PART:5

Sung-min and I lock eyes for a few seconds before breaking contact.

"Why are things going like this?"  both think at the same time.

I stand beside Sung-min as everyone watches us. The priest begins his work, and soon, it’s time for Sung-min to take his vow.

"Prince Sung-min, do you take Princess Yuri as your future wife and the future queen of Cheongryong Kingdom?" the priest asks, looking directly at him.

"...I... do," Sung-min answers after a brief hesitation.

"I have to go along with this for now… Besides, marrying a beautiful girl like her isn’t exactly a bad thing."

I notice a flicker of something in his expression—maybe a hint of mischief—but it quickly disappears as he composes himself.

The priest turns to me. "Princess Yuri, do you take Prince Sung-min as your future husband?"

"...I... do," I say, my voice steady.

"How could I regret this? He’s the main lead of the novel—perfect in every way, just like I always imagined. And he’s so fucking handsome and hot… I can’t wait to be with him."

I blush slightly at my own thoughts but quickly shake them off.

The priest smiles. "Now, I officially announce Prince Sung-min and Princess Yuri as husband and wife. Prince Sung-min, you may kiss your bride."

A wave of nervousness washes over me. I glance at Sung-min, and he looks just as tense. But we have no choice. The guests are watching, waiting.

Sung-min steps closer, his hands lifting the hem of my veil. As he slowly pulls it up, his eyes meet mine. His gaze flickers to my lips, and for a moment, I brace myself… but instead of kissing me on the lips, he leans in and presses a soft kiss to my cheek.

A warm sensation spreads through me, but before I can process it, he pulls back quickly. The crowd erupts into applause.

Sung-min's POV

Getting married to the most beautiful girl in the novel feels… strange. Even when I had to kiss her, I felt nervous and ended up kissing her cheek instead.

"Ah… This feels weird. I’m actually married now…"

We step into the royal carriage bound for the Cheongryong Kingdom. The air between us is thick with awkwardness as we sit next to each other, avoiding eye contact.

"Choi Yuri… the villainess of The Cheongryong Empire novel . I don’t know much about her, only what Soo-ah told me. She was obsessed with romantic novels… After that accident, I miss her. I hope she’s okay."

I glance at Yuri. The sunlight streaming through the window highlights her face, making her look ethereal.

"In the novel, Yuri tried to kill the female lead out of jealousy and ego. Prince Sung-min ignored her because she was selfish and had a history of lovers. He had every reason to divorce her."

I sigh and stare out the window, wondering what my next move should be. Should I play the role of Prince Sung-min… or change my fate?

Yuri's POV

He kissed my cheek. My face warms slightly, but I quickly mask it and stay quiet. It feels good to marry the main character of the novel… but I know what happens next, and that makes my stomach twist.

Inside the carriage, I sit beside him, my gaze fixed outside.

"Kim Sung-min… the male lead of The Cheongryong Empire. Smart, handsome, the only son of the king, and a skilled warrior. He’s perfect… but not for Yuri. He never liked her—she wasn’t his type. That’s why he divorced her after she tried to kill the female lead."

I steal a side glance at him, but when he turns my way, I quickly look away.

When we arrive at the Cheongryong Kingdom’s castle, Sung-min steps out first. I move to follow, but he suddenly extends his hand toward me.

For a moment, I hesitate. His expression doesn’t show any hatred toward me.

Slowly, I place my hand in his, and he helps me down.

[CHEONGRYONG castle]

Inside, the maids lead me directly to a luxurious room. Sung-min doesn’t follow—he says he has work to do.

"Wow… His room is beautiful." I take in the elegant decor, the soft candlelight flickering against the walls. It looks aesthetic.

I exhale deeply. "I need to do something. I don’t want to die at my own husband’s hands…"

Smiling to myself, I head to the bathroom.

After undressing, I tie my hair into a messy bun and slip into the warm water of the bathtub. The heat seeps into my muscles, and I let out a satisfied sigh.

"This feels amazing… finally, I can relax."

I stretch out my legs, leaning my head back against the tub. My fingers graze my skin absentmindedly.

"Yuri’s skin is so soft… No wonder she had so many lovers. She’s beautiful, gorgeous, and has a great figure… Wait—what am I even thinking?"

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "I am Yuri now. I have everything she had. So… now…"

Just as I start to unwind, I hear footsteps approaching the bathroom door.

The handle turns.

I sit up quickly, my heart pounding.

The door swings open.

"Sung-min?!"

Sung-min P.O.V

As my dad calls me, I head to his study. When I get there, I knock on the door and step inside after hearing his voice.

He’s sitting in his chair, eyes scanning some papers, but he looks up at me as I walk in.

“So you came, huh… are you tired or something, my son?” he asks.

“No, I’m okay, Dad. Just need a little rest and I’ll be fine,” I reply.

But I know that’s not why he called me. I can tell by the look in his eyes—he’s not just checking in.

“Sung-min… as you know, I already told you—you can’t fall for that girl, okay?” he says, voice firm. “This marriage is just a political agreement, for both countries’ benefit.”

I stare at him, listening carefully, not saying anything.

“…and like I said before, don’t let your guard down around her. I know she’ll try to use her beauty to manipulate you. Always keep your eyes open. If she does anything suspicious… tell me. I don’t trust her. Now go get some rest.”

I nod silently and leave the room, walking down the hall to my own.

Choi Yuri… I never thought people saw you like this. They really don’t trust her—just because she’s the enemy’s daughter. I can’t believe it...

But… if I’m really Sung-min now… doesn’t that mean I’m supposed to be the one who kills her later in this story? Is that what’s coming next? Am I really going to do that…?

I catch my reflection in the window as I pass by. It’s dark outside.

I never imagined my first day here would end like this. I got married… to a girl everyone here seems to hate. And me… I don’t even know what to do. I can’t decide anything yet…

Still lost in thought, I walk into my room, pull off my coat, and start unbuttoning my shirt as I head to the bathroom. Absentmindedly, I open the door and step inside—only to freeze at the sight in front of me.

“Yuri…? You??”

She’s already in the tub, completely naked. I immediately turn red, frozen in place.

“I—I’m sorry! I didn’t think… I forgot you’d be here too. I should’ve knocked. I’m so sorry…” I stammer, my heart pounding.

I try to look away but my eyes linger for just a second too long. She’s beautiful—every inch of her…

Ahhh—what the hell am I thinking?!

I shake my head quickly, trying to force those thoughts out of my mind. She’s clearly just as embarrassed, sitting still with her head down and her face glowing red.

If this were my real world, a girl would’ve killed me by now… but maybe girls in historical novel are just… shy?

“Sorry! I should go. Enjoy your bath. Really—I’m sorry again,” I say, turning to leave.

But just as I step back, I miss the edge of the slippery floor. My foot slides.

And in the next moment—I fall straight into the tub.

Right on top of her.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***