Husband, You and I are Enemies [R-18]

Title: Husband, You and I are Enemies

Original: 夫よ。あなたと私は敵対しているのです。

Author: しょうめつ

Link: https://novel18.syosetu.com/n4212hu/

Summary: I, Meira, the Third Princess of the Kingdom of Rouga, visited the Neighboring Country Quell with some diplomats in order to mediate. There, I encountered the highly acclaimed General of the Quell Empire.

At that moment, I remembered everything. 

The calm memories of those days…

…Yes, for the general of the enemy country was none other than my husband in my previous life.

—A comedy story with a similar setting. All their problems were taken care of by her husband. Whenever something trivial happened, he’d attend to it.

---

—A single glance was all it took.

At that moment, I experienced what it was like to be thunderstruck.

Compared to what I commonly saw in stories, no words could describe how the actual thing felt.

The national borders.

It was none other than the invisible dividing line between two countries. Due to similarity, neighboring countries were always prone to conflict.

Although the temporary ceasefire treaty had been signed, it was revealed that the country’s minister had been up to no good. To enrich his own pocket, he’d been maliciously selling toxic plants to the people of the neighboring country. As a result, the relationship between Rouga. our country, and Quell, the neighboring country, had been deteriorating.

Tensions were rising rapidly.

Of course, the minister was promptly sentenced, but the neighboring country insisted on extraditing the minister. Under normal circumstances, he’d just be handed over as a consignment. However, the prime minister was distantly related to the Royal family, so it became complicated.

If we were to hand him over to Quell, all the right to judge him would be transferred to that country. In other words, no matter what kind of treatment he received, we wouldn’t be able to complain. Even if it were far away, if a Royal lineage were to be unceremoniously judged, the entire Royal family of Rouga would take offense. Even though as it was, we were already hanging loosely by a thread.

It spelled the demise of the country’s morale and the power dynamic between the two countries.

—Nevertheless, in the neighboring Country of Quell, there was the emperor’s brother and General Greizel, a renowned fierce general. Although our own army didn’t lose in terms of numbers, we were at a disadvantage because we lacked an outstanding commander. Considering that, our kingdom would like to keep the situation under control and avoid war as much as possible while maintaining the status quo.

For the above reasons, I, Meira Dors Rouglia, the Third Princess of the Kingdom of Rouga, arrived in the neighboring country alongside some diplomats to somehow ease the tension.

Despite being the third princess, why did I accompany them? It was a way to show that I had no intention of starting a war amidst the current situation. As a member of the Royal family, it was also a symbol of our heartfelt regret for the incident caused by the prime minister.

Of course, it was a risky role, and my mother attempted to dissuade me. Regardless, if I didn’t accompany them, it’d just be seen as an evasion of responsibility. Fortunately, because I was the third princess, I had yet to be engaged and wasn’t as deeply involved in politics as my older sisters. Since my face wasn’t well-known and I wasn’t that popular with the public, even if something should happen, I might be able to prevent the worst—which was war breaking out.

My father accepted my opinion, while my mother relented.

Thus, all that was left was for me to fulfill the role of cushioning material.

“—Phew.”

“Princess, how’re you feeling?”

“I’m alright.”

After nodding to the maid, I rested my weight on the back of the chair. The chair, made of good material, represented the national power of that country. Even though I was relaxing, in my mind, tension ran high.

For the time being, I’d safely arrived at the prepared parlor. Although there was still a tense feeling, nothing else happened. I considered it fortunate that the people of Quell didn’t directly target us. At the very least, it didn’t seem like they wanted to start a war immediately.

“Then, I shall excuse myself.”

“I’ll ask you to take care of the rest, Higgs.”

Showing his usual smile, Higgs nodded and left the room. The fate of our country rested in the hands of the diplomats led by Higgs. Despite his calm demeanor, his wit and tenacity were both impeccable. Under normal circumstances, he should be able to keep everything under control.

