TMSB Ch#23

A chilly silence settled heavily over the bedroom. As the steady rhythm that had been tapping in her ears faded, Psyche lifted her head.

The Archduke had stopped walking.

“So, you’re already starting to miss the Empire?”

His once gentle voice suddenly turned mocking, making Psyche feel faint. That wasn’t what she had meant at all.

“I know Your Highness has been very accommodating. But I just want to show my parents that I’m doing well.”

She let the words that had lingered in her mouth spill out. She was a little afraid of how the Archduke would respond.

“Since I left, my parents have been spending each day in sorrow. So I just wanted to show them how beautiful this Archduchy is and that their daughter is living in such a wonderful place.”

Psyche spoke calmly. For some reason, she felt certain that even if the Archduke replied coldly, he wouldn’t blame her.

As soon as she finished speaking, the air in the room seemed to soften. It must have been a sign of the Archduke’s change in mood.

“You don’t always need to see something with your own eyes to know it, my lady.”

His low voice broke the silence.

“I understand.”

“But sometimes… you just need to see for yourself.”

Her fingers flinched. The Archduke had drawn closer.

His words were permission — allowing her to bring her family to the Archduchy.

Psyche looked toward the figure leaning toward her in the darkness. Like a monster from her childhood fears, he seemed enormous and threatening.

She suddenly wondered: What is this man thinking? Why would he propose to a woman from a distant country — one burdened with debt?

He didn’t seek her out until a month after the engagement, and even then, his visits were irregular.

Even when he did come, he never touched her at night. Nor did he try to get to know her through conversation.

“All he ever did was observe me.”

The Archduke always kept a detached attitude toward her.

“…Why did you choose me as your bride? I’d like to know the reason.”

Psyche tried to keep calm as she spoke, her voice echoing faintly in the dark.

Despite her nervousness, the Archduke answered clearly.

“I chose you out of necessity.”

Was she someone the Archduke needed?

Psyche had once pondered her own value. Her conclusion: while she had worth and wisdom of her own, she wasn’t someone the Archduke necessarily needed.

In other words, it didn’t have to be her.

“What kind of necessity?”

Now that she was staying in the Archduchy, she was prepared to become the person he wanted.

But his answer was something she hadn’t expected.

“Because many people would be angry if you became my bride.”

That’s it? That’s the reason?

Psyche couldn’t understand it.

But it seemed he had no intention of offering her a clearer explanation.

The man let out a soft laugh and sat across from her. He didn’t touch her, nor did he do anything to make her feel ashamed.

As Psyche’s eyes adjusted to the dark, she watched his every move.

Then their eyes met.

Psyche flinched. The tongue that had just questioned him froze, and her lips trembled.

A flash of blue gleamed in his eyes — glowing vividly even in the pitch-black room.

But just as suddenly, it disappeared, as if it had been her imagination. Then, a beautiful voice spoke through the darkness.

“I once saw your portrait. It’s quite a famous painting in the Cigar Empire.”

Psyche felt a sigh rise to her throat.

She had been called the “Swan of the Cigar Empire” because a portrait celebrating her coming of age had become widely known.

Portraits are often exaggerated — tailored to the subject’s liking, and frequently differing from the actual person.

“Did you choose me as your bride because of my beauty?”

If that was the only reason, this engagement wouldn’t last.

“There are countless beautiful things in the world.”

The blue sky, fluffy white clouds, flowers blooming even in the cold…

They’re all beautiful, but that appreciation fades quickly.

“Once you get used to beauty, it stops feeling beautiful. You desire it more when you don’t possess it.”

“Hmm. So you think that’s the only reason? That your beauty is your only worth? Is that what you believe?”

She straightened her back and held her head high.

“Your Highness has never tried to know my true worth. You’ve never shown interest in who I am.”

Suddenly, she felt uncertain.

Is it really okay to invite my father here?

She thought it was, but in truth, nothing felt okay.

“I am curious. More than anyone.”

A low voice replied from the darkness.

“I heard you like reading. Is that true?”

“Yes, I do.”

She remembered Maria’s question — asking what she liked. And she had answered honestly.

“If you wish, you may use the library in the castle. If there’s a book you want, just ask the librarian.”

“Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness.”

The Archduke didn’t reply. She couldn’t see his expression in the dark, which left her a little disappointed. But his words had already answered enough.

After some time, the Archduke stood and stepped away from her.

The door hadn’t opened, so she knew he hadn’t left. Yet, it felt as if he wasn’t even in the room, so still was his presence.

Psyche opened her mouth, then closed it and walked toward the bed. She still couldn’t see clearly, but it seemed the darkness had grown familiar.

As she moved along the wall, something brushed her foot. She reached down to feel it.

It was firm, warm enough to melt her hand — and it twitched at her touch like a heartbeat.

“Didn’t I ask you to remain proper until the wedding, my lady?”

Her wrist was caught. His fingers slowly wrapped around hers, binding her.

Only then did Psyche realize: she had just groped the Archduke’s chest.

“The Archduchy is not like the Cigar Empire. When two hearts align…”

He brushed his thumb across where his heart beat. It was a simple gesture, but it sent a hot flush crawling up the back of her neck.

“…much more is allowed.”

The Archduke slowly released her, peeling his spiderweb-like touch away and helping her steady herself.

“After the heavy snow, the weather warms for a bit. When that time comes, travel by l

and and sea won’t be difficult.”

The Archduke was surprisingly gentlemanly.

…Much like his firm chest.

“I’ll send someone to Viscount Clement’s estate.”