episode_0199

“Hmm… .”

Sylvia looked at herself in the mirror.

Today is a day when you have to be more perfectly beautiful than ever before and more than anyone else.

I don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this day.

Although it is ahead of others in order, still… .

In many ways, she had many reasons to wait for this day.

anyway.

“Hmm. Hmm.”

I looked pretty in the mirror.

Her navy blue hair, braided into one braid, flowed elegantly over her left shoulder.

The dress, which boldly exposed her shoulders and collarbone, exuded mature femininity.

A silver tiara and earrings on her head.

Flushed cheeks that emphasize fair skin and lips that are red and fresh like plums.

She was originally famous for her cool and cold beauty.

Now that she was wearing her wedding dress, she looked like flowing crystal.

An object that is dazzling, beautiful, and difficult to touch.

“Good.”

It was perfect for seducing Ian.

Ian’s second bride, Sylvia.

Today, two months after Katy’s wedding, was Sylvia’s wedding day.

*

“… Hereby, we all acknowledge that the eternal love of the groom, Ian Philip, and the bride, Sylvia Philip, have been pledged under the sky under the sun.”

Officiating, Bishop Esther spoke reverently.

At Kati’s wedding, Emperor Johannes officiated.

It might feel like discrimination, but Sylvia didn’t care.

‘Sylvia Philip.’

I was given Ian’s last name.

In fact, I had already used that last name when registering my marriage, but getting it recognized at the ceremony was another matter.

I was just so happy that my heart felt like it was going to explode.

As always, Ian was dazzlingly handsome today.

It’s hard to look straight at it, so I end up glancing at it, and yet I keep wanting to look at it.

‘Marriage. Ian and I are getting married… !’

Marriage has already occurred.

However, some important things that a married couple should enjoy were missing, and one of them was a wedding.

As we were holding the ceremony, I felt as if we had only become husband and wife today.

The illusion was so sweet.

“We will exchange rings as proof of our vows.”

Among the rings Ian wears, only one is fixed.

A white ring of subordination.

If he were to wear all his wife’s rings, his left ring finger would not be able to show itself to the world.

Although all the other wives were sad, they approved of wearing the ring.

If something happens to Ian, Kati will have to help him.

Instead, Ian decided to wear the subordinate ring every day he slept with each wife and wear the ring he shared with that wife.

But, as expected, it was her instinct to want to leave her mark on the person who became her husband.

In the end, Ian received several gifts from his wives to wear on his body.

Things like necklaces, bracelets, belts, and cuffs.

The navy blue cuffs currently shining at the end of Iat’s sleeves belong to Sylvia.

Esther held out the ring box.

Sylvia swallowed her saliva and looked inside.

Silver rings of different sizes waited for their owners side by side, like a married couple lying in the same bed.

The blue sapphire embedded in the center resembles Sylvia’s eye.

Ian picked up the small ring, and Sylvia picked up the large ring.

After looking at each other, Sylvia slowly averted her gaze.

As expected, Ian today cannot see straight.

Ian chuckled, looking at Sylvia who was embarrassed.

It was a complicated feeling.

In many ways.

He also vaguely knows that the reason for avoiding him is not simple at all.

“Groom, bride.”

Esther urged once.

Ian took Sylvia’s hand first and put a ring on it.

Without making eye contact with Ian, Sylvia put the ring on his hand.

A blue gem sparkles in his hand.

The jewel felt like Sylvia herself.

It’s not just because the colors are similar.

When this honeymoon is over, the ring will be worn on Ian’s hand when we sleep together again.

Ian gave his permission, and he forgave him, but for some reason he couldn’t approach him easily.

The ring resembles his own situation.

It wasn’t sad.

Because today is a happy day.

“Ian.”

Sylvia called him in a trembling voice.

“Yes.”

Ian waited for Sylvia to speak.

Her hands tighten and her breathing becomes rough.

Her lips tremble nervously, as if she is about to reveal some important secret.

Now Ian is ready to give it back no matter what Sylvia says.

He had adapted to loving multiple wives during his short but long marriage.

Sylvia’s lips are trembling as if anxious.

Sylvia, after all.

“… Thank you.”

Even today, I couldn’t say it.

Sylvia, who made eye contact, smiled brightly.

Ian could only smile.

“Thank you.”

A few months after being forgiven.

Except when she woke up from a faint, Sylvia never got to tell Ian that she loved him.

*

Sylvia chose the sea as her honeymoon destination.

