TOOCM 76

Chapter 76

“…”

Realizing his teasing, Reina’s eyes turned cold.

“That’s not funny.”

“It’s funny to me.”

“Kaiden!”

As she raised her hand, huffing, he dodged and picked up the blanket that had fallen during their scuffle.

“After all the effort to bring this, you treat it like this?”

“Oh!”

“This won’t do. Extreme measures are needed.”

Kaiden shook out the blanket and wrapped it tightly around her, as if shielding her from himself.

Staring down at it, she muttered, “What are you doing?”

Her pleading look to be freed was met with his firm reply. “No way. This ensures it won’t fall off. It’s cold.”

“But I can’t use my hands like this.”

“Why not?”

Shrugging, he slipped his hand through the blanket’s folds, grasping hers tightly.

“!”

Startled, she looked up, and he said casually, “As long as I can hold your hand, right?”

With a playful smirk, he lightly kissed her hand.

“I’ll escort you safely, my lady.”

As if seeking her agreement.

“…”

The spot where his lips touched burned.

Despite the simple kiss, Reina was flustered.

Over a year as husband and wife, yet his touch still made her tremble.

Even knowing it was a contract marriage, leaning into his warmth felt inevitable.

Lately, Kaiden had changed. Serious talks often shifted to these cryptic remarks that stirred her heart.

No, he’d always been like this—it was her who’d changed.

She overthought his casual actions, questioning if this was mere loyalty or friendship.

She was simply going with the flow of his lead.

Fidgeting with the kissed finger, she caught his gaze, thinking she was resisting.

He pulled her closer, saying, “Be good, or I’ll carry you.”

His mock threat made her laugh, and she followed his warmth quietly.

She didn’t know where this path led, but with him, it didn’t matter.

* * *

Dahlia was engrossed, her small hands holding a thread bracelet she’d painstakingly crafted over days.

“Hmph, this isn’t right…”

Failing the final knot again, she grew glum.

Reina’s birthday was approaching, and an unfinished gift might be her only option.

As she struggled, Rose passed by and remarked, “A thread bracelet?”

“Eek!”

Dahlia squealed, clutching it like a deer fleeing a lion.

Startled, Rose stepped back. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

“N-No, it’s okay!”

Blushing, Dahlia hid the bracelet, stammering, “D-Do you know how to make these?”

“When I was young, I made plenty. That last knot’s tricky, isn’t it?”

Rose’s casual reply lit up Dahlia’s eyes. She grabbed Rose’s skirt. “Save me!”

“What?”

Rose tensed, thinking Dahlia was in danger, and hugged her protectively. “Who’s after you?”

Her fierce stance suggested she’d take down any assassin.

Dahlia, frozen, shook her head. “N-No, not that…”

Burying her face in Rose’s arms, she mumbled, “I can’t do it…”

Seeing the bracelet, Rose realized her mistake. “You meant help with this?”

Dahlia nodded vigorously, teary-eyed.

* * *

On the day of the Crensias’ anniversary and Reina’s birthday banquet, guests showered her with congratulations and gifts.

When she’d first arrived in the North, few approached her, but now everyone vied for her attention.

This was due to Kaiden’s obvious favoritism.

The Duke, who rarely spoke to women outside his comrades, was playful and close with Reina.

Nobles knew how much he cherished her.

Yet Reina, the object of his affection, seemed oblivious, frustrating Kaiden.

Aiden whispered to him, “Went to the tower again?”

Kaiden’s how-did-you-know look earned a scoff. “Everyone saw you two strolling hand-in-hand in Letter.”

Kaiden flushed, embarrassed their date was public knowledge, though it wasn’t a secret.

Mumbling, he said, “Reina likes it there.”

“…”

Aiden stared, speechless.

Kaiden was so happy about a simple date—why hadn’t he confessed?

A year into marriage, their relationship seemed stagnant.

“Are you just going to stay like this?” Aiden blurted.

Kaiden raised a brow. “What?”

“With Reina. You’re just going to keep things as is?”

“That again?”

Kaiden sipped his wine casually, frustrating Aiden further.

“Just confess! Why are you dragging your feet?”

“You think I’m scared of rejection?”

“Then why not confess? Honestly, Reina likes you too.”

From what Aiden saw, Reina’s feelings were mutual—their chemistry was undeniable.

Kaiden smirked, setting down his glass, and said gravely, “I know.”

“What?”

“I know her feelings aren’t different from mine.”

“You knew?”

Then why?

Aiden couldn’t understand why Kaiden, knowing their mutual feelings, hadn’t acted, letting things stagnate.

Kaiden said meaningfully, “It’s not about courage. I can’t ask Reina to carry the burden of my feelings right now.”

“What does that mean?”

Aiden was still confused, unaware of their plans.

A year ago, Reina had made a pivotal decision:

“Jeffery’s in the capital. Will you come with me?”

Kaiden understood this meant she’d join the fight for the throne.

Her brother was hidden by the Emperor himself.

Despite her low succession rank, she was qualified to be Emperor.

But opposing the Emperor meant contemplating rebellion.

Still, Kaiden hadn’t hesitated to join her, even if it meant diving into danger.