“…That’s an incredibly sweet, endearing request.”
Many men had tried to woo Belle Poupée—the lovely, doll-like lady—saying they wanted to protect such a delicate beauty. She always brushed them off with a smile.
She was a carefully crafted illusion of a girl, layered in charm and grace.
But in truth, she had no interest in being protected. She wasn’t the slightest bit “adorable” in that conventional sense. In fact, she far preferred men who were so sweet and vulnerable that she felt like protecting them.
Still, with the name “Belle Poupée” moving on its own, gaining fame and expectation, she’d never thought she would meet someone who would come to love what lay beneath all the pretense.
She had thought—whoever it was, she’d simply pull them in little by little and bring them down sweetly. But then, fate handed her someone like this.
Gilbert’s face, more desperate than needy, stirred such a powerful protective urge in her that it felt like her heart might burst and shoot through the sky.
(What is this feeling…? If this is what they call a fluttering heart, then yes—yes, I adore him beyond words!)
Leticia wrapped her arms around his head and gently stroked his hair, just as he’d asked.
“You’re a good boy. A very good boy. You’ve done so well all this time. From now on, share your pain with me—your struggles, your sorrow. That’s what it means to be husband and wife, right?”
“L-Leticia…”
“So don’t you dare speak lightly of breaking off our engagement again. I’ve already decided—I’ll protect you for the rest of my life.”
“…I won’t. I swear I won’t. Just… please, keep me by your side forever.”
“You’re too adorable, my dear husband. From now on, I want you to drown in my love until you melt.”
As she whispered into his ear, his hands—previously hesitant—tightened around her in a firm embrace. He didn’t need to cling to her like that; she had no intention of leaving. But Leticia returned the gesture, gently stroking his back.
Then she glanced at one of the still-captive thugs and smiled.
A few short cries of fear echoed from the sidelines—but they were of no concern to her.
“And with that said, I have a mission now—to lavish affection on my husband. I have no time to waste on pointless things. So let’s wrap this up quickly, shall we?”
“W-Wait! We’re not resisting anymore! What more are you planning to do!?”
“Don’t worry. You’re just being sent to the Orelsean household. I’m sure my father will interrogate you about today’s events, so I suggest you be honest. He’s far more merciful than I am—provided, of course, that you behave like good little boys.”
Letting them get swept away by the imperial guard and buried under political pressure would be pointless. Her father would know how to make the most of this. They might not uncover the mastermind, but they could at least squeeze out a few drops of useful intel.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire—and the rumors of the Orelsean family secretly ruling the country weren’t born out of thin air.
Her father had mentioned feeling the stirrings of something sinister lately, and that he needed information. He’d gladly sink his teeth into this.
She owed a debt of gratitude to the one who brought Gilbert into her life—this could be a small gesture of repayment.
With a snap of her fingers, icy dragons rose from the ground—one for each man. They extended their necks toward the criminals and opened their jaws wide.
“Um… Lady Leticia, how exactly will we be… transported?”
“Haha! You already know the answer. What a silly question!”
Another ice dragon appeared behind Leticia. This one would act as a messenger. The magic written into its core would convert recorded information into magical transmission. When touched, the dragon would release the memories directly into the recipient’s mind.
Everything was ready.
Wearing a smile as pure as an angel’s, Leticia informed them:
“You’ll be going directly.”
The ice dragons bit down on the men—carefully enough not to harm them—and soared off into the sky, one after the other.
Their screams faded into the distance.
And in their place, Leticia’s triumphant laughter echoed through the shop.
“Now then… shall we, my dear husband?”
Boosting her strength with magic, Leticia effortlessly swept Gilbert into a bridal carry.
Their destination: a private room at the back of the shop.
When she asked Alisha earlier whether shop users could borrow it, she’d received a silent nod—so that counted as permission.
It wasn’t like she was going to devour him.
She simply wanted to let Gilbert rest after being overwhelmed by an excess of love. That’s all. And yet, the man in question seemed completely flustered—blushing so hard she wondered if he had a fever.
“You don’t have to be so scared.”
“I—I’m not scared! It’s just… well, I do hang around this shop a lot, but I… I don’t have any, uh, experience. So… if you could be gentle… I’d… appreciate it…”
He looked away, flustered.
HER CARRYING HIM BRIDAL STYLE OH MY GOD I'M INSANE
ReplyDeleteRiiiight!!! And its not like he hates it. Aren't they super adorable? they're definitely a powerful couple~
DeleteOne Princess carry for the cursed prince? 💯
ReplyDelete