The Royal Fiancé -White Prince- Chapter 7

Chapter 7

~Habillage / Doux~

“Welcome to my residence.”

Duke Marlo opened his arms, welcoming Shiori warmly.

Only a select few servants followed Shiori to the Duke’s residence.

“In order to welcome you, I have instructed my servants to not leave a single speck of dust in

sight,” spoke Duke Marlo as he eyes Shiori sharply, as if he was hunting a helpless prey.

“Although the manor might not be as grand as the Royal Palace, do take your time and look

around the manor.”

Several antiques that were clearly selected with poor taste were lined up along the hallway, The

only thing worth mentioning about them would be their insane price tag.

Gorgeous decorations seemed to be flaunting their quality and intricate workmanship, but for

some reason, they could not gain Shiori’s interest nor favour.

“These are the works that I take the most pride in.” Duke Marlo gleefully brought Shiori on a tour

around his grand mansion.

It was likely Duke Marlo thought that Shiori would be staying here in the near future, and thus

brought him around the residence with much enthusiasm.

After one round around the sprawling manor, Shiori felt his body tremble weakly.

“Are you alright?”

“I… I am fine. It is merely due to the fact that I have not been outdoors in a long time…… thus I

feel a little tired,” replied Shiori hollowly, simply giving an excuse.

It was a lie that he was tired. That place that had been forcefully penetrated not too long ago

was still burning hot.

The feeling of being pounded remained strongly in his body.

With a shameful body that still had traces of having been embraced by another man, Shiori

came to the residence of the person he was about to marry.

Even Shiori felt that he was filthy.

“Ah, fret not! It was my lack of hospitality and tact that had troubled you, My Princess. I will

summon someone to serve you tea, so just take a rest first.”

Shiori had thought that the tea would be delivered to his room. Little did he expect that Duke

Marlo had ordered his servants to set up tea at the balcony.

He would be staying at this residence for a few days.

Although there was still much time, it seemed as if Duke Marlo did not want to be apart from

Shiori even for a short while. In fact, after their official marriage ceremony, Shiori would have to

follow Duke Marlo and stay by his side faithfully always.

The balcony overlooking the central courtyard seemed to be the place where Duke Marlo was

most proud of.

As the servants poured tea for Shiori, Shiori’s lips pursed slightly. Duke Marlo, on the other

hand, had a glass of wine placed in front of him – the wine bottle had Duke Marlo’s brewery

label on it.

“You would rather partake some fine wine, am I right?”

“No……” Shiori politely refused. He did not want to give that man any opportunity to take

advantage of him.

Although Shiori was already aware of Shou’s orders, his feelings vehemently refused to accept

it.

As Duke Marlo downed the alcohol rather uncouthlyglamorously, his gaze towards Shiori was

one that was uncomfortably indecent. Under his lewd stares, Shiori could not help but to shrink

away unconsciously.

Just how long will this tortuous moment last?

From the balcony, one was able to have a good view of the entire vast residence. Squinting his

eyes slightly, Shiori could just barely discern a brewery at the far corner of the large residence.

“The brewery in my residence manufactures high quality wine on a rather large scale, and, not

to be boastful – I’m afraid that the breweries that are owned by other nobilities are inferior……

No, I apologise for my bluntness, it was a slip of the tongue.” Duke Marlo had a humble

expression on his face, but it was very obvious that he was blatantly showing off.

Duke Marlo has his own private brewery – he would purchase grapes from various farmers, and

carry out the fermentation and production of champagnes in his brewery.

Although he has established his own champagne brand, Shiori had never considered giving this

brand the royal branding before.

Shiori would never mix private feelings with his work. Although the wines that Duke Marlo

manufactures are indeed of top grade, there was something lacking about the wine.

“The brewery has a cellar underneath. That underground space was created for the excavation

of limestones in the past - even I do not know how many kilometres it stretches underground.”

A cellar that is surrounded by limestones would definitely have a very stable internal

temperature, and thus is a very good environment for the maturation of champagnes and wines.

Without any prompting, Duke Marlo continued to show off.

It was as if he simply would not be at ease if he did not brag about his immense wealth to

anyone and everyone around him.

“I would like to…...” Shiori mouthed, interrupting Duke Marlo’s incessant bragging. “If it is

convenient, would it be possible for me to take a look around the brewery?”

Although Shiori was not actually very interested in the brewery, touring the brewery would

definitely beat drinking tea with someone who was eyeing him rather lewdly at every chance he

got.

“Are you interested in that wine cellar? I’d be more than happy to bring you there to take a look.”

Duke Marlo’s face lit up with undeniable delight as he stood up.

“I have never let anyone visit that wine cellar before, but you’re special.”

--- You’re special.

It could be that Duke Marlo had thought that Shiori would feel happy when such words were

spoken - he seemed to have a rather perverse desperation for Shiori’s favour.

“Moreover, that place would most likely be yours too in the near future.”

Because they were about to get married……

Duke Marlo’s words made Shiori freeze. Shiori stood up quickly and forcefully turned his face

away, not wanting Duke Marlo to see the expression that was etched on his face.

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The brewery was bustling with various activities.

The distillery workers donned dirty work uniforms and were divided into their various work

stations, labouring away tirelessly.

This was where Duke Marlo’s wines were being produced in.

“Although most people would purchase state-of-the-art machinery to manufacture wines, I

personally feel that that sort of production method would spoil the champagne’s distinctive

flavour,” boasted Duke Marlo proudly to Shiori, showing that he kept to traditions and yet was

still able to produce quality champagnes.

The wire shelves were fully lined up with champagnes that were still fermenting, and some

workers were shaking the wine bottles gently, glass by glass painstakingly. They would have to

use their own hands to do this tedious and tiring job everyday - it was very hard work to gather

the unnecessary scum in the wine bottle opening.

--- In order to cut costs, I was forced to do any work that required human effort.

Moreover, there were probably over thousands of wine bottles. The workers had to shake the

bottles until they had no strength, and even so, once they were done with the entire line of wine

bottles, they would have to start the arduous process all over again from the beginning,

repeating this over and over again everyday ceaselessly.

Kurosaki was once one of such workers who worked in a dimly lit wine cellar, doing such

laborious jobs everyday.

Following that, Duke Marlo brought Shiori to the next workstation.

“This area is where the more experienced workers are at.”

