Episode 9, Part 2: Change (3)
After saying goodbye to her family, Yuriel fell ill for a while.
Even though she had prepared herself emotionally, her heart was still left wounded.
“I wasn’t expecting anything fancy…”
Yuriel mumbled to herself, burrowing deeper into the blanket.
A beautiful dress, a necklace said to be more valuable than an entire castle—everything had been prepared by him.
Though the situation had been serious, the ceremony felt as lavish as a wedding.
“Come to think of it…”
She suddenly realized—they never officially went through a marriage ceremony.
Although they had received the approval of both their families and the royal house, they hadn’t signed the official marriage contract yet.
Just then, the tightly closed door creaked open.
“How are you feeling?”
Akron walked in and gently touched her forehead.
“Thanks to you… I’m fine.”
Yuriel set her thoughts aside and answered shyly.
Akron had stayed by her side the entire time, caring for her tenderly.
Even though she had always been prone to falling sick once a year, no one had ever cared for her this sincerely before.
“If anything feels wrong, tell me immediately.”
“…Okay.”
His kind voice made her heart flutter. She hid her embarrassment by stroking her stomach.
“I’m more worried about the baby than myself.”
She was genuinely concerned. What if her illness had affected the baby growing inside her?
“The baby carries my blood. It’s stronger than you think.”
Akron smiled lightly and added:
“It’s your body I’m worried about. Even a twig might be sturdier than you.”
He sat beside her on the bed, pulled her into his arms, and placed a kiss on the back of her neck.
His breath on her skin made her shiver.
“A-Akron…”
Yuriel’s face turned red.
He nibbled gently at her earlobe as if to quiet her.
He knew exactly which spots made her feel weak.
“How did someone this fragile even survive being with me? It’s baffling.”
“D-Don’t say things like that…”
Thinking about the time she mistook him for a dream still made her blush.
“You smell sweet.”
“Ah…”
Akron chuckled mischievously and kissed her lips over and over again.
And as if that wasn’t enough, he entangled his tongue with hers.
Yuriel painted, accepting the warm sensation.
Every touch sent a heat through her body. She wanted him.
“We’ll wait until it’s safe again.”
Akron was the one who pulled away first, though he seemed to be holding back even more than she was.
Yuriel fluttered her eyelashes.
“If you’re feeling better, we should go to the temple.”
“The temple…?”
She echoed the words in confusion.
“Instead of a full ceremony, we’ll have a small vow ritual.”
“Ah…”
Yuriel let out a soft sigh.
Before she had gone to the count’s estate, he had suggested a wedding.
But since he had already given her so much, she didn’t feel right accepting it.
He must’ve thought she simply disliked grand occasions.
But…
Yuriel hesitated at the second proposal too.
She was the one who had asked for marriage in the first place—so she could watch their child grow.
But was that the only reason?
Now that she knew this wasn’t just a fantasy, she found herself wanting him.
Ashamed of her selfishness, she bit the inside of her cheek.
“I thought… We were just going to sign a contract. Since we’re supposed to divorce in three years…”
She said it cautiously.
Three years—until the child was older. After that, of course, he’d ask for a divorce.
The grand duchesses of Veiharz had always been wise, noble women.
There was no way she could remain in that high position forever.
So she believed she shouldn’t take on the role of a real bride.
She thought Akron felt the same.
He was a busy man, after all.
But his reaction was completely unexpected.
“…Do you want to divorce me?”
His voice turned cold.
Yuriel looked up in surprise. His expression had frozen as well.
Why is he so upset?
She didn’t understand his sudden change in mood.
She thought it was natural—something they had agreed on.
“I… Akr—ah!”
Vmmm.
A vibration came from her belly, cutting her off.
It didn’t hurt, but it startled her.
Akron frowned, clearly concerned.
“Already acting up, huh.”
He placed his hand on her stomach.
The vibrations grew stronger at first but quickly calmed down under the influence of a soft light.
“What was that…?”
“I used energy to settle it down. Our baby’s already showing a lot of personality.”
“But that’s not fair… you’re the baby’s father.”
Yuriel stroked her belly, denying his claim.
How could the baby dislike someone who gives them good energy every day?
He must be mistaken.
Still, Akron didn’t seem convinced.
Worried, Yuriel asked carefully:
“Did I… say something wrong?”
“No. That’s not it.”
He denied it immediately.
Then what was the problem? Yuriel looked at him curiously.
He went quiet for a moment as if organizing his thoughts.
Then he slowly began to speak.
“…We won’t write any contracts. But I’m not going to force you either. You have the right to make your own choices.”
Every word carried a sense of weight and care.
Yuriel didn’t fully understand, but she could feel his sincerity.
“So let’s get married.”
He had made up his mind.
Yuriel listened quietly and agreed easily.
“Okay… Are we going now?”
“We’ll go to the temple at dawn. It’s all arranged, so you don’t have to worry.”
Yuriel nodded.
Even if it was a simple vow ceremony, the thought of getting married made her heart race.
She tried not to show her excitement, but couldn’t help whispering:
“…Thank you. For caring so much.”
Akron looked at her with a strange expression—not angry, not frowning.
More like he was seeing something odd and delicate.
What kind of woman is she?
He stared at her innocent face.
She was right—everything could have been handled with paperwork.
There was no need for a wedding or a sacred vow.
And yet, she brought up divorce even before they were truly married.
As if she was already waiting for the day she’d leave.
It made something inside him stir.
What he thought was curiosity… felt more like frustration now.
He forced the strange emotion down and said:
“…After the ceremony, we’ll go to the western estate. Don’t push yourself.”
“I won’t. I’ve been resting a lot anyway. Oh, and if there are any books about the estate, could I read them? I’d like to learn the basics.”
His carefully composed expression crumbled again.
She blinked, confused—her eyes shiny with worry, like she was afraid she’d said something wrong.
“…All the documents are at the estate. I’ll teach you the basics before we go.”
His voice stayed calm.
She might not have noticed, but he felt shaken.
“Thank you.”
Her gentle gratitude felt soft as a breeze.
Akron didn’t reply. He just turned and left the room.
✦ ✦ ✦
Dawn, damp with dew, was serene and sacred.
At that hour, the temple of the chief deity was bathed in solemnity.
Inside, near a softly glowing blue spring, stood the priest and the two who were to be wed.
“Please step into the sacred water,”
the priest instructed.
The spring said to be made from the deity’s tears, was believed to cleanse all misfortune.
“Ah…”
Yuriel hesitated.
Part of the simplified ritual meant wearing very thin garments—almost transparent when wet.
“Come here.”
“Eek!”
Akron picked her up and stepped into the spring.
Startled, she clung to his neck.
Thanks to him, her body was shielded from view.
Still, the wet skin touching his made her flush and lower her head.
“…It’s cold.”
“You’ll warm up soon.”
The sacred water gently soaked them both as the priest began to chant a blessing.
This feels strange…
Vows made before the god had to be sincere.
What if she was punished for not being completely truthful?
But the warmth from Akron’s body made her heart race.
Just this once… please forgive me,
She prayed silently as the priest’s voice echoed through the temple.