Located in the northwest of the continent, it is cold and dry.

It was not a suitable place for a resort.

What if the season was good?

Winter hasn’t passed yet.

The beach was quiet as there were only grains of cold sand sleeping and no one was there.

Occasionally, small pieces of trash would be washed up by waves from far out in the sea.

Things like bottles, boxes, and clothes.

So I chose it.

Sylvia wanted to be alone with Ian.

I wanted a place where there was no one else and it felt like Ian and I were the only ones left in the world.

The winter sea with crashing waves was lonely.

Since it wasn’t a good place to travel, it was perfect for just the two of us.

Sylvia and Ian held hands and walked side by side.

I could feel the ring hanging on his ring finger in my own hand.

“Ian.”

When I call him, my breath disappears.

“Isn’t it cold?”

“… If it’s cold like this, that’s more of a problem. Silbi.”

Ian was overdressed to the point where he looked fat.

I didn’t wear it myself.

Sylvia forced me to put it on.

He said that he had to travel to a cold place because of him, so he shouldn’t catch a cold.

In the first place, the probability that Ian, a superhuman, would catch a cold in this cold weather was extremely low, but Sylvia couldn’t stay still.

“Hmm… . still. lol. Because I’m worried… .”

Sylvia smiled shyly and hugged Ian’s arm tightly.

Sylvie.

I’ve heard it countless times over the past few months, but I can’t get used to it.

Every time I heard it, my heart itched like I was going to sneeze.

“So you’re not cold? My hands are cold.”

“It’s not cold at all.”

Because you are next to me.

I swallowed those embarrassing words.

“And, my hands are naturally cold.”

“Hmm. That’s right.”

A beach where lonely waves beckon and the cold winter wind scratches your ears.

When the two were silent, the place was quiet.

An endless sandy beach and a horizon that swallows the world.

The only warmth I can feel is each other next to me.

It really felt like we were the only two left in the world.

Sylvia really liked the atmosphere.

“Ian. hmm. It may be late, but maybe… . Don’t you like it here? It’s so desolate, so… .”

Sylvia was good, but whether Ian would be good too was a separate question.

Actually, I’ve been debating whether to ask or not since a while ago.

I couldn’t ask because I felt like I would collapse in shame if he said no.

“Huh? No, what.”

Ian looked around at the sea one more time.

“Is it good?”

“Huh?”

“Usually, when you think of the sea at a travel destination, only the sea that is warm and good for swimming comes to mind. There are a lot of people and it is crowded. I’ve never even thought of a scene like this.”

Ian looked around at the sea again with a serious face.

There was a light and satisfied smile on his lips.

“I like the sea like this.”

Sylvia’s face turned red.

If you caress me with such kind words, it feels like I will melt away even on this cold beach.

“But Sylvie, are you satisfied? Wasn’t it different from what you expected? If you don’t like it, try another… .”

“No, completely. very. very! Very satisfied. Yes!”

“Well, yeah… .”

“It’s exactly the atmosphere I was hoping for.”

Sylvia leaned her head on Ian’s arm.

“It seems like there are only two of us left in the world.”

“… … .”

“No one, just the two of us. That’s all I need.”

Sylvia’s voice was excited yet somehow lonely.

Ian felt sorry for her.

It was clear that he was still suffering from the memories and guilt of having kicked him out.

He said he forgave her and called her Sylvie, but it wasn’t a hurt he could soothe.

Wounds created by oneself, not by others.

Blame yourself.

Self-blame will not go away unless you forgive yourself.

So, Ian just hugged Sylvia.

It was the best he could do right now.

Sylvia trembled, then slowly leaned against him and hugged his waist.

“… I guess I wore it too tight.”

I couldn’t fully hug my waist.

The clothes were so thick that my arms couldn’t wrap around Ian.

“So, I told you to dress appropriately.”

Grumbling with a smile.

Sylvia liked him like that.

He smiled softly and leaned his face against Ian’s chest.

I was completely wrapped up in his large arms.

It was like a blanket custom-made just for you.

“You know, Ian. I’ve been to the sea before, remember?”

“Umm… . It looks vaguely like flying.”

It was a long time ago when Sylvia was still young, so it was natural that she couldn’t remember.

I wasn’t disappointed by that.

I am satisfied just by remembering myself.

“At that time, I just, really liked it. all. Although the sea was as cold as it is now, there were still a lot of people there. It was a beach where a winter festival was in full swing. Scattering waves, wind, people talking. And you who were next to me. That reminds me… . It was a time when it was just the two of us.”

