The Unattractive Princess' Marriage - Episode 4

The Kazak Kingdom’s State Guest Palace, where the wedding celebration was held, overflowed with elegantly dressed people. The space, easily twice the size of her homeland’s, was as bright as day, lit by the light scattered by delicate glass ornaments. The upper arches of the numerous double-leafed French windows lining both sides were spire-shaped, adorned with elaborate geometric patterns and stained glass. In the back, an orchestra played soft music, welcoming the guests.

“Congratulations on your marriage, His Highness Feldric, Her Highness Sophina.” “This will ensure Kazak’s continued prosperity, a joyous occasion indeed.” “We pray for the ever-increasing glory of our Kazak Kingdom and Her Highness’s homeland, Hydeland.”

Sophina feigned ignorance of the appraising gazes from all around as she smiled and responded to the endless stream of congratulations. The moment a gaze shifted, she subtly noted its direction, impressing the person’s face into her memory along with their name and other information gathered from greetings. Who might be an ally, who a foe, in what situations? What were their natures, qualities, hobbies, and preferences? Their relationships, their power dynamics—it was the same work she did in her homeland, but whether she liked it or not was another matter. Neither her mother nor her brother enjoyed such occasions, and Sophina disliked them too, especially since reaching a certain age.

“A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. …You are as beautiful as rumored.” “…Thank you.” (They’re definitely mistaking me for my sister, and they’re inwardly wondering about it…)

Sophina suppressed a wry smile and gave a safe reply. But when she felt Feldric next to her subtly chuckle, she wanted to run away. The occasion was already difficult enough, and her discomfort only intensified now that Feldric had replaced her brother by her side. What was truly infuriating was that the more displeased Sophina looked, the more pleased his aura became.

Sophina’s aversion grew even further as the Hydeland Ambassador to Kazak, who was lined up behind them and likely heard the same conversation, clouded his face.

“On behalf of His Majesty King Ulim II of Hydeland, I offer my congratulations. Sincere congratulations on your marriage, Your Highness Feldric, Her Highness Sophina.” The ambassador stated this with a stern face, then looked at Sophina, and uncomfortably averted his gaze. “My, uh, His Majesty King Ulim II had wished to attend, but unfortunately, he is not feeling well, and…” “I offered my greetings directly to my father-in-law in Hydeland and received his congratulations. It is regrettable that I could not show him Sophina’s bridal appearance, but there is no cause for concern. Please convey my best regards.” “Yes. Your generous words, I shall certainly…”

Feldric watched the ambassador’s retreating figure with a cold gaze. (Hydeland’s assistance… still can’t be relied upon, it seems…) Her father was not pleased with Sophina’s marriage and had conveyed as much to the ambassador. And now, Feldric had likely realized it too.

_ “Oh, Sophina, how rare for you to come to a night party… Is that dress new? Aren’t you, Sophina, founder of arranging office chairs than dressing up? It’s alright, I’ll speak to Father so he doesn’t make you overexert yourself.” _ _ “No matter how well one arranges wallflowers, they can’t compare to the beauty of a naturally blooming flower, can they?” _ _ “Uh, Her Highness Sophina, I think she’s intelligent and wonderful. But, somehow, she’s not seen as a candidate for engagement or anything like that…” _

(It’s not just Father and the ambassador. Everyone must think “I’m strange”…) Perhaps because of this, remembering everything from her homeland, Sophina involuntarily cast her eyes down.

A murmur arose, drowning out the music. Realizing she had left herself vulnerable, Sophina hastily looked up, and before her, the crowd parted like a receding wave. What appeared beyond was a strikingly conspicuous duo, walking directly towards them. (Ah…) Sophina recognized the black-haired man among them and finally felt her tension ease slightly.

She had met this man, Alexander Rod Folderick, the only one in this country who seemed to understand her, when Feldric came to Hydeland to “propose” to Sophina. She had heard he was the heir to Kazak’s most powerful ducal house and served as Feldric’s escort knight, and now Sophina confirmed that fact by the reaction of those around them.

(He chuckled, he really did. Is he truly Feldric’s cousin?) The man who had just met Sophina’s gaze and smiled gently was, unlike Feldric, a compassionate, mature gentleman. Their auras were different too. While both were strikingly beautiful, Feldric radiated a vibrant light, whereas Alexander possessed a sharp, masculine presence.

“You look pleased, Sophina.” “There is no joy in life that surpasses the presence of someone who understands you.” Yes, above all, Alexander knew Feldric’s true nature.

