The Unattractive Princess' Marriage - Episode 5

A knock echoed through a room that, though not of poor quality, was noticeably plainer than Sophina’s own room in Hydeland.

(I wonder if Aurelia sister would have been given a much different room.) “…” Sophina idly watched the elderly maid, assigned to her upon arrival in Kazak, head to the door to greet the caller, as if it were someone else’s business.

Her room in Hyde Castle glittered with pretty trinkets and beautiful decorations. It wasn’t she who tidied it, but those around her. She recalled how she had once yearned to emulate that room, only to realize that such a room was only complete because her sister was there, and she eventually gave up. She also realized then that everyone around her laughed at the thought of Sophina doing the same.

That she, of all people, was to welcome Feldric in this castle in Kazak seemed absurd no matter how she thought about it—Sophina turned her gaze towards the room’s entrance, repeating the same old complaint for the umpteenth time.

The maid silently opened the door, and Feldric appeared. “My dearest Sophina, you must be truly tired today, aren’t you? How is your mood, and your health?” If any ordinary man were to say such a thing, one would only be repulsed, but coming from him, it felt surprisingly normal. It was precisely this lack of discomfort that repulsed Sophina. With that suspicious smile still on his face, he sat beside Sophina on the sofa, then casually took her hand and kissed the back of it.

“Would you like something to drink?” “I’m fine. Sophina?” “I’m fine too.” Sophina realized her mistake when she answered Feldric, who had redirected the maid’s question to her, in the same manner he had answered. (If I’d asked for tea, I could have bought some time…) Noticing how deeply flustered she was, Sophina gripped the skirt of her nightdress. (This is the crucial moment, I must calm down.)

“Then, if you’ll excuse me. Good night.” The maid who had just offered her farewells gave Anna, who lingered unwillingly near Sophina, a stern look, urging her to leave the room with her. “…” Anna walked away slowly, her face showing such profound worry that Sophina, suppressing her inner tension, managed a faint smile in return.

The moment they were alone, Feldric’s smile vanished from his face. “So, mood and health.” He leaned back against the sofa, speaking with a bored tone. (Not just affection, but not even a polite ending… this cat-mask of a man.) Sophina involuntarily shot him a disgusted look and retorted sarcastically. “I’m a little tired, but thanks to you, my mood is excellent, Your Royal Highness Feldric.” She had somewhat prepared herself for the disdain and veiled insults she would receive for being next to Feldric at the wedding celebration, but the harassment she endured was far more than mere petty annoyances. She had never expected Feldric, now her husband, to protect her, but the experience was so unexpectedly awful that Sophina couldn’t hide her glare at him.

After his first dance with Sophina, Feldric accepted every invitation and danced with various women of all ages and statuses, completely abandoning Sophina in the process. It was her first time, and she was unfamiliar with everything. Furthermore, Alexander, who might have helped her, had suddenly left due to urgent business, leaving her with no one she knew. As expected, she was subjected to outright malice.

It began when the fourth daughter of the Horselorn Ducal House bumped into Sophina, who was holding a glass. Sophina had kept her arm away from her body, sensing something suspicious in the girl’s eye movements, which proved to be a correct precaution. The girl later apologized profusely, but Sophina distinctly heard her scoffing in annoyance after confirming Sophina was unharmed.

Next, while dancing with Feldric’s uncle, Duke Forderick, who was also Alexander’s father, a woman dancing nearby tripped her. If he hadn’t helped her skillfully, she would have fallen and suffered great embarrassment.

Then, seeking a moment’s respite on a less crowded terrace, she found herself facing an alluring lady with a fan. It was Countess Onsols, twice Sophina’s age and married. It was only by chance that the countess dropped her fan, and Sophina noticed the abnormality—”It’s not just a fan, the ribs are sharpened like blades”—and fled. But what if she had aimed it at Sophina? If her dress was merely torn, it would be acceptable, but she could have been seriously injured.

Besides these, direct insults, veiled criticisms, and mockery of her appearance were commonplace, though they caused no physical harm. “A sweetness that reminds one of wildflowers in the field,” they scoffed at her dull hair and eyes, “A friendly countenance,” subtly implying she was “ordinary” in a roundabout way, “I heard His Royal Highness Feldric desired this match…” “Indeed, if His Highness’s tastes run to Sophina-sama, then we certainly can’t compete,” hinting at his poor taste, And finally, “Ah, so that’s why it wasn’t the rumored Princess Aurelia,” comparing her to her sister and demeaning her so thoroughly it was almost refreshing.

“Is that dress in fashion in Hydeland?” The seemingly innocent question from Lady Nonolia Collett, implying “isn’t it too plain?”, stung, though Sophina knew it was her own doing.

