Three Days Feels Like Forever
After Rian, the prospective son-in-law, left the Rebellion Grand Duchy, late that evening. Thump— Thump— Thump— Thump—
"......"
Even as time passed, her heartbeat refused to settle. Cynthia lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as she recalled what had happened with Rian early that morning.
(Hah! Hah! Cynthia...)
(Haah! Haah! Mm, it's okay.)
Her face burned. "Khk...... What's okay?"
No matter how many times she replayed it, the memory was mortifying enough to set her cheeks on fire. She had expected it, but their first night together had been overwhelmingly intense. Rian, who had come at her like a wild beast, was impressive, but what shocked her most was the side of herself she had kept hidden.
She had never once considered herself to possess a strong sexual appetite, yet in that moment she had been nothing short of a woman drunk on lust.
(You're beautiful, my fiancée. You really are just too beautiful~)
"Still...... it felt good..."
A foolish smile bloomed on her lips. The moment she had tasted the greatest happiness a woman could know—being loved by a man. When his emotions had poured into her, the feeling had been pure bliss. If she exaggerated only slightly, this might have been the happiest she had ever felt in her entire life.
No, it's not an exaggeration... That was the happiest moment.
The Rebellion Grand Duchy was counted among the greatest families on the continent, yet it was a house utterly divorced from the word "love." Marriage could only occur with the partner chosen by the family, and she held no memory of receiving pure affection even from her own relatives. A household of such high authority was strict only about etiquette and rules; love and tenderness were restrained to the utmost degree.
To her, Rian's love had been an impossibly precious and beautiful gift.
"Ah, I want to do it again."
It had not even been a full day since Rian left, yet she missed him terribly. She wanted to hear his voice. She longed for his touch. She wished he would hold her body again while speaking to her in that gentle tone.
"Ugh... When was the wedding date again?"
The wedding date she had once wanted to avoid at all costs was now something she herself sought out. There was still plenty of time left, so there was little point in checking, but still.
"Sigh... I miss him."
Slide— Slide—
She slipped her hand to the places Rian had touched. Lifting her bra, she caressed her breasts. Sliding her fingers into her panties, she touched there as well.
Rub rub rub rub—
"...It's not the same feeling."
It was vastly different. It felt pleasant, but it was nowhere near the sensation from before. The mere brush of his fingertips against her skin had sent sparks of electricity racing through her. When he had gripped her firmly, it felt as though her heart might stop.
It's not enough.
Squeeze— Rub rub—
"Huu... Rian..."
Tingle—
Imagining Rian's face while she pleasured herself sent a rather satisfying sensation through her body. That touch from before—those hands that had traced over every inch of her, searching out her most sensitive spots.
Press— Zzzing~!
Ah, right here...!
Knock knock knock—
"Lady Cynthia."
"...Tch."
Cynthia's sensual expression twisted into one of clear displeasure. It had been a long time since she had felt genuine irritation; her sharp killing intent lanced toward the door.
The maid who had knocked felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine and quickly stated her business.
"Young Master Rian has sent a letter."
"...What!? From Rian?"
She sat up abruptly. The displeased scowl instantly brightened, only to fade into a dazed, puzzled look. It seemed strange that Rian, who had left the Grand Duchy only that morning, would bother sending a letter.
"What could it be about?"
Though she felt suspicious, Cynthia was too curious about the letter's contents to wait. She quickly straightened her clothes, flung the door open, snatched the letter, and promptly chased the maid away.
Bang!
"Hehe, did Rian miss me so much that he sent this~?"
Alone, she could not hide her foolish side at all. She hurried back to the bed and began reading the letter.
To my beloved fiancée,
Hello, Cynthia? Surprised by the sudden letter? I left the Grand Duchy today.
The reason I'm writing is because of the promise we made to meet again tomorrow.
I'm sorry, but it seems we'll have to postpone that for three days.
I apologize for springing this on you so suddenly. The truth is, I've arranged to begin training under our family's knight commander. However, he suggested we head to a different training ground, so......
— Rian
"Huhu!"
The explanation continued at length, yet none of it made sense to her. No, the words themselves refused to register. The only thing that pierced her eyes was that single phrase—three days later.
Crinkle!
"Is he joking?"
The next morning, at Veilburg County.
"What...?"
"Oh my...!"
"Good morning, Count Hidelus. And Countess Aichel."
The prospective daughter-in-law had arrived at the count's residence at the crack of dawn. Seeing her elegant greeting, the count and countess could not hide their bewilderment.
Why has she come so suddenly?
S-Should we call for Rian?
It was not inherently strange for a fiancée to visit her betrothed's home. But if that fiancée's name was Cynthia Rebellion, suspicion was inevitable. After all, she was hardly an ordinary person.
"Your sudden visit has caught us by surprise."
