A Blend of Romance and Fantasy - Chapter 94

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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94.
“Oh, Aurora.”
“You mustn’t throw a tantrum.”
In an instant, Cecilia’s face transformed into that of a hamster robbed of its seeds.
“Did I do something wrong?”
Yes.
“Yes.”
Though I was in no position to make demands of Cecilia, I could only speak the truth in my heart, while Aurora answered with the sharpness of a blade.
“It’s the perfect recipe for another scandal. Besides, Charlotte is perfectly capable of protecting herself. Isn’t that right?”
“Of course. Lady Mayers, don’t you trust me?”
Cecilia’s face flushed crimson in an instant.
Her flustered expression was utterly endearing.
I grasped Cecilia’s hand firmly and spoke in the gentlest voice I could muster.
“Lady Mayers, I’ll resolve this scandal quickly and summon the Duke again. Please, trust me.”
“No, that wasn’t really my intention at all.”
It was then.
A brilliant flash erupted from the massive teleportation circle on the right side of the castle.
All three of our gazes turned toward the window.
Multiple Blackwood flags fluttered in the wind.
Leonard had returned.
* * *
A blood-red sunset spilled across the roof of Iaphe Castle.
Only a select few, tasked with delivering news of victory and handling post-war arrangements, had arrived via teleportation.
Leonard stood naturally at the very front of this elite contingent.
His cloak was torn in places, and his armor bore deep gouges.
To anyone’s eye, these were unmistakable marks of having been in the thick of battle mere moments before.
Leonard halted mid-stride and gazed up at the mansion.
Towering pillars and the faint flicker of light seeping through the windows.
It was then that Maddox approached and bowed his head.
“You’ve endured much.”
“Uncle, you needn’t have come out yourself.”
“My body is unfit for war. This small gesture eases my conscience.”
“I’m grateful that you always fill the void I leave behind.”
Leonard resumed his stride, his footsteps echoing through the mansion’s interior.
“What is my wife doing?”
“The Saint has just arrived and is conversing with Lady Mayers. She’s been waiting for you—shall I show you to the Reception Room?”
Leonard lowered his gaze, surveying his own appearance.
“…I’m hardly presentable to receive the Saint and Lady Mayers. I must bathe and change. Uncle, please convey my situation.”
“Very well.”
It was then that Alex approached.
Marquis Maddox made no effort to hide his displeasure at being greeted by Leonard before himself.
“You must be busy with family matters, Marquis. Please, do go.”
It was a dismissal.
Marquis Maddox’s fist clenched briefly, but he soon lowered his head and departed. Leonard spoke to Alex, who had been watching him leave.
“You’re sharp today. What happened?”
A brief silence fell. Alex shook his head.
“Nothing happened, sir.”
Leonard didn’t press further. He simply looked down at Alex.
“It’s rare for you to show your emotions like this. Have I kept you confined to internal duties too long?”
“Serving by my lady’s side is the greatest honor for me.”
“But weren’t you once an inspector who reviewed the Imperial Army under imperial decree?”
“That was long ago.”
“Then you wouldn’t have let your emotions show on your face.”
…!”
Alex’s breath caught. He lifted his head sharply.
Leonard stood silhouetted against the setting sun. The sky, as if bleeding, suited him far too well.
In that moment, a subtle emotion struck his heart and passed. Alex knew exactly what it was.
“No, sir. I was merely startled by news of Blackveil.”
…!”
“Wouldn’t my lady be saddened?”
The taut air suddenly crumbled. Leonard’s expression remained unchanged, yet he was clearly shaken.
By the time Alex’s mouth had gone dry, Leonard began to move again.
“I’ll return it.”
“Right now, sir?”
“No.”
Leonard spoke slowly.
“If I go now, it might spoil the pleasant atmosphere. Place it in a magical artifact box and have it moved to my office.”
He offered no further explanation. Leonard spoke as he climbed the stairs.
“Alex.”
“Yes, sir.”
“There is no one in this Empire who doesn’t know your abilities. I trust you as well.”
His voice had softened somewhat. Alex’s footsteps, following up the stairs, faltered.
“Yes….”
Leonard handed his cloak to the Head Attendant who approached and ascended the stairs.
Alex followed behind him once more.
