Chapter 15: Scorn doesn't hurt or itch.

“Tonight’s evening party is a small one to be held in the central hall of the main castle.” But the dance hall, with the musical corps playing, is drawing a crowd of guests.

There are women in bright dresses and men in military uniforms, the official costume of the country. At first glance, they are dressed as they are the beau monde and are chatting with each other, glasses in hand.

Rishe, with her hand on Arnold’s arm, stopped at the entrance and took a look around.

“….Somehow, it’s a bigger party than I’ve expected.”

“Really? This is somewhat quiet though for a castle like this.”

“Ta, the great power norm…”

The number of people gathered in this hall is regarded as a huge evening party back in Rishe’s homeland. Rishe was once again amazed at the wealth of Garkhain. Arnold, on the other hand, looked as if he was disgusted from the bottom of his heart.

“No matter how many people are gathered here, all that takes place is a ridiculous hunger hunting. Look, here they come.”

In time with his speech, he and Rishe were spotted at the entrance, and the guests swarmed in a blink of an eye.

“Your Royal Highness, Prince Arnold, we are honored to have been invited here tonight.”

“…. Lord Rivel, thank you for your time.”

“Your Royal Highness! I’m glad you’re back safe and sound. Please tell my daughter how your journey has been.”

“I’m afraid there’s nothing to talk about in particular.”

Surrounded by this horde, Arnold was distinctly unsympathetic.

The profile he exhibited from Rishe’s view was also uncharacteristically dismissive. It may be partly because of his well-groomed features, he looked even more ruthless.

(The “Emperor Arnold Hein” in my impression is closer to this cold-looking countenance…)

While she was lost in her thoughts, Arnold, who sensed Rishe’s eyes, looked down.

And just as she was thinking that he’d stop pretending and be the person he has always been, he gave off the first smile since they’ve arrived at the venue.

“…. However, it has indeed been a fortunate journey.”

The women’s cheeks flushed red to that dazzling smile.

But Arnold was oblivious to their scorching gazes. Instead, he leaned straight down in front of Rishe’s face beside him, and smiled so closely they thought he’s going to kiss her.

Then, he continued.

“It is how I was able to find my bride.”

“………………”

A sense of unease spilled over the hall.

Graced with his perfect features at point-blank range, Rishe felt a tingling behind her eyes. Meanwhile, the women around them were baffled at Arnold’s smile.

“Uhm, is His Royal Highness smiling…?… To that “hostage”?

“His bride….! He has never even paid us any attention before…”

Although these were hushed and whispers, the movements of their lips gave a rough idea what they were talking about. A well-dressed man stepped forward with a young girl, presumably his daughter.

“Your Royal Highness, then this beautiful girl is your fiancee….?”

All at once, zesty piercing stares were directed at the two from all corners.

Curiosity. Jealousy. Disdain. Prejudice. They thought they could hide their thoughts well, but all these feelings were apparent in their eyes.

Fortunately, Oliver had conditioned her as much as he could yesterday, so as not to be overwhelmed with this kind of disparaging reception.

But then again, such neither hurts or itches.

(Well, compared to when my engagement was broken in front of the public)

Besides, Rishe has lived through life seven times. If she was unperturbed with the breaking of her engagement, this kind of situation wasn’t much of a threat to her.

So, she smiled softly and bowed gracefully in greeting while plucking the hem of her dress.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Rishe Ilmgard Wertsner.”

Put the right leg diagonally back, bend the left leg, and gently lower the head with the spine straight.

With one curtsy, the nobles who wanted to poke fun and point about the “the girl from an inferior country who was brought in as a hostage” faltered.

Rishe’s demeanor was thoroughly instilled in her strict queenly education. Some of her gestures may be the result of habits she had developed in her other lives, but it was only Arnold who was able to tell them apart.

Arnold regarded Rishe with satisfaction.

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“She has just arrived in our country, and doesn’t have many to fall back on. When this husband is not around, I hope everyone will lend my wife a helping hand.”

“Ye… Of course, Your Royal Highness.”

“Let’s go, Rishe sama.”

Arnold clasped Rishe’s hand and withdrew from the circle.

The eyes of the audience were now trained on them. Rishe protested in an inaudible whisper, without leaving a trace to their spectators.

“…. You’ve just added extra fuel to those young ladies.”

“What fuel?”

“Jealousy of course. That kind of emphasis on the word ‘wife’ would only fuel their fighting spirit.”

To which Arnold snorted.

“If I don’t look after you, they’ll take it that you’re just an insignificant wife and move to get rid of you. As far as my fiancée goes, you’ll always be the target for attack. In that case, it’s better to show it publicly while I still can.”

“What do you mean, show?”

“That I’ll protect you no matter what.”

“…………..”

Rishe blinked stupidly, as if she’s been told something inconceivable.

(Protect?…. Protect me! Arnold Hein protects me?!)

Another tingling sensation that she couldn’t figure out compounded her bewilderment.

His remarks were too unbecoming for someone who has killed her in another life. She was at a loss for words, but naturally couldn’t express it that way, otherwise people would think she’s daft.

After a moment of hesitation, Rishe cut in.

“I don’t need much protection. If anything, it’s His Highness who is the most dangerous to me.”

“Me, how could I be a danger to you?”

“In many ways. For the time being, I can’t compete with Your Highness in swordplay.”

It’s a frustrating fact, but definitely a safe bet. Nevertheless, her remark seemed to amuse Arnold.

“Maybe, we should better try our hand at it later.”

“I’d love to if you could do that! Even if it’s too much to ask, I’d like to have training sessions as well. It’s too much to ask for Your Highness’ time, so I would appreciate it if Your Highness could introduce me to a master or other people.”

If she could learn Arnold’s sword techniques, she might be able to figure out how to defeat him.

Granted that she won’t be able to match his level in terms of speed and strength, she still might be able to acquire some workaround. Rishe’s eyes flashing with expectation drove Arnold bursting into laughter with his shoulders shaking.

“As I thought, you’re giving me more answers than I’ve expected.”

“What do you mean?…. It looks like another song is about to start.”

A gentle melody flowed from the band. The people who had gathered in the hall were now scattered into the center and by the walls. Next thing she knew, Rishe and the others were surrounded by only men and women who would be dancing with the melody.

It was obvious that the attention was focused on what the Crown Prince and his fiancee would do.

“You don’t have to force yourself to dance.”

“Oh, I’d love to join in the fun too, can I?”

Wording her question as a provocation, Rishe once again extended her right hand.

“…. Very well.”

Arnold naturally took her hand and guided her into a space where there were fewer dancers. He has always been blunt towards women with the same excuse that he’s unwell. For what it’s worth, his response to her invitation gives the impression that he has gotten used to it.

They moved to the center of the ballroom, facing each other while holding hands.

Arnold rested his right hand on Rishe’s back.

(Whoa….)

The hand that gently clasped her waist was much larger and masculine that she’d thought, earning a gasp from Rishe.

This was the first time she’d been this too close to Arnold, right?

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