The crying child gets candy.
When she was little, Kaguya scoffed at this saying. In that cold family, crying and weakness were synonymous, and weakness could only be consumed by powerful beings.
But as she gradually grew older, she realized the shallowness of her childhood thoughts. Some words cannot be taken only at face value.
When she learned that her arranged marriage partner was a boy two years younger than her, to be honest, Kaguya actually breathed a huge sigh of relief. She wouldn't have to marry some pot-bellied politician or corporate executive. This was truly wonderful. She heard from the teachers' gossip that those people were old and had perverted tastes. Just thinking about it made Kaguya uncomfortable all over.
However, when she learned of the other party's identity, she became somewhat flustered again.
The son of Anti-Entropy's second-in-command.
One was a family business clinging to a small island nation, the other was one of the world's largest multinational corporations.
Even though Moon Capital Group could be considered a behemoth in this country, compared to Anti-Entropy, it was like the difference between a firefly and a bright moon.
She recalled her nominal elder brothers. On the surface, they were well-dressed and elegant, but only family members knew their hidden ugliness, their various repulsive vices.
So what about this person, who was many levels higher in status than them? Kaguya began to worry about her future.
The disparity between the two sides made her realize that the so-called arranged marriage was actually just a 'small gift' sent out by Moon Capital Group to maintain relations.
This was evident from Cocolia's casual attitude when she spoke of Kaguya while looking for her children.
Just playing around.
In her eyes, this was merely an exquisite handicraft she happened to see during work, then casually gave to her beloved child, without needing to pay too much attention.
The engagement was set, and no matter how cruel reality would be, Kaguya could only face it.
That night, as she sat in her room awaiting her fiancé's arrival, no one could know the struggle within Kaguya.
She had prepared for the possibility of him arriving and wantonly toying with her without a word. Even if her body was hurt, even if her dignity was trampled, she would...
She still couldn't accept it, and had even prepared to perish together.
However, everything that followed completely exceeded her expectations.
Aside from that initial kiss, her husband didn't make any inappropriate moves at all. Moreover, when her hand was scalded by hot water, her husband unhesitatingly pulled her to treat it. Kaguya had wanted to say it wasn't that serious, but seeing his earnest expression filled with concern, Kaguya swallowed all her words.
This concern was like a warm spring, flowing into her already cold and dry heart. Her empty shell seemed to once again contain a trace of warmth. Unlike her friendship with Yonglin, this warmth made her feel somewhat intoxicated, making her want to crave more.
When a child who craves warmth meets a warm sun, what happens next goes without saying.
Thus, when her husband chose to leave, Kaguya erupted with a surprising initiative, and with a playfulness she had never shown in front of others, she willingly offered her lips.
....
"So, this is your entire mental journey?"
"Mm."
Kaguya didn't dare to look into her husband's eyes. She leaned against the headboard, her hands gripping the bedsheet so tightly that they were pale.
After listening to Kaguya's narration, Nangong Yu's mood was a mess, quite complicated.
Just a moment ago, it was a warm scene. He fed Kaguya lunch, and they chatted happily, their touching bodies feeling each other's warmth. They could have had a very pleasant afternoon, but at that moment, Kaguya started talking about what happened before.
He exhaled softly and said in a calm voice, "You're telling me everything like this, aren't you afraid I'll dislike you because of it?"
"Afraid! I am extremely afraid."
Spurred by that remark, Kaguya, whose gaze had been somewhat dim, finally met Nangong Yu's eyes, her voice trembling slightly, but still speaking earnestly, "However, I don't want to hide anything from my husband."
"Actually, I've always envied Seele and Bronya; they grew up with my husband, so they naturally gained his trust and attention. I also hope that my husband's gaze can linger on this body, so I want to present myself to my husband without any reservations."
As her voice gradually faded, Kaguya slowly fell silent. She closed her eyes, awaiting the final judgment.
She could guarantee that she hadn't uttered a single lie, presenting her entire self completely before her husband.
People always have desires; once she tasted warmth, she began to crave more, to yearn for a place of her own in the heart that was filled by others. How could this complete confession not be a 'cry' of feigned weakness?
To taste that complete candy, Kaguya went all out; if she failed, she would lose everything.
Just as Kaguya was so nervous that she felt a chill throughout her body, the warmth she craved enveloped her, and a gentle voice flowed into her ear: "I'm glad you met me."
"Husband!"
Her suspended heart finally relaxed, and Kaguya, as if all strength had left her, softly leaned against Nangong Yu.
"Hey, don't cry. To be honest, you're giving me a headache."
Patting Kaguya's back gently, Nangong Yu said with a hint of helplessness.
"Huh?"
Sniffling, Kaguya looked at him, her eyes still red.
"Suddenly acting like this, like a forced abdication, I'm under a lot of pressure."
"I'm sorry..."
"You should apologize, but that's not what I wanted to say."
Nangong Yu's expression became a bit strange. He raised his hand and rubbed Kaguya's soft cheek, saying amidst her somewhat confused expression, "Is there a possibility that you already hold a very important place in my heart, and Seele and Bronya also consider you a member of this family?"
"...But, how can there be family members who don't live together?"
"Wasn't it because there weren't enough rooms before? We couldn't just keep you and Bronya in one room, right? A room has opened up recently, and I was planning to tell you to live at home from now on."
"Ah?"
Looking at her confused little eyes, Nangong Yu continued, "And, I feel like you're just thinking too much. How could I not pay attention to you? Aren't you the one who, whenever you have free time, goes to Seele and Bronya to build up favorability? Anyone would think you're their fiancée."
"This..."
She was just trying to integrate better into this family...
"You think so much, yet you're still like an idiot. Think about it properly, if I didn't like you, would I have noticed your strangeness yesterday? Would I have stayed home alone with you?"
"So I just now..."
Kaguya suddenly felt her vision go black, her face flushing crimson with shame.
"That's right, a long speech, aside from self-incrimination, was completely useless, and you had that expression like you were about to die. Do you know how speechless I was just now?"
"Don't say anymore..."
"I have to be careful not to hurt your feelings, and also make you understand my intentions. Tsk, to be honest, you..."
"Quack, don't say anymore!"
Kaguya finally couldn't bear the shame in her heart and rushed forward, blocking Nangong Yu's lips, which were still trying to complain.