Chapter 14 - Episode 3: A fiancée with a business addiction; will this marriage be okay? (5)

Episode 3: A fiancée with a business addiction; will this marriage be okay? (5)

Translator: Miss Ruby

–

“…!”

However, there was someone who interpreted Aristine’s affectionate smile very differently.

Paellamien was worried that Aristine was about to tell the king something and quickly opened her mouth.

“Starline, you have to apologize to the princess for all your wrongdoings.”

Hearing that, Starlina was startled and turned to look at Paellamien.

“E-Elder sister, I just…”

“What did you say earlier about someone making excuses instead of admitting their faults?”

Starlina’s mouth opened and closed a few times then she finally shut her mouth. Even though she wanted to answer, she couldn’t because she didn’t remember.

“You yourself said that such behavior makes one doubtful of their bloodline. If you are truly the princess of Irugo, you shouldn’t act in such a way that creates doubt.”

“That…”

I was just saying that. I didn’t really mean anything by that.

If she knew those words would drag her down like this, she would have never said it. She wanted to make excuses but Paellamien’s eyes did not allow for any objection.

“Apologize formally and properly, like a member of a royal family.”

Formally, properly.

Wait, no way…

‘Is she telling me to get on my knees in front of that idiot?’

Starlina’s face turned white. Her eyes darted left and right, looking around her. But there was no one to come to her aid.

The person who was most likely to take her side in this place was Paellamien. But for some reason, her first sister kept criticizing her.

‘The princess couldn’t even say anything to me when elder sister was on my side until elder sister got angry.’

It was only after her elder sister got mad that the princess started to act high and mighty and talk nonsense like a hole was poked in her mouth.

‘If Elder sister didn’t get angry with me in the first place, the princess wouldn’t even be able to make a peep at what I said and there would be no problem here!’

Starlina resented Paellamien.

She didn’t know Paellamien got angry nor did she recognize who made Paellamien that way.

Subconsciously, she turned to the king, looking for help but his blue eyes were impossible to read, and she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. But one thing she knew was that he had no intention of helping her.

This was really the end.

Starline squeezed her skirt tight.

“I, Starlina, 4th Princess of Irugo, apologize to Your Highness, Aristine, Princess of Silvanus.”

Bearing the surging resentment and humiliation, Starlina slowly dropped to her knees in front of Aristine.

‘Hm, I didn’t plan on going this far though.’

Aristine was somewhat surprised to see Starline kneeling before her and bowing her head.

She just felt it would be better to shut the princess’ mouth during this teatime in order to appeal her ability to Tarkan.

She wasn’t particularly upset about it and getting Starlina to kneel didn’t benefit her in any way. Although she didn’t intend for it, the princess had already knelt so…

‘It will be better to act like I’m letting it go instead of showing my surprise.’

At best, it will break off the mood which was firmly in her court.

‘Ah, by the way, I wonder if Tarkan likes this?’

That thought suddenly appeared in her mind.

From what she could tell, Tarkan looked like he had a lot of things piled up against his half-siblings.

‘They say people usually feel delighted when someone who normally acts cocky or rude to them gets on their knees.’

If that’s the case, then this is great, isn’t it?

While Aristine was absorbed in thought, Starlina sluggishly looked for what else to apologize for.

“I dared to speak hastily before thinking and have offended you.”

Still no reply.

Starlina couldn’t bear the weight of the silence and kept spitting out apologies.

“I was the one who didn’t know ba-basic manners. I have never doubted your bloodline, princess. Please forgive me.”

She bowed deeper to the princess who was ignoring her and asked for forgiveness.

This was the first time in Starlina’s life that she had to do such a thing.

* * *

Tarkan looked at Starlina kneeling on the floor with indifference in his eyes.

The arrogant and reckless 4th princess was apologizing and, on her knees, at that.

Suddenly, Tarkan was curious about what Aristine was thinking.

‘Is she enjoying it since she’s paid them back for the insults?’

With that thought in mind, he turned to look at Aristine and—

‘…!’

Her purple eyes were shining brightly at him. Her eyes sparkled like stars sprinkled in the dawning sky.

‘…She is definitely enjoying herself.’

Even if you could say she was different, this was too different.

‘How was that? What do you think? Aren’t I good? I’m useful politically, right? I bet this is worth stamping your seal!’

There was no expression on her face but her sparkling eyes told him everything and he couldn’t help but laugh.

Laughing directly at her would be awkward, so Tarkan pretended to hold his chin and covered his mouth.

That was definitely not the expression she should have as a princess who just made the princess of another country kneel with just a few words.

Now that he thought about it, this woman didn’t look particularly upset when Starlina insulted her the first time. Her reaction was something more like ‘did something just bark’.

He thought she was just hiding her emotions well, but she really didn’t think much of it.

‘Then again, she was firm even then.’

He remembered how firm and confident she looked despite her dirtiness when he saw her for the first time.

In contrast to that, her body was extremely light and thin. And her waist fit in his hand.

Tarkan furrowed his brows and was about to look away from her but at that moment—

Aristine smiled at Tarkan.

Her long lashes curved and her lips, which were in a line, curled softly. Sunlight fell on her full, white cheeks.

The spring breeze blew in through the open window and her silver hair which seemed imbued with lilac petals fluttered towards him.

Tarkan narrowed his eyes. Before he could show any reaction, Aristine turned around.

‘Hehe, it’s still too early to be surprised.’

Aristine thought carefreely.

She felt like Tarkan was seeing her again, so she was in a good mood.

‘I mean, I still have to make you crawl and beg to my business partner.’

This little thing was just a taste.

Simply dealing with the kid who tried to attack her first was not much of an appeal.

‘Good. Now then.’

Aristine looked down at Starlina who was kneeling on the floor.

It was time to clean up the situation.