NOVEL WEB Chapter 22.1
Stage 1-22. The Princess Captured In A Birdcage
A space dominated by silence.
There is no chance of conversation happening.
Because we have never nurtured any love between us, not for a single moment.
“……”
The clinking sound of dishes echoes.
Even so, we dine together like this for the sake of appearances to my father.
Which is why, aside from the two of us, no one else is in the room.
It must not be revealed how cold our relationship is.
…No, it’s possible they realized long ago.
There’s never been so much as a hint of laughter.
Yet if we’re still maintaining this marriage, then… I must really only be seen as a tool.
“Hey.”
Suddenly, his voice called out, and I flinched without thinking.
It seems I had lowered my gaze while sinking deep into thought.
When I looked up, there was Crown Prince Arnia, resting his cheek on his hand, staring at me.
“Yes, what is it?”
“Give me more money. Five gold coins will do.”
“Wha… didn’t I just give you some recently?”
“I already used that. That’s why I’m asking again.”
“Used…? On what, exactly…?”
“You don’t need to ask. Unlike you, pretending to be a man, it was on a real woman.”
“…!”
I don’t want to dress like a man by choice…!
I want to take off this tight chest binding, wear skirts, and live every day in cute clothes.
“What’s with that defiant look? I could call off the engagement, you know?”
“Th-that’s…”
“But what do you think your father would do if that happened?”
…He would undoubtedly imprison me.
That would be the best-case scenario. They might even prepare a body double, and I’d be sent to some far-off land in disgrace.
Sure, I’ve been trained to inherit the family name, but if I’m useless, I’ll be discarded.
That’s the kind of person my father is.
To him, everything is just a tool.
He’s only using me to strengthen the Revetzenka family.
“You understand now, don’t you? You just need to obey me.”
Crown Prince Arnia flashed a wicked, sneering smile.
He knows.
He knows I can’t defy my father.