These workers were in charge of unstopping the bottles.

Unstopping is a process in which the precipitation of frozen sediments in the wine would be

forcefully removed from the wine bottle. However, due to the stopper actually being calcium

chloride that was a chilly -20 degree celsius, this job could potentially cause frostbites if the

workers were not careful with their hands.

In addition to that, champagne would shoot out during the unstopping process and could

possibly hurt one’s eyes. Dodging the strong jet of champagne was definitely no easy task for

anyone.

“The workers in my factory are very experienced - even if the champagne spills over, the actual

product would not be at a volume that is less than what is stated on the label.”

If the unstopping was done by someone inexperienced, there would definitely be a massive

spillage of precious and expensive champagne.

It was likely that Kurosaki was beaten up badly in the past when there was less volume than

required in the bottle……

Due to being hidden from sunlight and located in a quiet corner, such wine cellars were optimal

for the maturation of grape wines. However, such a place was also a terrible place for anyone to

work in.

Kurosaki had worked several years in the past in such cellars, in such a dark place that would

easily drain all of one’s hopes and willpower to chase any aspirations. Respectably, Kurosaki

never gave up nor lost himself despite working in such a disheartening place for so many years.

--- You need to be someone who will not lose to yourself.

Kurosaki had even encouraged him to not belittle himself……

“Yes, indeed,” replied Shiori a little absent-mindedly.

--- A manual pressing process, and also, the most advanced type of stainless steel barrel is

used in the cellar huh? Such a brewing process that combines both traditional and modern

techniques must’ve been your idea, right?

Kurosaki had never doubted Shiori’s ability.

Nobody would ever believe that Shiori would be able to put aside his dignity to step into the

muddy vineyard, nor would they believe that he would even be bothered to cherish the

grapevines dearly.

The first person to recognise his quiet dedication was Kurosaki.

Even as he walked beside Duke Marlo and listened to his jabbering, Shiori was not emotionally

affected at all. Yet, when he walked alongside Kurosaki in the brewery, Shiori could feel himself

in high spirits, a great contrast to how disconnected he felt right now.

His cheeks that were flushed red, and glistening eyes that refused to leave Kurosaki.

He was clearly doing the same thing as he did with Kurosaki now, but why does it feel so

different?

Although he was taking a leisurely stroll with his future husband, Duke Marlo, his heart could

only think about Kurosaki.

Shiori walked on absent-mindedly and Duke Marlo’s voice gradually grew distant.

When Shiori distractedly made his way towards a door, a pointed voice suddenly came from

behind.

“Shiori!!”

“Ah……!”

With a disrespectful attitude, Duke Marlo yelled out to Shiori.

“Please do not enter this place on your own whim and fancy.”

Shiori turned his head around to face Duke Marlo, but upon seeing his expression, Shiori could

not help but to be startled and involuntarily took a step back.

“If you stubbornly insist on wanting to go into this room, no matter how much I treasure you, I

cannot guarantee your safety.” An angry fierce and malicious expression that Shiori had never

seen before shadowed Duke Marlo’s face.

“Today’s tour ends here. I think you’d like to prepare before coming down for dinner later.”

This time, it was not Shiori who said that he was tired. Instead, it was Duke Marlo who forced

the stroll to come to an abrupt end.

“Please walk via this route.” Not leaving any space for further discussion, Duke Marlo firmly

ushered Shiori away from the door, clearly not wanting Shiori to remain there even for a second

longer.

(What is could be…...inside……?)

Duke Marlo’s body language seemed to imply that he would not allow any questions.

Shiori could only leave the area in silence, unanswered questions trailing along.

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Under Duke Marlo’s call, Shiori was summoned to the dinner table. Several wine bottles were

set neatly on the table, and Duke Marlo was eagerly getting Shiori to have a drink.

“How’s the taste? Please try these too.”

“I would like to decline your kind offer…… I have had enough to drink.”

Shiori felt that Duke Marlo wanted to get him drunk, thus, Shiori desperately rejected his offers

to drink.

“Otherwise, I am afraid that I would be unable to stomach the delicious food that have been

prepared.”

Although the dishes served were not to Shiori’s taste, Shiori needed to use something as an

excuse to reject Duke Marlo’s offers.

Seeing that Shiori was satisfied with the food that he had ordered his servants to prepare, Duke

Marlo did not pursue the matter any further, and instead, was very happy and stopped trying to

get Shiori to drink.

After Duke Marlo had downed a few glasses of wine, he filled up another glass of wine, and

raised it towards Shiori, indicating that he was toasting to Shiori.

“Tonight, you will be staying over in this residence - it will be the greatest night ever.”

Duke Marlo’s words sent shivers down Shiori’s spine.

Would he be able to spend the night peacefully? Or……

Did Shou instruct Duke Marlo to do something?

Ever since he had arrived at the residence, Duke Marlo had been overly jubilant and satisfied.

Upon thinking of the night that was about to arrive, Shiori started to feel anxious.

Just as the servants were serving dessert and the stifling dinner was about to come to an end,

Duke Marlo’s butler walked quickly into the dining area and whispered some words to Duke

Marlo in urgent undertones.

“What did you just say?” Upon hearing the butler’s report, Duke Marlo raised his eyebrows in

frustration and his face was scrunched up.

“I will take my leave first, do pardon my rudeness. I will be leaving you here alone for a very

short while, but please continue to have your meal and not worry.”

Finishing his sentence, Duke Marlo stood up rather abruptly and left the table despite not

finishing the meal.

Only Shiori, the butler, and a few servants were left in the dining room.

“I would like to retire to my room.”

“I will prepare some coffee for you, Your Highness.”

“It is alright, there is no need to.”

Since Duke Marlo was not there, there was no need to remain in the dining area.

Shiori headed back to the room that Duke Marlo had prepared for him and closed the door

behind him tightly.

He could finally escape from the sleazy eyes of Duke Marlo and be alone. Shiori heaved a quiet

sigh of relief.

He slumped himself onto a nearby chair, exhausted.

Although he was physically in a comfortable position on a plush chair, he could not bring himself

to relax even a single bit in Duke Marlo’s residence. Unable to relax, Shiori decided to gaze out

of the ornate windows to take his mind off the situation.

Shiori’s eyes caught a sudden movement of lights around the vicinity of the brewery.

(Did something happen at the brewery?)

