hearing Darren’s ridiculous request.

nPhermos “What business do you have with Princess Rienne at this hour?”

nDarren “That’s none of your concern. Just tell her.”

nPhermos “It is my concern. Anyone seeking an audience with my Lord falls under my jurisdiction.”

nDarren “I thought just your eyes were bad, but apparently your ears are, too. I told you, I’m here to see Princess Rienne.”

nPhermos “I heard you clearly. However, when they are together, there is hardly any point in distinguishing them.”

nDarren “…..Together?”

nDarren’s face stiffened clearly, and Phermos clicked his tongue again.

nPhermos “It’s dinnertime for them. It’s only natural they be together.”

nDarren “But what are they doing eating so late in the evening?”

nPhermos “It’s because the Princess had a late morning sleeping in. Shall I still inform them of your visit?”

nDarren “……..No. If that’s the case, then it’s no longer necessary.”

nThinking for a while, Darren stepped back.

nIt was just as Phermos thought. What Darren was planning on doing, wearing such colorful finery, was not something that could be done in Black’s presence.

nDarren “I’ll be back some other time.”

nPhermos “What’s that in your hand?”

nDarren’s expression turned unpleasant.

nDarren “It’s better if you don’t know.”

nSo it was definitely a jewel. Although Darren’s exploits with women were well known and certainly a colorful history, there were plenty who showed more interest in the jewels he carried.

nDarren was all too confident in his ability to woo a woman, but in Phermos’ eyes, the power of his wealth and status were major contributing factors.

nPhermos “Then you should be off. It’s late.”

nPhermos didn’t forget to lace his words with sarcasm as he roughly sent Darren on his way. And like his rough farewell, Darren immediately turned away and left.

nPhermos “Tch, not even a word of thanks. I’m due one, considering I just saved him from getting completely obliterated.”

nPhermos tapped on the door of the sanctum with a gentle knock, knock sound.

nPhermos “Sir, Princess—It’s me. May I enter?”

nBlack “………Come in.”

nHis answer was extremely delayed, but that was to be expected. The wedding was yesterday, and Black couldn’t even spend a second with Rienne for almost the entire day after.

nPhermos “Did you two eat well?”

nBut when he opened the door and entered the room, the first thing that came to mind was that it must be daytime rather than night. It was too bright for the sun to no longer be present.

nRienne’s face was so bright and happy, it made his eyes hurt.

nIt was probably for the best that Phermos managed to chase off Darren. If he hadn’t and the Grand Prince got to see that face, it would’ve been harder for him to disguise his unscrupulous intentions.

nLike Phermos thought long ago, his Lord and the Princess looked so good together, it was almost bothersome. Just being in the same room as them made him feel like a hindrance and a third wheel.

nCoughing awkwardly, Phermos decided to just get his business over with.

nPhermos “It’s late, so I’ll just say my piece quickly and disappear from your sight.”

nPhermos’ story wasn’t long.

nBut it was something they needed to hear.

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nT

/N: (1) The word he uses is 반성, which is a term specifically meaning ‘self-reflection’ or ‘introspection’. Usually used in circumstances where someone did something wrong, so they need to look back on what they did and what they could’ve done better.

n(2) The author is making a pun here. The word for Duke and peacock is the same, so the joke is that he is both the heir to the Duchy and wearing brightly colored clothing, similarly to how male peacocks have bright feathers to attract mates.

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