Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen: [Extra 2] Uriel is Struggling a Lot

“Show some restraint, Uriel.”

Upon arriving, that was the first thing my mother said to me.

…After I had taken time off my work to answer her call, why was I being reprimanded?

“What is it, out of the blue?”

If I have time to listen to my mother’s quibble, I’d rather spend it with my beloved Emmeline.

I responded to my mother without even bothering to conceal my lousy mood. Judging from her cold gaze, it’d be safe to assume she was about to rebuke me. Considering how busy I was with political affairs, it was such a waste of time.

Later in the day, I had to look at a petition concerning the granary. Not to mention those of forest maintenance, commerce, and hydraulic control. Moreover, there was also a written statement from the General Affairs Department. The ones related to the granary and the hydraulic engineering projects were of the utmost importance. After all, during the next rainy season, there was a high possibility that the river would overflow. As for the granaries, soil erosion had become a constant problem.

If possible, I’d like to get a head start on them. Otherwise, if left unattended without proper measures, it could eventually lead to large-scale desertification. Once that happens, the supply would drop sharply, resulting in a famine. Afterward, a plague was likely to follow. Before anything could happen, I had to break the chain.

Therefore, I wasn’t sure if I should be listening to my mother’s trivial words.

As for why I was so busy, it was simply the duty of a king. After graduating, the number of work became crushing. As a Crown Prince, I had been accustomed to many tasks. However, as of the present, I feel slightly discouraged.

Back when I was a student, I still had some free time. Although, except for visiting the city on tour, I’d spend most of my time in the Royal Palace. For me, it was enough time to enjoy my hobby, which was reading in my private chamber. Besides, after encountering Katrina Dunning each time I went on a stroll, I got creeped out. I also didn’t want to be misunderstood by Emmeline, who might think I was secretly meeting Lady Dunning.

I didn’t think of it much back then, even if I only had a little spare time for myself.

As of now, I’m tired of the increased workload. Of course, I was aware of both the need and the urgency—

—Still, let me just say this:

There wasn’t enough time to love Emmeline.

…Yes! My blissful time to savor Emmeline!

“I’m aware of the joy of a first love reciprocated, but how long will you keep her locked up?”

“What do you mean?”

Despite her clumsiness, Emmeline would try to keep up with me. To me, it was simply too irresistible; it felt unbearable. Be it the movement of her tongue as it entwined mine or the way she’d tremble as I caressed her skin—I found everything about her tantalizing. Especially when the shame felt too much for her to bear, to which her eyes would become teary. The sight was utterly charming; it could be considered a crime.

For her to gaze at me so, it should be against the law.

Oh, why are you so cute?

For a moment, my attention went elsewhere. As a result, I overreacted to my mother’s words.

“I didn’t lock her up.”

“Essentially, it’s the same. Uriel, return Emmeline to the Duke of Arkwright.”

“It’s different. Emmeline is my fiancée; next year, she’ll become my wife. I’ve told the chancellor that she’ll be staying, even during the engagement period. As such, she is unlikely to return to the duke’s house.”

“I knew you were a stubborn child, but not to this extent…”

What’s wrong with that?

In fact, I considered our relationship healthy since I only had an eye for her. I only wanted my fiancée, who was a candidate for a queen. I merely desired not to let go of my one and only.

Where’s the mistake?

After I eyed my mother skeptically, she proceeded to raise her eyebrows.

“Fine, if that’s how you want it, I’ll stop using euphemisms. Listen, Uriel, if you can’t practice some self-control, return her to the Duke of Arkwright. It’s for Emmeline’s sake.”

“This joke is in bad taste. What are you trying to say?”

“Exactly what it is. Your marriage is scheduled for the next year. What if Emmeline gets pregnant before that?”

“Then, it’d call for a national celebration. I see nothing wrong with that.”

“But it is. Once word gets out that they are having premarital sex and got pregnant out of wedlock, any aristocratic ladies would be crushed. Even if you’re the Crown Prince, the world isn’t that sweet. Emmeline will be ridiculed as a vulgar woman. In the first place—”

My mother, who gradually became heated up, sharply clasped her fan.

“—Pregnancy is a big change and a burden for a woman. During the early stage, she’ll suffer from morning illness and have trouble eating. Moreover, she’ll get increasingly exhausted, which is detrimental to her daily routine. The one-year period before your marriage isn’t just a matter of formality. It’s also an important period to prepare better the princess to nurture the next generation.”

“That’s…”

“That’s not all. Maintaining your body shape to match the size of a wedding dress that takes a year to finish is harder than you think. Women must keep an eye on their bodies, down to the millimeters. For the sake of your own desires, are you trampling on Emmeline’s efforts so far?”

Although it might be a burdensome story but wasn’t that an overstatement?

“I’m on contraceptive.”

“Contraceptives only reduce the odds. They don’t completely prevent them.”

“Mother, will you certainly be alright with it? I’d like to refrain from discussing my nightlife with you.”

“Who else can give you a proper opinion other than me?”

My mother had a point. I, the Crown Prince, had no one else besides my parents to consult about such matters. I’d be too ashamed to ask my father if it regarded Emmeline’s body. As such, I could only ask my mother, who was also a woman. As for her opinion on the matter, it was a different story.

“You’re not going to send Emmeline home, are you?”

“Nope.”

“If so, at least prepare a room for that child.”

“Sleeping separately also isn’t an option.”

“You… can’t you bear with it?”

“Nope.”

“How uncompromising you are…!”

A snapping sound echoed in the room. My mother finally broke the fan she was clenching.

The lady-in-waiting quickly recovered the destroyed fan and offered a new one to my mother. Her sophistication made me wonder if she had been serving my mother way before marrying.

Although she was always composed, sometimes my mother would behave hysterically. Mainly because of me.

