Chapter 29

"......What is this?"

"Oh, good evening."

"......Ah."

Jesualdo had told himself that he had made a promise, and so he opened the door to Lilith's bedroom, only to be surprised by what he saw.

The question that slipped out of his mouth was met with a smile and a greeting.

Jesualdo could only give a vague response, but Lilith didn't seem to mind as she answered his initial question.

"These are rose petals. I wanted to express my welcome since you've come, Jede."

"......"

He could see that they were rose petals.

He was surprised because the bed was covered with a large number of them, but Jesualdo didn't know how to react.

Should he be happy to be welcomed? Was he even supposed to be welcomed? And should he comment on this method of welcome?

"Don't worry, these petals were taken from flowers that were going to be cut anyway, by the gardener. I didn't ruin that beautiful garden."

Thinking he was worried about something else, Lilith hurriedly explained.

That wasn't the issue, but the bedroom was filled with the scent of roses, and Jesualdo felt a bit dizzy.

He decided not to think too deeply about it.

Jesualdo told himself that.

"Um, would you like something to drink? I have a variety, so please tell me what you like. And there's also herbal water. It's my favorite. It helps you sleep soundly and wake up refreshed."

"No... I'm fine."

Responding to Lilith's eager offer, Jesualdo stepped into the bedroom and sat down on the bed.

The scent of roses spread again.

Jesualdo picked up a few of the roses scattered on the bed.

He hadn't seen flowers this close since he was a child, when his mother was still alive.

"Um, did you not like it? Thea—my maid—warned me that some men don't like flowers..."

"I don't... hate flowers."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I'm relieved! After all, we are newlyweds, so I wanted to make it festive! So, I did a petal divination with the maids, picking each one. It was like working in Freud, and it was fun."

"......Work?"

"Yes, Freudian rose essential oil is famous, but did you know? And rose water and potpourri... anyway, roses are a specialty of Freud."

"Is that so..."

Jesualdo knew that expensive rose essential oil was one of the specialties of the Kingdom of Freud, but he was surprised that the princess was involved in the work.

Everything was different from Jesualdo's expectations.

But he realized one thing.

Lilith was nervous.

Thinking that, Jesualdo understood her odd behavior.

"Lilith"

"Yes!"

"Let's talk a bit."

"Y-Yes..."

Tapping the spot next to him, Lilith blushed and sat down.

Their positions were reversed from two days ago, but Jesualdo found her cute, which might mean he was being influenced by something. He didn't know what, though.

"About my initial attitude towards you, it was harsh. I want to apologize for that."

"Yes, I forgive you."

"No, I haven't apologized yet..."

"An apology isn't just words. It's the feeling behind them."

Smiling, Lilith's response made Jesualdo smile slightly as well.

Lilith's face lit up even more.

"Jede's smile is really wonderful!"

"......You really are different."

"Huh? Do you think so too? I'm often told that, but I can't seem to change it... I'm sorry."

"---There's no need to apologize. I just thought that."

The smile disappeared from Lilith's face, and she looked dejected. Jesualdo quickly assured her that he didn't mind.

Sometimes a lie is a kindness.

Lilith smiled again, relieved.

Someone who expresses their emotions so clearly might indeed be a rare treasure in the palace, where intrigue and politics reign.

Remembering the words of Lilith's brother, Prince Eam, Jesualdo spoke the words he had to say.

"Lilith"

"Yes"

"There's something I want you to promise me."

"What is it?"

"......If anything unpleasant or difficult happens in the future, don't endure it. There's no need to suffer. If you can't stay here or in this country, you can return to Freud. So, please, don't push yourself."

"Jede, that—"

"Please, promise me."

Lilith gasped at Jede's words.

The words, which would affect the alliance and the interests of both countries, made Lilith want to protest, but she was cut off by Jesualdo's earnest expression.

"......I understand. I promise."

In short, she didn't have to endure or push herself.

Honestly, she was curious why Jesualdo would say such a thing, but she decided to think about it later.

Relieved, Lilith hugged Jesualdo tightly.

Caught off guard, Jesualdo ended up lying on the bed.

"You don't want anything to drink, right?"

"Yes."

"We've made the promise and finished our talk, right?"

"......Yes."

"Then, the night is just beginning, isn't it?"

"......Yes."

As rose petals danced on the bed and Lilith bombarded him with questions, Jesualdo tried to make sense of the situation.

He felt like he was being overwhelmed.

Looking at Lilith, who was smiling happily, he wondered where her earlier nervousness had gone, but Jesualdo gave up.

Indeed, the night was just beginning.

Jesualdo quickly changed his position, looking down at the surprised Lilith, and kissed her open mouth.

He thought, once again, that the rose petals were in the way.