TGW Chapter 22 Part 3

 

The long meeting that consumed the entire afternoon had finally come to an end. The Imperial Assembly convenes three times over three days.

However, it had never ended after just three sessions. The assembly could be extended twice more upon the request of a majority of the members, and there was always at least one request every year.

The Emperor declared the session adjourned and left immediately afterward. The members, however, did not leave right away. They lingered, socializing and occasionally extending their discussions over dinner or drinks.

Groups of members formed in small clusters. The Iron King was particularly popular among the representatives of the vassal states. There was also considerable interest in the new face, Marquis Rad.

Sienna left the meeting room immediately. Her mind was filled with the discussions from today’s meeting. She wanted to return and sort through it all as soon as possible.

"Your Highness, Princess Sienna."

Sienna stopped and turned her head. Kuhn was hurrying after her.

"Where are you going?"

"Back to the palace."

"Is there something urgent?"

"I realized I lack understanding of some topics discussed today. I plan to go back and study to make up for it."

"Extra study, is it?"

Kuhn laughed softly.

"I’d like to join you."

Sienna stared at him as if trying to decipher his intentions.

"Invite me to the palace, please. And it would be even better if you could offer me a meal. I’ve only had breakfast today, and I was worried my stomach might embarrass me during the meeting."

Kuhn smiled, but he anxiously awaited her answer. He had taken a gamble. If her heart was truly open to him, she wouldn’t refuse his request just because of others watching.

While the two were conversing, people began to exit the meeting room. They showed interest in the man and woman standing face to face.

"Let’s do that."

Sienna's quick agreement surprised Kuhn.

"Will you give me a meal too?"

Sienna smiled.

"That’s not difficult."

Sienna looked at Kuhn, who seemed momentarily frozen. Was that not the answer he wanted? She couldn’t understand his expression, which was neither quite a smile nor a frown.

"May I come along too?"

The Iron King, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, jumped in. He glanced at Kuhn’s face and clicked his tongue softly.

‘Oh my, just look at that expression.’

His eyes were intense, almost as if they were shooting laser beams. It was as if he could hear Kuhn screaming, ‘Why are you interfering?!’ Dian ignored Kuhn’s hostile glare.

‘How petty. I also want to get closer to Princess Sienna.’

Up until now, Dian had maintained a neutral stance, sometimes offering small favors but mostly just watching. He thought it was up to Kuhn and Sienna to figure out their relationship.

However, his perspective had shifted a bit since the party held at the Marquis's estate a while back. That day, Dian had witnessed it himself—the tension between Sienna and Kuhn was one of strong mutual attraction.

Yet, people were caught in their own biases, merely tilting their heads in confusion. If Dian hadn’t known the situation, he might have wondered, ‘What are those two up to?’

Seeing it firsthand felt different from vaguely thinking, ‘They seem to be getting along.’ Dian felt a bit left out. He wanted to know Sienna better. He was curious if getting to know her on a personal level would warm her demeanor.

Dian had always longed for familial affection. He hid his vulnerability from those who believed in him and followed him, but at times he felt intensely lonely.

His decision to marry Violet for political reasons was partly rooted in this loneliness. He had always envied the close bond between the Red King and Doug. How reassuring it must be to have a relative with whom to discuss difficult matters.

Ignoring Kuhn's furious glare, Dian continued to joke with Sienna.

“I haven’t had much to eat either. Listening to you two talk just now has made me hungry.”

“You should eat on time. Neither of you seems to be handling the long meetings properly.”

Sienna looked at the two men, both with persuasive eyes.

‘They must be very hungry.’

In truth, the messages the two men conveyed with their eyes were entirely different. Kuhn’s eyes said, ‘Reject Dian,’ while Dian’s said, ‘I want to come too.’ Sienna wasn’t perceptive enough to distinguish between the two.

“If we go now, you won’t be able to eat immediately. You’ll have to wait while the meal is prepared.”

Sienna turned to leave. As the two men watched her walk away, their gazes met. Kuhn’s eyebrow twitched upwards. Dian slyly moved first, quickly walking to join Sienna.

