The door opened, and as a man stepped into the room, Roen swallowed hard and took a deep breath to steady herself.
Lifting her head, her eyes met Bi Young's as he walked toward her with steady, purposeful strides. She couldn't look away.
Was it because he was the first man ever to enter her room? Or because he was the man she was about to marry, despite never having felt even a hint of romance before?
Or maybe it was simply because he looked even more handsome than the last time she saw him.
Suddenly, her heart started racing, pounding so loudly she feared he might hear it.
Almost without thinking, she gave him a quick once-over. He was dressed in the navy-blue uniform of the Byro Kingdom, a simple reddish-brown leather belt around his waist. On his shoulders, the golden eagle emblem of the Byro Kingdom gleamed proudly.
Though he was young, his noble presence carried an air of dignity that demanded respect.
While he had grown more striking and mature, she couldn't help but feel self-conscious about her own appearance… She mentally kicked herself, painfully aware of her crimson pajamas and her puffy, just-woken face.
I was, honestly, incredibly nervous. About marrying Bi Young.
Trying to calm my anxious thoughts and steady my heart that beat wildly at his sudden appearance.
I might have thrown myself deeper into training because of it. After all, when I grip and swing my sword, I can focus entirely on myself and that single moment.
Now at 20, Roen was of marriageable age, and naturally, Bi Young—the eldest son of their closest ally, the Byro Kingdom—became the ideal candidate for her husband.
The Byro Kingdom was a wealthy power with vast lands bordering Schleiman. But perhaps because of their large territory, Byro's people were known for their relaxed, optimistic nature. They weren't very industrious, which led to a low capacity for producing and supplying weapons.
Because of this, Byro and Schleiman made a perfect match, each balancing the other's weaknesses.
A political marriage was like fate, and Roen had already accepted it. So when her father, Daphman, spoke of the marriage, she didn't protest.
She knew that if it meant safety and peace for Schleiman, she was ready to make the sacrifice. So she accepted it without a word.
Bi Young was the eldest of the Byro leader's two sons and the likely future leader of Byro.
It was said that no one else could match him for the role. Despite being only 23, he excelled in both governance and military skill, had a sterling character, and, above all, an appearance that was unmatched.
Rumors claimed his delicate features rivaled those of many beauties, and his remarkable presence could captivate even men.
Compared to Byro's somewhat easygoing current leader, many ministers believed that with Bi Young in charge, Byro's future would be brighter than ever.
At the betrothal ceremony where Schleiman and the Byro Kingdom pledged their children's marriage, I saw him for the first time.
Father had already given me a general sense of what kind of man he was.
Bi Young—my first impression was of someone more dignified and physically imposing than I had expected.
His face was, well… no, honestly, he was strikingly handsome. His broad shoulders and strong build suited the Byro Kingdom's distinct blue ceremonial robes perfectly.
As I looked at him absently, our eyes suddenly met across the room.
Ah! Startled, I quickly looked away, but his gentle smile lingered in my mind.
The wedding date for Roen and Bi Young was set for the next summer festival in Schleiman.
Under the watchful eyes of their elders, they had no choice but to take a stroll together through the garden of the Byro Kingdom family home, known for its scenic night view. They were newly engaged and still strangers to each other.
The moon, the only light in the dark sky, shone clearly.
The large garden was filled with vibrant flowers, graceful orchids, and varied plants, with a round pond at its center.
The red lotus flowers drifting on the pond, with their red-green stems stretching and intertwining, were truly a beautiful sight. Roen stood there, mouth slightly open, fully absorbed in the view, when…
"May I call you Roen?"
She turned as a deep voice sounded beside her.
"Oh, yes."
I thought I could keep my cool, but of course—things rarely go as you imagine. That's just life.
Roen's cheeks flushed a little as she looked up at him. When he gazed back at her intently, she quickly looked away, her eyes darting around. His firm lips curved into a small smile.
"I heard I'm older than you."
"...?"
"We're engaged now."
"..."
"May I suggest we skip the formalities?"
Surprised by his directness, Roen met his gaze. His refined features softened slightly in her view.
Since she was young, Roen had always preferred sword hilts over dolls, enjoying pretend sword fights and warrior games with boys more than the usual games girls played.
As she grew, she kept up with sword duels and combat practice with countless men, mastering her skills to a high level in Schleiman.
This way of life had left her inexperienced in matters of romance and completely unprepared for the range of emotions that came with it.
Sure, I'd been around guys all my life—but always as sparring partners or buddies sharing a drink after training. Pure camaraderie, nothing more.
So when my "fiancé" looked at me with those intense eyes, it felt oddly unfamiliar. New.
"Ah, yes. Ahem. Please go ahead."
"You seem a bit tense around me… But maybe it's not proper for a lady to speak informally yet, is it?"
Intimidated? Me?
As if! I'm not one to back down, so with a slight twitch of my brow, I mutter, barely moving my lips, "Oh, uh, it's not that."
My own shyness was painfully obvious. His laughter lingered in the air, a low rumble that, strangely, was kind of nice to hear.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Feel free to speak comfortably."
"Alright, Roen."
"..."
"And you can speak casually with me, too."
When Bi Young flashed a grin, I couldn't help but gulp, feeling a bit flustered.
"Yes. Bi... Bi Young."
Ugh, how awkward! Roen cringed inwardly, feeling a wave of embarrassment.
Her small lips parted as she whispered his name, barely louder than a mosquito's buzz, which made Bi Young laugh warmly.
"Not quite what I expected."
"Pardon?"
"I'd heard a lot about you. Let's see… I pictured you as a strong female warrior."
But?
Wait—is he disappointed because I'm not what he imagined?
Bi Young's gaze shifted, growing softer as he looked at her, and Roen met his eyes, feeling a bit tense.
"And yet, you're… ethereal."
Bi Young smiled gently.
...What?
Roen felt like someone had just hit her with a sledgehammer—her mind went blank.
"And a truly lovely lady, at that."
As he tilted his head slightly and smiled at her, Roen's cheeks flushed bright red, right up to her ears.
"Ah, um."
Her heart pounded like a hammer, and she fought the urge to yell at it to calm down.
Gah! Keep it together, heart! He'll hear you at this rate!
Bi Young straightened, his smile widening.
"After today, I suppose we won't see each other again until next month."
"Yes, that's right."
"And then, right after that, our wedding."
"..."
After strolling around the garden, they found themselves back at the entrance where they had first met. Their steps slowed, and they stopped together. Roen smoothed her clothes, then looked up at him steadily.
"To be honest, all of this is new to me."
Bi Young cleared his throat, chuckling softly.
"It's my first engagement too, you know."
"Oh, um...!"
Ah, forget it.
"Well, I mean, this is my first time dealing with romance, or… men, really. I'm not used to any of this."
"..."
"So, please be patient. It might take me a little time to adjust."
He smiled, the moonlight casting a warm glow over his expression, making her heart race all over again.
"I'm truly honored by this."
"..."
"I'm honored to be your first."
Father, about this marriage... I have a feeling it's going to be wonderful.
Taking a few small steps back, Roen parted her lips to speak.
"The next time I see you…"
"..."
"I'll be the most beautiful bride in the world."
She flashed a bright smile, showing her perfect teeth as she stepped away. Bi Young stayed still, quietly watching her go.