One of the things that I loved after returning was the tea time I got to enjoy. As usual, it was time to bring together my childhood friends and favorite people to talk about ourselves.
It wasn’t a huge deal, but for me, it was always thrilling. My heart would always beat fast.
“When did things get like this?”
Still, it was something unusual for me.
With my lips shut tightly, I looked at Evelyn in admiration. She bowed as if she was a little taken aback by my staring.
I looked over at Cito. Man, Cito, too, turned his gaze away from me.
No, did the man really go into the battlefield…?
What happened to them in a month or so?
“Did you two fight?”
“Ah, no, not at all, princess!”
…. No, they didn’t have to deny it so vehemently. Suspicious.
As I alternated my gaze between Evelyn and Cito, Evelyn’s cheeks went red right away as she lowered her head.
Seeing her like that, I stopped nosing between them. Well, I did get the wedding news. It was shocking, but it was expected to happen.
Even then, did Evelyn already…?
Unlike me, who was still trying to figure something out, the twins were relatively happy.
They rushed to the city when they announced the marriage at teatime.
“You did it!”
“Right, you are the man!”
“Man, you did well.”
However, what was the relationship between marrying and being a man? Besides, the twins seemed happier at the news compared to me.
Were the three of them always this close?
Even if I kept trying to find it out, I had to congratulate the two of them because it was a piece of joyous news.
Still, something felt off.
“Well, hmmm”
Both the man and woman were still feeling shy.
I didn’t even remember when was the last time I saw them separately, but when I met them at the table, they did seem like a couple who went well together. Besides, Cito managed to achieve the acceptance of his unrequited love. Right, it was an occasion that called for a smile.
“Well, congratulations.”
As I smiled and congratulated them, Evelyn became a bit more relaxed.
“After all, the princess does have a heart as wide as the sea…!”
“That is all! Anymore praise, and I will have to think about the gift.”
“Huh?”
Amid all that, no one on the table rejected their relationship. I knew just how much Evelyn adored me, so what? Hmm, I didn’t want to sit at the table and listen to her praises all day.
Even if they were getting married, it would happen after the coming months; my head was already filled with concerns, mostly since it involved Evelyn, my friend and sister, and Cito, my brother.
Right, that was it. I never really called myself the elder one.
I was in trouble thinking about what had to be done, but Valer, who was beside Cito, began to tease me once I’m done with Cito.
“Did you choose too, Ria?”
“What?”
“Marriage partner.”
…?? What was that?
Shocked at the unexpected question launched at me, Valer laughed. The smile he had made an eerie creep down my spine.
He was making me feel anxious for some reason.
“You got a proposal from my brother and the Emperor of Pretzia.”
“Really, princess?”
“Really?!”
Ah, that bastard.
Everyone was shocked at the news. Evelyn’s eyes went as wide as they could.
I narrowed my eyes at Valer.
Cito and Sanse were quite shocked at the news. They were waiting for me to confirm it.
That piece of shit Valer. Every time I wanted him to stay quiet, he had to create a massive mess for me.
“No.”
“Really?”
Ah, oh.
“I told you it’s not like that.”
“What, nope.”
Bastard!
Man, he always liked putting people in trouble and enjoyed their reactions. With what Valer said, everyone’s eyes were on me.
Ah no! It wasn’t like that! It wasn’t some severe proposal or anything; how did I end up getting caught?
Ah, that stupid fox!
I really wanted to put a hole through his smiling face. I couldn’t even stop grinding my teeth. Meanwhile, the most shocked one was Sanse.
Sanse, who went silent for the longest time, looked at me and asked.
“Really… did brother Ahin propose to Ria?”
“Yes.”
“…”
It wasn’t a question for me. It was for Valer, who was right beside me.
Even before I could answer, he gave out!
Why did he have to bring that story up?!
As I stared, Valer slowly walked away from me and sneaked behind Sanse, I warned him with my gaze.
You would die later, Valer
“Sanse, Sanse?”
He seemed a little shocked at the news. Unlike me, who was full of worries, Sanse focused on other things.
“Then, what about Ria?”
“Huh? What?”
“The proposal, will you accept it?”
Was that even…
Man, they really were twins. I couldn’t stop the sigh from coming out.
What did I have to answer to that?
I just decided to evade the answer; even I wasn’t sure. That didn’t mean that I hated their proposal or anything.
“Is Sanse fine with it?”
“No.”
I knew that Sanse liked me. It was like a string that had been attached to us from our childhood. It might have been because he was the only person of the opposite sex who always stayed beside me in every situation, yet it wasn’t like he treated me as a sister, and I let things play out naturally…
I didn’t know. Since they weren’t my feelings, I was always careful about it.
“If it’s Ahin then… it’s fine.”
I was shocked.
Something rippled within me at Sanse’s calm words. I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t think of any.
What should I say?
“Because I can trust him in treating Ria well.”
“Sanse…”
To be able to receive such love, I felt truly blessed. I suddenly thought that I had to keep his admirable intentions in mind and repay them.
“You are wonderful, Sanse.”
When I smiled, Sanse smiled too. It was a smile that didn’t show happiness or sadness, but I wanted it to be a happy one.
A strange flowing silence…
Even Valer seemed to be at a loss for words. I could see everyone sighing. Even Cito and Evelyn noticed the change in the air.
Right, I should do something.
“By the way, Evelyn, what gift should I get you? Anything specific you want?”
“Uh… please let me come to the Imperial Palace for our honeymoon!”
“Nope.”
“Tch.”
What was she asking me?!
Of course, one couple went on a honeymoon in the Imperial Palace, but that wouldn’t happen anymore. It was no tourist destination!
I sighed while touching my head.
“Have your honeymoon to a mansion on the northern island instead.”
“Uh, that one?”
Evelyn loved it.
I nodded and confirmed it.
“Yes, that one I got as a gift on my 8th birthday.”
“I like that!”
Evelyn seemed exceptionally happy. It was a natural reaction because it would be the first time for someone to go.
However, it was good to know that she was pleased with the idea.
I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.
The northern island of Agrigent had always been famous for its beautiful scenery.
The mansion that Caitel had given me for my birthday was the most spectacular one on the island too. It showed the harmony between the sea and green land. I had been there a few times, and I still couldn’t get it out of my mind. Of course, I used to hear the others saying that sending my maids there would be a considerable reward for their hard work.
“Sounds good.”
Cito and Evelyn seemed glad at the place they were going for their honeymoon.
Each time Evelyn spoke, Cito would listen and respond.
I knew it, but man, the couple had a world of their own; they seemed so in love. Above all, I couldn’t deny how good they looked together. Where else could I find such a lovely couple?
“Right. It makes me want to marry too.”
Valer spoke.
If it were Sanse I would have believed it, but Valer saying such things?
“Oh, are you that jealous?”
“Not that.”
“What do you mean, not like that?”
Envious? As I narrowed my eyes, Valer frowned. It was an unspoken warning not to make fun of me if he didn’t want me using this to my advantage.
I knew that he wouldn’t be able to have fun.
“It doesn’t look like Ria is jealous.”
“I am.”
I admitted; seeing his face crumble at the loss of opportunity to tease me made me smile.
Man, he was so cute.