I’d have no choice but to let them fulfill their missions first. As for my role as the princess, it was still upcoming. After the three-day conference, I’d be making my entrance at the welcoming dinner. During that event, I’d show that I had no ill intentions, that we were remorseful and would like to mend our friendship. At the same time, I mustn’t appear dim-witted or too cautious.

A perfect balance was the key.

“Ugh…”

…I was under so much pressure.

Nevertheless, I did it of my own accord.

I wanted an excellent track record, just like my capable older sister. I wanted to protect my country. I wanted to be acknowledged, even if only a little.

…Albeit I did wonder if I was getting ahead of myself despite being a sacrificial piece.

The first day’s meeting seemed to have ended without any incident. I looked at my own reflection in the mirror while the maids helped me prepare.

I’d like to believe that I wasn’t bad-looking, and while I wasn’t the definition of beauty, I exuded a feminine charm that didn’t arouse any suspicion.

Although there were times when I was depressed because I didn’t inherit my mother’s peerless beauty like my sisters, my appearance was ideal for the current situation. After all, an overly beautiful appearance could sometimes intimidate others.

“Your Highness, it’s time.”

“Alright.”

I lifted my chin and pursed my lips at the maid’s words.

Then, we arrived at the dining table.

While maintaining the same stern expressions as the ministers, I slowly and casually looked at the Royal family of Quell, paying attention to their expressions.

However, I couldn’t look away when I laid my eyes upon a certain someone. The other person also looked at me wide-eyed. 

I was awestruck.

Despite how cliché it was, I was at a loss for words.

His expression was as grim as the ministers, while his eyes were as sharp as a bird of prey. His arms were thick and robust, while his body was taut. Despite appearing like a warrior, he was full of masculine charm. While that alone was admirable enough, that wasn’t the reason why I was surprised.

“Ah…”

I began to tilt. Then, as I saw a torrent, I found myself falling into a muddy stream. Unable to withstand the swirling current, I was swept away. 

Now isn’t the time to—

—Despite how desperately I wished, it was to no avail.

The next time I woke up, I felt my blood slowly drain.

—I messed up.

I failed. I made a mistake. Even before the dinner could start, I collapsed. What a fatal mistake it was. My heart broke due to the pervading, oozing emptiness. Before I could even say a word, I had already made such a terrible impression.

However, what drove me into the corner was…

“…Why?”

That man.

There was only one warrior who was worthy enough of such a position. 

The fierce General Greizel de Gouda Quell, the emperor’s younger brother and the symbol of excellent martial arts.

He looks so different.

I couldn’t even talk, and I knew why—

—for he was my ex-husband.

Although, I couldn’t precisely refer to him as such because I’d only remembered. Most probably, it was a memory from my previous life—from before I became me—a memory of an ordinary, calm, yet lovely time.

Since I calmly spent my time together with him, without any dramatic developments, nothing stood out. Nevertheless, I didn’t expect such a radical development after being reborn. 

I don’t want this…

Why did I have to remember our mediocre life? I envied how content I was at that time. 

…For him to be the general of an enemy country—

—Of course, it wasn’t simply a matter of whether I was still in love with him or not. For my former self, my husband was already considered my family—my relative. Even if we were only strangers now, I didn’t know how I was supposed to maintain my calm, especially considering that we’d been nurturing our bond for so long…

…It’s kind of the same feeling as having a father or a child taken away…

I wanted my family back. 

Despite the current situation, an unreasonable desire sprang up. I knew how absurd it was, yet I couldn’t help myself.

“…If only I had no recollection of him.”

Now that I have regained my memories, the past and the present are connected. Albeit the former me had died; I couldn’t just think of her as a complete stranger—

—The same goes for him.

Come to think of it; he was as shocked as I was during dinner. 

Did he remember me as well…?

Before I knew it, I was dominated by the crushing feeling.

My country and my family be damned; I only wanted to talk to him like we used to. I wanted to go back to how we used to be. I wanted to spend time with my husband as myself, and not the third princess.

