TSMMT Ch 69

Mistletoe

A king had crafted the most pathetic flower crown in the world. Although Dianna found it strange to admit, the arrangement he created was remarkably beautiful.

She had resolved to remain detached from everything, yet why did this bring joy? Touching the crown resting upon her brow, she smiled shyly.

Differences from her past life definitely existed. She knew it. Guiscard behaved with strange caution and politeness toward her. This was likely the consequence of her granting him official freedom.

Dread gripped her at this change.

The ruined crown, shattered just like her, found new life as an ornament upon her brow. Could she harbor a shred of hope, as if the uselessly trampled blossoms had revived?

Can I live a better life?

Dianna had not trampled the blossoms, yet the flowers that faced destruction just like in her past life now decorated her head regardless.

Shadows obscured his face as he watched Dianna's faint smile. He extended a hand toward her.

[Dianna] "I know you planned this event to display me to others."

[Guiscard] "……."

[Dianna] "I am sorry for dismissing the crowd without permission. This was the only way."

Guiscard stood completely still, his extended hand frozen in mid-air. A faint sigh turned into a breeze, dissolving before it could reach her ears.

[Guiscard] "It is not as if I desired to parade this before other people either."

[Dianna] "……."

He admitted it. Dianna let out a short laugh at his strange grumbling. He fixed his gaze upon her at the sound.

[Guiscard] "I……"

[Dianna] "Pardon?"

[Guiscard] "It is nothing."

He hesitated to speak, then fell silent. He watched Dianna without a word for a long time. The night grew deeper and darker, until the biting cold finally forced a small sneeze from Dianna.

[Dianna] "Achoo!"

The season transitioned into winter, bringing freezing conditions. No matter how warm the palace remained, the late autumn night wind bit deep.

As Dianna held his hand and entered the palace, the attendants who had not yet departed stood waiting. Every eye fixed upon them and the mistletoe crown resting upon her head.

[Guiscard] "Prepare a warm bath. An eternity has passed since I captured the fox, yet the cape remains unfinished?"

[Mable] "Forgive me, Your Majesty. We shall complete it immediately."

Dianna stood motionless as the commands echoed. The proposal had concluded successfully, leaving her with a desperate longing to submerge her body in a warm bath.

I only need to wash in my chambers now.

It had been a long day. Yet Guiscard refused to leave, following her continuously.

Why? Has something occurred?

Confronted by her puzzled expression, he spoke.

[Guiscard] "Because it is a waste."

[Dianna] "……."

[Guiscard] "It is an utter waste."

[Dianna] "What is a waste, Your Majesty?"

Does a wife's duty encompass this as well?

Dianna lacked the courage to command him to leave, standing rigid as Guiscard entered her room. Although the crown assigned her a vast chamber, his presence filled the space.

[Dianna] "Are you claiming this chamber is a waste?"

She recognized the reality. The room was exceptionally large for a guest chamber.

Guiscard stared directly at her face.

[Guiscard] "Did you not claim to work at the academy? Specifically, that you labored in the library?"

[Dianna] "I fail to comprehend your meaning……"

[Guiscard] "It is nothing."

Is he mocking me? What does he mean?

She knit her brows.

[Mable] "I shall bring some tea."

[Guiscard] "Wait."

He stopped Mable as the head maid prepared to exit. Absolute tension gripped Mable's features.

[Guiscard] "You have until tomorrow. Otherwise, you will all face execution."

[Mable] "I understand, Your Majesty."

A brutal threat met a calm submission.

Guiscard settled into a nearby chair, looking strangely out of place. His gaze remained locked on Dianna's face continuously.

The contrast in his behavior from the past timeline flustered Dianna. He displayed an undercurrent of anxiety, shifting with visible hesitation.

[Guiscard] "How do you wish to conduct the wedding?"

Did I ever possess a choice?

Her expression turned rigid. As her gaze shifted around the room, his eyes darkened.

Dianna desired only one specific condition for the marriage. She opened her mouth to speak without thinking.

[Dianna] "I don't want a restraint collar around my neck."

The words erupted suddenly. His purple eyes locked onto her, filled to the depths with confusion and bewilderment.

Such a demand was completely absurd and cruel. She knew it. Yet that was the exact penalty imposed upon Dianna in her past life. Although choosing her own punishment as a criminal was ridiculous, she still felt compelled to voice it.

[Dianna] "I will not resist. I will not trample the bouquet, nor throw a tantrum by refusing to wear the gown."

[Guiscard] "……."

[Dianna] "Therefore, please don't force a restraint collar upon me like a slave."

[Guiscard] "……."

[Dianna] "I shall accept punishment through any other method."

Wearing a restraint collar was a deeply painful and humiliating ordeal. A physical beating from his hands would be preferable.

As Dianna collected her thoughts and focused on his face once more, the King lowered his gaze. A sharp, mocking laugh escaped his lips.

[Guiscard] "Ah, ahahaha!"

He burst into uproarious laughter, as if he had just heard a highly entertaining joke.

Dianna assumed a puzzled expression, for she had never witnessed him laugh so loudly. Yet the laughter carried the hollow resonance of a sob.

