A Barbaric Proposal Side Story 16

※A Child's Perspective※

[Shellan] "How could you be so rude, Dief?"

It was Shellan who broke the sudden silence.

[Shellan] "When someone greets you, you are supposed to acknowledge them. How could you just stand there muttering to yourself?"

[Dief] "Ah… right."

He hurriedly composed himself, dropping to one knee and extending his arms in a formal gesture of etiquette.

[Dief] "Welcome to Nauk, Little Lady of Alito. Please, forgive my lack of manners."

[Seira] "Think nothing of it."

With Shellan and Dief finished with their greetings, Dieren—wiping cold sweat from his brow—managed to wedge himself back into the conversation.

[Dieren] "Ah, well, then there’s no problem, right? The child doesn't know anything anyway… and it’s all in the past. Haha."

His awkward laughter died instantly the moment he made eye contact with Black.

Liene stepped between the two men.

[Liene] "I believe we have had enough greetings for now. The servants will show you to your quarters so you may rest. We shall see you at the evening banquet."

Liene turned away first, with Black following closely in her wake. Seeing this, Shellan nudged Dief’s arm.

[Shellan] "Let’s go."

[Dief] "Huh? Right now?"

[Shellan] "Hurry."

Shellan practically dragged him along. Their mother’s pace was unusually fast today. To keep up with the adults’ long strides, they had to grit their teeth and nearly run on their short legs.

[Dief] "Shellan, why—"

[Shellan] "Mother!"

Before he could even ask why they were rushing through the castle, she called out, fearing they would lose sight of Liene.

Liene came to a halt, and Black stopped alongside her.

[Liene] "…Yes, Shellan? What is it?"

Compared to Liene’s brisk pace, her response was a heartbeat slow. It seemed as though she might have wanted to avoid answering altogether.

Shellan’s mind raced.

Something is definitely going on.

Mother mentioned that the girl looked like someone. And then, when Dief mindlessly called her beautiful, both of their expressions changed. I saw it clearly.

Who could it be? I’m dying to know.

[Shellan] "About the guest who arrived today."

[Liene] "Yes. Go on."

[Shellan] "She has never visited before. I didn't even know such a lady existed. How did this happen?"

[Liene] "I heard she was officially registered to the Grand Ducal house last year. That is why she came this year."

[Shellan] "But who does she look like? Is it someone I know?"

[Liene] "…No. You wouldn't know her. She was from the House of Alito, but she passed away long ago."

[Shellan] "Was she your friend, Mother?"

[Liene] "No. She was just someone I knew of. I recognized her face because I saw her once."

[Shellan] "Then why were you so surprised? Father even tried to send their carriage back."

In that moment, Shellan saw them exchange a lightning-fast glance. They didn't even turn their heads, but their eyes moved. She was certain of it.

[Black] "I thought the Prince of Alito had come down with a fever. It was a mistake. He appears to be healthy… fortunately."

Black provided the answer, and Liene nodded a second later.

[Liene] "Yes. That was it."

[Shellan] "Aha. I see. But then why—"

Her mother cut her off. Shellan couldn't shake the suspicion that Liene was deliberately changing the subject.

[Liene] "By the way, didn't you two have things to do? You should accompany the guests when they are shown to their rooms."

[Shellan] "That isn't my job. Dief was the one who volunteered for that."

[Dief] "Shellan is right. I was going to do it alone."

[Liene] "Then from this year onward, you shall do it together."

Shellan’s eyes widened.

[Shellan] "So suddenly? Like this? Without any reason?"

[Liene] "I think it would be for the best. They are your guests, after all."

[Shellan] "That’s not true. As you are well aware, Mother, I have maintained a consistent stance against Alito’s visits."

[Liene] "You eventually agreed to the invitation. Therefore, they are now your guests."

[Shellan] "No, that’s just too—"

[Liene] "Now, go. Do your duty as the future Sovereign."

Liene took Shellan by the shoulders and turned her around.

The easiest way to handle Shellan was to mention her duty as the next ruler. Black followed her lead and turned Dief around as well.

[Black] "Since we plan to be away from the castle starting tonight, the responsibility of hosting the guests falls to you two. Ensure everything is handled perfectly."

[Dief] "Ah…? That seems like a bit much for an eight-year-old."

[Shellan] "I disagree with that sentiment, but regardless of my ability to do it, I don't want to."

The twins reacted exactly like their parents would have. Instead of answering, Liene patted both their shoulders simultaneously.

[Liene] "Off you go."

She turned away and continued down the hall, with Black trailing after her.

[Shellan] "Hmm…"

She stroked her chin as she watched the two of them walk away.

[Dief] "Let’s go, Shellan. They’ll reach their rooms before we even get there."

[Shellan] "Don't you find it strange?"

[Dief] "Hmm? What?"

[Shellan] "Mother and Father. And that person, they said, does she look like?"

[Dief] "Huh? Who said she looks like Mother? Besides me?"

She narrowed her eyes.

[Shellan] "You’re making this confusing. Is it because my hearing is as superior as my intellect? We were in the same spot, so why was I the only one who heard it?"

[Dief] "Heard what? And I doubt your physical senses are that superior. I’m much better at running and climbing trees. I’m even growing faster than you."

[Shellan] "Hmph. I suppose that’s true. Regardless."

