Chapter 8

Once my hair was set, a thick veil was placed over my head.

No, this is definitely not a veil. It’s just a piece of cloth.

There’s no way anyone can see my face, and I can’t see anything around me either. It’s as opaque as a curtain in a fitting room.

Before I even left the room, let alone the palace, my footing was unsteady as expected.

“Whoa!”

“Ouch!”

“Ouch!”

I could tell the maids were getting irritated as I stumbled during the move.

I understand their frustration, but this is impossible, right? It’s like walking blindfolded.

“Hey, hey, can I take off this veil before we reach the waiting room?”

I could feel the maids being taken aback by my tone.

Oh, I forgot to put on my act.

Well, it’s fine. They shouldn’t treat me like a princess from another country anyway.

“The veil is to be worn until you leave the palace. If it makes it difficult to walk, you can ride the wolf,” one of the maids said.

“Oh, right.”

That’s true, I could do that.

I beckoned to Rukao, who was following me from behind.

“Rukao, I can’t see anything in this outfit. Can I ride you?”

“Of course.”

Rukao swiftly picked me up and placed me on his back. Even though I’m heavier in the dress, he didn’t complain at all.

Rukao is definitely much kinder than humans.

I moved while riding Rukao.

By the way, I haven’t even been told where we’re going.

I don’t know the flow of the ceremony either, but I’m sure it will be fine!

We finally reached the waiting room, avoiding prying eyes.

I can’t remove the veil, or I’ll get scolded, so I still can’t see anything. I have no idea what the waiting room looks like.

“The Emperor will take the Princess’s hand, so please follow him. The Princess doesn’t need to do anything. Just stand there, and the ceremony will proceed smoothly,” a maid instructed.

“Okay.”

“...”

I could sense that they were thinking, “Is this person going to be okay...?” from my carefree response.

It’s fine, it’s fine. I just have to stand there, right? I can do that much... I hope.

But I’m a bit worried. I’ve been feeling unwell because I’ve been wandering around in a thin dress on a cold winter day, even though it was snowing. I was just starting to feel better.

I’m wearing a coat, but it’s just for appearance and doesn’t provide much warmth.

“The ceremony is about to begin.”

As the voice spoke, my coat was smoothly taken off.

So cold!!

You know, the dress is cute, but it lacks functionality. It’s not suitable for a cold winter day. My shoulders and arms are exposed.

“The Contract Beast should wait here.”

It seems Rukao can’t come with me.

“Rukao, please wait here.”

“Hey, who do you think I am? If anything happens, call me immediately, Shannon.”

“Got it.”

As soon as I finished talking to Rukao, a voice announced, “The Emperor has arrived.”

It seems my husband has arrived.

However, thanks to this overly thick veil, I can’t see his face. I was told not to move the veil when the Emperor arrives, and they emphasized it repeatedly, like they were training a poorly behaved dog. After being told so many times, even I understood. Just a glance.

Snap!!

When I tried to move the veil, my wrist was firmly grabbed.

“P-P-P-P-Princess...?”

“...I’m sorry.”

I was worse than a poorly behaved dog.

And I underestimated the reflexes of the maid.

The Emperor must have seen our interaction, but I wonder what kind of expression he had.

Look, look, your maid is making a mistake with the Princess!

But the people of this country are very strict with me, and the Emperor showed no reaction.

If I were in my previous state, I would have burst into tears in such a situation.

Then, a large hand was placed over my small hand, which had been freed from the maid’s grip. It must be the Emperor’s hand.

Wow, the Emperor’s hand is so warm.

I’m cold, so I’ll try to get some warmth from the Emperor’s hand.

When I held the Emperor’s hand, there was a slight stir around me, but the ceremony started, so I wasn’t scolded.

During the wedding ceremony, I just had to stand there.

I only had to nod for the vows, and there was no kiss.

However, as time passed, my condition worsened, but the ceremony ended just before I collapsed.

The Emperor must have noticed my condition, as he discreetly carried me out at the end. I felt a sense of kindness for the first time since coming to this country, even though we didn’t exchange a single word.

I became a married woman without knowing anything about my husband.

Still, what a sloppy wedding. It’s a dream-ruiner for any girl. I wish he would take responsibility and marry me. Oh, right, we’re already married. Haha.

...I’m in trouble. I’m feeling really unwell, and my thoughts are getting strange.

I was almost completely supported by the Emperor as we returned to the waiting room.

“! Shannon!”

As soon as we entered the waiting room, Rukao rushed over to support me.

“You did well, Shannon. Let’s get back to the room quickly.”

“Yeah...”

I climbed onto Rukao’s back, leaning against him.

“Hey, you there, is it okay to take Shannon back?”

Is he talking about the Emperor? Rukao is quite bold.

Did Rukao make eye contact with the Emperor or something? He started walking.

...I knew it, but the Emperor didn’t follow...

Not only did he not follow, he didn’t even say anything to reassure me. Well, maybe that’s how they treat a princess from an enemy country.

But it was hard to believe that I had become family with someone I didn’t know and hadn’t even spoken to.

***

We returned to the palace, and I managed to change out of my dress and into my nightgown. Then I lay down on the bed.

The sheets were cold. I must have a fever.

When I covered myself with the blanket, Rukao climbed onto the bed and wrapped me in his fur.

“Rukao, you’re like a father...”

“...I am much older than your father. I will warm you with my superior fur. Go to sleep now. You’re at your limit.”

“Okay.”

I closed my eyes obediently.

Then, I fell into a deep sleep.

---

I thought I heard someone talking while I was sleeping, but it was probably just my imagination... right?