Chapter 59 - Sincere Apology Chapter 58 - Hostage Queen Chapter 57 - Affectionate King Chapter 56 - Igor’s Wish Chapter 55 - He Cares For You Chapter 54 - Basil Chapter 53 - Garden Check (19) Chapter 52 - Maidenhood Gone (19) Chapter 51 - Taste of Wine (19) Chapter 50 - Tradition Annulled Chapter 49 - Yearning Kiss Chapter 48 - You’re Beautiful Chapter 47 - Dimi Over You Chapter 46 - I’m Sorry, Rihannan Chapter 45 - The Truth Chapter 44 - Anastasia’s Daughter Chapter 43 - I Owe It to Her Chapter 42 - Igor’s Clumsiest Best Chapter 41 - Queen’s Palace Chapter 40 - Human Nature Chapter 39 - Igor’s Debt Chapter 38 - The Medicine Chapter 37 - Women Love Flowers Chapter 36 - Public Disgrace Chapter 35 - A Wife Who Does Not Love Chapter 34 - He Liked Her, After All Chapter 33 - Are You Crying? Chapter 32 - You’re My Wife, I’ll Protect You Chapter 31 - Mother's Grave Chapter 30 - Rihannan and Arundell Chapter 29 - Your Majesty, Please Get Out Chapter 28 - Suicidal Impulse Chapter 27 - Igor’s Regret Chapter 26 - But Divorce Me a Year Later Chapter 25 - Long Time No See Chapter 24 - I’ll Kill You Myself Chapter 23 - I’ll Be Alright Chapter 22 - A Favor Chapter 21 - Danil Lyurik Chapter 20 - A Future Worse Chapter 19 - Suffer the Same Fate Chapter 18 - New Man Chapter 17 - The Dream Chapter 16 - There Was a Time... Chapter 15 - Young King Chapter 14 - Years Later Chapter 13 - If She Did Her Job Properly… Chapter 12 - Of Chrichton Blood Chapter 11 - I Don’t Want To Marry Chapter 10 - Life In Her Belly Chapter 9 - Dimitri Priebius Chapter 8 - The First and Last Chapter 7 - Feared Queen Chapter 6 - Send Them Out Chapter 5 - Wanting His Love Chapter 4 - Get Out Chapter 3 - Hertia Cesca Chapter 2 - Loveless Marriage Chapter 1 - Golden Bird’s Feather
Igor fidgeted restlessly, his awkwardness catching Rihannan’s attention. She noticed his clumsy attempts at communication, though he didn’t appear to be forcing her to eat, despite giving off that impression. Speaking his thoughts proved challenging for him.
Rihannan stood there, amazed, her lips slightly parted in wonder.
After a brief moment of hesitation, she took a slice of meat and delicately cut it into small pieces before placing them in her mouth. It wasn’t terrible, but it left room for improvement.
“Um… how is the duchess?” Igor looked up, his aura brightening, and a faint smile graced his lips. “Let me know if she’s not up to par. I can recommend someone else.”
“No,” Rihannan shook her head, her eyes filled with sincerity. “Although we haven’t known each other for long, I’ve grown fond of the duchess. You need not worry.”
“I’m relieved to hear that. Despite her absence from the capital and noble society, she still holds her status and connections. She’ll be a valuable asset to you,” he said, twirling his fork absently.
Rihannan smiled softly. “Yes, I believe so.”
As she contemplated the thick book, she wondered whether she should inquire with the duchess about a certain Leticia Olbach. While it was possible the duchess might not have the answer, given her vast network, she might be able to shed some light on the matter.
“Rihannan, how are the wedding preparations coming along?”
“It hasn’t been too difficult. The duchess has been a tremendous help. I intend to keep it simple and discard anything unnecessary to save…”
“No,” Igor objected immediately, his voice resolute. “You need not worry about that. Clothes, accessories—whatever it may be, don’t concern yourself with the cost.”
“But I can’t afford it all… besides, spending so much for a temporary marriage is…”
Igor flinched at her words.
“If it’s about the preparations,” he hesitated, his eyes darting to her with a slightly perplexed expression before sighing. “We have already made a few arrangements.”
