Contract Marriage: Rewritten - Chapter 36
Chapter 36
Translator: Yonnee
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After arriving in the empire, Laniakea hadn’t received any education beyond the basics.
Because of that, all the responsibilities that had come rushing in after she suddenly became empress were overwhelming for her.
But she couldn’t complain. Any such words would only come off as excuses for her own incompetence.
Compared to Laniakea, who was struggling, Hyperion was perfect.
Though he, too, hadn’t received proper successor education due to leaving the palace at a young age, he handled everything as if he had been thoroughly prepared.
It was fortunate that at least one of them was perfect, rather than both being a mess—but even so, Laniakea couldn’t help but shrink back.
She felt less and less confident, but she couldn’t show it. There were still many disloyal factions surrounding Hyperion, and until his authority as emperor was fully secured, she couldn’t become a burden.
‘I’m someone who will leave soon. I can’t afford to do a sloppy job.’
And even if her time was short, she didn’t want to be remembered as incompetent and clumsy.
So, choosing her ladies-in-waiting was something she had to handle on her own.
“……”
“……”
When Laniakea politely expressed her refusal, a brief silence settled over the room.
Worried that Hyperion might have taken offense, she looked over at him. Thankfully, that didn’t seem to be the case.
Instead, he rubbed his chin a few times, then spoke with some difficulty.
“For now… may I speak with you for a moment?”
With that, he sat on the edge of the bed. Laniakea quickly sat down across from him.
Once she sat down on the moderately soft bed, the reality of why she was here finally sank in.
‘I’m going to… with this man… tonight.’
She tried to suppress it, but the tension made her swallow dryly again and again.
The last time she had felt this nervous was as a child, when she had stood in front of her parents and sisters to summon a spirit.
Just as she was beginning to think the silence might go on forever, Hyperion was the first to speak.
“First… I must ask your forgiveness in advance.”
His voice was even quieter as he continued.
“It’s shameful to admit, but out of all my duties, this is the one I’m least familiar with. All imperial princes are expected to fulfill the obligation of producing an heir. But I spent my childhood in a monastery, and after coming of age, I was stationed at the harsh borderlands. So unlike the other princes, I didn’t receive proper education. That’s why… I may hurt you or make you uncomfortable.”
Hyperion seemed genuinely apologetic as he said this.
“If at any point you find it too difficult, please tell me immediately. I will stop right away.”
Laniakea nodded at his sincere words.
Honestly, she didn’t think that would be possible. From what she had gathered, once things began, men would continue regardless of how the woman felt, driven by their own desires. And even if he did stop, they would have to do it eventually anyway.
In that case, it would be better just to endure it.
When Laniakea nodded, Hyperion stood and took off the bathrobe he had been wearing.
Fortunately, taking it off didn’t mean he was completely naked. Though his upper body was bare, he was wearing comfortable sleeping trousers.
Feeling a little embarrassed, Laniakea still found herself staring blankly as he undressed. Now that he had taken off his robe, the muscles covering his body were even more clearly visible.
Even when just glimpsed through his collar, they had been impressive, like something carved from stone. But now, fully exposed, they looked less rugged and more beautiful.
‘He really is different from the other princes.’
The three deceased imperial princes had been raised delicately under the former empress’s protection.
Though they would talk about the importance of training the body and practicing martial arts as befit a prince, Laniakea knew very well how much they complained at the slightest bit of sweat.
Whenever the imperial palace hosted fencing events, those princes would swing swords with clumsy, awkward movements in front of the imperial knights.
The knights would pretend to be struck down by those pitiful attacks and say things like, “His Highness the Prince is so skilled. Truly, the future of the empire is secure,” spouting empty flattery.
Laniakea remembered how absurd it had sounded when she heard it from the corner of the room.
The ones risking their lives at the border were others, yet all the praise went to the princes.
Now, she could see faint scars scattered across Hyperion’s well-built body.
They were marks that could never come from playing at swordsmanship in the imperial gardens.
Noticing her gaze, Hyperion gave a wry smile.
“Sorry. It must be unpleasant to look at.”
Before Laniakea could reply that it wasn’t, he stepped closer and spoke in a low, almost whispering voice.
“If you’re alright with it… may I help you?”
Help? With what?
Laniakea soon understood.
His slightly trembling fingers had gently grasped the collar of her robe.
He was asking if he could undress her.
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