I Became the Wife of the Monstrous Crown Prince

Chapter 1: Transmigrated into a R-19 romance novel, There’s a rabbit.

The freezing air is wicking her body heat away. The frigid air has penetrated her whole body that she unconsciously shivered like a reed in the wind.

“If, If you truly hate me…! “

A shaky voice was fleeting inconsequentially into the night as she tried to combat her drowsiness with great difficulty. Her beady pair of eyes landed on a little boy concealing half of his face with a mask. The moonlight reflects his gleaming silver hair and bewitching crimson eyes. He was enchantingly picturesque.

***

I awoke in a soft sheet as a streak of sunlight trickled in through the window. Slowly and reluctantly, I opened my eyes.

“Your Highness! You’re finally awake!”

“Her Highness is finally awake! “

‘Your Highness? Who are you talking about?’

I scrutinized my surrounding in confusion. The mirror that I stare into is wall-mounted, encircled by a fancy frame. Yet, what reflects on the mirror was surprisingly, not myself.

The girl’s eyes glistened in the light with a radiant emerald hue. They are paired with a luscious platinum blonde hair that cascade down to her waist.

Days after, I realized. This setting was somewhat identical to the R-19 romance novel that I had read in my past life. That story is titled ‘The Beast and The Lady.’

‘The Beast and the Lady’ is a romance fantasy story, a twist on “Beauty and the Beast.” The beasts, Blake and Richard, will fight fiercely for the heroine’s love, Diana.

I transmigrated to Ancia’s body, Diana’s half-sister. Ancia has been arranged to wed the crown prince from an early age. However, not long after she saw his horrendous appearance, she committed suicide by drowning into a lake on their wedding.

This incident placed a massive trauma on Blake’s heart that he thoroughly shut his heart. The Crown Prince becomes a relentless man who doesn’t believe anyone until Diana lift his curse. He ended up leading a miserable life without being chosen by Diana.

According to the original story, Ancia drowned in the water, as Blake retrieves her already frigid body.

“If, If you truly hate me…! “

The boy was squeezing Ancia’s body while weeping. He must have been significantly hurt—the bride attempted to kill herself because of him, after all.

“Your Highness, where are you going?”

“I’m going to meet the Crown Prince.”

“His Royal Highness?”

The maid, Melissa, glanced at me. For a second, she wore a puzzled expression.

“Yes. Take me there.”

“Your Highness, I beg of you, His Highness is still greatly shocked by the recent incident….”

She blurted her words carefully. She must have assumed that I am going to ask for a divorce.

“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything harmful.”

I didn’t have any plan to abandon Blake. I couldn’t afford to leave him like this when I had the opportunity to rewrite Blake’s miserable childhood. Besides, Ancia had nowhere to go back. Ancia is a child born between Count Bellacian and his first wife. His first wife died as soon as Ancia was born. Count Bellacian then wed his second wife, who gave birth to Diana.

Count Bellacian sent Ancia as a crown princess even though he knew she wouldn’t stand living with him. Ancia wasn’t just killing herself because of Blake’s hideous appearance. She threw herself into the freezing water because she knew her family was abandoning her. In any case, I had nowhere to go even if I left here, and I had no intention of leaving Blake in misery. The maid led me to Blake’s bedroom.

“I’ll go in myself.”

Leaving the maid outside, I put my hand on the elongated handle and opened the bedroom door. I saw a little child lying on the bed, crouching as much as he could.

“Your Highness. It’s me.”

“I can’t believe you did that! You jumped off without my permission!”

I suppressed my emotions when I saw Blake’s pitiful whimper. He isn’t how I expected him to be. He looks almost like a miserable rabbit.

“I have something to tell you.”

First of all, we must resolve these misunderstandings. I sat on the corner of his bed for now. But Blake began to sneak away. I held his trembling hand and, at once stripped off the mask that covered half of his face.

“What are you doing!”

He was frightened and tried to remove my hands. I encircled my hands on Blake’s face instead.

“Don’t, Don’t look!”

Blake tried to lower his head, but I tightened my hand so he couldn’t avoid my eyes.

“You’re not hideous.”

“What?”

“I’ve never seen someone as beautiful as you.”

This remark was true. Despite his curse, his appearance is breathtaking. Physically, His features are small and in harmony with each other; He had tousled silver hair, which was thick and lustrous. His eyes were a mesmerizing crimson red. He had a straight, high-bridged nose between his two eyes. Plump cheeks and flawlessly sculpted lips, as if crafted by angels themselves.

Besides, the curse will be lifted when you meet Diana. In the original story, Blake’s face is depicted as the most captivating face on the entire continent when his curse is lifted

“But, you hate me.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“But…”

“I’m telling the truth. I didn’t attempt suicide. I accidentally staggered and drowned in the lake.”

That is a lie. The original Ancia killed herself after being frightened by Blake’s face.

“Really?….”

“Yes. I heard you saved me from drowning. So I came to say thank you.”

“…….“

“Thank you very much….”

I grinned and clasped both of his hands.

“You saved my life. I truly appreciate it.”

Blake’s nose reddened as his warm tears fell over the back of my hand.

“I, because of me…I thought you are going to die because of me….”

“Why would I? I’m married to such a wonderful person, after all.”

“I saved your life, so I assumed that you’d be angry…I was so afraid to see you.”

“I like you. I’m grateful to be married to such a considerate boy.”

“I…I like you too.”

Blake, you’re a liar. The person that Blake likes is Diana. The Emperor knew Blake wanted Diana, so he arranged the wedding. Of course, the count wouldn’t send his precious Diana. I was sent in her place instead.

“Then shall we sleep together?”

“…….”

The moment I mumbled so, Blake darted away and lurked behind his enormous bed. What’s wrong with him? It’s not like I suggested something terrible.

The Bellacian family had the power of light. It was thanks to that, Diana was able to remove Blake’s curse. Ancia is also a member of the Bellacian family. She indeed possesses a small amount of light, but not as much as Diana.

Blake’s curse doesn’t merely impact his appearance. He also constantly feel pain. The colder it gets, the more severe it is. He jumped into the harsh freezing water to save me, so Blake must have felt immense pain. But, he’s not the type to say so.

Bodily contact is necessary to use the power of light. As expected of a R-19 romance novel. Instead, I tried to sleep next to him while holding hands, but Blake’s expression made me feel like I made a big mistake.

“Your Highness, please don’t misunderstand me.”

“Mi-misunderstand?”

Chapter 2: Transmigrated into a R-19 romance novel, There’s a rabbit. (2)

“We’re married so it’s natural to sleep together. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“But….”

Blake shivered and buried his face in the pillow.

“I’m still embarrassed….”

“…….”

Where did the fierce Blake from the original story go? Instead of a ferocious guy, a lovable child was sitting in front of me. Would this little rabbit really turn into such a man in 10 years? Human growth was truly mysterious.

“Come here!”

I couldn’t leave him like this. I took the pillow he was holding away and tightly held his hands.

“As a newlywed couple, I suggest we sleep together from now on.”

“E-Everyday….? “

“Is there a problem? Do you perhaps not like the idea?”

“N-No… but are you comfortable with this arrangement?”

“Pardon?”

“Are you fine with us sleeping together?”

“Of course I’m fine. I’m fond of you.”

Blake opened his already huge eyes wider and couldn’t say anything while his whole face reddened. I clasped both of his hands

“How is it? Do you feel comfortable?”