Even though I knew that it might as well be a pipe dream, I couldn’t help but hope.

“…I want to meet him.”

My overflowing teardrops spread on the sheets.

“—Meet whom?”

I reflexively stood up.

Clenching the dagger I hid under my pillow; I rolled off the bed and held it toward the direction of the voice.

“Who is it!?”

However, despite having taught myself self-defense techniques, I was still a woman. I didn’t think I could do much in that situation.

Why? From where? What happened to the guards outside? What about the maids?

…Is it someone hostile to Rouga?

Then, in order to prevent a war, even if it meant killing myself—

—No, that’s not the point.

I mustn’t be too hasty, but I couldn’t find any helpful solution. I was too careless.

“That’s the question.”

I was speechless when the man popped his head out from the other side of the bed.

“…General Greizel?”

The man, who frowned in displeasure, was also the one I had seen at the dinner.

Convinced of it, I involuntarily spoke of his name.

“So, you do recognize me. Are you okay…? Hold on to me.”

He extended his hand to me, and I reflexively took it. Only after he’d pulled me back to the bed did it dawn on me—

—Should I trust him this easily?

“W-why is His Excellency here—!?”

Despite trying my utmost to sound formal, that was the only question I could muster. At the same time, I realized that I’d made another blunder. Due to the suddenness, I’d spoken in the language of Rouga instead of Quell. 

Did I confuse him?

“Before anything else, who is it you’d like to meet? Depending on the opponent, I’ll either let you meet him or request a duel.”

“No, wait, what—!?”

I found myself shaking both my hand and head—

—I simply have too many retorts!

“I don’t think you should do that. Also, this is the bedroom of the third princess of Rouga Kingdom while you’re the General of the Quell Empire—wait, what duel!?”

“What’s wrong with a husband entering his wife’s bedroom? If your wife suddenly starts talking about wanting to meet someone—and not to mention a man, of course, I’d want to resort to violence.”

“Don’t say something so outrageous as if it’s a matter of course!?”

Even though his words alone made sense, upon realizing where we stood, I couldn’t help but scream—but then…

“…Wait, did you—?”

“? I thought you fainted because you found out.”

He spoke casually while tilting his head.

The response that’d usually irritate me instead brought tears to my eyes.

Before I could leap into his chest, his arms had already found me.

“B-but there’s something more pressing…!”

“Is there? Isn’t it already impressive as it is? You were truly surprised, weren’t you?”

“I’m more surprised at your murderous intent…”

“Hahaha, you always say the most interesting thing. So, who’s it you’d like to meet?”

“You’re noisy!!!”

While gently caressing my back, my husband professed his undying love for me, and I instantly felt relieved—which was kind of frustrating… 

I had to say something.

I had to adequately explain common sense to that chaotic, ignorant, and unchangingly honest man.

But in the end, all I could do was bury my chest in his sturdy chest and sob.

***

For the change of pace, I cleared my throat—or maybe I was just embarrassed.

“…Uhm, so how did you get here?”

“From the ceiling.”

“What!?”

Looking at the direction he was pointing; the ceiling board was definitely out of alignment.

…My husband, are you a ninja?

“…B-but what about the security—”

“—I am the security. I came in after saying that I spotted a suspicious guy.”

“You are the suspicious guy!”

“Don’t worry. Besides me, no other suspicious guy is aiming for you.”

“You’re actually self-aware…!?”

…Those who swallowed my husband’s words were careless. 

Even if it’s an important diplomatic meeting, don’t just let the bigshot do whatever he wants…

“So, what’re you going to do now? What if commotion were to occur precisely because you’ve snuck into the princess’ bedroom?”

“Well, back to where I come from. It’ll be fine. I didn’t say I was headed here.”

“…” 

Under normal circumstances, there was no way I’d sit idly by as the emperor’s younger brother snuck into the ceiling. I’d surely stop him with all my might. But as of now, the thought that it was my husband prevented me. 

…Is it because I once saw my husband climbing to fix the leak in the roof?

