Chapter 5

Uriel’s POV:

“Your Highness, I’m already at my limit…”

“…The same goes for me.”

Two months after the commotion in the cafeteria, my aides, Thaddeus and Ezekiel, vented their frustration.

I knew what they were referring to. Honestly, I shared the same sentiment.

“Each day, Sylvia’s gaze becomes even colder… It’s truly a difficult sight. I can’t stand it. I can’t stand not being able to spend time with her…”

“The same goes for Seraphina. After all, I addressed Lady Dunning using her first name right in front of Seraphina. What if she were to annul our engagement?”

“Ezekiel, are you worried about that, too?”

“Thaddeus, as well…”

Haaa…

How I envied my two aides, who sighed heavily. Unfortunately, in the case of Emmeline, the issue started long ago.

I was subtly aware of it. I was aware that there was a clear difference between my feelings and hers. Nevertheless, I had hoped that if we were to get married and were to spend a long time together, she’d eventually fall in love with me.

“Your Highness has it difficult, as well. According to the report, Lady Arkwright seems to have been heavily oppressed.”

“Lady Dunning acted like the victim, to the point that the church acknowledges that ridiculous woman as a saint.”

“How’s Emmeline dealing with it?”

“I regretted that she had to be entangled in this mess. As for her attitude, she’s truly patient and fair. What a role model.”

“Regardless of which, Lady Dunning keeps distorting the truth. As a result, Lady Arkwright has to face a storm of profanities every day. Those were a bunch of abusive words no lady should ever hear. I truly pity her.”

“I see.”

The case in the cafeteria was also being investigated. For that woman to declare that I was in love with her… What was more, that I hated Emmeline? That was simply outrageous. Ever since the day we first met, I have always loved Emmeline.

The six-year-old Emmeline, brought by the chancellor, was a very adorable girl. Her honey, strawberry blonde hair was fluffy and sweet—her misty, mercury, topaz eyes. Depending on the light intensity, her iridescent eyes would shine in blue, green, yellow, or pink. They were stunning and mysterious, to the point that I was captivated by them. I didn’t know of any other jewels that were so beautiful.

When she cried in secret due to the harshness of the queen’s education, I invited her to my room. Back then, I embraced her, telling her she was allowed to stop if it was too complicated. She shook her little head every time, saying she’d do her best for me. I couldn’t stand it anymore and fell for that gaze of hers, which was sparkling with tears.

I wished that she’d only cry in front of me.

I so wanted to imprison every single drop of her moist, glittering tears.

Ever since then, I have suffered from a strong desire for monopoly. The feelings were similar to a hunger most dire.

To alleviate my dark feelings, I’d always invite her to my room after she was finished with the education for the day. Every time she wept in front of me, my helpless thirst, albeit temporarily, was satiated.

When did Emmeline stop crying?

When did she start to draw a line from me?

…What would Emmeline do if she knew I still have that distorted desire for exclusivity? That it’s getting difficult to control?

Emmeline, who’d be celebrating her 18-years-old birthday next month, had become so beautiful that she was an eye-turner. Although she didn’t fall for me, I truly believed I’d share my life with her. With her, who was beautiful inside and out. I honestly thought that I’d eventually receive all of Emmeline. I truly believed so, and I endured my desire. At the same time, I was also proud that no man loved her more than I did.

However, two months ago, I discovered that Emmeline had no clue in the slightest.

What should I do with that oblivious girl?

What’s more, she’s intimate with the crown prince of La Steria?

I didn’t have the slightest notion about that. Of course, the Vesta Royal Family was also informed of La Steria’s fiancée nomination evening party. However, in Emmeline’s case, did the crown prince personally send an invitation? Without giving me, her fiancé, any prior notice, did he go out of his way to invite Emmeline?

Don’t be ridiculous.

…For the crown prince of another kingdom to be plotting from the side—

“—This is a report from the spy.”

When I was boiling with anger and frowned, Thaddeus went to the main subject. As of the present, we gathered at my soundproof office in the royal palace. To avoid information leakage, we’d usually hold our meeting there.

“Apparently, the church has made their intentions clear.”

“Gather evidence from those responsible for the certification of saints.”

“Let’s hurry, and at the same time, be careful. I want to come up with solutions by next month’s graduation party.”

“That’s right. I don’t want my relationship with Sylvia to become cold. I fully agree with you.”

“Same.”

For them to worry about their relationships becoming frigid… It meant that they were initially close with their partners. I, who felt terrible towards them, wanted to get results as soon as possible.

With that in mind, the fact that Emmeline’s attitudes remained unchanged could be considered salvation… Or, perhaps, the opposite? The primary issue was her misunderstanding. She truly believed that I favored Lady Dunning.

Moreover, Emmeline was getting too farfetched, saying she’d support our relationship with all her might. I’d much prefer if she were to respond with jealousy and snide comments. But instead, she said that she’d do her best to support us! It was truly frustrating. The fact that my love for Emmeline was one-sided was made clear!

“Ahhh… How I wished to be able to entwine my fingers around Sylvia’s ecru beige hair…”

“Same, Thaddeus, same. I also want to bury my face in Seraphina’s chestnut brown hair…”

They’re annoying.

For months, I didn’t get any chance to touch Emmeline’s honey, strawberry blonde hair.

No, wait.

Thaddeus’ desire to entangle his fingers in his fiancée’s hair was understandable. But as for Ezekiel, what did he mean by burying his face in his fiancée’s hair?

…No way, has he performed physical intimacy with his fiancée!?

“…? Your Highness?”

“…Uh, Ezekiel?”

“What is it?”

“…That, between you and Lady Fairfax—”

“—What’s with Seraphina?”

“No, nevermind…”

As if I can ask him that! If he were to affirm, there goes my pride! I haven’t even kissed Emmeline!

Whenever I tried to create a romantic atmosphere, that naturally-dense girl didn’t notice.

Do you realize how many times I wanted to push you down?

However, since I didn’t want to traumatize her, I opted not to do that.

Better yet, would you be aware of my true feelings if I were to rob your lips forcibly?

However, if she were to cry and reject me, I wouldn’t be able to recover…

“…”

…Well, there was that.

When I imagined Emmeline, frightened and trembling like a fawn, tearfully staring at me with her delicate hands held above her head… Oh, how it stimulated my lust. The feeling of atrocity was almost unbearable.

On one side, I wanted to protect her. I tried to treat her carefully. To wrap her in gentleness, akin to cotton—

—But on the other hand, my terribly distorted, sadistic lust grew.

While I intended to make as many concessions as possible, I had no intention of letting her go.