They Say an Age Gap Like This Doesn’t Even Need Matching - Chapter 89

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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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“What is that list?”
As I found myself holding several sheets of paper and pondering, Kei approached and asked.
“Welcome back. Did you send out all the messages?”
I quietly set the papers down and asked him in return.
“Yes, once we receive responses, we plan to connect the magic portals in order.”
We had instructed them that if anyone faced immediate financial hardship or had descendants requiring protection, they should be sent to the Brin Domain.
A purification operation would soon commence throughout Bardia.
It was to eliminate traitors and excise the rotted roots.
Before the key figures stationed at the center could catch wind of it, we would strike simultaneously from the periphery, severing their limbs.
For that to succeed, securing the safety of the Expedition Team’s descendants was paramount.
“Raern is preparing thoroughly, so everything will proceed without a hitch.”
“Good work.”
We were planning to wrap up that operation within four days at the earliest, or a week at the latest.
“So… what exactly is that list?”
“…”
“Let me see it.”
Kei took the papers and began scanning through them.
I had wanted to handle this alone if possible…
But now that it had come to this, having an experienced person review my plan didn’t seem like a bad idea.
“What do you think? Apparently, you need this kind of experience to be called a couple.”
“So you created a dating experience itinerary? A two-night, three-day one?”
“Yeah, I planned it to be as efficient as possible, considering the route.”
I thought it was quite a solid plan, but for some reason…
Kei clutched his forehead.
“What am I going to do with this person…?”
“…?”
“Did you show this to the Prince?”
“He said to do whatever I wanted. He said anything was fine.”
“Yes, of course he would. Who wouldn’t be thrilled about it?”
There was something sarcastic in his tone.
“You, Raern, and the Prince—sometimes you’re disrespectful to me.”
“That’s… because of you, Commander, so I can’t say anything about it.”
At my point, Kei hesitated slightly before answering awkwardly.
Yeah, I understand what he means.
It would have been similar with anyone other than Elhart.
They’re all very interested in my love life.
“Anyway, Commander, this itinerary you’ve created isn’t a date—it’s military training level.”
“Just this much? Elhart has far better stamina than I do.”
“That’s not the issue.”
Kei marked X’s next to several of the scheduled activities.
“This requires at least three or four hours to be worthwhile. And this one seems like someone recommended it as a joke….”
The way he methodically reviewed each option was quite professional.
“You’ve been on a lot of dates, Kei?”
“No?”
“…What?”
“The Information Guild receives quite a few requests for date course recommendations. That’s how I became knowledgeable about it.”
“Really? Seriously?”
“Yes. When you tailor the course based on your date’s personality, hobbies, and preferences, the success rate is quite high. You should also pay attention to your outfit, and it’s good to prepare a small gift.”
I suddenly became interested.
“Then I’ll commission you for my date too.”
I pulled out a heavy pouch from my spatial bag.
It was compensation I’d extracted from three ill-mannered noble youths at the Cradian Palace before.
“How much do you need?”
I showed Kei the glimmering gold coins inside and raised my chin.
“Imperial gold coins? Where did you get these?”
“Don’t ask about things like that.”
Kei, who had been pondering for a moment, nodded.
“Very well. Then, starting with tomorrow’s date schedule, I’ll arrange it for you.”
Saying so, he took out just one gold coin from his pouch.
I couldn’t tell if the commission fee was cheap or expensive.
“What about today?”
“Try following the schedule you’ve prepared, sir. That way you’ll realize for yourself what went wrong.”
That’s… fair enough.
“Understood.”
I nodded and took only today’s schedule, handing the rest to Kei.
And just as I was about to stand up.
“Ser.”
At the light knock, I turned my head and saw Elhart standing in the doorway.
“I’m ready to go out.”
He… clearly showed signs of having put considerable effort into his appearance today as well.
“….”
“….”
Kei and I stared at Elhart in silence for quite some time.
After a moment, Kei lowered his voice and asked me.
