It was a Political Marriage, But I’m Being Loved - Chapter 92 (Slight R19)

Even after changing horses twice, the journey remained far from easy. Giel gently calmed the horse, which had started foaming at the mouth, as they finally passed through the northern gate of the capital.

The ringleader, Valter Bianchi, had already been taken to the underground prison beneath the imperial palace. However, Ruwein and the knights he had brought were to be sent to a prison on the outskirts of the city.

Even then, not all of them were headed to the same location. Due to their numbers, only Ruwein and ten knights were brought into the capital, while the rest were sent to nearby towns.

“They’re all in this state anyway…”

Ruwein, whose petrification had been partially lifted from the head only, had once again turned completely to stone. Leaving someone half-petrified for a full day would lead to death—so reapplying the spell had been necessary.

The same went for the other knights brought to the capital—they were now nothing more than statues.

While lifting the petrification would have made transportation easier, the magic cast by Achilles, the master of the Magic Tower, was incredibly complex and difficult to undo. So Giel had chosen not to go through the trouble of releasing the spell and simply transported them as stone statues.

They were heavier this way, yes—but there was no risk of escape, and no intruder would find it easy to make off with a statue.

“It’ll be a pain for the imperial mages to undo this, but that’s not my concern.”

Through a communication crystal, Giel received word that the rest of the knights had been safely moved to their designated prisons. Now, only Ruwein and the ten remaining knights were left to be dealt with.

The guards barely paid attention as the carriage rumbled through the gate. Thanks to official documents issued by the imperial court, there were no delays or questions.

“Once the Tower Master’s wedding is over, I can finally go back to the tower.”

Though he’d only been following the Tower Master’s orders, Giel found it fascinating to be able to affect even a Sword Master’s mind through magic.

Thinking about how this incident might serve as valuable research material, Giel turned his thoughts to the next part of his day.

He planned to deliver the statues to the prison located in the northwest and then head into the city to meet up with Marcus or Eliza at a tavern.

“If it’s Eliza, she’s probably already found a place with good food and cold beer.”

That thought alone brightened his mood a little.

When the attendant nervously delivered the news that the princess had declined his invitation, Ryuhan flew into a rage. It had been a long time since a woman had refused to meet him.

After all, he was known for his good looks and his courteous manner toward women. Even the famously reserved Cheonryeo had agreed to see him once.

“Could it be that my looks don’t work in this empire? That can’t be right…”

Despite his humiliating defeat the day before, Ryuhan was receiving invitation after invitation. It would be no exaggeration to say they were pouring in.

Most came from noble families with daughters of marrying age, while others came from households interested in establishing trade with Lushan.

“It’s only three days until the wedding, Your Highness. According to the handmaiden, Her Highness the Princess felt quite regretful about having to decline,” the attendant said cautiously.

“Is that so? Could it be that the Tower Master is clinging to her side and keeping me from meeting her?”

“I-I don’t know for sure… but it’s true that rumors say the Tower Master has been with Her Highness all day.”

Achilles had been visiting the princess’s quarters daily, eating breakfast and dinner with her before returning to his own residence. This had gone on for several days now and was no longer even a secret.

Many nobles, observing this routine, whispered that the princess’s affections had shifted from Lord Bianchi to the Tower Master.

“If he’s the one blocking me, then I’ll just go see her myself.”

Ryuhan turned sharply toward his attendant.

“What’s the princess’s schedule for today? You looked into it, didn’t you?”

“W-what? Ah—n-no! Forgive my foolishness, Your Highness. I didn’t realize you’d ask, so I haven’t checked yet.”

“Hmph! I’m a busy man. Go find out immediately!”

The attendant bowed deeply, begging for forgiveness. Ryuhan turned his back on him with a huff. Though the servant cursed Ryuhan silently, he bowed once more and hurried out of the room.

“So, the Tower Master’s already starting to act jealous, huh?”

Getting close to the princess could unsettle Achilles—and also allow Ryuhan to learn more about the mysterious power the princess held. On top of that, if Achilles was truly driven to jealousy, there might even be another chance for a rematch.

“Everything about this situation benefits me. Hmph… Still, I wonder what the princess looks like.”

Hopefully, she would be just as pleasing to the eye as she was powerful.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

*

“Your Majesty, are you sure you’ll be all right on your own?”