"I apologize, Count. I should have sent word ahead, but I came in such a hurry..."
"It's quite all right. More importantly, what brings you here today?"
"I have come to see my fiancé."
"I see... And?"
"Pardon?"
"The main reason, I mean."
"...That is the only reason."
"......"
"......"
She simply came to see Rian?
Hidelus's expression as he gazed at his prospective daughter-in-law grew clouded with doubt. He had no idea how the relationship between Rian and Cynthia had developed. He knew it had improved compared to before, but his knowledge ended there. Even though Rian had stayed over at the Grand Duchy, he could not imagine anything beyond that.
After all, the other party was Cynthia Rebellion.
"You must have been quite startled by my sudden appearance. As an apology, I have prepared a small gift."
"A gift?"
"Yes. May."
"Yes, my lady."
At Cynthia's command, the knight with the cold demeanor approached with a gift box. While the couple stood in stunned silence at the unexpected offering, Cynthia spoke.
"Please open it."
"You really didn't need to prepare a gift..."
"It is nothing too extravagant, so please do not feel burdened. Besides, this much is only natural for a prospective daughter-in-law."
"I-Is that so...?"
Prospective daughter-in-law...
Until now, her image had not been particularly favorable, but if Cynthia was taking the initiative like this, they could not help but warm to her. The count and countess exchanged glances, nodded, and examined the gift.
Click—
"This is..."
"It is a new wristwatch crafted by Nopheus. They happened to release a matching couple's set, so I prepared that."
"N-Nopheus? That must have been expensive..."
It was understandable that Countess Aichel was astonished. Nopheus was a top luxury brand favored by nobles, competing for first and second place among high-end merchants. Their new releases were outrageously expensive and difficult to obtain due to high demand.
"This is far too much."
"Not at all."
Count Hidelus subtly pushed the box aside. Noticing his attempt to decline, Cynthia spoke immediately.
"On the contrary, I have been far too indifferent toward both of you until now. As his fiancée, I should have shown some sincerity sooner. I am truly sorry for appearing before you only now with such a gesture."
"No... Well, it is reassuring that you are taking the engagement seriously, but..."
"If the gift is not to your liking, I will prepare something else. If there is anything you desire..."
"No, that won't be necessary. We gratefully accept the gift."
This is bewildering. It's like looking at a completely different person.
Her attempt to earn points with her prospective father-in-law was honestly quite burdensome. Of course, from a parent's perspective, it should have been a joyous occasion if she got along well with their son. Yet because the other party was the daughter of a grand duchy, suspicion was unavoidable.
Is she plotting something...? But what could the daughter of a grand duchy possibly lack that she would...
Creak—
"Father, I have a request... Huk!?"
"...Hatz."
At that moment, a blue-haired boy entered the count's study. Cynthia looked at the suddenly appearing Hatz with interest, while Hatz stared at the unexpected Cynthia with pure shock.
"C-C-Cynthia Rebellion!?"
"You insolent boy, Hatz! What kind of language is that to a young lady!"
"Huk! I apologize, my lady!"
When Hatz hurriedly bowed after realizing his mistake, Cynthia shook her head as if to say it was fine. After calming the count's outburst, she looked at Hatz and spoke.
"It's all right, Hatz. A younger brother may call his older sister's name."
"...Pardon?"
"You've come at the perfect time. I have a gift for you as well."
Unlike the polite speech she had used with the count and countess, she spoke to Hatz in a bold, casual tone. Of course, Hatz could offer no complaint and simply kept his mouth shut. Considering Cynthia's position, it was only natural for her to speak down to him, and since his parents remained seated quietly, there was no particular issue.
Still... something feels off. Cynthia Rebellion calling me her younger brother...
He stole a glance at her. Flawless skin without a single blemish, striking and beautiful features. Every movement carried grace. Even from the perspective of another noble, she radiated an air of noble dignity.
Thump—
Wow, no matter how many times I see her, she's beautiful. To think someone like her is really my brother's fiancée...
"Here you are, Young Master Hatz."
"...Yes? Ah, yes..."
Hatz belatedly noticed the gift May held out and accepted it. Leaving the hesitant boy—who could not decide whether to open it now or later—Cynthia turned to the count.
"Count. Where is Rian right now?"
"Ah, yes. He should still be in his room..."
"I wish to meet him immediately. Would it be all right if I borrowed Hatz as a guide?"
"Of course. Breakfast will be ready soon, so let us meet again in the dining hall later."
"Understood. I shall see you then."
After the brief exchange, Cynthia looked at Hatz. Unlike the gentle expression she had shown the count and countess, the gaze directed at Hatz somehow felt coercive.
"Hatz, guide me to your brother's room."
"Yes?"
"Did you not hear me?"
"Ah, no. I will guide you right away."
Hey, why does it feel like she's only being strict with me? Did I do something wrong?