“Are you all prepared, sir?”
“Yeah.”
“With that face and those looks, the Prince is putting in all his effort and working hard….”
“…I’m reflecting on it too.”
Since the schedule was rather tight, I’d chosen comfortable clothing to move around in, but it seems I made a mistake.
I fidgeted apologetically as I spoke.
“Elhart, you look even more handsome today.”
She had earnestly instructed me not to merely think such compliments in my head—that I should express them aloud: handsome, magnificent, the best.
Following the advice of Brin’s eldest daughter-in-law, I put her words into action, and Elhart’s eyes widened considerably.
Then he broke into a radiant smile, clearly delighted.
“Your eyes shine brilliantly too, Ser. They always have.”
He stepped forward, took my hand in his, and spoke those words—and he looked genuinely happy.
For some reason, I felt oddly flustered, so I cleared my throat softly and handed him today’s itinerary.
“I’ve planned out a date course. We’ll start with a boat ride.”
As Elhart looked over the densely packed schedule, his pupils trembled slightly.
But soon he smiled gently and nodded.
“Let’s go.”
“Do your best, you two.”
Kei waved lightly as he saw us off.
For a moment, his gaze seemed to hold a hint of sympathy directed at Elhart, but I pretended not to notice.
The lake chosen as our boat ride destination lay at the outskirts of the domain.
“This is our first stop.”
Being a date location recommended unanimously by the people of House Brin, the landscaping was impeccable.
Walking paths wound around the lake, with carefully manicured flower beds and pavilions arranged throughout.
[Starting with a boat ride really sets a wonderful atmosphere.]
Recalling the words of Brin’s eldest daughter-in-law, I walked toward the lakeside with Elhart.
In my hand was a basket of snacks she had prepared for us.
“Why is floating on water considered a date?”
As I muttered this softly, Elhart chuckled beside me.
“Because there will be only the two of us on the boat. It’s meant to give you some quiet time together.”
We sleep alone together anyway, don’t we?
But I didn’t voice this thought aloud and simply rolled my feet lightly as I boarded the boat.
Turning back, I saw Elhart awkwardly extending his hand toward me.
‘Is he asking me to hold it?’
I took his hand and helped him up onto the boat.
‘…?’
Was that really something that needed helping with?
His expression seemed equally confused, as if he shared the same thought.
“Should we sit facing each other?”
“That seems right.”
I settled into a seat somewhat casually.
Elhart remained standing rather than sitting, so I looked up and noticed he was holding a handkerchief.
“…?”
Ah, now that I thought about it, Elhart was wearing white clothes.
I rose again, spread the handkerchief he was holding at an appropriate spot, and had him sit upon it.
Once seated, his legs were so long that our knees brushed slightly, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.
“How’s this? Does this work?”
“Ser….”
“Hmm?”
He seemed to have something to say, his lips moving slightly before he shook his head.
“…No, it’s nothing.”
A moment later, the boat began to glide slowly across the calm waters.
It was Elhart who held the oars.
His movements were surprisingly skilled.
“You’ve done this before?”
“I learned the basics in preparation for crossing rivers.”
Right—in this era where magic isn’t commonplace, one would need to cross rivers by boat.
“I’ve never been on a boat before.”
“What? Then when you needed to cross a river… ah.”
He nodded as if understanding.
“You flew across.”
“Walking on water is also possible.”
“…That’s quite remarkable.”
“I’ll show you later.”
For some reason, I kept uttering unnecessary words.
‘Am I excited?’
It seemed that way.
My heart rate was higher than usual, and I felt strangely exhilarated.
Each time Elhart’s oars cut through the water, the boat tilted slightly.
The undulation of the waves transmitted through my body was quite novel and entertaining.
With the slightest movement, our knees brushed, and our gazes naturally met.
I deliberately turned my head to look toward the lake.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”
“Do I?”
I glanced at Elhart, who was smiling softly.
‘This is strange.’
Why does my face feel so warm?
I haven’t even done anything in particular.

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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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