My Mom Entered a Contract Marriage - Chapter 47

“How odd.”

To see the weak appearance of a person that always presented her a seemingly perfect and strong image.

Ludia couldn’t help but become softhearted.

Perhaps because he felt her gaze, Altheos lifted up the towel again.

“Why?”

Ludia responded to his question.

“Are you having a hard time at work these days?”

Altheos pondered over her remark and reached out.

As he twined his fingers into her fine golden hair, he spoke lowly.

“I am putting my strength and attention on something else.”

Ludia’s eyes narrowed.

Altheos laughed again at her expression.

‘Ah.’

Ludia had another realisation.

‘He’s been laughing a lot more lately.’

In the past, his laughs were just cynical laughs, but now he’d naturally laugh like this.

The hand that was touching Ludia’s hair approached the back of her neck.

As he touched the back of her neck lightly, he sat up fluidly and kissed her lips.

Thanks to that, it seemed like she was halfway on the bed.

Altheos said.

“It would hurt sometimes.”

As Ludia looked at such an Altheos, she spoke slowly.

“Later on.”

She hesitated after speaking.

Altheos waited.

Ludia thought that this was a stupid question.

Nevertheless, impulsiveness gushed out from somewhere and made her open her lips.

“Later on, if there’s a time when I’m really not in the mood, would you tell me about yourself?”

Altheos’s blue eyes narrowed. He gave her a measuring stare.

“Are you trying to grab my weakness and threaten me?”

Ludia smirked.

“I’ll die if you break my neck like this. It’s not to threaten you.”

“I can’t tell if you’re being shameless or naive.”

“In the first place, people with a lot of secrets are attractive.”

With a smile, Altheos yanked her over.

“!!”

The tables were turned in an instant.

Ludia laid in bed and looked up at Altheos.

He crouched over her and said.

“Of course, I often feel the urge to kill you in a different manner. Just like right now.”

He flung off his clothes in an instant.

Flustered, Ludia struggled while saying.

“Aren’t you in pain? And your fever—”

“Yes, that’s why.”

He leaned down.

“Why don’t you measure how hot it is inside my mouth?”

* * *

“Her Majesty the Empress caught a cold?”

“Yes, she has a slight fever. I think she’s also coughing.”

When Lilica said that she was worried about how severe summer colds were, Fjord suggested.

“Why don’t you place some herbs that are good for colds? Dried ones are good, but I think the fresh ones from the garden will have better efficacy.”

“Yes, I should look into it.”

Lilica smiled.

The two were by the lake.

Ever since the attempted assassination on Atil in the past, the island in the middle of the lake had been off limits, and was recently lifted.

As Lilica stepped barefoot on the pebbles by the waterbank and splashed water around, she looked up at Fjord

“Fjord, are you feeling well?”

The party was in the distance, and although they weren’t within earshot, her voice became smaller by itself.

Fjord nodded.

“I’m alright.”

“Is it really alright for you to meet me?”

He tilted his head.

“You asked me to be your friend, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s be friends.”

When she heard him speaking like it was nothing much, Lilica examined him carefully and nodded, “Alright.”

When Lilica walked deeper into the lake, Fjord grabbed her hand hurriedly.

“It’s dangerous.”

“Isn’t it alright if Fiyo is supporting me.”

Fjord paused for a moment.

Lilica looked back at him and said,

“Since you’re Fjord, I’ll call you Fiyo. Can’t I? You can also call me Lily too, Fjord. Because we’re friends.”

“Princess…”

He called her embarrassedly.

‘But he was just saying that, and it’s not like he actually has a troubled look on his face.’

“Then when it’s just the two of us?”

When she suggested a compromise, he called ‘Lily’, softly.

Although he spoke when it wasn’t clear whether they were the only ones here, Lilica laughed.

The water reached the middle of her shin.

It seems like the water would be even deeper if she walked a little further.

“It’s really getting deeper.”

“It’s because the parts that were originally shallow were dug deeply.”

“Really?”

“Yes, that’s how this island was made of soil.”

“I see.”

It was no wonder there’s an island in the middle of the lake.

This was actually an artificially made island.

“That’s amazing…”

“Yes,” Fjord muttered in reply.

The hand she was holding was hot.

“Fiyo, are you having a fever again?”

“No, I’m not.”

Fjord shook his head lightly.

As expected, she could tell that the hand she was holding was hot.

The profile of the princess, who looked in his direction with a surprised expression, constantly reflected the lake’s ripples, making it look dazzling.

There was something that he’d also wanted to ask.

After learning that his wounds and past scars had completely disappeared, Duke Barat was beyond herself with excitement.

Fjord became uneasy.

Due to this, Lilica had caught the Duke’s eye.

“Lily.”

“Hm?”

Beware of my mother.

He couldn’t bear to say those words

Cynically enough, he thought that he could speak as much as he wanted, but what would Lily think?

Would she stay away from him?

The thought of it made him fall silent.

“Be careful.”

Lilica nodded at his words.