“I’m fine. If I need anything, I’ll call for you. Please wait outside.”

At Charlize’s calm command, the maids bowed respectfully and quietly exited the bath chamber. Only after they were gone did Charlize let out a soft sigh of relief.

The picnic dress she wore wasn’t easy to remove by herself, but with a touch of magic, the delicate straps loosened effortlessly.

I’m really glad I learned magic.

At first, it had been hard to control. But thanks to the pendant Achilles had given her, she’d been able to practice over and over. Now, at least with basic spells, her control had improved noticeably.

Even if it’s still limited…

She slipped out of the dress and folded it neatly into the basket. Next came the corset, followed by layers of undergarments. As she undressed, faint traces remained on her skin—reminders of the night before.

He even left marks here…

Last night—no, even into this morning—his touch still lingered. Glancing at herself in the mirror as she bathed, she could still see the signs.

Her cheeks flushed as the memory of his warm, gentle touch returned to her. She covered her face with both hands.

We’re not even married yet… Is this really okay?

Slowly, she removed the last of her undergarments. The fabric was slightly damp, the result of the day’s tension… and lingering sensations she couldn’t quite ignore.

“…This is so embarrassing.”

Thinking of him—and just how close they had become—stirred feelings she hadn’t expected. Charlize bit her lip and shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.

Still, as she stepped toward the bath, part of her felt oddly comforted by the fact that he was waiting nearby.

…Embarrassing.

It was a strange thing to remember, but her mind drifted to how Achilles had pressed his lips to the most private part of her—gently parting her like a flower.

It was embarrassing… but it felt good.

Charlize slid off her damp panties and held them in her hands. The light weight of the fabric somehow made her feel even more self-conscious.

This should be the maids’ job… handling the laundry… Mmm…

If there were someone like Achilles here… maybe I could ask him to clean this up… No. That’s absolutely out of the question. I’d rather be caught by the maids than ask him something like that.

“Ah…”

Charlize quickly splashed water on her undergarments, pretending it had been an accident. She felt a bit guilty for making more work for the maids, but this way, at least…

Will they figure it out? It’s such an obvious excuse…

Shaking her head, Charlize reminded herself it had already been a while since she’d started her bath. Achilles was likely waiting for her in the sitting room of her quarters.

She needed to hurry and finish up—he was waiting.

Charlize liked having him nearby. Even if her feelings hadn’t started out very deep, she found herself growing more attached to him each day. She wondered if he found her clingy. Still… she liked the comfort of his presence.

“Ha…”

Bringing the shower nozzle over her body, Charlize began washing quickly. It would’ve been convenient if she could enchant the water to cleanse her like Achilles had done before—but she didn’t have that ability now.

Thank goodness this is K-Lopan. A world without running water or showers would be unbearable. No electricity, no internet…

When she first regained memories of her past life, she had wondered how she could survive in a world like this. It left her depressed at first. But over time, she adjusted. She had a family now, and she was experiencing things she never could have before.

Lathering up with soap, Charlize scrubbed every part of her body she could reach. Then, more cautiously, she reached between her legs. Glancing in the mirror, she spread the soapy bubbles aside to examine herself.

Have they changed? Are they… bigger?

She wasn’t sure. After all the teasing from Achilles, she couldn’t remember how things looked before. She had never taken the time to examine herself like this until now.

It tickles…

The melted foam dripped downward, brushing against her sensitive skin. Charlize used more soap and gently wiped again. She wanted to be clean—especially since she’d be hugging Achilles soon.

What exactly did he do for me last night…?

The bubbles tickled, and though it felt pleasant, it wasn’t the same as when Achilles touched her. Her hands couldn’t recreate the sensation he gave.

Charlize sighed and turned the shower on again. As she rinsed off, she caught sight of her reflection once more.

It’ll probably be the middle of the night before I can cuddle with him again…

Though honestly, it wasn’t like she had to wait. If she pulled him by the wrist into her bedroom and whispered the right words, he would never resist her. He never had before.

No, no… That’s not what I meant. I already get enough affection every day, so why—

But she knew the truth. She didn’t resist him because she liked the way he touched her.

When Achilles touches me… even just a little, I feel like I could lose control.

She tried to mimic it herself—gently running her fingers along her body but it just wasn’t the same. Her own touch felt unfamiliar, distant.

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