When Liene returned with scissors in her hand, Fermos—Black’s right-hand man—arrived faster than the royal physician and had already completed all the necessary procedures. Weroz, who came with Fermos, realized he couldn’t help and could only stand awkwardly with Mrs. Flambard, like mute wall decorations. [Fermos] “You were hit by an arrow?” Fermos asked while bandaging Black’s shoulder with cloth. The question felt strange, considering he was the one who had just torn

The meeting was over. As was said, Fermos left with Weroz to discuss the movement and relocation of troops. Mashilow, who had to finalize the marriage contract before the Tiwakan could unceremoniously invade the castle, also hurriedly left the audience room. A chilling silence, like a pressing suit of armor, enveloped the room that now only held the two of them. Although there was a large table between Lord Tiwakan and herself, big enough to seat thirty or more peo

[Flambard] "...What?" She was so surprised that she released the lace she was pulling. The petticoat slipped and fell to the floor. [Liene] "How long does it take for signs of pregnancy to show?" [Flambard] "T-that... I mean..." While Madam Flambard was stammering, the security guards ran and knocked on the door. Knock, knock! [Guard] "A message for Your Highness. The Tiwakan Commander has arrived at the castle gate. Lord Weroz awaits permission to open the gate."

At first, he thought he had misheard. [Fermos] "Ah, in that case the child... No, wait a moment. What? What do you desire?" [Black] "The Princess of Nauk." Fermos raised his monocle. [Fermos] "My Lord desires a woman? And a woman whose face you have barely seen properly? What could possibly be the reason, My Lord?" [Black] "..." The Tiwakan Commander chose silence rather than an answer. Indeed, he hardly ever spoke. He had no name nor origin. No one knew anything about his li

His cheek was red on one side from fresh, undried blood. [Black] "An urgent matter required my immediate attention, hence the delay. Please be seated." The man extended his hand, indicating the seat. ...Focus! I must stay calm. Despite the battle, Tiwakan had appeared at the promised location. Whatever had transpired, it seemed it was no significant obstacle for Tiwakan. [Liene] "I welcome the Tiwakan Commander. I am curious, what urgent matter caused me, your prospective bri

A crumpled letter lay in her fingers. It was the second one. [Liene] "......" She gazed at her rigid, bloodless hand. It did not feel like her own. The content of the letter was brief: —"We have waited for half a month; please deliver your answer." The message was almost identical to the first: —"To the Princess of Nauk Castle: The Commander of the Tiwakan Mercenaries proposes marriage. I await your reply." And the Tiwakan Mercenaries had been laying siege to the castle for

"I'm pregnant with another man's child." A lie Liene was forced to tell to reject a proposal from the most vicious mercenary leader on the entire continent. However, the man's answer... “It doesn’t matter who the child is. You can just give birth. But in return, I will own you, Princess." Liene couldn't understand the meaning behind his words. What did this man really want from a princess of a poor kingdom on the verge of ruin?