The freezing air wicked away his body heat. The frigid cold penetrated his entire body, making him shiver unconsciously like a reed swaying in the wind.

"If... if you truly hate me...!"

The shaky voice faded inconsequentially into the night as he struggled to fight his drowsiness. His blurred vision landed on a little boy concealing half of his face behind a mask. Moonlight reflected off the boy's gleaming silver hair and bewitching crimson eyes. He was enchantingly picturesque.

Taehyung awoke wrapped in soft sheets as a streak of sunlight trickled through the window. Slowly and reluctantly, he opened his eyes.

"Your Highness! You're finally awake!" Some shouted excitedly. "His Highness is finally awake!"

"His Highness is finally awake!"

Your Highness? Who are they talking about?

Taehyung scrutinized his surroundings in confusion. A wall-mounted mirror encircled by an ornate frame caught his attention. Yet the reflection staring back was not the face he remembered.

Emerald-green eyes shimmered softly in the light. Long platinum-blond hair cascaded down past slender shoulders to his waist.

Days later, Taehyung realized this setting was eerily identical to an R18+ romance novel he had read in his previous life. 'The Beast and the Lady.' A romance fantasy—a twisted retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Two cursed beasts, Jeon Jungkook and Jeon Richard, would fight fiercely for the heroine's love: Diana

Taehyung had transmigrated into Taehyung's role, Diana's half-brother in this rewritten fate.

From a young age, Taehyung had been arranged to marry the Crown Prince, Jeon Jungkook. However, shortly after seeing Jungkook's cursed appearance, Taehyung had thrown himself into a freezing lake on their wedding day.

That incident left an irreparable wound in Jungkook's heart. The Crown Prince shut himself off completely, becoming cold and ruthless, trusting no one until Diana eventually lifted his curse. In the end, Jungkook lived a miserable life—never chosen by her.

According to the original story, Taehyung should have drowned, his frozen body retrieved from the lake by Jungkook himself.

"If... if you truly hate me...!" The boy clutched Taehyung's body and wept bitterly. After all, his spouse had tried to die because of him.

_________________________________________

"Your Highness, where are you going?" A maid asked when she saw him going somewhere.

"I'm going to meet the Crown Prince." He stated.

"His Royal Highness?" The maid, Melissa, glanced at Taehyung in surprise.

"Yes. Take me there."

"Your Highness," she said carefully, "His Highness is still deeply shocked by the recent incident..."

She likely assumed Taehyung intended to demand an annulment.

"Don't worry. He won't do anything harmful." Taehyung said firmly.

Taehyung had no intention of abandoning Jungkook. He couldn't leave him like this—not when he had the chance to rewrite Jungkook's miserable childhood.

Taehyung had nowhere else to go. Born to Count Bellacian's first wife—who died shortly after childbirth—Taehyung was never wanted. The count remarried and had Diana, whom he cherished. Knowing Taehyung wouldn't survive under his roof, Count Bellacian sent him away as Crown Princess—no, Crown Prince Consort in all but name. Taehyung hadn't jumped into the lake solely because of Jungkook's appearance. He had done it because his family had abandoned him.

The maid led him to Jungkook's bedroom.

"I'll go in myself."

Taehyung placed his hand on the elongated handle and opened the door. Inside, a small child lay curled tightly on the bed.

"Your Highness. It's me." He announced gently.

"I can't believe you did that!" Jungkook cried. "You jumped into the lake without my permission!"

Taehyung suppressed the ache in his chest. This wasn't the terrifying beast from the novel. Jungkook looked like a frightened rabbit.

"I have something to tell you." Taehyung sat on the edge of the bed. Jungkook instinctively scooted away. But Taehyung caught his trembling hand and gently removed the mask covering half his face.

"What are you doing?!" Jungkook panicked, trying to pull away.

Taehyung instead cupped his face firmly.

"Don't–don't look!" Jungkook cried. Trying to free himself.

"You're not hideous." Taehyung said gently.

"...What?"

"I've never seen someone as beautiful as you." He said softly.

It was the truth. Despite the curse, Jungkook's appearance was breathtaking—silver hair, crimson eyes, delicate features sculpted as if by angels. In the original story, once his curse was lifted, Jungkook possessed the most captivating face on the continent.

"But... you hate me." Jungkook said in a low voice.

"I don't hate you." Taehyung shook his head.

