BRBRP16

**Chapter 16**

“That book, you see…”

Technically, even as the person in charge of education, this was far too personal an area to intervene.

Anette had no interest whatsoever in the progression of their marital relationship—truly, not even a speck.

But she couldn’t ignore the sincerity of her lord, who had personally sought her out that morning.

**—I’m counting on you, Anette.**

When handing over the book, Caissa had exuded a subtle pressure, claiming it was because he trusted her educational expertise.

“As you can see, it’s a book on sex education,” Anette declared, putting on a straight face.

“It’s part of your education. You’ll need to read it together.”

“I-I see…”

Confronted with her strict and serious demeanor, Sharie had no choice but to yield.

Last night’s experience had already made it painfully clear how little she knew about such matters.

She had once prided herself on her indirect experience, thanks to reading steamy romance novels in her past life.

But when it came to the real thing, she had frozen up like a frog before a predator, completely helpless.

*I really do need to study properly…*

That night, buried under a mountain of books brought by the attendants, the first one she opened was the sex education text.

Startled by the explicit illustrations, she alternated between flipping it open and slamming it shut for thirty solid minutes.

Eventually, Sharie managed to get through the thick volume—and came away with a profound realization.

*Life truly is a mystery.*

Her posture became noticeably more respectful after that.

From then on, she diligently laid the groundwork for her magical studies, occasionally stealing glances at Caissa and marveling at the human body’s mysteries, caught up in the whirlwind of her daily routine.

She was so busy that she had completely forgotten her upcoming schedule.

**—Your grandfather is set to visit Barhad soon.**

In the meantime, the promised day of her grandfather, MacAkin Rosevin’s visit, drew near.

—

Soft, white flakes fell slowly from the sky.

Snow piled gently over tree branches and across the ground.

“It’s snowing heavily again today.”

It was an unfamiliar sight for Sharie, who had grown up in a land that was lush and green year-round.

Barhad, on the other hand, was a place where it snowed constantly.

Though she’d grown somewhat accustomed to it by now, she could still vividly recall the shock of seeing snow for the first time—

A white world, completely blanketed in snow.

To a rabbitfolk like her, it had been an utterly alien experience.

She stared at a branch bowed low beneath the weight of heavy snow, mesmerized.

Then suddenly, something soft wrapped around her neck.

It was a thick scarf made of animal fur.

“You’ll catch a cold like that. You need to dress more warmly.”

Before she could respond, Caissa had already begun winding the scarf snugly around her neck.

She hadn’t even been that cold, but his gesture touched her.

Still… it would have been nice to leave a bit of room to breathe.

“Is it uncomfortable?”

Her eyes barely peeking out from the scarf wrapped tightly around her, Sharie tried to wriggle free.

But the more she struggled, the more tangled the scarf became, constricting her like a trap.

Watching it all unfold, Edwin muttered in disbelief.

“My lord, what’s with that odd expression on your face?”

“What expression?”

Caissa, replying curtly, gently unwound the scarf and rewrapped it properly, making it both warm and comfortable.

She had wanted to see that strange expression Edwin mentioned, but when she looked up, his face was the same as always.

“You look cheerful.”

Caissa changed the subject himself.

“Well, I suppose it makes sense—you’ll be seeing your family again after so long.”

She smiled merely because she appreciated his thoughtfulness, but Caissa seemed to think she was excited about reuniting with family.

*But that’s not it at all…*

The truth was quite the opposite.

The thought of seeing the grandfather who had always despised and neglected her made her feel nothing but anxious.

Still, she couldn’t outright deny it.

When she responded with an awkward smile, Caissa gently patted her on the shoulder as if to reassure her.

“He’s your grandfather. I’ll do my best to show him only the finest side of us.”

But MacAkin would hardly care what kind of treatment Sharie had received in Barhad.

Her heart grew heavier—

Just then, the blaring sound of trumpets announcing the arrival of an honored guest rang through the palace.

*He’s here.*

Sharie looked outside.

