Episode 79: Rudella’s…
Rudella’s trembling voice carried a mix of embarrassment and anticipation that shimmered in her eyes. Her cheeks were tinged with a rosy hue.
“…”
Yohan felt his body stiffen. He wasn’t naïve enough to misunderstand the meaning behind her words.
‘…Has it already come to this?’
Although he had experienced many things since meeting Francia, she was the only one he had shared an intimate relationship with. Just half a year ago, Yohan had been completely inexperienced in love…
But that didn’t matter now. Retreating at this moment would not be what a man should do, especially when the woman had taken the initiative.
‘Still… Francia is waiting for me.’
Yohan stroked his chin, hesitating for a moment. He had taken a leave of absence from work to check on Rudella, worried something might have happened to her. That leave lasted until tomorrow.
However, Francia had gone to work as usual. She would likely expect him to meet her when her day ended or be waiting at the mansion when she returned.
If he went to Rudella’s house now, it would likely mean staying the night.
‘But…’
It wouldn’t be right to neglect Rudella just because he was thinking of Francia.
Even though Rudella was the second wife in his polygamous arrangement, he had promised to give her equal love.
“Um…”
When no response came from him, Rudella felt the world spin. Flustered, she quickly opened her mouth to speak.
“Well, I wanted to invite you to my new home first… and, um…”
Her voice grew quieter and quieter.
“I also wanted to show you where I’m living now that I’ve cut ties with my family…”
The last words came out as little more than a whisper. Rudella’s gaze was fixed on the ground, and her cheeks were burning bright.
After all her rambling, the conclusion was clear.
“…Is it not possible?”
She carefully lifted her head to look at him. Her heart was pounding madly, and her fingertips kept twitching nervously.
“…”
Yohan’s heart skipped a beat. Her trembling voice and gaze made it clear—this wasn’t just a simple invitation to see her home. Rudella had already made up her mind.
Realizing this made him inexplicably nervous, and he found himself unable to speak.
But his answer was already decided. Yohan struggled to get the words out.
“…Then I’ll accept your invitation.”
The moment he replied, the anxiety on Rudella’s face disappeared entirely. Her eyes sparkled, and her lips slowly curled into a smile.
It was like the clouds parted, letting the sunlight through.
“Let me guide you!”
“Let me show you the way…!”
Her fingers intertwined with his, and her bright smile was radiant.
But for some reason, Yohan felt that behind her smile was a playful sense of anticipation, as if she had a plan in mind.
***
Rudella led him to the outskirts of the capital.
Usually, the outskirts were considered areas where the poor lived, and security wasn’t great. But the outskirts of the capital were different.
The streets were immaculately clean, likely due to the many high-ranking nobles requiring large estates. The atmosphere was pleasant as well.
There were few pedestrians; most people traveled by horse or carriage. The clothing was predominantly the attire of servants.
“Did you… buy a house here?”
Yohan asked, bewildered. This area was where high-ranking nobles purchased property. He couldn’t fathom how Rudella had managed it.
“I had some hidden funds. But I think you’re misunderstanding something.”
“Misunderstood?”
“The mansion you see over there is reserved for grand nobles, isn’t it?”
“Well, yes…”
In such areas, money alone wasn’t enough to secure property. This was a neighborhood reserved for the most elite.
“The property I bought is over there, at the edge. Follow me.”
Rudella led Yohan further along.
And finally, they arrived.
“This is the place.”
It was a modest house.
Of course, modest was only in comparison to the grand mansions of the nobles. The house itself was plenty luxurious.
Nestled among the extravagant mansions of the wealthy, the house stood as a tidy, modest two-story home.
Its red-tiled roof and soft beige walls gave it a calm and serene appearance. The small garden in front was dotted with low-growing flowers, simple yet charming.
“…Excuse me.”
Following Rudella’s lead, Yohan stepped into the house. The cozy interior, filled with a faint wooden scent and warm lighting, greeted him.
The tidy entryway had a stone floor designed to brush off dirt or mud and was adorned with a luxurious mat.
“How is it?”
“It’s nice.”
He looked around and slowly nodded.
“It’s suitable for two people, cozy inside, and honestly, I wouldn’t mind living here myself.”
“Hmm, then would you like to live here with me?”
“…I don’t think that would be appropriate. Miss Vera lives with you, doesn’t she?”
“True… it’s not something I can decide on my own. What a shame.”
“That’s not really the issue, though.”
“Hehe.”
Rudella chuckled softly and tilted her head slightly, her snow-white silver hair cascading down her neckline.
“Let me show you around the interior now.”
She gently clasped Yohan’s hand and began showing him around, starting with the nearest room.
“This is the living room.”
The polished wooden floor was covered with a carpet adorned with exotic patterns.
In the center stood a table and chairs crafted from oak and walnut, their backs elegantly carved.
Of course, there was a fireplace, flanked by decorative candlesticks and small sculptures.
Though the room also featured candlesticks and oil lamps, they appeared untouched and were likely just for decoration. The actual light came from a magical device.
“Hmm… What’s this?”