Shiori carefully made his way beside the window.

Squinting his eyes, Shiori was able to make out a group of people entering the brewery.

Under the faint light, Shiori could vaguely make out some faces - and one of them was Duke

Marlo’s.

(Why was he leading a group of subordinates into the brewery at such a late timing...?)

At that very moment, Duke Marlo’s unforgiving and fierce expression flashed across Shiori’s

mind.

(Is there…… something in there?)

If he were to stay put in this room, there was definitely no guarantee that Duke Marlo would not

visit him in the middle of the night.

The servants that he had brought with him from the royal palace were in the room directly

adjacent to his, patiently awaiting for Shiori’s orders. Nonetheless, they were still, in actuality,

under Shou’s direct orders.

Shiori had no one to put his trust in.

In this country, compared to Shiori’s directives, Shou’s orders were absolute.

Even for Kurosaki, Shou’s orders were indisputable.

Shiori did not want to allow Duke Marlo nor Shou to have their way with him any longer.

He got up resolutely from the chair, and stealthily made his way out of the room.

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Shiori had arrived at the brewery.

As Duke Marlo had entered shortly before, the place was not locked.

(How careless.)

Or could it be that Duke Marlo had lowered his guard because this place was within his own

private residence?

Soft dim lights lit the passageway in the otherwise pitch dark brewery. Following the small lights,

Shiori ventured deeper in.

There was absolute silence encroaching Shiori - indicating that Duke Marlo and company must

have had went elsewhere in the vast brewery.

Walking through the place where the wines were left to mature , Shiori had once again arrived at

the location where he had accidentally chanced upon that very same afternoon.

He recalled Duke Marlo’s stern warning and thus, wanted to head back. But due to the

darkness, Shiori lost his bearings.

Shiori wanted to feel his way through the pitch darkness and slowly inch his way back to the

brewery’s entrance.

But the moment his body brushed against the wall, he felt his whole body lurching forward.

“Ah……!!”

The door was pushed open unknowingly, sending Shiori tumbling into a room.

“What……!”

After regaining his balance, Shiori pushed himself up.

The room was brightly lit, blinding Shiori.

It was already deep into the night, and yet, this place was still fully lit.

Blinking away the sudden change in brightness, Shiori noticed something paper-like scattered

across the floor. A few of those were beneath his feet.

“What on earth is this……?”

Shiori bent forward to pick up one of the paper slips carefully.

That slip of paper was none other than the Royal Label for wines and champagnes.

No matter how he hard he tried, Shiori simply could not recall issuing the Royal Label to Duke

Marlo’s brand before.

“Could it perhaps be that……!!”

His heart started to beat violently against his chest.

The hand that gripped the Royal Label tightly was unconsciously trembling.

It appeared that the printing was still in progress - the room had a messy table in the middle,

carelessly scattered labels across the floor, and several wine bottles and glasses.

There was even a wine bottle that had a half-pasted label.

Shiori grabbed a nearby wine bottle that had a Royal Label unhesitatingly and picked up a

nearby wine opener. He pulled out the cork, allowing some of the champagne to flow out as a

loud ‘pop’ resounded in the room. It seemed that there was inadequate pressure in the wine

bottle.

He quickly proceeded to pour some of the champagne into one of the wine glasses that were

laid on the table.

There was not enough bubbles forming, just as he expected. The bubbles that did appear

though, were not delicate enough and were largely oversized. The bubbles disappeared quickly,

indicating that they lacked quality and hence ability to last for awhile.

Although Shiori really did not want to try the champagne, he decided to take a quick sip.

At that moment, the rough taste of a champagne that was not adequately matured attacked

Shiori’s taste buds.

Shiori eyes the wine bottle that was on the table. That was indisputably the wine that he had just

tasted. And to make matters worse, that bottle clearly had the Royal Label.

(--- Could it be that……)

These labels did not go through Shiori’s approval. And yet, the bottles boasted the Royal Label.

Recently, there were rumours of unscrupulous business - dealings that involved the sales of

poor quality champagne that had the Royal branding. Such rumours drove the price of real

Royal Label champagnes down several times, thus allowing the people behind the poor quality

champagnes to earn quick and big bucks.

(Could it be that the person behind all of this……)

Shiori shuddered in fear.

He hurriedly placed the wine glass back onto the table.

Under Shiori’s orders, the government was made to search for the evil-doer. However, no matter

how hard they searched, they just could not find a single shred of evidence nor trail leading to

the shrewd mastermind. Thus the long search was still ongoing with no sign of success.

If the culprit was someone who owned such a large plot of land and had his own private brewery

like Duke Marlo, then it would not be impossible for one to carry out such illegal activities.

--- Please do not enter this place on your own whim. If you stubbornly insist on wanting to go in,

even if I do treasure you, I cannot guarantee your safety.

Duke Marlo’s tone was cold and haughty when he issued that warning.

And that was because……

Shiori’s eyes remain fixated on the wine bottles and strewn labels.

These were all valuable evidence.

Duke Marlo came across as someone who was extremely wary of his surroundings. If the entire

wine production process - from the purchase of the grapes to its maturation was done in one’s

own private residence, carrying out an illegal business would be next to effortless.

Till today, no outsider was allowed to visit Duke Marlo’s sprawling residence. However, he had

let his guard down around Shiori.

That was why only Shiori was able to discover this room.

(What should I do?)

--- I cannot guarantee your safety.

Shiori already had the damning evidence in his grasp.

But would he be able to bring these evidence back to the royal palace safely?

Shiori hesitated, unsure if he should bring the wine bottles and labels with him.

If these bottles did not have the Royal Label on them, they would probably still be considered as

fine champagnes and enjoyed by various people.

(No…...)

It was questionable if these champagnes could even be enjoyed leisurely. The yet-to-be labelled

bottles were haphazardly stored, and the hygiene standards of their manufacturing process was

dubious at best.

These grape wines did not contain a single shred of the winemaker’s love. These wines were,

sadly, made for the sole selfish purpose of profit.

--- The wine bottle contains the heartfelt intentions of the winemaker and the painstaking efforts

of the grape farmers. It is, without doubt, the endless diligence of these people that have

enabled such fine wines to be produced.

After experiencing countless hardships, it would not surprising if Kurosaki grew up to hate

wines. However, he did not admit defeat, nor lose to his own demons.

