The meeting concluded with the decision to distribute Hui-Nari Tan for free to promote widespread awareness.

As the subordinates rushed out, the last remaining aide handed Hadel a document.

“This is the invoice for the costumes.”

It was the bill for the clothes Marian had tailored today. Hadel, with an expressionless face, examined the invoice, and the aide, strangely snickering, said,

“The bride is delighted, saying various ideas came to her because of your beauty.”

“Bride…”

The resonance of that word made him feel unexpectedly choked up. Hadel closed his eyes for a moment, feeling dizzy. To make matters worse, the aide continued.

“The dress will be completed in a month, so you can prepare for the wedding in about two months.”

Even a wedding in two months. This was an incredibly fast pace, but why was he feeling so impatient?

The aide, casually poking Hadel’s side, said, “Rather than that, have you proposed, Your Highness?”

“…”

When the topic of a proposal came up, Hadel naturally shrunk. The aide, unaware of Hadel’s feelings, confidently continued.

“We will take care of the preparations, so make sure to bring back an answer.”

“…That’s more difficult. How does one even propose?”

Then, as expected, the subordinates, who seemed to have left, stuck their faces through the office door and each offered a word or two.

“I proposed by presenting a bouquet as large as my wife’s face.”

“A ring! A ring and wine are indispensable.”

“But since the young lady doesn’t seem ordinary…”

Did everyone overhear this? Hadel, too dumbfounded to speak, nodded his head at the last comment.

‘Marian might just prefer a delicious chocolate cake.’

Not only could he not imagine her liking flowers, but the image of her sipping wine was also unimaginable. Perhaps she really wouldn’t like it.

Hadel nodded his head.

“I’ll think about it.”

“That attitude won’t do! You must absolutely get her acceptance!”

“Exactly!”

Feeling burdened enough as it is, having everyone cheer with words of encouragement in a seemingly endless stream was bewildering.

“No, why are you all so sincere about my marriage?”

To Hadel’s absurd question, the subordinates answered confidently.

“It’s only natural for us to pay attention to the lord’s marriage since he’s our master, right?”

“And we’re glad to see Your Highness looking happy recently.”

Hadel unconsciously touched his own face.

“I looked happy…?”

“We definitely sensed it from your smiling face.”

I didn’t feel it at all. Hadel, with a bewildered question, lightly stroked his chin. The aide, looking at him with warm eyes, said,

“We all know that the one who rules this northern region is the Prince Hadel. Even this barren land has been designated as a grand duchy, and the reason we can pay low taxes is all because Prince Hadel governs here.”

Then, another subordinate chimed in.
“However, do we have the right to demand anything with the status of the Grand Duchess’s mother? We just want Your Highness to be happy.”

“…I’ve misunderstood you all this time.”

Hadel honestly expressed his feelings.

“I thought you all were serving me out of obligation until now.”

Upon hearing this, the subordinates jumped.

“That’s not true! Absolutely not. Of course, the fire was intimidating at first.”

“But Your Highness doesn’t harm us with the fire! It’s not scary at all.”

It truly touched his heart. Unable to speak for a moment, Hadel finally said in a soft voice,

“…Thank you.”

And there was another being to whom he needed to express gratitude.

Hadel walked toward his room with lighter steps than usual. When he asked where Marian was, there was no one who knew. This meant that she hadn’t taken a single step outside the room.

‘Marian doesn’t roam around much. She was more lively and energetic as a bird.’

Now that he had decided to live in this castle, it would be nice if he could wander around and become attached to various places.

When he opened the door, Marian was there. However, it wasn’t a person but a white bird.

Lying on the bed, she was sleeping with her belly rising and falling.

‘Again, she’s sleeping like that here.’

The clothes she was wearing were scattered here and there near the bed. Her appearance before falling asleep was cute. She probably struggled and fussed, finding it bothersome to put on clothes.

Hadel sat next to the bird, lightly tapping the pinkish tip of her nose with his index finger. Nonchalantly, the short and chubby front legs wiggled, and she fell asleep again. Hadel formed a bitter smile.

‘Am I bothering someone who finds comfort just living as a bird? But…’

As if sensing Hadel’s gaze, the bird suddenly opened its pointed beak and made a crying sound.

“Kyu?”

Now, it was a cry that had become too familiar. Hadel lay down next to the bird.

‘I can’t let go of this warmth.’

A week later.

The castle was filled with such news.

“Praise for Hui-Nari Tan is pouring in!”

“Inquiries are coming in from various regions!”