Chapter 91: Worries (1)
【Do you understand? You missed the forehead kiss, but if you steal a kiss on the lips too, I’ll really get angry!】
‘I got it… I got it already!’
【And why are you acting all high and mighty about this now?!】
‘Did I do it on purpose!? Did I ask for it to happen!?’
【Then, if you turn red like that in such a situation, what man in the world wouldn’t react!? You shameless woman!】
Though it wasn’t unexpected, it was much fiercer than anticipated.
Real Astrid’s sharp rebuke echoed in her mind as Astrid pressed her temples and let out a long sigh.
“Is something troubling you, sister?”
“…No.”
It was Ashray. They were riding a carriage from the Miterien Duchy’s capital residence toward the duchy’s estate.
That was the morning’s incident.
Now, as it approached noon, at least four hours had passed. During those four hours, Astrid had endured the endless uproar of the real Astrid.
【Really, I don’t understand why we couldn’t switch bodies at that moment…】
‘That’s because it only happens once a day… And I told you not to switch at your whim.’
【Who could’ve known something like this would happen?】
‘So, it’s your fault in the end.’
【Are you trying to shift the blame onto me now!?】
As real Astrid’s nagging voice trailed off in her ears, Astrid sank into thought.
Leopold.
The image of Leopold that came to her mind was far from the arrogant and self-centered crown prince of the past.
There was something dazzling, refined, and strikingly handsome about him.
Every time he said “Astie” and his reddish, healthy-looking lips moved…
‘Ack.’
Astrid snapped out of her daze, shivering as if she’d woken from a nightmare. No, was she out of her mind? Why was she thinking about a man’s lips? Who cared what color a man’s lips were?
And why had her heart raced so much at that moment? She had no idea.
“It must be a source of anxiety. I don’t know what it means for a wife to leave her husband’s side, but from a wife’s perspective, it’s understandable to feel uneasy, isn’t it?”
Baizik, who burst out laughing boisterously, was met with a sharp side glance from Astrid.
Though she wouldn’t dare glare directly at him, as he wasn’t someone to be trifled with—or at least someone she shouldn’t provoke.
“I told you, it’s not like that yet. There’s no ‘husband’ or ‘wife’ yet.”
“Isn’t it already a foregone conclusion?”
“Well, that’s not certain…”
【Hey!】
At the same time, real Astrid’s loud shout made Astrid suppress the rising irritation. The chaos was coming from all directions.
Both her head and this carriage seemed filled with vexations wherever she turned.
A few hours ago.
Soon, the carriage carrying Astrid would depart, heading straight to the Miterien Duchy’s capital residence. From there, she would switch to the duke’s carriage and travel to the main estate.
Leopold stood watching the busy scene of luggage being loaded into the carriage.
“You seem uneasy, Leopold.”
“Elder.”
It was Baizik. With a benevolent smile, Baizik stroked his beard. His fond expression resembled that of a grandfather watching his grandchild’s antics.
But Leopold wasn’t pleased by that smile, not for any particular reason, but because he didn’t like the conditions Baizik had set.
Baizik’s request, for Leopold to spend time with his daughter at the academy while Astrid was away, didn’t sit well with him. And Baizik was surely aware of that.
“Don’t worry too much. Isn’t it said that lovers need time apart to strengthen their bond? You two were apart for years, but I suppose this time the feelings are different, aren’t they?”
“…As you say.”
Baizik’s words weren’t entirely wrong.
“Even though she’s my daughter, there are times when I can’t control her.”
“Pardon? Elder, what do you mean by that…?”
Ignoring Leopold’s puzzled reaction, Baizik called a servant over. When the servant rushed to him, Baizik pointed at a piece of luggage, and the servant struggled to lift it and carry it to the carriage.
“Young Crown Prince, you’ll be apart from Astrid for a month this time. I’m well aware of your relationship with her. All I want is for my daughter to gain a better understanding of the world.”
