Chapter 33
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Chapter 33
“Hmm. The Countess is a bit annoying, but that’s okay…”
“…Do you want me to fix it for you?” Zachary asked, turning a cold face in an instant.
Seeing that, Iellie waved her hand and shook her head.
“No, it’s okay. Because this is my problem.”
“Your problem, it is my problem, too? I can’t stand you suffering from rude behavior.”
“Basically, I think it is right to solve marital problems together.”
However, depending on the time, place, and person, the situation may change. She continued with strength.
“I said it was okay. So, don’t ever step in the middle. All right?”
Iellie wanted to cut off any room for the Imperial Family to look at Zachary unpleasantly.
Still unsatisfied with the words, he nervously brushed the bangs away from her forehead.
“Fine. But, if there’s anything I can do to help, please tell me.”
“I will do that.”
At that, she quietly nodded her head. His gaze, staring at her, softened in an instant.
“Really, Len. I have something to tell you today.”
“To me?”
Curious, she looked up at Zachary, leaning her neck against the back on her sofa. Zachary smiled brightly.
“I plan to invite my father-in-law and mother-in-law to this coming-of-age ceremony.”
“What…? Is that okay?”
Iellie’s eyes were as bright as a candle. Her face, which had brightened up, turned pale after a while.
“Though the Duke…”
“Don’t worry about father because he has already allowed it.”
“…The Duke allowed me to invite my parents?”
She was surprised once again. That strict Duke?
Zachary spoke to her in a soft voice.
“Hmm. Instead, there is one thing I need to do first, but…”
“What is the condition?”
“There are rumors that small monsters sometimes come down from the outskirts of the Duchy’s fortress…”
Saying so, his eyes twinkled dangerously. Caressing Iellie’s cheek gently, Zachary added firmly.
“To wipe them all out.”
“What?”
Terrified, Iellie raised her voice. No, what kind of monster could be wiped out so easily? No matter how small a monster it would be, basically, a monster had to be dealt with by one or more knights.
“However, it’s dangerous!”
“It’s something I have to do, anyway.”
At those words, she frowned at him. Still, Zachary smiled, pressing his finger across her forehead.
“Len, if you frown like that, you will get wrinkles on your forehead.”
“Zachary…”
Iellie looked up at him.
After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke again in a sullen tone.
“If you’re going too far to invite my parents, stop right now.”
“It’s not like that.”
“To be honest, didn’t the Duke force you to do it?”
As she started asking questions, Zachary grabbed Iellie’s cheeks with both hands and stretched them out.
“Len.”
“…Whai—?” (Why?)
Because of that, she gazed up at Zachary with a dissatisfied face. Her cheeks were elongated, and the pronunciation leaked freely. Hearing that, Zachary shook his head as he burst into laughter.
A friendly voice was heard moments later.
“My father never forced me to do anything. This is my choice.”
“Schtill!” (Still!)
Iellie raised her voice, but Zachary’s dark blue eyes were still silent.
“You’re inviting your parents to the North for the first time.”
“….”
That moment, she was silent for a moment.
Zachary let go of her cheek and lowered his head to meet Iellie’s gaze.
“I want to prove that you are living safely and that you have a stable marriage.”
“Stil…”
Iellie, not knowing what to do, blurred her words. She pouted her lips for a moment, she asked a question.
“Well, even then, do you really need to subdue monsters?”
“Anyway, the small monsters infesting the outskirts of the territory are very weak. It won’t take long.”
Zachary shrugged his shoulders. Rolling his eyes and thinking about it for a moment, he said calmly. “About three days at most?”
“But…!”
“Len, I want to see your parents reassured.”
A calm voice grazed Iellie’s ear.
The blue eyes, looking at her, bent beautifully.
“To be honest, my external rumors aren’t very good, are they?”
“Rumor?”
“Yes. To most people, I look like the monster of the North.”
