Chapter 8

"Didn't you almost get yourself killed, you?"

After being scrubbed by the bath attendant in the royal castle, before entering the room where I would spend the night, I glanced at my own member through the gap in the thin robe and muttered to myself.

Today, the royal couple of the Elsaria Kingdom was born. It was a good wedding. Esterize, whom I loved, was shining so beautifully that she seemed like an angel. It was a wonderful day.

Due to the amnesty given on this fine day, several hundred miners who were supposed to serve for life were also released. Even the former criminals should celebrate this day.

I almost committed a crime myself.

I, foolishly unable to believe in Esterize's love, was prepared to leave the royal family and commit a crime to free her.

The royal engagement, decided by royal decree, could only be dissolved if I lost my qualifications as a royal.

If I lost my royal status, I would be exiled after being treated so that I could not have children, to prevent any illegitimate offspring. If the king were particularly merciful, I might have been confined, but my father is a king without a trace of kindness. I was supposed to be thrown out penniless before my wounds even healed, as if he was telling me to die quickly.

Thanks to Miss Cynthia's advice, I realized Esterize's love and did not lose this member or my life. Ah, she is now the Duchess of Brook. If I call her 'Miss,' she might be looked down upon by others. I must be careful.

There's no need to knock when entering my own bedroom. I simply put my hand on the doorknob and entered.

"I've been waiting for you, Adelbert."

Esterize, wearing a matching thin robe, smiled with a blush on her cheeks on the bed.

How delicate she is. I'm so glad I didn't have to let go of this beloved woman. I am grateful, Duchess of Brook.

"…I was waiting too. For this day to come."

I couldn't suppress my eagerness. There was no need to. As the first prince, I forgot the proper manners I had been taught and jumped onto the bed. Esterize laughed as if it was amusing.

"Oh, you're like a child!"

"Tonight, our positions and ages don't matter, right?"

"Age does matter. We're playing an adult's game."

"True."

We laughed together, caressing each other's bodies. When we were young, we used to roll on the grass like this after chasing each other. I was infatuated with Esterize from then, or perhaps even earlier.

"Esterize…, relax and let me…"

"I received guidance from the Duchess of Brook."

"…What?"

The sweet atmosphere I had created was ignored, and Esterize slipped out of my arms. To be honest…, I was feeling a lot of heat in my lower body. This waiting was quite… No, as a prince, I have been trained not to show my emotions. I should smile to reassure Esterize.

I took a deep breath and sat back on the bed. I crossed my legs to hide my arousal.

"What kind of guidance?"

I smiled, the kind that had received high praise from my instructor on emotional control, and looked at Esterize.

She held a small container in front of her chest and smiled back at me.

"This is a scented oil with a warming effect. I've already applied it, but would you like to use it too?"

"Sure, let's use it. Lie down on the bed."

"No, that's not it. Adelbert…"

Esterize returned to the bed and placed her hand on my shoulder. She pushed me down, and her hair fell onto me.

"You should lie down."

As a prince, I must not show my emotions.

Even if I am suffering from the pain in my waist and throat.

The castle's garden, where the gardeners have meticulously tended to the blooming flowers.

Even while entertaining the Duchess of Brook, I maintain a perfect smile and a graceful posture.

"I'm glad you came, Duchess of Brook. I have something I want to consult with you."

"Whenever the Princess Royal calls, I will come. If there is anything I can do to help, I am happy to do so."

Why did you call your friend, the Duchess of Brook, the day after our wedding night, Esterize?

Before I could ask, I was already here. I intended to comfort Esterize, who had been forced by me, and take care of her in bed. But rather, I was the one who needed care. I took a sip of tea to hide the pain in my throat.

"Actually, I might have failed. I used the scented oil you gave me and loved Adelbert as you taught me, but he cried. This morning, his throat was still sore, and he couldn't get out of bed…"

I spat out the tea and started coughing violently. I have never made such a mistake, even as a child.

"Oh no! Adelbert! It's because I did something terrible! I'm sorry!"

"Prince Adelbert, when you choke, take a deep breath."

The Duchess of Brook, with a nonchalant attitude, tried to give me advice. I suppressed the urge to glare at her and composed myself.

As a prince, I must not show my emotions, no matter what.

I returned my smile as if nothing had happened and straightened my posture.

"No, don't worry about it. I'm fine now. More importantly, did you give that scented oil to Esterize? Duchess of Brook."

