Chapter 30

"Hehe."

So this is the thing they're saying eh?

Avoiding your death, and yet I'm still falling for my death.

We all know how all of those characters ended up with some rare situations that have special misdirections.

In my mind, the main characters are all my enemies. Isn't it what they say, keep your friend close but your enemies closer? Although it's this body's enemy, they're not good for my health. I'm so stressed. Aiyo.

But I have to. Even if it's a sliver of hope.

"Come to think of it...ohoho!"

If we go to the ML's empire I mean I can ask for those who might know. Even on earth, there are still some mysterious things, but that doesn't mean this plane is an exception. This ancient world still might have some tricks in its sleeves. There might still be people knowing my answers as long I search for them.

Moreover, my journey to Ml's empire would be fast and smooth when I'm with him. Besides, as long as I don't fall for his looks I'm okay with that. To do that, I need to be on guard and protect my heart at every turn. Therefore, another change of plan. I shouldn't escape for now. Shvt, here I thought I'm good at calculating things when I'm just learning step by step.

I'll live for another day with him again.

But marriage...

As soon as I went out I saw him talking with another monk. Seeing me, their conversation had stopped as he came closer with his signature smile that seems to be present ever so often.

"Dear, can we go now?"

I asked.

Ml nodded.

As soon as we were inside the palanquin I was debating whether I should tell him now or if we go back. It's not like I still have some things to consider...

Well, it's also possible that if I can't discreetly find a way into their empire then off I go where I can never be seen for this lifetime searching for answers or if there is a 'Fated Chance' that I once read in a Xuanhuan or Xianxia novel.

"What are you bothered about?"

"Can we not just be engaged? Isn't it nearly close enough to marriage?"

Ml nodded as if all of it makes sense. "Yes, engagement is marriage that's why we are getting married."

"..."

You're not listening to me.

"Engagement has more time to know about your betroth rather than being married immediately. You have that kind of freedom to choose your person don't waste it."

"Wife,"

Ml clasped my hand, staring me eye to eye. The longer I stare at him the more I realize how handsome he is, yes just an appreciation for aesthetics.

"The way you speak makes me think you're reassured that Bengong is fated to another woman."

Well, yeah.

"Although Bengong is undeserving of you, this one will do his best to be a husband. Whatever we may face in the future, let's do it together. Alright?"

"..."

That's corny, it's creeping me out. There's no warmth.

"The Grand Monk must have shaken up your views in this marriage."

A casual comment that made me cold. Let's just be honest a bit.

"It, it was the Grand Monk who helped me. This Princess was deciding to leave right away. You see the Grand Monk enlightened me with my foolish fantasies of love that will never be true."

See I'm not lying to you.

"Then you aren't truly planning to leave now?"

Tsk. It's not like I don't know there's a high chance you'll catch up to me if I don't thoroughly plan ahead of time.

Still.

I smiled. "This Princess has no such thoughts anymore. After all, we have a deal. This Princess will always keep her promise."

What was our deal again? Oh yes, my identity and his own needs. Their meeting might be delayed because of me yet they met sometime, it seems it still lack chemistry the first sight he saw Song Jing Hua. This butterfly effect of my coming made it unpredictably late and early. Late to catch feelings and early to see each other. I'm sure the banquet wasn't the first encounter. So if I find my answers even though it'll take me some time and then disappear...

Suddenly a hand pulled me closer until he is practically hugging me. "Why do you think too much?"

Because I'm the type of introvert that either has endless thoughts here and there or a clean sheet, completely blank. That happens sometimes if I'm stressed to the point I felt like I'm floating, or just felt like 'it is what it is.'

"Li Jia Ying just has this nature to be in a daze."

"Is that so?"

Ml tilted my chin to look at him. Dangerously black pool eyes, and a face that is unprecedented well written to be admired by the readers. I just replied with a smile before looking away. That question, its answer that doesn't need to be uttered.

I'm more concerned with the female protagonist.

"Your Highness."

"Haven't Bengong already told you to call me by my name?"

"..."

I can't just help myself.

"Dear, I'm extremely bothered. If this princess is a fool she'll believe you."

I don't understand why you insist on letting me call your name. If it's for affection then excuse me.

"Never mind. Think as if you didn't hear me say those words."

"Wife, there must be something that's holding you back."

"If Li Jia Ying may be so bold, it's you who's holding yourself back from something."

