Chapter 140 - You’re So Beautiful (1) (2/2)

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Elena and Carlisle were carried back to the imperial palace in a carriage. The wedding was a performance, but now it was the start of politics. Elena didn’t get to formally greet the guests in the morning, but the reception at the Imperial Palace was her opportunity to meet the nobles and foreign envoys in person.

Upon arrival at the palace, she changed from her diamond wedding dress into a simpler, more elegant gown, which alluringly revealed her back.

Ttogag ttogag.

Carlisle was already waiting outside when Elena hurried to attend the reception. He looked carefully at Elena’s waistline and spoke softly.

“This was not what I expected.”

Elena remembered Carlisle’s words at the wedding and responded teasingly.

“Why? You don’t want others to look at me again?”

However, Carlisle’s expression was serious as he nodded.

“You know.”

Elena couldn’t help but chuckle. Somehow, this situation was amusing to her. Carlisle truly delivered his compliments seriously. He probably wanted to dig out the eyes of the people who had seen her.

“Today is our first day of marriage. My husband shouldn’t interfere with what I wear.”

Carlisle’s expression softened at Elena’s playful tone.

“You look good in what you wear because you’re already beautiful. You’re far more stunning than the dress.”

Elena blushed at the forwardness of his compliment. Carlisle lowered his head towards her and whispered in her ear.

“But if you can, I only want you to wear it when you’re with me. Or my eyes would white out in jealousy.”

“…?”

“If you’re with another man while I’m away, he won’t be  safe with you.”

Carlisle’s words sounded too bloodthirsty to be a joke. She remembered something else Carlisle had said in the past.

—… I’ll kill them all. All the men who came into contact with you. If I were the only man in the world, then perhaps you would look at me then.

Carlisle had said that if Elena had an affair, he would kill all the other men. Elena still remembered how strange it was when he said he wouldn’t touch her. His words now felt a bit like that moment. He wouldn’t interfere with what she wore, but he wouldn’t forgive the men who looked at her.

She looked up at him.

‘…Is he playing with me?’

He had to be joking, and surely Carlisle didn’t desire Elena to this excess. She smiled and answered lightly.

“Then in the future, you’ll be busy taking care of all the men I’m seeing.”

“I guess I’ll have to keep a close watch on you today.”

Carlisle spoke in a pleasant manner, but there was a dark shadow to his words. Elena was curious by it, but before she could think on it further, Carlisle kissed the back of her hand.

“It’s all because you’re so beautiful.”

“Caril!”

She was not used to receiving these kinds of compliments from Carlisle. Although marital respect was essential in a relationship, royal men did not give more than necessary for fear it would undermine their authority. For Carlisle to kiss the back of her hand meant he respected her and was dedicated to her.

She looked on, speechless, and he continued with a smile on his lips.

“Shall we?”

She came to her senses and finally nodded.

“Yes.”

It was time for the main characters to enter.