"Yes, Prince Adelbert. It was a very good one."

"I see… Thank you."

The Duchess of Brook should understand the meaning of my slight glance.

Don't teach Esterize unnecessary things. Understand, Duchess of Brook.

"Princess Esterize, just because your partner cried, it doesn't necessarily mean they were uncomfortable. Sometimes, it's because it was too good."

Don't look away, Duchess of Brook. Look at me. Think about the meaning of my glance!

"Really!?"

"Yes. I sometimes make my husband cry, but he always says, 'It was very good, thank you,' after it's over."

"Oh, that's wonderful…"

Stop it, Duchess of Brook. How will I feel when I meet Shiraya next time?

"But it's not good to hurt someone. So, it's important to confirm their consent."

"That's true. It seemed good at the time, but he was also crying. Adelbert, how was my way of loving you?"

Are you asking this now!? I suppressed the urge to gasp and spoke.

"Wh… What… No… It wasn't… bad… but, let's talk about this later, when we're alone. Okay, Esterize?"

I, who stammered, should not do so. As a prince, I must always be composed, graceful, and not show my emotions… What a disgrace.

"I thought we could receive bedroom education together…"

"Wait, Esterize. Did you ask the Duchess of Brook for bedroom education?"

"Yes, I heard that Adelbert received study guidance from the Duke of Brook during his student days. So, I thought I would receive bedroom education from the Duchess. It's a good idea, isn't it? The Duke and Duchess of Brook are a very trustworthy couple."

It is indeed possible for a royal to receive bedroom education from a high-ranking married person. They must be trusted not to reveal royal secrets. The Duchess of Brook, in terms of her qualifications, is the ideal person… But…

"What do you mean? Duchess of Brook, did you accept?"

I put all my warning into my gaze. She should understand my intention and step back.

"I am confident in bedroom matters. Please leave it to me."

No! Why are you suddenly acting so incompetent, Duchess of Brook! Are you pretending not to understand!?

"The Duke and Duchess of Brook's relationship is well-known in society. There are other women who want to receive bedroom education from the Duchess."

"I would be happy to take on this role. If you have any recommendations, please let me know."

Stop it! Don't accept! Are you trying to bring a new wind to the bedroom affairs of the noble society! This is bad, I need to stop this conversation. I need to steer it in another direction.

"Is there any other reason for their good relationship? I would like to hear about their daily life."

"About their daily life… I don't think there's anything special…"

No, that's fine! That's perfect! I can't let Esterize be influenced by any more strange ideas! Otherwise, my waist will collapse!

"He enjoys having storybooks read to him."

"What?"

I couldn't help but respond in a tone unbecoming of a prince. Shiraya asks his wife to read him storybooks!? That stiff man can be so affectionate…

"Oh! Even that method! I will study and try it soon!"

Don't try it! No, maybe it's better than being reduced to a wreck in bed… If a storybook can satisfy her, I can do that…

"The key is to act out the characters in the storybook together, using props and giving a realistic performance. Don't be shy. Perform loudly enough to be heard down the hall."

N-no… That's impossible. As a prince, I have been trained to maintain a high level of decorum. This is too difficult for me…

Besides, what are the Duke and Duchess of Brook doing! Their way of deepening their love is too unique!

"I will study it!"

Esterize! Don't apply your diligent nature here!

This can't go on. I need to stop Esterize and the Duchess of Brook from talking any further! I should retreat for now!

"Esterize, let's end this tea party. We are newlyweds. Don't you think we should spend some time alone?"

"You're right. I was worried about Adelbert this morning. I'm sorry, Duchess of Brook, for calling you here."

"No, it's perfectly fine. I wish the royal couple a long and happy life. I will take my leave now."

Phew. It was close. Not only for Esterize, but I was about to show my ugly side. As a prince, I must not show my emotions.

"Please take this with you."

Just as I was relieved to see the Duchess of Brook leave, she picked up a package from her lap. She quickly unwrapped it and placed several containers on the table.

"I brought some other good scented oils. This one has a cooling effect, and this one tastes like fruit. I've also written down the descriptions, so please use the one you like."

"Oh! There are even tasty scented oils! I might bite after applying it!"

As a prince…

"Oh, what happened, Adelbert?"

"Prince Adelbert, you have a very intense expression."

I faceplanted onto the table with a loud thud.