“How many times have I told you that you are not a monster? I told you not to say that, didn’t you?”
Iellie frowned and answered him. He could feel the warmth from her gently caressing the depths of his chest.
“I’m really happy that you always answer like that.”
“I’m serious, I hate that you think of yourself that way!”
She raised her voice again at his remarks. Seeing that, he nodded his head with a calm face and replied calmly.
“I know.”
“Then, why—!”
“I want your parents to at least trust me.”
“…Huh?”
Iellie blinked her eyes, not knowing what to do.
Zachary pressed his lips against her forehead and said, “And, I want you to trust me, too.”
“That, Zachary…”
“It’s just a small monster. I won’t make you wait long.”
Reaching out his hand, he brushed the messy hair on her forehead, then whispered in a soft voice.
“Will you believe me?”
Ending that, Zachary rolled his eyes and smiled.
Iellie felt her cheeks heat up without realizing it.
“You’re making me crazy… You really do.”
Zachary shrugged his shoulders at the mutter.
After a little, she turned to him and said, “You must come back as soon as possible.”
“Sure.”
Zachary answered in a cool tone, and of course, he kept his promise to her with her. In just two days, he returned from subjugating all the small monsters. People couldn’t help but be amazed.
Although there were various problems with Countess Laurent, Zachary’s preparations for the coming-of-age ceremony proceeded steadily.
The Crown Prince and Princess decided to come three days before Zachary’s coming-of-age ceremony.
A large banquet was held on the evening of the arrival of the two Royal Families.
The next day, the men would have a hunting party and the women would have tea time.
‘And, on the last day, it’s Zachary’s coming-of-age ceremony…’
Iellie held her chin and retraced the turn of the event.
In fact, compared to the previous banquets and hunting parties, there were relatively few things to take care of for the coming-of-age ceremony. The Heir Apparent was going to have a coming-of-age ceremony, so all they need to do was decorate the hall.
‘Did they say that the Silver Hall will be opened for this coming-of-age ceremony?’
Actually, that was a little surprising. The Silver Hall was the oldest hall decorated with a silver dragon, the symbol of Hessenweitz. Naturally, it was often used only for the largest, splendid, and important events in the Duke’s Castle.
‘Usually, it is only opened when the title of Duke is succeeded or when the Duke and wife hold a wedding ceremony.’
This behavior of the Duke had several meanings. Most of all, it could surely show to the outside that the Duke valued Zachary as his successor.
This was clearly aimed at the Imperial Family.
“Len.”
“Ah, yes. Zachary.”
“What do you think?”
Just then, Zachary strode towards her.
Iellie wrinkled the tip of her nose and smiled. “I just thought that tomorrow I will be able to see the royal siblings… I feel a little weird.”
Tilting his head, he noticed that unlike usual, Iellie’s voice was now quite awkward.
“Why?”
“That is…”
After hesitating for a while, Iellie let out a short sigh. She tilted her head slightly and said cautiously.
“Princess Annerose was originally going to be your wife.”
As soon as he heard those words, Zachary’s face darkened in an instant.
He opened his mouth to her hastily.
“Why? If you are regretting getting married…”
“It’s never like that. So, don’t worry about unnecessary things here.”
Iellie had a determined face. Zachary gave a slightly relieved expression.
He asked her, “Then, why?”
“Well, I can’t explain it properly…”
She narrowed her brow slightly. To be honest, Iellie was more uncomfortable with Princess Annerose than anyone else. There had been bad rumors about Zachary in the past, but these rumors were all a thing of the past.
‘As for Countess Laurent, as soon as the rumors subsided a bit, she showed interest in Zachary, and…’
Today’s Zachary was a talented person who could be coveted by anyone. A position that she, as a Viscounty daughter, could not meet. The Crown Prince was told to have a greedy disposition if that was true.
‘Because it was the Crown Prince who tried to marry Princess Annerose…’
Iellie was not in favor of the Royal Family.
