A Barbaric Proposal Chapter 112

※Departure※

[Liene] "It seems our sleeping schedule is going to change once again."

The kiss that had begun in the King’s office continued all the way to the bedroom. It was still before sunset—an hour far too early for sleep.

[Black] "I have a solution for that."

He answered briefly while his lips grazed the tender skin of her neck.

[Liene] "And what is that?"

[Black] "We simply share our affections from now until our usual bedtime. That way, our actual time for sleep won't have to change at all."

She tugged at his ear, sounding exasperated.

[Liene] "What... just how many hours do you intend for us to spend in bed?"

[Black] "It seems we must. We have no idea how long the journey to Sharka will take."

[Liene] "And?"

[Black] "I will miss this. This time with just the two of us."

Their lips, which had parted for a mere moment, diligently met once again.

[Liene] "So you plan to do as much as possible while we still can?"

[Black] "I didn't expect to hear such words from the Princess’ mouth. It’s unfamiliar... and quite suggestive."

His eyes narrowed slightly as his lips brushed hers, making her feel a sudden flush of desire herself.

Well... I suppose we are in the middle of doing something 'suggestive' anyway.

[Liene] "Why is that suggestive?"

[Black] "There is no way that asking to do it 'more' could be anything else."

Black let out a low chuckle and lifted her arms above her head. Her overdress was swept away in a single motion, leaving her hair a tangled mess.

Liene didn't know it, but he absolutely adored this sight—she looking back at him through her disheveled hair, her cheeks flushed crimson as she gave him a bashful smile.

To him, it was the most lovely sight in the world.

[Liene] "You seem to like it when my hair is a mess."

She wasn't oblivious; she had noticed.

He slowly began to tidy her stray locks as he asked:

[Black] "How did you know?"

[Liene] "You’re just staring at me. You were acting so busy just a moment ago."

[Black] "Did I...? I suppose I was lost in your beauty."

[Liene] "My, the things you say."

Liene giggled and pushed against his shoulders. He fell back onto the bed first, and she crawled up onto his chest. Pressing her weight against him as if he were her mattress, she playfully messed up his hair.

[Liene] "I should see if I like it, too."

[Black] "My hair is too short to get very messy."

[Liene] "So it is. What a shame."

[Black] "Would you like me to grow it out?"

[Liene] "No. I’d hate for your forehead to be hidden. It’s so handsome."

She stretched her body and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

[Liene] "And there’s this scar here that only I know about."

Her lips traced his brow.

[Liene] "And your cheekbones are quite striking."

She rained kisses down on both of his cheekbones. As he savored the ticklish sensation, she kissed the bridge of his nose.

[Liene] "Your nose is so handsome, too."

Just how far does this woman intend to lead me?

Black held his breath, waiting for the next kiss.

[Liene] "Oh, I never noticed before, but your philtrum is quite... something."

The sensation of her lips touching that small space between his nose and mouth was strange and intense. A tingling sensation shot through his limbs, prompting him to grip her waist.

[Black] "Are you not fond of my lips?"

[Liene] "Of course I am."

[Black] "Then kiss me."

Liene, who had been kissing him everywhere else with such boldness, suddenly looked a bit shy.

[Black] "Why the sudden change?"

[Liene] "I just... I remembered the first time we kissed. You were lying on the bed back then, too."

It was when he had been lying wounded by an arrow.

[Black] "Do you think of that time every time I lie down?"

[Liene] "Not every time. Just occasionally."

She let out a sweet sigh as she began to undo the knots of his shirt.

[Liene] "Since you’ve recovered perfectly, I’ll say this: getting hit by that arrow back then was actually a very good thing you did."

Black couldn't help himself; he let out a boisterous laugh that shook his whole body.

[Black] "I didn't know the Princess could say such things."

If he had said something similar, she would have surely scolded him, asking how he could say such a thing when someone was hurt.

[Liene] "Well... normally I couldn't. But right now, I’m in the middle of taking off your shirt."

After her bold remark, she pulled open the shirt she had just unknotted. Black pulled her close, securing her in his embrace.

[Black] "You still haven't kissed me."

[Liene] "Be patient. If I do it now, it’ll feel too scandalous. I’ll wait a little longer."

[Black] "Is there any reason to wait?"

There wasn't. Nor could he wait any longer.

Black pulled her neck toward him and claimed her lips first. Liene threw her arms wide and held him back.

Night was still a long way off. Until the moon rose, every minute and every second belonged entirely to this moment.

---

[Flambard] "Wh-Where did you say you were going?"

The two madams, who had come to the bedroom the next morning to assist with dressing, only then heard the news.

[Flambard] "Good heavens. The Kingdom of Sharka? It’s not as if that place is just next door like the Temple..."

Madam Flambard, in particular, was restless with worry.

[Flambard] "Your Highness. You have never set foot outside of Nauk in your entire life. The carriage will be bumpy, the beds will be uncomfortable, and you might even fall ill from the different water... Must you really go?"

[Liene] "Yes. I must."

She patted Madam Flambard’s hand reassuringly.

[Liene] "It is a very important matter. Perhaps the most important thing since I took the crown."

[Flambard] "Is there such a thing? You have already had your wedding, Your Highness."

[Liene] "Mm... it is several times more important than my wedding. Oh, but please keep the fact that I said that a secret from Lord Tiwakan."

[Flambard] "Oh, of course. But what on earth could be so important?"

She couldn't hide her smile.

[Liene] "I’ll tell you once I return."

