CHAPTER 18……………………….
“Ibelina, were you here?”
It seemed Arsen had just returned — he was still in his outdoor clothes.
“Arsen.”
“Did you sleep well?”
Arsen smiled softly and brushed his lips lightly against Ibelina’s forehead.
It was barely more than the flutter of a new wing — a brief, gentle touch — but since it was their first time sharing any kind of affection like that, she couldn’t help blushing.
Soon, Arsen took his seat.
“I went to see you as soon as I got back, but you weren’t in your room, so I was surprised.”
“Ah… I woke up late, and Mother prepared some sandwiches for me.”
“I see.”
Karina smiled triumphantly when she saw Arsen.
When he raised an eyebrow, Ibelina tilted her head in confusion.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
“No, there was just… a bug.”
Arsen grinned again.
Even though he was her own son, Karina was still baffled by how bashful and lovestruck he could act.
Seeing him so utterly smitten reminded her of the past.
After Jonas became Emperor, Karina and Arsen had moved north.
Back at the imperial palace, and even after they relocated, there had never been any women around Arsen.
Of course, it was good that there weren’t any scandalous rumors — but there had been too few, and Karina had even worried that perhaps Arsen had some… functional problems.
But that concern turned out to be completely unfounded. About three years after moving north, he suddenly came to her saying he wanted to marry someone.
Without warning, he presented her with a portrait — and declared that no matter what, he wouldn’t change his mind.
Karina looked at the painting with surprise.
It depicted a woman with long silver hair, her eyes covered by a black cloth.
That woman was Ibelina.
Only then did Karina vaguely recall something from several years ago.
That had been a strange day.
Arsen, who had never skipped a lesson, had for some reason snuck out of the palace with Jonas.
Jonas was known for skipping classes, but for Arsen, it was the first time.
Still, Karina hadn’t scolded him.
When he returned late that night, she only asked lightly, “Did you have fun?”
And his answer had been completely out of the blue — he said he had seen a fairy.
Remembering that, Karina had asked in disbelief,
[Surely this young lady isn’t the ‘fairy’ you claimed to have seen years ago, is she?]
[That’s right. You have a good memory.]
His shameless reply left Karina speechless.
Arsen had been smiling as if the mere thought of her made him happy.
Seeing a smile like that — one she had never seen from her son before — Karina didn’t know how to react.
She had no real reason to oppose it, and the thought of such a lovely girl joining their household made her quite pleased.
[Very well, go ahead and marry her.]
[Yes, Mother.]
And so, in a matter of seconds, Ibelina and Arsen’s marriage was decided.
Karina had meant to tell that story before Arsen arrived, but since he came sooner than expected, she hadn’t had the chance.
Still, there would be plenty of time to talk later.
Karina finished her tea and stood up.
“It’s about time to get ready. Isn’t it almost time to go out?”
“Ah, yes. Um… Mother.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for talking with me. If there’s another chance, I’d love to hear more stories.”
She meant that if Karina ever had something on her mind, she hoped she wouldn’t keep it bottled up.
Most people would dislike such an earnest statement — but Ibelina was the opposite.
Her gentle sincerity made Karina smile warmly.
“Yes, let’s talk more often.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Arsen gently wrapped his arm around Ibelina’s shoulders and pulled her close.
“Then, we’ll take our leave now.”
He nodded politely, and the two of them departed together.
The streets were already lined with ropes for the parade.
People crowded along them, waiting for the march to begin.
It seemed even more crowded than the day before.
Amid the bustle, Arsen held Ibelina close to keep her from being jostled by the crowd.
Because of Arsen’s intimidating glare, people instinctively stepped aside wherever they went.
Ibelina, unaware of the reason, simply thought it was nice that moving through the crowd had become easier.
Before the parade began, she bought a commemorative bookmark made for the founding festival — a gift for Noel.
Arsen didn’t seem particularly pleased, but he didn’t show it.
Soon, the sound of trumpets blared to announce the start of the parade, and petals fluttered through the air.
A flower-covered carriage slowly approached from the distance.
On top stood a woman dressed in white, a floral crown adorning her head as she smiled brightly and waved to the crowd.
She held a basket full of flower petals, which she would soon scatter.
According to superstition, catching one of those petals meant good fortune for the year.
It had even become a small trend for people to dry the petals they caught and keep them as bookmarks.
I hope I can catch one.
Glancing up at Arsen beside her, Ibelina clenched and unclenched her fists.
She planned to make a bookmark from the petal and gift it to him.
After all, he had given her so much — and she had never once given anything in return.
