His family (4)
Ingrid leaned towards Lily. “The dowry. You must have provided at least three times as much!”
“Whatever I need… Not only that, but Vlad also provides accessories. Even if I do not have a personal fund, there is no big inconvenience to me, Your Highness.”
“It’s not like that. How did you get married three times and still be so naive? To live by doing only what her husband allows, and receiving only what he gives. How is it different from the nobility in the capital?”
Ingrid slapped the tea table. The teacup tipped over and the tea spilled onto the table. “Listen well. I will tell you the law of love that I have learned and learned through countless rumors and popular novels.” Flames flared up in her eyes. It was the heat that deserved to be called a torch, no, a forest fire. Lily had no idea what had made her so angry.
She grabbed a teaspoon and drew it in the air. As if she was about to begin her explanation, she poked a dot in the air. “This is the heart. It can be said that it is the most beautiful and precious of the three things that make up love. Like you, I am determined to transcend my identity and past! Everyone in the world knows that people with such things are rare.” Ingrid shook her head, saying that she would admit it without saying a word. Her sudden, passionate lecture shook Lily, and she followed her and nodded her head.
As the two reacted, Ingrid drew a satisfied smile with bright red lips. She tapped her teaspoon once more into the air below her.
“This is an expression. Huh? Love. Like. You’re the most precious thing in the world. You are my destiny, without you, I think I will die. Such sweet things. Hehe…”
Ingrid shrugged and giggled in excitement as she spoke to herself. It seemed uncharacteristic of someone who would be the crown princess, but she didn’t mind at all. She even licked her lips, blushing.
“Looking at what he did at the tower, your relationship has no problems. It is rather like an active volcano. And you came out after two days? Hoho… A man like that is so rare. Hey, wouldn’t things be hot between you two? Fufu…”
As the princess rolled her eyes, Lily’s face lit up with fire. She lowered her head as if she was a tomato. Steam seemed to be pouring from her head.
That day. By the time she got out of her bathroom, the water was lukewarm and Lily was more liquid than jelly. The memories of her on his body came vividly to her, and she pressed her toes tight.
“Look here. These are the important three. Money! Jewelry! Presents! All three of these are necessary for love!”
Lily raised her head.
Ingrid drew a triangle several times in the empty space.
She, who had been staring blankly at the tip of her teaspoon as she fluttered in the air, quietly opened her mouth. “I’m sorry, your Highness. That’s enough. I am already very grateful to him for letting me, a commoner, into his home. As you said, I am still enjoying such luxuries.”
Lily glanced down at her dress. A dress as blue as the summer sea, and a diamond necklace sparkling from her neck.
Ingrid was, in fact, a picky person when it came to judging her things. She only used luxury items. The only things Vlad gave her were the rarest things in her sight as she grew up surrounded by the finest jewels.
“Yes. Seeing that his woman is from such a poor estate and he thus provides ornaments without shame, I think the duke really cares. But, I mean, that’s not it!” Ingrid tapped the table with a teaspoon. “Even if the duke lived during the war and you came from a commoner family, the wedding ceremony is basic, basic!”
“But he….”
“The kind heart of yours that keeps trying to cover up for your husband. But still. This isn’t it. Your husband treats you only as he pleases. After all, the duke can wield your life. But can you do that now?” Ingrid questioned rapidly. But the words she uttered rather than the speed of her speech confused Lily’s mind.
Vlad was treating her well enough. Where the hell would she find another man who would let his commoner wife manage his whole estate? But still, she could not refute Ingrid’s words entirely.
“He doesn’t wield me. Your Highness. I also don’t do things I don’t want to do. I… I believe in him.”
“How? How could you be so naive and good? No. If you sleep for a hundred years in a warehouse, even a famous sword will rust. I assure you, you are a woman who can do much bigger things. Obviously, you have to take the bigger risk.” Ingrid folded her arms and leaned against the backrest. While she licked her lips as if in frustration, a sharp silence split the gap between them. Ingrid’s eyes were constantly busy contemplating something.
After she had thought about it, as if she had found her way, she put on a relaxed smile that made her audience anxious.
Lily reflexively distanced herself from the princess’ scheming eyes.
Ingrid opened her mouth with a smirk at vigilant Lily. “You shouldn’t be caught just like that. Isn’t that right, Ivan?” She raised her chin. Long black hair sloshed back and forth. “Come with me to the Imperial Palace. Don’t take this any longer, just be my handmaiden until the coronation ceremony.”
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