The Villainess Has Proposed a Contract Marriage

28 – The Meaning of a Crying Cicada

After the first song concluded and we descended from the ballroom.

Countless people sent us excessive attention. Among them, of course, there were uncomfortable gazes, but the majority simply wanted to strike up a conversation out of curiosity.

However, they didn’t approach us recklessly. It was because three individuals approached us, overwhelming the atmosphere around us.

His Holiness the Pope, Headmaster Rupert, and finally… Saint Euphria.

‘Is it necessary for three people to gather when even one is burdensome…?’

It’s not just a burden for us, but for other attendees as well.

The temple originally doesn’t pay extreme attention to worldly matters. Therefore, the nobles had no reason to despise the temple, nor did they have any reason to revere it.

However, the story was different for figures widely known by the masses – those above the rank of an archbishop. Even the arrogant nobles didn’t dare to mock them.

It was more of a respect than fear of the temple.

Respecting their faithfulness to not interfere in politics while carrying the support of the masses on their backs.

The three individuals who stood at the pinnacle of such respect were right in front of us, so how could it not be burdensome?

I immediately knelt down and showed respect.

“Knight Harte, I humbly greet His Holiness the Pope.”

“No, no. What if people see us like this at the banquet hall? It’s embarrassing because everyone is watching.”

“… I apologize.”

In truth, it was intentional to lower myself excessively.

Since I already committed a sin, I thought that going as low as possible would be the smoothest way to get through the situation.

At that moment, His Holiness turned his attention to Elphicia.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Harte.”

“This is our first meeting, Your Holiness.”

“The first time…”

His Holiness trailed off.

After that, silence enveloped us. It would have been better if a crow cried out and shattered the stillness, but it felt as if the voices of the people suddenly grew quieter.

In the vague silence, Elphicia’s lips twitched for a moment, and His Holiness’s pupils suddenly changed to a mysterious light.

Then he asked.

“Is it true?”

…

This time, Elphicia remained silent. I don’t know what’s going on. But the hesitation was brief, and the action was swift.

I intervened between Elphicia and His Holiness, hiding her behind me.

“Please forgive her, Your Holiness.”

“Hmm.”

His pupils, which had been shining with a mysterious light, returned to their original sky-blue color. Then, as if nothing had happened, he casually cleared his throat.

“I’m sorry, both of you. But Harte knows, right? That it’s not something I can control.”

“… Knowing that, we have come to an impasse.”

“Oh… If you’re such a harmonious couple, it would be difficult to suggest going back to the temple.”

“Because we have taken on more responsibilities.”

“That’s right. If that’s Harte’s sense of justice and devotion to the gods, personally, I have no complaints.”

It’s sincere.

His Holiness the Pope is a person who would rather remain silent but never utter a falsehood. If he had given the OK sign, it truly meant that he had no regrets whatsoever.

After a moment, he extended his neck and addressed Elphesia behind him.

“Did I commit a breach of etiquette earlier? I would like to bless you in the spirit of an apology. Would that be acceptable?”

“… Yes. I will gratefully accept.”

I took a step back. And His Holiness the Pope moved forward, raising his hand over Elphesia’s head.

Pong, torong, pong.

A strange tone, as if a giant soap bubble burst, echoed. At the same time, iridescent bubbles floated around us, gently drifting.

It was divine.

The only person who used divinity without a baptismal name. That was the giant known as the Pope.

Divinity takes on different forms for each person, and His Holiness’s divinity took the form of iridescent bubbles.

“That… is the divinity of His Holiness the Pope.”

“Goodness, just looking at it feels awe-inspiring.”

“So that’s what divinity is like… I’ve never seen it before.”

Comments from the spectators in the outfield flew in. Certainly, it was natural, given that people from the outside world had no opportunity to encounter divinity and miracles.

On the other hand, for some reason, I found his divinity, which rarely showed itself, unpleasant.

Why could that be?

This, at least, seemed to be a concept that could only be explained as a matter of mood.

After finishing the blessing, His Holiness the Pope lightly clapped his hands.

“Well then~ done! Nothing special, and there won’t be any illness for a while. If anyone was ailing, they should all be well now, right?”