Shiori had thought that Kurosaki was a despicable and hateful man, but in truth, Kurosaki was

merely a man who sincerely cares about wine.

It was Duke Marlo who was the one that employs unscrupulous means to manufacture wines in

order to reap profits - and to make things worse, the means that he employs insulted the very

same job that Shiori was so passionate about and took great pride in. Furthermore, his uncaring

actions had also damaged Ecuratol’s reputation as a country.

“How troublesome. Did I not warn you repeatedly to not enter this place?”

Startled, Shiori turned around.

Duke Marlo was leaning against the room’s only entrance.

“It seems that you don’t have much of an interest in your own personal safety.”

Shiori noticed that there were several heavily armed guards lined up behind Duke Marlo.

“Ah…...”

Duke Marlo gave a cold and cunning gaze, one that Shiori had never seen before.

Unfeeling eyes that revealed its owner’s willingness to hurt others in order to secure one’s own

desires - even if the offending party was Shiori, his future spouse.

A chill ran down Shiori’s spine.

When his back was pressed against the icy cold limestone, he realised that he had

unconsciously taken a few steps backwards.

Shiori’s entire body trembled in fear.

As if mocking Shiori, Duke Marlo paced towards Shiori, gradually closing the distance between

them. His steps were painfully slow, as if wanting Shiori to thoroughly savour fear.

Wrecked with unease, Shiori’s throat became dry, making him unable to scream or speak loudly.

If Duke Marlo were to issue an order, his guards would most likely point their guns towards

Shiori unhesitatingly - regardless of Shiori’s lineage.

After stealing a quick glance at the label that was tightly clutched in Shiori’s trembling hands,

Duke Marlo lifted his gaze towards the wine glass that was laid on the table.

“It appears that you have discovered my secret.”

Shiori’s expression froze.

“You didn’t think that you can escape from here unscathed after learning the truth, did you?”

Duke Marlo’s approach continued. The closer he got to Shiori, the paler Shiori got.

“Are you so scared to the point that you are unable to utter even a single word? How adorable.”

The corners of Duke Marlo’s lips curled with impure intentions.

He grabbed Shiori’s wrist forcefully. Unable to berate Duke Marlo for his disrespectfulness,

Shiori flung his hand away wordlessly.

“How should I silence this pretty mouth of yours? The Crown Prince had already promised me

your hand-in marriage. Thus, firstly, I will use your body to let you know what happens when you

disobey me.”

“......!!”

This despicable man would go so far as to choose the method that Shiori hated the most.

“I will lock you by my side and love you properly for eternity --- to the point where you would

never think of disobeying me.”

This man would lock him up, threaten him, and ensure that he would never leak his secrets for

the rest of his sorry life.

“If you listen to me obediently, I will love you gently. However, if you dare to spill even a single

bit of the secret, I will take away your life without hesitation.”

That man brought his face closer to Shiroi and buried his face into Shiori’s pale neck.

Mustering the last of his strength, Shiori shoved that man away.

“Let go……!”

Duke Marlo’s hand that had been slapped away moments ago gradually turned an angry red.

He snorted coldly upon seeing his hand, but immediately turned towards Shiori and gave a cam

smile, seemingly unruffled by Shiori’s blatant rejection.

“You can’t escape anyway. Or could it be that you are making me impatient on purpose such

that I can enjoy the feeling of pursuing you?”

Duke Marlo clearly had the advantage in terms of body build. That man who had always been

known as the playboy and is someone who had pushed down several women was blocking

Shiori’s only escape route.

As if catching a prey, Duke Marlo hugged Shiori, pushing Shiori onto the floor roughly.

“Ah……!!” With his body slamming onto the solid hard ground, Shiori gasped sharply.

The sudden shock that made him feel as if his body had been shattered into many tiny pieces

rendered Shiori unable to move at all as he winced in pain.

The pain was so excruciating - to the point that Shiori was unable to breathe properly, let alone

lift a single finger. Duke Marlo did not seem to care about the pain that Shiori was in even a

slightest bit. Instead, this situation was perfect for him and went exactly according to his wishes

as he could easily strip Shiori of his clothing.

“Let...go……! Unhand me now!!”

Shiori’s voice could only escape from his mouth weakly. He shook his head desperately, but the

sheer difference in strength between Duke Marlo and himself was far too great.

Duke Marlo straddled across Shiori, subduing Shiori with pure brute force.

“You will never be able to disobey me in this lifetime,” sneered Duke Marlo with a sickening

smile as he proceeded to bring his face towards Shiori’s neck once again.

“No……!!”

Would he be dominated just like that by Duke Marlo? Duke Marlo would most likely not allow

Shiori to meet anyone as he would be afraid that the secret would be spilled. Thus from now on,

Shiori would most likely have to spend his days as Duke Marlo’s plaything.

Instead of killing him, Duke Marlo had cleverly chosen a more tortuous method of tying Shiori

down.

His back was in great pain, and his breathing grew haggard. Although Kurosaki had violently

embraced Shiori several times before, not once did Kurosaki put Shiori in this much pain.

Compared to the pain, Kurosaki gave Shiori a much deeper sense of pleasure and excitement.

Kurosaki clearly could have given Shiori much, much greater pain if he had wanted to.

(Kurosaki…...)

Shiori had shed tears over Kurosaki’s ruthlessness and from the pain that he had felt from

Kurosaki’s cruelty. But thinking back, Kurosaki had also been worried about Shiori’s condition,

and had kept Shiori in a warm, comforting embrace without doing anything when Shiori was ill.

--- Don’t push yourself. I will sleep on the sofa that is in the adjacent room.

He was obviously a very mean guy, but he was gentle towards him at times.

Whenever Kurosaki had a gentle demeanour, Shiori would be unable to truly hate him, unable to

dislike him. Moreover……

(Save me, Kurosaki……)

Shiori’s heart cried out to the man whom he knew would not appear.

This place was somewhere even the government could not locate despite the countless hours of

thorough investigation and searching. Who on earth could possibly find this godforsaken

brewery, let alone know about the existence of this secret room?

In addition to that, Shiori did not inform any of the servants about his whereabouts before he

snuck out of the room.

Pain, coupled with utter fright and sorrow made Shiori unable to contain his tears.

“As expected, how beautiful! Your tearful expression that is tinged with pain is certainly alluring

beyond compare,” chuckled Duke Marlo gleefully.

