They Say an Age Gap Like This Doesn’t Even Need Matching - Chapter 114

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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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They say an age gap of nnn years doesn’t even warrant a compatibility check.
Chapter 114
The saying that you can’t even break even proved to be perfectly apt.
There was no way Raern could fail to recognize that Elhart was a mage’s natural enemy.
“I had Raern sleep in the adjacent room. Mages require protection, after all.”
I explained last night’s events to Raern.
“Someone must always stand guard at Raern’s side.”
“I see.”
Elhart spoke to Raern with a softened expression.
“From now on, I’ll pay special attention. Whether you’re sleeping or awake.”
Raern answered with visible distaste.
“That’s hardly necessary.”
“You needn’t decline. If you’re family to Ser Brin, then you’re family to me as well.”
….
Raern’s complexion grew increasingly ashen.
As he turned to me with an expression pleading for rescue, I barely suppressed my laughter before speaking.
“Yes, I’m counting on you.”
“Ugh! Commander!”
Indeed, despite my repeated warnings not to be disrespectful to Elhart.
The Border Count, who had been observing us, chuckled and spoke.
“How wonderful.”
…?
…?
While Raern and I exchanged bewildered glances at the Border Count, Elhart offered him a gentle smile.
“She truly has many who cherish her like family.”
“As it should be. I must ensure Your Highness is served all the better for it.”
“Indeed.”
Hmm….
Raern and I exchanged glances for a moment before turning our gaze toward the window.
An inexplicable embarrassment had overcome us.
Raern cherishes me like family….
Only after hearing Elhart’s words did certain memories surface.
[What are your views on marriage? Do you have plans for children? Even if you become the highest authority, are you confident you’ll cherish and love only one woman?]
Kei, who had unleashed a barrage of questions at our first meeting.
[So he’s a man who knows how to deceive.]
Carterus, who had observed Elhart with gleaming eyes. And…
[As Ser Brin’s brother, let me say this: I oppose fake marriages. But if you’re going through with it, I need to assess that man first.]
Even Raern, who had opposed it before we’d even met.
Each of them had shown a side entirely unlike themselves.
Had the disrespectful attitudes and conduct of the Expedition Team members toward Elhart all been born from their concern for me?
Perhaps I was anxiously watching over him, afraid that someone inexperienced in love might fall for a bad man and get hurt.
‘Then you should have just said so.’
I belatedly regretted nagging him about maintaining propriety.
My chest felt itchy, as if I wanted to scratch it raw.
Within the awkward atmosphere, Elhart and the Border Count calmly discussed their plans ahead.
Meanwhile, the carriage swiftly departed the Ramon Territory.
***
During our journey toward the front lines, we made a point of stopping in every major city we encountered.
The reason we brought Raern along on our expedition was to secure coordinates on the border side.
We located positions that would remain unchanged for at least several years, transmitted the coordinates to Brin County Castle, and installed magical formations wherever possible.
Though somewhat tedious, once the work was done, we could travel back and forth conveniently whenever we wished.
I had worried that the carriage journey might be too taxing for the Border Count, but my concerns proved unfounded.
The Border Count increased his food intake and exchanged sword practice with Elhart every time the carriage stopped.
As flesh accumulated and his muscles grew, he became visibly more vigorous with each passing day.
It was as if time itself were reversing.
By the time we reached the Border Military Garrison, I no longer recalled his gaunt appearance from the underground dungeon.
“Let’s prepare ourselves now.”
Not only Elhart and I, but Raern as well altered our appearances using magical artifacts.
We even donned knight uniforms bearing the insignia of the Roenvale County House.
“From now on, we’re the Border Count’s escort knights. Be careful not to misspeak.”
“I’m more worried about you, Commander.”
“What are you talking about? I’m a brilliant actor—I even fooled Kailyb perfectly.”
…
Elhart looked at me with an expression suggesting he had much to say.
“What is it, dear?”
“…The uniform suits you remarkably well.”
“Doesn’t it?”
Raern furrowed his brow, glancing back and forth between my smiling face and Elhart.
“It seems like you were trying to say something else.”
“It must be your imagination.”
The Border Count continued to chuckle softly, merely observing us.
Not long after, observation posts began appearing in the distance ahead.
“Originally, we were stationed with Croitz Castle as our base, but it seems we’ve been pushed back this far.”
At the Border Count’s words, Elhart and I exchanged stern glances.
“The Empire believes they withdrew their forces instead.”
“Hmm… Is that so? Then why on earth….”
The Border Count’s expression darkened as well.
“It means they withdrew on their own. Abandoning a fortress-like castle at that.”
“That can’t be….”
I had suspected as much, but the situation was far more grave than I had imagined.
“Then Croitz Castle will be….”
It would be caught between the two armies’ forces, left unprotected.
“We need to address that situation first.”
As we conversed, the carriage drew up before the tall palisade fence.
“Halt!”
Soldiers from the checkpoint rushed out upon seeing the carriage and shouted.
“Identify yourselves!”
We stopped the carriage, and Elhart stepped out to speak.
“Count Loenval, at your service.”
Elhart’s voice rang out sharply across the vicinity.
“I have returned under royal command to lead the Border Forces. Clear the way!”
“Count Loenval…?!”
“That’s impossible…!”
The Border Count, who had been reported arrested for treason, had returned unscathed—no wonder they were astonished.
Soon, a soldier hurried frantically inward.
And moments later.
A middle-aged man appeared, stumbling as he walked.
Though clearly an officer, his belly protruded noticeably, and his uniform was not properly fastened.
“Broden….”
The Border Count let out a low groan and moved to descend from the carriage, so Raern and I stepped down first to hold the door for him.
“Thank you.”
The Border Count whispered softly and turned toward the approaching officer.
As the distance closed, the stench of alcohol wafted heavily.
The man’s flushed face was clearly due to intoxication.
“Heh… Count Loenval, sir.”
The officer spoke with a mocking tone.
“I had no idea you were still alive.”
“Broden.”
The Border Count’s gaze turned glacial.
“Drinking in broad daylight? Do you mock military orders?”
“Military orders? Were there any such thing?”
He chuckled mockingly, then offered a perfunctory bow.
“In any case, I’m delighted to see you again, sir.”
His slovenly appearance made my brow furrow involuntarily.
Elhart, too, was visibly restraining his fury.
“My, you’ve even brought honor guards with you.”
He scanned the three of us standing behind the Border Count before sneering again.
“Though I suppose the times are unsettled these days.”
“I have come to receive command of the forces under royal order. Guide us at once.”
Elhart showed Broden the documents bearing the King’s seal as he spoke.
Broden narrowed his eyes and skimmed through the documents with deliberate indifference.
“This will require verification procedures.”
“What? Verification procedures?”
“I’ll need to inquire with the Royal Palace about its authenticity. I have suspicions it may be forged.”
A chilling murderous intent suddenly filled the air.
“Wow, you really don’t seem to care much about living long, do you?”
The source of that intent was none other than Raern.
Spotting blue electricity crackling from Raern’s fingertips, I hurriedly grabbed his arm and pulled him behind me.
Broden seemed oblivious to the sinister atmosphere, even letting out a yawn.
“You’ll need to wait until the documents’ authenticity is confirmed.”
“How long?”
At Elhart’s question, Broden shrugged.
“Who knows? I certainly don’t. Well, if luck isn’t on your side, it could take several weeks.”
‘Seriously.’
I found myself on the verge of laughing at the sheer absurdity of it all.
‘Should I just kill him?’

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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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