[Dief] "But what’s strange? And who is this person she looks like?"

[Shellan] "Hey, want to make a bet?"

Her eyes sparkled as she shifted the topic. Dief let out a small sigh.

Shellan’s mind worked so fast that her conversations jumped just as quickly; her thoughts were already miles ahead. Dief was used to it.

[Dief] "What kind of bet?"

[Shellan] "On whether Mother and Father will actually go on their trip or not."

[Dief] "What?"

His eyes popped. He had actually been thinking the same thing. While he enjoyed playing with children his own age, it couldn't compare to the thought of not seeing his parents for a month. Moreover, the idea of just the two of them going to Bellisa Castle felt genuinely lonely and unfair. He was the one who loved swimming the most in the family.

[Dief] "Why? Did they say they weren't going? No, they didn't say anything like that. Did you find something out?"

[Shellan] "Didn't you see earlier? Despite our protests, Mother didn't take Father’s side. She didn't respond to what Father said about their departure; she just dismissed us."

[Dief] "Oh…?"

[Shellan] "Think about how they usually are. Has that ever happened before?"

He fell into deep thought.

[Dief] "Mmm… mm… Sorry, I don't really remember. But now that you mention it, things did seem a bit different."

[Shellan] "Yes, they are."

She smirked.

[Shellan] "I think I know a way to make sure they don't go on that trip."

[Dief] "Really?"

His eyes lit up with excitement. If they couldn't all go together, it was much better for no one to go at all.

---

[Black] "Are you still angry?"

He finally spoke once the children were far enough away.

[Liene] "…It isn't something to be angry about."

She replied after a slight delay. Her steps slowed to a halt.

[Black] "You look angry, though."

[Liene] "Mmm… no, I’m not."

Thinking it over, there really was no reason to be mad.

Relatives often resembled one another. Dieren’s other children all shared some likeness. She had heard the youngest son looked so much like his grandfather that the Grand Duke doted on him excessively.

[Liene] "One can't complain about how someone is born, can they? It isn't the child’s fault."

[Black] "But hiding the fact was a mistake."

[Liene] "True. It’s certainly a problem. There was absolutely no mention of it until now. Not even in the reply to the invitation. It almost seems intentional at this point."

[Black] "Yes, exactly. Much like how you thought I was trying to hide the girl from you."

[Liene] "No. If you put it that way, it sounds a bit strange."

Black’s expression turned solemn. Hearing it aloud, he realized it was ripe for misunderstanding.

Liene couldn't help but let out a small giggle.

[Liene] "What? Are you worried I’d actually think that? She’s fourteen, which means she was born before you ever proposed to me. Is there even a possibility?"

His brow furrowed deeply.

[Black] "I assume you aren't asking that seriously… but even as a joke, it isn't funny."

[Liene] "Mmm… I think you’re taking this far too seriously."

[Black] "Yes. Because right now, I have no room for composure."

[Liene] "Oh, honestly. There’s no need for that. It’s all in the distant past."

[Black] "Exactly. And that is why I hate seeing the same problems repeat themselves."

[Liene] "She’s just a child. She’s young and likely knows nothing."

[Black] "But you know everything. I don't want those memories resurfacing for you."

[Liene] "…Hah, so you’re saying I can't even be upset?"

He was always the same. He never gave her time to stay in a foul mood.

Resurrecting memories of Blini wasn't pleasant, but seeing how quickly Black had tried to shove Dieren back into the carriage, she understood how desperately he had wanted to keep that face away from her.

[Liene] "Still, I won't forget how you tried to brush it off with a lie so easily."

[Black] "I was wrong to do that."

[Liene] "Even if you apologize so readily, I won't forgive you just yet."

[Black] "Is there a way I can hasten your forgiveness?"

[Liene] "Mmm… I’m not sure. Why don't you think of something? I’ll judge your attempt."

His expression softened.

[Black] "Is it hard for you to walk? Do your legs ache? Are your shoes uncomfortable?"

[Liene] "Why?"

[Black] "Because I can carry you."

Before he even finished speaking, he swept her up into his arms.

[Liene] "Oh! You startled me."

[Black] "No need for that."

Despite her surprise, her arms moved habitually to wrap around his neck. She leaned her head against his shoulder and murmured.

[Liene] "This isn't nearly enough. You shouldn't think I’m someone who forgives so easily."

[Black] "That’s a relief. I have plenty of other things to try."

[Liene] "Like what?"

His voice dropped to a low register.

[Black] "I’ll show you on the way to Bellisa."

[Liene] "You can't do it here?"

[Black] "These are attempts that can only be made when we are alone."

She giggled.

[Liene] "Do you really want to say things like that even while seeking forgiveness?"

[Black] "I can't help it. To me, you are always so—"

He suddenly stopped walking and kissed her. Through the contact, a familiar, dizzying heat surged between them.

[Liene] "Whew… I hope the banquet ends quickly."

As the kiss ended, Liene whispered with reddened lips.

Black leaned his forehead against hers and nudged her slightly.

[Black] "I agree."

There had been an unexpected incident, but it wasn't a major crisis. Their sweet trip for two would proceed exactly as planned. Or so they thought.

As the evening banquet began, Black forces realized how significantly he had misjudged the circumstances.

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