Wouldn’t the Crown Prince then decide that it would be better for him to keep his sister with whom he shared blood in the Duchy of Hessenweitz? She thought so.
“Len.”
Zachary’s calm voice was heard. The pale blue eyes, which have sunk into stillness, gazed straight at her.
“You’ve been making an anxious face since before.”
“That…”
Iellie hid her words.
How should she explain this feeling? Is she worried that she might lose him? Does she wish he didn’t meet the crown princess? Is she worried that the princess will covet him who had grown up to be beautiful and strong?
‘By the way, why am I anxious?’
Iellie, who suddenly hardened her shoulders, questioned herself. To be honest, she wasn’t very greedy about the marriage.
‘The purpose of marrying Zachary was primarily to get rid of the family’s debt.’
But, now that the debt was long gone, she didn’t have to cling to the relationship anymore. Nevertheless, she continued to be anxious. She was afraid she would lose Zachary, she was afraid he wouldn’t care for her…
‘Why…?’
She was now confused. Her brain was a mess like tangled threads.
Eventually, Iellie opened her mouth in a stutter.
“Is the princess who would have been your marriage partner coming?”
Then, Zachary’s earlobe, who was staring at Lee Iellie, turned bright red.
He muttered blankly.
“…Perhaps.”
“Huh?”
“That, so…”
He then coughed heavily. Like a clear summer sky, the warm gaze glanced at her, and Zachary opened his mouth. “…Are you jealous?”
“What?”
Iellie rolled her eyes. Jealous? Nonsense. Because Zachary was just as cute and adorable as her little brother. So she’s just concerned…
No, was that really? Her cheeks were blushing.
“Tha—that’s…”
Iellie murmured, raising her hands to cover her face.
‘Am I really jealous? Why…? You don’t usually get jealous in a situation like this!’
She considered him like a little brother. At least, she believed so.
Then, Zachary waved his hand.
“No, it’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.”
“…Huh?”
She glanced at Zachary between her fingers. He shook his head lightly and opened his mouth.
“Anyway, what I want to say is.”
“….”
“Don’t worry.”
At that, his fingers caressed Iellie’s cheek softly. The soft touch that she would normally have felt casually was strangely distinct now.
Zachary’s blue eyes twinkled.
“Because you are my only wife.”
“Uh…”
“So, you… Don’t worry about unnecessary things.” He said, his cheeks turned dark red.
Meanwhile, Iellie’s face was as red as an already ripe apple as well.
“Hey, Zachary…”
“Len, you better go to bed soon since it is quite late.”
Zachary opened his mouth, pretending to be calm, to blow away the awkward air. He extended his hand to her.
“I’ll take you to your room.”
“Yes…”
Iellie held out her hand slightly. The movements of their hands touching and clasping each other were strangely clear.
She gazed at the hand she would normally hold. Why was her heart beating like this?
“Let’s go.”
At his words, Iellie nodded her head.
The two of them closed their mouths and walked out into the hallway.
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Chapter 33
“Hmm. The Countess is a bit annoying, but that’s okay…”
“…Do you want me to fix it for you?” Zachary asked, turning a cold face in an instant.
Seeing that, Iellie waved her hand and shook her head.
“No, it’s okay. Because this is my problem.”
“Your problem, it is my problem, too? I can’t stand you suffering from rude behavior.”
“Basically, I think it is right to solve marital problems together.”
However, depending on the time, place, and person, the situation may change. She continued with strength.
“I said it was okay. So, don’t ever step in the middle. All right?”
Iellie wanted to cut off any room for the Imperial Family to look at Zachary unpleasantly.
Still unsatisfied with the words, he nervously brushed the bangs away from her forehead.
“Fine. But, if there’s anything I can do to help, please tell me.”
“I will do that.”
At that, she quietly nodded her head. His gaze, staring at her, softened in an instant.
“Really, Len. I have something to tell you today.”