…But the present scenario was just something else.

In any case, I shouldn’t have to worry about being forced to take responsibility for his actions.

I exhaled and collapsed on my bed. It’d be an uncouth act, especially before a gentleman. However, he was my husband, so it didn’t matter. While I was aware that his words influenced me, I also knew that being careful was useless.

My husband peered at me from above as I lay flat on my back.

Upon closer inspection, he, indeed, was a different person. My husband didn’t have such a menacing face in my previous life. Despite being good-looking, scars—the proof that he’d experienced countless battles—were engraved in his features. 

…How did I know at first glance that he was my husband?

No, now isn’t the time…

My husband’s carefree attitude had caused me to drop my guard. Nevertheless, it didn’t mean that the current situation had been resolved. Now that the concern about my husband had been cleared, it was time to worry about myself.

After suddenly collapsing in the diplomatic arena, how should I behave myself? Should I ask my husband to lend a hand? But how? Regardless of anything, it was still our first meeting. In the first place, I shouldn’t have known him. 

…As I thought, I had to make preparations.

Then, a gaze pierced through my concern. My husband was still staring at me. 

…Is he comparing me with my former self?

Well, sorry for being an ordinary grandma in my previous life.

Or did I?

Strangely enough, I didn’t remember what happened just before I died. At the same time, since he’d been reincarnated, he must’ve died as well.

“…Do you have something in mind?”

“…No.”

“It’s fine. Just be honest with me. I won’t get angry.”

“…Well, how should I put it? That’s quite an erotic outfit.”

“…”

“—Buhe!”

I threw a fluffy pillow at his face. The feathers spun in front of me as they scattered, and I suddenly regained my senses.

…What am I doing with the general?

“But you told me that you won’t get angry…”

“What are you thinking at such times!?”

“Rather than at such times, I’m always thinking about my wife.”

“Don’t act all high and mighty now!”

Don’t stare…!

Indeed, due to my negligence, I didn’t wear any underwear. Come to think of it; I was wearing a filmy piece of cloth. Even if I was once his wife, I was currently a young maiden. I was too defenseless.

Then, my husband proceeded to crouch beside me, who was boiling. As he softly hugged the pillow, he gave me a pleading look and uttered in all seriousness.

“Let’s make love.”

“—Idiot!”

—What about our diplomatic situation!? Let’s be honest; that’s just out of the question!

I punched his face through the pillow. Even though I heard a muffled cry, the battle-hardened general didn’t even flinch and instead caught my wrist.

“What kind of general raids a foreign princess at night!?”

“Well, me. Wait, what? Princess?”

“That’s right! Did you finally get it!? Despite how I look, I’m still a princess!”

“Then, does that mean you’re still a virgin…?”

“This lecherous old pervert!”

No, don’t be swayed. 

Don’t gulp…

Do not rejoice in the glint of his eyes…

But… isn’t the goofy smile on his face unexpectedly cute? W-well, despite that, he’s still a lecherous old man…

“I never thought that I’d be your first time again… I’m the luckiest man alive.”

“What the hell!? I never agreed to anything!!! I’m the princess of another country!!! We’re supposed to be enemies!”

“It’s alright, don’t worry. I’m still a virgin myself.”

“What are you reassuring me for!?”

“…Certainly, it’s been a while, and I may have gotten rusty. Then, should I ask a professional?”

“No, you absolutely can’t.”

Before I knew it, I’d expressed my displeasure and immediately shut my mouth. I was annoyed at my husband, who cheekily said he understood.

After all, even if it was a professional, to allow another woman to touch my husband, it was only natural for me to hate that!

“…I-it doesn’t matter to me. What I’m trying to say is that right now isn’t the time to be unruly… Albeit there’s no war, we’re still in delicate times…”

“Oh.”

“…I don’t want to put you in any risk of danger. I don’t want anything to happen to my own kingdom, either… You’ll understand, right?”

