The Cursed Beast Caught My Leash - Side Story 3

Stella personally pushed open the tower door and began eagerly chattering about just how much effort she had poured into decorating the place. Her small face was so alight with joy, it seemed like she was the one receiving the gift, not Islay.

“What do you think? I paid the most attention to the first floor, so we could relax together on weekends. I even set up a table here so we could dine. Don’t you think it would be nice if we ever welcomed guests?”

Islay surveyed the newly renovated interior of the tower with a surprisingly serious gaze.

He had been secretly monitoring Stella’s actions like a jealous madman and had learned of her adorable covert operation. He had worried that knowing her surprise in advance might dull his reaction, but that worry was unfounded.

The atmosphere of the tower had transformed beyond comparison. The grim, eerie tower that looked like it could house a disgusting monster had vanished, replaced entirely by a vibrant space perfect for lovers or an ordinary family.

“I even replaced the fireplace. And over here on this shelf, we can display ornaments. I thought about putting some of the wooden carvings you made here—it would look amazing.”

Just as she described, a dining area had been set up in one corner of the stone-walled hall, and next to the fireplace was a tea table perfect for two people to sit and enjoy tea. Nearby, separated by a thin partition, even a chess table had been placed. Even to his untrained eye, the interior design looked sophisticated.

Wasn’t it deeply moving? His heart had already swelled the moment he saw the bars removed from the doors and windows, and now she had turned this space into their honeymoon home to share proper time together as husband and wife. From the newly brought furniture to every tiny decorative item, all of it bore traces of her care and love.

Islay stared at Stella with a parched look in his eyes. Her glittering golden eyes, her cheeks kissed by bright sunlight, and her red lips chirping like a lark…

Excited, Stella continued explaining as she moved up to the next floor, but her words barely reached his ears. All he could think of was seizing that delicate body flitting about and smothering it with kisses.

“……”

But now was not the time to pounce. He was a grown man capable of controlling his desires. Though he had once been plagued by obsessive thoughts, ever since the curse was lifted, he had always treated Stella with the utmost care, even when they were intimate.

A noble princess had turned the grimy tower he once lived in into a honeymoon haven. He had to focus and appreciate it reverently.

More than anything, he would have all the time to be affectionate once this tour was over… Exercising a little patience was nothing.

“This was just a dusty spare room. I felt it was a waste to leave it like that, so I brought some books from the inner castle library and turned it into a small study…”

Stella, who had thoughtfully turned even the most useless spaces into something meaningful, tilted her head mid-explanation.

“Islay, are you listening?”

“Of course.”

“Your eyes look suspicious. You’re indulging in strange fantasies again, aren’t you?”

“Not at all. I’m just overwhelmed. I was just thinking your sense of design might be the finest on the central continent.”

“Still, don’t cry. You’re surprisingly weepy.”

“What are you talking about? You’re the one who cries in my arms every night.”

“…No! I still have more to show you.”

As Islay slipped an arm around Stella’s waist and leaned in for a kiss, she darted away and dashed up to the top floor. Her skirt fluttered gently with her movement.

Islay chuckled under his breath and followed her as she almost fled ahead. At last, they arrived at the floor with their bedroom.

“This is the place where we’ll spend the most time, right? I put extra effort into decorating it so you could properly relax after your duties. Look at this.”

Stella smiled brightly as she patted a velvet sofa placed near the window. It was big enough for the two of them to nap on together.

There was also a bed fitted with soft white bedding, a fluffy wool carpet, a lace-covered round table, and chairs with high backs…

But to Islay, who was hopelessly in love, this wasn’t just a restful room—it was the perfect place to hold Stella in his arms.

“I even brought over your clothes, so you can move in right away starting today.”

“What an honor.”

Just then, sunlight streamed in through the sheer chiffon curtains, flooding the spacious room with a warm glow. It was a moment where she, already endlessly lovely, seemed to shine even brighter.

“Thank you, Estella. This is the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received.”

Regaining his senses with difficulty, Islay finally stretched out his arms and pulled her into a tight embrace. Stella returned the hug, gently stroking the back of his neck.

“The workers moved all the heavy stuff. But if you’re happy with it, then I am too.”

“You bring me joy just by existing. Sometimes I feel like a hero who saved the world.”

Islay said this while planting a few kisses on her fair cheek.

“I don’t think I’ll ever receive a gift better than this in my lifetime.”

Receiving his thanks, Stella smiled brightly, her eyes crinkling.

“Then… could you give me something in return?”

“Yeah, anything. Just say it.”

As if she could ask him to cut off an arm and he’d do it without hesitation, she bit her lower lip softly. Her face, as she looked up at him, flushed with pink. A strange silence lingered.

Their chests met, and both of their hearts pounded. As Islay lowered his head, their lips naturally met and their breaths intertwined. His breathing turned rough, and the kiss quickly deepened. Under such bright sunlight, it was a kiss almost too heated to share.

Islay’s hand, wrapped around Stella, slid down along her back. It moved to undo the ribbon lacing of her dress.

“Mmh… Islay, wait.”

“Please.”

“Wait, there’s just one more thing I want to show you first. Over there, the side room.”

With a soft smooch, Islay pulled away and turned his gaze to where she pointed.

It was a side room separated by curtains instead of a door, once a private space where he used to carve wood or play the harpsichord.

“I really struggled over how to show you the final gift…”

Her voice trailed off, lacking the confidence she’d shown as she proudly toured the rest of the tower. Surprised by the change, he looked down at her.

“Why worry? Did someone criticize your taste?”

“That’s not it…”

“Who was it? I’ll have them hanged tomorrow morning.”

“Don’t joke like that. Just look for now.”

With a resolved look, Stella took Islay’s hand and led the way, drawing open the curtain to the side room.

Upon entering, he fell silent. The space connected to the bedroom was neatly arranged but hadn’t changed much otherwise.

Perhaps she had thought it best not to touch his personal belongings in this most private of spaces. Regardless, as Islay glanced around, he spotted something that felt out of place.

At the same time, he realized that the final gift she wanted to show him wasn’t the room—it was that object. But…

‘What is that?’

A large wooden panel—or was it a box? Some bizarre slab of wood sat there, impossible to identify. Islay tried desperately to discern what it was but failed.

Did Estella make it herself? She had always shown an interest in crafting and carried a pocketknife around, but honestly speaking, her skills weren’t good enough to build furniture.

“It’s not strange that you didn’t recognize it, it’s unfinished. I ran out of time.”

“No, I just…”

“I drew the blueprint myself and had it made at the carpentry workshop.”

So she designed it but didn’t make it herself. And it was incomplete. He was just about to ask what its intended purpose was when Stella looked up at him with a slightly bashful expression.

“It’s a cradle, Islay.”

“……”

“I… I want to have a baby.”