“To me?”
Curious, she looked up at Zachary, leaning her neck against the back on her sofa. Zachary smiled brightly.
“I plan to invite my father-in-law and mother-in-law to this coming-of-age ceremony.”
“What…? Is that okay?”
Iellie’s eyes were as bright as a candle. Her face, which had brightened up, turned pale after a while.
“Though the Duke…”
“Don’t worry about father because he has already allowed it.”
“…The Duke allowed me to invite my parents?”
She was surprised once again. That strict Duke?
Zachary spoke to her in a soft voice.
“Hmm. Instead, there is one thing I need to do first, but…”
“What is the condition?”
“There are rumors that small monsters sometimes come down from the outskirts of the Duchy’s fortress…”
Saying so, his eyes twinkled dangerously. Caressing Iellie’s cheek gently, Zachary added firmly.
“To wipe them all out.”
“What?”
Terrified, Iellie raised her voice. No, what kind of monster could be wiped out so easily? No matter how small a monster it would be, basically, a monster had to be dealt with by one or more knights.
“However, it’s dangerous!”
“It’s something I have to do, anyway.”
At those words, she frowned at him. Still, Zachary smiled, pressing his finger across her forehead.
“Len, if you frown like that, you will get wrinkles on your forehead.”
“Zachary…”
Iellie looked up at him.
After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke again in a sullen tone.
“If you’re going too far to invite my parents, stop right now.”
“It’s not like that.”
“To be honest, didn’t the Duke force you to do it?”
As she started asking questions, Zachary grabbed Iellie’s cheeks with both hands and stretched them out.
“Len.”
“…Whai—?” (Why?)
Because of that, she gazed up at Zachary with a dissatisfied face. Her cheeks were elongated, and the pronunciation leaked freely. Hearing that, Zachary shook his head as he burst into laughter.
A friendly voice was heard moments later.
“My father never forced me to do anything. This is my choice.”
“Schtill!” (Still!)
Iellie raised her voice, but Zachary’s dark blue eyes were still silent.
“You’re inviting your parents to the North for the first time.”
“….”
That moment, she was silent for a moment.
Zachary let go of her cheek and lowered his head to meet Iellie’s gaze.
“I want to prove that you are living safely and that you have a stable marriage.”
“Stil…”
Iellie, not knowing what to do, blurred her words. She pouted her lips for a moment, she asked a question.
“Well, even then, do you really need to subdue monsters?”
“Anyway, the small monsters infesting the outskirts of the territory are very weak. It won’t take long.”
Zachary shrugged his shoulders. Rolling his eyes and thinking about it for a moment, he said calmly. “About three days at most?”
“But…!”
“Len, I want to see your parents reassured.”
A calm voice grazed Iellie’s ear.
The blue eyes, looking at her, bent beautifully.
“To be honest, my external rumors aren’t very good, are they?”
“Rumor?”
“Yes. To most people, I look like the monster of the North.”
“How many times have I told you that you are not a monster? I told you not to say that, didn’t you?”
Iellie frowned and answered him. He could feel the warmth from her gently caressing the depths of his chest.
“I’m really happy that you always answer like that.”
“I’m serious, I hate that you think of yourself that way!”
She raised her voice again at his remarks. Seeing that, he nodded his head with a calm face and replied calmly.
“I know.”
“Then, why—!”
“I want your parents to at least trust me.”
“…Huh?”
Iellie blinked her eyes, not knowing what to do.
Zachary pressed his lips against her forehead and said, “And, I want you to trust me, too.”
“That, Zachary…”
“It’s just a small monster. I won’t make you wait long.”
Reaching out his hand, he brushed the messy hair on her forehead, then whispered in a soft voice.
“Will you believe me?”
Ending that, Zachary rolled his eyes and smiled.
Iellie felt her cheeks heat up without realizing it.
“You’re making me crazy… You really do.”