Sophina was wearing a dress she had brought from Hydeland. Her accessories were also from there. She herself had decided the budget and managed the funds. If her brother hadn’t looked sad and said, “Spend more. For Hydeland’s sake, and for your own,” Sophina would have married with only the dresses and accessories she already owned. One reason was that many, including her father, were not pleased with Sophina’s marriage preparations. But the main reason was that Sophina herself did not want to expend effort on a marriage that was not just a mistake in identity, but aimed solely at weakening Hydeland’s resources and people. Her future husband had even said she had no need to dress up. No matter how much she tried to put on airs, she would only be laughed at.

“I had thought a dress would have been sent… Is His Royal Highness Feldric perhaps unexpectedly inattentive?” “Oh, to me, I received new earrings from Kerriane as thanks for a new variety of rose!” “That’s right, he’s someone who gives thoughtful gifts, even small ones, according to fashion and the recipient’s taste.” (That’s how it is, of course. Because “there’s no need to dress her up,” it’s me, not my sister.) One person showed sympathy, the other two mockery, but Sophina pretended not to notice, and as her mother had drilled into her, she put on what she believed to be her most beautiful smile. “Then, could you please teach me various things so I can quickly adapt to Kazak? Lady Nonolia’s ring is truly wonderful. Lady Ariuny’s dress, too. Are Lady Keanny’s shoes from Omerde?” Sophina called the young ladies by name, names she had crammed into her head beforehand, and praised the items of clothing and accessories they were probably proudest of. This drew out goodwill from those who were genuinely kind, and intimidated those who were not. “Ah, ah, yes, that’s right, it must be His Highness’s consideration for Hydeland. You must have made many preparations for your marriage.” “…Preparations, huh. Come to think of it, neither His Majesty the King of Hydeland nor His Royal Highness Crown Prince Celsius are here.” “I was so looking forward to meeting His Highness Celsius. I heard he’s very handsome, like Lady Aurelia.” *(Nonolia has no ill will herself and isn’t accustomed to others’ malice. Ariuny senses that Sophina isn’t cared for by her homeland. Keanny is honest, as she doesn’t say her brother is “like me”…) * The biggest problem among them was Ariuny Nobelburg. Sophina searched her memory, recalling that she was supposed to be the daughter of a marquis of Feldric’s faction. (Given her title and her pride, I can use her.) “My brother wanted to visit Kazak too, but unfortunately, he’s tied up with unavoidable official duties… I’m pressing him to settle down. It would be a great opportunity if he could meet you all, so I’ll write that in a letter.” “Oh, oh, yes, please do. Are you close with His Highness Celsius, Sophina-sama?” “I’ve always assisted him.” Smiling sweetly, implying her bond with her brother, Sophina navigated the situation.

Sophina was certain that only her brother, who was far away, would help her—yet a black residue accumulated in her heart, and whenever it became unbearable, Sophina would secretly glare at Feldric, who was happily dancing and conversing with women in her peripheral vision. What infuriated her most was that he seemed to be aware of all of it. Every time Sophina glared, he would give a knowing smile.

(Ultimately, this person is the root of all evil—) “Thanks to your ‘kind’ ‘guidance’ for my introduction to Kazak high society, I received ‘welcome’ from young ladies to elderly women unlike any I’ve experienced before.” “I’m glad I could be of help. And I’m very happy to discover how very capable you are.” But Feldric gave her a melting smile in response to Sophina’s sarcasm. (Knowing it’s a taunt, he brazenly replies that he was ‘testing’ me…) When Sophina, unable to bear it, muttered, “…What a personality,” Feldric responded by twisting the right corner of his mouth into a grin.

Then he slowly stood up and offered Sophina his hand. “…” When she involuntarily stared at his hand, he sighed, took her hand without permission, and pulled her up. “…” Silently, he led her towards a door. Beyond it was the bedroom. Sophina followed him, her steps awkward, her face stiff. Her prayer that the door wouldn’t open was in vain; she was easily pulled into the room.

“…Please.” Feldric, with a terribly cold expression, sat Sophina on the bed and then sat beside her. “…” The moment she felt the mattress give beneath them, all composure vanished from Sophina. Perhaps from a bath, his skin was faintly flushed, exuding a strange allure. Despite rumors that he didn’t practice swordsmanship, his height, significantly taller than average, somehow didn’t convey weakness, which felt like a personal insult.

“…” Sophina tried to suppress the rush of bl00d to her face by observing Feldric. Sophina had no immunity to such things. Before being a lady or a princess, no one had ever shown her such interest, and Sophina herself had always assumed such matters were far off and deliberately kept her distance. But she desperately told herself not to be flustered and swept away now, not to expose herself disgracefully again.

“…” Feldric suddenly adopted a serious expression and reached out his right hand towards Sophina’s left cheek. It wasn’t the face that teased and laughed, nor the sarcastic one, nor the cold one. “…” Seeing that face, the bl00d that had been rising to Sophina’s head instantly cooled.

“Could you wait?” Feldric’s hand stopped inches from her cheek, responding to Sophina’s voice.

(That face just now, it wasn’t serious, but rather the face of someone doing an obligation they didn’t want to do, nothing else…) Well, I knew it, Sophina thought, with a wry, tearful smile inwardly.