WNC SS 159

Thinking of Justitia makes me smile again.

Titi takes after Ruben completely. It’s not just her prim appearance. Her memory is so exceptional that she remembers not only her studies but also the minor habits, quirks, likes, and dislikes of every single child, taking care of them accordingly. Naturally, there wasn’t a single soul who didn’t lose their heart to her.

Had it been mentioned that, due to Titi’s status, only the children of high-and-mighty families now cling to her?

Damian’s only son, Silas Christopher, seems to be the most anxious, as he has the lowest status and lives the farthest among the children courting Titi. Still, they are all far too young. To think they already know of love…

As I was thinking this, Damian followed my lead, his lips curling up into a faint smile.

“You’ve been smiling like that often lately.”

“Like what?”

“Comfortably?”

“I suppose I just enjoy life. Now, the signing is finished. I’ve checked everything, there are no major issues, and just give me one copy of the projected bird’s-eye view for the dam construction. I’ll go ask Goddess Saras and confirm if this is acceptable.”

“Yes. I will have it ready by the time you next visit.”

“Good. If there are no other problems, would it be alright if I head back a bit early?”

“Ah. Tomorrow is your wedding anniversary, isn’t it? Have you prepared the flowers?”

“Of course, naturally.”

I have truly become Sierren’s person now.

I meticulously prepare flowers and gifts for birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Choosing accessories with my own eyes was a difficult task, but I managed to learn the names of a few artisans Ruben likes and could at least order items from them at the right time.

I’ll pick up the flowers and gifts before taking the portal, return to the palace and hide them well in the bedroom, [Read on Read [visit our site]BL Novels]and then hand them over with a deep kiss as soon as it passes midnight.

My heart already swells at the thought of Ruben, blushing and smiling as he nestles perfectly into my arms.

As soon as Damian gave his permission, I packed my things and stood up.

The Capital.

I was on my way straight to the Crystal Palace upon arriving at the Imperial Palace. Seeing a familiar face passing by outside the carriage, I felt a surge of curiosity and pulled the rope to bring the carriage to a temporary halt.

The fellow, who had been crossing the road almost at a run, started up in surprise and quickly averted his gaze.

“…Why are you appearing here?”

“Ah, uh, Brother. You’ve arrived early, very early. I just… had some business for a moment.”

“…You? At the Crystal Palace?”

“Yes. I’m a bit busy, so I’ll be going now.”

Extremely suspicious.

Lately, Bill Brown had been spending time with Shayden Rose. Since Shayden’s skill in handling people was superb, Bill Brown, who had been well-educated over many years, had now shed the skin of the Peng family and become someone who knew how to behave like a proper Sierren noble.

Even so, his habit of pouncing on me and wagging his tail like a puppy whenever he saw me had always remained the same.

The way he jumped in surprise as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have, and the way he stuttered several times, was very strange. Judging by his behavior, it seemed he hadn’t just visited once or twice, so why hadn’t I known?

The only person who would call Bill Brown here separately is Rubel.

What on earth did he talk about with Ruben to cause such a reaction?

Knowing that if nothing special had been said, he would have clung to me, happily [visit our site]copy">unauthorized copyasking if I’d eaten, makes me feel somewhat anxious. I don’t want to upset Ruben on such a precious day. What could it be?

As I watched him in silence, the fellow gave a deep bow from the waist and ran away.

I stared at that broad back in bewilderment for a long while.

Fortunately, when I visited after secretly hiding the bouquet and ring in the bedroom, Ruben didn’t seem particularly upset. Although his heartbeat was faster than usual, his two eyes sparkling with anticipation and the corners of his mouth collapsing into a bashful smile were simply lovely.

“You’re early.”

“Yes. I wanted to see Ruben quickly.”

“I’m all done now too. Today, the two of us will have a simple dinner… shall we read a book together?”

“…A book?”

“Yes. Titi said that this evening she’s having dinner with the Young Master of Marquess Sutherland and the Young Master of Marquess Morrison. Since she said she wanted to stay up later than the image-sphere, I gave her conditional permission and [visit Read on Read BL Novelsour site]opened the Jade Palace. She’ll sleep there and return tomorrow evening. So, let’s play in my study.”

The Young Master of Marquess Sutherland is Rowan Sutherland, and the Young Master of Marquess Morrison is Emily Morrison. Titi was very fond of the two boys she met at her fifth birthday party, and since the other would come crying if she met only one of them, they generally played together as a trio.

“Conditional permission?”

“Being accompanied by knights and maidservants, going to their respective rooms to sleep by one in the morning, and not forgetting to brush their teeth.”

“You were quite generous with your mercy.”

“…Hmm.”

“You did well. Actually, I was also pondering where to hide Ruben today.”

I replied playfully, and we went to have dinner together. Throughout it all, a part of me remained curious.

The study.

Since moving our residence to the capital three years ago, we spent every wedding anniversary outside. We disguised ourselves with wigs and plain clothes to join the capital’s night market festival and dance, or spent the whole day idling in the botanical garden.