Zachary shrugged his shoulders at the mutter.
After a little, she turned to him and said, “You must come back as soon as possible.”
“Sure.”
Zachary answered in a cool tone, and of course, he kept his promise to her with her. In just two days, he returned from subjugating all the small monsters. People couldn’t help but be amazed.
Although there were various problems with Countess Laurent, Zachary’s preparations for the coming-of-age ceremony proceeded steadily.
The Crown Prince and Princess decided to come three days before Zachary’s coming-of-age ceremony.
A large banquet was held on the evening of the arrival of the two Royal Families.
The next day, the men would have a hunting party and the women would have tea time.
‘And, on the last day, it’s Zachary’s coming-of-age ceremony…’
Iellie held her chin and retraced the turn of the event.
In fact, compared to the previous banquets and hunting parties, there were relatively few things to take care of for the coming-of-age ceremony. The Heir Apparent was going to have a coming-of-age ceremony, so all they need to do was decorate the hall.
‘Did they say that the Silver Hall will be opened for this coming-of-age ceremony?’
Actually, that was a little surprising. The Silver Hall was the oldest hall decorated with a silver dragon, the symbol of Hessenweitz. Naturally, it was often used only for the largest, splendid, and important events in the Duke’s Castle.
‘Usually, it is only opened when the title of Duke is succeeded or when the Duke and wife hold a wedding ceremony.’
This behavior of the Duke had several meanings. Most of all, it could surely show to the outside that the Duke valued Zachary as his successor.
This was clearly aimed at the Imperial Family.
“Len.”
“Ah, yes. Zachary.”
“What do you think?”
Just then, Zachary strode towards her.
Iellie wrinkled the tip of her nose and smiled. “I just thought that tomorrow I will be able to see the royal siblings… I feel a little weird.”
Tilting his head, he noticed that unlike usual, Iellie’s voice was now quite awkward.
“Why?”
“That is…”
After hesitating for a while, Iellie let out a short sigh. She tilted her head slightly and said cautiously.
“Princess Annerose was originally going to be your wife.”
As soon as he heard those words, Zachary’s face darkened in an instant.
He opened his mouth to her hastily.
“Why? If you are regretting getting married…”
“It’s never like that. So, don’t worry about unnecessary things here.”
Iellie had a determined face. Zachary gave a slightly relieved expression.
He asked her, “Then, why?”
“Well, I can’t explain it properly…”
She narrowed her brow slightly. To be honest, Iellie was more uncomfortable with Princess Annerose than anyone else. There had been bad rumors about Zachary in the past, but these rumors were all a thing of the past.
‘As for Countess Laurent, as soon as the rumors subsided a bit, she showed interest in Zachary, and…’
Today’s Zachary was a talented person who could be coveted by anyone. A position that she, as a Viscounty daughter, could not meet. The Crown Prince was told to have a greedy disposition if that was true.
‘Because it was the Crown Prince who tried to marry Princess Annerose…’
Iellie was not in favor of the Royal Family.
Wouldn’t the Crown Prince then decide that it would be better for him to keep his sister with whom he shared blood in the Duchy of Hessenweitz? She thought so.
“Len.”
Zachary’s calm voice was heard. The pale blue eyes, which have sunk into stillness, gazed straight at her.
“You’ve been making an anxious face since before.”
“That…”
Iellie hid her words.
How should she explain this feeling? Is she worried that she might lose him? Does she wish he didn’t meet the crown princess? Is she worried that the princess will covet him who had grown up to be beautiful and strong?
‘By the way, why am I anxious?’
Iellie, who suddenly hardened her shoulders, questioned herself. To be honest, she wasn’t very greedy about the marriage.
‘The purpose of marrying Zachary was primarily to get rid of the family’s debt.’
But, now that the debt was long gone, she didn’t have to cling to the relationship anymore. Nevertheless, she continued to be anxious. She was afraid she would lose Zachary, she was afraid he wouldn’t care for her…
‘Why…?’
