Chapter 4

Kael rushed forward to comfort her.

"Don't worry, we'll find it slowly."

Yuna looked around with red-rimmed eyes, then looked up and spotted me about to leave.

"Zara, you haven't finished moving your things? Did you come back to get something?"

Seeing that Kael didn't defend me at all, I said flatly.

"Finished moving. Leaving now."

But Yuna suddenly seemed to remember something.

"I remember Kael saying you're good at weaving clothes.

Since you're here, it's perfect timing. Help me weave a little shawl. I need to wear it at my wedding ceremony."

I shook my head decisively.

"I won't weave it."

Kael walked over, his tone seeming persuasive.

"Zara, there's no need to be so petty.

If you help, I'll give you that biggest pot in the house. I know you love cooking."

My heart immediately stung.

I was the youngest princess of the Dragon King.

Before marrying Kael, I had never touched any household chores.

After marriage, to be a capable wife, I studied culinary arts and changed up dishes for him every day, making delicious meals.

I never imagined that in his eyes, this became evidence that I loved cooking.

I refused even more firmly.

"No need. I won't weave it."

Kael thought I was asking for more and sighed.

"I know you're upset. Yuna told me yesterday that you want to attend our wedding."

"I thought about it for a long time. If you're willing to weave this shawl for Yuna, I'll agree to let you come as the tailor at the wedding."

"In the future, if you want to make a living with your weaving skills, having served as Yuna's tailor will be an impressive credential."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Does Yuna come from a good family?"

Kael nodded without elaborating.

I felt a chill in my heart, finally seeing through Kael's purpose. All attachment left me.

"I don't care about being a tailor."

With that, I started to leave.

Just as I reached the door, I ran into Yuna's mother entering.

She was covered in jewels, her gaze arrogantly sweeping over me.

"Well, isn't this the deer clan girl?"

She deliberately bumped into me sideways and snorted coldly.

"Don't step through this door again. If you upset my Yuna, I'll beat you severely."

I didn't want to spare her even an extra glance.

Had she beaten me rarely before?

That time when Kael was framed for embezzling disaster relief grain, I rushed around overnight to find evidence.

For two nights straight, I didn't return until nine. She accused me of impropriety and made me kneel for three days and nights.

My knees swelled so badly I couldn't walk, yet she never offered me even a bowl of water.

The time I accidentally broke one of her teacups.

In front of a courtyard full of servants, she slapped me twice and called me an ill-bred bastard.

When Kael came back, she tearfully complained that I deliberately smashed her beloved possession.

In the end, Kael gave me the cold shoulder for two days before the matter was settled.

My lack of response made her even angrier. She pointed at my back and cursed wildly.

"No manners! No wonder Kael doesn't want you. You deserve it! Talking to you dirties my mouth!"

Kael, who was cooking, heard her.

He blocked my path with his body, his tone unpleasant.

"We've already dissolved our bond. There's no need to make things this ugly, is there?"

I looked up to meet his eyes, mine full of complexity.

"I'm not the unreasonable one. What right do you have to question me?"

He sneered lightly.

"Because you couldn't even handle the mother-in-law relationship properly, making me caught in the middle every day.

But as soon as Yuna came in, my mother couldn't stop smiling.

Can't I see who the problem is?"

I clenched my fingers, having no more strength to argue, and walked out without looking back.