The pain of the curse would go away when he held hands with Diana, the heroine, in the original novel, but…

My power didn’t seem to work very well.

Now that I had been transmigrated to this novel, I wanted to help Blake, who would live in pain until he met Diana, but I didn’t have the power to do so.

I let go of his hand and flung it under the quilt, but suddenly, Blake hugged me from behind.

”Don’t let go!”

”……What?”

”Your hand. Ancia’s hands are warm, so don’t let go.”

I couldn’t see his face because he hugged me from behind, but I could hear the quiver in his voice. He was sobbing.

Such a crybaby.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I just came down to get my pillow….”

Then, Blake’s face flushed red and he quickly climbed back onto the bed.

“Don’t you want to sleep with me?”

“That’s not it… Well, are you really okay with it? To sleep with a monster like me…”

”Your Highness! Don’t say that. You’re not a monster.”

“But…”

“I told you before, didn’t I?”

I took his hand and looked straight into his crimson eyes.

”Don’t worry. Your curse will be lifted eventually.”

“My curse?”

“Yes… On your 18th birthday, when you reach adulthood, your curse will eventually be lifted. The days won’t be as dreadful in the future, so don’t be too discouraged. You don’t need to mind what other people say. Just treat their words as mindless chattering.”

“…18.”

A weary voice came from his small lips. Just like there was a ‘Heir of Light’, there was a ‘Heir to the Curse’ in the Imperial family as well.

Emperor Phillip, the founder of the Empire, was in a romantic relationship with the goddess of light. The goddess of light shared her power with her beloved, and he founded the Empire with that power. But after Phillip became the Emperor, he betrayed the goddess of light and fell in love with another woman.

The angry goddess of light cursed Phillip’s descendants. The heir to the curse would have black sentences inscribed on their face, and when it covered their whole body, they would eventually die. All of the heirs to the curse died before they became adults. Blake was also driven to the brink of death on the night he turned 18.

I held Blake’s hand in despair and curled my little finger.

“I promise you will be cured. I promise you with my life…”

”No!”

He pulled his hands back roughly and screamed.

“What?”

“Don’t promise me that! You can’t die! Even if I die, you have to live!”

I brought his hand back and hooked my pinky finger around his.

“I’m not going to die. Neither you nor I will die. So don’t worry.”

“Ancia..”

“Oh no…why is my husband such a crybaby?”

I wiped his tears away with a handkerchief.

“I’m…not a crybaby!”

“You’re crying right now.”

“No!”

Blake pursed his lips as he held back his tears and snot. However, he was soon overwhelmed by his emotions and broke into tears. I wrapped my arms around him, feeling him calm down instantly at my touch.

His tears stopped, leaving only wet streaks running down his face. Then, his eyelids slowly became heavy and drooped. Ancia cuddled him until they fell asleep in the same bed.

***

Upon waking up, Ancia found that she had burrowed herself into the warm, soft sheets. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and carefully rolled onto her side to look at Blake.

His little face was illuminated by the sunlight and he made gentle snuffling noises as he slept. I was about to touch his plump cheeks, but Blake clasped my right hand with both hands.

You said you were embarrassed, but you‘re holding my hand until morning?

A smile came naturally around my lips. I stroked his hair with my left hand, soon his long eyelashes trembled and Blake opened his eyes.

“I’m sorry. Did I wake you up?”

“No….”

Blake shook his head and smiled

“Why are you smiling?”

“I like it a lot.”

“Hm?”

“You were here with me all night.”

Blake attempted to hide his face behind his fingers while a blush seared through his cheeks.

Being transmigrated to a R-19 novel, I never thought that I would have a husband who was as cute as a rabbit. The moment I saw his smile, I vowed to make this cute husband happy.

***

I wanted to save Blake, but I had no way to lift the curse. I could only protect him until he met Diana.

Since “The Beast and Lady” was an R-19 novel, the story began from the time the main characters became adults, and there weren’t many details about their childhood.

Still, the author often mentioned situations and conversations from the past. The author also gave a brief explanation of the characters.

Blake had three great tragedies as a child. The first tragedy was that he became the heir to the curse, the second was the suicide of Ancia, and the last, the death of his father, Emperor Tenstheon.

After Emperor Tenstheom died, Duke Cassil, Blake’s uncle and Richard’s father, became the new Emperor. Duke Cassil kicked Blake out of the Crown Prince’s seat, and the helpless boy spent his childhood miserably exiled to some southern island.

Right now, Blake had already become the heir to the curse. It happened before I transmigrated. But the death of his father, Emperor Tenstheon, was a future that had not yet arrived.

It would happen three years from now. But to prevent the death of Emperor Tenstheon, I’d have to observe and talk to him first. As soon as the Crown Prince’s wedding ceremony was over, the Emperor left and it would take at least a month before he came back.

I slept with Blake every day. I ate in his room and spent every day chatting with him while reading books. But I realized something unusual.

‘Again….’

I stared at the breakfast laid out on the table.

Only green, green, green, and more green every single day.

Whether it was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, only green things were sent. Moreover, the menu was almost always the same. Spinach soup, tomato salad, and grilled mushrooms. The soup had the same taste as yesterday, so I guessed that they had simply reheated it.

I wasn’t a picky eater so I could eat the same thing all week long. I was also okay with just vegetables. So I had no complaints about the food itself.

However, this wasn’t just food for some ordinary children, but a meal for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. The feast prepared for people with the second-highest status right after the Emperor was this plain. I couldn’t believe it.

“…Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

“What kind of food do you like?”

“Well. Anything is fine.”

“Do you like meat and fish?”

“Yes!”

Blake nodded brightly and put a tomato into his mouth. Blake was not a vegetarian. There was no particular food to be careful about because of the curse. Therefore, there was only one reason this happened.

‘They’re looking down on him because he’s cursed.’

The Crown Prince’s Palace was located in a remote location, far away from the palace where the Emperor lived. The eight-year-old prince was left in a separate manor and neither the Emperor nor his relatives came to visit him. Moreover, he was married to Ancia, the daughter of an insignificant Count.

Ancia was older than Blake, but only by two years. The Crown Prince and his wife were young and powerless, so it came as no surprise that they were being ignored so blatantly, but things couldn’t go on like this.

Chapter 3: Transmigrated into a R-19 romance novel, There’s a rabbit. (3)

“Ancia, what’s wrong? Does it not taste good?”

I quickly relaxed my rigid expression and smiled brightly. I didn’t want to worry Blake over nothing.

“No, it’s delicious. Try some of these mushrooms.”

“But I don’t like mushrooms…”

“You have to eat it for your health.”

“Ahh-“

As I held the mushrooms in front of him, Blake begrudgingly opened his mouth. When the spoon went into his mouth, he had a slightly dismal expression, which soon turned into a big frown. He reached out for the nearest cup of water and gulped it down in one go. I held his hands to calm him down.

“Ah! Ha- hands… this is not the bedroom!”

Husband, what are you talking about during a meal?

“Don’t just swallow it down with water. Make sure you chew it first.”

“Yes…”

He turned his head to the side to avert my gaze as he nodded softly with his cheeks all red.

“You can drink water now.”

I was going to take the cup from him, but Blake grasped my hands tightly.

“What’s wrong?”

“My hands are warm….. I feel at ease now that you’re holding me.”

If Blake felt comfortable, did I truly have some power of light?

