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284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2023
"[..]Rishe had spontaneously let slip a wish: “They’re showing an opera in the imperial capital’s theater? Oh, I’d love to go…”She hadn’t even intended to be heard, but Arnold lifted his head from the documents at his desk as the words left her lips. She’d looked up from her own work in response.
He said, “Very well. Give me some time.” "
“I’ve only allowed you to be here because Rishe desires to speak with you. Don’t forget that you’re not in a position to casually meet with the crown princess of this country.”
..
“Rishe isn’t your princess yet! It’s too early to treat her like she belongs to you!”
..
Arnold looked down at Dietrich with open scorn. “It seems you have a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a husband.”
“What?!”
“Rishe will be my wife, but she will not be my property. The only person whom she belongs to is herself.
..
“I do not intend to restrict Rishe’s actions in any way so long as they do not endanger her. The person I am not allowing to act freely here is you. Do you understand that?”
Arnold recrossed his legs, observing Dietrich with pure disgust. “I have no choice but to ask—do you think the woman you envy so much has expended no effort in her life up until now?”
..
Resting his chin in his hand, Arnold told him, “It’s been a mere two months since Rishe came to Galkhein. Yet if I bring her to a party, she knows the faces of every person in attendance and can even remember their preferred conversation topics.”Rishe’s eyes widened in surprise.
..
“A rotten noble once asked her a question about an obscure piece of Galkhein history. She was only able to give him a well-thought-out answer because she sacrifices sleep to study this country despite the fact that no one expects her to.” Arnold’s blue-eyed gaze fell on Rishe. “She regularly supplies the barracks with fortifying food and drink. Even if it does not benefit her, if it will benefit me, she watches out for my Imperial Guards—many of whom she only has a passing familiarity with.”
..
“I can give countless examples of such behavior. I’m sure there are infinitely more that take place outside of my notice.”
“Nothing a person like him says could ever mean anything to me. He can fuss all he likes, but…” Arnold lowered his voice. “I won’t allow him to belittle you.”