“I’m already being careful because of the southern aristocrats.”

“Ah.”

“Come to think of it, Fiyo. Do you know about magic guns?”

“I do.”

Fjord tilted his head and explained.

“It would be hard to use for self-defence as they are mostly single-load guns. Additionally, it’s quite rare for large-scale hunts to occur, which would require the usage of such a gun to protect yourself.”

Lilica was astonished at the word ‘hunt’, before realising that ‘hunt’ was referring to assassinations.

With a gulp, Lilica turned the conversation back to the topic of magic guns.

“That’s possible. Then, do you also carry one, Fiyo?”

“Yes, I’ll also have one.”

“Right now?”

“No, I leave it behind when I’m meeting Lily.”

“But you said it wasn’t all that good for self-defence.”

“It’s not for self-defence.”

Fjord smiled faintly.

Lilica was puzzled.

“Why would you carry it around when it’s not for self-defence? Oh, is it for assassination?”

When she pretended to be surprised while asking, Fjord replied, “Maybe it’s something similar,” making Lilica rather bewildered.

“Really?”

“Yes, it’s for this kind of purpose.”

He formed a gun with his thumb, index finger, and middle finger, and aimed it under his chin.

“Bang.”

“!!”

Lilica yanked his hand away.

Fjord looked at Lilica in surprise.

Lilica’s hands trembled.

“Don’t do that.”

Fjord said soothingly at the words he uttered.

“I’m sorry. I was just mimicking the actions. It’s not a real gun—”

“No, you can’t.”

Lilica glared at him.

Fjord lowered his gaze. It was as though she’d seen through his thoughts.

“Can’t I?”

“No, you can’t.”

“Why?”

“I’ll cry.”

“Haha.”

He laughed and answered like he’d heard a joke from her.

“Alright.”

Lilica released the hand that she’d held tightly with both of her hands.

Fjord spoke with an awkward expression on his face.

“Shall we go to the shade? The sun is too bright.”

Lilica nodded at his words, pushing her hat deeper downwards.

He walked with his back to her, which was rare for him to do so, and took the lead.

As she stared at his back dazedly, Lilica recalled.

‘Barat’s greatest masterpiece.’

Once again she realised why those words weren’t much.

An item can be broken and shattered.

So when Fjord says something like that, it must be because…

“Fiyo.”

He looked back at her slowly.

“Don’t be broken.”

Fjord walked over towards her again.

He looked puzzled.

Lilica said again.

“Don’t be broken. Don’t be shattered into pieces.”

She exhaled all of the feelings she’d suppressed.

She couldn’t tell outrightly not to die, but it meant the same as what she wanted to say.

He smiled bitterly.

He bent down while holding Lilica’s hand.

He pressed his lips to the back of her hand.

“You always say things that make me happy.”

He straightened and held her hand, saying.

“Shall we go now?”

She didn’t get a response, but it felt like she did.

Lilica nodded softly.

“Mm.”

When she approached land, Brynn laid a soft towel onto the ground.

The shade of the parasol was cooling and because they were by the water, a breeze blew past them.

While listening to the sound of water by the lake, they talked about trivial matters.

The time flowing between Barat and Takar was spent gently.

It wasn’t until sunset that she finished sending Fjord off and was on her way back.

As she walked while admiring the sunset that was redder than usual, she ran into a person.

‘Ah.’

Lilica held her breath.

She could tell who she was without being told.

Duke Barat.

Her gorgeous silver hair was carefully curled up.

A tall and slender appearance.

A simple yet luxurious dress

Since it was black in colour, it should be mourning clothes, but much more ornate.

The thing that stood out the most was the eyepatch she had over her eye.

A black eye patch made of lace that covered her eye.

Nevertheless, Lilica could feel her gaze.

It was a cold look of contempt.

She remained still and looked down at Lilica.

She didn’t move aside or bow.

Lilica responded to her gaze skillfully.

It wouldn’t be her first or second time being on the receiving end of a contemptuous gaze.

To those outside the alleys, whether Lilica had worked hard or made money with her own hands was inconsequential.

A filthy little lass.

Lilica was rather familiar with the expression that made her entire body freeze.

As such, she puffed out her chest and faced her opponent proudly.

So? What about it?

Time has passed, to the point where the eyes of those in their surroundings became restless.

Lilica did not shy away from her gaze, nor did she disregard it.

Now, the buzzing people fell silent.

Confusion filled the surroundings.

“Is it enjoyable to block the road?”

Lilica’s head whipped backwards at the voice that came from behind.

Irritation filled Atil’s face.

Duke Barat bowed lightly.

Her voice was surprisingly mellifluous.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“It’s been a while, Duke Barat.”

“It’s because I was rather busy.”

The duke replied softly.

With a hand on Lilica’s shoulder, Atil pushed her behind him.

“But you have the time to stand in the middle of the hallway?”

“I was lost in thought, so I’d momentarily forgotten about my surroundings.”

“It seems that you’re also reached the age of retirement.”