***

After finishing the meal, I went back to my room and immediately called for Brown, the chief servant of the Crown Prince’s palace. The man walked in with a prideful stride. I could tell that he was arrogant just from his expression.

“Your Highness, what brings you here?”

“The quality of the meal was very inadequate.”

“Ah, so that’s why you called. It’s not an emergency.”

“There is a problem with the Crown Prince’s meal. Isn’t this an urgent matter?”

Brown smirked arrogantly. His lips moved very faintly, eyes slightly narrowed and his head tilted to the side almost unnoticeably. It was so subtle, yet Ancia had caught a glimpse of it and was now extremely infuriated.

“Your Highness, you’ve just arrived, and you didn’t know many things, but the budget set aside for the Crown Prince is not very adequate. What else can we do if His Majesty doesn’t give us more?”

Brown lied smoothly without any feelings of remorse. This place was not glamorous enough to be called luxurious, but it wasn’t so desolate that there wouldn’t be any meat sent over every now and then.

“Okay.”

“I was worried about you being too young, but I’m glad you understood.”

“I will dismiss you.”

“Wh-what?”

Brown’s arrogant expression distorted. Instead of dealing with him any longer, I turned around and gave my orders to Edon, the knight who was standing next to him.

“Sir Edon, arrest Brown Hamel under charges of embezzling the Crown Prince’s budget and imprison him. “

“What do you mean embezzlement? Do you even understand what that word means?”

“I know. What you did was embezzlement.”

Brown’s face paled instantly. His eyes and mouth were frozen wide open in a stunned expression, and when Edon dragged him out, he shouted angrily.

“Let go of me now! Do you even know who I am? I am the heir to the family of Marquis Hamel! You’ll regret doing this, so let go of my hand!”

He must have been brought up with the belief that he was superior to everyone else just by virtue of his birth—such arrogance.

Edon didn’t pay any mind to his words and dragged him out straight away. When the chief servant was suddenly taken away, the atmosphere of the Crown Prince’s palace became thrown into disarray. But instead of calming the atmosphere down, I drove the momentum further and fired another batch of people in the palace.

When Blake was ousted from the Crown Prince’s post, most courtiers betrayed him and sided with the male lead, Richard. There was no need to leave future traitors around.

I fired all those who looked down on Blake, despised him, were disloyal, or had betrayed him in the original story.

“All the servants and maids were chosen by the Emperor himself. I wonder if it’s okay to do this…”

The maid, Melissa, was worried. In the original story, she devoted herself to Blake along with Edon and Hans.

I answered immediately without any worries.

“It’s okay.”

The Emperor wouldn’t blame me. I was confident about that.

“How would you like your meal?”

“I’ll make today’s dish.”

“Pardon?”

Dismissing the courtiers, I checked the warehouse. The warehouse had a variety of healthy ingredients, including eastern ingredients. As expected, the chief servant Brown stole a huge chunk of the budget, but he didn’t order the kitchen to reheat the dinner we had last night. It was the cook who did that. So I dismissed all the chefs who looked down on the Crown Prince and neglected him.

Suddenly, I found an unexpected treasure. Soy sauce, soybean paste, and red pepper paste!

Not only were there many kinds of spices, but also all sorts of ingredients. I couldn’t believe that they fed us vegetables every day instead! I rolled up my sleeves in anger.

***

In the Crown Prince’s palace, most people feared or despised Blake for being the heir to the curse. Blake knew that, so he rarely ever came out of his bedroom.

These days, I took him out for short walks around the palace and drove away all the irrelevant things that made my husband uncomfortable. After I finished preparing the meal, I called Blake to the dining room. The moment he slid into his chair, I served him a Soybean paste stew, rice and meatballs.

“Ta-da!”

I didn’t make any extravagant dishes because I only knew the essential recipes. Moreover, it was challenging to find the right taste as that of a Korean soybean paste stew. But none of that mattered, as it was the effort that counted.

“….. What’s this?”

“It’s a dish from the East! I saw it in a book. I just happened to find these ingredients in the warehouse, so I made a dish out of them!”

“You made it yourself?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Wow…”

Blake sat down in the chair with a look of amazement. Then, he looked at the dish for a long time and asked timidly.

“…But, how do you eat it?”

“Oh, you must’ve never seen this kind of dish before, I’ll teach you how to eat it then.“

I smiled subtly at Blake and blushed with embarrassment.

“Don’t worry, I only learnt about it recently, too.”

“Your highness, Aah-“

“Aaah—“

I gave him a delighted smile and fed him. Blake chewed on the food, and then cracked a smile.

“Delicious?”

“Yesh!”

“This time, try it yourself.“

I hand him a spoon.

“It’s called soybean paste stew. Eat your rice first, and then scoop up this soup.”

“Alright”

“Be careful, it’s hot and the taste is unique, so if it doesn’t suit your taste, don’t force yourself.”

“Yes.”

According to my instructions, he put a spoonful of soybean paste stew in his mouth after eating the rice first. He dug into the food with ravenous hunger and shoved it into his mouth in big mouthfuls, filling his belly. At that moment, Blake’s eyes filled up with tears.

“Your Highness, what’s wrong?”

“Delicious!”

“Really?”

Although it was milder than Korean soybean stew, I was worried because it tasted very unique compared to the standards of this world. However, it seemed to suit Blake’s tastes.

“It’s the best food I’ve ever eaten!”

“Is it that delicious?”

“Yes!”

“Then, I’ll make it more often.”

“Will you make it yourself?”

“Of course.”

“Wow!”

Seeing Blake eating so happily, I felt very peaceful. This must be what parents felt like when they saw their child eating happily.

***

The maid Melissa, the servant Hans, and the knight Edon sat down on the terrace and chatted after a day’s work.

“Fortunately, His Royal Highness has wed an excellent wife.”

The other two nodded in unison at Hans’s words.

“Now that she kicked out all those people, I feel relieved.”

Edon recalled the Crown Princess as she resolutely dismissed the chief servant.

She was only ten years old, yet she had incredible intelligence, dignity, and a good eye for people.

Countless people were kicked out today, but none of them had been dismissed unfairly. All of them chose to insult and ridicule their master behind his back and neglected their work.

“More than anything, I’m glad that they have a good relationship. I was so worried at first.”

Melissa recalled the day Ancia fell into the lake. Fortunately, it was just an accident, and not suicide. Nonetheless, that hapless incident still left goosebumps all over her body. Whenever she recalled that painful memory, she would instantly divert her thoughts.

“I know. How long has it been since I saw him smile? But I think Melissa should go and make the dishes from now on.”

Chapter 4: Transmigrated into a R-19 romance novel, There’s a rabbit. (4)

“Her Highness must have had her own recipe.”

“That's right. It was really delicious. Besides, the Crown Prince liked it, didn't he?”

Edon agreed with Melissa.

“But aren't those dishes too unique?”

“It's no problem since the Crown Prince likes it.”

Although it was true that the dishes made by the Crown Princess were rather unique, Melissa was happy to see someone looking out for the Crown Prince.

“Well, you are right.”

Hans smiled softly.

After the Emperor returned, they would be interrogated about the reckless dismissal of the servants, but Melissa, Hans and Edon vowed to protect both of them from any harm.

As she was the wife that the Crown Prince cherished so dearly and also the only person who managed to restore his buried happiness, the Crown Prince’s people unanimously accepted Ancia as their own master.