For now, she decided to keep it a secret. If the "Key" turned out to be the wrong thing, the disappointment would be too much to bear. Madam Flambard couldn't hide her sadness.

[Flambard] "Please come back quickly. Nauk without the Princess will not feel like Nauk at all, even for a short while."

[Liene] "Surely not..."

Liene started to laugh it off, but then she stopped.

Wasn't what the Madam just said exactly what I wanted to find out by leaving Nauk?

[Liene] "Yes. I will do my best."

The thought made her want to return as soon as possible.

[Liene] "Madam... no, Madam Renfel might feel even lonelier. Sir Renfel—Klima—is coming with us as well."

Madam Henton waved her hand and smiled.

[Henton] "Not at all. I am happier than lonely. It feels like he is finally acting like a proper man. It is all thanks to the Princess."

[Liene] "Sir Klima has become indispensable. That is thanks to you, Madam."

Preparations for the journey began in earnest.

[Liene] "Help me pack. I’ll need fine dresses, but also comfortable clothes for riding. I’m wondering if I should wear men’s trousers."

[Flambard] "What? The Princess in men’s clothing? That’s absurd!"

[Henton] "Indeed. Everyone in Sharka will be dressed to the nines. What would they think if our Princess showed up in men’s garb?"

There was a bit of a squabble with the two madams during the process.

---

The time for departure arrived. Liene, dressed in a light dress that reached her ankles and a cloak, arrived at the stables and was momentarily taken aback.

[Liene] "Isn't this... a bit much?"

A massive carriage stood waiting for her with its doors open. The carriage, entirely black even down to the wheels, looked as sturdy as a fortress. The eight horses pulling it were also pure black. The only dazzling aspect was the Arsak crest, adorned with gold on the sides and back.

Two flags hung on either side of the driver’s seat. One was the Arsak family flag, and the other was a plain black flag. Though it was just a black cloth, its meaning was far from simple. It was the flag of Tiwakan, etched into the continent’s memory for ten years.

Twenty-five Tiwakans—twelve in front and thirteen behind—sat waiting on their horses. This was the first time she had seen them in full black armor. Even when watching battles from afar, she had never seen them so formally geared.

[Liene] "Isn't it too excessive...?"

The space in front of the stables felt cramped—not from lack of room, but from the sheer pressure of their presence. It felt as if she were walking not between men, but between rows of finely sharpened spears. She realized anew what Tiwakan represented to the rest of the continent.

Fermos was staying behind in Nauk. He had more to do here than in Sharka. Taking his place as the aide for this journey was Randall.

[Randall] "Is this all of the Princess’ luggage?"

[Klima] "Ah, yes. I will move it to the carriage."

Klima, who had accompanied Liene from the bedroom, spoke up.

[Randall] "No. Hands off. From now on, your only role is to stay by the Princess’ side. Don't even think about moving for trivial tasks."

There was a reason for the suffocating pressure she felt. Black and Tiwakan were prepared for anything.

[Klima] "Ah, yes. Yes, sir!"

Klima straightened his posture, looking alert as he scanned the surroundings.

This is excessive.

[Liene] "Where is Lord Tiwakan?"

[Randall] "He said he would be out after a quick word with the Deputy-Commander... Ah, here he comes."

Seeing Liene, Black quickened his pace. He wasn't wearing armor, but his coordinated clothing made him look as if he were one with the other Tiwakan. And today, he was dazzlingly handsome.

As Black offered his arm, Liene naturally linked hers and whispered in his ear.

[Liene] "Isn't this a bit much? There are more people than I expected."

[Black] "I'm not traveling alone. I’ve actually reduced the numbers quite a bit."

[Liene] "Did it become crowded because of me?"

[Black] "It became lighter because of you."

[Liene] "What do you mean?"

[Black] "When I thought about leaving you behind, my heart was so heavy I wondered if I could even move."

Reaching the carriage, Black lifted her lightly by the waist and helped her inside.

The interior, which looked grand but lacked excessive external decoration, was surprisingly luxurious. It was the first time she had seen a carriage equipped with a plush footrest, so she could take off her shoes and rest her feet.

[Liene] "This carriage is a bit strange. It’s so big, yet it’s designed so that only a few people can fit."

He sat beside her and helped her remove her shoes.

[Black] "I had it built that way on purpose. I didn't think there would be any need to carry anyone else."

[Black] "It’s a long road, so make yourself comfortable."

[Liene] "I might even fall asleep at this rate."

[Black] "You may. I had them put a lot of effort into this."

[Liene] "Did you have this carriage made specifically for this? I thought we used a new one for the wedding, too."

[Black] "I had them built at the same time. The wedding carriage can be used for short trips once the decorations are changed."

[Liene] "Oh, how extravagant."

She smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder.

[Liene] "The carriage is so comfortable that my nerves have vanished. It feels like we're going on a holiday."

[Black] "I hope it turns out that way."

As they spoke, Randall approached the carriage.

[Randall] "We are ready. Shall we depart?"

[Black] "Yes."

The sound of Tiwakan moving their horses reached them. Matching the rhythm of the hooves, her heart began to throb. She laced her fingers through Black’s.

[Liene] "We must return with the ring."

[Black] "We will."

A moment later, the carriage began to move.

Liene left a long smile for Madam Flambard—who was busy wiping away tears—and the other workers at the stable.

Word had somehow spread, and despite the early hour, people lined the road to the border to wish her a safe journey.

All of it was a reminder of why Liene needed to be in Nauk.

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