“How should I put it... He really is quite an adorable person, isn’t he? Rest.”
After their talk about the engagement concluded, Celestine let out a long, slow sigh.
They were still in the open-air bath. Rest had turned a vibrant shade of crimson before fleeing the water; by now, he was likely safely back in his room and fully dressed.
He possesses enough power to change the tide of a battle single-handedly, and he has two—no, perhaps three or more beautiful girls surrounding him, yet he remains so pure. I think I understand now why Viola and the others love him so much.
“Well... I suppose I don't need this anymore.”
Celestine unfastened the towel she had used to cover herself.
With a full bust and a slender, tapering waist, hers was a figure of striking proportions. Her exquisite skin, maintained with meticulous care, was now laid bare beneath the night sky.
You were watching me the whole time... weren't you, Rest?
Celestine gave a small, wry smile as she folded the wet towel and set it beside the bath.
Women were surprisingly perceptive when it came to a man’s gaze. She was well aware that while Rest had done his best to look away, he hadn't been able to stop himself from stealing glances at her.
Had it been Prince Rodel, he would have stared with crude, insolent eyes. No... if I had appeared like this before him, my virtue would already be a thing of the past.
To Celestine, there was something deeply endearing about the way Rest desperately tried to feign indifference despite his obvious interest. His character seemed sound, as well. Considering how much Viola, Primula, and Yuri adored him, she found no reason to be dissatisfied with him as a husband.
If Rest were to reject this marriage, I would be left with no options. I must ensure he accepts me, no matter what.
Ever since Rodel had incited his rebellion and been executed, Celestine had been without a fiancé. As the daughter of a Duke with royal blood in her veins, she couldn't simply marry anyone. Her partner had to be, at the very least, a nobleman of the rank of Count or higher—or royalty from another nation.
His Highness the Crown Prince is already wed. Though it hasn't been made public yet, a royal child is expected soon... taking a consort now would only invite political chaos. And since Prince Andrew clearly has no interest in marriage, the Royal Family is no longer an option.
Furthermore, nearly every man of sufficient rank within the kingdom already had a partner. While no one would dare refuse if the House of Crocus made a formal request, it would mean tearing apart an existing engagement.
Marrying abroad was even less appealing. Wedlock with a member of the neighboring Geisel Empire might offer a diplomatic advantage, but in the current political climate, she would be little more than a hostage. It would be a death sentence.
In other words... marrying Rest is the best possible outcome for me as well.
Celestine wasn't one to chase grand ideals in marriage. Even so, she had hoped to marry someone who was the polar opposite of Rodel—someone kind and considerate, devoid of arrogance.
While she wouldn't go so far as to call Rest her perfect ideal, he more than fit the criteria. In fact, since Rest was likely to face even greater hardships than her from here on, she felt they could find common ground in sharing their burdens.
“He probably won't refuse, but... as expected, I should probably stop the pursuit for tonight, shouldn't I?”
Celestine gave her own breasts a playful squeeze with her fingers.
Had her advances at the spring failed to make an impression, she had been prepared to resort to a night raid as a final measure. However, judging by his reaction earlier, it seemed unlikely that Rest would be the one to turn down the proposal.
“It would be unfair to Viola and Primula if I pushed too far, so I suppose I'll behave myself for now.”
Whether that decision was a blessing or a curse for Rest, only the moon looking down upon the spring would ever know.