Marriage With A Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 35

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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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Episode 35

‘Well, just for now, anyway.’
I set aside a deeper investigation into Faye Martin for later and focused on training as promised with Dylan.
If Faye’s assessment was correct and severe phobia was the root cause, it seemed better to start by replacing those traumatic memories, so I concentrated specifically on that aspect.
By the time I became absorbed in the work myself, evening had fallen—the sun hanging low on the horizon—before we finally wrapped up.
Using Illusion Magic continuously for the first time in ages left me breathing a touch harder than usual.
“I, I’m so grateful for tomorrow as well…….”
Faye spoke between gasps, bracing herself on her knees.
I’d designed the training to be as accessible as possible, keeping the difficulty low so she might come to appreciate Illusion Magic.
Even though I’d kept the illusions cute and whimsical, Faye Martin’s face had gone beyond pale—nearly translucent, like blank parchment.
Sweat dripped steadily from her chin despite my best efforts to meet her halfway.
“Think you can do it again tomorrow?”
“Of course! I’ll work hard, I promise!”
I smiled with satisfaction at that response.
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”
After finishing with Faye, Dylan—who’d been waiting in the office until training concluded—immediately started kneading my shoulders the moment I appeared, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Our genius illusionist. Thank you so much, really. Up until now there hadn’t been even a hair’s breadth of progress. I’d resigned myself to just dreaming that she might hold an illusion for a few seconds.”
“Don’t butter me up.”
“I’m not! And would I flatter just anyone? It’s because it’s you. What’s your honest impression?”
“Well, she’s an unusual type of Knight—first I’ve seen like her. Though honestly, I’ve never trained an Illusionist before either, so I’m curious how she even got in.”
Dylan made a small noise and rubbed the back of his neck, clearly uneasy about something.
“…Truth is, when word got out she could use Illusion Magic, we recruited her through special admission. She’s the second daughter of House of Marquis Illuer.”
Dylan glanced sideways at me, gauging my reaction.
I let out a small laugh. I understood exactly why he was doing this.
I—Hazel Love—was a genius at Illusion Magic, but I came from common stock, so I had to pass rigorous exams to get in, while Faye Martin had received special admission.
He was speaking quietly, worried I might be upset about it. I was going to say it didn’t matter at all, but I deliberately pretended not to understand.
If I said I was fine, who knew what else might get piled on. Instead, I absently rubbed my chin and murmured.
“Hmm, special admission. Then maybe I should treat her a bit more gently.”
“You don’t have to. Honestly, even if we manage to fix her, I doubt she’ll be ready for this Subjugation. But still, thank you so much. At least now there’s a chance she might actually be able to train again.”
“It’s been less than a day.”
“Just wishful thinking. Are you tired? I arranged a carriage, so head to the Hotel and take it easy. Is there anything else you need? Anything at all—just ask. I’ll take care of it!”
I tapped Dylan lightly on the forearm.
“For now, no. You’ve lent me a carriage, so consider us even.”
After confirming tomorrow’s appointment, I climbed into the carriage Dylan had arranged and headed toward the Hotel.