I can't help but reply, there's just really off about him. I've wracked my brain as much as I could squeezing whatever is left in my brain just to try and remember if there was an encounter between him and Li Jia Ying before in the novel but there was nothing. He is the same but not like this. Even though I skipped and skim some parts I'm confident that there's nothing in the novel that states we met before the opening of the novel. Moreover, I don't acquire the memories of Li Jia Ying like any transmigrators would! There's nothing but some bizarre dreams and whatnot.

Ml sighed not saying anything anymore.

I also didn't push the subject and just quietly stayed silent. I'm not playing hard to get alright? It's not like this man doesn't truly know with his perceptiveness that I genuinely dislike him.

Maybe if I married a man that's not the protagonist I won't be so worried like this.

Sure enough, we've arrived by midnight. Tired from the travel I straightly dove onto my bed.

"Princess let's get you... Oh."

***

"-ess..."

"-me to get yourself ready."

"Mama, you're being so loud."

"..."

I frowned. This is not like my mother to keep quiet. Wait, if she's silent after calling me hundredths of times that means...

"I'm up! I'm up!"

Cold wa— "Oh."

The face of the maid, Rin came into my view and a flash of disappointment filled my eyes. What was I even thinking? Tch.

"Good morning."

I greeted.

"Good morning, Your Highness. Your bath, this servant will prepare it again."

I shook my head. "If it's cold then it's cold. Let's go."

"But Your Highness..."

"Should this Princess not bath then?"

I need a cold shower to wake me up from this homesickness lest I'll go mad.

After bathing and dressing for the day, I made my way downstairs. My footsteps halted seeing him on a chair reading what I guessed are reports. Hm, shouldn't he be doing it in his study room?

He turned to me, "Did you have a good rest?"

Not until I saw your face.

I smiled. "Yes."

"Then let's eat."

This will be the first time that we're doing this together. He always skips or leaves early. Wait, that means he waited for me? Heh. I'm not touched at all.

Soon, we started eating. A graceful bearing of a CN male protagonist with a cunning heart. While I felt like an ignoramous person using chopsticks with my innards being rotten. Anyway, was there even a proper way to hold chopsticks for these ancient royal people?

"Tomorrow's our wedding day. Bengong wonders how beautiful his person would be."

Li Jia Ying's beauty tops the great three beauties of China.

"That, Li Jia Ying can't say."

I said teasing him. "You'd be surprised."

"Mmm."

"Li Jia Ying is troubled."

Actually, I'm curious.

"What is it?"

"What do you think about Gu Mei Xiang, Bai Ying Yue, and my brother?"

He chuckled.

"You ask randomly."

"You should get used to it.."

"Ah yes."

"Then?"

"At what aspect should Bengong define them?"

Ml questioned sipping his wine, eyes twinkling in amusement.

"Skills and weakness. As well as, who do you have more interest in their capability."

"Ho?"

That smile just now was wider than usual. As if he knows I'm itching to know his answer and finally, I'm asking him. A grinning Cheshire cat. Even if it was delayed but I took your bait didn't I?

"All of them are deceptive and clever. Gu Mei Xiang has some power and connection. Skilled in making money, dealing with merchants, and contributing to your empire with her medicine. It's just that in every empire men are more valued than women so she needs to prove herself harder than anybody else. Your brother lacks the affection and power unless he is truly chosen as the Emperor albeit that might be if he shows the importance of his presence and Bai Ying Yue..."

He paused and looked at me. I blankly looked at him. Heh, I won't give you a reaction.

"Bai Ying Yue, from what I've heard retaliates more openly and ruthlessly. Quiet yet dangerous. The most skilled especially in weapons besides the two."

I nodded gingerly.

"Then, do you have more interest in the Prime Minister's daughter than the two?"

"Regarding her capability and reason, she has more potential."

That's an indirect answer. Still vague and objective but okay.

"That's true. After all, " she's the Female Lead. "The abandoned Di daughter of the Prime Minister had enough."

"You're the one that interests me the most."

Yeah, yeah. That word 'interest' goes with 'interesting' again. So annoying. Every time I hear and read those words, they felt like bombs. So infuriating.

"Please don't joke around. In terms of skills, reasons, talent, and above everything else, schemes Li Jia Ying is incomparable to all of them."

"Yet..."

Ml trailed off before shaking his head. Geez, why can't you say it? "Whatever you do, Bengong will only have you as his wife."

Odd guy. I don't even see how you'll benefit from this bond called marriage. "This Princess is happy to hear your lovely words."

You stubborn mule.