Yohan pointed to a glass cabinet in the corner of the living room. Inside were dishes, metal crafts, and incense burners.
“A display case. Those are Vera’s collection. Small porcelain from the East, intricately carved metal incense burners… collecting delicate items like these is her hobby.”
“Ah, I see.”
Indeed, it was unlikely Rudella would decorate with such items. She neither had the interest nor the time for it.
“By the way, where is Miss Vera?”
“She said she had to discuss something with Lord Haslan.”
“Lord Haslan… You mean…”
“Vera’s father.”
The Haslan Viscount family was a house that had long served the Bismarck family closely. Most Haslan descendants became aides to the Bismarck lineage.
“Is Miss Vera also severing ties with her family?”
“No, not quite.”
Rudella shook her head before continuing.
“Vera gave up her rights to help me. She’s truly too good for me. I’m always grateful for her.”
After discussing matters with her family, Vera had chosen to follow Rudella closely and assist her in every way possible.
“I see. Miss Vera must really care about you, Lady Bismarck.”
“I’m thankful, indeed.”
Rudella offered a faint smile and nodded.
“But, you know…”
“Yes?”
“How long are you going to keep calling me Bismarck?”
“Oh.”
“My name is just Rudella now.”
“…”
She leaned in slightly, her crimson lips parting.
“Just as you asked me to call you Yohan.”
Rudella held Yohan’s hand tightly, their fingers interlaced. Her slender, soft fingers had a pleasant texture.
“Call me Rudella. I want to hear you say my name.”
“…Rudella.”
“Hehe, I like that.”
Rudella gave a sweet smile and gazed at Yohan with affectionate, lingering eyes full of warmth.
“Now, let me show you the study.”
She led the way. With a soft click, the door opened to reveal a serene study.
Wooden bookshelves lined the walls, filled with books, while a desk held an ink bottle and her pens.
“It’s small, but cozy and perfect for focusing. I’m quite satisfied with it.”
“It definitely has a nice atmosphere.”
Yohan looked around, inhaling the distinct scent of books. Sunlight streamed in at just the right angle, creating a warm and calming ambiance.
‘Has she completely given up her position as the crown princess?’
As he observed the study, the thought crossed his mind.
“May I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Your position as crown princess…”
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Yohan’s eyes. It was her habit to maintain eye contact and listen attentively whenever he spoke.
“Now that you’ve severed ties with your family and submitted a request for annulment, shouldn’t you notify the imperial family about it?”
Although Yohan knew Rudella had been kidnapped by the crown prince, he doubted the imperial family was aware she had gone as far as cutting ties with her family and requesting a formal annulment. If so, what would happen to the now-empty Topaz Palace?
“That’s for the lofty Sun to deal with. I have nothing to do with that position anymore.”
Rudella let out a light sigh, savoring the newfound freedom as she smiled. She had a surprisingly carefree side.
“Besides, I’ve been spending my time idly without handling any official matters recently, so I doubt my absence will have much of an impact. And with the crown prince’s rebellion keeping them occupied, they likely won’t have the time to concern themselves with me.”
Of course, all of this was part of her plan.
“Well, that’s a relief, then.”
“Anyway, let’s leave that topic for now.”
Rudella smiled softly at Yohan and held out her hand.
“Now… I’ll show you the bedroom.”
Yohan’s gaze wavered briefly.
“…The bedroom?”
“…Yes.”
Her voice was soft, but there was a quiver at the end of her words that made the air in the room grow warmer. The tips of her ears, flushed red, betrayed her inner thoughts.
Yohan glanced at her, unsettled. Though she tried to maintain a neutral expression, her unease was evident.
‘She’s made up her mind completely…’
He felt cold sweat form on the back of his neck, his heart beating slightly faster. Her determined gaze tore apart any hesitation.
“…Let’s go.”
Following her lead, Yohan ascended to the second floor. She guided him to the innermost room, which turned out to be the bedroom.
“I chose good bedding, and you can feel Vera’s touch in the décor, can’t you? She decorated it herself.”
Yohan’s eyes swept over the soft curtains and neatly made bed.
“Hmm…”
The bedroom exuded a sense of calm and warmth. It was a space where one could feel at ease and fall asleep comfortably.
“It’s nice.”
“Isn’t it?”
And with that, silence fell.
“…”
“…”
With that, silence fell between them. The only sound was the beating of their hearts, oddly loud in the quiet room.
…Slowly, the distance between them closed. Their shoulders brushed.
Yohan felt Rudella’s breath close to his cheek, and his fingers tingled as they trembled slightly. She, too, couldn’t meet his gaze directly, softly exhaling instead.
“…There’s something I’d like to ask of you.”
Rudella’s voice resonated softly.
“Please, I hope you can grant me…”
The moment had arrived.
“…What is it?”
As Yohan met her gaze, Rudella quietly turned her head, her sky-blue eyes trembling like an earthquake.
“Tonight… I want a night I’ll never forget…”
Her voice, laden with tension, quivered faintly. Yet it didn’t falter. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she locked eyes with Yohan, her intentions crystal clear.
“…I wish you to give me such a night.”
Time to take the villainess' first time, too.
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