Chapter 150 - I’ll Teach You (1/2)
As she finished preparing for her first outing at the Crown Prince’s palace, Elena made towards the private training hall where she was informed Carlisle was. She received envied looks from everyone during her short journey through the palace, as rumors already spread that the Crown Prince bestowed her an enormous return gift out of sheer love for her.
Ttogag ttogag—
The knights at the training hall immediately bowed their heads at Elena’s unexpected appearance.
“Hail the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire.”
The greeting was still unfamiliar, thought no longer disconcerting, and she nodded gracefully in acknowledgment. She had already been here with Zenard, and the weapons lined on the walls no longer made her feel awkward.
As she approached Carlisle’s private training hall, she heard the sound of a sword cutting through the air.
Hwig, hwiig!
She soon caught sight of Carlisle with his sword in his grip, and just like before, he was not wearing a shirt. This time, however, she wasn’t here to study his swordsmanship skills.
“Caril.”
He immediately stopped and turned his head, revealing to Elena his blue eyes and the mysterious fever in them.
“Are you up already? I thought you would sleep longer. You looked quite tired last night.”
Despite Carlisle’s concern over Elena’s condition, he was the one that looked exhausted.
“I slept well enough. Don’t you ever sleep, Caril? You look worse than usual. “
“Well, I suppose…”
She was sure he had fallen asleep first, and she looked at him quizzically.
“Did you have any problems last night?”
“No. I…I just couldn’t sleep.”
It was strange that Carlisle, tired as he was, didn’t get any rest, but Elena brushed it aside. There was something else that was more important. She drew herself up and looked squarely at Carlisle.
“I saw your return gifts.”
“I see.”
Carlisle stared at her casually, but Elena had a lot she wanted to say.
“Firstly, I appreciate the exaggerated rumors of our relationship. I am grateful for the intention of your gifts.”
It was a good result, but she wasn’t entirely happy about it.
“But it’s too much of a burden for me to pay back.”
“Then place it as part of your debt.”
“I don’t want to owe you anymore. I don’t know how much I can pay back, and it’s not my nature to keep receiving it.”
She was grateful for the elevation of her prestige at home and abroad, but in her heart she did not want the return gifts. Carlisle smirked.
“I’m not going to accept the gifts I gave you.”
“I’ve kept track of everything you’ve given me so far, and I cannot make any more concessions. You’ve already given so much, so please.”
Carlisle took in Elena’s stern expression, and then he burst into laughter.
“Sometimes I think how much easier it would be if you were like other women and liked jewelry and dresses.”
Carlisle sheathed his sword, and walked towards Elena in his half-naked state. She couldn’t help but notice every ripple of his solid, well-built muscles.
Seueug.
He stopped in front of Elena and looked down at her. Then, slowly, he lifted his hand and carefully tucked a strand of Elena’s hair behind her ear.
Was it an illusion, or was Elena’s heart pounding wildly? She looked up at Carlisle with trembling eyes, and he continued to speak in a soft voice.
“I wish you were a woman who I could interest with jewels, that your eyes could be dazzled by wealth.”
“…What do you mean?”
“You’re too difficult for me.”
Elena thought that the conversation was flowing in a strange direction, but before she pursue that thought, Carlisle continued.
“I accept your opinion. We can’t fight on our full first day of marriage.”
“…Really?”
Elena’s face brightened as he agreed with her. But Carlisle wasn’t finished yet.
“Think of the return gifts as the cost to maintain the standard of living.”
The cost to upkeep the crown princess’ lifestyle was quite large, but it certainly wasn’t equivalent to the jewels Carlisle gave. Elena’s brow wrinkled in a frown.
“No matter how large the maintenance costs are, it’s not as much as the return gifts.”
“Consider it a few years worth of payment.”
“But—”
“I don’t want to take back what I already gave. I believe this is a good deal.”
Elena agonized over Carlisle’s decision for a moment. She anticipated his usual stubbornness, but he had conceded more than she expected. Carlisle wouldn’t let her return more anyway, and so she decided to approach this another way.
“Very well.”
Carlisle looked surprised at the way she coolly answered, but she wasn’t done.
“Instead, please calculate the exact value of the return gifts and subtract them from the cost of living. That includes the diamonds from the wedding dress. As you suggested, I’ll consider it a few years’ worth of payment.”
If she left Carlisle to make an estimation, she was sure he would try to pay her more again. When Carlisle replied, it was in a subdued voice.
“…If that is your wish.”
“One more thing.”
“What is it?”
“Just as I’ve accepted your extravagant gifts, please do not refuse any gifts I give you in the future.”
An expectant smiled lifted on Carlisle’s lips.
“Are you going to give me gifts?”
“I try to give back as much as I receive.”
“…I’m looking forward to it.”
Unlike Elena, Carlisle was quite happy to receive gifts. He nodded and replied without any hesitation.
“I won’t complain about anything you give me, so don’t worry.”
“It’s a promise.”
“I’ll keep my word.”
A new promise was forged between the two.