Spring in My Grasp - Chapter 42

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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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(42) Do As You Wish

“Isn’t being a Holy Knight supposed to be busy?”
At Rowan’s question, Alexis paused mid-motion while removing his coat.
“That’s what the Butler said….”
Rowan trailed off. She had heard that the Holy Knight—called the Kingdom’s Sword, and one whose holy power was remarkable enough to be recorded in history—should dedicate himself to the Kingdom and the Royal Family. Yet lately, Alexis….
‘He leaves work right on time, without fail, before sunset.’
Considering military campaigns, overtime, and critical duties, Rowan had expected to be separated from Alexis for extended periods.
But what a surprise. Alexis never worked late. He commuted to the Royal Palace early each morning and always left before dusk.
‘Is there really such a cushy position?’
In her world, they would call this a sweet gig, a cushy job, and….
‘A salary thief.’
So there really was such a thing as being born with a silver spoon.
Rowan gazed at Alexis, who sat on the sofa in comfortable clothes after removing his coat.
The reckless Young Master of Glister Estate had become a cushy Holy Knight. Either way, she envied him.
“Come here.”
Under Rowan’s gaze—unable to imagine what classified work he performed at the Royal Palace—Alexis smiled gently. As he extended his hand, Rowan slowly approached. Alexis naturally drew her close and buried his face in her abdomen.
“Now I finally feel like I can truly rest.”
His voice was languid. Still, he seemed somewhat worn from exertion. Not knowing what duties he carried, Rowan quietly reached out her hand, sensing the fatigue in his voice more than she expected.
‘Such beautiful silver hair….’
The light of the setting sun streamed through the window, settling softly upon Alexis’s silver hair. Those strands were brilliantly pale and luminous. With each movement, they seemed to shimmer with a subtle silver radiance. Rowan gazed down at him quietly, then carefully lifted her hand.
Her slender fingertips touched his hair. The sensation against her palm was surprisingly soft—cool and delicately textured. Rowan’s fingers slowly threaded through his silver strands.
Alexis’s grip around Rowan’s waist tightened. As her fingertips moved, his silver hair slipped through her grasp, fine threads glimmering as they slid between her fingers. It was as though broken light itself flowed across her palm.
“We—”
Alexis’s voice resonated low.
“Should we dine here?”
In that instant, Rowan snapped back to her senses and shook her head vigorously. She understood the implication behind his words.
“Listen, get a grip!”
Rowan shook her head with exasperation. When Alexis lifted his face, a silent smile played across his features.
“We’re really going to end up with rumors that we’re both possessed by lust!”
Rowan’s face burned crimson as she cried out.
‘Of course, I’m equally complicit….’
Recently, as Alexis left for work each day, Rowan had begun attending to her own duties, sorting through various matters.
Fortunately, the Butler and Lea helped with castle management and administrative work, so she wasn’t overwhelmed. But High Society… the thought darkened her expression.
Of late, as the time Alexis spent tormenting her decreased, Rowan had been reading through the letters that arrived for her one by one. Initially, most contained congratulations and curious greetings. But as time passed, the tone of incoming letters had begun to shift subtly.
「Congratulations on becoming the Holy Knight’s wife.」
The first line was respectful. But as she read further, the tenor of the content changed ever so slightly.
“However, in High Society, there are still rumors that people haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you, and everyone is quite perplexed.”
My eyes narrowed. Since when had they taken such interest in me? I folded that letter away and pulled out the next one.
“You haven’t appeared at the Royal Court’s banquets, the Duchess’s evening soirées, or any gathering whatsoever… I worry that perhaps you haven’t yet grown accustomed to fulfilling your duties as a Holy Knight’s wife.”
Worry. I let out a soft laugh.
‘As if!’
Letters filled with such sentiments had piled up like mountains, waiting for me.
“The Holy Knight’s manifestation spreads across The Empire like a blessing.”
“Yet his wife remains hidden like a shadow, so it’s hardly surprising that various speculations circulate among people.”
A sigh escaped my lips. The High Society invitations, the subtle mockery, the advice masquerading as kindness—it all meant the same thing.
‘Why won’t you come out?’
My blue eyes wavered as I looked toward Alexis. Truth be told, if I had a choice, High Society was the last place I wanted to set foot.
I was an outsider. If I made even the slightest mistake, High Society would mercilessly mock me. And more than that…
‘Alexis’s reputation would be dragged through the mud.’
How did I end up marrying such a man? It was giving me a headache. At first, I thought I’d married a reckless fool, but in an instant he transformed into a Holy Knight. This was utterly unfair.
Alexis rose from the sofa, observing me lost in thought with my head in my hands. He then stood before me and met my gaze.
“What’s troubling you?”
“Troubles are always abundant.”
Before I knew it, a sullen tone escaped me. I pressed my lips firmly together.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
Alexis’s voice in response was remarkably calm and gentle, making me feel as though I’d become a child.
“It’s just… whether I can manage the role of mistress of this household going forward. That sort of worry.”
I shrugged my shoulders. Alexis wore a puzzled expression.
“Why are you concerned about that?”
“Well, I can’t do nothing forever.”
I shook my head.
“I should at least understand and manage the financial matters. But beyond that…”
My words trailed off. As Alexis’s sharp eyes continued to study me, waiting for what came next, I finally relented and confessed.
“The truth is, I’ve never engaged in High Society activities before.”
The same was true for the original owner of this body before me. Though I was the eldest daughter of the Hartwood Family, I was sickly in childhood and as I grew older, I was overshadowed by my Stepmother and Layla, never properly participating in social activities. And in my previous life, I was too consumed with survival to ever attend a proper social gathering.
“But now my circumstances have changed…”
Without realizing it, I began to bite my lip nervously.
Seeing my anxious expression, Alexis gently reached over and stopped me from worrying my lips further.
“Don’t worry about such things.”
Alexis said. At that, I glanced at him sideways.
“How can you say that?”
My lips pouted slightly.
“You’re a man and a Holy Knight, so you don’t care about such things, but my situation is different. If I don’t excel at High Society activities—”
“Really, don’t worry about it.”
Alexis said again.
“I didn’t bring you here to concern yourself with such things. You’re here to do only what you wish and rest comfortably without worrying about anything else.”
“….”
I couldn’t find any words to say. What was he talking about? Even someone ignorant of such matters could tell this wasn’t right.
“Don’t listen to what anyone says. I won’t prosper because you’re forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to. I just need to do well. You do what you want to do.”
In that moment, Alexis swallowed hard.
“While living with me.”
He’d added that last part out of sudden worry—what if she took his permission to do as she pleased as an invitation to run away?
“You certainly say the most carefree things.”
Even as I spoke those words, a smile played at my lips. It was strange. The problem that had tormented me just moments ago had melted away like snow under the sun at a few words from Alexis.
‘That’s right.’
I thought to myself.
‘I kept telling myself I should leave, but the truth is….’
My husband’s dazzling face was before me, his confident violet eyes fixed upon me.
My expression softened. Yes. If the person involved was fine with it, why should I burden myself with exhausting complications? Do what I want and rest as much as I please—such sweet words they were.
Moving with a gentler grace, I approached Alexis, my voice tender.
“Go on and have your meal. You must be hungry.”
“Ah, I don’t mind eating here.”
“This man is impossible!”
Though it didn’t last long.

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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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