Episode 49: The Trophy of High Society
On the way back to the Fervache Imperial City mansion by carriage.
Yohan stared out the window with a grim expression. His face, faintly reflected in the glass, wavered slightly. That face felt oddly unfamiliar.
“Today has been… quite eventful.”
Crown Princess Raeliana Rozino. Her confident smile and audacious proposal of marriage still lingered in his mind.
Her proposal had been… exhausting. Yohan couldn’t let his guard down for even a moment until she finally rose from her seat.
Thankfully, she left hastily, preventing the conversation from dragging on. But they would meet again.
And, just like this time, she would undoubtedly bring up the topic of marriage once more. Raeliana’s interest wasn’t something that would end with mere curiosity.
So far, Yohan could tolerate it. The arrogance of the Imperial family often pierced the heavens.
But… visiting Rudella had been a mistake.
Who could have predicted that a woman, bound by an engagement to the Crown Prince and destined to become the future Empress, would confess her feelings to him?
“My head hurts.”
The confession itself wasn’t the issue. It had been pure and genuine—a rare desire, yearning, and ambition from Rudella, who had always lived passively.
Rejecting her as gently as possible was all that was needed. Rudella must have known she would be refused when she said it.
But… the words that followed were the real problem.
If Yohan accepted her proposal, she promised to ascend as Empress, grant him power, and personally present herself—along with any other women he desired.
When Yohan heard those words, a chill ran down his spine. He felt an unpleasantness that sank to his bones.
Rudella had intended to use the position of Empress as bait to claim Yohan for herself. No, she didn’t even realize that what she was doing was despicable.
Regardless of her intentions, her words ultimately trampled on Yohan’s dignity and pride.
…To be honest, her proposal was something any man might find tempting—a dream, even. It promised the life of a free and powerful ruler, unbound by anything.
But Yohan… was far from being that type of man. If he were, he would have been surrounded by noblewomen since his academy days with this face of his.
Of course, as a man, he didn’t entirely dismiss the idea of a harem life filled with women.
But thinking about the emotional effort and energy that lifestyle would demand… well. Yohan wasn’t that diligent, nor did he harbor such strong desires for women.
‘Enough. Let’s stop thinking about it. It’s over.’
If Rudella had any decency, she wouldn’t call on him for another designated mission. He had drawn a clear line at the end.
He did worry a bit about how forceful he had been with his words, but it shouldn’t be a major issue. Rudella herself would be in trouble if this incident came to light.
‘The only remaining problem… is Raeliana Rozino. But I’ll think about that later. My head hurts now.’
Yohan slowly closed his eyes. His head felt overheated, and he didn’t want to think anymore.
As soon as his eyes shut, Crown Princess Raeliana’s confident laughter and Rudella’s trembling voice swirled together in his ears.
***
The Next Day.
Inside the carriage headed to work as a public official, Francia rested her head on Yohan’s shoulder.
“I fell asleep early yesterday and didn’t get a chance to ask—was everything okay?”
At her question, Yohan glanced away slightly and replied in a low voice.
“There wasn’t anything significant.”
“Hmm…”
Francia narrowed her eyes and studied Yohan’s reaction carefully before poking his cheek with her finger.
“You know what?”
“What is it?”
When Yohan tilted his head quizzically, Francia smiled faintly.
“You have a habit that shows when you lie.”
A habit? In his 21 years, this was the first time Yohan had heard of such a thing.
“Whenever you lie, your gaze, which usually never leaves me, shifts to the side. You didn’t know that, did you?”
“…I had no idea.”
“I thought so. It didn’t seem like something you were aware of doing.”
Francia giggled behind her hand, acting as if she knew everything about Yohan.
“So, what happened?”
She asked. Yohan momentarily averted his eyes before replying.
“…I met with Her Highness the Princess as part of a mission. And also Lady Bismarck.”
“Is that so?”
Francia nodded, then suddenly leaned in to examine his face closely.
“Hm. But, Yohan, you’re hiding something, aren’t you?”
Yohan hesitated, briefly avoiding her gaze. Seeing this, she playfully poked his cheek with her finger and grinned mischievously.
“See? I knew it! Caught you red-handed. Did you know you’re even more obvious when you’re trying to hide something?”
Faced with her sharp observation, Yohan sighed lightly and chuckled.
“Really, this time and the last… You’re like a mind reader.”
“Of course! When it comes to you, Yohan, I can figure out anything.”
Francia chuckled softly, clearly enjoying herself. But Yohan couldn’t figure out how to explain what had happened the previous day.
The princess’s flirtations were one thing, but… how was he supposed to talk about Rudella confessing her feelings?
“What exactly happened?”
“It was just… a complicated conversation.”
“…I see.”
Francia crossed her arms and scrutinized his reaction again. The motion emphasized her chest, drawing Yohan’s gaze.
“Well, if you don’t want to tell me, I won’t press. Even couples should have a few secrets, right?”
She smiled faintly, studying his expression before tilting her head with a sly grin.