* * *
I had intended to wait for Leonard, but Marquis Maddox said he would take some time.
We deliberated and had dinner, then moved to the Terrace in the Garden afterward.
‘He hasn’t arrived yet—is something wrong?’
As I kept glancing toward his Bedroom, Aurora sighed.
“If it bothers you that much, would you like to check on him?”
“No. I can’t leave our guest.”
“That’s right. There’s no reason for the Princess to go anywhere.”
Cecilia gripped my hand tightly.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the sound of footsteps echoed through the Garden.
Leonard, gleaming beneath the magical lantern light, wore casual attire, yet beads of perspiration dotted his forehead—as if he’d rushed here.
“I apologize for the wait. An unexpected matter arose, so I hurried to conclude it.”
Had he lost his way?
I wanted to tease him with a smile, but too many eyes were watching. Instead, I sipped my tea with deliberate composure.
Aurora, still brimming with grace, smiled softly and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Not at all. We should apologize for arriving at such a time.”
“I was the one who requested this urgently. Please, don’t concern yourself.”
“Don’t stand there—sit down, Leonard.”
As I gestured to a chair, the Attendant pulled it out for him.
But the moment he sat, a peculiar tension suddenly filled the air.
‘Wait. This feels remarkably like introducing your lover to friends.’
And if a friend’s lover doesn’t make a good impression, the rest of the evening becomes unbearable.
‘No, this is supposed to be about discussing matters with Demian.’
But within seconds, my hopes shattered.
“Sixth Prince.”
“Yes?”
“You won’t be unfaithful, will you? Taking concubines or frequenting clubs?”
Aurora’s words, delivered while sipping tea with elegance, carried barbs—no, daggers.
And I felt my heart plummet at the word “concubines.”
“Of course not.”
Leonard, knowing nothing, could smile easily. I could not.
The 3rd Empress, my mother-in-law, had mentioned his concubines.
‘Should I tell her now, or not?’
But if I stayed silent and she found out later, I’d lose far more points with Aurora. I opened my mouth with an awkward smile.
“Actually, the Empress Consort did bring it up.”
“Pardon?”
“What?”
“What?!”
Leonard, Aurora, and Cecilia gasped in succession.
I hurriedly explained what had happened and offered an excuse.
“But it was only mentioned—nothing has actually been done!”
“I truly didn’t know either. And even if Mother suggests it, I have no intention of agreeing.”
Yet Aurora seemed displeased that the subject had been broached at all, sparks flashing in her eyes.
“My in-laws’ score is zero….”
“What did you say?”
“It’s nothing.”
Though I could have sworn I just heard something strange.
Aurora seemed determined to maintain her composure, ordering another cup of tea.
Then she interlaced her fingers on the table, resting her chin upon them. Her gaze remained fixed on Leonard.
“Well then, Sixth Prince, would it be all right if I asked you a few questions?”
“As… many as you wish.”
“Can you cook by yourself? And if you can, how many dishes are you capable of preparing?”
Leonard’s lips twitched.
Then, naturally, his gaze turned toward me.
Watching his eyes flicker like a candle flame in the wind, I felt I could read his thoughts.
‘What on earth is happening here?’
That’s what he must be thinking. I laughed awkwardly and called out to Aurora.
“Hey, Aurora. Can we skip these questions and talk about Demian instead?”
“You stay quiet for a moment.”
Wait. When did a list appear on the table? Surely I was mistaken about the title being “How to Distinguish a Good Husband”?
Leonard seemed to have read it too. He cleared his throat, his face turning pale.
“I’ve rolled around in war so much that I eat anything well. As for cooking, I can only manage the field rations that the knights typically prepare.”
I could hear her muttering, “Thirty points, and since he eats everything well, add twenty bonus points…”
“Next. What are your usual hobbies? Quiet ones? Active ones? What specifically?”
“I don’t have hobbies. I’m too busy with my duties.”
“Then what do you do when you have spare time?”
“Sword… training? Or reading. Ah, a very long time ago, I used to enjoy racing with my adjutants.”
“Good heavens! Racing? Surely you don’t wager money on it?”
Aurora gasped and covered her mouth, while Leonard laughed awkwardly.
“We drank beer afterward, though.”
Drinking alcohol, deduct ten points…
“Aurora.”
“Charlotte, be quiet for now.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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