In the event of war, he’d undoubtedly be the one to go out and fight.

Afterward, either he dominated my country or otherwise… There was no way for me to stand such a thought…

…In the next moment, a large hand enveloped my shaking hand.

“…Nope.”

“L-like I said.”

“Until now, I haven’t heard of your intentions—or refusal, for that matter. That’s what I want to hear, not the current situation, hence why I’m here.”

His hot palm gripped my hand.

…My own intentions.

Compared to the country’s peace, my intentions were anything but trivial.

Such was the life of a princess and her role—

—Nevertheless.

The memories from my previous life made me frail.

Those warm and calm days filled me with wants.

“I… I…”

“Hm?”

“…I want to live with you again.”

“I understand.”

Soft, sleek, yet sharp eyes.

His eyes were filled with both kindness and passion.

As they slowly approached, I found myself getting lost in fascination.

Then, it was stolen.

For the first time in that world, my lips, again, to him—

He softly nibbled on my lips before moving from the corner of my lips to my cheek, then to the back of my ear, stimulating me little by little…

“I said before, don’t…”

“It’s alright.”

He laughed against my neck, and my shoulders jolted.

“I haven’t put it in yet.”

Before I knew it, he’d rolled up my nightgown and caressed my bare skin.

From below, his large hand quickly reached my chest and squeezed it.

“Ah…! Th-that’s not good…!”

“How? No one knows I’m here. If you haven’t lost anything, it’s the same as if nothing happened.”

“B-but that’s not the problem!”

“You’re done for, Your Highness.”

“Ah?!”

His fingertip grazed the tip of my chest. 

…Such frivolousness.

My ex-husband wouldn’t have used such foul language!

“If I say that nothing happened, then that shall be it. Such is the weight of the words of the emperor’s brother and General Greizel Gouda Quell.”

“S-should you be abusing your authority…?”

“All I needed was to look at them, and they’d keep quiet. The only person who can accuse me without evidence is… Well, my brother. But I highly doubt he’d say anything.”

“Nh, no… don’t…”

“Do you feel good? You’re soaked. It’s a sign of good health… My fingers still don’t fit, however.”

R-right, that’s right…

He wasn’t just my former husband. 

Just like me, he was a different man who grew up in a wholly different position and environment. After partaking in battles, he used both his strength and status to make a name for himself and, as a result, was feared by other nations.

He was also a ruthless man.

I merely assuaged my fear at the thought that he was my husband, but now he was showing a different side to himself.

—But it was the same for me.

Despite being surrounded by my excellent older sisters and brothers, a beautiful mother, and a strict father, I was but a useless third daughter. She happened to receive a princess education. Even after that, I couldn’t find any role other than being a sacrificial pawn.

Amidst the trepidation, I came all the way here searching for something but ended up getting in a near-death situation.

…As such, is there anyone in my position who could resist such a thing?

“…Be honest with yourself, and rely on me, Meira.”

I gently put my arms around his neck in response to his whisper.

“…Lord Greizel?”

“No need for honorifics.”

“Grei—nnh, hey, let me finish… Ah—”

“I much prefer unpretentious words.”

…He seemed to be bothered by the fact that I used honorifics. Instead, I purposefully switched to honorifics, but thanks to him, I couldn’t.

Over and over again, he’d rain kisses on my lips, and my thoughts melted in the heat. His passionate gaze—which could be misunderstood as a glare, scorched me.

My husband—no, Greizel imprinted his existence all over my body.

As he brushed away my hair, he pried into my lips, and his tongue crawled deeper. His fingertips, which were caressing my crotch, slowly went in.

“Now, open your mouth.”

“…Don’t say something so nasty!”

“But I like being nasty.”

“Shut up…!”

“Now, now… There’s no need for such a fuss…”

“What are you saying as you—”

—As the overflowing juice dribbled into his fingers, he slowly inserted his fingers.

“Hyii—!”

“Ahhh, how hot, not only is it swollen, it also clenches on me… How wonderful would it be if I could be inside of you?”

