G. Kitsune
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The Soul Reborn: From Silence to Sovereignty Chapter 8
🕑 Added 2025-05-30 11:25:44 +0000 UTCChapter 8: Engaged, Anxious, and Avoiding Heels
The next morning came far too quickly as I groaned awake. My hair was a tangled mess, and the sheets were wrapped tightly around my body like the shield they’ve been used for so many times before. I still can’t believe I’m a fiancée to a man. To think at first I thought he was a she; I couldn’t help but sigh at some of my actions recently.
Now, I get to look forward to being dragged in front of the king and meeting possible other individuals in this kingdom that could be a problem for me.
A soft knock came at the door.
“Miss Seraphina.” That same gentle voice from last night called out. “I’ve brought your dress for the day.”
I sat up slowly, still half asleep and in no mood to interact with this damn maid. “Just put it through the door.” My voice was not as loud as I thought it would come out, still trying to wake up my body, but I didn’t care because it seemed she realized my intentions.
A few moments later, the door cracked open just enough for a neatly folded dress and a pair of shoes to be placed on the floor. Then it was shut again slowly without making a sound.
I walked over and picked up the dress, and my eyes couldn’t help but widen at how beautiful it was.
A soft sky-blue gown with subtle silver embroidery, the kind that shimmered in just the right lighting, and it was modest. It paired perfectly with my hair and eyes as if it was specifically chosen for me to wear. Did Noah actually order a dress to be made on such short notice?
This was the kind of dress I always imagined those noble girls in those Isekai novels I read would wear.
Before I got too excited about wearing such a dress, I saw the glittering, shiny, ankle-breaking torture devices. I stared at them for exactly three seconds before scooping them up, walking to the door, and tossing them out.
That’s a huge NOPE!
I reached into the corner where the shoes from last night had been tucked aside and slipped them on instead.
“Not dying on marble stairs today.”
Thirty minutes later, I was still adjusting the gown when a knock came again, much firmer this time.
Before I could even answer the door, it swung open and Noah stepped in.
He looked fresh and well-rested in a tailored dark coat with elegant silver trim. It goes perfectly with his new look; that short hair really works for him.
Wait, what am I even thinking? I blinked and then thought, wait… he came to pick me up, didn’t he?
Noah raised a brow, glancing down at my shoes. “You didn’t like the heels?”
I just folded my arms and looked at him seriously.
“I’m not wearing something designed to snap my ankles like dry twigs. High heels are a scam.”
He just smirked at me, completely giving in to my protest.
We walked together through the estate, down a long corridor lit by early morning sun pouring through stained glass windows. I realized I hadn’t seen a single maid on our journey to the dining hall. No servants hovering around us and no annoying, overstepping bitch who tries to correct my posture.
He really had listened to me.
By the time we reached the dining hall, I was already bracing for another awkward, overly formal noble meal.
I was not prepared, and I refuse to learn it!
Once we entered, there was a long table with white chairs and silver dishes. Right in the center was a massive roasted turkey with toast, sausages, biscuits, eggs, gravy, and sliced fruit finishing off everything provided just for breakfast.
“Do they really always serve this for breakfast?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Noah just took his seat at the head of the table. “Is it too much?”
I just shook my head in denial because I wasn’t going to refuse so much good food. He pointed with a hand to the chair next to him, so I just agreed and sat down. There was no holding back; I just dug in.
I barely remembered to chew as I threw everything I desired into my mouth. It was real food! Rich with flavors, warm, and seasoned well for an even better taste. I didn’t stop until my plate was half empty and my mouth was full of sausages as I gazed up at Noah.
He was just watching me eat with an amused smile on his face.
I swallowed and frowned towards him. “Is the way I’m eating bothering you?”
“No.” He said softly. “It’s rather refreshing.”
My eyes couldn’t help but blink in confusion.
“Most people are too stiff around me, too careful. They’re always trying to impress; seeing someone just… be themselves is nice.”
