Chapter 35: The Unwanted Fiancé

Loennia, the capital of the Eledis Empire, had always been a city of flowers and music. Musicians renowned across the continent gathered here, all preparing for the empire’s grandest annual event: the Saint Fresia Music Festival.

The people of Eledis cherished romance and beauty. They designed their streets to be bright and spacious, with magnificent white marble buildings lining both sides. Vibrant flowerbeds adorned the trees along the avenues, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

A carriage laden with musical instruments slowly made its way down the street. A child, breaking free from his mother’s embrace, ran alongside the carriage, his curiosity piqued. Through a window, he glimpsed a silver-haired maiden holding a flute.

She sat forlornly in her seat, lost in thought. The child smiled up at her.

The flutist glanced at the innocent child. She forced a smile, then raised her flute and began an impromptu melody. It was a divine tune, like the song of birds and the babbling of a brook, dispelling the city’s clamor.

The music drew a crowd of onlookers. They followed the carriage, eager to discover the identity of the flutist.

City guards were tasked with dispersing the crowd. They formed a protective circle around the carriage, blocking anyone attempting to draw closer.

Inside the taverns, patrons gathered by the windows, speculating about the flutist’s identity.

Norria sat alone at the bar. He showed no interest in the commotion outside; his only desire was to drain the drink in his hand. Not because of its taste, but because it originated from Saint Fros.

It was his birthplace, his homeland, and the place where Xina resided.

He waved away the corkscrew offered by the barkeep. Instead, he opted for the method of a common guard, prying open the stubborn cork with his bare hands. A fragrant aroma of wine wafted forth.

The barkeep eyed his distinguished guest with a touch of curiosity. Though clad in expensive silk outerwear, his method of opening the bottle was as crude as a barbarian’s. Such a display was almost inconceivable in Eledis, a city so devoted to etiquette.

Beside Norria sat a burly, brown-haired man with broad shoulders. Seeing this, he burst into laughter and called out to Norria.

“Hey, country bumpkin, who dressed you in those clothes?”

Norria slammed the wine bottle onto the table. He tilted his head, glaring at the man with a hint of irritation.

“Were you speaking to me?”

“Which short-sighted lord lent his garments to a bumpkin like you?”

The man bared his teeth. He was a notorious bully in the vicinity, known as ‘Bloen,’ a moniker he earned for his love of drink and his habit of running up tabs.

“Heh.”

Norria tossed a few copper coins onto the counter, intending to leave. He had no desire to contend with a street ruffian. However, Bloen seized Norria’s arm.

“Anyone can see you’re no noble. Noble lords are particular about their drinking. They use corkscrews and meticulously swirl their wine. Tell me, boy, where did you steal those clothes? How about lending them to me for a few days?”

Norria replied coldly. “These clothes were given to me.”

Bloen raised an eyebrow, then roared with laughter, saying. “I get it now. Your mother must have become a noble’s concubine, and you, a bastard, got a rise in status too. Your noble bastard father must really love you.”

Before the words fully left his lips, Norria lunged forward with a punch, aiming for Bloen’s abdomen. However, Bloen easily seized Norria’s arm. With a swift kick, he sent Norria sprawling to the floor.

“I trained in the Imperial Guard for a few years, you know.”

The other patrons quickly turned their attention to the brawl. They whistled and loudly cheered Bloen’s name. Some even began placing bets on the winner, with the vast majority favoring Bloen.

Bloen struck a pose and delivered a heavy second punch to Norria. Norria felt a sharp pain in his abdomen and crumpled to his knees. Yet, he quickly rolled over and charged at Bloen once more.

Bloen kicked over a nearby table. Gripping its edge with both hands, he brought it crashing down towards Norria. Norria deftly sidestepped, easily avoiding the blow. Bloen rubbed his fists together, a sinister grin spreading across his face.

Norria instinctively reached for his sword pouch, only to find it empty. It was then he remembered his beloved sword had been confiscated.

“You sissy, I’ll beat you senseless.”

Bloen’s muscular body moved like a carp, gliding effortlessly across the chaotic floor. He intended to take the offensive.

Norria gritted his teeth and tried to retreat. But it was too late. Bloen swiftly reached his position and grabbed a handful of his brown hair.

“Let go of me!” Norria yelled, struggling.

“Oh, still defiant, are we?”

Bloen released Norria, who quickly tried to dodge away. However, Bloen seized Norria’s leg. Losing his balance, Norria crashed hard to the ground. Yet, the stubborn young man clearly refused to surrender; he kicked Bloen’s hand away with his legs and rose to his feet once more.

The barkeep looked fearfully at the two men. Clearly, this confrontation was beyond his ability to mediate.

“Lord Norria, you are indeed here.”

Accompanied by a voice like silver bells, a brown-haired noble maiden entered the tavern. The rough patrons all turned, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Women were always a rare sight in taverns, let alone noblewomen. A beautiful noblewoman was the rarest of all.

Her long brown hair cascaded like a waterfall, tied back with a butterfly clasp. Several braids framed her face, falling casually.