“Thank you once again, Your Holiness.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Harte has lived such a peculiar life, hasn’t he? So… please, please take care of him in the future.”

“You don’t have to say that.”

Elphicia didn’t look at His Holiness. Instead, she stared at Iveria, who was sitting behind him, and declared with a confident tone.

“No matter what anyone says, he is my husband.”

“hehehe… That’s good to hear.”

He took a step back. It seemed like his farewell.

“Well then, I’ll go gather some snacks~. I hope the two of you can finish your conversation peacefully!”

There was a storm-like atmosphere that swept past.

Thanks to that, I had to force myself to speak first.

“You’re still the same… Your Holiness.”

“Well, I’m just a human who can’t help it.”

The director replied cynically.

Then, he approached Elphicia, showing great interest.

“Listen, Lady Elphicia. I have many questions I want to ask you.”

“You can ask me anything.”

“In that case…”

The director asked with a gleam in his eyes.

“What does that guy like so much that he got married?”

“Giggle!”

“Cough.”

It was almost like an ambush. A cough, heard by both me and Elphesia, burst out uncontrollably.

The captain often laughed in a lewd manner and persistently pressed for answers.

“I’ve been watching you since you were a child, but you’re a boring guy. Your face may be half and half, but just look around you. There are plenty of better people… It’s not like you have a lot of money either.”

He shamelessly relied on facts as if it were a cowardly tactic. That damn captain.

“He’s just a useless person like my father, let’s step up.”

“…”

Elphesia alternated her gaze between me and Rupert. Judging by the blush on her face, she seemed too embarrassed to speak up.

No matter how much she tried to lie, it would be difficult for Elphesia to do so in front of the person involved.

I had to intervene appropriately.

… It was around the time when I decided on a course of action.

The orchestra finished preparing for the next piece. Many people entered the ballroom, and Euphria, who had been guarding the place diligently, took a few steps forward.

“Harte.”

“Euphria.”

In terms of hierarchy, it would be unimaginable for me to call Euphria, the Saint, by her name. However, we were childhood friends who grew up together, and His Holiness the Pope allowed us to address each other comfortably considering that.

“You must have a lot to say, my knight.”

“Don’t call me by my former title. I am currently the director of the orphanage.”

“… I see.”

Euphria seemed flustered. After hesitating for a while, she extended her hand with a smile that seemed forced.

“Let’s dance, Harte. It’s the perfect time for the two of us to talk.”

“I got married, Evaria. I’m sorry, but I have to be faithful to my spouse.”

I add a few more words.

“Don’t commit adultery. As a husband to one woman, I don’t want to casually embrace someone else.”

Upon hearing this, Evaria chuckled.

“What are you talking about? This is a ballroom. Dancing with someone doesn’t lead to adultery. Especially between you and me. Isn’t that right?”

“If you could see it as my personal belief, I would appreciate it. If I were to hold hands with a woman privately, there would only be two options.”

The obvious options were Elphesia and Tina. However, Evaria was more persistent than expected.

“But you’re the only person I can ask for. I’m afraid of causing trouble by dancing with someone I don’t know…”

“Evaria…”

I’m going crazy.

The only person I can dance with is Elphesia.

Because… I get really nervous dancing with someone else while sober.

I could barely manage the waltz as the first song, but after a few days of crash learning, I’m expected to synchronize with someone else?

I can confidently say that Evaria will not be happy. Ethically, I am not allowed to dance with someone else.

So I made my choice.

“Elphesia!”

“Uh, Harte?”

I wrap my arms around her waist from behind. Then, with the most resentful gaze I can muster, I shoot a look at the host.

“Please refrain from asking my wife uncomfortable questions, sir. There is no reason to doubt the love between a married couple.”

“No, well, I mean, it’s not that…”

Elphicia tried to protest, but I continued speaking, deliberately cutting her off.

“And decided to dance only the first piece and head to the labyrinth garden? So, fold up any thoughts of following us soon. Even you, Iberia.”

“Harte, you…! What are you saying so loudly right now…!?”

“It’s okay, Elphicia. What’s better than having a protective husband at times like this?”

“No, it’s not that…!”

“Let’s go to the labyrinth garden!”

I grabbed Elphicia and exited the ballroom.

Truly, no one had the nerve to stop our unilateral departure.

