ㅤChapter 14
ㅤIt didn’t take long to discover the source of the porridge and compote. Two knights within the Knight Order had dealt with the matter.
ㅤBoth of them said the same thing.
ㅤ
ㅤ”We were given a basket by Princess Ruby.”
ㅤ
ㅤRelieved to know the maker, though surprised by the unexpected identity, Theodore sighed in relief.
ㅤHowever, the next words of one of the knights left him speechless.
ㅤ
ㅤ”I thought it was rather impertinent, so I refused the basket and sent her away. Please rest assured. She will not come here again.”
ㅤ
ㅤThe one who said this confidently was Ari, the Knight Vice-Commander. He was like a younger brother that Theodore had favored during his time as Knight Commander.
ㅤFor a moment, Theodore couldn’t comprehend what he had just said.
ㅤ
ㅤ”You…… Did you just say you sent her away?”
ㅤ”Yes. Your Majesty has been under a lot of stress because of Princess Ruby, haven’t you? I merely conveyed that fact.”
ㅤ”That may be true, but to say it to her face……”
ㅤ”But Your Majesty also told her the same thing, didn’t you? 『You are unnecessary, and I do not consider you my wife.』”
ㅤ”……”
ㅤ
ㅤTheodore had no words to retort. Just as Ari said, he was the one who initially treated Princess Ruby coldly. He had given her only the bare minimum, hoping she would offer a divorce herself, and he hadn’t visited her even once.
ㅤThey were husband and wife on paper, but the reality was completely different.
ㅤ
ㅤ”……Nevermind. Return to your duties. If Princess Ruby happens to visit again, let her in. And be sure to report to me.”
ㅤ”Yes, sir!”
ㅤ
ㅤHe dismissed the two knights from his office.
ㅤArnold, who had been listening quietly, grinned.
ㅤ
ㅤ”That is why I told you to think carefully about Princess Ruby– no, your wife. Surely you’re not telling me you’ve suddenly become interested in her, are you?”
ㅤ”As always, you’re good at poking at people’s sore spots, Arnold. Your wickedness seems to worsen with each passing year.”
ㅤ”Thank you. I have no other pleasure than teasing Your Majesty.”
ㅤ
ㅤTheodore clicked his tongue at Arnold, who looked thoroughly amused, and leaned back in his office chair.
ㅤ
ㅤ”I have no interest in Princess Ruby herself. I have no intention of acknowledging her as my wife, and I don’t want to be involved with her more than necessary. However, I am attracted to that cooking.”
ㅤ”You can’t have Her Highness working in the kitchen, can you?”
ㅤ”I know that much. That’s why I’m going to check on her for now. If she’s angry with me or Ari, we’ll have to come up with a plan. I’ll erase my presence and scout her out first.”
ㅤ”This isn’t a monster subjugation, you know. Why do you become so incompetent when it comes to romance……”
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ㅤHaving spent his youth in the all-male Knight Order and then being consumed by official duties after his ascension to the throne, Theodore had difficulty interacting with women.
ㅤPerhaps no one ever taught him, Arnold thought, pressing his temples.
ㅤ
ㅤ”……However, Your Majesty has an inspection of Crimguard Fortress scheduled for this afternoon.”
ㅤ”Of course, I know the priorities. I intend to head to the Princess’s place after returning from the inspection.”
ㅤ”I see. She seems to be living quietly at the Detached Palace. There’s no need to rush.”
ㅤ
ㅤAnd the conversation shifted to politics.
ㅤNeither Theodore nor Arnold expected Ruby to move out of the Detached Palace, not even in their wildest dreams.