[Guiscard] "Ah, My Lady."

[Dianna] "……."

[Guiscard] "Lady Dianna. Thank you for snapping me back to reality."

Yet his eyes turned ice-cold.

[Guiscard] "Indeed, this is our dynamic. This is exactly how it should be."

[Dianna] "……."

[Guiscard] "A punishment. This is sheer punishment."

[Guiscard] "Trapped inside a castle I conquered, wearing garments I provided, and crowned with an arrangement I crafted—your very breath at this moment is a punishment."

Is it not a punishment then?

The depth within his purple eyes shattered completely. He stared down at her.

[Guiscard] "Forget the tea."

[Dianna] "……."

[Guiscard] "Hatefully enough, you look remarkably beautiful today, My Lady."

Leaving only those words behind, Guiscard departed. Confusion consumed her after his exit.

What does he mean? Did he not realize this was our relationship? He knew it perfectly well. What is so hateful?

Dianna stood frozen, the flower crown still resting upon her head.

---

Because Dianna submitted quietly, the wedding preparations proceeded smoothly. She tried on various gowns and adorned herself with fine jewelry.

She fell into deep thought.

Strange. Why does he not inflict suffering? Why does he withhold my punishment?

She pondered the matter continuously.

Ah, does he intend to force the restraint collar upon me during the actual wedding?

I detest that reality so much…… I suppose it can't be helped.

Dianna bit her lip at the humiliating thought. Yet it would only last for three years—a period matching the hellish span of her past life.

That hell felt endless back then, but since I already know this nightmare, I can endure it. Let us just accept this reality.

Ultimately, she resolved to accept the restraint collar.

Yes, she had harbored too much greed. A worldly penalty would never consider the victim's feelings.

Let us enjoy this brief window where no one inflicts harm.

Reaching that conclusion, Dianna accepted Mable's suggestion to stroll through the palace grounds. A white fur cloak descended over her shoulders.

The Lodbrog palace bore no resemblance to the glittering luxury of Panborough. No elegant statues of mythic heroes decorated the grounds; instead, a rusted iron figure holding a sword stood thrusting its blade toward the sky. The only features offering any beauty to the garden were the neatly trimmed hedges and massive trees.

Dianna lost herself in thought as she walked. Since that night, she had not encountered Guiscard a single time. The timeline mirrored her past life perfectly. Back then, the King abruptly announced the wedding on the very day it occurred. Fortunately, in this life, Dianna at least maintained the awareness that the ceremony would take place the following week.

[Knight] "Wait! You can't behave this way here!"

A sudden commotion startled Dianna. A heated struggle erupted nearby.

[Knight] "My Lady, please step this way."

The abrupt appearance of a knight startled Dianna further.

When did he arrive? Has he tracked my movements this entire time?

Just as she prepared to follow the knight's guidance—

[Adel] "Dian! Dian, over here!"

The familiar voice pierced the air, causing her to spin around.

This voice belongs to……

[Knight] "My Lady."

Ignoring the knight's warning, Dianna walked toward the source of the noise. A palace guard engaged in the physical struggle, and the man shouting in the center of the fray was—

[Dianna] "Adel?"

Subdued by the guards, Adel's eyes brightened upon seeing her. The palace guards spoke.

[Knight] "You must restrain yourself, Grand Du—"

[Adel] "Shh! Shh! Shut your mouth!"

[Knight] "What are you saying, Grand Duke—"

[Adel] "I told you to be quiet!"

As Adel shouted, she let out a long sigh and extended her hand.

[Dianna] "Please stand up, Your Grace."

Tangled on the ground with the guards, Adel widened his eyes. He stared intently, repeating the phrase that left her lips.

[Adel] "Dian? How on earth did you……"

Responding to his question, she spoke clearly to confirm the reality.

[Dianna] "I greet Your Grace. I fear disgraceful rumors will spread if anyone witnesses this display. Hurry."

Yet Adel merely stared at her with a rigid expression, his face demanding to know how she discovered his true identity.

[Dianna] "Well…… it began with your name……"

That stood as the only explanation she could offer. Although oblivious at first, learning his full name triggered her suspicion. Adel and Adelheit. Furthermore, his bearing always exuded nobility. The subtle manner in which he directed others and the deferential attitude of his visitors exposed his status. Dianna realized instantly that he belonged to the aristocracy.

[Dianna] "Besides, your hair color is currently bright silver, Your Grace."

At those words, Adel touched his own hair as a sudden realization struck. Then he let out a heavy sigh.

[Dianna] "Adel?"

Tears welled in his eyes at her voice. Without warning, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

[Adel] "Dian, I believed you had died."

[Dianna] "……."

[Adel] "Your frame has withered to half its former size."

As he scanned her physical condition, she gave a self-conscious smile.

[Adel] "We can't remain here. Let us return immediately."

[Dianna] "Pardon?"

[Adel] "Hurry. I have come to take you home."

He offered a bright smile as he looked at her face. His expression radiated a quality as brilliant as sunlight. The exact instant she prepared to speak—

[Guiscard] "What is the meaning of this insolence toward my bride-to-be, Grand Duke Blake?"

---

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