With that, Baizik turned away. Leopold, his eyes wide, watched Baizik’s retreating figure as the older man waved at him.
“The world exists beyond books, young Crown Prince. Remember, the world is outside your head.”
With those parting words, Baizik left. Leopold could only stare blankly at his retreating back.
Now.
Baizik quietly observed Astrid.
It had been nearly four hours since the carriage set off. The sun was high in the sky, and it was nearly time for lunch.
Even so, Astrid hadn’t spoken first. She sat staring blankly out the window, seemingly lost in thought.
Her younger brother, Ashray, grew restless seeing her like this. Baizik alternated his gaze between Astrid and Ashray, finding the dynamic between them amusing.
With age came experience, and with experience, one could perceive the dynamics of the world. Baizik easily grasped the relationships among the three of them.
How entertaining.
Baizik stroked his beard with a faint smile.
Ah, youth.
The blossoming of youth was evident in the unreserved expressions of affection and admiration among them.
The eruptions of youthful passion were like a volcano, its lava flowing unpredictably, its ash scattering to unknown horizons.
Such passion resided in them.
This interaction of hearts made their youth truly youthful. In that sense, Baizik believed that his daughter, Emilie, could now fully bloom.
Emilie had been engrossed in books and magic since childhood. While her precocious mastery of magic was commendable, it had left her inexperienced in human interaction.
This was why Baizik was initially surprised when Emilie joined the competition for the Crown Princess title.
However, understanding her intentions wasn’t difficult. Emilie likely sought access to the Imperial Library, particularly the exclusive royal archives. Even Baizik himself didn’t know what treasures were hidden there.
Perhaps even the current emperor was unaware. Emilie must have been driven by her thirst to explore those rare collections.
Baizik’s gaze shifted to Astrid. She still sat with her chin resting on her hand, staring out the carriage window.
Observing her profile, Baizik quietly chuckled. Indeed, her beauty was fitting for the title of “Empire’s Greatest Beauty.”
Silver hair cascading like threads of light, and features so refined they defied ordinary descriptions. Baizik admired Astrid’s profile.
Her gaze surely lingered where Leopold was.
As evidence, Astrid was looking toward the academy’s direction, where Leopold resided.
He hadn’t expected such anguish over a month-long separation.
With the tender relationship between the Crown Prince and his de facto Crown Princess, Baizik wondered if Emilie could even stand a chance.
Still, if Emilie managed to overturn expectations and become the Crown Princess, it wouldn’t be a loss.
The Jorgien Family lacked nothing in wealth or power. But the additional prestige of being the Crown Prince’s in-laws would be invaluable, bringing unparalleled glory to the Jorgien name.
If Emilie failed, it would still be fine.
Their resources were ample, and the experience would help Emilie grow and gain a better understanding of human emotions. That too would be a worthwhile outcome.
‘Still, to think they’d grow so close after ten years of enmity… I suppose absence makes the heart grow fonder. Wolfgang, you were too harsh.’
Watching Astrid’s forlorn expression, Baizik completely misunderstood the situation.
【Are you sure you were really a man before?】
‘I’m sure. Why? Do I look like a crazy woman pretending to have been a man?’
【Honestly, yes.】
Astrid nearly burst out laughing from sheer exasperation but held back due to her surroundings.
【How can someone who was a man behave like such a natural flirt!?】
‘Hey, calling me a flirt is uncalled for.’
【Then explain why your face softened after getting a forehead kiss.】
There was no response to that.
Why had her heart raced at that moment? Why had the pounding in her chest shown no signs of calming?
It was all so inexplicable.
‘I’m going to sleep. Don’t talk to me.’
【Oh, look at you dodging the subject because you’ve got nothing to say. You’re unbelievable.】
‘Am I not even allowed to sleep!?’
She was a man.
She had been a man.
Astrid repeated that truth to herself over and over again.