“Ah, ah, n-no… don’t put it in—”

“…! You tightened just now… Did you imagine it? For now, be satisfied with just my fingers, okay?”

—It’s as if I’m the one asking for it!

His coddling, soothing voice further fueled my shame. In the first place, it was what Greizel wanted, so why was I the one being pampered?!

“It’s alright. Once we get married, we’ll do it plenty.”

“I-I can’t do that…”

“But I can.”

…Thump! Thump!

Slowly, he probed inside me. With just that, a pleasant sensation that seemed to break my waist erupted.

“Ah, w-wait, that’s… Stop…!”

“As long as you believe it, it’ll come. Nothing that one can imagine is unattainable.”

“A-a quote—!? W-wait, just wait—”

“Adversity is strength. Therefore, let’s work together and do our best—”

“Shut up—ah, ah, a-ahhh—”

“Together, let’s be happy.”

My vision began to spin.

No, I can’t do it anymore. 

It’s coming! I-I’m going to come—

—Greizel, you colossal idiot!

“Beautiful.”

Greizel dropped a kiss on my eyelids, which quivered with pleasure as my strength left me—

—I want to beat him up!

Then, there was a light knocking sound.

I stood up and froze while Greizel looked sharply at the door. A sense of urgency ran through me, even more so when I realized that his fingers were still inside me—

—Uhm, kindly remove it, please.

“Your Highness? I heard something…”

It was a maid. 

Was it because of my outrageous screaming earlier? 

“…I feel like I heard the mention of His Excellency, the General.”

Nooo!!!

“No, I seem to have woken up from a nightmare. Everything’s fine.”

I somehow managed to reply.

“I see. Shall I bring you a hot drink?”

“N-no, it’s fine…”

“Is that so…?”

My husband—!?

My voice cracked.

The reason was that his fingers moved once again, sliding in and out of me. 

When I glared at him, he merely smiled, kissed my cheek, and held me from behind. I was already cautious enough as it was, because what if the maid suddenly decided to open the door?

“I-I’m sorry for worrying you, but I’m fine… So—”

“But Your Highness—”

“W-we have to be early tomorrow, right?”

—My husband!? No, this lecherous old pervert!!! The scourge of all women!!!

Even though I shouted as many waves of abuse as I could inwardly, I couldn’t convey anything to Greizel because I had to convince the maid.

“…What a benevolent princess you are.”

He whispered into my ear as if ridiculing me. In fact, he must’ve been thoroughly enjoying it—

—What if she finds out!?

His hot palm traced over my belly, and that alone caused my back to ache.

“…Your kindness hasn’t changed. I love you, Meira.”

—Not now!!!

Indeed, now wasn’t the time.

When I felt I was about to climax once again, I clenched my belly, trying to fight it. In response, he gripped my hand and kissed my cheek in joy—

—I didn’t agree to any of this!

“Then, Your Highness, please go to bed early.”

“…O-of course… Ah, t-thank you…”

I was still a bit wary, but my maid seemed to have left. Upon hearing her diminishing sound of footsteps, my strength wavered, and I leaned against Greizel’s hard body.

“Did you cum?”

“—!!!”

At the same time, the accumulated pleasure reached its climax.

“…You endured well. Good girl.”

“What am I, a dog?”

“If I were to attempt this kind of thing on a dog, I’d be a pervert.”

“Even without that, you’re already a pervert!”

He giggled and stroked my hair.

…What’s so funny?

“I-it wouldn’t be strange if the maid decided to barge in!”

“Yeah, you got lucky, huh?”

“This guy…!”

Even though it probably wouldn’t lead to a catastrophe, I was annoyed at the feeling that I was dancing on top of his palm.

…Maybe I should reconsider.

I still had some excellent marriage proposals left.

Besides, it wasn’t like I was required to do something as reckless as marrying the enemy general…

“…Meira?”

A shiver ran down my spine.

Due to his cold, low voice, I couldn’t turn around.