The bulge in Duke Marlo’s pants was shoved directly beside Shiori’s face.

(No……!)

He was about to be raped by this man if he did not do anything.

If he was about to be dominated by this man for the rest of his life, he did rather……

He did rather die than become this sickening man’s partner. He did rather disappear and not be

anyone’s……!

From the corner of his eye, Shiori spotted a wine bottle that had fallen onto the floor nearby. As

long as he was able to reach out to it, he could smash the bottle, and use the sharp jagged

edges to stab his own throat.

(Ah…...)

Shiori realised that when Kurosaki had done such lewd things to him in the past, he could have

done so to escape from Kurosaki’s clutches. But he had never once thought of resorting to

suicide when he was in Kurosaki’s arms.

Even when his lips were stolen by Kurosaki, not once did he attempt to disappear from his life

forever.

Despite how much Shiori desired Kurosaki, Kurosaki had agreed to Shiori’s marriage to Duke

Marlo without hesitation.

The tears that fell from the corners of Shiori’s eyes moistened his cheeks.

His heart was crying in pain.

He had always thought that Kurosaki was the first person that had ever recognised his efforts,

and to see him for who he truly was. But reality only reminded him that no matter the position

one held, that person would inevitably be alienated from Shiori……

“Have you finally decided to give up?” As Shiori had stopped struggling, Duke Marlo removed

Shiori’s jacket effortlessly.

--- Never abandon hope. Never give up on yourself.

But he was not that strong to do so.

Once, Shiori seriously considered chasing after his very own happiness after listening to

Kurosaki’s earnest words.

His heart wrenched in pain, making his body unable to move an inch.

“Aaah……!! Uu……!”

Just at that moment, sharp wails came from the direction of the room’s entrance.

The guards that looked fierce and powerful before were all slumped onto the floor, lifeless.

“What… What is happening?” Startled, Duke Marlo lifted his head from Shiori.

Shiori opened his eyes weakly and looked towards the place where the cries had come from.

A man stood tall amongst the fallen guards. Upon seeing the ragged state that Shiori was in, his

expression immediately changed.

A burning aura seemed to envelop that man.

“You - you are……!!” cried Duke Marlo in horror, tongue-tied after seeing that man’s fearsome

expression.

Shiori, too, was unable to utter a single word. Compared to the fear that he felt when he was

being pinned helplessly under Duke Marlo, the fear he felt from that man’s fierce expression

was much, much greater.

That man’s intense gaze was directed at Shiori.

(Kurosaki……!)

Although something in him was telling him that it was impossible, Shiori was still overjoyed that

he was able to see Kurosaki again.

But his joy was short-lived, for he realised that Kurosaki’s stare was on him.

(Ah……!!)

Thinking of the unkempt state that he was currently in, Shiori felt timid again. His shirt was

pulled aside, while his lower body was clearly being lewdly played with. Duke Marlo was even

leaning over him.

What was Kurosaki thinking when he saw Shiori in such a state?

Shiori’s face turned a deathly pale, ashamed and afraid to call out to Kurosaki.

But……

“Shiori!!”

He called out Shiori’s name.

Even when he had been ravaged and sullied by Duke Marlo, Kurosaki was still willing to call out

to him.

Shiori wanted to respond to Kurosaki’s desperate call, but was unable to get up.

Seeing Shiori pressed painfully against the hard cellar floor, Kurosaki clenched his teeth firmly,

and his fervent glare screamed with a ferocious, merciless killing intent.

“You had the nerve to……!!!” Kurosaki spat as he yanked Duke Marlo up, as if wanting to

separate him from Shiori as soon as possible.

At that very moment, the sound of a gunshot rang through the room.

“Ah!!”

Blood spurted from Kurosaki’s left shoulder.

Compared to the wounds that were on his own body, seeing Kurosaki getting hurt made Shiori

feel much more painful, as if that wound was actually on his body too.

Kurosaki turned to look behind him.

Another wave of armed guards had arrived - and to make matters worse, there was at least

twice the amount of guards as before.

--- Did Kurosaki not agree to my marriage with Duke Marlo?

Seeing his subordinates arrive at the scene, Duke Marlo stood up slowly.

“Don’t move!” ordered Duke Marlo.

“If I’m in danger, my subordinates will come to save me.”

“So what?” Despite having guns pointed at him at point-blank, Kurosaki still insisted on moving

towards where Shiori was.

“Kurosaki…...don’t move, please……!!” shouted Shiori desperately.

The guns behind Kurosaki took aim.

“Kurosaki-!!”

Kurosaki swiftly pivoted his entire body, and gave one of the armed guards a sturdy punch using

his entire body weight.

“Nnngh……!” That man groaned as he collapsed onto the floor, unconscious.

Perhaps due to the fact that Kurosaki was not armed, that man was completely taken by

surprise. Kurosaki snatched the gun that the collapsed guard had dropped, immediately pointing

it at Duke Marlo who was crouched against the wall.

“Would you like to try and see what happens first? Your subordinates shooting my brains out, or

you being shot by me?”

“Aaarghh!!” Having his abdomen brutally punched by Kurosaki, Duke Marlo, too, crashed onto

the floor.

Without hesitation, Kurosaki headed straight towards Shiori, and gently lifted him up from the

floor.

“Are you alright?”

A jolt of sharp pain shot through Shiori’s back as he stood up.

Seeing Shiori wincing in pain, Kurosaki flared up once again.

“Dammit……!!”

As Kurosaki cursed under his breath, as if regretting something, he brought Shiori into his

embrace - gently, and with infinite warmth.

(Ah…...)

Arms that were kind, and arms that made the person being embraced feel safe - these were the

very pair of arms he was used to and wanted to be in. This place was his only shelter.

Shiori could not help having such thoughts.

Although he had several wounds, how was he still able to heave a sigh of relief?

He had already been tainted by Duke Marlo. Eve so, Kurosaki was still hugging him ever so

tightly.

Shiori wanted to snuggle closer into Kurosaki’s embrace, but he was hesitant to do so.

He knew that he could not rely on Kurosaki

Although both sides yielded guns, none of the guards dared to move.

Kurosaki charged at Duke Marlo, and cocked the gun against his throat.

“What are you… intending to do…...” quivered Duke Marlo weakly for the first time.