"But—"

"I didn't try to kill myself," Taehyung said softly. "I slipped and fell into the lake."

A lie. But one Jungkook needed to hear.

"Really...?"

"Yes. I heard you saved me, so I came to thank you."

"..."

"Thank you." Taehyung smiled and clasped both of Jungkook's hands. "You saved my life."

Jungkook's nose reddened as warm tears fell onto the back of Taehyung's hand. "I thought... you almost died because of me..."

"Why would I?" Taehyung replied gently.

"I'm married to someone wonderful." He sobbed, "I was afraid you'd hate me..."

"I like you," Taehyung said softly. "I'm grateful to be married to you."

"I... I like you too." Jungkook smiled with his tear streaked face.

You're lying, Jungkook. The one you truly loved waa Diana.

The one Jungkook love is Diana The Emperor knew this, which was why the marriage had been arranged. And of course, Count Bellacian would never send his precious daughter. So Kim Taehyung had been sent instead.

"Then... shall we sleep together?"

"...!" Jeon Jungkook immediately darted away and hid behind the enormous bed.

What was wrong with him? It wasn't as if Taehyung had suggested anything inappropriate. The Bellacian family possessed the power of light. That was how Diana would later remove Jungkook's curse. Taehyung also carried that bloodline, though his power was far weaker. Jungkook's curse didn't only affect his appearance—it caused constant pain. The colder it became, the worse it grew. After jumping into freezing water to save Taehyung, the pain must have been unbearable. But Jungkook wasn't the type to complain. Physical contact was necessary to use the power of light—just as expected in an R18+ romance novel.

Taehyung only intended to sleep beside him while holding hands. Yet Jungkook's expression made it clear he had completely misunderstood.

"Your Highness," Taehyung said quickly, "please don't misunderstand."

"Mi–misunderstand?" Jungkook asked meekly.

"We're married, so it's natural to sleep together. There's nothing to be embarrassed about." Taehyung informed him patiently.

"But..." Jungkook shivered and buried his face into the pillow. "I'm still embarrassed..."

Where did the fierce Jungkook from the original story go? Instead of a ferocious beast, a timid and adorable child sat before Taehyung. Would this little rabbit truly grow into that cold, merciless man in ten years? Human growth was truly mysterious.

"Come here!" Taehyung couldn't leave him like this. He pulled the pillow away and tightly clasped Jungkook's hands. "As a newlywed couple, I suggest we sleep together from now on."

"E–Every day...?" Jungkook asked hesitantly.

"Is there a problem?" Taehyung tilted his head. "Do you not like the idea?"

"N–No... but are you comfortable with this arrangement?"

"...Pardon?"

"Are you really fine with sleeping together?"

"Of course," Taehyung replied calmly. "I'm fond of you."

Jungkook's already large eyes widened further, his entire face flushing red as he froze.

Taehyung clasped both of his hands. "How is it? Do you feel comfortable?"

In the original novel, the pain of the curse lessened when Jungkook held Diana's hand. But Taehyung's power didn't seem to work very well. Now that Taehyung had transmigrated into this world, he wanted to help Jungkook—who would suffer until he met Diana—but his light was far weaker. Taehyung loosened his grip and slipped Jungkook's hand beneath the quilt.

Suddenly, Jungkook hugged him tightly from behind. "Don't let go!"

"...What?"

"Your hand. Taehyung's hands are warm, so don't let go."

Taehyung couldn't see his face, but he heard the tremble in Jungkook's voice. He was crying. Such a crybaby.

"I'm not going anywhere," Taehyung said softly.

"Really?" Jungkook raised his head, eyes expectantly looking into his.

"Yes. I just went to get my pillow..." Taehyung informed.

Jungkook's face turned red as he hurried back onto the bed.

Looking at his face, Taehyung asked, "Don't you want to sleep with me?"

"That's not it..." Jungkook hesitated. "Are you really okay with it? Sleeping with a monster like me..."

"Your Highness," Taehyung said firmly, "Don't say that. You're not a monster."

"But—"

Without letting him complete his sentence, Taehyung said, "I told you before, didn't I?" He took Jungkook's hand and looked straight into his crimson eyes. "Don't worry. Your curse will be lifted eventually."

"My... curse?" Jungkook's eyes widened.