Kuhn narrowed his eyes and stared at the siblings walking side by side. Dian had promised not to interfere.

‘Dian, surely you haven’t changed your mind at this point.’

Had someone whispered to Dian that Marquis Rad seemed to be plotting something with the Silver King? He had all sorts of thoughts.

‘I won’t concede when it comes to my relationship with her.’

Kuhn caught up with them, positioning himself to the right of Sienna. The three walked with Sienna in the middle, the two men flanking her closely, giving off an impression of familiarity.

The remaining onlookers had various expressions.

“I’d heard the Silver King often interacts with the Iron King.”

“I’d also heard she’s close to Marquis Raad.”

“Seems those rumors weren’t completely unfounded.”

The dukes and representatives of the vassal states were all seasoned politicians who had spent years honing their skills in reading others. But they couldn’t quite figure out the dynamic between these three. Especially the intentions of the Silver King, which remained inscrutable.

Meeting with either the Iron King or Marquis Raad individually could be interpreted as an attempt to gauge an opponent.

However, engaging with both powerful opponents simultaneously was not wise. The basic strategy in any conflict—be it a battle of wits or physical combat—relied on numbers to pressure the opponent.

Doug’s expression grew even darker. He pretended not to notice the sidelong glances around him. ‘Since you’re her uncle, you must know what the Silver King is thinking, right?’ everyone seemed to say with their eyes.

‘As if I’d know. Like mother, like daughter—they’re both a headache.’

Beyond the mother and daughter, Doug had plenty of other concerns that were irritating him.

In the past, he would have been very sensitive to the Silver King’s actions. He would have gone straight to the Red King’s palace to discuss it with Patricia. But now, Doug’s mind was preoccupied with something else. He declined Duke Morton’s offer for a drink and left the Sun Palace.

He had recently opened the safe his father had left behind and confronted an ugly truth. Why the late Emperor had seen the Acheron family as a thorn in his side, the relationship between his father, the deceased Duke of Acheron, and the late Emperor, and the actions his father had taken.

‘I understand now why Father didn’t want this passed on to his descendants.’

Inside the safe was his father’s diary, which captured his entire life.

‘Father probably had no intention of showing it to anyone else when he wrote it.’

The diary revealed the dark side of the late duke. It vividly described his shameful secrets that could not be exposed. Doug could understand his father’s actions, even the most inhumane ones, as long as they were justified as being for the family.

However, discovering his father’s flawed character was a shock. The man Doug had revered as a god was actually a lowly person plagued by inferiority complexes.

Doug's respect for his father had been a sturdy pillar that supported him. Losing that support left him deeply shaken. Well past forty, he felt like a lost child.

Under his father's protection, he had been a fearless heir to the dukedom. Even after the old duke's death, he hadn’t yet become fully independent of his father’s shadow.

‘Still… I respect Father’s dedication to the family.’

His father must have left the diary, laying himself bare in front of his son. Doug couldn’t imagine doing the same. He sighed. Everything seemed dark ahead.

‘At least it’s fortunate that there are no surviving members of the Acheron family.’

Doug pondered how he could determine how much the Emperor knew about the old incident.

‘But if His Majesty knew about it, why did he leave Father alone?’

His father had died of old age. Until his death, the Rimone family had thrived.

‘For now… let’s not tell Patricia.’

Deep down, Doug always harbored a sense of wariness toward his cunning younger sister. If she had been a brother, she might have already taken the heir’s position from him.

 

***

 

Countess Pope greeted Sienna and her guests warmly. The two handsome men with contrasting charms were a pleasure to behold.

"Countess, please bring the tea to my office," Sienna requested.

"The office, Your Highness?" the Countess asked, surprised.

"There isn't a large enough table anywhere else for the three of us to sit together, and I will also need writing materials," Sienna explained.

"Ah, I see what you mean, Your Highness."

"And please have dinner prepared for the three of us as well."

"Of course, Your Highness."

