Spring in My Grasp - Chapter 54

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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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(54) Behind the Peace

One corner of the Glass Garden held a landscape distinctly different from the rest. Unlike the flowers that Lea had cultivated with such care, this modest corner possessed a simpler, more rustic charm.
Beneath a ceiling enclosed in glass, sunlight filtered down with gentle warmth. The light was not harsh—only a soft, filtered glow settled evenly across the space. Beneath that light, Rowan knelt, tending to her work.
“They’re growing beautifully.”
Pale green leaves lined up in neat rows, with rich, moist soil breathing gently between them. The earth within the Glass Garden was soft and fine—a testament to the constant care Rowan and Lea lavished upon it.
“It would be a shame to grow only flowers in a space like this.”
Rowan spoke as though to herself, her face radiating satisfaction. Water streamed evenly from a silver watering can she’d filled with rainwater. Having watered the soil with perfect uniformity, she gazed at the herbs and vegetables with a delighted smile.
“The way you’re sprouting up like this, you’ll be my lunch tomorrow.”
Within the Glass Garden, the scent of roses mingled with the aroma of wet earth. Two fragrances that seemed utterly incompatible somehow harmonized beautifully. As Rowan gazed upon them with pleasure and drew a deep breath, her face was suffused with tranquility.
“….”
And Alexis watched that serene face from the Glass Garden’s entrance. Rowan, who had been stretching her arms wide a moment before, noticed him. Her face bloomed with a radiant smile.
“Alexis.”
Beneath the sunlight filtering through the glass, the small leaves Rowan had nurtured swayed gently as though breathing. Alexis approached her slowly.
“What brings you here? Why have you come so early? Isn’t it still before your work hours?”
As Rowan asked, Alexis smiled lightly.
“My work finished early, so I came back. Have you eaten lunch?”
“I ate breakfast late, so I haven’t had lunch yet. What about you?”
“Neither have I.”
Alexis gestured to the attendants following behind him.
“It’s been a while. Let’s have lunch together here.”
“I’d love that.”
Rowan responded warmly. She adored dining in the Glass Garden, finding profound comfort in that intimate, beautiful space while surrounded by the plants she had cultivated with her own hands.
“You’re pregnant—you should leave the vegetable garden to Lea.”
Alexis said this suddenly as they ate lunch together. Rowan shook her head gently.
“I can manage this much. Let me move around a little. I’m practically sitting or resting all the time otherwise. I need to move my body somewhat to feel lighter.”
“I see.”
Surprisingly, Alexis accepted this without argument.
“But don’t overexert yourself. If it becomes difficult, hand it over to Lea or another maid immediately. Understood?”
“Yes, I will.”
Rowan offered a slight smile. Alexis’s expression softened with contentment. Yes, what did her past matter? Simply witnessing Rowan existing so peacefully at his side filled him with gratitude and joy.
If anything threatened her peace, he would step forward to protect her. Was that not the duty and purpose of a husband?
“It’s wonderful that you come home early like this—we can have lunch together.”
Alexis’s eyes turned toward her with tenderness.
“You’d prefer I didn’t work?”
“If we could, I’d rather we both just played and ate all day.”
Rowan said this while sipping her soup.
“Still, you’ve become a Holy Knight—put in the effort. I’ll take good care of myself so I can tell our child that their father is a Holy Knight they can be proud of.”
“The Physician came by.”
“Yes. He says I can have a safe delivery in this condition. No health concerns whatsoever.”
“Even so, don’t forget the precautions he mentioned.”
“Goodness, you’re such a nag now. Why do you fuss so much since I became pregnant?”
Even as she said this, Rowan’s face never lost its smile.
“Who would have thought that reckless man would become such a fussy worrier?”
“There won’t be any more of that.”
Alexis spoke with absolute conviction.
“I’m going to live thinking only of you.”
“….”
His voice rang with such unwavering certainty that Rowan suddenly felt embarrassed. She lowered her head and quietly continued her meal. As Alexis watched her flustered expression, an entirely different scene flickered through his mind.