Sylvia spoke dreamily while being held by Ian.

“Do you remember that? Among the things that were done at the festival back then was writing letters, putting them in a bottle, and sending them to the sea.”

“Ah, now that you say that, I remember.”

“At that time, I complained that you were throwing a large amount of trash into the sea.”

“It was worth it, back then. There were so many bottles that couldn’t be removed because the tide wasn’t right.”

Sylvia laughed.

“Well, it was a bit disgusting. In the end, we all got out later.”

“Didn’t Silbi also write a letter back then?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I also remember you insisting that it was a secret from me.”

“That’s right too.”

“So, after all these years, is it still a secret?”

Sylvia leaned against Ian and raised her head.

Ian looked down at her.

His raised eyebrows urged him to answer.

The friendly eyes were warm.

The arms that embrace you.

Even the body you are holding.

Every time I talk about a memory, my breath disperses into the air.

Still, the emotions and warmth from those memories remained in my heart.

I didn’t feel it was particularly cold here.

So it’s strange that it feels warmer now.

However, Sylvia became warm while hugging and talking with Ian.

They were the only warmth on the cold beach.

Sylvia laughed mischievously.

The cheeky clown stood up like a child.

“Yes. It’s a secret!”

“Me too.”

Ian also laughed as if he couldn’t stop him.

*

Ian and Sylvia came into the dorm.

The accommodation is a mansion built on a high hill, rented for today.

The mansion had a clear view of the beach where we walked together.

It was a place with a great view where you could see the horizon even further.

“Ian stay still today.”

Sylvia said in a stern voice.

“Because I will do everything.”

Ian sat quietly as he said and watched Sylvia busily walking around wearing an apron.

There were no decent restaurants nearby, so I had to prepare my own meals.

Therefore, today’s cook was Sylvia.

She waited for today.

Over the course of a few weeks, I learned a lot from the castle chef and Mercy.

The ingredients were carefully selected and brought here.

Now all that remains is to finish the dish and feed it to Ian.

‘I’ll do everything.’

If there was anything I could do, I wanted to do it all.

Whether it’s cooking, yourself, whatever.

Ian sat at the table and waited, but he wasn’t bored.

Since the restaurant had a view of the kitchen, I could clearly see Sylvia walking around.

Chopping it here, baking it there, steaming it somewhere else.

It’s quite a sight to see him cooking diligently while wearing a yellow apron.

‘cute.’

While cooking, Sylvia never looked back at Ian.

I didn’t have the presence of mind to look back.

I couldn’t make a mistake and serve tasteless food.

‘Add this much salt and sprinkle pepper after it’s done…’ . After the meat is cooked, let it sit for a while and then cut it… . Oh, I have to add butter too!’

Ian looked pretty calm, but Sylvia’s mind was a mess.

After going through many twists and turns on her own, Sylvia served a table full of food.

From steaks glistening with gravy, thick creamy stew with clams, chicken legs with spicy sauce, to noodle dishes and rice dishes, there was too much to count.

Plus, high-quality wine brought from the castle’s wine cellar.

Ian closed his eyes as he watched the food filling his field of vision.

‘No matter how much a superman eats… . To this extent… .’

Still, I didn’t hate it.

As far as he knows, Sylvia is not a person close to cooking.

I probably worked hard for today, but I couldn’t hate it.

“What do you want to eat first?”

Sylvia sat next to me, wearing an apron.

“Hmm… . First, let’s start with the stew with clam meat… .”

As soon as Ian spoke, Sylvia scooped up the stew with a spoon.

Hot steam rises from the spoon.

“Whooo, whooo-.”

Sylvia carefully poured the stew.

“My hands are fine… .”

“No.”

Sylvia’s expression was stern.

“I will do everything today. So stay still.”

Feeding each other may seem a bit unsightly to others, but what’s the point of being a couple?

Ian knows too.

I know, but blowing is still a bit… .

It was also strange that they were right next to each other and fed.

It was the first time in recent months that Sylvia had asserted her opinion so actively.

In the end, although it was embarrassing, Ian was unable to defeat Sylvia.

It wasn’t like I just hated it.

“Is it delicious?”

Sylvia asked, looking at Ian who was muttering.

“Umm.”

Ian chewed for quite a while, as if savoring it.

“Hmm. Is it delicious? It’s much more delicious than I thought.”

“What does it mean to be more than you think? What were you thinking?”

