Chapter 7

"Too much uncertainty ahead!"

On the first night of my arrival in the empire, I shouted this in my room. The shouting made me cough.

"Hack, hack"

"Hey, hey, don't overdo it."

Ryukon stroked my back with his tail. Thanks.

"Come on, come on, go to sleep. Even though your injuries have been healed by magic, your body is still under a lot of strain."

"Yes, Ryukon, come to bed with me."

As I said this, I dragged Ryukon onto the bed and hugged him.

So warm.

It looks like a blizzard is starting outside, so he's the perfect hot water bottle.

"Ryukon, do you want to chat?"

"No. I told you to go to sleep."

"I think I won't be much use from tomorrow, so let's chat while I'm still feeling good. Shannon is actually quite weak physically."

When I said this, Ryukon looked a little sad.

"Just go to sleep. There's no point in pushing yourself now."

"You're right. Good night, Ryukon."

"Yeah, good night, Shannon."

As the room darkened, I fell asleep almost immediately.

***

The next day, I was in a terrible state.

Exactly as expected.

Ryukon looked down at me with concern.

"I'm fine, it's just like usual..."

"Whether it's usual or not, it's still painful."

Ryukon is so kind.

"I wish I could heal you with magic, but if I do, your body will only get weaker... and I can't expect proper care from anyone else."

Ryukon, placing his front paws on my stomach, said resentfully. His mood is probably also affected by the way the maid treated us earlier.

The maid who brought breakfast this morning clearly saw that I wasn't feeling well and clicked her tongue. Then she said, "It's your own fault for pretending to be a divine beast by changing the color of a holy beast," and left the room quickly.

"...Ryukon, did you change the color of your fur...?"

"Of course not. I have always had silver fur and purple eyes."

"Right, right."

Well, from her reaction, I don't think I can expect any care.

At times like this, I miss the maids from my homeland who worried about me even for a slight discomfort. They raised me like a parent.

I can't give up here for their sake. It's a blessing that I can get food without doing anything.

I need to recover quickly.

Thinking this, I buried my face in Ryukon's chest fur. It smells so good.

The food was delivered on time, even though no one took care of me. I couldn't eat much, so the leftovers went into Ryukon's stomach.

Divine beasts don't need to eat, but it's apparently fine to eat for pleasure. He finished it all, saying, "It's pretty good."

Then, the maid who brought dinner casually mentioned something important.

"Oh, by the way, the wedding is the day after tomorrow, so please get well by then."

What?

I tried to ask her to repeat it, but she had already left the room. She's always so quick. I guess that's what you get from a maid who works in the imperial palace; they don't waste time on unnecessary things.

"Hey, Ryukon, the wedding is mine and the emperor's, right?"

"Probably..."

At this moment, my sore throat didn't hinder my speech at all.

"But the wedding is too soon!!"

The loud voice made me cough again.

How can the main person not know the schedule? This is my wedding, right?

I thought I had at least a week, so I was surprised. I was so surprised that I momentarily forgot how bad I felt.

Actually, I feel completely left out.

It seems the wedding preparations were already well underway without my knowledge. I'm glad I rushed to the empire. If I missed the wedding, the relations between the two countries would have deteriorated for sure.

I'm being used as a tool for peace, but I want to look my best for the wedding.

I need to get better soon, as the maid said...

Despite my determination, my inherent weakness couldn't be overcome, and I welcomed the wedding day with some lingering health concerns.

I got out of bed, feeling sluggish, and changed into a pure white dress.

The dress, prepared by the empire, was made of the smoothest fabric. I think it's the best quality I've ever seen.

Maybe because I'm only fourteen, the dress was designed to be cute. They probably thought a simple design wouldn't suit me.

I think they're right.

The maids in my homeland used to call me a kitten, so I guess I have a baby face. I don't think a chic, adult design would suit me.

I showed my wedding dress to the maids who were waiting from the morning.

The maids sighed and then quickly sat me in front of the dresser.

"Makeup... you don't need it since you'll be wearing a veil."

I wanted to try makeup, but I guess it can't be helped.

After that, my hair was pulled so hard it hurt, and it was styled up. Do they all have a grudge against my hair? Their hair is still thick and they're not bald.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!!"

"Please bear with it."

"I'll go bald! I'll go bald at fourteen!!"

"You won't go bald!!"

Repeating "bald" made the maid pulling my hair ease up a bit. Good, good.

I'm sure some strands came out, but it's a noble sacrifice. I'll clean it up for you later, maid.