“Hm? Yohan, you’re just a man, after all.”
“…What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
“You were staring at my chest just now.”
“That… was unavoidable.”
“Hmm…?”
Francia smirked, her expression shifting as if an idea had just struck her.
“I’ve just thought of a way to win against you, Yohan.”
“And what would that be?”
“Hehe.”
She slowly unbuttoned her uniform, revealing the soft line of her collarbone. Beneath her pale skin, the elegant curve of bone was visible-a subtle allure that drew the eye.
“This is the spot where you can never resist kissing. What do you think?”
“…Hmm.”
Yohan gazed intently at her collarbone, watching how her muscles moved subtly beneath her skin. The sight exuded a graceful vitality.
“…If you stare like that, it’s embarrassing.”
“Didn’t you show it to me on purpose?”
“Ah, geez…! Why am I the only one embarrassed here…”
When her plan didn’t seem to work, Francia quickly moved to cover her exposed collarbone, but Yohan grabbed her arm firmly.
“Ah!”
Her uniform loosened further, exposing her neckline and part of her ample chest. Yohan leaned in, burying his face in the space between her collarbone and shoulder. He softly kissed her skin.
“Hah…!”
Francia shuddered, her entire body trembling as she arched her back.
Yohan inhaled deeply, taking in her scent, and trailed kisses up from her collarbone to her neck.
The sound of his lips brushing against her skin echoed repeatedly.
Yohan kissed along her chest, collarbone, and neck, finally reaching her cheek and meeting her gaze. Her face was flushed bright red, and her breathing was labored.
“What’s wrong?”
“Haa… You’re so… wicked.”
“Didn’t you show me on purpose for this?”
“Ugh…”
Because they were so close, Yohan could feel Francia’s racing heartbeat. He smirked faintly and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
“Don’t do that again.”
“…I think I won’t.”
Leaning against the wall of the carriage, Francia covered her reddened face with her arms, her breath uneven. Marks from Yohan’s kisses remained on her chest, collarbone, and neck.
As she breathed, her subtly exposed chest rose and fell, her delicate, pale skin gleaming with a soft luster.
The sight was so alluring and sensual that Yohan had to swallow hard.
“Not here… We’re inside the carriage… Someone might see us…”
Even as she panted heavily, seemingly aware of his desires, Francia hurriedly buttoned up her uniform, her face flushed crimson.
“You were being provocative, so I thought it was what you wanted,”
Yohan replied with a sly smile, leaning in to place another kiss on her neck.
“Ahh…!”
His breath against her most sensitive skin made her arch her back once more. The sinful act of indulging in such intimacy within the carriage heightened her sense of pleasure.
“Honestly, isn’t it you who wants this, Francia? Your reactions are quite intense.”
“…”
“I’ll make it quick, just once, in secret. It should be fine, don’t you think?”
“Ah…”
With a soft sigh, she didn’t respond further. Instead, she covered her flushed face with her hands, her expression unbearably cute. Yohan couldn’t help but chuckle.
“I’m joking. The coachman might notice. How could I? Besides, Francia, I want to keep this side of you all to myself.”
Yohan suppressed his desires. He wanted to savor her enchanting appearance alone, never letting anyone else see it.
“…Good choice.” Francia replied, though she felt a twinge of regret. Deep down, she wanted to see Yohan lose control and succumb to his desires for her.
“Ahem…”
Francia adjusted her posture and sneaked a glance at Yohan. As always, he was there.
“Your expression seems back to normal now.” she remarked.
“Back to normal?”
“Earlier, you had such a serious look, as if you were carrying all the worries of the world on your shoulders. But now, it seems like you’ve forgotten them, which is a relief.”
“Ah.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll make sure Yohan forgets all his worries.” she said playfully, tracing her finger along the line of his neck.
“After what just happened, you’re still at it?” Yohan asked with a teasing smirk.
“Hehe, Yohan, don’t move. Let me take care of everything this time.” Francia giggled, her hands playfully caressing Yohan’s body. Surprisingly… it felt oddly satisfying-strange, yet pleasant.
“We’ve arrived,” the coachman interrupted.
Their moment of affection was cut short as the carriage came to a stop. After three knocks, the coachman opened the door, letting in a gust of cold air.
“Have a good day.” the coachman said politely before stepping back.
Yohan stepped out first and offered his hand to help Francia disembark.
“Thank you.” she said.
“Not at all.”
After leaving the carriage and exchanging light greetings with the guards, the two made their way toward the Bureau’s building.
Despite the early hour, the place was bustling with activity.
“…Something seems to have happened.” Francia whispered, her fingers naturally entwined with Yohan’s, her expression tinged with concern.
“Let’s find out.”
Hurrying their steps, Yohan and Francia entered the Bureau’s building, immediately feeling the heavy atmosphere pressing down on them.
“What’s going on?” Yohan asked a nearby officer.
The reply came swiftly.
“A Imperial decree has been issued… to prepare for war.”
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