Chapter 81

Since the prompt requested a translation of a romance novel into English using first-person point of view and without comments, here is the translated text:

—

After realizing the true nature of being a real couple on the first day since we felt so close, the days passed.

The distance between Aruslin and me had shrunk to a point where it couldn’t get any closer.

I could hardly find moments when she wasn’t within my sight throughout the entire day.

Even excluding times when I needed to change clothes or wash up, our closeness was such that I spent almost every moment with Aruslin.

I had thought that being this close to someone would make me feel uncomfortable, but…

“Even washing… I want to wash together…”

Instead of feeling annoyed by Aruslin’s constant presence, even during other times, it made me feel happy.

“…Maybe?”

I never imagined I would change so much.

“…There was hesitation before answering. This matter will have to be put on hold until a direct response comes.”

It was regrettable to see Aruslin withdraw her proposal after reading my hesitation.

If I had explained this situation to myself two months ago, I would have surely considered myself insane.

“When you hear something like this suddenly, anyone would be surprised, not just me.”

“…I gave a big suggestion to you. An immediate answer is necessary for a major issue like this.”

“…That’s right.”

“…Soon, we’ll visit the famous hot springs of Kisleve. Let’s go together…”

“Alright.”

“You haven’t finished talking yet.”

“You’re suggesting we go together, right?”

“…Yes.”

“That’s why I answered immediately.”

“You seem steadfast yet quick-witted.”

“Do you dislike such qualities? If you do…”

“I don’t dislike it… I’d be happy to go anywhere with you.”

“I feel the same.”

“…I look forward to a month from now.”

Now, being able to spend time with Aruslin so freely and lovingly, life indeed can be unpredictable.

Though I couldn’t predict this, I felt no dissatisfaction knowing that my current life was no less fulfilling than any moment of my past.

The words left by Liga’s leader, who mocked me with a twisted smile, still lingered.

‘If you come, then come.’

A biological father who fled by faking death after causing chaos.

With the capability and resolve to give him his due punishment, there was nothing to fear.

But could he really come? Knowing he lacked shame, I expected him to eventually show up.

Still, how he might travel from the North to reach Caladborg Duke’s residence puzzled me.

Even if he had some physical strength, it wouldn’t be easy to sneak through here alone.

…It would make more sense for him to operate from Paleord Count’s domain.

Before bed, I should tell Rize about what Liga’s leader said, advising her to be cautious around him.

Given Rize’s poor feelings towards the former head, she wouldn’t take my letter lightly. She would do everything in her power to prepare.

Though young, she is sharp and decisive. I trust she will handle the situation well if I simply hint at it.

Indeed, that man was quite remarkable.

Even though I was abandoned at birth, and despite the fact that my deceased brother or Rize only sees him as a biological father, he remains a significant figure in their eyes.

Recalling those memories of disgust, I decided not to dwell on thoughts related to the former head.

Worrying over someone who hasn’t even shown their face would be futile.

“…D?”

Rather than dwelling on that, I should gather information about the hot springs of Kisleve that Aruslin suggested we visit.

“ANDY!!”

“…Yeah?”

Listening to Aruslin call out loudly snapped me back to reality.

“Really! Even though I called you, you were lost in your own thoughts and didn’t hear me.”

Seeing Aruslin’s cheeks puff up angrily, ready to burst, and her stern gaze was a rare sight.

Though my life hasn’t been long, I had never felt so intimidated by someone’s anger as I did with Aruslin.

Her cheeks looked so puffy they seemed ready to deflate with a light touch.

Though her eyes were piercing, they emphasized her cuteness rather than her sternness.

Who could definitively say this was a display of anger?

Of course, while I felt differently, it was clear Aruslin was not angry but rather upset.

“Sorry. I was thinking about Kisleve, where we’ll visit together next month, and didn’t hear what you said.”

I sincerely apologized for not hearing her properly.

Though I wanted to see Aruslin’s puffed-up expression longer, I made sure not to add any playful remarks before apologizing.

“…Ahem. If you understood, that’s fine. I always listen closely to what you say. I hope you always listen to what I say too.”

Watching Aruslin instantly calm down and accept my apology, I realized that teasing a wife who forgives and rejoices with just one word isn’t possible.

So, I spent another normal day with Aruslin, discussing our upcoming trip to Kisleve.

I believed that if today was like any other, our conversation would continue until sunset.

Knock-knock—

The tidy knock on the entrance door of the Duke’s residence where Aruslin and I were.

“Come in.”

Creak—

As Aruslin said “come in,” the familiar hand movements opened the door.

“Your Excellency, a messenger and letter have arrived from Paleord Count’s residence.”

Even if Katrina hadn’t informed us that she always delivered letters from Paleord Count’s residence through messengers, I knew this would happen.

“…Hmm?”

Without delay, Aruslin let out a soft sound and turned her gaze toward me.

During the succession war, we were enemies, bloodied and torn apart.

But after the war ended and the former head, who caused our family to crumble, pretended to die and was confirmed to be removed, Aruslin helped restore our family’s status with minimal care.

Now, there was no apparent reason for Paleord Count’s residence to send someone.

Thinking she might know something as a member of Paleord Count’s family, I turned my head.

“…Hmm?”

Even in my mind, filled with suspicion, there was no clear reason why Paleord Count’s residence, specifically Rize, would suddenly publicly send me a letter.

Even holding my chin in thought didn’t bring any clarity.

Seeing my expression, Aruslin must have thought it better to meet the messenger directly rather than guessing.

“Let them in.”

In a voice much more formal than usual, she commanded Katrina, who bowed respectfully and left to fetch the messenger from Paleord Count’s residence.

As the guest approached, the clanking sound of plate armor grew louder, indicating that the messenger sent by Rize from Paleord Count’s residence was likely a member of the Black Wing Knights, known for guarding the count’s estate.

Just as I wondered if sending a messenger just to deliver a letter was wasteful…

“Please use this entrance… Wait a moment!!”

Before finishing her instructions, Katrina’s alarmed voice stopped me.

Creak-!

The door opened with unusual commotion.

Through the gap, a heavily armored figure appeared, his presence overwhelming despite his black armor.

Even though his massive build seemed awkward, tiptoeing cautiously, his defiance in not following the servants’ guidance was unmistakably rude.

The furious expression on Katrina’s face as she tried to stop the intruder hinted at a serious situation beyond its comical appearance.

Bang-!

As the intruder knelt gracefully, bowing deeply before reaching the floor, Katrina’s attempt to stop him halted in confusion.

“Honored by Your Excellency, the Junior Duke of Caladborg!”

His hearty, sincere greeting silenced even those who might have criticized his rudeness.

Even if it was awkward to see such courtesy from a large body, it was enough to maintain basic etiquette.

“…Hmm.”

Aruslin, seemingly indifferent, watched the messenger with a satisfied expression.

“…”

I struggled to keep my face composed, barely resisting the urge to rub my forehead with my palm.

Why?

“The representative of the former head came here to convey gratitude for the mining rights returned recently. I am Elshimer Kramer, the deputy commander of the Black Wing Knights.”

With a bright smile, introducing himself, he also sent a warm glance.

Unlike others who knew my identity from my self-introduction, he recognized me instantly from our past in the back alleys.

In other words, should I consider him a bad friend who has nothing good to offer?

In truth, we used to exchange punches and kicks whenever we met in the back alleys.