***
The Reception Room of Hartwood Marquis Residence.
The air there was extraordinarily heavy. Marquis Hartwood sat facing forward, while his wife and Layla’s husband stood slightly behind. And before them stood Alexis.
“What an honor to meet you like this. You’re even more impressive than the rumors suggested!”
Cedric, oblivious to the oppressive atmosphere, stepped forward. He had arrived at Marquis Hartwood’s Residence first, thinking Alexis’s summons was a stroke of luck. Layla, too, had followed along smiling, wondering if her threats had worked on Rowan. But sensing something was amiss, she was now carefully observing the mood. Marquis Hartwood spoke first.
“How considerate of you to visit your wife’s family in person. Now my honor is fully restored.”
Even at those words, Alexis’s face remained coldly rigid.
“But why didn’t Rowan come with you?”
Marquis Hartwood asked, puzzled. As the eldest daughter of Hartwood, wouldn’t it look splendid for her to appear alongside Alexis? Honestly, she was so lacking in propriety… Marquis Hartwood clicked his tongue inwardly.
Still, the fact that Alexis, now a Holy Knight, favored her rather than cast her aside was certainly remarkable. What was unexpected was that Layla couldn’t even manage half of that.
“I haven’t come to pay respects.”
Alexis’s words cut through the moment. Marquis Hartwood’s eyes widened.
“Then what brings you here….”
At those words, the air in the room turned cold. He turned his head slowly.
“I don’t wish to waste time, so I’ll get straight to the point.”
His gaze turned toward Layla. At that blade-like stare, her shoulders flinched slightly.
“Today, the Baron’s wife summoned Rowan to the city.”
His tone was matter-of-fact. Yet his words carried an inescapable weight. At this ominous atmosphere, Marquis Hartwood asked.
“What’s wrong with sisters spending time together?”
In truth, Marquis Hartwood harbored many grievances. When she was confined to the Annex, there was no point maintaining ties with the family since she could offer nothing—but now that she had entered respectably as the wife of a Holy Knight, shouldn’t she show her face? That was his position. Now that her circumstances were enviable, he couldn’t fathom why she remained locked away in the castle, refusing to emerge.
Meanwhile, Alexis continued.
“She brought along a man named Lucien.”
At that moment, Layla’s face drained of all color. The Marquis and Marchioness Hartwood did the same. They all froze as if doused with cold water. Only Cedric stood there blankly, unable to grasp the meaning—for he knew nothing of Lucien’s existence.
“What do you mean….”
The Marchioness swallowed hard. She turned to look at her daughter. Seeing her trembling with one hand covering her mouth made it clear the accusation was true. Marquis Hartwood stepped forward.
“There must be some misunderstanding. Why would Layla do such a thing!”
“Ask your daughter directly.”
Alexis said.
“I was not unaware of how my wife has been treated within the Hartwood Family. However—”
He paused briefly. Alexis’s expression had settled into a profound calm. Then he continued, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper.
“She is my wife’s blood relative, and since she made no separate requests, I saw no reason to interfere. I am not ignorant of what the Glister Family has been doing under my name, but I have tolerated it for my wife’s sake.”
A suffocating silence descended upon the Reception Room. Cedric could not discern what was transpiring, but his eyes darted back and forth between the members of the Hartwood Family and Alexis. Whatever was happening, the people of the Hartwood Family seemed to have incurred the displeasure of this rising Holy Knight. Particularly his own wife, Layla. Alexis took another step forward. His footfall echoed with an unnaturally sharp clarity.
“Nevertheless.”
His gaze fell upon Layla once more.
“You laid hands upon my wife.”
In that instant, Layla’s hands clenched so tightly they drained of all color. Her lips pressed together with such force they became bloodless.
“You dared to threaten my wife.”

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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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