"Yes. On your eighteenth birthday, when you reach adulthood, it will be lifted. The future won't always be this painful, so don't be discouraged. Ignore what others say—treat it as meaningless noise."

"...Eighteen." His voice was small and weary

Just as there was an Heir of Light, there was also an Heir of the Curse in the Imperial Family. Emperor Dayhyung, the founder of the Empire, once loved the Goddess of Light. She granted him her power, allowing him to establish the Empire. But after becoming Emperor, he betrayed her and fell in love with another woman. Enraged, the Goddess cursed his bloodline. The Heir to the Curse would bear black inscriptions on their body. When they spread completely, death followed. None of the heirs survived to adulthood. In the original story, Jungkook was driven to the brink of death on the night he turned eighteen.

Taehyung held Jungkook's hand tightly and hooked his pinky around his. He said, "I promise you'll be cured. I swear it with my life—"

"No!" Jungkook yanked his hand back and screamed.

"...What?"

"Don't promise that!" His voice cracked. "You can't die! Even if I die, you have to live!"

Taehyung grabbed his hand again and hooked their pinkies together.

"Neither of us will die. So don't worry."

"Taehyung..."

"Oh no," Taehyung sighed, wiping Jungkook's tears with a handkerchief. "Why is my husband such a crybaby?"

"I–I'm not!"

"You're crying right now."

"No!" Jungkook pressed his lips together, trying to endure it, but soon broke into tears.

Taehyung wrapped his arms around him, and Jungkook calmed instantly. His breathing evened out, his eyelids fluttering shut.

He held him until they fell asleep together.

________________________________________

When Taehyung woke up, warm sheets surrounded him. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and carefully turned to look at Jungkook.

Sunlight illuminated Jungkook's small face as he slept, making gentle snuffling sounds. Taehyung reached out to touch his plump cheeks—but Jungkook suddenly clasped Taehyung's right hand with both of his.

You said you were embarrassed, yet you held my hand all night?

A smile naturally curved Taehyung's lips. He stroked Jungkook's hair with his free hand. Soon, Jungkook's long eyelashes trembled and he opened his eyes.

"Did I wake you?" Seeing him waking up, Taehyung asked gently.

"No..." Jungkook shook his head and smiled softly.

"Why are you smiling?" Taehyung asked.

"I like it."

"...Hm?" Taehyung tilted his head in confusion.

"You stayed with me all night." Jungkook tried to hide his face behind his fingers, his cheeks burning red.

After transmigrating into an R18+ novel, Taehyung never imagined he would have a husband as cute as a rabbit.

At that moment, he vowed to protect Jungkook and make him happy. Taehyung wanted to save Jungkook, but he had no way to lift the curse. All he could do was protect him until he met Diana.

Since 'The Beast and the Lady' focused on adulthood, there were few details about childhood. Still, the author mentioned three tragedies in Jungkook's youth.

The first—becoming the Heir to the Curse.

The second—Taehyung's attempted suicide.

The third—the death of his father, Emperor Dayhyung.

After Emperor Dayhyung's death, Duke Mingyue, Jungkook's uncle and Richard's father, seized the throne. He stripped Jungkook of his title and exiled the helpless child to a southern island.

Right now, Jungkook had already suffered the first tragedy. But the third tragedy had not yet occurred. It would happen in three years.

If Taehyung wanted to prevent Emperor Dayhyung's death, he needed to meet him first. Unfortunately, after the wedding, the Emperor left immediately and would not return for at least a month.

Taehyung slept with Jungkook every day. He ate in Jungkook's room and spent his time reading and talking with him.

Then he noticed something strange. Again.

Taehyung stared at the breakfast table.

Green. Green. And more green.

Spinach soup, tomato salad, grilled mushrooms—unchanged every day. Even the soup tasted reheated.

Taehyung wasn't picky, but this wasn't food for ordinary children. This was a meal for the Crown Prince and his consort.

"...Your Highness," Taehyung said.

"Yes?" Jungkook looked at him.

"What kind of food do you like?" He asked.

"Anything."

Listening his simple answer, he decided to ask differently, "Do you like meat or fish?"

"Yes!" Jungkook nodded brightly, popping a tomato into his mouth.

Jungkook wasn't a vegetarian. His curse didn't require dietary restrictions. There was only one explanation—they were neglecting him because he was cursed.

The Crown Prince's palace was isolated. No relatives visited. He was young, powerless, and married to the son of an insignificant count.

