For the Lady's Wise Regression - Chapter 47

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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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Chapter 47
If there was any difference, it was probably thanks to Vanessa.
Unintentional though it may have been, he’d benefited considerably from her presence.
Though that Instinctive Sense of his seemed not to activate at all around the woman he was pining for.
Knowing Ian’s circumstances as he did, Kirious would be honest: he’d thought it hopeless.
And no wonder—the woman Ian harbored One-sided Love for already had a long-standing lover.
It was obvious he’d end up living a bachelor’s life, so how could one not pity him?
Not that Vanessa wasn’t beautiful, of course.
But Kirious couldn’t fathom how Ian could carry on as though Vanessa were the only woman in existence.
There were so many lovely women in the world.
Look at the Neighboring Country alone……
But Kirious had to keep such thoughts to himself.
One careless word and Ian would plant himself in the Northern Region, insisting on seeing with his own eyes whether his hands had developed calluses from excessive training.
And now he’d heard rumors that Ian and that long-standing lover were getting married—or so the talk went.
He’d thought he should offer some comfort the next time they met……
But not only had Ian gone and gotten married; his bride was none other than the woman he’d harbored One-sided Love for all these years?
Kirious was desperately curious what method Ian had employed to bring such a thing about, but he’d resolved to keep quiet.
He had no desire to trade a moment’s curiosity for his own hands.
Instead, he threw his full support behind Vanessa.
May she, he prayed, keep that madman on a tight leash for the rest of her life.
So that he might reclaim his quiet, sheltered existence.
Kirious exhaled slowly, straightening his spine as he sat up.
In the distance, an Imperial Vessel lay anchored.
He’d been informed that the Duke and Duchess of Ruscliffe were visiting, so when he spotted the royal ship, he’d wondered if the Crown Prince had come along—only to learn they’d borrowed it for their honeymoon to the Northern Region.
A place one could easily reach by carriage.
“Truly, a madman, as I say.”
Who else would borrow the sovereign’s vessel for a honeymoon?
No one but Ian Ruscliffe.
A soft laugh escaped between Kirious’s teeth.
“……Heh.”
Bracing himself on the ground with one hand, Kirious rose unsteadily on trembling legs and brushed the dust from his seat.
Thanks to someone, he’d missed the wedding despite receiving an invitation—so his image in Vanessa’s eyes was probably not the brightest.
“I wonder what she might want from the Northern Region?”
He’d love to help with anything he could manage.
Perhaps he could even throw in a little bribe to get his friend some favorable treatment.
Since their purpose was a honeymoon, they’d probably be staying for a while, wouldn’t they?
The thought that this hellish training might finally end brought a cheerful hum to his lips.
“Let me see what sights are worth showing.”
Places that would make the Duchess’s eyes light up—even the formidable Ian Ruscliffe wouldn’t be immune to that.
The prospect of finding amusements for the couple’s honeymoon filled him with unexpected delight.
He’d have to keep himself out of sight as much as possible while they were here.
One strand of hair visible and he might find himself subjected to physical conditioning even during a honeymoon.
A husband who chases other men even on his honeymoon? That’s bound to damage anyone’s feelings.
A friend who graciously absents himself to spare his friend’s long-cherished love—that was who he was.
Kirious turned toward the manor with a grin.
‘The Central Capital bookshop released a new volume of “Clang’s Great Adventure,” didn’t it?’
Best to buy that first.
Then stop by the massage parlor nearby, work out some of these knotted muscles……
He’d gotten this far in his thoughts when Kirious abruptly halted.
“……Ah, young master.”
Where had Ian gone, and was the Duchess alone……crying?
The pleasant musings about what entertainments to arrange for the newlyweds’ honeymoon suddenly clouded over with unease.
‘This could go very wrong……’
He heard the sound of his sheltered, peaceful existence crumbling from its foundations.
Kirious hurriedly offered his handkerchief.
One thing was certain: he had to prevent Vanessa and Ian from divorcing—even if the odds were a thousand to one.
The union might never have happened in the first place, but now that it had, if it fell apart…… well, there was no telling how far that madman might go.
“I don’t know what’s happened, but…… it must be Ian’s fault.”