A large carriage was rolling in through the castle gates, which had swung open wide.

The red banner hanging from it bore the familiar crest of her family—one she had seen countless times before.

The carriage gradually slowed, coming to a stop before the gathered crowd there to greet the visitor.

Moments later, an elderly man stepped out.

Though richly dressed, his clothing was surprisingly thin.

In the rabbitfolk’s homeland, where the climate was always warm, their garments typically lacked insulation.

“It’s cold today, sir. Please, take this.”

An attendant from the palace respectfully approached, offering a thick fur cloak prepared in advance.

It was a thoughtful gesture, considering the climate difference—but it seemed to offend the old man’s pride.

“I have no need for such rubbish,”

MacAkin growled, brushing aside the garment with a cold voice.

His furrowed brow and ice-cold eyes carried open disdain, as though he were staring at something repulsive.

He looked exactly the same as the grandfather who had once struck her with a cane.

“Sharie.”

Her grandfather had approached before she realized it.

His imposing presence made her feel like a wall was bearing down on her—she could hardly breathe.

When she finally managed to lift her trembling gaze—

“It’s truly been a long time!”

He threw open his arms and embraced her.

“You look well. I’m so relieved.”

There was no malice in the way he lightly patted her back.

To think that the grandfather who always looked down on her like she was an insect was now smiling and hugging her.

But that wasn’t the only surprise.

“Sis!”

Following behind her grandfather, a young man leapt out of the carriage and shouted her name.

He had the same silver curls cascading to his jawline—he looked just like her.

He ran toward her with open arms.

“I missed you!”

It was her younger brother, **Liber**.

He hadn’t even said goodbye when she’d left home for a political marriage, let alone seen her off.

Yet now he was here, all the way in this faraway land.

As he pulled her into a hug, Liber pouted upon seeing her dazed expression.

“What’s with that look? Aren’t you happy to see me?”

“Ah—no, I am.”

She was simply overwhelmed by the warmth she’d never once received from them before.

Whatever his true intentions, she was genuinely happy to see the brother she thought she’d never meet again.

“I missed you too.”

As she revealed her honest feelings, something flickered across Liber’s face.

Before she could figure out what it meant, a large hand reached out and gently separated her from Liber’s arms.

“This young man… I assume he warrants an introduction?”

Caissa’s cold gaze fixed on Liber.

Even taking into account the natural size difference between rabbitfolk and serpentfolk, Caissa’s physique was exceptional.

Though Liber was tall by rabbitfolk standards, he looked small beside Caissa.

Frozen like a frog before a snake, Liber couldn’t respond.

His grandfather answered in his place.

“They are siblings, after all. The affection is understandable—but let’s not create any unnecessary misunderstandings.”

Only then did the deadly glint in Caissa’s golden eyes begin to fade, and he turned to greet the older man.

“Welcome, Lord MacAkin. It’s the first time we meet in person since the treaty was signed.”

Even in the face of the towering Caissa, who had cowed a sturdy young rabbitfolk with nothing but presence, MacAkin remained composed.

The old man burst into exaggerated laughter.

“It’s been a while indeed. For an old man like me, to be welcomed so personally—goodness, I’m honored beyond words.”

“You’re too kind. It was only proper.”

The exchange was warm and courteous, at least on the surface.

But even as they smiled, a mutual wariness flickered in their eyes.

Caissa caught the old rabbit’s gaze evaluating him—and his own golden eyes gleamed with interest.

The war had only recently ended.

There was no way this visit came without political intent.

Especially when, as Edwin had said, the rabbitfolk patriarch was infamous for being selfish and cunning to the bone.

*What scheme are you after now?*

Surely he wouldn’t try to alter the treaty and call off the marriage?

Unpleasant thoughts darkened Caissa’s expression for a moment.

*No. Don’t get distracted.*

Today was the day Sharie reunited with her long-separated family.

He had to prioritize her dignity above all else.

“I’ve arranged a meal for us. Please, let’s head to the banquet hall,”

Caissa said with a gracious smile, leading the guests forward.