Chapter 33

After ending such a day filled with blue,

Asulin and I stayed at the villa for a few more days, even though we confirmed that the Duchess wasn’t in critical condition.

If I recalled how Asulin had trudged heavily after hearing about the Duchess’s condition and carrying the heavy burden of the stewardship, it seemed natural that we should return north. However, the Duchess, who doted on her daughter so much, pleaded with Asulin to stay a bit longer before leaving due to the heavy steps she had taken.

This extended our stay by a couple of days, enough time for Asulin to be away and still allow the affairs of the Caroldburg family to proceed smoothly and sustainably.

Despite being told that staying any longer would be difficult, Asulin notified the Duchess, pleading in disguise. Even the Duchess, who loved her daughter immensely, stopped insisting after Asulin’s request.

So, Asulin and I ended up spending two weeks in what felt like a vacation, avoiding the harsh northern cold by staying in the capital. We were guided to our bedroom by the servants, and despite Asulin pulling me close and whispering something about a honeymoon, I pretended not to hear.

With so much to do, finding time to enjoy the atmosphere was nearly impossible. Even rushing through tasks in Sylvantrium didn’t make those two weeks feel long enough.

Although the Duchess’s health allowed us to focus entirely on our goals, reclaiming Paleord—a renowned artifact and one of the three great swords of the empire—wasn’t an easy task.

If it had been sold at a regular auction, reclaiming it with a proper claim of ownership might have been feasible, but this wasn’t just any auction.

Sylvantrium, the largest and most important city on the Central Continent, is divided into four major districts:

The palace district, where the royal family resides, known as the Silver Palace.

The dignitaries’ district, where high-ranking nobles live, rivaling the royal family in power and wealth.

The citizen district, where the majority of common citizens reside.

And the bustling commercial area where both nobles and citizens engage in economic activities.

But there’s another unofficial district, known as Blood Haven, where the streets are notorious for violence and crime, hidden from the eyes of the public.

Paleord was scheduled to appear at an auction in Blood Haven, known as Shaten, a secret auction house that few know exists. Despite its grandeur, only a select few are aware of its existence.

At Shaten, premium items are auctioned off, and although their origins may be questionable, those with money can easily acquire them.

Given the nature of Shaten, it was clear that Paleord would attract attention. Nobles and the wealthy would vie for it, either because they’re interested in swords or because they believe it will fulfill their inflated self-image.

Reclaiming Paleord legally with my current resources and those of the Paleord family would be extremely difficult.

During the train ride south from the north, I repeatedly thought about ways to reclaim Paleord. The most straightforward method would be to connect with the Paleord family in the capital and quickly gather funds for the auction. But with the family struggling to regain control over mining rights in the southern Zakarat Mountains and pay the stipends of its members, raising such a large sum was out of the question.

I knew this from the letter Rize sent me, informing me of Paleord’s upcoming auction. Therefore, I immediately dismissed that idea.

Next, I considered asking the Caroldburg family for help to gather the funds needed to purchase Paleord. However, even with my thick skin, proposing such a request felt too presumptuous and was dismissed right away.

“I can’t find a way to get it…”

By the time I realized how close the auction was, I felt my frustration mounting. It made sense why people often drown their sorrows in alcohol rather than cold water; I could finally understand that feeling.

…Of course, that didn’t mean I’d actually drink.

“Are you having some trouble?”

When Asulin, who seemed to read my mind, asked if I had any problems, I couldn’t bring myself to tell her about my struggles with alcohol.

“I don’t know what you’re worried about, but sometimes a glass of wine can suddenly give you an idea. How about it? I could ask Father to help us get it right away…”

Knowing how far she might go to find an excuse to drink, I quickly intervened.

“I’m not worried. It’s just a little awkward to be so calm.”

I needed to stop her from spiraling out of control. But no matter how hard I tried to act nonchalant, Asulin’s sharp gaze made it clear she saw right through me.

“Even so, you seem troubled…”

Her intense stare was hard to avoid. For a moment, I wondered if she had some kind of mind-reading ability.

However, seeing her intent to use my troubles as an excuse to drink, I firmly rejected her suggestion.

“No, I won’t drink.”

Her sulky voice echoed in the room, making me feel a mix of emotions.

“Oh, Asulin…”

…

After days of wrestling with this problem, even after a full night’s sleep and eating, I still hadn’t found a solution. Although there was still time, the prospect of reclaiming the sword seemed distant. Still, the peace of mind knowing I wouldn’t have to worry about others’ gazes was a relief.

After marrying Asulin and living at the Duke’s residence for about a month, I had experienced a similarly idle lifestyle. But spending the first official day at this villa, surrounded by my legal guardians, made me realize how active my life at the Duke’s residence had been.

Living here was pure comfort.

“Even sitting around thinking all day, I didn’t get scolded at all.”

Though technically on leave, I felt like I had no restrictions. Yet, despite everything, the idea that the Duke and Duchess, who clearly didn’t like me, would let me stay here felt strange.

Seeing their friendly demeanor towards me dispelled my doubts.

“Listen, son-in-law, it’s said that drinking while eating helps digestion…”

The Duke, trying to persuade me to drink, was cut off mid-sentence.

“Daughter has told me that she drinks less these days.”

“Even though she’s strong, excessive drinking isn’t good for her. I’ve tried to discourage her…”

“Good job, son-in-law.”

“…Huh?”

Even my mother-in-law, thanking me for stopping Asulin from drinking, seemed puzzled by the situation.

Our arranged marriage, which felt like a robbery or kidnapping, had been accepted by them despite their initial reluctance.

Discussing this with Asulin later, I attributed it to the “oil” I had applied to smooth things over with her parents. However, it didn’t ease my unease about whether this kind of acceptance was appropriate.

Even after hearing Asulin say her parents didn’t oppose their relationship if they liked each other, I struggled to reconcile it.

“Ugh…”

I kept my thoughts to myself, feeling a mix of emotions.

Free love, it’s good. But can my relationship with Asulin really be called a free love marriage?

Slipping Asulin a look with my doubts, she responded unexpectedly.

“Even when comrades were dying and I could have done nothing, you saved me without expecting anything in return.”

Asulin looked directly at me, recalling the end of the Succession War when the North was in chaos due to the invasion of demons.

Our first impressions were terrible, especially since Asulin had been hostile towards the Paleord family due to my father’s words.

But her attitude changed quickly as we fought against overwhelming odds led by Asulin.

My brother’s battles against the Paleord forces were prolonged, leading to frequent clashes between Asulin and me. Through these battles, Asulin’s view of me evolved.

From despising me and wanting to cut me down early on,

To praising me as a worthy opponent and losing herself in combat,

To attempting to sway me towards her side near the end,

To finally, after we formed a temporary alliance against the demonic forces, she began to see me differently.

She mentioned our past interactions, trying to make me feel uncomfortable.

“Even in such desperate situations, you came alone to save me. Why wouldn’t I like someone like you?”

Her emerald eyes sparkled unusually brightly, almost pleading with me to accept her.

“Stop saying such embarrassing things. I simply did what needed to be done. It’s late, let’s go to bed.”

I managed to regain my composure and deflect her sharp attack.

“…Alright.”

Disappointed by my response, Asulin puffed up her cheeks reluctantly, accepting my suggestion.

…It feels like something is off. Since yesterday, Asulin’s cheeks seem to be puffing up more and more.

She’s cute… well, maybe it doesn’t matter.