Read Rewriting the Marriage Contract Novel Translation Chapter 13

(다시 쓰는 결혼 계약서)

Original: 백설홍 (White Snow) | Translation: Genie

#josei #drama #romance #contract-marriage #mature #fantasy

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“Ugh!”

The assailant’s grip faltered under the unexpected assault, but the tiny sparrow relentlessly continued its attack.

[Let go, you bastard! Won’t let go? You son of a—!]

Despite its cute appearance, the sparrow unleashed a string of coarse words and pecked at the assailant’s other eye. It wasn’t just pecking aimlessly; it persistently targeted the same spot, revealing its tenacious nature.

Eventually, the assailant released Laniakea’s neck, and she seized the opportunity.

“Lucy! Lu—cough—Lucy!” Laniakea cried out hoarsely.

From a distance, the sound of a door being kicked open echoed, followed by the rapid thud of footsteps in the corridor.

As Laniakea screamed, the assailant cursed and swung a weapon. The glint of steel traced a dangerous arc.

[Laniakea!]

The sparrow darted to Laniakea’s side and blocked the blade. Just as it seemed the sword would strike the sparrow—whirl!—a fierce wind surged through the room.

Crash!

A porcelain vase fell from the cabinet, shattering loudly. Curtains flapped violently, wrapping around the intruder, just as the door burst open with a resounding bang.

“Laniakea!”

“Your Highness!”

Huh?

Laniakea had expected to hear Lucy’s voice, but instead, two voices reached her ears.

Lucy had called out to the “Your Highness,” but who was calling her name?

Before she could find an answer, the newcomers sprang into action.

Lucy immediately stepped in front of Laniakea, assuming an offensive stance against the intruder. And the other person who had entered…

“Your Highness?”

The one who seized the assailant, his face twisted with fury, was unmistakably Hypherion.

“Gah!”

With one hand, Hypherion hoisted the assailant by the neck.

A moment ago, the attacker had seemed robust, but now, struggling helplessly in Hypherion’s grasp, he appeared small and feeble. The overwhelming presence of Hypherion’s towering physique made it clear why.

Just as Laniakea felt a wave of relief wash over her, the sparrow screeched from above her head in its sweet yet indignant voice, drawing everyone’s attention.

[What’s this? He’s mine! Let go of him already!]

Perhaps distracted by the sparrow’s outburst, Hypherion’s grip loosened slightly. The assailant wheezed and managed to croak out, “That… that’s… a spirit…”

[Damn right! I’m the Wind Spirit summoned by Laniakea! Bow your head, you wretch!]

The sparrow’s adorable voice continued to spew vulgarities. Laniakea shut her eyes.

‘…I’m doomed.’

For three years, she had kept her ability to summon spirits a secret, but now it was out.

The astonishment on Lucy and Hypherion’s faces spoke volumes. Their expressions were the very definition of shock.

And why wouldn’t they be? It was common knowledge that summoning spirits outside of Friatra was impossible. Yet here she was, doing the impossible. The sparrow had even graciously provided an explanation of who had summoned it.

What would happen now that this secret was exposed?

Laniakea’s mind raced through every dreadful scenario she had imagined since coming to the Empire. None of them ended well. One thing was certain: the future she longed for was now beyond reach.

“We must… report this immediately…”

The assailant’s muttering drained the colour from Laniakea’s face. If their enemies, who had already tried to kill her, learned of this, they might attempt to abduct her next. And after that…

Though she tried to remain composed, Laniakea trembled uncontrollably.

She had to silence the assailant first. But what next? How could she ensure no one else ever found out? And what should she tell Lucy and Hypherion…?

At that moment, Hypherion, who had been watching her, spoke.

“Close your eyes and cover your ears.”

His calm, low voice seemed out of place, yet it was all the more compelling.

Without questioning his reasons, Laniakea obeyed. She had an ominous feeling that ignoring him would expose her to something truly horrific.

As she complied, Lucy placed her hands over Laniakea’s ears to further muffle the sounds.

Even so, the faint crack of something snapping reached her.

Some time passed before Laniakea opened her eyes again. The assailant dangled limply in Hypherion’s grasp.

She didn’t need to ask. It was clear the assailant was no longer of this world.

Hypherion shielded the lifeless body from view and gave Lucy a command.

“Escort Lady Laniakea to my quarters.”

─── ･: .☽ . :･ ───

Laniakea sat trembling beneath a blanket draped over her shoulders.

‘Who was it? And why would they try to kill me?’