The guards that stood behind Kurosaki dropped their guns onto the floor.

“You finally arrived, huh? How very slow of you.”

Seeing the person that had just entered the room, Shiori could not help but to widen his eyes in

utter shock.

“Shou……?”

Guards that donned the royal military uniform started to stream uniformly into the small room.

“Eh……?”

Why did Shou, on top of Kurosaki, appear in such a place?

With the many questions swimming in his head, and coupled with the confusion that was taking

place at the scene, Shiori was unable to grasp the situation fully.

“You’re quite badly wounded,” said Shou in mild shock towards Kurosaki.

“It’s still not over yet,” replied Kurosaki rudely, as he tossed the gun aside and gave Duke Marlo

another hard punch.

(But Kurosaki does not love me...)

“I am fine.” Putting on the calmest expression that he could muster, Shiori tried his hardest to

suppress his choked voice.

“As all of you can see, the labels are on the table. It seems that this place is the headquarters of

the underground activity pertaining to the Royal Branding scandal.”

(For both Kurosaki and Shou to be at this place…… it should be due to this matter.)

He was merely being used - in order for them to enter this place.

“Please unhand me.” Shiori tried to push Kurosaki aside, trying to pretend that he was unruffled

by the events that had just occurred.

However, he noticed that the hand that was holding him tightly seemed to have little strength left

in it.

“Kurosaki……?”

Upon lifting his head up to face Kurosaki, Shiori realised that Kurosaki’s face was drained of all

colour.

Kurosaki’s shoulder was still dripping with fresh, crimson blood.

Kurosaki, who had been tolerating the pain, finally collapsed onto his knees.

“Eh……? What is happening!” Shiori started to panic.

“Kurosaki, Kurosaki!!”

Kurosaki’s breaths were haggard, and he did not reply Shiori. A thick layer of sweat was forming

on Kurosaki’s forehead, indicating that he was in a lot of pain.

A small pool of blood started to form on the floor very quickly.

Shiori felt as if his own body was drained of all blood.

“Kurosaki! Open your eyes……!” No matter how loudly Shiori cried out, Kurosaki had no

reaction.

His strength was gradually fading away.

If Kurosaki was no longer around anymore……

A sudden chill ran through Shiori’s entire body. If Kurosaki were to disappear, he would most

likely be unable to handle such a reality.

This was what he truly felt.

It did not matter that Kurosaki did not truly love him. Even if Kurosaki loved someone else, Shiori

refused to let Kurosaki vanish.

He would not have high hopes of Kurosaki staying by his side forever, nor of Kurosaki returning

his feelings.

(Oh God, please, I beg of you, please save him --- )

It did not matter even if he had to exchange his own life in order to save Kurosaki.

Shiori called out Kurosaki’s name anxiously several times.

After awhile, Kurosaki, who was lying weakly on Shiori’s knees, opened his eyes slightly.

“Kurosaki……!!”

“Shiori.”

Kurosaki gazed upwards at Shiori, his lips uttering Shiori’s name softly.

Kurosaki was still able to call out his name.

Should his name never leave these lips again……

“I will call for the doctor immediately, so please hold on for a little longer!” blurted Shiori

anxiously, but Kurosaki had an ashen look on his face. It was a face that had a weak and

powerless expression.

“You are worried for me?”

“Of course I would be worried about you! Your blood…...”

Shiori moved his hand towards Kurosaki’s left shoulder in order to press against it to stem the

blood flow. But Kurosaki grabbed Shiori’s wrist, preventing Shiori from doing so - as if refusing to

let Shiori’s hands be dirtied by blood.

“How rare. I thought that you didn’t give a damn whether I was alive or dead.”

Kurosaki’s words made the corner of Shiori’s eyes well up with tears.

“You are terrible…...”

Kurosaki’s childish complaint made Shiori feel unbearable.

“I think I might be unable to make it.”

“Don’t say such things…...”

Hearing Kurosaki’s weakened voice, Shiori begged Kurosaki not to give up.

Kurosaki did not care that he would be leaving Shiori behind alone in this world.

“However, if you are willing to kiss me, then maybe, just maybe, my body might gain the

strength to carry on living.”

“Eh……?”

“Kiss me, Shiori,” ordered Kurosaki.

Shiori hesitated. He was not brave enough to take the initiative in kissing Kurosaki.

But if he did not do so, Kurosaki might not be able to carry on living……

As Shiori brought his lips closer to Kurosaki, a strong pair of hands suddenly caught the back of

Shiori’s neck and pulled Shiori towards Kurosaki’s lips.

“Nnngh……!”

The strength that his arms had made it hard to believe that Kurosaki was severely wounded and

dying.

Kurosaki took Shiori’s lips roughly. His other hand reached towards Shiori’s soft hair and pulled

Shiori even closer to himself, preventing Shiori from escaping.

The kiss did not stop after a simple touch.

Using his tongue to pry Shiori’s lips open, Kurosaki quickly deepened the kiss.

“Nn, nngh……!” Shiori accepted Kurosaki’s kiss with little resistance.

Kurosaki’s kiss seemed to pursue Shiori relentlessly. Even when Shiori was already panting

slightly due to being unable to breathe properly, Kurosaki continued to use his tongue to lick

Shiori’s tongue and lips.

“Nn, nng, aah...” Led sounds spilled forth from Shiori’s lips.

“Aah……!”

Kurosaki finally left Shiori’s lips, and said, “You won’t ever tell me that you want to leave me ever

again, will you?”

“I will not such things ever again, so please…...”

Shiori was very worried about Kurosaki’s condition and wished that he could send Kurosaki to

the hospital immediately.

Or could it be that Kurosaki was already prepared to welcome the afterlife?

Shiori did not know what he should do.

“Promise me that you will be mine, and that you belong to me for this entire lifetime.”

Kurosaki’s breaths were shallow, and his expression was twisted in pain.

Shiori nodded as his tears spilled forth uncontrollably.

“I am yours.”

It did not matter even if Kurosaki does not truly love him.

Narrowing his eyes, Kurosaki said, “As long as I can have you by my side, all the hardships that

I have been through has been worthwhile.”

The challenges that Kurosaki had weathered led to Shiori at the end of the day.

As Shiori knew the sort of life Kurosaki had been through, Shiori knew just how profound that

phrase was.

That was, perhaps, the most passionate confession from Kurosaki.

