Chapter 238: Thoughts
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 238: Thoughts
"Celicia, you can put me down now."
After being towed along by Celicia for two blocks, Muen finally lost his composure and spoke with a grave expression.
While being hauled by the back of his collar allowed him to feel the touch of that soft, delicate hand against the nape of his neck—a sensation that was, admittedly, quite pleasant—as the dignified son of a Duke, this posture was a severe insult to his prestige.
Even if you are a princess, Celicia, you can’t just bully me like—
"Oh? Do you have a problem?"
Celicia lowered her head, her cold gaze sweeping over Muen.
"No, not at all."
Muen flashed a sincere, peaceful smile. "How could I possibly have a problem? My legs just happen to feel a bit weak right now. Having someone help me walk is exactly what I was hoping for."
"Is that so? Are they still weak now?"
Celicia glanced downward, her expression turning somewhat meaningful.
"No, they’re not!"
Muen instinctively jolted, immediately breaking free from Celicia’s small hand and hopping in place a few times.
"I’m full of energy, feeling great! I could climb ten flights of stairs in one breath without even panting!"
"Is that so? Good."
Celicia let go of him. "Walk on your own, then."
With that, she continued her leisurely pace forward.
Dressed in a flowing white gown, Celicia walked with elegant poise through the deserted late-night streets. Her light steps occasionally sent the hem of her skirt fluttering, making her look like a mercurial cloud drifting away on a gentle breeze.
Truly beautiful.
Muen found himself echoing Anna’s earlier sentiment.
Even though the girl before him was merely walking normally, the grace she inadvertently displayed was enough to make this grand city, shrouded in night, pale in comparison.
Muen stared at her exquisite silhouette for a long moment before finally snapping out of it and jogging to catch up.
He adjusted his pace to walk side-by-side with Celicia, stealing cautious glances at the Princess’s profile.
She remained expressionless, her stunning face seemingly frozen behind a layer of eternal, exquisite ice.
"Um... are you angry?"
Seeing that Celicia remained silent, Muen asked tentatively.
"Angry?" Celicia finally paused. "Why would I be angry?"
"Because..." Muen scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Because of what you saw just now?"
"Just now?" Celicia’s eyes flickered. "Was there anything in that scene worth getting angry over?"
"Uh..."
Just as Muen was struggling to find an answer, Celicia turned to look at him, a hint of mockery surfacing on her beautiful face.
"You don't actually think I’m doing this out of jealousy, do you, my dear fiancé?"
"How could that be..." Muen gave a forced laugh.
"Of course it’s impossible."
Celicia tilted her slender, porcelain neck slightly, looking like a proud white swan.
She was Celicia.
She was the Princess of this nation.
She had her own pride and reserve.
Fighting over a man?
Squabbling out of jealousy?
Those concepts could never be associated with the name Celicia.
Even if she were no longer a princess, even if Muen Campbell were truly exceptional enough to capture her full attention, and even if he were actually lured away by some woman one day, she would never harbor such thoughts.
Ab-so-lute-ly impossible!
"I only did that to give you a reminder."
"Hmm?"
"Muen Campbell, the news of our impending engagement has already spread throughout all of Belland. I hope you won't go around flirting with other women in broad daylight at such a critical juncture. It disgraces the Imperial Palace. Many eyes are on you right now—on the House of Campbell. If people start telling my father that you’ve insulted the honor of the Royal Family and he decides to punish you, don't blame me for not warning you."
"I... I see."
Muen scratched his head awkwardly.
He really hadn't thought about it from that perspective.
Now that the news of the engagement was out, the House of Campbell had indeed become the focal point for the entire nobility of Belland. At a time like this, he really should be more cautious.
However...
If "broad daylight" was no good, then doing things "secretly" should be fine, right?
Muen stroked his chin... and suddenly felt a surge of excitement.
Somehow, that felt even more thrilling.
...
"Speaking of which, Celicia, are you really okay with this?"
"...With what?"
"This engagement."
After his brief moment of excitement, Muen turned serious again, beginning to think from Celicia’s perspective.
"I remember you didn't like this arrangement."
Muen gazed into Celicia’s eyes and said solemnly, "If it were just a verbal agreement, there would still be room for you to maneuver. But once the engagement ceremony is completed, you won't be able to shake off the name 'Campbell' for the rest of your life."
An engagement ceremony was both a ritual and a contract.
In the Empire, this ceremony held sacred legal weight. Once it was finalized, others would no longer see her just as Her Highness the Princess; she would be permanently labeled as the future Duchess.
"So, are you... looking out for me?"
As if she hadn't expected Muen to say such a thing, Celicia tilted her head, a half-smile playing on her lips.
"Of course," Muen said earnestly, not shrinking from her gaze. "I want to hear your true thoughts."
In the original novel, Celicia was not the type of person to be bound by an engagement or a mere title; otherwise, Muen wouldn't have been so fascinated by her.
She had always projected an air of indifference toward the engagement... because she truly didn't care. If she didn't like her betrothed, she would likely rather run him through with a sword than marry him.
That was why Celicia’s sudden appearance and her words had surprised Muen so much.
"Heh."
Celicia suddenly let out a soft chuckle.
"To hear such words from the mouth of the man who did such... excessive things to me. Should I find it laughable, or should I be moved?"
"Pfft..."
Muen nearly coughed up a mouthful of blood at the sudden mention of the past. With a dejected face, he said, "If I told you that was just an accident, would you believe me?"
Celicia remained noncommittal, but her tone shifted. "It is just as you think. If I truly disliked you, I would rather kill you with a single strike than marry you."
"But."
"But?"
"But I am, after all, the Princess of this country."
Celicia turned her head to look at the city. Even shrouded in the thick of night, it did not lose its magnificence.
She was born here, raised here, and carried the expectations of many. Therefore, she had to shoulder the corresponding responsibilities. The title of "Princess" brought her more than just resources and status.
It brought duty.
"I would never willingly become a mere tool. However, if I can find a balance between my personal likes and dislikes and the interests of this nation, I don't think I would refuse. After all..."
Celicia turned back, her platinum hair dancing in the breeze. Her cold eyes searched Muen’s deeply.
"The current you isn't quite so annoying anymore, is he?"