***

One of the maids that used to aid Blake was also laid-off under Ancia's orders. She had acted sweet and gentle on the surface, but after Blake was forced down from the Crown Prince's position, her gentle demeanor did a complete 180.

She would call Blake ugly and hideous because of the black inscriptions on his skin and would wear an expression of abject disgust at the mere sight of him. When Ancia thought of the maid’s treachery, her blood boiled in anger.

Even those who pitied Blake would be reluctant to directly touch him because they thought that the curse was contagious.

There was no guarantee that switching to a different maid would stop this from repeating, so I decided to help Blake bath myself.

“Your Highness, from now on I'll assist you when bathing.”

“…”

At the moment, Blake was reading a book, and when he heard my words, he raised his head and prepared to escape. I knew he would react like this, so I firmly held his shoulders down.

“Go to the bathroom, please.”

“No! What if you get infected by the curse?!”

“I won’t.”

“What if you become unlucky?!”

‘When someone sees or touches the cursed inscriptions, either the curse will be passed on to them or the person will become unhappy.'

Due to such false rumors, the bearer of the curse was not allowed to come outside and abandoned in a southern island.

Blake was also pushed down from his Crown Prince position and forced to go to a southern island as soon as the cursed inscriptions appeared. But thanks to the Emperor’s strong opposition, he was able to stay in a faraway palace.

“I'm not going to be unhappy. That's a false rumor, so you can just ignore it.”

“What if it's not just a rumor?!”

Did he keep the rumors in mind? Sure, in the original book, the author said that a person would become unhappy if they stayed next to Blake for a long time, but I didn't think so.

“I’ve already seen your face and held your hand.”

“The inscriptions on my face are small, but the ones on my body are big!”

“It's just a false rumor. Come on, let’s go!”

I pulled his hand, but he didn't budge.

Due to the curse, Blake was weak and small. I was two years older and ahead of his height and strength, yet, there was nothing I could do when the boy made up his mind to hold on stubbornly.

“Your Grace, come on.”

“No! I’m hideous!”

Blake burst into tears as he shouted.

Rumors were just an excuse. In fact, he just didn't want me to see the cursed inscriptions on his body. Initially, I thought I’d be sick because I already saw the sentences on his face and hands, but I was wrong. It hadn't been long since Ancia tried to kill herself because she was shocked by his face. No wonder Blake was worried.

“Your Highness…”

“You will hate me after you see it!”

Blake cried as he curled up into a ball. I squatted down in front of him.

“Your Highness, don't look down and look at me.”

Blake slowly raised his head. His already red eyes were even redder.

“I told you before. You're not a monster. And if you're a monster, then do you think I'm a monster too?”

“Ancia is different. You’re so pretty!”

I felt happy to hear that my groom thought I was pretty. I smiled and stroked the cursed inscriptions that covered the left side of his face. Blake shivered.

“It's not hideous. And touching it doesn't make me unhappy. I've been happy every day since I married you.”

“…you are happy?”

“Yes, I’m happy that you are my husband.”

“Me too, me too. I'm happy to be married to Ancia.”

Blake jumped into my arms. I gave him a big hug too.

“Your Highness, don't say that sort of thing again.”

“Yes.”

“I'll be mad if you say that again next time.”

“I won't. Don't be mad.”

“Then, shall we take a bath now?”

Blake flinched and shook his head.

“What is it?”

“I’m embarrassed…”

The moment I heard his subdued voice, I burst into laughter.

“Oh my, were you embarrassed?”

“D-don’t make fun of me!”

“I'm not teasing you. You’re really cute.”

Usually people would bathe with their private parts covered. Furthermore, the royal family and aristocrats had everything taken care of for them from the moment they were born, so it was quite strange for Blake to be so self-conscious and embarrassed like this.

Moreover, he would become the second male lead of an R-19 novel.

“You're making fun of me!”

“How did you turn out to be so shy?”

“It was Ancia, so….”

“Am I the only one that you discriminate against?”

“No way!”

“Then, come on in.”

I pulled Blake's hand lightly. Blake reluctantly nodded and walked into the bathroom.

“Don't be scared!”

He was afraid I'd be scared to see his body before he even undressed.

“You can't hate me once you see it”

“I’ll get really mad if you say that again.”

“You can’t leave!”

“…”

I kept reassuring him not to worry, but he wouldn't stop talking. I must leave before Blake becomes an adult. The only person that can free the Crown Prince from his curse is the heroine, Diana. My role is to just keep this little boy from getting hurt, and then, step down in time.

“Why aren't you answering? Ancia, are you going to leave me?”

Tears welled up in his crimson eyes again. I quickly gave him a bright smile.

“No…”

It was a lie.

“Where would I go leaving my cute husband?”

Another white lie.

“Really?”

“Of course. This is my home.”

I wiped his tears away with my hands.

“Come on, take a bath.”

“Yes.”

Blake hesitated and took off his clothes carefully. I put on my best poker face. Blake would be hurt if I showed even a little surprise.

When he took off his shirt, a small body covered in the sentences of the curse was revealed. He was only eight years old, and the sentence covered half of his body.

Blake noticed and took my hand, worried that I might run away or jump into the lake again. I smiled softly.

“How can you be so skinny? I think I look fat because my lower body is too thin. I should lose weight from now on.”

“Don't do that! You must eat a lot!”

“Eat a lot?”

“Yes, you're still skinny.”

“I'm bigger than you are though?”

He glanced up at my top of the head and pouted his lips.

“I'll grow up soon!”

“I'm going to grow up, too.”

“I'll grow up faster!”

I laughed when I saw Blake’s sudden burning desire to win.

“Okay, I'll look forward to it.”

“Yes! Look forward to it!”

“Come on, let's get in the tub. You're going to catch a cold.”

I led Blake into the bathtub.

His skin was soft, but the areas with the cursed inscriptions were rough. It was said that whenever a cursed inscription spread, it would be accompanied by pain in the flesh. Just how much pain must this young boy have felt?

When I touched the curse, Blake trembled.

“Don't do it. What if the curse….”

“It won’t.”

I couldn't completely lift Blake's curse since I wasn’t the heir of light, but I stroked the black sentences engraved on his back, hoping that the small power of light I had would slightly ease his pain.

“Oh no, my husband has a big tummy.”

“I don't!”

I was taken aback by his fierce resistance. I was about to apologize, but seeing Blake adorably puff up his cheeks, I felt like teasing him a little

“It's because I ate a lot!”

“That’s what causes you to have a big tummy.”

“I'm not going to eat any more!”

“Then you'll still be smaller than me.”

“Oh no!….”

Blake's eyes widened, as if he realized something important.

“Your Highness, I’m kidding. Your tummy is not big, so you should eat a lot. That's how you’ll grow up.”

“Yes! I'll eat a lot and grow up fast!”

“Yes, grow up fast.”

Blake was so thin that it made me worried.

***

Blake loved Korean food. He wasn’t just saying it was delicious because I made it. It really did suit his tastes.

Blake loved it a lot so I enjoyed making it too. Hence, my ambitions grew further and I wanted to make a full-fledged meal.

I'll build a furnace and a cauldron!

There was a limit to making Korean food with a stove and oven.

Chapter 5: Transmigrated into a R-19 romance novel, There’s a rabbit. (5)

I lived alone with my grandmother in a small town before I transmigrated. After my grandmother passed away, I came to Seoul, but a longing for the quiet countryside still remained in a corner of my heart.