All of the pain that he had been through was for the sake of meeting Shiori.

Shiori did not feel that he was worthy of Kurosaki’s efforts.

“Kurosaki……!”

Kurosaki closed his eyes slowly and brought Shiori towards his face weakly. This time, however,

it was Shiori who planted his lips onto the other’s first.

Once again, they shared a passionate kiss, one that made Shiori unable to breathe. It was only

when Shiori was panting due to the lack of oxygen that Kurosaki released him.

Just as Kurosaki wanted to pull Shiori towards himself again, Shou suddenly spoke out.

“Kurosaki-san, could you please not bully my brother?” Said Shou grudgingly from the side,

interrupting Kurosaki.

“Your wound has already stopped bleeding, has it not? Moreover, that bullet did not hit any of

your vital points.”

“Eh?” Upon hearing Shou’s words, Shiori jolted up, and looked slightly downwards at Kurosaki.

“As I did do something that I would not do normally, my subordinates are already in an awkward

position as things stand currently. Furthermore, if you two were allowed to continue with that,

even I would not know where to look.”

The royal guards that had rushed to their rescue were all equally flustered and bothered,

desperately looking everywhere but the spot where Shiori and Kurosaki were at.

“Although you should not be in grave danger, I would like to request for you to hurry to the

hospital for a quick medical examination.”

“Eh……?” As Shou gave orders calmly to Kurosaki, Shiori, not comprehending the situation,

was still filled with unease.

While Shiori remained a flustered mess, Kurosaki snorted in blatant dissatisfaction.

“How insensitive - don’t interrupt me!” spat Kurosaki rather unhappily at Shou.

His mannerisms were clearly not that of someone who was just severely injured, nor of

someone who was on the verge of dying. On top of that, the grip that he had on Shiori’s hips

were not as weak just moments ago.

His voice was steady, and his unyielding and obstinate attitude was the same as ever.

“I bled just for the sake of helping out with your errands.”

“You have the nerve to say such things! You failed to heed my warnings. You rushed out alone

when the preparations were not fully made,” growled Shou angrily.

(What is happening ---?)

Seeing Shiori looking more perplexed and lost as seconds went by, Shou decided to clear up

the confusion.

“When Kurosaki and I were pursuing the matter regarding the poor quality Royal Label

champagnes, we finally managed to get some information regarding Duke Marlo’s suspicious

activities. However, it seemed that Duke Marlo found out that we were investigating him, and

thus become wary. He scaled down his operations in order to hide his tracks from us. Moreover,

he does not pay attention to my orders nor warnings. That is why I had been racking my brains

over how to gain access to his residence - and realised that there was only one person who

would be able to gain his approval easily. And that person is you.”

Shou turned to face Shiori directly.

“I pretended to marry you off to Duke Marlo, and persuaded him that it would be an excellent

idea for his future partner to be familiar and comfortable with his residence before the marriage.

I added that if his marriage partner came to like his residence, then naturally, I would have no

qualms about agreeing to this ‘marriage’.”

Duke Marlo had never once allowed any outsiders into his residence. However, on the account

of Shou’s tempting and cunning words, he gleefully allowed Shiori to enter the mansion, and

even brought him around on a detailed tour of the grounds.

“As you were able to successfully infiltrate the residence and agreed to his tour, we were able to

grasp the general layout of the residence and brewery. Just a moment ago, we lured Duke

Marlo into the brewery in order to create an opportunity to search his room thoroughly. We also

betted on Duke Marlo not returning to the brewery after realising the unrest was merely a false

alarm and would retire to his room for the rest of the night. That would be when we would scour

the room that you had accidentally stumbled upon today.”

“However, to our horror, when we stationed ourselves at the door and was about ready to

commence the search, we heard Duke Marlo’s and your voices - even I was shocked. At the

same time we heard your voice, Kurosaki-san immediately barged into the room without a care

in the world.”

Both of them had assumed that Shiori would stay in his room obediently.

Giving Shiori a reprimanding look, Kurosaki reached his hand towards Shiori’s collar. As he

withdrew his hand, a tiny gadget was in his grasp.

That was when Shiori realised that they were privy to every single movement of his, including

the moment when Duke Marlo was flirting with him. Everything that Duke Marlo had said and

done to him was known to all.

(Was Kurosaki only exploiting me……?)

Seeing Shiori’s face darken considerably, Shou, as if defending Kurosaki, quickly added, “I was

the one behind this entire plan to expose Duke Marlo’s terrible and irresponsible deeds.”

“You must adhere to your promises, Prince,” reminded Kurosaki. “He is now mine, isn’t he?”

Kurosaki glomped Shiori, pulling Shiori snugly into his embrace.

Kurosaki propped himself up steadily, seeing that there was no longer a need to fake his

condition. He refused to release Shiori even though Shou and the numerous royal guards were

surrounding them.

Although their passionate kisses had been seen by everyone, Shiori was still not used to being

hugged this tightly and tenderly by Kurosaki.

(There was clearly no need for Kurosaki to pretend anymore, so why is he still embracing me?)

(Are his injuries really not that severe?)

“I have understood my Brother’s feelings. I understand how loving the both of you are towards

each other. That was the reason why I agreed to the condition that you had set.”

“Condition……?” inquired Shiori quizzically as he furrowed his eyebrows slightly.

“I was very unwilling to let you be the bait for this plan. However, the Crown Prince had agreed

that if we were able to capture that man successfully, he would agree to marry you to me.”

Shiori felt that he finally saw a side of Shou’s clever diplomatic and bargaining skills.

He was able to set terms whereby Kurosaki had no choice but to accept despite how unwilling

he was.

“If not for this condition, who would even be willing to put you in this sort of danger!” Kurosaki

shouted frustratedly as he hugged Shiori even more tightly.

His attitude was not even one bit akin to someone who was nearly dying.

That would mean that the state that Kurosaki was in just now…….

Shiori realised that Shou had just uttered something unthinkable.

“Is Duke Marlo not my marriage partner……?” Shiori sputtered as he looked towards Kurosaki.

“Kurosaki, did you not agree to my marriage with Duke Marlo……?”

That was why his heart was in so much pain.

Shiori’s face was filled with misery, his gaze screaming with pain.

“Oh, so you heard it?”

Having said that, Kurosaki did not seem to feel guilty about the words that he had spoken

previously. On the contrary, he stated matter-of-factly towards Shiori, “Your marriage partner is

me.”

