...After what felt like an eternity, she retracts both her hands and lips, looking at me for any comment...but I say nothing.
Because let's be honest...how can I say something when she kissed me so passionately?! It was...it was breathtaking, and now I truly can't focus. She only looks at me with more confusion, as if she never expected me to be this brain-dead.
"Well, now that we've settled that...let me remind you of what will happen between us." She rests on her chair with a contemplative attitude, saving space for me beside her.
It makes me curious how easily she can revert to her extremely straightforward self after just giving the best kiss I have ever had.
She has a robotic expression, sure, but I don't do or say anything else except nod and sit.
Exactly like a good dog. Woof woof.
...yeah no, I'm turning to a dog at this point.
"First, you are to abide by the promise of not taking any other woman aside from me," She says with eloquence and pride, which is a testament to why she was the only known ominous beauty whose conditions were something as limiting as this.
"Second, you may use as many resources I have— including wealth, materials, or soldiers- as you want. However, you must not disrespect or show any debaucherous behavior to any woman on the continent of Catelia." This time, I could sense a hidden feeling of hatred that was hidden beneath the intensity of her words.
It's as they say. She is uptight in maintaining order for her continent.
"As an additional condition, that rule applies to your wife." She stares intensely, waiting for my sign of approval...but I'm flabbergasted, wondering why she even says something like that to begin with.
Indeed, high-tiered NPCs can't be controlled by the player unless the player is stronger or more empowered than the NPC, but the bigger issue is...
Do I look like a bastard who would do as he wished with girls?
Like some lecherous playboy?
Like the handsome ones who look like dirty money?
If so, then damn...it must look like I really inherited my father's genes...
"Third, whenever you plan to kiss me or do intimate things to me, then you should inform me first," She says with a mixture of seriousness and anxiety, causing me to laugh inwardly.
"I'd prefer to be aware of when such actions will be made," she continues, a plastic smile on her face. By now, she looks like she regrets her decision to marry, but she still proceeds with it anyway...it's all so contradictory.
To give her an affirmation that I understood what she was saying, I only nod each time she tells me another condition or term.
The room stays still and silent after she tells me her 3 rules, causing me a momentary moment of respite and contemplation...a contradiction to what my wife feels right at this very moment.
She's gripping her hands tightly against the chair, glaring at me straight in the eyes, her expression screaming "inner turmoil".
"Well? Surely you're not so foolish as to not give any conditions of your own, husband?" She breaks the silence and catches me off guard. I unintentionally avert my gaze from her, not expecting her to say anything of the sort.
Well...I would be lying if I told myself that I hid my face away from her because of just that.
In truth, it's only really now that the facts are cemented: I'm her husband.
Yesterday, when she said that out of formality...I didn't really react to it.
I'm pretty sure that was because my head was still up high and didn't know how to react to the idea that, truly, I am married...virtually.
But now...it makes me feel flustered.
Yet, I know the duty this role has for me. I have to step up as her husband.
"I don't have any terms or conditions." I say to her with absolute calmness, knowing that any fidgeting or uneasiness would only cause her to be wary of what I "truly want".
But in reality, there...there is nothing I want.
She looks at me, puzzled, and she only asks follow-up questions, not believing my words.
"It is foolish to act like an anomaly. Your kind always want something— speak. Kisses? Sex? Children?" She asks, my cheeks reddening to that deep tomato shade from earlier...
I can't possibly have kids or even do that thing just as I please!
That would be an abuse of my title as her husband...and besides, I can't just do that to her when this is all contractual!
I would be ashamed if I forced her to do this against her wishes!
And my mother would be too if she ever knew I did!
Also, if that's the way she thinks, then what the heck have the other players been doing to make that her general reaction to a normal marriage?!
"No...I don't need any of that Rosylviana," I respond with a degree of firmness, as appeasing her would be better than acting like a fool.
I don't need any more moments when she sees me acting like a fool!
"Ros-vil-yan-a," She corrects my pronunciation, a slight smile playing on her lips. "It's Rosylviana." She says with a subtle smile, one that would never be noticed unless you're close to her.
I fake a cough, knowing that I made myself a fool in front of her again...it's a mystery why she tolerates this behavior, but to save myself from more disgrace, I say her name again.
This time, with the correct pronunciation.
As soon as I'm done speaking, the expression on her face turns stoic again. She shakes her head and partly opens her mouth, but they were not done out of any negative feelings.
"Rosalina. Just call me Rosalina. Enunciating my formal name is not easy for your kind who are accustomed to different cultures," She sighs, causing me to smile sheepishly.
"Rosalina it is," I say, doing my best to act like a dignified husband...right now, my brain is working overtime.
Specifically? It's looking through the depths of my memories, and scavenging for the moments when my family was still happy.
It's the only way I can use my father as my role model...and it's also the only thing that contains memories of when I'll personally understand the concept of a husband...and of course, of a father.
She then nods, and stands up, about to say something else, but I cut her off...by accident.
"Umm, Rosalina, do you have any spare beginner equipment?" I ask as she tilts her head with curiosity.
"...truly, you are an unguarded and naive fool," She says, remarking on my lack of equipment.
I don't look away from her and only awkwardly laugh, and for a moment, I swear that I saw a micro expression of her stifling a laugh.
"The west courtyard," She answers calmly, and I take a mental note of that.
She then looked at me and continued what she was saying before I cut her off. "As for your state of...disregard for appearances." She comments. "I'll prepare proper clothing befitting your title." As she scrutinizes me, she casts a spell. I don't know what it is, but her eyes are gleaming with a manic red.
As such, I suddenly feel too...bare.
Truly...I do look homeless, haha...hah...
She glances at my face one last time before she looks away, casting a spell on her body to change into her normal attire instead of her wedding dress.
"Your clothes will be made the next time we meet in better circumstances." The glow in her eyes fades into nothingness— her head turned to the side.
"My duties come first. Coordinate with my subordinates if you need anything...husband," She says coldly with a particular unease to the word "husband" as she walks away.
Her silhouette fading into the distance is a telltale sign that reminded me of our situation as husband and wife.
It's all contractual.
I married her for the convenience of a harem limitation...and she married me for some unknown reason...which, I do not plan to know if she doesn't want to tell me.
Nonetheless, this was her true nature: a high-tier ominous beauty who holds responsibilities and duties that have to be fulfilled to keep the reputation they built from the ground.
...but I do wonder what her true combat capabilities are.
Maybe I'll only get to know when I am seen as someone she can see eye-to-eye with...and not, the noob of a player I am right now.
"Alright, I'll do as you say Rosalina," I say, as the vision of her silhouette grows dimmer, even whilst knowing that she wouldn't be able to hear my response as the distance between us grows palpably large.
The distance served as a testament to the strong intensity of convenience that we gained through our marriage.
"I must do better...I'll be a husband that she will be proud of...and a man I'd be personally proud of," I mutter, as I walk to the west courtyard of her, no...our pavilion.
I should remember that to keep up with our appearances. I'm now the part-owner. It's why I'm also called master by her guards.
And now, my actual journey in this world will begin...and it will all start with my conviction.
Oh, and of course, with my beautiful wife.