She was now confused. Her brain was a mess like tangled threads.
Eventually, Iellie opened her mouth in a stutter.
“Is the princess who would have been your marriage partner coming?”
Then, Zachary’s earlobe, who was staring at Lee Iellie, turned bright red.
He muttered blankly.
“…Perhaps.”
“Huh?”
“That, so…”
He then coughed heavily. Like a clear summer sky, the warm gaze glanced at her, and Zachary opened his mouth. “…Are you jealous?”
“What?”
Iellie rolled her eyes. Jealous? Nonsense. Because Zachary was just as cute and adorable as her little brother. So she’s just concerned…
No, was that really? Her cheeks were blushing.
“Tha—that’s…”
Iellie murmured, raising her hands to cover her face.
‘Am I really jealous? Why…? You don’t usually get jealous in a situation like this!’
She considered him like a little brother. At least, she believed so.
Then, Zachary waved his hand.
“No, it’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.”
“…Huh?”
She glanced at Zachary between her fingers. He shook his head lightly and opened his mouth.
“Anyway, what I want to say is.”
“….”
“Don’t worry.”
At that, his fingers caressed Iellie’s cheek softly. The soft touch that she would normally have felt casually was strangely distinct now.
Zachary’s blue eyes twinkled.
“Because you are my only wife.”
“Uh…”
“So, you… Don’t worry about unnecessary things.” He said, his cheeks turned dark red.
Meanwhile, Iellie’s face was as red as an already ripe apple as well.
“Hey, Zachary…”
“Len, you better go to bed soon since it is quite late.”
Zachary opened his mouth, pretending to be calm, to blow away the awkward air. He extended his hand to her.
“I’ll take you to your room.”
“Yes…”
Iellie held out her hand slightly. The movements of their hands touching and clasping each other were strangely clear.
She gazed at the hand she would normally hold. Why was her heart beating like this?
“Let’s go.”
At his words, Iellie nodded her head.
The two of them closed their mouths and walked out into the hallway.
Chapter 33Hmm. The Countess is a bit annoying, but that's okayDo you want me to fix it for you? Zachary asked, turning a cold face in an instant.Seeing that, Iellie waved her hand and shook her head.No, it's okay. Because this is my problem.Your problem, it is my problem, too? I can't stand you suffering from rude behavior.Basically, I think it is right to solve marital problems together.However, depending on the time, place, and person, the situation may change. She continued with strength.I said it was okay. So, don't ever step in the middle. All right?Iellie wanted to cut off any room for the Imperial Family to look at Zachary unpleasantly.Still unsatisfied with the words, he nervously brushed the bangs away from her forehead.Fine. But, if there's anything I can do to help, please tell me.I will do that.At that, she quietly nodded her head. His gaze, staring at her, softened in an instant.Really, Len. I have something to tell you today.To me?Curious, she looked up at Zachary, leaning her neck against the back on her sofa. Zachary smiled brightly.I plan to invite my father-in-law and mother-in-law to this coming-of-age ceremony.What? Is that okay?Iellie's eyes were as bright as a candle. Her face, which had brightened up, turned pale after a while.Though the DukeDon't worry about father because he has already allowed it.The Duke allowed me to invite my parents?She was surprised once again. That strict Duke?Zachary spoke to her in a soft voice.Hmm. Instead, there is one thing I need to do first, butWhat is the condition?There are rumors that small monsters sometimes come down from the outskirts of the Duchy's fortressSaying so, his eyes twinkled dangerously. Caressing Iellie's cheek gently, Zachary added firmly.To wipe them all out.What?Terrified, Iellie raised her voice. No, what kind of monster could be wiped out so easily? No matter how small a monster it would be, basically, a monster had to be dealt with by one or more knights.However, it's dangerous!It's something I have to do, anyway.At those words, she frowned at him. Still, Zachary smiled, pressing his finger across her forehead.Len, if you frown like that, you will get wrinkles on your forehead.ZacharyIellie looked up at him.After a moment's hesitation, she spoke again