When his face slowly approached mine, his gentle smile was still there, but his eyes were narrowed.

“Let’s head to bed. I need to get up early tomorrow, as well. Tomorrow, we’ll have our first dinner.”

“O-of course…”

 When his large palm stroked my head, I could only nod.

***

…In the end, I couldn’t come up with a good idea to correct my past blunders.

Thus, I decided just to humor them and respond appropriately. Well, that was the original plan, except their impression of me might’ve taken a fall.

Perhaps, I could gloss it over as an accident and tell them that I collapsed due to not having acclimated to my surroundings. Nevertheless, I’d probably still be despised.

…I’d tabled the matter concerning General Greizel for the time being. Either way, it wasn’t a pressing matter. I was glad that my husband was “still” my husband, and that alone should suffice for the time being.

I proceeded through the door.

“Welcome, Your Highness. Did you feel better?”

A bearded man—probably one of the ministers, called out to me. Through his fluent use of Rouga language, his contempt was apparent. Even though Greizel did the same the night before, it just had a different connotation.

I merely smiled in return.

Then, there was silence.

If I’d been trembling with anxiety, I would’ve misunderstood it as a form of kindness. At the very least, my princess education prevented me from conversing with a subordinate without a proper introduction.

The silence made them give in.

“…I apologize. I’m the Minister of Civil Affairs of the Quell Empire, Arolla Gokey. I’m glad that Your Highness seems to have recovered.”

The Minister of Civil Affairs was in charge of the politics and would summarize the wishes of the people of that country.

…As such, if a person of such high stature dared to provoke the foreign princess, it’d be better not to expect too much hospitality from the people themselves. 

A rebellion wouldn’t be far-fetched in the unlikely event that it’d lead to war.

I smiled and exchanged greetings.

“Alright, Gokey, thank you for your time today.”

My greeting was as simple as that. 

Since no fancy greetings were needed, I replied with a princess-like, arrogant, yet simple greeting in Quell and looked away.

At that moment, my gaze landed on Greizel, who was laughing in amusement. 

…He seemed to have witnessed the entire thing.

For some reason, I felt embarrassed and hurriedly sat down.

I was presented before the Quell Imperial family, which was a good sign. Perhaps, it’d be safe to assume that they bore no animosity. If they intended to demean or harass me, I’d only be taken to the ministers.

Most assuredly, my assumption was correct because all of them were present during yesterday’s banquet.

However, unlike yesterday, His Majesty the Emperor was also present. He sat back and relaxed on the luxurious chair.

“Your Highness the Princess of Rouga, along with the ambassadors, thank you for coming all the way here. I hope that you can relax and enjoy yourself to the fullest this morning.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty the Emperor.”

As soon as I answered, someone suddenly stood up.

The venue, which was just about to become peaceful, was tense once more.

With a sharp look on his face, General Greizel gazed at his surroundings and left his seat with the indomitable gait of a warrior.

“Greizel, what are you—”

—Despite being questioned by the emperor, he didn’t cease walking.

Then, he stopped right beside me.

…Amidst the whirlpool of tension, I could feel his sharp gaze piercing me.

Suffice it to say; I broke into a cold sweat.

Higgs, along with the other diplomats, watched with bated breath.

Meanwhile, my escort knights were about to unsheathe their swords—

—In the next moment, General Greizel knelt down on the spot.

“Your Highness, Princess Meira, I’ve loved you even before I saw you. Please have mercy on me and take me in as your husband.”

—My husbaaand!?!?!

There was an uproar.

Quell’s ministers went pale in confusion while several of my diplomats dropped their dishes in amazement. As a matter of fact, the emperor still hadn’t begun his next phrase—

—yet he still went and did that. 

In the first place, ‘even before I saw you,’ while that was indeed the case, it was still outrageous…

“Y-Your Excellency Greizel, what in the name of—”

“—You may address me as Greizel. No, actually, Zell is fine, too.”

What the hell!?