Though she had been brought to the annex of the main palace where Hypherion resided, her nerves refused to settle. Her hands shook so violently she couldn’t even hold her teacup properly.

Seeing Laniakea in such a state, Lucy appeared equally distressed. Leaning closer, she whispered, “Lupine. Secret. Protect.”

Lucy seemed to believe that Laniakea was terrified of her due to the incident involving the spirit.

“Of course, Lucy… I trust you,” Laniakea murmured, trying to reassure her.

She would trust Lucy, lupine or not.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door, followed by a voice asking for permission to enter.

Lucy tensed as she opened the door, revealing a massive man, even larger than Hypherion, stepping inside.

“Greetings. My name is Signo. I am His Highness Hypherion’s secretary.”

“A… secretary?”

The man’s rugged appearance and formidable build made it easy to imagine him wielding any weapon in existence. Naturally, Laniakea assumed he was one of Hypherion’s guards. A secretary? Weren’t secretaries usually frail individuals, pale from overwork and sleepless nights?

Noticing the puzzled expressions on Laniakea and Lucy’s faces, Signo gave a sheepish grin and scratched his head.

“Despite my looks, I’m quite frail. As for swords… heavens, I wouldn’t even know how to lift one. However, I am skilled with numbers, which is why His Highness took me under his wing.”

‘Frail?’ Laniakea thought, eyeing him sceptically. He looked capable of felling an ox with his bare fists.

“And this young lady here—is she His Highness’ chambermaid?” Signo asked, glancing at Lucy.

“I am not!” Lucy snapped, visibly irritated. “I am… a warrior of the Lupine Clan. I challenge you!”

Her words, clear and deliberate, were accompanied by a sharp glare. Lucy rolled up her sleeves, prepared for confrontation.

Signo, to everyone’s astonishment, dropped to his knees with a thud that echoed through the room.

“I spoke out of turn. Spare my life!”

Lucy blinked, perplexed by the swift apology, then readjusted her sleeves.

“Know your place. Excellent.”

Witnessing the scene, Laniakea felt a small measure of ease return to her face.

“You’re quick to apologise,” she remarked.

“I’ve heard tales of the Lupine Clan’s prowess,” Signo admitted. “I knew a warrior from their clan resided in the palace, but I didn’t realise it was you. Please forgive my rudeness.”

Lucy gave an approving grunt, clearly pleased by Signo’s humility. Many doubted her status as a warrior simply because of her appearance, so his prompt apology and show of respect seemed to win her favour.

The exchange briefly distracted Laniakea from her thoughts of the attack.

After humbling himself before Lucy, Signo rose and turned to Laniakea with a sombre expression.

“The man who attacked Your Grace has been dealt with discreetly. Though he took precautions to hide his identity, the weapon he carried and the method of his attack provided us with more information than expected. His Highness believes we’ll soon uncover who sent him. Additionally…”

Signo paused, and Laniakea felt her throat tighten as she swallowed nervously.

‘Did Hypherion tell him about the spirit?’

“His Highness has suggested you stay here rather than return to the secondary palace. He assured me he would arrange for your comfort as swiftly as possible.”

Laniakea let out a silent sigh of relief. It seemed Hypherion had not revealed her secret to his secretary.

“I understand. By the way, do you think His Highness is very busy? I’d like to thank him in person,” she said hesitantly.

“You’d like to meet him?”

“Of course…”

“I wasn’t sure you’d feel comfortable facing him after what you witnessed.”

“Oh…”

At that moment, Laniakea realised why Hypherion had sent Signo instead. He must have assumed she would be too frightened to see him after witnessing him kill the assailant.

But as her thoughts wandered, she came to an unexpected conclusion: the fact that Hypherion had taken a life didn’t trouble her in the slightest.

“If Your Grace is willing, His Highness will personally explain everything to you,” Signo said, a hopeful look in his eyes. When Laniakea nodded, he left the room almost gleefully.

Moments later, hurried footsteps heralded Hypherion’s arrival.

Upon seeing that Laniakea’s trembling had subsided, Hypherion dismissed both Signo and Lucy.

Ordinarily, Lucy would have insisted on staying, but she simply bowed her head and exited without a word.

Laniakea’s eyes widened in surprise. Lucy had never left her side willingly, let alone entrusted her safety to someone else.

The door closed, leaving Laniakea and Hypherion alone.

Hypherion approached her and, without warning, bowed his head.

“I’m sorry. This attack is entirely my fault.”