Chapter 2.3

Even though he already knew the answer to that question, it was still hard to believe.

Her hair, which was originally plastered with oil and dust, was a silver color reminiscent of lilacs.

Even then, when she was in such a dirty state, her eyes were mysterious and beautiful enough to leave him speechless.

The long eyelashes that swept over her eyes were like butterfly wings, and her lips looked as soft as petals.

Perhaps it was because she had just finished bathing, but her freshly washed hair and rosy cheeks were making him feel strange inside.

The slender jaw, the line of her neck, and the translucent white skin that seemed to shine from within.

Tarkhan had never been tempted by someone’s appearance.

No woman who entered the royal palace had ever attracted his attention, but this woman in front of him had done so easily.

It’s simply because she’s a little different compared to the women here, Tarkhan hastily concluded.

Aristine turned off her nerves and sat down in a chair, looking at the two oddly-behaved people.

Seeing that two teacups were set on the table, she felt like she had intruded on their conversation.

Aristine didn’t know what to do in this awkward atmosphere, so she reached for the teapot.

Diona, surprised, grabbed the teapot first.

“Pardon me, my lady.”

Diona bowed her head and quickly poured the tea.

She wondered if Aristine had taken it as a sign of disrespect.

You can’t make a conflict in front of Tarkhan.

She looked at Aristine meaningfully and shook her head discreetly.

Diona couldn’t tell whether the Princess was hurt or if she didn’t care. Her face was devoid of any signs.

Somehow, it was mysterious and strange.

Absurding, that even if the expressionless face was a face, it could be seen as attractive.

I’m glad I met Tarkhan before her…!

But that was no reason to rejoice.

No matter how uninterested Tarkhan was in a woman’s appearance, facing such a beautiful woman every day would still be a challenge.

You were definitely shaken up earlier! (editor’s note: she’s talking about Tarkhan here)

Diona’s hand weakened as she grabbed the teapot.

It was rare in of itself for Tarkhan to show agitation, but he had already been showing signs of agitation several times even before she came.

I’ve only seen a few of you!

Diona pushed the cart along, trying to hide her soaring emotions, and bowed her head toward Aristine.

“You’re seeing the Princess. This is Dionara.”

“Yes.”

His voice was clear and cold.

Diona smiled forcefully, but she couldn’t help the dark shadow in her heart.

“Now get out.”

At Tarkhan’s words, Diona’s hand, which was performing the tea ceremony, paused.

‘Get out.’ You want to stay alone here with her?

But she lowered her head with a flawless smile before leaving the room.

Aristine and Tarkhan were the only ones left in the room.

There was only silence between them.

The first person to open his mouth was Tarkhan.

“What is it?”

“I came to see you because I wanted to talk to you.”

“We’re going to be married soon, and you need a reason to have enjoy a cup of tea together?”

“At least you and I are.”

It’s worse than I thought, Aristine thought quietly.

If she had a chat with him in this mood, she would be kicked out before she could even talk.

It would be best to say what needed to be said and get out of the room as soon as possible.

“Anyways, you ended up accepting this marriage, didn’t you?”

Tarkhan’s brow wrinkled as if he didn’t like it one bit.

He looked as if it were not his idea to marry Aristine.

Well, I didn’t want to either. You think I would be willing to volunteer to get married to someone with such a bad personality? Aristine whined in her head. She put her lips to the teacup.

The tea was splendidly fragrant. It clung to her tongue as she passed it over to the back of her throat. This was her first time drinking such high quality tea. It was delicious, to be honest.

…I didn’t come here because I like it, but I still wanted it so badly.

Maybe it will be okay.

But let’s keep ‘that’ a secret from Tarkhan.

“Well, fine then. I didn’t come here to chat with you.”

Aristine straightened up and looked directly at Tarkhan.

Once Diona was gone, she had to tell him something more grounded than love and feelings.

Using external relationships is a caring proposition.

Aristine was confident in her own abilities.

“I’ll be straight with you.”

A pair of eyes as golden as the sun and a pair dawn-bright purple eyes met each other straight on.

“Let’s do business.”

. * . * . * . * . * . * . * .