Kirious didn’t give Vanessa a moment to feel slighted, adding quickly on.
“Ian has a habit of blurting out whatever crosses his mind—sometimes it’s like molten fire pouring straight from the pit itself. Don’t take it to heart, won’t you?”
“……What?”
“Oh my.”
Before Vanessa could even finish registering the confusion on her own face—before she could think ‘something’s wrong here’—a voice reached Kirious’s ears that absolutely should not have.
……The price of a late thought. And it was far too steep.
Cold sweat rolled down Kirious’s spine.
“Molten fire, then. I had no idea you saw me that way.”
“No, that is—”
“Vanessa. How are your eyes?”
“Did you blow on them? They do feel a bit better…… Oh, thank you for the handkerchief.”
A chilling gaze found Kirious.
Wait. What exactly is happening right now?
Hadn’t the two of them just had a terrible row?
Ian smiled broadly before the bewildered Kirious.
“Kirious. Might we have a word?”
“Ah, I may have misunderstood. I thought you’d made her cry—”
Kirious snapped his fingers crisply and withdrew in a flash.
“No, no—we were just getting along! Ha, ha…… Well then, I’ll remove this tactless gate-crasher—”
He vanished like wind before Ian could say another word.
Ian reflexively started to follow, then stopped short.
“……He didn’t say anything else, did he?”
Ian gave a small cough and glanced sideways at Vanessa.
“What? Molten fire?”
“That’s…… just his own thoughts.”
It wasn’t.
Vanessa couldn’t bring herself to deny it, merely lifting the corners of her mouth.
‘I didn’t realize Kirious shared my opinion.’
Perhaps Ian was the only one in the dark?
“Don’t worry. It was nice to see you two getting along so well.”
At that, Ian exhaled softly and extended his hand.
“Then…… shall we go? Enjoy our honeymoon.”
She still couldn’t get used to hearing such embarrassing words from his lips……
Vanessa recalled how, when dust had gotten in her eyes earlier, Ian had been more flustered than she was—and found herself laughing softly through her teeth.
The hand clasped in hers was no longer awkward.
Though she wondered why she’d insisted on such conditions for the marriage……
When she squeezed his hand without pretense, the tips of his ears flushed pale.
She’d considered it once before and left it unfinished, but it didn’t seem like an illness—more that he simply lacked immunity to touch itself.
Well, she was grateful either way.
They’d gone through with the marriage, and whether they liked it or not, they’d be seeing each other’s face for a year. Better that than keeping cold distance.
At first, she’d even considered adding a clause to maintain some separation.
But after a few dates, watching Ian fumble about in his usual awkward way had become something she enjoyed. So she’d let it go.
“I’m looking forward to the trip.”
At her words, Ian nodded quietly.
Of course Vanessa didn’t notice, but Ian was just as eager.
What had existed only in imagination was now becoming reality.
‘……The sound is too loud.’
Thump. Thump. Open his mouth and his heart would burst right out.
Fortunately, Vanessa seemed unbothered by his silence.
Yet separate from that, the sensation that had been simmering whenever they touched remained at that same warm temperature.
He’d delayed the honeymoon by a full week, and it had been worth it.
The Calming Herb in pill form was definitely more effective.
Unlike the smoked version, which could be taken as needed whenever, it came with a set dosage.
Still, if he rationed it carefully, he should manage through the entire journey.
……If only his heart would beat less wildly.
Just holding her hand, and the sensation that always simmered fell quiet—so his heart raced all the more.
“If we have time, could we climb to the summit of Snowd Mountain?”
“……We can borrow equipment from Kirious.”
“Do you climb, too?”
“People in the Northern Region climb mountains as a matter of course. To some degree, at least.”
“Is that so? ……You have asthma, don’t you?”
Ian stopped in his tracks at the words murmured almost under her breath.
Vanessa let out a small sigh, then pressed her lips together firmly.
“……How did you know that?”
Just as she’d feared.
His voice dropped at once, cutting straight through the air.
She’d made a mistake.

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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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