Just last year, we visited the Academy library, sat facing each other, gazed into each other’s faces, and played by kicking our feet.

The study…

It had been a long time since I entered Ruben’s study.

Originally, I had no interest in books, and since raising a child, the only books I read were fairy tales.

In Titi’s study, there were as many theological texts and history books as stars, which Ruben had saved to pass down to the child. Thus, whenever we had time to read, we mostly visited Titi’s study, lounging and rolling around on the sofa and large cushions.

I wonder if he’s going to show me a fascinating book.

I am still unfamiliar with the way information is handled in this land. Every New Year, I receive and read the [unauthorized copy]newly compiled Read on Read BL Novelsstyle="position:absolute;left:-9999px;font-size:0;">[Read on Read BL Novels]Imperial Nobility Yearbook for the Emperor. Could there be a book more fascinating than that?

As I was lost in these various thoughts, Ruben gave a bright smile as he finished his meal and said:

“Then, wash up quickly and come to the study. I’ll go and wait for you.”

“…Pardon? Ah. Ah, yes. I shall.”

It was a useless thought. I suppose we’ll do it in the study.

Still, since I hid the bouquet in the bedroom, it would be best to move to the bedroom at midnight. After washing up, I pondered for a moment and chose the navy blue vest Ruben particularly likes and dark trousers.

I carefully put on my necklace, ring, and watch, and headed cheerfully toward the study.

And, the moment I opened the study door, my breath stopped.

Originally, it was a space filled with dark-colored bookshelves on every wall. The bookshelves, crafted from heavy black wood, were filled [stolen content]with books of uniform color and shape, arranged according to the index written on the [unauthorized copy]spines. The windows were narrow, the curtains thick, and a large, wide table filled the center, exuding an academic atmosphere.

However, today, with a platform placed where the table used to be, it felt as if I had entered another dimension.

Ruben, with his back to the bookshelves draped like a folding screen, was sitting with his back straight upon the platform.

It was not the narrow-sleeved, linear clothing of Sierren. It was the attire of the Central Plains. However, the sleeves were wider and the decorations more ornate than what is usually worn. The front of the red ceremonial robe overlapped widely, looking elegant and modest, but a wide waistbelt, cleverly mixing red and black, tightened his waist, adding a touch of sensuality.

His finely combed hair was half let down and half pinned up. Atop it, he wore a crown made of gems. Long red ribbons, matching the clothing, trailed from both ends of the hairpin. Over that, a layer of transparent red cloth was draped, making him look as if flowers had been plucked and laid upon him.

Even if I didn’t recognize the gold-threaded phoenix delicately embroidered on the robe that trailed long like a skirt…

It was the exquisite red bridal attire that a bride from a noble house wears on her wedding day.

The long sleeves quietly covered Ruben’s delicate hands. Where the child’s hand could reach, a black tea table with a red candle sat. The teapot upon it was a Sierren item, but the two wine cups tied together with red thread—whether found or newly made—were smooth ceramics without handles.

Toward me, who stood frozen in shock, eyes wide open, Ruben whispered coquettishly.

“Come here.”

“…”

I gasped.

Heat surged from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. My chest felt hot, and my face was flushed. My mouth felt sweet, and my breath was warm.

As I just blinked, Ruben slightly lifted the edge of the red bridal veil decorated with ornate gold thread and called me again.

“Mika. Aren’t you going to sit?”

“No, no. I… I am not. What is this…”

“Look, there’s the nuptial wine too.”

I couldn’t hide the loud thumping of my heart.

I walked slowly and ascended to the seat opposite Ruben. Sitting close, the fragrant scent of flowers was dizzying. The deep scent of dahlia lingered on every edge of the red veil.

I breathed in deeply and exhaled shortly. I did this several times.

Ruben continued in a shy voice.

“Actually, I wanted to… prepare more properly, but Sir Brown said he didn’t know much about weddings either. I’m of a certain age now… I don’t think a new bride’s outfit suits me, but still, before it’s too late, I wanted to… do it once.”

What was he talking about? I answered solemnly.

“It suits you perfectly.”

“…”

“…Ha… really, that…”

I tried to say more but closed my mouth.

Ruben was smiling shyly beyond the transparent red veil.

What immortal in this world could be this fair and beautiful? As if bewitched by a fox, my consciousness flickered in and out. As I gazed blankly, I realized again why Ruben had planned such a thing.

Heat continued to build up inside my body. Ha, I let out a warm laugh. My breath remained hot.

“In any dimension, in any world, my lover is only Ruben.”

“I know that now, too.”

“But why…”

“Just, still… the wedding performed in the Sierren way was for me. So, I wanted to have a wedding once more… in a way that is more familiar to you. And if possible, I wanted to surprise you like this.”

“…”

“I don’t know much about what comes after. I only received advice on the clothing… and decorating the room. So, Mika. You tell me. Now…”

“…”

“…What shall we do?”