Chapter 4

In the guest room of the general's residence in the capital, under the supervision of officials, the marriage between Kanna and the general was officially established.

Without even a formal wedding ceremony, with just the paperwork and a ring, Kanna became Anna Selandia.

From the beginning, the general had declared this to be a "white marriage" regarding his second wife.

Even so, the first night, which she had meticulously prepared for, did not pass without incident.

"Who's there!?"

"It's Kanna. Should I call you 'husband'... or would 'master' be better?"

"J-Just 'husband' is fine, but what are you—"

"I thought you wouldn't come to my bedroom, so I decided to come to you."

As expected, the general did not visit Kanna's room even late at night and went to bed alone in his own room.

Kanna, timing her move just as the general was about to fall asleep, did not give him any chance to react as he hastily sat up.

She spread the flimsy hem of her provocative negligee and straddled him, enjoying the visible abs even through the thin blanket.

The general's face, filled with shock, was about 50% more intimidating than usual. It was the kind of expression that would make Christina faint, and even a grown man would cry and run away.

But Kanna just gazed at his stern expression even more intently.

"How did you get into this room?"

"Please don't be angry. I asked Lady Julia for the key."

"What?!"

Julia was the general's first wife.

Usually, the rooms of a married couple are adjacent, sharing a central bedroom, but Kanna's room, as a concubine, was located far from the general's private quarters.

Moreover, since Julia, who was now only nominally married, was using a different room, "the lady's room" was unoccupied.

Kanna had asked Julia, who publicly claimed to have no interest in her husband, for the key to the bedroom to sneak in at night. Julia had not only given her the key but also sent her a beautifully wrapped negligee with a message card that read, "Looking forward to a long and happy future," along with the key.

Kanna took the key out from between her breasts, showing it to the general.

"Julia said it was a permanent loan and was happy to—"

"No, but—"

"Because if I didn't do this, you would pretend I don't exist, wouldn't you?"

"…It's an unwilling marriage. I understand it's a ridiculous farce, but it's politically necessary. That's why I want to give you freedom—"

"Kind husband. So, I will take my freedom."

—Really, he's so kind. Not only does he have the face I like, but his personality is great too. What kind of reward is this?! I won't let you go!

Saying this, Kanna wrapped her arms around the general's thick neck and hugged him tightly.

His sturdy, heavy body didn't budge at all from the little girl's tackle, making Kanna's heart flutter even more.

"?!?"

"I admire you, husband."

"Wh-What, that's impossible."

"Do you doubt me? I can't believe it myself. To think I would marry someone like you, who is my ideal."

"Ideal?"

"Yes. You are the prince I've dreamed of since I was a child."

It felt like a dream, and the sweet whisper in his ear made the general's throat move, which Kanna could feel through his skin.

"Is this face your ideal?"

"Not just your face, but your body and aura too. And the way you care for me."

"You're older and your body is full of scars."

Loosening her arms, Kanna looked up and saw the scar on his forehead.

—A deep scar. I'm glad you're safe... but.

Feeling a pang of sadness, she lowered her gaze and saw an old scar near his collarbone, visible through the opening of his nightshirt. Kanna traced it gently with her fingertips, making the general's chest muscles tremble.

"…I wanted to take care of you."

In front of the general, who was surprised and wide-eyed, was just a woman in love.

Even the eyes of a seasoned military man, skilled at reading expressions and minds, could not detect any deception—Kanna's words were undeniably true.

"I don't understand much about politics or the military, but I've heard you are an excellent strategist."

"You really—"

"Husband, call me 'Anna.'"

"…Anna."

—Huh?! What's with that slightly exasperated, husky voice! It resonates in my stomach, more like my lower abdomen!

Blushing at the sound of her name, Kanna smiled shyly, and the general finally understood that she was genuinely in love with him.

This was the first time she had confessed.

She didn't know how to flirt or play the game of love.

All Kanna could do was suppress her embarrassment and tell him the truth with her heart and body.

A slight smile appeared on the general's lips, as if saying, "What can I do?" and Kanna's heart was about to overheat.

Thank you for the feast, she prayed inwardly, struggling to suppress a strange sound.

Taking advantage of his softened attitude, Kanna, following an inner command, closed the distance.

Holding the general's firm hands in hers, she placed them on her cheeks.

He was surprised but not resistant, which made Kanna smile like a blooming flower.

"It was love at first sight. Please make me your wife, Hugo Selandia."

"…!"

Staring straight into his eyes with moist, sincere eyes, she pressed his hand to her chest, as if to let him feel her rapid heartbeat—

The stern, tough general fell rather easily.