I still remember picking up branches with my small hands, putting them in the furnace, cooking rice in a large cauldron, and making a bowl of soup.

I had already completed the plan for the production of the cauldrons inside my head. I would draw the picture for the cauldron and adjust the designs with the blacksmith as they created the prototype. Since I was already experienced in constructing a furnace, assembling a furnace by myself would be a breeze. I would start the project with two cauldrons and possibly increase them in the future. If they asked what the cauldron was and how I thought of it, I could just say that I saw it in a cookbook about the East.

I made up my mind and wandered around the palace to search for a location to place the cauldron. Suddenly, a shadow appeared behind me.

“Oh my god!”

I looked back in surprise.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to surprise you.”

The boy standing behind her smiled.

He was still young, but he was tall and well-built. His face was sharp and defined and he had dark and thick eyebrows, paired with a slightly angular jawline.

Contrary to the mysterious and beautiful-looking Blake, he was a boy with handsome and defined features.

However, his red eyes were full of arrogance.

Wait a minute…

Black hair, red eyes, and a scar on the neck…

Instinctively I had a feeling. This boy was Richard, the male lead of ‘The Beast and the Lady.’

“Richard…?”

Even so, I called his name carefully because there was a possibility that it might not be him. The boy’s arrogant smile deepened.

“Long time no see, Ancia.”

Ah, I must be right.

Richard was the second son of the Emperor’s brother, Duke of Cassil. Since Blake, the Crown Prince, was cursed and destined to not live long, Duke Cassil’s sons were considered to become the next Emperor.

However, Richard was far from obtaining the rights to succeed the throne. After all, his mother was a lowly slave. The Asteric Empire did not discriminate much against illegitimate children, but it was a different story if they were children of slaves.

Moreover, Richard was not born with silver hair, a symbol of the Imperial family. The black hair he had inherited from his mother was also one of Richard’s insecurities.

After Emperor Tenstheon passed away, his younger brother, Arnold Cassil, deposed the Crown Prince Blake and ascended the throne. It was Richard who made the most contributions at that time.

He was the best out of the duke’s three sons, but he was not recognized because of his mother’s blood. Carrying the ambition to become an Emperor, he stepped on his enemies one by one and eventually ascended to the throne. At the end of the novel, He used Diana to get rid of Blake.

This time, I was going to stop those events from happening. Emperor Tenstheon would not have a sudden death nor would Blake be ousted from the throne.

Blake was happy as he was. If the curse is lifted, he would become the next Emperor without any problems. There would be no room for Richard to intervene.

“What can I do for you?”

But, why did the male lead come to see me?

Richard was a calculating man. He wouldn’t do anything that didn’t benefit him. He approached Diana in the original book because he felt she was very valuable since she had lifted Blake’s curse. (Although he realizes his genuine love for the heroine in the end because it is a romance novel.)

He would have found no use of me being the wife of an abandoned prince.

“You made a scene as soon as you got married.”

“A scene?”

“I heard you’ve fired many of the palace’s servants”

“Ah…”

I see… He must have planted a spy among the servants I fired.

Currently, Richard was only 14 years old. Yet, he had already planted a spy at this young age. I already knew from the book.

The maid who usually aided Blake was originally Richard’s maid. What surprised me was that Richard suddenly came to see me face to face.

Wasn’t he very cautious?

Richard was so thorough that he could get rid of his enemies one by one with all sorts of schemes, but he was never to be seen until the last minute.

I didn’t expect him to visit me as soon as I fired a spy. He might as well be blatantly admitting that he had planted a spy in the Crown Prince’s palace.

“So?”

“You acted rashly, so unlike yourself.”

What? He spoke as if he knew me well. Was there a point of contact between Richard and Ancia?

“What do you mean?”

“The family of Marquis Hamel is trusted by the Emperor. It was impudent to imprison the eldest son of the late Marquis. His Majesty himself chose all the other courtiers. It was not right to just fire them.”

Yeah, after all they’re all spies planted by you and your family.

I held back with what I wanted to say and smiled as if I knew nothing.

“You can’t keep people you can’t trust.”

“If you want loyalty, you need generosity. You can’t get that if you fire them so easily like that.”

Why on earth did this guy suddenly appear before me and busy himself with giving me this ridiculous sermon?

“That’s rude. It’s none of young master’s business.

“If you don’t have anything to do with it, you should go now.”

I was curious about the relationship between Richard and Ancia, so I continued the conversation, but I was soon irritated by his nonsense.

I firmly expressed my displeasure and ordered him to go. Richard, however, had a rather haughty smile on his face.

“Are you being sulky?”

“Pardon?”

“Are you upset because I won’t receive your love?”

What is this bullshit?

“You like me, right?”

Richard was a schemer, but he wasn’t the type to just make up a story. It didn’t appear in the original story, but it seems that Ancia liked Richard.

“Ancia, it wasn’t because I wanted to reject your love. But, as you know, I’m the child of a slave. How can I ask for you under the Emperor’s command?”

He looked at me with a mournful gaze. He looked like the hero of a tragic love story who had to break up with his beloved at the height of his status. If I didn’t know he was a schemer, I would have been fooled.

Was this how he used the women that liked him?

In the original story, Richard was a man who, although brilliant, was incredibly arrogant, coercive, full of ambition, and obsessive.

Why is he so popular? Blake is a hundred thousand times better.

“Ancia, you’re nice, so you understand my heart, right? You like me.”

“What? Richard, you’re delusional. Who likes you?”

I couldn’t stand it any longer and got irritated. Richard’s arrogant smile stiffened.

“What…?”

“And Richard Cassil, forget being rude, how dare you say such a thing to the Crown Princess. Are you insulting the Imperial family?”

“Ancia, are you still angry?” He took my hand in embarrassment.

I was about to shake Richard’s hands off, but someone else grabbed his hand first.

“Your Highness…”

It was Blake.

Blake grabbed Richard’s hand and glared at him.

“Ancia said she hates it.”

Richard’s eyes widened, startled by the Crown Prince’s sudden appearance, but the arrogant smile soon returned to his face.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding. Lady Bellacian and I are acquaintances…”

“Richard, she’s no longer a Lady. She’s the Crown Princess.”

Soon, Richard bowed his head in embarrassment.

“Sorry, your Highness. I made a slip of tongue.”

“Be careful. If you disrespect the Crown Princess one more time, you won’t be forgiven.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Richard was white as a paper, sweating heavily and straining his head.

What was wrong with him? At first, Richard ignored Blake. On the surface, he seemed to respect the Crown Prince, but he didn't care about the Crown Prince’s authority.

“Get lost.”

Blake let go of his hand. Then, Richard fled, with his face pale. What the hell was going on here? Looking at Richard staggering away, Blake carefully tugged my hand.

“Don’t look.”

“What?”

“Ancia, don’t look at him…”

He whispered with a sullen expression.

“I won’t look. Also, he’s a dog, not a man.”

“Dog?”

“He’s a total son of a bitch. He said I like him. He must be crazy.”

“… don’t you like him? Richard is very popular….”

Blake asked carefully.

“Oh, I hate that sort of guy. I like cute guys like you instead.”

“Hehe.”

Blake smiled brightly, rubbing his white cheeks on my hands.

“What kind of girls do you like?”

“Ancia.”

“I mean, which type do you prefer?”

“I like Ancia. All I need is Ancia!”

Blake jumped into my arms and hugged me. I smiled and returned his hug.