Her skin was like cream, her lips full and sensual. A faint fragrance clung to her, and the moment she appeared, she captivated the rough men’s gazes.

Yet, her pale grey eyes were fixed solely on one person.

The barkeep’s face flushed purple. He fumbled, dropping the corkscrew onto the table with a clatter.

“Princess Lilith… why have you graced us with your presence here?”

Lilith was the Fifth Princess of the Eledis Empire, and the youngest, most beloved daughter of Emperor Carloman. Unlike her arrogant elder sisters, her character was as noble as her beauty. She was exceedingly benevolent towards her subjects, often appearing at disaster relief sites, and thus was highly popular among the common folk.

Bloen immediately shed his swaggering demeanor. He snapped his legs together and straightened his back.

“Former Imperial Guard member, Vlasov Saxon, greets Your Royal Highness, the Fifth Princess.”

Upon hearing the name, Lilith couldn’t help but glance at Bloen. She spoke clearly. “Saxon? I recall you were expelled from the Imperial Guard for falsifying your background. Are you doing well now?”

“Under Your Royal Highness’s benevolent concern, this subordinate is doing well.”

“Do you know who it is you were assaulting?” Lilith said coldly.

“This subordinate does not.”

Bloen shot a glance at Norria. He couldn’t imagine this crude, unskilled fellow amounting to anything significant.

“He, Lord Norria Normanthine, is the current first heir to the Principality of Saint Fros, and also my fiancé.”

What?

Bloen momentarily wondered if he had misheard. He stared at the bruised and dusty youth. This boy was a prince? And Princess Lilith’s fiancé?

Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, Lilith walked towards Norria. She extended her hand to him, asking softly. “Are you alright?”

Norria ignored Lilith’s friendly gesture. He braced himself against the wall and struggled to his feet. He then walked towards the barkeep, who instinctively raised his hands. However, Norria merely took the jug of Saint Fros wine and headed directly for the tavern exit.

Lilith, taking quick, small steps, hurried after Norria.

Only a bewildered crowd remained. Bloen pinched his cheek, just to confirm he was still in reality.

****

Norria’s face was bruised and swollen, drawing whispered comments from passersby.

Lilith held the ointment she had just bought, intending to apply it to Norria.

“No need, thank you.” Norria decisively raised a hand to refuse, maintaining a certain distance from Lilith. Yet, Lilith swiftly closed the gap.

“Why do you go to places like taverns? They aren’t suitable for nobles,” Lilith asked with concern.

“Who are you to tell me what to do?” Norria retorted, avoiding Lilith’s gaze.

“I am your fiancée,” Lilith stated earnestly. She moved in front of Norria, gently lifting his battered face with both hands.

“Promise me you won’t cause any more trouble, alright?”

Norria struggled to avert his gaze from Lilith’s beautiful face. He replied, “Then tell your old man to lock me in your castle and never let me out.”

“How could that be? You’re not a prisoner,” Lilith said, blinking her eyes. “You are our most esteemed guest, and my dearest fiancé.”

‘Fiancé, my foot,’ Norria thought scornfully. ‘They are nothing more than kidnappers.’

After being deceived by Dorota, Norria had been abducted by two elves and brought to Eledis. He had always believed elves were extinct, so he was initially quite intrigued by them.

However, the dwarf who accompanied them was truly detestable, constantly tormenting Norria along the way. If Norria hadn’t been bound and unable to wield his sword, he would have long since cut the dwarf down.

Upon waking, he found himself a revered guest in the Eledis court. Emperor Carloman, to his misfortune, even insisted on betrothing his daughter to Norria. After all, he and Lilith had never even met, let alone developed any affection.

However, Lilith harbored a strange obsession with him. Ever since the engagement was sealed, Lilith would knock on his door every morning to pay her respects. Norria was even forced to share all three meals with her.

The most outrageous incident occurred one night when Lilith tried to sneak into Norria’s room, frightening him into reinforcing his door.

Carloman had not restricted Norria to the castle grounds, but he forbade him from leaving Loennia. To escape Lilith’s constant intrusions, Norria frequently slipped out of the castle. Yet, no matter where he went, Lilith always managed to find him, just like this time.

Lilith opened the ointment and applied the cream to Norria’s face with a cotton swab. Her touch was so delicate that Norria barely felt any pain.

“Thank you,” Norria murmured.

“You’re welcome.”

Lilith put the ointment away and took Norria’s hand. However, Norria gently disengaged his hand and continued walking ahead on his own.

“Can you truly not accept me?”

Lilith stood behind Norria, her tone remarkably calm, devoid of anger or resentment, which filled Norria with guilt.

“I’m sorry…”

Norria nodded to Lilith, showing his gratitude, but his expression remained resolute. “Someone is waiting for me in Saint Fros.”

Lady Xina was waiting for him to protect her, and Chloe…

However, Lilith raised her hands, steeling her resolve. “I will definitely make you fall in love with me.”

She gazed at Norria, her eyes burning with fierce determination. It seemed Norria’s life in Eledis was only destined to become more agonizing.