When Sylvia grumbled, Ian laughed lightly.

“It’s my first time seeing you cook. I couldn’t quite imagine it. Were you always good at cooking?”

“Hmph.”

A snort mixed with charm naturally came out.

Sylvia chattered while holding Ian’s arm in her arms.

“I practiced for today. I always went to the kitchen and asked the chef, and I also asked Mercy to tell me various things. At first, I was bad at cutting, I undercooked or burned meat, and I was so frustrated that I used magic and melted the utensils… but… .”

While listening to the story, Ian recalled the purchase details for items used in the castle that had been posted in recent weeks.

I wondered why they were ordering so many kitchen appliances, but it was because of Sylvia.

“… But as I continued to do it, it gradually increased. Even though I feel frustrated at times, I persevere, thinking about what I can do for you, Ian, until today… .”

Sylvia sighed and glanced at Ian.

Our eyes met.

He was quietly listening to her.

That warm silence made my heart flutter for some reason.

Sylvia hastily lowered her head.

My face became as hot as that stew.

I wish someone would blow it.

“That’s why! You worked hard. huh. I hope you enjoy it… .”

“You must have had a hard time.”

Ian honestly praised Sylvia.

“It’s so delicious that you don’t have to worry. Thank you, Sylvie.”

“… … .”

Sylvia slowly raised her head.

I face Ian again.

I have something to say.

Those words piled up in my heart like tightly suppressed sediment.

But, I just can’t… .

‘I don’t love you.’

Auditory hallucinations pierce my earholes like a knife.

Sylvia tried to ignore it and laughed.

“… Thank you too.”

Ian reached out to eat again… .

“No.”

Sylvia quickly grabbed his wrist.

“I will do everything.”

“… … .”

It wasn’t just the first bite… .

Ian had no choice but to calmly accept the food that Sylvia cut and poured for him.

I was a little embarrassed at first, but… .

‘… ‘This is quite comfortable.’

I adapted quickly.

Sylvia clung to Ian and personally fed him food.

Food from far away was brought by wind magic.

Thanks to magic, I was able to avoid falling from Ian’s side.

Ian, who was shy at first, quickly calmed down and accepted it well.

That was so cute.

It looked like a baby bird.

Of course, it was much bigger than me, but that didn’t matter.

And, I felt regretful again.

‘Younger Ian… .’

I wish I could hug you even once.

I wish I had held that short, chubby hand.

I would have been so happy if they had sat me down like this and fed me a meal… .

I brushed away my regrets.

Anyway, isn’t there a very precious Ian by his side right now?

Even focusing on the present wasn’t enough.

*

Contrary to Ian’s concerns, there was no cooking left.

Along with the empty dishes, the two also drank a glass of wine.

I was fortunate to be able to eat a glass of wine with my own hands.

Even after finishing dessert, the two spent some time drinking.

Both of them left their drunkenness on their bodies for today.

It was made up of topics such as small daily stories, future stories, etc.

And before I knew it, the amount of wine bottles had reduced by half.

“Ian… .”

Sylvia sat across from Ian, her face red up to her ears.

Despite the drunkenness clouding my rationality, I became very nervous.

It is a moment that cannot help but happen.

Sylvia licked her red lips with her tongue.

It was because he was nervous, but regardless of his intention, Ian’s imagination was stimulated.

The thing I haven’t been able to say since I woke up is not just saying I love you.

The two have never even had the physical conversation they should have as a couple.

Since Katy’s one-month exclusive ended, we’ve been sleeping in the same bed every seven days, but we’ve just been sleeping.

The reasons were complex.

Sylvia couldn’t possibly do something like that with him.

It was because of guilt.

On the one hand, I wanted to leave something precious behind.

To hold a wedding ceremony to officially announce the marriage and to give it to him.

I also wore underwear with care.

Ian waited calmly with a trembling Sylvia in front of him.

Finally, Sylvia took her hand and hugged her carefully.

“Now, please take care of me… .”

Sylvia, shyly hugged, raises her head.

Our eyes met under the cozy lighting.

The shaking navy blue eyes were as deep as the deep sea.

Ian grabbed her chin and kissed her gently.

It was her first contact since she woke up.

Sylvia stiffened and flinched.

Without realizing it, I clenched my hands tightly.

But soon, she surrendered herself to Ian’s breath pouring over her.

I hugged Ian and held him closer.

A dark bedroom overlooking the coast at night.

Their breathing became rougher than crashing waves.