“You are all I need too…”

Chapter 6: Transmigrated into a R-19 romance novel, There’s a rabbit. (6)

All the spies planted around the Crown Prince were kicked out. Ancia had fired a large number of senior servants and courtiers. The Duke of Cassil and his half-brother Frank were furious, but Richard smiled inwardly.

Not only was the spy they had planted kicked out, but all his father's spies had disappeared. The result was a success. The maid who had been aiding Blake was a good card, but he had an even better card left. It was ‘Ancia' who became the Crown Princess.

Ancia liked Richard. He had seen her glancing at him every now and then. Ancia was a little girl who longed for familial love, so coaxing her was a piece of cake. When Ancia heard she would be married off to the Crown Prince, she attempted suicide out of desperation. Lamentably, she managed to survive and would have to live the rest of her hellish life with the monstrous Crown Prince.

Seducing a little girl who was in loneliness and despair was a simple task. If he could make the Crown Princess his puppet, it would be more effective than planting ten spies. Richard smiled lightly and headed to the Crown Prince's palace.

“Ancia, you're nice, so you understand my heart, right? You like me.”

Was there anything else that was as easy as winning the heart of a girl starved for affection?

Richard put on a sad expression on the surface while he laughed at Ancia inwardly, but for the first time, his prediction was off. Ancia’s gaze towards Richard was full of irritation instead.

Richard was shocked.

Had she always looked that pretty?

In fact, she had always been pretty. Diana's bright refreshing beauty at an early age was quite famous in social circles, but in fact, Ancia’s features were much more prominent than her, making her appear more beautiful.

However, her timid personality and longing for affection was obvious on her face, and it made her appear miserable, seeming like a jewel that lost its light.

But now she looked like a completely different person. With her beautiful appearance and imposing dignity, she was not just a ten-year-old girl, but the perfect ‘Crown Princess’.

Richard thought she was just one of the many women who liked him. He thought she was a stupid girl who became a princess so would be a little more useful.

“Ancia, are you still angry?”

Richard somehow became impatient and took Ancia’s hand, but soon, someone seized his hand. It was Blake, the Crown Prince.

‘How dare you touch me when you're just a monster?’

Richard did not believe the rumors that the heir of the curse would transmit their curse to others, but he did not intend to be close to a cursed monster with no value. Richard angrily tried to strike Blake's hand, but at that moment, a powerful force spewed out of Blake's body. Mana burst out from his hand, as if it was ready to pierce Richard's body.

“Get lost.”

As soon as Blake let go of his hand, Richard hurried out of the palace. After returning to the mansion, he looked at his hand.

It had been one hour since he left the palace, but his hands still hadn't stopped shaking. What happened? How could a cursed monster wield such a powerful force?

What did the Emperor do? Although the Emperor pretended to ignore the Crown Prince, he knew that the Emperor was trying his hardest to lift his son's curse.

He may have found a way. Richard shook his head. That can’t be it…

Emperor Tenstheon left for the Valley of Chaos to seal the gate of darkness. Even if he wanted to release his son's curse, he didn't have time for it.

He didn't have time to do that even if he wanted to. Looking back at his hands, Richard recalled what had happened in the palace. The cursed inscriptions that covered the Crown Prince's hand remained the same. Perhaps it was not that he had used some power, but simply the energy that sprouted from the curse.

“Richard, she’s no longer a Lady. She’s the Crown Princess.”

Blake glared at Richard and proudly expressed his intention. The Crown Prince had changed. Something fundamental had changed, along with his use of power. Was it because of Ancia? Did Ancia’s presence affect the monster?

At that moment Richard's crimson eyes flashed with a deep possessiveness.

Interesting…

Richard thought of himself as a man without greed. He had never been interested in anything except for wanting to become the Emperor ever since he was young. But today.

‘Ancia. I want her.’

***

The next day, Richard sent me a gift with a letter saying he was sorry.

‘What's wrong with him?'

Did I look like I was worth using? Was he trying to seduce me, making me a spy of the Crown Prince?

I had to refuse more firmly, so I sent his presents and letters back.

Melissa said it was not polite to refuse the letter too, but it seemed that that arrogant son of a bitch would only give up if I sent his letters back too.

However, another gift arrived the next day, and the day after. I kept refusing. Rather than stopping the gifts, the scale grew bigger.

“Your Highness, Richard has sent you another gift,”

“No need to tell me everytime. Just refuse them directly.”

He was attacking me with gifts every single day.

“I tried to, but I heard it’s a valuable treasure.”

“Treasure?”

“Yes. It's a ring made of mermaid’s breath.”

He was crazy. I almost spat out a curse without realizing it.

‘The breath of a mermaid’ was a mana stone with the power of the sea, a jewel that looked like a pearl.

In the original story, Richard gave Diana ‘The Breath of the Mermaid’ a rare treasure, but why was he giving this to me instead?

His mind must’ve become muddled just because he wanted to plant a spy in the Crown Prince's palace.

To be honest, I wondered what ‘The Breath of the Mermaid’ looked like. It was a jewel that was praised for its beauty in the novel.

“I don't need it. Tell him not to send anything again because I won’t accept any of them.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Hans went out with a big smile. He told me that the present had arrived, but he seemed happy to refuse.

***

Hans felt good.

The days had only been happy since Ancia came.

Warm light began to pour into the Crown Prince’s palace. Although he was nervous for a moment because Richard showed interest in the Crown Princess, she flatly refused all of Richard's gifts and letters.

Rather than conceding to the rare treasures, Ancia was rather annoyed. She passed her days peacefully, devouring various books, and making delicious exotic dishes.

At night, she’d fall asleep holding the Crown Prince’s hands tightly. She’d also help the Crown Prince bathe and didn’t pay any attention to Prince Richard's blatant courtship.

Hans, Melissa, and Edon saw that and vowed once again to be loyal to her.

‘But I didn't think she’d refuse ‘The Breath of a Mermaid’.’

I couldn't believe that she didn’t even look at the treasure. There would be less than thirty of them found, even if someone searched the whole world.

Hans prepared refreshments for the Crown Prince with a heart full of emotions.

He cracked a smile as soon as he saw the boy.

“Your Highness, what brings you to the kitchen?”

The Crown Prince rarely came out of his bedroom. The Emperor was not interested in Blake and the courtiers despised him for being a monster.

But Blake never got angry. Nor did he resent his cursed fate. He just stayed in the bedroom alone with empty eyes, like a person who couldn't feel sadness, anger, loneliness, or even pain.

He spent each day expressionlessly, as if he wouldn’t care even if he died under the curse.

Though hidden, his mind seemed to already be dead. But now, the Crown Prince had changed. Laughter, tears, surprise, embarrassment, he started revealing his feelings to the fullest. His eyes used to be dim and covered with despair, unlike a normal eight-year-old boy.

“Hans.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After marrying Ancia, Blake began to call the courtiers by their names. Before that, he gave orders, but did not call out their names or build relationships with anyone.

Blake had distanced himself from the people around him as if he would disappear at any moment. But now, it was different.

“When is Ancia coming?”

Blake hesitated and opened his mouth. Hans had a warm smile on his lips.

“She went to the blacksmith. I think she’ll be back soon.”

Ancia went to the blacksmith's, saying she'd make a ‘cauldron.'

It was her first outing since she got married.

“It's been two hours, …”

“She’s been outside for a long time. I think she stopped by somewhere else in pasing.”

