Idiot. I hate

Rishe protested in a whisper.

I hate it when youre nice to me like that

Arnold was mean sometimes.

In order to hide his true feelings, he would deliberately speak as if pushing her away. But now, He was concerned about her.

In other words, deep down, he really thought that Rishe might be afraid of marrying him.

I cant possibly be afraid of becoming your bride.

Rishe was really reluctant to hold Arnolds gaze, but if she didnt, that would look even more pathetic.

Thus, Rishe continued, with her eyebrows furrowed, but still with an upward glance.

Besides

She tightened her grip on the back of Arnolds hand.

It is my own decision to accept this marriage.

It was as if she was pressing his hand against her cheek.

She wanted to wrap her arms around him, but she could only lay her fingers around his large, masculine hand above.

Im not going to hate you for anythingSaying that you dont care how much Ill hate you was unnecessary.

Rishe.

Arnold called Rishes name, prompting a stronger tingle in her chest.

She was partly conscious when she rubbed her cheek against his shapely, muscular hand.

She was reluctant to show him her face as much as she didnt want to let go of his hand. She couldnt straighten out her emotions quite well.

For our marriage

She was afraid of what he would say, but couldnt figure out why she was afraid.

Driving that fear away, she looked up in trepidation and looked Arnold straight in the eye and continued.

Do you feel indebted to me?

Then Arnold lowered his eyes.

The shadows cast by his long eyelashes were reflected in his eyes. His eyes, which were always filled with a sharp glint, appeared somewhat fathomless.

I, at that time

Arnold started quietly.

I would have done anything to make you my wife.

He was probably referring to the time of his proposal, right after they met.

It was only two months ago, but it seems like a distant day

Perhaps it was the same for Arnold.

He spoke calmly, his voice softer than usual.

I am the one who asked you to do something, and you are the one who judges it.

Arnolds thumb slowly stroked Rishes cheek.

At that point, you and I are not equalsDo you understand?

There was no reason for that, so Rishe shook her head.

She couldnt tell if he was trying to comfort her like a child.

I am

Rishe countered tremulously coupled with a pained feeling.

As much as Ive been selfish with you, I want to fulfill your wishes as well.

She didnt want to just receive. She wanted to return as well.

If our marriage is based on a contract between countries, there should be something beneficial for both parties, right? And yet, in this marriage, I am always the one who receives. If you are saying that this is a political marriage, then it must be too distorted.

Rishe grabbed Arnolds hand, which was caressing her cheek, and gently intertwined their fingers.

The wish you want from me

Despite speaking to him, the tingle in her chest didnt abate a bit.

I want to give you a lot

She felt like crying, but she probably couldnt shed a tear.

The sadness that had nowhere else to go melted into a gooey mess in my chest. The fever in her heart seemed to rise with every beat of it.

So please.

Rishe intently gazed into his blue eyes, earnestly appealing.

Your Highness Arnold

For some reason, a harrowing loneliness struck her when she uttered his name.

In all her lives, shed never called anyone with such a feeling.

She exhaled softly, as if almost praying.

Rishe

Arnold held her gaze.

He continued gently, Im not marrying you for political reasons.

Arnold bent down and brought his lips to Rishes ear.

He was so close that he could almost kiss the edges of her ear, making her gasp from the tickle.

The sound of his muffled voice shook Rishes eardrums.

So I dont want anything from you, even if you beg me for it.

!!!

In that instant, Rishe felt a twinge in her chest.

Arnold distanced himself from Rishe and laughed, keeping his gaze straight on her.

It was a self-mocking smile with a dark gleam in his eyes. He stayed put and mimicked the words that Rishe had uttered earlier.

Hate it?

Arnolds thumb gently traced her lips.

He squeezed it tenderly, as if he wanted Rishe to say the word.

Rishe hated it when he told her he didnt want anything, and he knew it. So although she wanted to nod, she found herself unable to do so.

She was at a loss for where to turn.

Your Highness always does something nasty on purpose to hide your thoughts

Rishe was well aware of that.

It was for this reason that she always believed in the sincerity of deeds rather than deceitful words.

But what Arnold had just said to her unmistakably bore his true intentions.

I know that Your Highnesss denial stems from your kindness

This was why his kindness was much more painful than his usual meanness.

[No matter how much youll hate me because of this marriage.]

Deep down, Arnold sincerely resigned himself to being hated by Rishe.

You told me that I dont have to be prepared to be your wife

She could still remember how her vision blurred when he told her that before.

I cant

She refused to look any more miserable than she already did.

However, she didnt want to give up on the topic. She pondered round and round, then turned and gently moved her hand.

She slowly raised her hand and cupped his face.

What are you doing?

Arnolds dubious question came down from above, and that was after he took a deep breath.

Im sorry, Your Highness.

Rishe knew that what she was about to do was a terrible idea.

She no longer wanted to escape what she should face. Although she wasnt sure if she could do it well, she decided to take it up.

With all due respect

She raised her head and started.

I now declare this to be our first marital spat!!!

Arnold was dumbstruck, and after several seconds of appearing as if he had seen something never seen before, he questioned back.

What did you just say?

I said this is our first marital spat.

They werent actually married yet, but there was no other appropriate way to call it.

Rishe was feeling down, but she stared at her fianc and replied spiritedly.