“Prepared in advance? What are they?”
“…You’ll see when the time comes. And if there’s anything else you need, don’t fret about the cost and purchase them without hesitation.”
Rihannan couldn’t resist his words. He was adamant, even stubborn. If that was the case, there was no need to refuse his well-intentioned offer.
“Very well then, I’ll do just that.”
Igor nodded. “Also, as you can see, the Queen’s Palace has undergone extensive repairs and renovations. If there’s anything that doesn’t suit your taste, feel free to make changes as you see fit.”
It almost sounded as if she would continue residing in the palace long after their planned divorce. However, Rihannan brushed off the thought and replied, “Of course.”
A faint, somber aura enveloped Igor upon hearing her brief response. Confusion etched across Rihannan’s face as she looked at him.
“Don’t you like it?” Igor raised an eyebrow, his voice slightly higher in pitch.
“What?”
“The… the changes… do you not approve?”
“No, I do like them. I discussed them with Basil.”
“Ah, I see. I noticed you laughing and enjoying your time with him…”
At his remark, Rihannan blinked.
“Huh?”
Was he sulking or something?
She recalled Basil’s words about Igor’s desire to showcase the changes made to the Queen’s Palace, only to be disappointed by the unfinished renovations. So… had he been sulking in a corner all this time? Did he need comforting?
“Thank you,” she said, her voice carrying a genuine tone. “I genuinely like it.”
Igor raised his head, his lips parting and his eyes trembling.
“Truly, I like it. Thank you.”
“I’m… glad.”
In that moment, his face softened, and a liberating smile graced his lips.
“Also, I’ll be away from the palace for two days,” he hastily announced, a tinge of nervousness evident. “I have to visit the State Department of Estate. It was pre-scheduled, and I didn’t anticipate you joining me in Arundell…”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind,” Rihannan replied.
“I won’t be gone for long. Don’t hesitate to seek the duchess’s assistance if you need anything. And in the meantime, there will be people eager to approach you. Decline all of them. We need not rush.”
That, too, was acceptable. She hadn’t planned on integrating into noble society until she had a thorough understanding of the current political landscape. She was well aware of the treacherous intricacies and complexities involved in dealing with unprepared political players.
She sighed softly, recalling the letter she had received from the late queen. The hardships she endured, caught in the middle of Hertia Cesca and Igor Cesca’s battles, were indeed troublesome. Taking the wrong path would yield the same outcome.
Yet, her reasoning was insufficient to ignore the late queen. Despite everything, the late queen had been the only person who consistently stood by her side. It was a fact she couldn’t overlook.
She was the late queen’s goddaughter, and it felt wrong to turn away from someone who had treated her kindly despite her numerous flaws.
And above all, Igor and his mother surely didn’t have a deeply fractured relationship despite their estrangement.
“Rihannan, do you have any other concerns?” Igor asked cautiously, noticing a slight crease on her forehead.
Rihannan offered a melancholic smile. “It’s nothing.”
Later that day, Rihannan penned a letter to the late queen. It was a formal rejection, expressing her heartfelt apologies for being unable to visit immediately. The letter conveyed her excitement and anticipation of visiting in the near future.
“Goodness… what is all this?” she muttered to herself.
The following day, after Igor’s departure, a multitude of offerings lay before her. Silk garments made from rare materials and exquisite accessories quietly adorned the table. It seemed Igor had spoken the truth—he had made preparations in advance.
Reluctantly, Rihannan had to admit that Igor never intended to drag her, the princess of Chrichton, along unwillingly and harm her. Otherwise, why would he have undertaken such extensive renovations for the princess at the Queen’s Palace?
“You won’t have to worry about the lack of jewelry for a while after the wedding, My Queen,” the duchess remarked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Rihannan chuckled. “That is certainly true.”
She picked up a beautifully tailored blue fabric. Although it appeared plain on the surface, its texture conveyed depth. The designer must have invested much thought into its composition.
“I don’t know why he chose to reveal this to me now… it would have been helpful to know earlier.”
It might have made it easier to decide on the items she needed for the preparations.