_ “Oh, so you don’t like me as your partner? I think I’m more than you deserve, don’t you? Everyone says so.” _ _ “—Rick, shut your mouth. Given your true nature, you are far more ill-suited to her.” _ During the night party held in Hydeland after the proposal, he had sharply rebuked Feldric’s true feelings, which had been exposed in the garden next to the venue. He must have noticed Sophina desperately trying to hold back tears. Then, he made Feldric, his master, leave the scene.

_ “…I was prepared for it.” _ Having lost her first love so cruelly, and moreover, being confronted with her own foolishness, the pathetic words Sophina managed to squeeze out to somehow maintain her dignity were just that. _ “Your Highness Sophina, there are those here who sincerely await your arrival in Kazak. And I am confident that as more people come to know your character, they will feel the same.” _ Therefore, his quiet reply had saved her.

Sophina, who had been tense all day, no, ever since entering Kazak, looked up at Alexander’s face, a head and a half taller than hers, unable to conceal her delight. And from his shadow, his partner’s figure was revealed.

“You look like an idiot, Sophina, even more so than usual.” “But… she’s truly beautiful…”

Sophina stared blankly at her, unable even to react to Feldric’s sarcasm. Sophina had believed her sister to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Yet, this person, completely different from her sister, was still beautiful. Her long golden hair, reaching her waist, rippled softly, reflecting the light from the ceiling and shining dazzlingly. Long limbs and exceptionally tall stature. Her body was perfectly enveloped in a simple red dress, made of fabric that was clearly luxurious at a glance, more so than anyone else in the room. It was something that absolutely could not be worn unless one had a perfectly sculpted figure. Though the neckline was wide open, there was no vulgarity whatsoever; it only accentuated her perfection. What was most striking was her vibrant and glamorous aura.

(This person… even my sister might pale in comparison…) Sophina truly understood why Alexander had not been captivated by her sister when he came to Hydeland. Besides Sophina, who continued to stare blankly at her, Feldric let out a cynical chuckle.

“Rick, congratulations on your marriage. Your Highness Sophina, welcome to Kazak. It’s truly a pleasure to see you again.” At Alexander Rod Folderick’s voice, Sophina finally tore her gaze away from his wife. He greeted Feldric with an easygoing, softened glance, and Sophina politely and warmly. Recalling the words he had given her before, Sophina returned a genuine smile, a testament to the sincerity in his eyes.

“Your Highness, this is my wife, Phillicia.” Introduced by Alexander, seeing her up close again, she was truly beyond any description other than beautiful. Deep green cat-like eyes, faintly rosy cheeks, and lustrous pale lips. A long, white neck and a small, oval face. The dress she wore was charmingly mature, yet her overall impression was transparent and dignified, never appearing otherwise. She looked like the queen of the fairy realm from an old Hydeland legend.

(I knew Alexander was married, but…) Sophina inwardly gave a slight wry smile, feeling as though the faint sprout of admiration she’d had for the calm, older man had been thoroughly crushed.

“?” But her effort to make eye contact with her, steeling herself against backing down, was wasted. The other woman would not meet her gaze. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness Sophina. And… congratulations… on your marriage…” “?” “Thank you.” The woman, who had been looking down, glanced at her for a moment, and Sophina thought her expression twisted in pain. But before she could confirm it, the woman looked down again.

“Phillicia, you look even more beautiful today.” “…” At Feldric’s words, the only visible part of her face, her earlobe, turned crimson, and she seemed to murmur something in a low voice. (…Ah.) Feldric apparently heard it clearly. He smiled genuinely for a moment. (Regardless of his cousin Alexander, his wife also seems close to Feldric.) Sophina pretended not to notice the sharp pang of pain and looked down, analyzing the situation. And then she regretted it even more. “…” The dress Sophina was wearing was her own, brought from Hydeland—one she had chosen carelessly because she didn’t want to spend money and effort on this marriage. Despite having accepted this, she felt uncomfortable.

“Alex, it seems Hildis is calling you over there.” “Then, Your Highness, if you’ll excuse me.” “Your Majesty, if you’ll excuse me, Your Highness.” “…No greeting for me?” “Do you have a reason in mind why you shouldn’t get one?” Alexander glared at Feldric, then, as if to shield his wife from the converging gazes, he put his arm around her and turned on his heel.

“Honestly, you’ve become so uncute…” Feldric shrugged at him, then perfectly reapplied his usual mask. Sophina let out a long sigh, wondering if this rapidly changing man was truly her husband.

And it wouldn’t be a joke for long—that was what truly scared her.