Basil entered Rihannan’s cabin with a brisk stride, prepared to seize the dark-haired creature by the ankle if necessary. This was the perfect opportunity to win Rihannan’s favor. Soon, she would ascend to the throne as Arundell’s queen. And when that moment arrived… well, it would be time to switch sides.
Meanwhile, Igor harbored unfinished business with Rihannan. He grumbled, his lips parting to speak, but Basil interjected hastily, “Your Majesty, if you have concluded your affairs, let us depart!”
Igor’s sharp gaze shot daggers at Basil for his sudden interruption. Faced with his resentful stare, Basil inwardly clicked his tongue.
“I am only assisting you. Remaining here any longer will only worsen your situation, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please follow me,” Basil implored, his tone proud and resolute.
Under Basil’s persistent urging, Igor reluctantly relented. He ground his teeth and bid Rihannan, “Rest well.”
And so, Igor exited the cabin dejectedly. As soon as Basil closed the door behind him, he attempted to make a swift escape but found himself ensnared by the neck.
“Oh, ha-ha… Your Majesty, it is you. Just calm down and let me explain…”
Unperturbed by Basil’s desperate plea, Igor emitted a demonic chuckle and declared, “Do not worry. I will listen to whatever you have to say throughout the night, Basil.”
***
A few days later, the ship reached the port of Arundell. The trio disembarked and stepped into a waiting carriage. Rihannan did not inquire about their destination. She assumed they would head straight to Edirne, the capital city.
As she gazed at the passing scenery, Rihannan’s mind became consumed with conflicting emotions. Not only had she returned to the place she had hoped to avoid, but she also felt a surge of frustration at the thought of encountering the people in the palace.
The late queen, though she cared for Rihannan, remained an enigma. She had been the only person in Rihannan’s life who stood by her side and offered support, yet their relationship had always been complex. Rihannan knew that if the queen were to turn her back, her life would be utterly bleak.
And the aristocratic nobles… They would undoubtedly become thorns in her side, more so than ever before. Her current circumstances were no better than her past life. If she were to make a misstep, she would undoubtedly become their prey.
“How troublesome…”
Rihannan’s past had been riddled with failed relationships as she yearned for love and affection from others. However, this time, she did not desire love. She did not want to be loved nor did she wish to bear the burdens that came with it. She longed for respite.
“Will I be able to lead a different life this time…?”
Worries plagued her troubled mind until sleep gradually enveloped her. When she awoke, she experienced a sense of comfort. Although she was certain she had leaned her head against the carriage wall in an uncomfortable position, it felt strangely reminiscent of lying on a plush bed.
Gentle, affectionate fingers caressed her hair, and only one man came to mind.
“…..Dimi?”
The touch ceased immediately.
Rihannan, partially awake, fluttered her eyes open and realized she was reclining in the carriage seat, her head supported by something firm. When she turned her head, she met purple eyes gazing down at her, prompting her to jolt upright in panic, appalled to discover that she had unwittingly used his thighs as a pillow just moments ago.
“How could I…”
Before she had fallen asleep, she had been riding alone in the carriage. Yet, upon awakening, Igor stood before her.
“I opened the door a while ago to inform you that we had reached our destination, but you were asleep. You seemed uncomfortable, so I offered my lap for a brief respite. That is all.”
“Oh, I see. Thank you,” Rihannan replied, bowing her head and sweeping her disheveled hair behind her ear. “Where are we?”
The journey to the capital should have taken several days, making their arrival seem remarkably swift.
“If you are curious, look out the window.”
At Igor’s suggestion, Rihannan drew back the curtain.
“Ah…”
Her eyes trembled with emotion. Before her lay a landscape achingly familiar—the garden where she had frolicked as a child, adorned with evergreen trees and blooming flowers. The long chair nestled beneath the majestic oak tree, where she had often lost herself in books alongside her mother, remained unaltered. And beyond it stood the mansion.
It was her family estate…
“How…?”
As she stared at the view in astonishment, Igor explained, “You will not encounter them for some time. It is quite difficult to travel here from Edirne. This is also an opportune moment to pay your respects to your mother. Coincidentally, we find ourselves in close proximity to the harbor.” Igor disembarked first and then extended his hand to Rihannan, his smile faint. “Unfortunately, our schedule is tight, so we cannot spare much time. Go and greet your people. They miss you.”
“Lady Rihannan!”
As soon as Rihannan alighted from the carriage, a throng of people poured out of the mansion. Excitement rippled through the crowd upon seeing the carriage adorned with the royal seal. And then, their eyes fell upon a silver-haired woman stepping out of the carriage, her hand entwined with that of a man. Memories of their youth flooded their minds. She had grown… and she had returned.
“Oh, my lady, how could you not have given us advance notice…” Mrs. Burns, the head chef, enveloped Rihannan in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her face.
In her previous life, Mrs. Burns had watched over the young Rihannan until she was dismissed by the Count. Rihannan surveyed her surroundings and recognized familiar faces. They had remained.
“It has been such a long time, everyone,” Rihannan greeted them.
