I Became Crown Prince's Wife
The Journey to the Palace (8)

I went to my room and opened the book, but I couldn't focus at all.

When I was away for seven years, Blake spent all his time at the Amoria Palace, without ever attending the festival.

"If your curse is lifted and you're high enough not to get lost, then let's go to the festival together."

“Ya, we will definitely go to the festival together.”

It must be because of that promise…

It's because of me. If I had known this would happen, I would never have made such a promise.

According to Chelsea, Blake did not attend the imperial party unless it was an important event. Even so, he would only show his face and leave quickly. He never danced with another woman.

I guess it's because of me again.

I shouldn't have given any meaning to our first dance or festival…

Once the curse is lifted, he should have fun and be happy. She was supposed to attend festivals, enjoy parties, and live a happy life…

Tears ran down my face and blurred my eyes.I couldn't see the words in the book, but it wasn't because of the tears.

I feel dizzy. How long can this body last?

I have to leave before Blake gets sadder, but I haven't gathered up the courage.

I have the confidence to survive alone outside the palace. It was the same when I was in Korea.

After my grandmother died, I had to live alone.I've experienced it once, so there will be a way to make money again.

But if I leave now, I'll never see Blake again. So, I still haven't decided.

I'm not ready to leave him.

"Rose."

I heard Blake's voice following a knock at my door. I wiped my tears in a hurry, but Blake still saw it.

“Rose, what's up? What's going on?"

From his voice alone I could tell how worried Blake was.

I immediately wrote in my notebook.

— Stories in this book are sad.

"Is it really because of that?"

I nodded my head as Blake took out a handkerchief and wiped my own tears.

“It must be very sad.”

I nodded again.

"How about we go out and get some fresh air?"

I looked at him in wonder. He wants to go outside? I hear Blake rarely comes out unless he goes to the valley of chaos.

If I said I wouldn't go, so would Blake. I hope he forgets our promise, becomes free from all traces of me.

Blake smiled brightly as I nodded.

"Actually, I've prepared this."

Blake gave me a white box. It contained a simple mask made of silver. It was the same shape that Blake had used in the past.

"I don't mind, but if you want, try this."

He spoke carefully, as if afraid that I would get hurt.

Blake was once cursed. He did not feel disgusted by my appearance, as he was also hated and hated for being a monster back then. As a person who had experienced the same thing, he was very considerate of me.

'thank you.'

I thanked him in silence.

***

Even if the celebration of the founding day had not yet begun, the square was already bustling with a lively atmosphere.

There are many stands that sell a variety of local foods, and there are more people than usual.

No, I'm not sure if it's more than usual. All I remember is the square from last year. After all, the square was crowded with more people than it was seven years ago.

"There are a lot of people."

"I knew. The festival hasn't even started yet, but there are already so many people. Are you okay?"

I'm nodding. My scar was invisible because I was wearing a mask and white gloves. Moreover, there were many people who wore unique costumes due to the festival, so no one paid attention to my mask.

"My rose, I have to make sure you don't get lost."

He held my hand tightly.

“……”

Is it because of what I said before?

Seven years ago at the Festival of Lights, I told you I was afraid of getting lost in the square.

Does he still believe I'm Ancia? Or just because there are so many people?

“Are you really okay? you should tell me if you are afraid because there are so many people.”

He checked repeatedly. He was too protective to the point that I wondered if he saw me as a child.

'It's okay. I'm glad there's so many people.'

"That's a relief then."

She smiles.

“I'm afraid of the square. Of course, not now, but it was when I was a child, I thought it was a very scary place.I was cursed and could not get out of the palace.”

“So I learned about the world only from books. Every time I read a novel, there was always a problem going on in the square. So I think it's much more dangerous than the valley of chaos. That's stupid, isn't it?”

'No, not at all.'

I smiled and shook my head.

“When my wife went to the square, I felt very scared and agitated.”

“……”

“I hope we go together like this.”

He's looking at me. His eyes were filled with sorrow and regret. I can't face it and turn my head.

If she kept looking at me like this, I felt like I would really cry.

We walked with our hands together.

Although the festival has not officially started yet, there is a lot to see. There are many unique foods, and many people perform, songs and dances fill the streets.

How long has it been since I laughed so freely? Even after living in Korea and coming back here, I always felt uncomfortable.

As soon as I wake up in the morning, I always check if Blake's curse has spread, I was nervous and often couldn't sleep well because I couldn't find a way to get rid of the curse.

Now that I look back, as I walk through the door of pitch-black darkness, I feel that it is painful and difficult, but I do not feel anxious.

I looked at Blake. His appearance and growth made me smile.

Even if my life is coming to an end, it's enough as long as Blake doesn't get sick.

When I saw his perfect left face, Blake turned his head.

"Don't make that expression."

“……?”

I didn't know what he meant, so I looked at him in confusion. Suddenly, Blake approached.

"It looks like you're going again."

“……”

I'm just smiling. Even if I don't want to, I have no choice but to leave.

Now I can't even tell a white lie.

'I'm hungry.'

"…good. Let's eat something delicious.”

Blake was heading towards a restaurant, but I shook my head and pointed at a food stall. Since we came out like this, I wanted to try a dish that I normally couldn't eat.

We ate traditional food from the Chang Empire. It looked like dumplings on the outside, but the inside was like pizza. Overall, it tastes like pizza bread.

I bought a refreshing candy apple to eat as dessert. When I ate it, it somehow fell to the ground.

Ah, that's too bad …

As I stared at the dusty candy apple in despair, Blake burst into laughter.

"Sorry, but you're so funny."

'What me?'

“You look like a kid who just dropped a candy bar. You didn't do that even when you were a kid.”

When I heard it, my heart sank.

'...how do you know if I did it when I was a kid?'

Although I denied it quickly, Blake just smiled.

“Why are you pouting?”

'Shameful.'

"I can buy you a thousand more if you want."

'Not needed.'

If one dropped something in the middle while eating it, they would definitely experience mental shock.

When I was living in Korea, I accidentally dropped a watermelon. At that moment, I couldn't stop thinking about the ruined watermelon.

I didn't get into trouble with my grandmother because I was a child, but thinking about it even now, I feel like it's been a waste.

As I looked at the large candy that fell to the ground with eyes full of emotion, I could hear Blake's voice.

“My rose is very funny. What am I supposed to do?"

I looked at him in wonder. She looked at me like I was really cute. I still feel surprised by how much Blake adores me.

"Do you want to get another one?"

I shook my head. The candy is easy to eat and beautiful to look at.

"I'll buy it for you."

"I won't eat it."

"OKAY. I'll stop flirting. Don't get mad.”

'I'm not angry.'

"really?"

Blake bent his knees and looked at me. His eyes sparkled like an innocent boy and he looked extremely handsome. Even if I am really angry, I can't be mad at him anymore.

I think he knows very well that he's handsome. I laughed out loud.