I tried not to blush at his words but failed miserably. “You’re weird.” I finally said and continued eating.
There had been something I was thinking about last night, and this was the perfect chance to ask to get it off my chest.
I stabbed another sausage. “So… since you’re basically royalty, why do you even care about etiquette?”
He tilted his head slightly as if not expecting this kind of question at all.
“I mean, it’s kind of annoying, right?” I went on. “All that standing straight, pouring tea, and bowing at the right angle crap. Personally, I’d rather avoid high society altogether if I have to memorize a book on how to smile without offending some bastard noble.”
Noah just laughed without giving an immediate response. After a short while he calmed down and gave me a very short answer. So annoying!
“I see,” he said.
I couldn’t help but point out how this stoic man keeps laughing. “You laugh a lot around me; it’s as if I’m some kind of comedian.”
He didn’t reply, just smiled like I was supposed to understand what that meant, which made it even worse.
After we finished eating and Noah finally stopped watching me like I was the most fascinating thing in the world, he stood and reached for his coat.
From the inner pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box.
Oh no was the only thing I could think, completely understanding what was inside.
I watched, frozen, as he opened it and revealed the beautiful silver ring with sapphires. He wanted to have me wear a ring that would help me remind myself of him or something? I can’t say I don’t appreciate the gesture, with the ring being very eye-catching, but I’ve had no experience ever even wearing a ring before. Will it get annoying?
Before I could even say a word, he stepped close, gently took my left hand, and slipped the ring onto my finger.
My eyes couldn’t help but stare at the ring, not really understanding how I feel about it. Now it was truly real, and after our visit to the King, it will be cemented as fact, and my life will forever be tied to this man.
“I figured if I’m going to claim you in front of the king, I should at least do this much.”
The first thing that came to mind at his previous words was… claim me?
All I could blurt out was, “Huh?!” I continued after a little time to collect myself. “You didn’t even ask for my opinion!” I snapped, feeling heat flood my cheeks as I stared at the ring like it might explode.
Noah looked at me, giving off a calm smile and an unreadable stare.
“Would you have declined it?” He asked in a matter-of-fact tone, already knowing the answer.
I couldn’t help but curse him in many different ways inside my head, and then I turned away from him. “No.”
Because damn it, he was right. I hated how right he was and how much at the mercy of this man I had become.
He smiled softly and lifted my hand, kissing it right on the ring finger, where it was placed.
Okay… now I was spiraling.
Is it weird that I don’t hate this? Once again I felt my heart and soul coming closer to an agreement.
He still looked like that impossibly beautiful pink-haired “heroine” I fell for, even knowing full well that he was a man. That disconnect between my memory and reality was not doing me any favors.
I was so confused with my emotions; I wanted to throw myself back in the bath to wash it all off.
After I managed to recover my pulse, he held out his arm as if to ask me to rely on him.
My body couldn’t help but hesitate at first, just for a moment. But… he was already giving me a look that said, ‘Are you really going to make this difficult?’
I just sighed and reluctantly looped my arm through his. He led me down the front steps, helping me into a sleek, royal-black carriage waiting just outside the estate.
Of course it was fancy; this was the Archduke, after all. He helped me up the steps into the carriage, and he quickly followed behind.
Noah leaned back and casually said, “By the way, Sera… you look really beautiful today.”
WHAT THE HELL?! I couldn’t help but scream internally.
Even though I was caught off guard, I’m not going to be one of those female leads who can’t even take a compliment without having to run away in embarrassment.
Even though my face was heating up, I barely managed to mumble out a “Thank you.”
My brain couldn’t help but short-circuit at this time. Like hell I’d tell him he looked handsome. That would only be giving him even more power.
But then… as if the world wanted me to feel as uncomfortable as possible, Noah spoke. “What about me?”
Noah said it in such an innocent way, but did you really have to, huh… Noah?
He already knew I fell for his more feminine appeal and was just daring me to call him handsome.