“His Majesty is so hale and hearty, so I should also strive to do my best.”

Her gaze shifted from Atil to Lilica.

It looked like she was trying to dissect everything.

Lilica knew that she was looking in their direction, but she felt uncomfortable as she couldn’t see her eyes due to the eye patch.

The Duke of Barat spoke slowly.

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

“Go.”

Upon hearing Atil’s words, Duke Barat greeted him expressionlessly and left.

Lilica let out a large exhale.

Atil turned, grasped her tightly by the shoulder and said.

“Why are you confronting her? Did that person give you anything to eat? Something like candy or snacks.”

“She didn’t. And I wouldn’t accept it even if she offered.”

“Or did she touch—”

“She didn’t touch me. We didn’t even say anything to each other.”

Atil shook the shoulders that he was gripping.

“You little one, there’s no fear in you at all, huh? You’re too weak. Just ignore her, why did you do something like that? What are you going to do if Barat did something?”

Brann spoke with a troubled face.

“Your Highness, there are numerous eyes around.”

“Everyone’s thinking the same things regardless.”

Lilica tapped on her chest and spoke firmly.

“Don’t worry. I also have a secret move.”

“A secret move? What is it?”

Lilica cleared her throat and said.

“Your Highness, there are numerous eyes around.”

Atil raised his eyebrows at the tone that mimicked Brann’s and sighed, “Hah.”

“Alright, I got it.”

He grabbed her wrist and started walking.

As Lilica shouted, ”Wah,” like she was dragged along, he clicked his tongue and hugged her like he usually did.

Atil spoke to her, who was in his arms.

“Barat is proficient in drugs, so it’s better for you to beware of everything.”

“Drugs?”

“They own a huge botanical garden. I don’t know if it’s because Barat was originally a flower.”

Atil spoke coldly.

When Lilica heard that, she wrapped her arms around Atil’s neck and said.

“I’ll be careful.”

When Atil said, “It’s hot,” Lilica hugged him even more tightly for no reason.

“Eish!”

“Hey, seriously, don’t stick to me.”

Although Atil was the one that’s grumbling, he didn’t have any intention of pushing Lilica away or putting her down.

Atil only let her down when he entered the Black Dragon Chambers.

The moment she sat down, Brann brought ice cream. Atil said.

“I heard that Aunt had caught a cold. So the chef made ice cream and sent it over, but she made me take it away. You can have it.”

It’s perfect timing. Atil said.

After receiving the ice cream, he wanted to call for Lilica, and that’s how he found out that Lilica was confronting Duke Barat.

‘It’s a relief that I discovered it quickly.’

With an expressionless face, Atil looked at Lilica with folded arms.

It’s unknown whether Lilica knew about his worries, as she grinned and picked up the spoon.

After taking a bite of the ice cream, Lilica’s expression turned subtle.

Atil asked.

“Does it taste weird?”

Lilica stuck out her tongue.

“I guess the ice cream is meant for Mother, since it’s made out of herbs.”

After another bite, she looked at the ice cream, “Mmmm.”

“It tastes like herbal tea with honey.”

“Why are you still eating that then?”

“It’s a waste.”

“Stop eating.”

He snatched the glass bowl from her.

It probably didn’t taste all that good, seeing how she didn’t fight back for it.

Lilica sighed.

“My tastes have become luxurious.”

She would have happily eaten it in the past, but now her taste has become luxurious.

“How is that being luxurious? That’s not even funny. Who would like herb-flavoured ice cream?”

Lilica also became dumbfounded when Atil said he was.

‘As expected, His Highness is His Highness the Crown Prince.’

At times like this, she would feel the difference in their origins.

Atil pushed the bowl aside and it was removed by Brann, who set down cold tea.

She looked at Atil morosely.

“But is Mother’s condition so bad that she can’t even eat ice cream?”

“No, perhaps the imperial doctor said that eating too much isn’t good either, or something like that. Why don’t you go over if you’re curious?”

“I’m afraid to disturb Mother’s rest.”

As she spoke, she drank the cold tea that Brann brought in the stead of the ice cream.

“So I’m thinking of bringing some herbs that are good for colds…”

She suddenly felt like she had a runny nose, so Lilica bowed her head in embarrassment.

‘Oh?’

A red coloured stain fell onto her skirt with a plop.

‘Nosebleed?!’

Flustered, she covered her nose and mouth with one hand and looked for a handkerchief with the other.

“What’s wrong?”

Atil noticed that something strange was going on.

Lilica shook her head.

Her throat felt painful and itchy at the same time.

It felt like something was stuck inside her neck.

Lilica jumped up from her seat because she thought she was about to cough at any moment.

Not here.

Not in front of Atil—

“Princess?”

Astonished, Brynn approached.

Atil jumped out of his seat and snatched a hand of Lilica’s, who was about to run away.

“Why—”

Just then, Atil stopped talking.

Lilica couldn’t endure it anymore, and began coughing.

“Cough, cough, cough!”

Red blood flowed out, as though it was saying ‘look at me’.

* * *