“Oh? Fufufu. Your Excellency seems to be infatuated…”

“Yes, in fact, I was intoxicated with her. My only remedy would be marriage.”

“Fufufu. As always, you made a solid joke…”

“Meira.”

Gyu…

As he stared at me, he grasped my hand tightly—

—Such tremendous pressure…

That was how I knew he wouldn’t let go.

“All I ask from you is for you to be honest.”

‘—Rely on me, Meira.’ 

His words from last night echoed in my mind.

I was perplexed.

There was no way something like this would go down without a hitch.

There was no way it’d work out at all.

As I recall, my husband was kind and gentle but also somewhat unpredictable… Therefore, I’d often get shocked by his attitude.

But I don’t remember him being this pushy…

He was my husband, and at the same time, wasn’t—and last night made it even more evident.

Nevertheless, I would’ve never believed him if he were the same man as before. After all, I was bound by too many painful restrictions.

However, if it was this man who’d lived in this world and survived until this point… If it was Greizel, then it might be fine to entrust myself to him…

Greizel, you and I are enemies.

—Nevertheless…

As long as you’re okay with me…

“Greizel, will you accept me?”

His once stern expression was replaced by a genuinely happy one.

“Of course.”

And just as naturally, the dinner ended up not being just a dinner.

At the same time, my fainting incident no longer mattered, while our diplomatic mission was a little less so.

…For example, if anyone were to speak a word about it, this was what would happen:

“About the fact that the princess had collapsed—”

“—My wife was unwell and collapsed. What’s wrong with that?”

M-my husband, please…

True to his words, all he needed to do to silence the minister was to stare at him.

…He has too much power!!!

“Oh, that’s right. Should I visit your kingdom? It’d be convenient to deepen the bond between the two countries.”

“…Greizel, I thereby bless your marriage. You may marry her here.”

By threatening to sell himself as a hostage to the other country, Greizel quickly obtained the emperor’s permission. 

Is it supposed to be that easy…?

Well, certainly, it’d be perilous if he were to join Rouga.

The once stiff atmosphere had become somewhat soft due to my husband’s unconventional actions. In the aftermath, both the people of Rouga and Quell had faces as if a fox had tricked them.

…Then, for some reason, Greizel and I were having lunch together.

He nodded with a serious expression.

“Don’t worry. I’m the kind of man who’ll love you even if your belly grows thrice its size.”

“…”

I complimented myself for not breaking his nose right there and then.

Certainly, in the past, after marrying my husband, I let loose and became a little plump. But still, it wasn’t like I gained THAT much weight…

I smiled.

“—And I, too, will always love you even if your hair recedes.”

…The memory of my husband, who looked into the mirror and lamented that his hair had grown thinner, was revived in my mind.

Although, if he hadn’t purposefully confirmed using two mirrors, I wouldn’t have known.

“And I you, even if you can’t see things well unless you lean into them.”

“Even if your smell repulses our daughter, I’ll keep loving you.”

“I’ll still love you despite how forgetful you were at the time, asking me about the date throughout the day…”

“Even if all your teeth were to rot away, I’ll love you regardless.”

… In the end, we were basically throwing insults at each other.

Every time I thought of him in old age, many memories resurfaced.

…Apparently, I’d been with that man longer than I thought.

Thus…

“Even when you ended up leaving me first, I still love you.”

That was right.

He was the one who departed from the world first. 

While I was sad, I was somehow prepared and accepted the inevitable. Thinking about it, he must’ve been lucky to have died peacefully. Will there be a peaceful death for him now, considering that he’d have to partake in battle?

To me, who was deeply saddened, Greizel firmly stood up.

“Then, shall we consummate our marriage tonight?”

“What?”

“A while ago, I received a letter from your country officially granting permission. In other words, we’re now married.”

“Huh…?”

“Don’t worry. Your current body seems to be quite sensitive. As such, even I, who’s never had any relationship with a woman, can please you.”

“Ah—”

My husbaaaaaand—!!!