Since ancient times, I had often been scolded about Emmeline. Especially after my mother learned that I let Emmeline spend some time in my room after the rigorous queen’s education, my mother would then preach my ears off. Despite so, I’d often sneak Emmeline into my room.

Thinking about it, what my mother said was sensible.

Regardless of our young age, having an unmarried man and woman alone in a closed room was a horrible idea. It’d be even more so for a noble lady like Emmeline since she’d be called a tramp.

…Back then, I should’ve at least kept the door open or been accompanied by a maid.

As a result, I might have inadvertently tarnished her reputation. I was too naïve back then.

“…”

I realized that I was currently dealing with the same situation. Because I made her stay over for two weeks, malicious rumors began to spread.

I sighed.

I see. Is my mother correct, after all?

“I understand. While I can’t let her return to her parents’ house, I’ll show some restraint as per your advice.”

“Please do so. Even if you disapprove, I’ll protect Emmeline since she’s your precious someone. You may be reluctant, but I’m glad you understood.”

As for the female body, my mother was obviously more knowledgeable than I, who was a man. After my mother said she’d protect Emmeline from my endless lust, I had no choice but to obey. I was dissatisfied, but it couldn’t be helped.

It’d suffice for me as long as we could sleep while embracing each other. To not burden Emmeline, I had to put up with it.

Previously, I had managed to keep myself from touching her. However, as of the present, I have become very greedy.

“If you still refuse to return her to the duke’s house, then at least show some sincerity.”

“Sincerity? To whom?”

“To the Duchess of Arkwright, obviously? She wouldn’t even suspect that her beloved daughter, whom she has been raising carefully, will never return after that one graduation party. Not to mention, for half a month!”

Oh, right.

Didn’t Emmeline say something about wanting to reassure her mother?

When I acted as if I had only recalled that, the second fan fell victim to my mother.

“If you were to arrange a tea party for them at the Royal Palace, I won’t punish you. Emmeline isn’t only precious to you but also the Duchess of Arkwright. As her mother, how worried do you think she must be? Open your eyes and use your head a little.”

Even though I should be my mother’s only son, how she’d often speak to me made me doubt that.

“Uh… Lord Uriel…?”

“Hm…? What’s wrong, Emmeline?”

The night my mother warned me, I slept while embracing Emmeline. I was confused when she anxiously spoke to me.

…Regardless of anything, Emmeline is genuinely soft.

Both her sweet floral scent and smooth skin were much more delicate and more comfortable than the finest silk or velvet. Once I had touched it, there was no return. It was as addictive as a drug. In fact, it’d fill me with an indescribable sense of well-being.

“Uh… Uhhh, today… Aren’t we going to…?”

As she turned bright red, she proceeded to bury her face in my chest.

…What’s with this adorable being? Is she inviting me? After I have restrained myself, is she seducing me? Could it be, does Emmeline want me to?

It was simply irresistible.

“…Emmeline.“

“Oh, no, that’s not it! Since I’ve always been your night partner, I’m merely making sure if that isn’t the case tonight. Wait, no, that’s not what I wanted to say. What I’m trying to say is, is it alright if you don’t rest with her?”

“Ha?”

…What did she just say?

Did Emmeline suspect me of sleeping with another woman?

“I’ve learned that it’s normal for a lord to do so. Therefore, don’t feel sorry for me. Please spend the night with her.”

“Hold on, Emmeline. Who are you referring to?”

“Eh? Your Highness’ woman?”

“Me? Embracing someone other than you? Even though we’ve been together for half a month?”

“Oh, I’m not necessarily referring to the last half month, but before that.”

“Wait a minute. For now, please listen to me.”

Emmeline tilted her head in puzzlement.

Kuh…! This succubus…!

“My first time is with Emmeline.”

“Eh?”

“Half a month ago, when I first embraced you, it was also my first time. Ever since then, I’ve only held you. There’s no one else. In the first place, how did you arrive upon such a conclusion?”

“Eh? But generally speaking, isn’t a lord supposed to be unsatisfied with a single woman?”

“What?”

“Apparently, the lord has an unabated desire that can’t be satisfied by a single woman. Hence, the need for another.”

“…Hold on.“

Emmeline seemed to be baffled, and so was I.

What’s with that extreme theory?

“Emmeline, who taught you that?”

“Oh, right, it’s Lady Turner…”

“Lady Turner—the wife of the chamberlain?”

That person said something unnecessary. I unconsciously clicked my tongue, which surprised Emmeline. Then, in an attempt to soothe her, I patted her back.

The chamberlain was getting ahead of himself. Was he trying to make Emmeline entertain the idea of me welcoming another concubine?

The current king didn’t have a concubine. As a result, I was the only prince born. It might have been considered a failure since the back palace had lost its intended purpose. Having few lineal relatives was an essential factor in the Royal Family’s survival. The chamberlain was merely acting in support of that. Still, I disliked his method. I also disliked how Emmeline simply accepted the fact that I was a flirtatious man.

“Previously, I already told you this. You’re my only queen and princess. As long as I have you, I don’t need anyone else.”

“Eh… Uhm, but… The back palace—”

“Do your best, Emmeline.”

“Eh?”

“I want you to give birth to many princes and princesses. The survival of the Royal lineage depends on you alone.”

“Me… Alone…?”

“Tonight, I’ve decided to endure it. It’s your fault for provoking me, okay?”

“Eh!? Uhhh… Ehhh…!?”

In the next moment, I was on top of Emmeline. I immediately sucked on the still faint possession marks. My hips ached at the sweet voice that suddenly rose.

Mother, when it came to Emmeline, it didn’t appear to be possible for me to hold back.

But this time, it wasn’t not my fault. It was definitely Emmeline’s.