in a sullen tone.If you're going too far to invite my parents, stop right now.It's not like that.To be honest, didn't the Duke force you to do it?As she started asking questions, Zachary grabbed Iellie's cheeks with both hands and stretched them out.Len.Whai? Why?Because of that, she gazed up at Zachary with a dissatisfied face. Her cheeks were elongated, and the pronunciation leaked freely. Hearing that, Zachary shook his head as he burst into laughter.A friendly voice was heard moments later.My father never forced me to do anything. This is my choice.Schtill! Still!Iellie raised her voice, but Zachary's dark blue eyes were still silent.You're inviting your parents to the North for the first time..That moment, she was silent for a moment.Zachary let go of her cheek and lowered his head to meet Iellie's gaze.I want to prove that you are living safely and that you have a stable marriage.StilIellie, not knowing what to do, blurred her words. She pouted her lips for a moment, she asked a question.Well, even then, do you really need to subdue monsters?Anyway, the small monsters infesting the outskirts of the territory are very weak. It won't take long.Zachary shrugged his shoulders. Rolling his eyes and thinking about it for a moment, he said calmly. About three days at most?But!Len, I want to see your parents reassured.A calm voice grazed Iellie's ear.The blue eyes, looking at her, bent beautifully.To be honest, my external rumors aren't very good, are they?Rumor?Yes. To most people, I look like the monster of the North.How many times have I told you that you are not a monster? I told you not to say that, didn't you?Iellie frowned and answered him. He could feel the warmth from her gently caressing the depths of his chest.I'm really happy that you always answer like that.I'm serious, I hate that you think of yourself that way!She raised her voice again at his remarks. Seeing that, he nodded his head with a calm face and replied calmly.I know.Then, why!I want your parents to at least trust me.Huh?Iellie blinked her eyes, not knowing what to do.Zachary pressed his lips against her forehead and said, And, I want you to trust me, too.That, ZacharyIt's just a small monster. I won't make you wait long.Reaching out his hand, he brushed the messy hair on her forehead, then whispered in a soft voice.Will you believe me?Ending that, Zachary rolled his eyes and smiled.Iellie felt her cheeks heat up without realizing it.You're making me crazy You really do.Zachary shrugged his shoulders at the mutter.After a little, she turned to him and said, You must come back as soon as possible.Sure.Zachary answered in a cool tone, and of course, he kept his promise to her with her. In just two days, he returned from subjugating all the small monsters. People couldn't help but be amazed.Although there were various problems with Countess Laurent, Zachary's preparations for the coming-of-age ceremony proceeded steadily.The Crown Prince and Princess decided to come three days before Zachary's coming-of-age ceremony.A large banquet was held on the evening of the arrival of the two Royal Families.The next day, the men would have a hunting party and the women would have tea time.And, on the last day, it's Zachary's coming-of-age ceremony'Iellie held her chin and retraced the turn of the event.In fact, compared to the previous banquets and hunting parties, there were relatively few things to take care of for the coming-of-age ceremony. The Heir Apparent was going to have a coming-of-age ceremony, so all they need to do was decorate the hall.Did they say that the Silver Hall will be opened for this coming-of-age ceremony?'Actually, that was a little surprising. The Silver Hall was the oldest hall decorated with a silver dragon, the symbol of Hessenweitz. Naturally, it was often used only for the largest, splendid, and important events in the Duke's Castle.Usually, it is only opened when the title of Duke is succeeded or when the Duke and wife hold a wedding ceremony.'This behavior of the Duke had several meanings. Most of all, it could surely show to the outside that the Duke valued Zachary as his successor.This was clearly aimed at the Imperial Family.Len.Ah, yes. Zachary.What do you think?Just then, Zachary strode towards her.Iellie