* * *

“Whine, whine, yelp…….”
Scratch-scratch-scratch! Scratch-scratch!
Scrape, scrape.
“Whine, yelp, whine, groan!”
Scratch-scratch-scratch!
The pathetic whimpering of a puppy was grating on Kylus’s nerves.
A short while ago, a rust-colored lump with fur like a well-ripened sunset had suddenly pushed through a narrowly cracked door.
He’d been resting with his body leaning against the sofa and his arm shielding his eyes, having not slept properly in several days.
Young as it was, the creature’s tail wagged frantically, and though it moved on four legs, its gait was decidedly unsteady.
Small as it was, even rather endearing, the fragile thing—so breakable at the slightest touch—unavoidably brought Hazel to mind.
So he’d left it be, but now it couldn’t find its way back out through the crack it came in and was frantically scratching at the door.
It paced in circles, then returned to scratch-scratch-scratching repeatedly.
His mood was already foul, and irritation was rising.
“Of all things.”
Now even a puppy had shown up to torment him.
“…….”
Hazel does love animals.
Dogs, cats, squirrels, rabbits—doesn’t matter.
Ah, snakes—she said she found those a bit frightening, didn’t she?
At any rate, she’d always said she liked furry creatures.
During their dates, whenever they encountered a cat, she’d greet it without fail, and once she’d even tracked down the mother of a lone kitten and returned it to her.
After only a few hours with the little one, she’d worn such a melancholy expression as they parted with the mother.
When he’d asked if she wanted to keep a cat, she’d said no—not quite that.
She’d explained that loving something and taking responsibility for a life were different things.
She’d said they could think about it once things stabilized a bit, once they were more prepared.
Since then, he hadn’t seen any animals at all, it seemed.
“Whimper, whimper, yip-yip-yip…….”
Scratch-scratch-scratch-scratch-scratch!
“Sigh.”
Kylus’s exhalation, tinged with frustration, betrayed a man who hadn’t managed a moment’s rest.
The sound had drawn nearer, and now the creature was right below the sofa, raking its claws across the upholstery with frantic persistence.
It bounded back and forth, whimpering as though pleading to be lifted up.
He ignored it, closing his eyes, when a knock came at the door.
“My lord, I have something to report.”
“Come in.”
It was Sid.
Kylus spoke with his eyes still closed.
Sid paused mid-bow as he entered.
“Oh—were you resting? Should I return later?”
“No, go ahead. Report.”
Kylus remained sprawled on the sofa, his back to its cushions.
Sid maintained his formal posture whether his lord sat at the desk, stood, or reclined as now.
“Whimper, whimper, whimper!”
This time the pup threw itself at Sid.
Sid lurched backward in alarm.
“No, Popo!”
The exclamation burst from Sid in shock.
“What is this creature doing here! My lord, I sincerely apologize. I’ll remove him at once!”
“Leave it be and make your report.”
Sid’s eyes widened.
“What? Truly, my lord? Y-yes, understood!”
Popo, now scratching at Sid’s legs and whimpering for a lift, was quickly scooped up into his arms.
Though the pup still fussed, searching for his actual master, the noise quieted considerably.
Sid couldn’t fathom why Elod’s dog had wandered into his lord’s study.
Perspiration beaded on his brow as he began his report.
Fortunately, today brought nothing particularly vexing to relate.
It would have been even better without Popo’s presence.
Throughout his briefing, Sid soothed and coaxed the restless pup.
“…Then please do rest, my lord.”
With only routine matters to cover, Sid bowed and withdrew after what seemed a heavier report than most days.

* * *

That evening.
Sid had foregone leaving for the day once again.
Days of overtime bleeding into all-nighters had become routine.
The reason was simple: his lord wouldn’t rest, so as a subordinate, rest was simply impossible.
Though he thought it excessive, he had no wish to stop.
To betray his lord was to invite death—at least, that was how he saw it.
Granted, the man’s temperament was somewhat unpleasant, but he was still the one who’d taken Sid in.
It had been Sid himself who’d thrown himself down first, pledging his loyalty.
It had been his own mouth that had promised to serve faithfully until his dying breath, provided only that he was given shelter.
And nowhere else had ever been so generous to him.
‘When exactly is Poro coming back?’
They’d said it would take about a week.
From the look of things now, it seemed it would easily take a month.
Suddenly struck by the sense that too much time had passed, he turned his head sharply to check the date.
‘If I count the day I left, it’s only been three days….’
Good grief.
I could have sworn a full week had passed, but it’s been nothing of the sort.
It became starkly clear just how comfortable a life I’d been living.
‘When on earth will she come back?’
She doesn’t seem to be dawdling in Elkard.
When I asked Nizhela, she said Hazel has been far too busy—hasn’t even properly seen the capital yet.
And yet, in the midst of all that, she went to the Temple and prayed.
No doubt whatsoever—she was praying for her lord, head over heels as she is.
Even on ordinary days, when the lord came home late because of work, you could feel her concern even watching from behind—such tenderness in her worry.
Separated for the first time, it would only be worse.
She probably wants to see her every day, no doubt eager to finish her work quickly and return.
She won’t be sleeping properly either, and she’ll be irritable and…….
“Huh?”
A foolish question tumbled from Sid’s lips.
That sounds rather similar to our lord’s condition, doesn’t it?
Sid scratched his head vigorously.
“Come off it. Since when would the lord…….”
Sid chuckled softly, finding his own thoughts amusing.
There’s no way that could happen without losing one’s mind, absolutely not.
There was no way it could be.
“Right? Popo, you agree?”
Sid turned to speak to the small dog now in his care while his colleague was out on assignment.
The pup, drowsy in his lap, opened its eyes groggily.
“Whine, whine, squeak, whine…….”
Sid’s eyes narrowed.
He’d managed to get the dog to sleep after all that whining, only to accidentally call it awake without meaning to.
Truly, it was a tiresome day in every way.

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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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