The three of them waited briefly in the reception room before moving to the office once the maids had finished preparing it. They had moved the table that was previously set against the corner to the center of the room and arranged the sofas around it. Three chairs and writing materials were set on the table.

The three of them took their seats. Dian glanced around the room.

"This is nice. It has an atmosphere that’s conducive to concentration," he remarked.

He thought the room suited its owner perfectly. The spacious desk was well-organized and tidy. There were bookshelves within arm's reach when seated at the desk, behind the chair when it was turned around, and within a few steps when standing up. Documents were likely sorted by importance and frequency of use.

"Come visit my palace sometime, and I’ll show you my office. Or should we just go to my palace tomorrow?" Dian suggested, using the opportunity to invite Sienna.

"You're planning to join us tomorrow as well?" Kuhn's eyes narrowed at Dian.

"Iron King, we’re not here to play. We’re going to review today’s meeting. Write down everything you remember in order on the paper in front of you," Sienna instructed.

Dian pulled a face.

"Silver King, we could just request a copy of the minutes. Why go through all this trouble…?"

"Reviewing what I remember is how I study. Later, I can compare it with the minutes to see what I missed."

"…Do you always do this?"

"Not for every meeting."

Dian looked at Sienna with an expression of disbelief. He had heard about her diligence, but the extent of her study routine was beyond his imagination.

The only sound in the quiet office was the scratching of pens on paper. The three of them wrote in silence for over an hour.

Dian’s pen eventually came to a stop.

‘Hmm. Who said this here?’

Being a royal by blood, Dian had a naturally sharp mind. He relied entirely on his memory to recall the long discussions from the meeting.

‘It’s nice to organize it like this, though.’

He sighed softly and set his pen down.

‘But my head feels like it’s about to explode. My hand hurts too.’

He inherently disliked activities that involved straining his brain. Being smart didn’t mean he liked studying.

Dian propped his chin up with one hand and alternated his gaze between Sienna and Kuhn. Both were writing without pause. Sheets of paper filled with writing were stacking up neatly.

‘They’re both monsters. Yes, they make a perfect match. Truly fitting.’

Dian grumbled to himself about how hard it was for an ordinary person to keep up with such "monsters."

"Silver King."

"Yes?"

"Do you remember saying we’re rivals for the divine crown?" Dian asked.

Sienna looked up.

"Of course."

"Did you mean it?"

"Why are you asking about something I said so long ago?"

"Because I didn’t get the chance to ask back then. Do you still feel the same way?"

"I meant it, and my feelings haven’t changed."

"In truth, I’m not as diligent as you, Silver King. I probably lack the dignity and majesty expected of a royal. Aren’t you frustrated that you have to compete with someone who’s lacking?"

The future Sienna in the dream had been like that—consumed by anger and ignoring the essence of things, leading to bitter regret.

"The throne isn’t a prize for the victor. It’s a seat bestowed by the heavens," Sienna replied, feeling slightly embarrassed. It was an answer she had reached by using the dream’s failure as a stepping stone.

"…So, if I become Emperor, would you accept that it was the will of the heavens?" Dian asked.

It was a conversation that crossed the line, even if there was no one else around to hear it. Kuhn listened silently, his gaze dark.

"The moment the divine crown is worn, the Emperor's reign begins. All imperial subjects must accept this as the will of the god Ar. I have no intention of causing disorder in the Empire. Besides, Iron King, you are not lacking in qualifications," Sienna replied.

"I’m not?"

"You have many strengths."

"Like what, specifically?"

"Your ability to connect with people is something I could never imitate. I believe you would be an Emperor who persuades rather than commands."

Dian took a long time to reply.

"That’s high praise," he said at last, his voice layered with complex emotions.

He had been rushing breathlessly towards the desire to become Emperor.

‘I wouldn’t feel resentful if Sienna became Emperor,’ he thought.

Dian envied Sienna's firm conviction, her solid sense of self that didn’t waver, and her healthy pride in recognizing and praising her competitor's strengths.

"Silver King, let’s make a deal. Whoever becomes Emperor, if that person strays down the wrong path, the other should criticize without hesitation. But no personal attacks. What do you think?"