“There's a lot of dangerous people in the square..”

Chapter 7: Transmigrated into a R-19 romance novel, There’s a rabbit. (7)

Blake had never left the palace before in his life as he was the heir to the curse. The people of the South were in a state of uneasiness and opposition because of the Crown Prince’s curse.

Such a prince couldn’t leave the palace and go out in a leisurely manner.

For Blake, the square was an unknown territory. It was a place that he could only think of in his imagination, such as the Valley of Chaos or the Snow Mountain in the north.

Furthermore, in novels, the square was always described as the source of all kinds of problems that lead to problematic events.

“Don’t worry, our security is the best on the continent. Besides, Sir Edon went with her.”

“Okay…”

“Is there anything else that’s bothering you?”

Blake’s dim expression didn’t lighten up, so Hans was also worried.

“Ancia won’t leave me, right?”

Blake continued to pour out worries.

When Ancia first helped him take a bath, she hesitated when Blake told her not to leave him. It was only for a few moments, but Blake kept thinking about it.

Blake was afraid that she might suddenly run away one day.

His life was a series of losses.Not long after his birth, his mother died and his father abandoned him. The servants also despised him.

Sure, his father showed sympathy, but when he saw the cursed inscriptions, he, too, ran away. Blake was so used to losing. Despair was his long-time friend.

But when he thought about Ancia leaving him, he was scared and his heart felt like it was being torn apart even if he just thought about it.

Hans smiled as he looked at the young boy standing with his head down.

There was a sense of fear in Blake’s eyes. It was a better sign than his usual worn out expression, though it would be better for him to smile instead.

“Your Highness, don’t worry. She will never leave you.”

Hans said with confidence.

Hans had observed Ancia carefully. The world was rife with groundless rumours surrounding the heir of the curse. Regardless of gender, age, status, they made up rumours simply because the cursed inscriptions looked ominous.

However, even though Ancia was young, she was not swayed by those false rumours.

Hans thought his loyalty for the Crown Prince was second to none, but he reflected on himself after seeing Ancia.

He had been defeated.

“Should I check on them…?”

Blake’s eyes glistened.

Soon, when Hans said she was okay, his expression visibly brightened.

Hans wondered how worried he must have been…

He hoped the two of them would be happy for a long time.

***

I went to the blacksmith with Melissa and Edon and asked him to make a cauldron. The blacksmith was intrigued and filled with the spirit of taking on a challenge after hearing my explanation and seeing the cauldron I drew.

I didn’t think they would be this enthusiastic, but he was really friendly and helpful.

When I came out from the blacksmiths’ place after completing my request, Melissa asked, “Your Highness, will you stop by somewhere else?”

“No. I want to go back to the palace.”

It was my first outing since I transmigrated into Ancia’s body. The view outside the carriage was terrific, and there were many places I wanted to go. I was actually thinking of looking around.

However, explaining the cauldron in detail took longer than expected. I didn’t want to worry Blake. Besides, I didn’t feel like looking around the beautiful square without him.

When I went back to the Crown Prince’s palace, the little bunny dashed to me and crashed into my arms.

“Have you been well?”

“Yes, I’ve been well.”

I stroked his hair. It was such a delightful thing to have someone welcoming me back home. I hadn’t felt this way for a long time since my grandmother passed away.

“Did anything dangerous happen?”

“No, nothing happened. Were you worried?”

“Yes. You came back too late.”

I was glad I came back to the palace right away. I almost worried my husband too much.

I clasped his hand and went into his room. I spent most of my time there since Blake’s room was much more comfortable than mine.

I took off his mask as soon as I came into his room. Even though I had already fired all of his hostile servants, he still wore a mask all the time.

”Why do you always try to take my mask off?”

“Because I want to see your handsome face.”

“Hehe. I’m happy to look at you too.”

“You don’t need to wear a mask when you’re alone with me.”

“Alright.”

Blake held my hand tightly. I felt like hugging him, especially today.

“Your Highness, what happened while I was away?”

“Nothing happened.”

“Really?”

“…Frankly, I was a little scared that you would leave me.”

“….”

“But it’s okay now. I know you won’t leave me.”

Contrary to his assured voice, his hands trembled. I could feel that he was still worried. I held his hand as tightly as I could in response.

“Don’t worry. I’m not leaving.”

“Really?”

Blake smiled brightly.

“Yes, I do. But if you have someone else that you love, I will step down right away.”

“What does that mean?”

His expression hardened instantaneously. Surprised by my response, the corners of his mouth hooked down into a frown.

“Your marriage with me was a political move, your Majesty. It was not according to your wishes. You can find true love when you grow up later on.”

The Asteric Empire’s tradition was to arrange the kids' marriage early on. Especially, the higher the status, the faster the marriage would be arranged. Most of the time, the marriages between the royal family and the aristocrats were arranged for political advantages, so they often cheated or divorced in the end.

To prevent such things from happening, I wanted to give him the freedom to make another choice.

Ancia and Blake only had a small wedding and did not announce it in the church. It was also possible to divorce if we wanted to.

“I don’t want to. I only have Ancia.”

Blake spat out in a low voice.

“Once you become an adult and the curse is lifted, you will become very handsome. I’m sure all the beautiful women will love you.”

Blake would love Diana the most among them. But suddenly, Blake said firmly, “Ancia is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met.”

“Hey, you’ll change your mind when you grow up.”

“It won’t change.”

“You’re still young. It’ll change.”

“Wife.”

Blake cut off my words. I looked at him with an expression of surprise. It was the first time he had called me ‘wife’.

“You are my only wife, Ancia. And I will be the only husband you have.”

“Your Highness…”

“Wife, remember this, I don’t need another girl. Do you need another man?”

I thought he was just a little boy, but Blake radiated an intense force that I could not defy and his gaze was fixed on me.

I shook my head unconsciously, as if I had been bewitched by him.

“No, I don’t.”

But what followed was my losing streak.

“All I need is you.”

Diana was the only one who could lift his curse. I didn’t want to cross the line, but I didn’t know that I genuinely wanted to stay with Blake.

But…It’s dangerous. I can’t do this.

I tried to pull myself together again, but Blake hugged me tightly.

“Stay with me until I die.”

“……”

“I’m sorry for being so greedy.”

As soon as I heard his confession, my heart warmed up and tears welled up in my eyes.

“You’re not going to die! Who’s going to die?”

“Ancia, I’m fine. So don’t cry.”

“You’re not going to die! You’ll get through the curse! I’ll make it happen!”

“Ancia.”

“I’m a family member of the Bellacian that has the power of light. I’ll find a way, so don’t worry about it and just live happily.”

“Yes, I will, so don’t cry,”

Blake wiped my tears away with his sleeve.

“Don’t. Your clothes will get dirty.”

“It’s okay.”

“Ah, I need to take a bath. I’ll get some water. Your Highness I’ll give you a bath, too.”

I quickly got up from my seat.

“My wife always tries to undress me…”

“You should say I'm helping you take a bath instead. And now, take your clothes off.”

I quickly fixed his sentence, and for some reason, there was a serene smile on his face.

Again, Blake’s face turned red. I had already helped him bathe a few times before, but he was still this embarrassed.

“Ancia, you are the prettiest when you smile.Your smile is the most beautiful thing.”

I clasped his hand when the door suddenly opened and Hans came in.

“Your Highness, the Emperor has returned!”