Indeed, a considerable amount of time had passed. Mrs. Burns’ hair, now slightly tinged with gray, concealed most of the signs of aging. Standing beside her was Tom, who had grown into a dependable young man.
This was a sight Rihannan had never beheld before. They had either departed or been driven away before she reached adulthood.
“You are all here… I did not expect you to stay…” Rihannan remarked.
“There is no one else in this world who rewards us as generously as you do. And Jeffrey can be quite a stubborn old man. Ah, I still struggle with him,” Mrs. Burns quipped, her remark laced with a touch of sarcasm. “He’s not getting any younger. He should learn to relax a bit.”
As Rihannan observed the chef, who never hesitated to make a snide remark about the butler, she burst into laughter. Some things never changed—Mrs. Burns and Jeffrey had always bickered, exchanging banter and opinions.
“Where is Jeffrey?” Rihannan inquired. “I do not see him anywhere.”
“He went out to inspect the land. He should be here shortly. Speaking of which… there he is.”
Rihannan turned her gaze and spotted Jeffrey in the distance. Astonishment flickered across his face upon glimpsing Rihannan’s silhouette. He hurried over without a moment’s hesitation.
“Lady Rihannan? Oh my goodness, it is you!” The elderly butler fumbled for a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I thought I was seeing things… Ha, my eyes must be failing me. But Miss, why did you not notify me in advance? Did you surprise me to test whether this old man was doing his job properly?”
“No, of course not. Mrs. Burns has informed me of your excellent work,” Rihannan replied, smiling.
Jeffrey exchanged a knowing glance with Mrs. Burns, well aware of her tendencies to criticize him. He then returned his attention to Rihannan, wearing a nervous expression. “But, Miss, that man behind you…”
At Jeffrey’s remark, Rihannan realized that she had forgotten to introduce Igor. She hastily lowered her head and apologized.
“Your Majesty, I apologize profusely. I was not thinking clearly…”
Her staff members were taken aback by her words. They had recognized the carriage bearing the royal seal, but they had never fathomed that the king himself would be accompanying her.
The employees, who had cl**tered around Rihannan moments ago, dispersed in an instant, forming two straight lines and bowing deeply. Their eyes darted anxiously in every direction, fearful of the consequences of neglecting the presence of a king.
“No, it is quite alright. I requested that you greet them,” Igor assured them.
The servants exhaled with relief.
The old butler hesitated, his lips opening and closing repeatedly. Summoning his remaining courage, he wiped the perspiration from his temples and inquired, “Miss, may I ask what is happening? Why is the king…”
In Rihannan’s stead, Igor responded, “She is to be wedded to me and become my wife.”
Basil entered Rihannan’s cabin with a brisk stride, prepared to seize the dark-haired creature by the ankle if necessary. This was the perfect opportunity to win Rihannan’s favor. Soon, she would ascend to the throne as Arundell’s queen. And when that moment arrived… well, it would be time to switch sides.
Meanwhile, Igor harbored unfinished business with Rihannan. He grumbled, his lips parting to speak, but Basil interjected hastily, “Your Majesty, if you have concluded your affairs, let us depart!”
Igor’s sharp gaze shot daggers at Basil for his sudden interruption. Faced with his resentful stare, Basil inwardly clicked his tongue.
“I am only assisting you. Remaining here any longer will only worsen your situation, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please follow me,” Basil implored, his tone proud and resolute.
Under Basil’s persistent urging, Igor reluctantly relented. He ground his teeth and bid Rihannan, “Rest well.”
And so, Igor exited the cabin dejectedly. As soon as Basil closed the door behind him, he attempted to make a swift escape but found himself ensnared by the neck.
“Oh, ha-ha… Your Majesty, it is you. Just calm down and let me explain…”
Unperturbed by Basil’s desperate plea, Igor emitted a demonic chuckle and declared, “Do not worry. I will listen to whatever you have to say throughout the night, Basil.”
***
A few days later, the ship reached the port of Arundell. The trio disembarked and stepped into a waiting carriage. Rihannan did not inquire about their destination. She assumed they would head straight to Edirne, the capital city.
As she gazed at the passing scenery, Rihannan’s mind became consumed with conflicting emotions. Not only had she returned to the place she had hoped to avoid, but she also felt a surge of frustration at the thought of encountering the people in the palace.
The late queen, though she cared for Rihannan, remained an enigma. She had been the only person in Rihannan’s life who stood by her side and offered support, yet their relationship had always been complex. Rihannan knew that if the queen were to turn her back, her life would be utterly bleak.
And the aristocratic nobles… They would undoubtedly become thorns in her side, more so than ever before. Her current circumstances were no better than her past life. If she were to make a misstep, she would undoubtedly become their prey.
“How troublesome…”
Rihannan’s past had been riddled with failed relationships as she yearned for love and affection from others. However, this time, she did not desire love. She did not want to be loved nor did she wish to bear the burdens that came with it. She longed for respite.
“Will I be able to lead a different life this time…?”
Worries plagued her troubled mind until sleep gradually enveloped her. When she awoke, she experienced a sense of comfort. Although she was certain she had leaned her head against the carriage wall in an uncomfortable position, it felt strangely reminiscent of lying on a plush bed.