But Taehyung would not allow this to continue.

"Taehyung, what's wrong? Does it not taste good?" Jungkook asked innocently.

Taehyung quickly relaxed his rigid expression and smiled brightly. He didn't want to worry Jungkook over nothing. "No, it's delicious. Try some of these mushrooms."

"But I don't like mushrooms..." Jungkook complained, his lips forming a cute pout.

"You have to eat it for your health." Taehyung coaxed him with gentle tone and tried to feed him himself.

"Ahh—"

As he held the mushrooms in front of him, Jungkook begrudgingly opened his mouth. When the spoon went in, he wore a slightly dismal expression that soon turned into a big frown. He reached for the nearest cup of water and gulped it down in one go. Taehyung held his hands to calm him down.

"Ah! Ha–hands... this is not the bedroom!" Jungkook said, cheek tinted the fainted shade of red.

Being not able to understand, Taehyung asked, "Husband, what are you talking about during a meal?"

"Don't just swallow it with water. Chew it first."

"Yes..." Taehyung replied, though he clearly saw through his intention to avoid the previous question.

Jungkook turned his head to the side to avert Taehyung's gaze as he nodded softly, cheeks reddened. "You can drink water now."

Taehyung was about to take the cup, but Jungkook grasped his hands tightly.

"What's wrong?"

"My hands are warm... I feel at ease now that you're holding me."

If Jungkook felt comfortable, did Taehyung truly have some power of light?

________________________________________

After finishing the meal, Taehyung went back to his room and immediately called for Brown, the chief servant of the Crown Prince's palace. The man walked in with a prideful stride. Taehyung could tell that he was arrogant just from his expression.

"Your Highness, what brings you here?"

"The quality of the meal was very inadequate." Taehyung said with a straight face.

"Ah, so that's why you called. It's not an emergency."

"There is a problem with the Crown Prince's meal. Isn't this urgent?"

Brown smirked arrogantly. His lips moved faintly, eyes slightly narrowed, and his head tilted almost imperceptibly. Taehyung noticed it immediately and felt infuriated.

"Your Highness, you've just arrived and don't know many things, but the budget set for the Crown Prince is not very adequate. What else can we do if His Majesty doesn't give more?"

Brown lied smoothly, without a hint of remorse. The palace wasn't luxurious, but it wasn't so desolate that meat never arrived.

"Okay." Taehyung said calmly, though there was a slight frown between his brows.

"I was worried about you being too young, but I'm glad you understood."

"I will dismiss you." He said with the same calmness.

"Wh–what?" Brown's arrogant expression distorted.

Instead of arguing, Taehyung turned and gave orders to Edon, the knight standing beside him. "Sir Edon, arrest Brown Hamel under charges of embezzling the Crown Prince's budget and imprison him."

"What do you mean embezzlement? Do you even understand the word?" Brown shouted.

"I know. What you did was embezzlement." Said Taehyung.

Brown paled instantly. Eyes and mouth wide open, frozen in shock. As Edon dragged him out, he shouted angrily: "Let go! Do you know who I am? I am heir to the Marquis Hamel! You'll regret this!"

Raised with the belief that birth made him superior—such arrogance.

Edon ignored him and dragged him out.

The Crown Prince's palace immediately fell into disarray. But Taehyung drove momentum further, dismissing another batch of disrespectful staff.

When Jungkook had been ousted from his post in the original story, many courtiers betrayed him and sided with the male lead, Richard. Taehyung removed all those who looked down on Jungkook, disrespected him, or were disloyal.

"All the servants and maids were chosen by the Emperor himself. Are you sure this is okay?" Melissa, the maid, worried.

In the original story, she devoted herself to Jungkook along with Edon and Hans.

Taehyung answered immediately. "It's okay."

The Emperor wouldn't blame him—he was confident.

________________________________________

"How would you like your meal?" Taehyung said to the young prince, "I'll make today's dish."

"Pardon?"

Dismissing the courtiers, Taehyung checked the warehouse. It held a variety of healthy ingredients, including eastern imports. As expected, chief servant Brown had stolen much of the budget, but the reheated dinner from last night was the cook's negligence. So Taehyung dismissed all chefs who disrespected Jungkook.

Suddenly, Taehyung found a treasure: soy sauce, soybean paste, red pepper paste! Not only were there many spices, but also a variety of ingredients. He couldn't believe they had been served only vegetables every day! He rolled up his sleeves in anger.