Still, as she wasn’t officially the duchess yet, she couldn’t freely spend the ducal family’s money.
It may be a small gift, but… I hope he’ll accept it.
Determined, she tightened her fists.
I’ll definitely catch a petal.
As she peeked around, stretching her neck, she looked just like a curious little rabbit.
Arsen tightened his arm around her shoulders again — the crowd was sure to surge once the carriage came closer.
“Over here! Look this way!”
“Here too!”
Though the woman wasn’t truly the goddess Nella, people shouted excitedly, waving their hands.
The “goddess” scooped a handful of petals from her basket and scattered them into the air.
The crowd surged forward, and Arsen instinctively pulled Ibelina tightly against his chest to shield her.
“There are too many people — excuse me for a moment.”
“O-okay.”
Her voice trembled slightly.
His chest was broad and firm, and since she was so small, she practically melted into his arms.
Being this close, she could smell his scent — calming and refreshingly clean.
With him standing like a sturdy wall in front of her, she wasn’t swept away by the crowd.
“…Oh?”
Ibelina blinked wide-eyed.
She had given up on catching any petals — but then, two or three soft pink petals drifted down toward her.
She reached out carefully, and as if waiting for her, they landed right in her palm.
Grinning, she held them gently, afraid to drop them.
Now, she could make that gift for him after all.
She tucked the petals safely into her robe pocket and relaxed, enjoying the rest of the parade.
The parade was long, and by the time it ended, the sun was setting.
The sky turned crimson as Arsen glanced up and said,
“How about we dine out tonight? Noah recommended a good place.”
“Oh, sure! I’d like that.”
It was their first outing alone — too soon to just head home.
He had pestered Noah into reserving a restaurant with a nice view.
They made their way there together.
Arsen had been slightly worried since it was a last-minute arrangement, but Noah had handled it perfectly.
The restaurant had curtained booths for privacy, so Ibelina could relax.
Arsen made a mental note to give Noah a bonus when they returned.
“Welcome, sir. Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes, under the name Noah.”
“This way, please.”
The waiter smiled and led them upstairs.
Curious, Ibelina looked around as they followed.
“Your table is here. Is this to your liking?”
Arsen didn’t answer immediately — he looked at Ibelina instead.
The waiter’s gaze followed, and suddenly both eyes were on her.
Startled by the attention, Ibelina gave a small nod.
“Shall we serve the dishes as per your reservation?” the waiter asked — now addressing her rather than Arsen, realizing she held the real authority.
She nodded again.
“Very well. Please wait a moment.”
After the waiter left, Arsen drew the curtain closed.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
He pulled out her chair for her, and she sat carefully.
Since it was on the terrace, the air felt fresh and open.
From the second floor, you couldn’t see anyone above unless you craned your neck — it was a cozy, secluded setup.
Hesitant, Ibelina slowly took off her robe and draped it over the chair.
She glanced down — the lights of the festival sparkled below, and people laughed and celebrated.
As she watched, Arsen’s voice sounded beside her.
“How was the parade?”
“It was lovely. The young lady dressed as Goddess Nella was beautiful, too. Don’t you think so?”
“I think Ibelina was more beautiful. It’s a pity you didn’t take that role yourself.”
“What?”
Her voice jumped a little.
“Hmm… perhaps it’s time they reconsider that rule. It’s unfair that only unmarried ladies can play the goddess.”
“B-but, that’s probably because standing up there helps them find good suitors, right? Since I’m about to be married, there’s no need for me to…”
“Ah, true. If you played the role, it would only attract pests. You’re wise as always, Ibelina — I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
He praised her so sincerely that it embarrassed her.
“Even if you flatter me, I have nothing to give you…”
“Why not? If you continue to care for me, that’s enough.”
“I’m not sure I’m worthy of that…”
“Ibelina.”
His voice softened as he took her hand resting on the table.
“Don’t belittle yourself.”
“…”
“You are someone worthy of love — someone of great value.”
“…”
“So please, love yourself a little more. I don’t want to see you sad or tormented over that silly prophecy. Since you arrived, the whole mansion feels brighter. Even my mother, who suffered from insomnia, has gotten much better.”
His words overflowed with sincerity, and Ibelina lowered her head.
His hand around hers was warm.
“I believe you’re a blessed person, Ibelina. So stay by my side for a long, long time — and share a bit of that blessing with me. Even if it’s selfish, I can’t help it. I’ve always been greedy.”
Arsen smiled brightly.
That smile made her eyes sting with warmth.
If she tried to speak, she might cry — so she only nodded silently.