The duchess smiled. “Perhaps His Majesty felt embarrassed to express his thoughts openly.”
“Pardon?”
“Otherwise, why would he struggle so much to say anything while having so many gifts prepared for the woman he likes?” The duchess’s playful smile played across her lips.
Rihannan fell silent, contemplating the duchess’s words.
“My Queen, it’s not just women who experience shame and shyness. Furthermore, the king has never been involved in a romantic relationship before. This might be his first time giving a gift to a woman.”
“…No way.”
“Do you doubt me?” the duchess asked coyly. “I’m serious. I don’t know if you were aware, but many of us believed he was more inclined toward the same sex and had no interest in women.”
Just as Rihannan was about to respond, a knock echoed through the room.
One of the maids entered and delivered a message. “Your Majesty, the late queen’s lady-in-waiting has arrived and requests your presence.”
Rihannan and the duchess exchanged shocked glances. The retainer’s visit was unexpected.
“The late queen’s lady-in-waiting? Why now?” the duchess asked sharply.
Rihannan shared the same perplexity, tinged with a hint of bashfulness. It seemed the late queen was eagerly anticipating her visit sooner than Rihannan had anticipated.
“Your Majesty, what would you like to do?”
“Let her in,” Rihannan replied.
The late queen was not a person she could ignore. Rihannan owed her a great deal.
Soon, a familiar figure entered the room. She was the wife of Count Lausanne and had always remained loyal to the late queen. Countess Lausanne bowed respectfully.
“It has been a while, Your Majesty. Do you remember me?”
Rihannan nodded, her recollection somewhat hazy. The countess had always been quiet, seldom speaking. Yet, the late queen held her in high regard. In truth, she had managed the royal palace on behalf of the late queen, who was preoccupied with state and national affairs. The countess herself oversaw the matters within the palace.
“Of course. It has indeed been a while, Countess Lausanne.”
“I wish you a life filled with abundant blessings.”
“Thank you very much.”
While Rihannan and the countess exchanged formal pleasantries, the duchess regarded the countess disapprovingly.
Then, the countess turned her gaze to the duchess.
Chapter 59 - Sincere Apology Chapter 58 - Hostage Queen Chapter 57 - Affectionate King Chapter 56 - Igor’s Wish Chapter 55 - He Cares For You Chapter 54 - Basil Chapter 53 - Garden Check (19) Chapter 52 - Maidenhood Gone (19) Chapter 51 - Taste of Wine (19) Chapter 50 - Tradition Annulled Chapter 49 - Yearning Kiss Chapter 48 - You’re Beautiful Chapter 47 - Dimi Over You Chapter 46 - I’m Sorry, Rihannan Chapter 45 - The Truth Chapter 44 - Anastasia’s Daughter Chapter 43 - I Owe It to Her Chapter 42 - Igor’s Clumsiest Best Chapter 41 - Queen’s Palace Chapter 40 - Human Nature Chapter 39 - Igor’s Debt Chapter 38 - The Medicine Chapter 37 - Women Love Flowers Chapter 36 - Public Disgrace Chapter 35 - A Wife Who Does Not Love Chapter 34 - He Liked Her, After All Chapter 33 - Are You Crying? Chapter 32 - You’re My Wife, I’ll Protect You Chapter 31 - Mother's Grave Chapter 30 - Rihannan and Arundell Chapter 29 - Your Majesty, Please Get Out Chapter 28 - Suicidal Impulse Chapter 27 - Igor’s Regret Chapter 26 - But Divorce Me a Year Later Chapter 25 - Long Time No See Chapter 24 - I’ll Kill You Myself Chapter 23 - I’ll Be Alright Chapter 22 - A Favor Chapter 21 - Danil Lyurik Chapter 20 - A Future Worse Chapter 19 - Suffer the Same Fate Chapter 18 - New Man Chapter 17 - The Dream Chapter 16 - There Was a Time... Chapter 15 - Young King Chapter 14 - Years Later Chapter 13 - If She Did Her Job Properly… Chapter 12 - Of Chrichton Blood Chapter 11 - I Don’t Want To Marry Chapter 10 - Life In Her Belly Chapter 9 - Dimitri Priebius Chapter 8 - The First and Last Chapter 7 - Feared Queen Chapter 6 - Send Them Out Chapter 5 - Wanting His Love Chapter 4 - Get Out Chapter 3 - Hertia Cesca Chapter 2 - Loveless Marriage Chapter 1 - Golden Bird’s Feather
Igor fidgeted restlessly, his awkwardness catching Rihannan’s attention. She noticed his clumsy attempts at communication, though he didn’t appear to be forcing her to eat, despite giving off that impression. Speaking his thoughts proved challenging for him.