wrinkled the tip of her nose and smiled. I just thought that tomorrow I will be able to see the royal siblings I feel a little weird.Tilting his head, he noticed that unlike usual, Iellie's voice was now quite awkward.Why?That isAfter hesitating for a while, Iellie let out a short sigh. She tilted her head slightly and said cautiously.Princess Annerose was originally going to be your wife.As soon as he heard those words, Zachary's face darkened in an instant.He opened his mouth to her hastily.Why? If you are regretting getting marriedIt's never like that. So, don't worry about unnecessary things here.Iellie had a determined face. Zachary gave a slightly relieved expression.He asked her, Then, why?Well, I can't explain it properlyShe narrowed her brow slightly. To be honest, Iellie was more uncomfortable with Princess Annerose than anyone else. There had been bad rumors about Zachary in the past, but these rumors were all a thing of the past.As for Countess Laurent, as soon as the rumors subsided a bit, she showed interest in Zachary, and'Today's Zachary was a talented person who could be coveted by anyone. A position that she, as a Viscounty daughter, could not meet. The Crown Prince was told to have a greedy disposition if that was true.Because it was the Crown Prince who tried to marry Princess Annerose'Iellie was not in favor of the Royal Family.Wouldn't the Crown Prince then decide that it would be better for him to keep his sister with whom he shared blood in the Duchy of Hessenweitz? She thought so.Len.Zachary's calm voice was heard. The pale blue eyes, which have sunk into stillness, gazed straight at her.You've been making an anxious face since before.ThatIellie hid her words.How should she explain this feeling? Is she worried that she might lose him? Does she wish he didn't meet the crown princess? Is she worried that the princess will covet him who had grown up to be beautiful and strong?By the way, why am I anxious?'Iellie, who suddenly hardened her shoulders, questioned herself. To be honest, she wasn't very greedy about the marriage.The purpose of marrying Zachary was primarily to get rid of the family's debt.'But, now that the debt was long gone, she didn't have to cling to the relationship anymore. Nevertheless, she continued to be anxious. She was afraid she would lose Zachary, she was afraid he wouldn't care for herWhy?'She was now confused. Her brain was a mess like tangled threads.Eventually, Iellie opened her mouth in a stutter.Is the princess who would have been your marriage partner coming?Then, Zachary's earlobe, who was staring at Lee Iellie, turned bright red.He muttered blankly.Perhaps.Huh?That, soHe then coughed heavily. Like a clear summer sky, the warm gaze glanced at her, and Zachary opened his mouth. Are you jealous?What?Iellie rolled her eyes. Jealous? Nonsense. Because Zachary was just as cute and adorable as her little brother. So she's just concernedNo, was that really? Her cheeks were blushing.Thathat'sIellie murmured, raising her hands to cover her face.Am I really jealous? Why? You don't usually get jealous in a situation like this!'She considered him like a little brother. At least, she believed so.Then, Zachary waved his hand.No, it's okay. You don't have to tell me.Huh?She glanced at Zachary between her fingers. He shook his head lightly and opened his mouth.Anyway, what I want to say is..Don't worry.At that, his fingers caressed Iellie's cheek softly. The soft touch that she would normally have felt casually was strangely distinct now.Zachary's blue eyes twinkled.Because you are my only wife.UhSo, you Don't worry about unnecessary things. He said, his cheeks turned dark red.Meanwhile, Iellie's face was as red as an already ripe apple as well.Hey, ZacharyLen, you better go to bed soon since it is quite late.Zachary opened his mouth, pretending to be calm, to blow away the awkward air. He extended his hand to her.I'll take you to your room.YesIellie held out her hand slightly. The movements of their hands touching and clasping each other were strangely clear.She gazed at the hand she would normally hold. Why was her heart beating like this?Let's go.At his words, Iellie nodded her head.The two of them closed their mouths and walked out into the hallway.