It was an undeniably appropriate judgment.

There was a time when I felt just as confident.

“…Is that guy really crazy? Declaring so boldly that he’ll have s*xual relations outdoors?”

“My Harte… has fallen… It must be because of that woman… I need to set things right…”

– Head to the labyrinth garden.

In ordinary times, it would mean just that, but in the matured night, the meaning changed.

And that meaning is…

– We will have a secret meeting in a place where no one can find us.

… That was the true intention behind Harte’s loudly proclaimed words.

Rupert, dumbfounded, let out a suppressed laugh, and Iberia, burdened by heavy melancholy, showed a tearful expression.

The man who had been a childhood friend and a knight protector, once innocent, no longer existed in this world.

On a night when the stars shone brightly.

The birth of a legendary couple, widely talked about in social circles.

◇

Second Prince Reinas was a dullard.

Not only in studies and sports but also in grasping reality, he was the slowest among his siblings. Consequently, he naturally ended up living a life where he half-heartedly gave up on many things.

Failing at everything he tried, he was left only with his status, no different from a lump of clay. The realization struck him at the winter of fifteen. Absurdly, it was only then that the rumors of noble families reached his ears.

Although he was quick to give up, there was no joy in it.

Depression accumulated, and he vented it out with greasy food.

Years went by in this repetitive cycle.

He had transformed into a pig that could barely walk properly.

Three layers of folded belly fat.

A waddling gait like a duck.

The boundary between chin and neck was uncertain.

He was the epitome of hopelessness.

For such a hopeless case, a turning point in fate arrived unexpectedly with a letter.

[Chandler Marquis proposes an engagement to Second Prince Reinas.]

Although the content was an engagement, it was a practical proposal. And the person who brought the proposal in person was stunning enough to leave one’s mouth agape.

Lynia Chandler, the Marquise, a woman extraordinary enough to bend the social circles to her will in the quiet present of Elphicia Luminael. From her beauty to her abilities, there was nothing about her that would bow down. And she directly presented the proposal to me.

I thought it was a lie.

Even so, I, an unattractive chubby, couldn’t believe that Lynia Chandler would claim me as her husband.

It was physically challenging.

Even the appearance had to be somewhat unimpressive to endure, but with a body like this, resembling a goddess just by looking in the mirror… If someone were to hold my hand, I might crumble like sand.

That’s what I thought.

However, Linnia Chandler was an ambitious woman.

Holding hands without a crack in her expression, sometimes dancing. As a partner at the banquet, she fulfilled her role flawlessly.

Really, she’s going to be my wife.

She’s trying to share a bed with someone like me.

It was astonishing enough to stop my heart, and at the same time, I felt a sinking sensation.

Sinking. Yes. That’s when I realized.

I like Linnia Chandler.

Despite knowing that her generous kindness is all a false act, I found myself liking her.

While others would raise their eyebrows just by being around, I appreciated her silent dedication to her role.

…To become a laughingstock under the theme of the Pig Prince, it ended up like that.

But at some point, she changed.

I heard it was around the time of a disastrous embroidery gathering.

Since then, as my fiancée, she began openly showing disgust towards me. She didn’t hesitate to use harsh words, and her obsessive behavior increased.

I wasn’t disappointed.

I wasn’t angry.

I was just curious. What could have shattered the iron-like Linnia Chandler…

And, the continuously scheming fiancée was endlessly worrying.

“What should I do… Linnia.”

Clearing my mind and coming to life, I don’t know how I should change to appease her.

From the beginning, it’s questionable whether it’s even possible.

The only feasible action for me was to escape outdoors with Linnia, who loathed me, left in the banquet hall.

In such circumstances, the Second Prince, who was aimlessly walking outside, coincidentally reached the labyrinthine garden.

There, the first thing he noticed was…

“Are you in your right mind?! Just strolling around spreading rumors, huh? You’re not going to answer? Harte!”

“I, I really didn’t know it had such a lewd meaning… Should I cut off my tongue even now?”

“If it’s you, you might actually do it, so don’t say such things!”

“Well, it’s sincere…”

“This burn…! Ugh…”

… It was a scene where the owner of the notorious baptismal name suffered a humiliating sight from his wife.