Gentle, affectionate fingers caressed her hair, and only one man came to mind.
“…..Dimi?”
The touch ceased immediately.
Rihannan, partially awake, fluttered her eyes open and realized she was reclining in the carriage seat, her head supported by something firm. When she turned her head, she met purple eyes gazing down at her, prompting her to jolt upright in panic, appalled to discover that she had unwittingly used his thighs as a pillow just moments ago.
“How could I…”
Before she had fallen asleep, she had been riding alone in the carriage. Yet, upon awakening, Igor stood before her.
“I opened the door a while ago to inform you that we had reached our destination, but you were asleep. You seemed uncomfortable, so I offered my lap for a brief respite. That is all.”
“Oh, I see. Thank you,” Rihannan replied, bowing her head and sweeping her disheveled hair behind her ear. “Where are we?”
The journey to the capital should have taken several days, making their arrival seem remarkably swift.
“If you are curious, look out the window.”
At Igor’s suggestion, Rihannan drew back the curtain.
“Ah…”
Her eyes trembled with emotion. Before her lay a landscape achingly familiar—the garden where she had frolicked as a child, adorned with evergreen trees and blooming flowers. The long chair nestled beneath the majestic oak tree, where she had often lost herself in books alongside her mother, remained unaltered. And beyond it stood the mansion.
It was her family estate…
“How…?”
As she stared at the view in astonishment, Igor explained, “You will not encounter them for some time. It is quite difficult to travel here from Edirne. This is also an opportune moment to pay your respects to your mother. Coincidentally, we find ourselves in close proximity to the harbor.” Igor disembarked first and then extended his hand to Rihannan, his smile faint. “Unfortunately, our schedule is tight, so we cannot spare much time. Go and greet your people. They miss you.”
“Lady Rihannan!”
As soon as Rihannan alighted from the carriage, a throng of people poured out of the mansion. Excitement rippled through the crowd upon seeing the carriage adorned with the royal seal. And then, their eyes fell upon a silver-haired woman stepping out of the carriage, her hand entwined with that of a man. Memories of their youth flooded their minds. She had grown… and she had returned.
“Oh, my lady, how could you not have given us advance notice…” Mrs. Burns, the head chef, enveloped Rihannan in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her face.
In her previous life, Mrs. Burns had watched over the young Rihannan until she was dismissed by the Count. Rihannan surveyed her surroundings and recognized familiar faces. They had remained.
“It has been such a long time, everyone,” Rihannan greeted them.
Indeed, a considerable amount of time had passed. Mrs. Burns’ hair, now slightly tinged with gray, concealed most of the signs of aging. Standing beside her was Tom, who had grown into a dependable young man.
This was a sight Rihannan had never beheld before. They had either departed or been driven away before she reached adulthood.
“You are all here… I did not expect you to stay…” Rihannan remarked.
“There is no one else in this world who rewards us as generously as you do. And Jeffrey can be quite a stubborn old man. Ah, I still struggle with him,” Mrs. Burns quipped, her remark laced with a touch of sarcasm. “He’s not getting any younger. He should learn to relax a bit.”
As Rihannan observed the chef, who never hesitated to make a snide remark about the butler, she burst into laughter. Some things never changed—Mrs. Burns and Jeffrey had always bickered, exchanging banter and opinions.
“Where is Jeffrey?” Rihannan inquired. “I do not see him anywhere.”
“He went out to inspect the land. He should be here shortly. Speaking of which… there he is.”
Rihannan turned her gaze and spotted Jeffrey in the distance. Astonishment flickered across his face upon glimpsing Rihannan’s silhouette. He hurried over without a moment’s hesitation.
“Lady Rihannan? Oh my goodness, it is you!” The elderly butler fumbled for a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I thought I was seeing things… Ha, my eyes must be failing me. But Miss, why did you not notify me in advance? Did you surprise me to test whether this old man was doing his job properly?”
“No, of course not. Mrs. Burns has informed me of your excellent work,” Rihannan replied, smiling.
Jeffrey exchanged a knowing glance with Mrs. Burns, well aware of her tendencies to criticize him. He then returned his attention to Rihannan, wearing a nervous expression. “But, Miss, that man behind you…”
At Jeffrey’s remark, Rihannan realized that she had forgotten to introduce Igor. She hastily lowered her head and apologized.
“Your Majesty, I apologize profusely. I was not thinking clearly…”
Her staff members were taken aback by her words. They had recognized the carriage bearing the royal seal, but they had never fathomed that the king himself would be accompanying her.
The employees, who had cl**tered around Rihannan moments ago, dispersed in an instant, forming two straight lines and bowing deeply. Their eyes darted anxiously in every direction, fearful of the consequences of neglecting the presence of a king.
“No, it is quite alright. I requested that you greet them,” Igor assured them.
The servants exhaled with relief.
The old butler hesitated, his lips opening and closing repeatedly. Summoning his remaining courage, he wiped the perspiration from his temples and inquired, “Miss, may I ask what is happening? Why is the king…”
In Rihannan’s stead, Igor responded, “She is to be wedded to me and become my wife.”