________________________________________

In the Crown Prince's palace, most people feared or despised Jungkook for being the heir to the curse. He rarely came out of his bedroom. These days, Taehyung took him on short walks and drove away anything that made Jungkook uncomfortable. After preparing the meal, he called Jungkook to the dining room.

The moment Jungkook slid into his chair, Taehyung served soybean paste stew, rice, and meatballs.

"Ta-da!"

No extravagant dishes—Taehyung only knew essential recipes. Finding the exact taste of Korean soybean paste stew was difficult, but effort counted more than perfection.

".....What's this?"

"It's a dish from the East! I saw it in a book and found these ingredients in the warehouse, so I made it!"

"You made it yourself?" Surprise was clearly visible on Jungkook's face.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Wow..." Jungkook stared at the dish in amazement, then asked timidly: "...But how do you eat it?"

"Oh, you've never seen this kind of dish before. I'll teach you." Taehyung smiled subtly, blushing. "Don't worry, I only learned about it recently too. Your Highness, Aah—"

Jungkook obediently complied "Aaah—"

Taehyung smiled and fed him.

Jungkook chewed carefully, then cracked a smile.

Looking at his broadening smile, Taehyung asked, "Delicious?"

"Yes!" He nodded excitedly.

"This time, try it yourself." Taehyung handed him a spoon. "It's called soybean paste stew. Eat your rice first, then scoop the soup."

He took the spoon with a determined expression, "Alright."

"Be careful, it's hot. The taste is unique, so don't force yourself if it doesn't suit you." Taehyung informed him softly.

"Yes."

Following instructions, Jungkook took a spoonful after eating rice, devouring the stew with big mouthfuls. His eyes filled with tears.

Taehyung panicked seeing his tears, he asked hurriedly, his hands already reaching forward to take the dish away from the young prince, "Your Highness, what's wrong?"

"Delicious!" Jungkook exclaimed.

Taehyung's hands paused mid-air, "Really?" He asked again just to be sure, his hands retreating.

Though milder than Korean soybean stew, it was unusual for this world—but it suited Jungkook perfectly.

"It's the best food I've ever eaten!"

"Is it really that good?"

"Yes!"

"Then I'll make it more often."

"Will you make it yourself?"

"Of course."

"Wow!"

Seeing Jungkook eat happily, Taehyung felt peaceful. This must be how parents feel watching their child enjoy a meal.

On the terrace, maid Melissa, servant Hans, and knight Edon chatted after a long day.

Melissa said, "Fortunately, His Royal Highness has wed an excellent wife."

The others nodded in agreement.

Edon said exhaling, "Now that he dismissed all those people, I feel relieved."

He recalled how resolutely Taehyung had dismissed the chief servant. At just ten years old, Taehyung showed incredible intelligence, dignity, and an excellent eye for people. Countless people had been kicked out, but all had been guilty of insulting or neglecting Jungkook.

"Most importantly, I'm glad they have a good relationship. I was worried at first." Melissa remembered the day Taehyung had fallen into the lake. Fortunately, it had been an accident, not suicide. Yet that helpless memory still made her shiver. She immediately diverted her thoughts whenever it surfaced.

Hans agreed, "I know. How long has it been since I saw him smile?"

"Melissa should go and prepare dishes from now on." Edon suggested, knowing that now the chief servant was gone, it was not easy to handle the everything suddenly.

A servant, standing nearby, said thoughtfully, "His Highness must have had his own recipe."

"That's right. It was really delicious. Besides, the Crown Prince liked it, didn't he?" Melissa asked looking at his companions.

Edon agreed with Melissa. "But aren't those dishes too unique?" He asked, remembering the dishes Taehyung had prepared earlier.

Melissa assured them, "It's no problem since the Crown Prince likes it."

Although it was true that the dishes made by the Crown Princess were rather unique, Melissa was happy to see someone looking out for the Crown Prince.

"Well, you are right." Hans smiled softly.

After the Emperor returned, they would be interrogated about the reckless dismissal of the servants, but Melissa, Hans and Edon vowed to protect both of them from any harm.

As he was the wife that the Crown Prince cherished so dearly and also the only person who managed to restore his buried happiness, the Crown Prince's people unanimously accepted Taehyung as their own master.