Rihannan stood there, amazed, her lips slightly parted in wonder.
After a brief moment of hesitation, she took a slice of meat and delicately cut it into small pieces before placing them in her mouth. It wasn’t terrible, but it left room for improvement.
“Um… how is the duchess?” Igor looked up, his aura brightening, and a faint smile graced his lips. “Let me know if she’s not up to par. I can recommend someone else.”
“No,” Rihannan shook her head, her eyes filled with sincerity. “Although we haven’t known each other for long, I’ve grown fond of the duchess. You need not worry.”
“I’m relieved to hear that. Despite her absence from the capital and noble society, she still holds her status and connections. She’ll be a valuable asset to you,” he said, twirling his fork absently.
Rihannan smiled softly. “Yes, I believe so.”
As she contemplated the thick book, she wondered whether she should inquire with the duchess about a certain Leticia Olbach. While it was possible the duchess might not have the answer, given her vast network, she might be able to shed some light on the matter.
“Rihannan, how are the wedding preparations coming along?”
“It hasn’t been too difficult. The duchess has been a tremendous help. I intend to keep it simple and discard anything unnecessary to save…”
“No,” Igor objected immediately, his voice resolute. “You need not worry about that. Clothes, accessories—whatever it may be, don’t concern yourself with the cost.”
“But I can’t afford it all… besides, spending so much for a temporary marriage is…”
Igor flinched at her words.
“If it’s about the preparations,” he hesitated, his eyes darting to her with a slightly perplexed expression before sighing. “We have already made a few arrangements.”
“Prepared in advance? What are they?”
“…You’ll see when the time comes. And if there’s anything else you need, don’t fret about the cost and purchase them without hesitation.”
Rihannan couldn’t resist his words. He was adamant, even stubborn. If that was the case, there was no need to refuse his well-intentioned offer.
“Very well then, I’ll do just that.”
Igor nodded. “Also, as you can see, the Queen’s Palace has undergone extensive repairs and renovations. If there’s anything that doesn’t suit your taste, feel free to make changes as you see fit.”
It almost sounded as if she would continue residing in the palace long after their planned divorce. However, Rihannan brushed off the thought and replied, “Of course.”
A faint, somber aura enveloped Igor upon hearing her brief response. Confusion etched across Rihannan’s face as she looked at him.
“Don’t you like it?” Igor raised an eyebrow, his voice slightly higher in pitch.
“What?”
“The… the changes… do you not approve?”
“No, I do like them. I discussed them with Basil.”
“Ah, I see. I noticed you laughing and enjoying your time with him…”
At his remark, Rihannan blinked.
“Huh?”
Was he sulking or something?
She recalled Basil’s words about Igor’s desire to showcase the changes made to the Queen’s Palace, only to be disappointed by the unfinished renovations. So… had he been sulking in a corner all this time? Did he need comforting?
“Thank you,” she said, her voice carrying a genuine tone. “I genuinely like it.”
Igor raised his head, his lips parting and his eyes trembling.
“Truly, I like it. Thank you.”
“I’m… glad.”
In that moment, his face softened, and a liberating smile graced his lips.
“Also, I’ll be away from the palace for two days,” he hastily announced, a tinge of nervousness evident. “I have to visit the State Department of Estate. It was pre-scheduled, and I didn’t anticipate you joining me in Arundell…”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind,” Rihannan replied.
“I won’t be gone for long. Don’t hesitate to seek the duchess’s assistance if you need anything. And in the meantime, there will be people eager to approach you. Decline all of them. We need not rush.”
