Chapter 103

I slowly calmed Asulin, whose sobs were barely subsiding even as her crying lessened.

…Her head was so soft.

Though it might sound a bit refined, in simpler terms, I couldn’t help but indulge in my own desires while trying to comfort her first and foremost. It was somewhat surreal that my apologies were accepted just by stroking her head when I should have been on my knees begging.

If she showed any sign of disliking it, I would stop immediately, but Asulin, clinging tightly to me, didn’t reject my touch; rather, she seemed to seek more comfort by lifting her head slightly. How could I possibly stop?

My right hand, continuously caressing Asulin’s head, grew slightly stiff from the effort. While one might wonder why this was tiring, considering my left shoulder was injured and couldn’t move easily, I had been moving only one arm repeatedly, leading to this result.

Just as I thought it was time to stop indulging in my desires, Asulin’s sniffles grew louder again.

“…Huhu… Huhuu.”

Even though my hand couldn’t rest, I continued to soothe her until her sobs finally ceased. It took about thirty minutes before Asulin’s crying completely stopped, allowing us both to rest.

The thought that my pure intention to console her turned into selfishness made me want to laugh bitterly, but…

“…Are you okay?”

With tears still in her eyes, Asulin looked at me with a gentle gaze, and all thoughts of my bitter smile and sore right hand and arm vanished.

“Thanks to you, I feel better. Thank you.”

I expressed my gratitude honestly, and we were able to have a proper conversation now that Asulin’s crying had stopped.

…

As we continued our conversation, I didn’t take the lead. After all, Asulin calmly explained what happened during the ten days I was unconscious, and my responses consisted mostly of nodding or giving simple affirmations.

It wasn’t that there was anything particularly remarkable about the subject matter. Our conversation revolved around the defense of Frostmoor Fortress, which we were currently in.

It was clear from our conversation that the fortress was intact. Without Asulin, the Bright Wing Knights, and the timely support of the Caladborg Dukedom’s forces, the fortress would not be easily taken.

Even though conversations require active participation from both sides, listening alone wouldn’t suffice. However, despite this, our conversation flowed naturally.

“Being safe… That’s really fortunate…”

Every time Asulin expressed joy over my safety, our conversation continued seamlessly.

“…Since you’re safe, that’s enough.”

Our distance gradually narrowed as I simply responded to her happiness at my safety. This kind of conversation didn’t seem bad at all.

But if one listened only to our conversation, it might sound like the fortress fell to the barbarians and demons, and I was the only survivor.

However, in reality, the fortress successfully defended against the attack, and the barbarians, influenced by Dominus, hadn’t managed to breach the walls despite their attempts.

“…Do you think it’s time to leave?”

The idea that the fortress could now be entrusted to the garrison crossed my mind. With the demon army weakened, the barbarians were no longer a significant threat, and the garrison supported by the Bright Wing Knights could handle them.

Unlike the demon army, which required a show of force and fear, the barbarians could be dealt with through straightforward tactics. I expected Asulin to agree with this rational assessment.

“No, we need to stay a bit longer.”

To my surprise, Asulin gently smiled and shook her head, saying we needed to stay until we captured Dominus.

“Because we haven’t yet secured his head, either your father or Dominus himself.”

Even though her voice was soft, the words carried weight. Realizing that her judgment took precedence over mine, I nodded in agreement.

“…Indeed.”

Even though I had been unconscious for ten days and felt relieved knowing the fortress hadn’t been breached, capturing or killing Dominus remained imperative.

“Considering Claudia… No, Majesty’s letter, she’ll write extensively about our negligence.”

Even though it was a jest, if this were a typical noble household, we’d face severe criticism from the emperor for our inaction.

Imagining the scene, the emperor would criticize us harshly for failing to apprehend Dominus, whom we had seen with our own eyes.

The emperor, once perceived as a formidable woman, had become more human-like since marrying Asulin.

While I couldn’t avoid hearing the emperor’s reproaches, I firmly believed that Asulin shouldn’t suffer the same fate.

“…Then we must capture him.”

With these words, I slowly rose from the bed, ready to prepare for the task ahead. If we worked together, we could manage even a formidable opponent like Dominus.

“I know you’re still recovering, but…”

Seeing me rise hastily, Asulin looked alarmed and tried to stop me.

“But talking with you has healed my wounds.”

I playfully pushed aside her attempt to hold me back and stood up from the bed, feeling relatively fine despite my injuries.

“See, I’m perfectly fine.”

Just as I joked about it, my stomach growled, filling the silence in the room.

“…”

Embarrassed, I focused on silencing my rumbling stomach. This stomach, how insensitive can you be? In Blood Haven, I went without food for days without a peep, and now you decide to make noise?

As if sensing my embarrassment, Asulin asked worriedly, “Are you hungry?”

“I was supposed to bring you soup, but I forgot because we were talking… Sorry.”

Even though I felt embarrassed, Asulin’s concern for forgetting my meal touched me deeply.

This marriage, which I initially thought would lead straight to a grave, suddenly felt like the best decision.

…

My first meal after regaining consciousness was served in the hospital room. Despite my stiff shoulder, Asulin insisted on bringing the food herself rather than letting me go.

In contrast to the commanders who usually eat better than soldiers, the food Asulin brought for me was similar to what a soldier might eat.

There were some decent bread rolls, a potato soup topped with dried meat, and some cooked vegetables—good fare for winter in a mountain fortress, but perhaps too humble for someone accustomed to finer cuisine.

“Compared to the demons we roasted, this is almost a feast.”

Someone who didn’t know Asulin might not believe she was a highborn duchess given her modest eating habits.

“Your arm is still uncomfortable, so I’ll feed you…”

Even as she ate, she kept feeding me, showing how considerate she was.

Despite my left arm being injured, I assured her with a look that I could manage. But as she prepared to feed me, I couldn’t help but feel like a baby bird.

“…Ahh.”

Opening my mouth obediently, I accepted the soup from her spoon.

…Thankfully, no one was around to see this. If they did, I’d surely be mortified.

Watching Asulin’s bright smile as she fed me, I decided to embrace this moment positively.