(......!)

Shiori’s face flushed a brilliant red, and the places that were in contact with Kurosaki grew

numb.

“Eh……?”

His current expression was perhaps one of utter disbelief and bewilderment to the point where it

looked funny.

And yet, Kurosaki refused to loosen his hold.

Perhaps, the kiss from Kurosaki minutes ago was truly from his heart.

“That’s right.”

(Despite Shou not giving the go-ahead signal, Kurosaki ran headfirst into what was clearly a

dangerous situation in order to save me - Not listening to Shou’s orders, and not putting his own

safety as the top priority.)

“Shou, just what is this…… Did you not say that my marriage partner had already been

decided?”

“I did indeed say that your marriage partner has been confirmed. However, I do not recall ever

saying that person is Duke Marlo. Just when I was about to tell you who your marriage partner

was, it was you who refused to listen, was it not?” replied Shou nonchalantly. Shiori’s blame was

instead one-upped by Shou, making Shiori speechless.

Only he was in the dark about everything.

Indeed, if he were to be aware of the truth, he would perhaps be unable to pretend in front of

Duke Marlo.

Although Shiori was finally able to grasp the sequence of events with great difficulty, he was still

unable to react.

He was confused and could only remain in Kurosaki’s embrace quietly.

(Is this really true……?)

Following that, with a grudging expression, Shou looked towards the both of them.

“He is my important brother. You must cherish him properly.”

An honest and steely gaze was shot at Kurosaki.

The words spoken by his younger brother sounded like words that would be spoken by any

doting father.

However, what surprised Shiori more was the fact that Shou said that he was ‘important’.

“I don’t need you to tell me that. I will do so anyway,” snorted Kurosaki rather haughtily.

“I have always put in my utmost effort into cherishing Shiori.”

“My brother is very different from you, Kurosaki-san. His does not have as much strength as

you, so please do not be too rough on him. Also, my brother’s workroom is located extremely

close to mine.”

The words that Shiori had said to Kairi was being used against him now, making Shiori blush

furiously.

It turns out that it was not only Kairi, but even Shou who knew about the matter between himself

and Kurosaki.

“If only you had not been the first person who dared to ask for Shiori’s hand-in-marriage… I had

originally intended to marry my brother off to a nobleman with considerable influence.”

Immediately after he said these words, Shou added, “But of course, unpleasant people like

Duke Marlo were not considered. I am referring to people who will treat you much more gently

and cherish you well.”

Could it be that Shou was not as hostile towards him as he had originally thought……?

“However, everything of Shiori - from top to bottom - already belongs to me. He only knows my

touch. With such an enticing body that reacts only to me, how could I possibly not do anything

and let other men have him?”

“Did I not just warned you to not bully my brother?”

Seeing Shiori’s already beet-red face becoming even redder, clearly embarrassed to the point of

wanting to cry, Shou shrugged his shoulders at Kurosaki exasperatedly.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not long after the harrowing incident, their marriage took place in the Royal Palace’s church.

Only a week had actually passed since Duke Marlo had been arrested.

It also meant that it has been a week since Kurosaki had been wounded by a gunshot.

However, the person who stubbornly insisted on the wedding to be held today was none other

than Kurosaki himself.

“What a strong will you have. Even the doctor is surprised that you are able to be up and about

in such a short period of time.” Shou, who was donned in sharp-looking formal wear, strode into

Kurosaki and Shiori’s waiting room.

Shou’s face was filled with astonishment.

As Kurosaki had acted as if the wound was nothing, even Shiori thought that Kurosaki was only

wounded lightly. However, in reality, the bullet did penetrate through the lower portion of

Kurosaki’s left shoulder, which was dangerously close to his heart, and Kurosaki was actually in

grave danger.

But Kurosaki did not care, and instead, rushed to save Shiori.

“Kurosaki, it would be better for you to postpone the wedding until you are completely

healed…...”

Despite Shiori’s deep concern for Kurosaki’s well-being, Kurosaki refused to budge.

“If the Crown Prince had suddenly decided to go back on his words before the wedding

ceremony, I will be extremely troubled,” quibbled the man who would not be at ease if Shiori was

not by his side. This man is someone who is utterly reckless and uncaring about his own safety

when it comes to matters pertaining Shiori.

Actually, Kurosaki wanted to marry Shiori immediately after the incident. However, the

preparations in his own residence to welcome Shiori was yet to be completed. Thus, the

wedding plans had to be put off until today.

In just merely a short week, Kurosaki was able to purchase a grand residence, select furnitures

and decorate the residence.

After the wedding ceremony, Shiori would have to move out of the Royal Palace.

Both Shou and his father, the current King, had told him that he was welcome to visit the Royal

Palace anytime he wished.

However, Kurosaki had misunderstood something. It seemed that he was very worried about

Shiori being near Shou.

Moreover, Kurosaki even said that he did not like Shiori to make frequent public appearances

and be put under the harsh scrutiny of the masses.

After Shou had left the room, Shiori gazed longingly towards the central garden.

For someone who had no one to confide in, and someone who was seemingly as aloof as

Shiori, this courtyard was the only place where he could find solace and respite in.

The place where he had lived alone.

Not long after, Kurosaki would bring Shiori away from this place.

Although he felt lonely having to leave this place that was filled with so many precious

memories, he would no longer have to suffer alone in isolation as he would be spending his life

with another person. With someone whom he loves and someone who loves him back.

Not wanting to leave Shiori alone, Kurosaki placed his hand gently on Shiori’s waist.

Up until now, Shiori could not grasp the fact that he was about to be married to Kurosaki.

“That…… Your injury…...” mumbled Shiori. Even though their marriage had already been

confirmed, Kurosaki stubbornly refused to leave Shiori’s side even for a moment.

“Um…… The wedding is about to begin-nngh……!”

Kurosaki stole Shiori’s blushing lips, cutting Shiori off abruptly.

It seems that no matter the relationship they shared, Kurosaki would never change his ways.

“You are mine now, and I am yours.”

He deepened the kiss gradually.

Knitting his eyebrows, worried that they would be unable to make it for the wedding ceremony

punctually, Shiori decided to let himself go for now.

He relaxed himself in Kurosaki’s warm embrace.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--- Happy ever after. ---

Chapter end

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