That, too, was acceptable. She hadn’t planned on integrating into noble society until she had a thorough understanding of the current political landscape. She was well aware of the treacherous intricacies and complexities involved in dealing with unprepared political players.
She sighed softly, recalling the letter she had received from the late queen. The hardships she endured, caught in the middle of Hertia Cesca and Igor Cesca’s battles, were indeed troublesome. Taking the wrong path would yield the same outcome.
Yet, her reasoning was insufficient to ignore the late queen. Despite everything, the late queen had been the only person who consistently stood by her side. It was a fact she couldn’t overlook.
She was the late queen’s goddaughter, and it felt wrong to turn away from someone who had treated her kindly despite her numerous flaws.
And above all, Igor and his mother surely didn’t have a deeply fractured relationship despite their estrangement.
“Rihannan, do you have any other concerns?” Igor asked cautiously, noticing a slight crease on her forehead.
Rihannan offered a melancholic smile. “It’s nothing.”
Later that day, Rihannan penned a letter to the late queen. It was a formal rejection, expressing her heartfelt apologies for being unable to visit immediately. The letter conveyed her excitement and anticipation of visiting in the near future.
“Goodness… what is all this?” she muttered to herself.
The following day, after Igor’s departure, a multitude of offerings lay before her. Silk garments made from rare materials and exquisite accessories quietly adorned the table. It seemed Igor had spoken the truth—he had made preparations in advance.
Reluctantly, Rihannan had to admit that Igor never intended to drag her, the princess of Chrichton, along unwillingly and harm her. Otherwise, why would he have undertaken such extensive renovations for the princess at the Queen’s Palace?
“You won’t have to worry about the lack of jewelry for a while after the wedding, My Queen,” the duchess remarked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Rihannan chuckled. “That is certainly true.”
She picked up a beautifully tailored blue fabric. Although it appeared plain on the surface, its texture conveyed depth. The designer must have invested much thought into its composition.
“I don’t know why he chose to reveal this to me now… it would have been helpful to know earlier.”
It might have made it easier to decide on the items she needed for the preparations.
The duchess smiled. “Perhaps His Majesty felt embarrassed to express his thoughts openly.”
“Pardon?”
“Otherwise, why would he struggle so much to say anything while having so many gifts prepared for the woman he likes?” The duchess’s playful smile played across her lips.
Rihannan fell silent, contemplating the duchess’s words.
“My Queen, it’s not just women who experience shame and shyness. Furthermore, the king has never been involved in a romantic relationship before. This might be his first time giving a gift to a woman.”
“…No way.”
“Do you doubt me?” the duchess asked coyly. “I’m serious. I don’t know if you were aware, but many of us believed he was more inclined toward the same sex and had no interest in women.”
Just as Rihannan was about to respond, a knock echoed through the room.
One of the maids entered and delivered a message. “Your Majesty, the late queen’s lady-in-waiting has arrived and requests your presence.”
Rihannan and the duchess exchanged shocked glances. The retainer’s visit was unexpected.
“The late queen’s lady-in-waiting? Why now?” the duchess asked sharply.
Rihannan shared the same perplexity, tinged with a hint of bashfulness. It seemed the late queen was eagerly anticipating her visit sooner than Rihannan had anticipated.
“Your Majesty, what would you like to do?”
“Let her in,” Rihannan replied.
The late queen was not a person she could ignore. Rihannan owed her a great deal.
Soon, a familiar figure entered the room. She was the wife of Count Lausanne and had always remained loyal to the late queen. Countess Lausanne bowed respectfully.
“It has been a while, Your Majesty. Do you remember me?”
Rihannan nodded, her recollection somewhat hazy. The countess had always been quiet, seldom speaking. Yet, the late queen held her in high regard. In truth, she had managed the royal palace on behalf of the late queen, who was preoccupied with state and national affairs. The countess herself oversaw the matters within the palace.
“Of course. It has indeed been a while, Countess Lausanne.”
“I wish you a life filled with abundant blessings.”
“Thank you very much.”
While Rihannan and the countess exchanged formal pleasantries, the duchess regarded the countess disapprovingly.
Then, the countess turned her gaze to the duchess.