Dian smiled broadly, looking like an innocent boy. There was no hostility toward Sienna in his eyes.

‘Things can change.’

Sienna felt strangely moved.

‘It wasn’t necessary to be in conflict with the Iron King.’

In the future seen in her dream, they had clawed at each other painfully. In the end, one died, and the other was left suffering from regret.

‘No relationship starts in conflict.’

Relationships are built and shaped over time.

"That’s a good proposal," Sienna said, picking up her pen again.

"Iron King, your break is lasting too long," she added.

Dian pouted, but at that moment, a knock came from outside the room, saving him. A maid entered and announced that dinner was ready.

"Let’s eat first," Dian said, quickly getting up.

After an early dinner, they returned to the office. Dian, who had been lively during the meal, now wore a heavy expression.

‘This is tedious.’

With a full stomach, he was even less inclined to use his brain.

"Silver King, I just remembered something I forgot. I think I have to go," Dian said.

"Then should we meet at the Iron King’s palace tomorrow?" Sienna asked.

"Um… I think I’ll be busy tomorrow too… Let’s discuss it tomorrow," Dian replied before escaping the room. Now left alone, Kuhn burst out laughing.

"That was perfect, Sienna. Though, I suppose you didn’t intend that," he said.

"I did intend it," Sienna replied, causing Kuhn’s eyes to widen in surprise.

"The Iron King isn’t very perceptive," she added with a scoff.

Kuhn laughed again. He walked up to her and hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Sienna," he whispered.

"Hmm?"

Did she know how deeply he had fallen for her? Every time he thought he couldn’t love her more, he found himself reaching new heights.

"Do I still have to wait for an answer?" he asked.

Her body tensed slightly in his embrace. Not yet, it seemed. He swallowed a sigh.

Sienna turned her head back and gave him a light kiss on the lips.

"I thought about it carefully, just like you said."

His dark eyes tightened with anticipation. Sienna loved the thrill she felt whenever she saw his emotions waver. She wanted to be the only person who could do that to him.

Sienna kept looking into his eyes without saying anything more. Kuhn grew restless. This time, he couldn’t wait patiently.

"So?" he prompted.

"I had a lot to think about," she began.

"I understand."

"After thinking it over and over…"

At some point, she had suddenly wondered, ‘Why am I worrying so much about this?’

When it came to arranging marriages and engagements for political reasons, she had decided on them more easily than choosing what to eat. Why hesitate when it came to following her heart toward a man she felt drawn to?

When Sienna twisted her body as if to step out of his embrace, his arms loosened. She turned around and, instead of pulling away, wrapped her arms around him tightly.

She liked this. His body was big and strong.

Even when she leaned against him with all her weight, he didn’t waver. She wrapped her arms around his back and felt him overflow beyond her grasp.

Thanks to her royal blood’s physical superiority, Sienna rarely felt the difference between a man’s and a woman’s physique. Most men were smaller than her.

But with Kuhn, she suddenly felt like a smaller, weaker woman.

She had been very confused when she first realized herself as a woman in his presence, having always identified more with the divine aspect of her lineage. Somehow, it felt unfair. Over time, she understood. They were drawn to each other because they met as “man” and “woman,” and that was a wonderful thing.

Sienna listened to the sound of her heart pounding. Their chests were pressed tightly together. She wondered if her heartbeat was being transmitted to him too.

He was the first person she had shared such an intimate embrace with. She didn’t want to do this with anyone else. She didn’t want him to embrace anyone else like this either.

"I like you," she said.

She had expected him to respond right away, but he remained silent. Sienna lifted her head from where it rested against his upper chest and looked up at him. Their eyes met immediately.

With a complex look, he opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, repeatedly. Sienna had never seen him like this before. He was not someone who usually swallowed his words.

"Is this your… final answer?" he asked.

Sienna nodded.

"This is your response to my confession, right?"

"Yes."

"You know, 'like' can mean a lot of different things. So, what I’m asking is…"

"I like you. I like you," she repeated.