Tenstheon, Blake’s father and the most powerful Emperor in the history of the Empire had finally returned to the palace.

Chapter 8: I’ve met a real beast (1)

Emperor Tenstheon left for the Valley of Chaos to seal the Door of Darkness and returned after a month.

“…Is he okay?”

“He is fine. They managed to block the door without any injuries.”

“I'm sure they did since they are strong.”

Blake worried about his father, and he was relieved when he heard that he was safe. But that was all.

“Your highness, someone came from the blacksmith’s.”

“Okay.”

I went out of the room with Hans. When we came down to the first floor, Hans said quietly, “Actually, no one came from the blacksmith’s…”

“Is the Emperor looking for me?”

“'Yes. Did you know?”

“Yes.”

I had already predicted that the Emperor would call for me when he came back. Hans used the blacksmith as an excuse, hoping that Blake wouldn’t notice.

Rather, If Blake knew, he would definitely come in my place and I would’ve blamed Hans.

“It seems like he’s angry at the loss of the servants.”

“If His Majesty asks, say you didn't do it. If I tell His Majesty a little secret that the servants insulted the prince so you drove them out, His Majesty will not blame you too much.”

Hans spoke calmly, but in the end, it sounded as if he was taking responsibility for this instead of me.

Hans was a commoner with no title. He didn't have the family or money to protect him, so he could die if he did something wrong.

In the original novel, he sacrificed his life for Blake.

“Hans.”

“Yes. Your Highness.”

“Don't sacrifice your life so easily. Without you, who would support the Crown Prince?”

“…..”

“You have nothing to worry about.”

***

After telling Blake that I had to go to the blacksmith's place, I headed for the Emperor's palace.

A cold-hearted father who left for a month and had no thoughts of finding his son after he came back. However, I knew that this was just how it appeared on the surface, and in fact, he really missed Blake.

It was all because of his son that he came back running without a day's rest as soon as he sealed the Door of Darkness.

Tenstheon was the most powerful Emperor in the history of the Empire.

Richard was very narcissistic, but even he acknowledged Tenstheon's ability and felt inferior to him.

Emperor Philip, who founded the Empire, betrayed the goddess of light, which led to the curse of his descendants.

However, the Imperial family’s honor would have fallen to the ground if this fact became known. Who would respect and follow the Imperial family under the curse of the Goddess of Light?

Hence, the Imperial family hid this fact thoroughly.

[The goddess of light loved the Empire, and cursed the fallen soul to reveal the seeds of the tyrant.]

The Imperial family made a false announcement to defend their honor.

One person’s suffering could protect both the Imperial family and the Empire. It was the sacrifice of a person for generations to come.

They all believed so, and the secret was never revealed.

The ‘Heir to the Curse’ was criticized by the entire Empire because they thought that they were a sinner who was cursed by the goddess because of their corrupted soul.

Besides, there was a rumor that the curse could spread.

For this reason, if someone became the heir to the curse, they would be abandoned on the southern island until they died. Even the Emperor was no exception.

So when Blake's curse appeared, he was immediately deprived of his Imperial title and had to be kept in the southern island.

However, Emperor Tenstheon sent Blake to a remote palace and did not do much. Naturally, the people and the believers protested. They were also astonished.

However, they were forced to give up because of Tenstheon's achievements.

But Tenstheon only showed indifference to Blake. He left him alone as if he had no affection left to protect him.

The Duke of Cassil deliberately left a spy at the Crown Prince's palace because he doubted the Emperor's true intentions.

The Emperor never reacted unless someone harmed Blake directly.

He left Blake at the palace, and even though he knew Blake was being treated unfairly by the servants, he turned away and swallowed the lump in his heart. Yet, he searched desperately for a way to lift the curse in secret. Then, finally, he found a way.

He found a black magic spell to transfer the curse of the goddess to another person.

He wanted to take Blake's curse for himself.

But the black magic spell was a fake one made up by Richard, and so the Emperor would lose his life this year.

After Tenstheon died, Blake would be deposed and driven away to a faraway island.

He was left alone in the world, and even in his last minute, he was killed by loneliness.

Not knowing until the end that his father gave up his life for him…

I had to stop this tragedy at all costs.

The Emperor loved Blake, and Blake was also starved for his father's affection.

If there was only one person who could convey the sincerity of the two in the midst, the misunderstanding would be easily resolved.

My heart thumped as I arrived at the Emperor's study.

‘First of all, I need to get the Emperor’s favor and then act as a bridge between the two. I can do it.'

I entered the study with a firm determination.

“…….”

And as soon as I saw Emperor Tenstheon, I stiffened up on the spot.

He had silver hair and red eyes like Blake. Their faces were similar too. But the atmosphere around him was completely different.

He was like a beast.

Almost like Richard, the main character of the original novel. If Richard was a greedy wild beast, Tenstheon was the king of beasts under whose feet lay the entire world.

The dignity of the Emperor radiated from his red eyes.

He was not described like this in the original. He was only mentioned to be a powerful middle-aged Emperor.

But the person in front of me now seemed to be in his late twenties at most.

In addition, the combination of his intense charisma, destructive atmosphere, and strangely languid gaze made him full of dangerous sexiness.

Why wasn't he the main character instead?

I felt as if his whole being shouted ‘I’m the male lead of a R-19 romance novel’ from the moment he was born.

“Long time no see.”

Tenstheon said in a low voice. As soon as I heard his voice, I realized that it wasn’t welcoming at all, so I was a bit afraid.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

I looked around. Two men stood beside the Emperor, but they were both overwhelmed by Tenstheon's charisma.

Dark brown hair, a plain appearance, and glasses. This must be Colin, the Emperor's aide.

“I heard you had the chief servant of the Crown Prince's palace placed in prison. What's going on?”

Tenstheon asked in a rough voice.

It was like the voice of a fierce beast.

“I only punished him for embezzling the budget assigned to the Crown Prince's palace.”

Hearing my answer, the man next to him shouted noisily.

“What do you mean embezzled? My son has always devoted himself to the Empire! He had taken on a mission that everyone was reluctant to do only because of his devotion. But you're putting this ridiculous crime on him! It's not fair!”

This must be Marquis Hamel, the father of the chief servant who was expelled.

“Unfair?”

I handed the books of evidence to the Emperor.

“This is how clear the evidence is, and you're still claiming it's unfair?”

Tenstheon took one of the books.

“You've done a lot.”

Marquis Hamel shuddered at the faint voice. However, he still raised his voice as if he had suffered an injustice.

“It must have been manipulated! My son is more loyal to the Empire than anyone else!”

“Is the loyalty of a servant only serving the Crown Prince cold soup and giving the kitchen so few ingredients?”

The Marquis woke up at this fact. His eyes were filled with contempt and anger as he looked at me, and it was as if his gaze was saying, ‘How dare you insult me when you're married to the Monstrous Crown Prince?'

I could see where Brown Hamel inherited his behaviour from.

“Or is it loyalty when a servant uses the Crown Prince’s budget to spend money on gambling?”

“Be careful of what you say.”

Marquis Hamel looked at me threateningly. His right hand flinched as if he was about to slap me.

Then Tenstheon, who was listening to us quietly, opened his mouth.

“Marquis, do you want to die?”

“What? Your Majesty, why all of a sudden?!”

Tenstheon looked at Hamel with red eyes as if his eyes were filled with sorrow and he did not just say that.

“Watch your words when you talk to my daughter-in-law.”