I narrowed my eyes. “How am I supposed to call you handsome when you’re so damn beautiful?” It just slipped out and caused me to have almost instant regret.
The worst part is he just smirked at me as if it didn’t bother him at all.
There was no scolding for being “inappropriate.” He didn’t lecture me on noble etiquette and the way a woman should speak to her man. Noah didn’t get offended, like I was some ungrateful brat.
He just looked out the window and said casually, “I think I’m really starting to like you.”
My heart skipped for what… the tenth time since I’ve known him, for fuck’s sake.
Feeling slightly annoyed because I was such a disaster of a human being, I blurted out.
“Are you some kind of pervert who likes dressing up as a female or something?”
I looked at him as if I had just nailed him with my words, but that damn solemn face looked back at me.
Then I added casually, “Because I’d probably be into that.”
Noah just started smirking at me the whole damn time during the trip as if I was the most entertaining person in the world. I hated how his voice was more appealing than I was willing to accept and how much I enjoyed hearing him laugh.
After that he just kept that same face the whole rest of the way to the royal castle. No more dramatic flirting, just small talk.
I told him how I thought having more than one fork is just stupid. Then he said some nobles use up to four. My mind was blown at the absurdity of it all.
“Do you know what the difference between a viscount and a marquis is?” Noah suddenly came out with an obvious question. Does he think I’m that stupid just because I refuse etiquette?
I just shrugged. “They both sound like the kind of people who’d throw a tantrum if their wine was the wrong temperature.”
He just kept smiling at all my responses like a love-brained idiot. Does he actually already care that deeply about me? No way, right?
It was kind of unfair to him, really. If I’d been born a proper noble girl, I probably would’ve tried to impress him with the latest etiquette or memorizing every royal family’s name.
Instead, here I was, sarcastic, scraped up, and eating like a starved beast. At the same time, maybe that is my appeal to this man? Who knows?
But… there was something else gnawing at me even more. A darker dread that you always find in these types of stories: other obsessed girls.
I couldn’t even imagine running into one of these women.
‘That bitch stole my man.’ They’d come at me smiling with polite words but carrying a knife behind their back.
The palace loomed into view shortly off in the distance. White marble towers, golden banners, and a dozen guards in crisp uniforms flanking the grand entrance.
It was the kind of place that screamed power.
Noah stepped out first, extending his hand with the kind of practiced elegance that made it hard to remember he’d laughed at me an hour ago.
I took his hand cautiously and let him help me down. It was still hard for me to accept this kind of interaction with someone, especially it being a man!
Then he offered me his arm again. I hesitated for a moment before I thought, What the hell? and just went with the flow.
We walked up some steps slowly, and at the top, every single eye turned to our arrival.
The grand hall was massive with polished floors, towering columns, and nobles in every direction. Silks, jewels, powdered faces, and smug glances everywhere you looked. The air was thick with perfume and gossip.
Then I saw him at the very center, the King. He was old, but not too frail, with sharp eyes and broad shoulders. I could feel myself shrinking just looking at him; that aura he had was powerful. So this is a king, I thought.
Even though I had a protector in Noah, I still felt anxiety meeting someone who could ruin my life at the drop of a hat.
I didn’t care how “reasonable” this king was supposed to be. This place was power, and I’ve read way too many stories to not know how this usually goes.
Where’s the crown prince? I thought worriedly. He was most likely waiting for a chance to show up and ruin everything.
Then he will force his will on me. Get angry that Noah always got the attention of his father, then demand some archaic royal right to take me for himself.
Just thinking about all that crap I’ve read in the stories of my past life got me extremely nervous. I couldn’t help but latch onto Noah’s very toned arm even tighter.
If the crown prince ever tries anything with me, I swear I’ll stab him myself. Considering the king wants Noah on the throne instead of his own son, shouldn’t doing something like that be safe? I pondered to myself.
As we stopped in front of the king with all eyes on us, I couldn’t help but pray for everything to go smoothly.