"Say it one more time."

"…"

"One more time, please?"

"I like you."

"I didn’t hear it well. What did you say?"

What is he doing? Sienna frowned.

Kuhn laughed and kissed the frown on her forehead. Then, suddenly, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

He squeezed her so tightly that she could feel the pressure. Sienna didn’t push him away but smiled. She could feel his happiness, and it made her heart flutter.

Kuhn eased back a bit, just enough to lean away from her. Then he began peppering kisses on her forehead, eyes, nose, and lips.

"I'm the only one who can do this to you, right?" he asked.

That was obvious. It had always been that way. Sienna didn’t understand why he felt the need to confirm, but she decided to indulge him.

"Yes," she answered.

"And it will always be like that. No matter how many guys come around, you can't entertain them."

"Is that a rule?" she asked.

"Huh? Oh, yes. It’s a rule. A rule we both agree on."

"Then, there should be rules that apply to you too," she said.

"Name them. What do you want me to do?"

"Hmm… You can’t do this with other women," she stated.

"What exactly do you mean by 'this'?"

Sienna gave him a sidelong look as he grinned.

"Hugging and kissing."

"Of course. Anything else?"

Sienna pondered. The face of Fatima flashed through her mind. She hesitated to mention her. She didn’t want to give Kuhn any reason to think about Fatima.

"Even if other women try to flirt with you, don’t accept it."

Kuhn burst out laughing.

"I’ll remember that. Anything else?"

Sienna thought for a while but couldn’t come up with anything more.

"Why don’t you suggest something?"

"Don’t avoid me. Even if you’re angry, come to me and talk it out."

"Okay."

"When making decisions that will affect our relationship, always discuss them with me. No hiding or lying."

"Okay."

"Everything I ask of you, you can ask of me as well."

"Okay."

Sienna readily agreed. His requests seemed entirely reasonable.

"That's all I have. Do you have any more rules to add?"

Sienna shook her head.

"Then let's talk about our future now," Kuhn suggested.

Her eyes widened as he pulled her toward the sofa that had been pushed to the corner. They sat down together.

"I don’t want a secret relationship. I’m going to shout everywhere that you’re my woman. Do you have any objections?"

"Then…"

"It’ll cause a commotion. There’ll be gossip all over the capital for a while. Even after things calm down, people will continue to watch us with curious eyes. Conflicts might arise not between us but due to external factors."

"What are the benefits?"

"The world will know about our relationship."

Sienna sighed deeply.

"The disadvantages outweigh the advantages."

"What are you talking about! The disadvantages are trivial and not worth worrying about. It's not like other people are living our lives for us, are they?"

"Kuhn, you and I both have our own positions. You’re the Iron King’s ally. Won’t people from his side misunderstand you?"

"Don’t worry about that. The Iron King will handle it."

"The Iron King?"

"The Iron King understands. I’ve even received a few favors from him."

Sienna found the connections between people fascinating. In the dream future, it was the Iron King who had forced them into marriage. The process hadn’t been good, and the outcome had been a failure, but he had, in a way, played a role in bringing them together.

And in reality, the Iron King was not a complete outsider either. Different, yet similar.

"So I’m okay with it. Are you? Is this difficult for you?"

Sienna couldn’t think of anyone besides her mother. She wasn’t worried about her mother throwing a fit; she was only concerned about her mother plotting against Kuhn.

Besides, she had been playing the role of a “rebellious daughter” lately, so if a scandal broke out, her mother might not even be able to tell if it was real or fake. They wouldn’t be able to hide it forever, but they could keep up appearances for a while.

Stus had left for the south a few days ago. The spies her mother had planted wouldn’t be around for a while. Looking at all the factors, it seemed there was nothing to worry about.

"Does everyone need to know about our relationship?"

"They need to."

"Why?"

"…Because if some fool tries to mess with you, I want to be able to grab him by the scruff and drag him out."

How childish. Sienna burst out laughing. In contrast to her laughter, Kuhn’s expression was stern. He seemed serious, while she took it as a joke.

"Alright, I understand."

"Really?"

Kuhn was startled, having been racking his brain for a convincing argument.

"Then I can kiss you in front of everyone?"

"That would be improper."

"But holding hands is okay, right?"

Sienna hesitated. Kissing was out of the question, but holding hands seemed acceptable.

"That… should be fine."

"From now on, whether it’s an official or unofficial event, I’ll be your partner," Kuhn declared.

Sienna nodded.

"After the Iron King’s wedding in a few days, I’ll escort you to the banquet. I’ll come to pick you up."

"I’ll inform the Countess," Sienna agreed.

"Don’t change your mind."

"I keep my word," she replied firmly.

Kuhn couldn’t contain his emotions and hugged her tightly. He hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. No achievement had ever felt as exhilarating as this moment.

"Kuhn."

"Hmm?"

"I just thought of one last rule to add."

Kuhn straightened up, their eyes meeting. Sienna saw her reflection clearly in his eyes.

Her unease hadn’t completely disappeared. One day, he might change. Nothing in the world was permanent. His eyes might eventually focus on someone else. Her heart ached.

Loving someone wasn’t just about happiness. If she let go of this man, she’d be free from all attachment. But it was too late now. She hadn’t even known him for a year, yet she felt such a deep affection.

Words were an imperfect medium. Sienna thought her feelings were far too deep to be encapsulated by a simple phrase like “I like you.”

"Don’t betray me," she said.

Kuhn’s lips tightened slightly. He stood up silently from the sofa and knelt on one knee at her feet.

Sienna, taken aback, watched him before placing her fingertips on the hand he extended.

Kuhn kissed her hand and spoke.

"In a certain country on the continent, there’s a unique custom called ‘the three kisses’ as a vow," he began.

He kissed the back of her hand.

"The first kiss means ‘my eyes see only you.’"

He kissed each knuckle on her hand.

"The second means ‘my ears hear only your words.’"

He flipped her hand over and kissed her palm. Raising his head to look at her, he spoke slowly.

"The joy my soul sings is only for you."

Sienna liked clear answers. But this metaphorical expression, referring to a foreign custom, moved her more than a straightforward promise like "I’ll never betray you."

She slid off the sofa and sat down on the floor facing him. This time, she took his hand. Bowing her head, she kissed his hand in the same way he had kissed hers: on the back, the knuckles, and then the palm.

She felt like she was conveying emotions to him that a hundred words couldn’t express. Lifting her head, she gazed at him. She thought his dark, glistening eyes were beautiful.

"Sienna," he whispered.

When his hands cradled her face, she closed her eyes. She soon felt the warmth of his lips on hers. Their lips pressed together with no space between them, the intensity of his kiss leaving her breathless.

Their lips parted for a moment before finding each other again, kissing from a different angle. Neither of them seemed able to stop the uncontrollable kiss. They were only jolted back to reality when they heard a knock on the door.

"Your Highness, shall I bring in the tea?" a maid called from outside.

The two remained frozen, still kneeling on the floor. Kuhn's hands were still cradling her face, and her hands were still holding his.

A moment later, the maid knocked again.

"Your Highness, shall I bring in the tea?"

This was unusual. Usually, the maid would simply announce, “I’m coming in,” before entering the office or the reception room. Perhaps the maid had sensed something, or maybe the Countess had said something to her.

Sienna found the situation amusing. When she started to laugh, Kuhn joined in. They leaned their foreheads together, giggling.

"It seems like a warning meant for me. I should be grateful for the time I got to spend with you alone," Kuhn said, giving her a quick kiss.

"I should go before your governess comes running," he added with a smile.

They quickly straightened each other’s clothes. It wasn’t perfect, not like when the maids arranged it, but it wasn’t obvious unless someone looked closely.

Kuhn placed his hand on the doorknob of the office door but then turned back. He gave her a quick, surprise kiss.

"I love you," he whispered.

Seeing Sienna's eyes widen, he laughed with his eyes.

She stood for a moment in front of the closed door. She placed a hand over her heart. It hurt, her heart was beating so fast.

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