Special Story 10

“Madam, it is morning.”

 

“Mmm?”

 

I woke up in a daze as Liman shook me awake. Looking around groggily, I realized the spot next to me was empty.

 

“Has Evan already left? Why on earth didn’t he wake me up!”

 

“It seems he didn’t want to disturb your peaceful sleep, Madam.”

 

“Still, he should have…”

 

I stared blankly at the cold, empty spot before getting up. The events of last night were a blur.

 

“Did he wear the scarf?”

 

“The Duke said it was very warm and asked me to convey his thanks to you.”

 

I smiled proudly. I had wanted to wrap it around his neck myself and see him off… It was a shame.

 

“Is it today?”

 

“Yes. It’s going to be a successful event.”

 

The Grow Merchant Guild had soared to new heights with the backing of the Ducal House. Thanks to that, Eldan was grinning from ear to ear. Unlike him, a total workaholic, I wanted to take things easy, but seeing the money pile up felt good.

 

“Targeting the nobility certainly brings in a different level of income.”

 

At the fashion show hosted by the Grow Merchant Guild, I planned to use memories from my past life to instill the idea of an anniversary where one gives special treats to their beloved. We were officially going to launch our newly developed snacks.

 

Eldan had suggested we open a tea shop while we were at it, since there were many flowers that could be used for various teas. It was a great idea, so I pushed forward with it. Moreover, considering our primary customers were women, it wasn’t a bad choice at all.

 

We would showcase the guild’s tea and desserts alongside the fashion show. Since I had lived in the modern world, I knew of many desserts that weren’t commonly used here.

 

“I will prepare for your outing.”

 

“Ah, wait, Liman. Did you say Evan would be late again today?”

 

“Yes.”

 

I fell into thought. Should I just go see Evan? Evan likes sweet desserts, so it would be nice to bring some as a gift.

 

“Alright. Send a letter to Evan. I can’t stand how hard it is to see my husband’s face. Since I’m the one with free time, I’ll go visit him myself.”

 

“That is a wonderful idea! The Duke will surely be delighted. I will send the letter immediately.”

 

 

***

 

 

“Duke… what is that?”

 

Fedeshar, seeing Evan arrive to deliver documents, asked with a skeptical look. Clashing with his neat knight’s uniform was a warm, fluffy scarf wrapped around his neck.

 

Evan smirked and buried his face in the warm fabric.

 

“It’s a scarf my wife knitted herself. She was worried I might catch a cold.”

 

“Ah, the Duchess did…”

 

Fedeshar nodded, remembering the letter Lepina had sent.

 

“She was even waiting in my room just to give me this scarf. It made me feel apologetic, thinking she must have been lonely.”

 

“I-is that so…”

 

“On that note, I will definitely be leaving on time today. Here are the documents for today. Farewell.”

 

“W-wait a moment…!”

 

But Evan had already slipped out of the room. Through the closing door, a glimpse of the fluttering white scarf could be seen. Fedeshar could only let out a hollow laugh.

 

Evan continued to wear the scarf as he moved about. It was so fluffy and large that it wrapped around his neck and covered his chin, looking completely out of place with his attire. Passersby stared at him intently.

 

Just then, someone approached Evan with a letter.

 

“Commander!”

 

“What is it?”

 

“A letter arrived from the mansion.”

 

“Is there something Liman needs to convey?”

 

Evan opened the letter nonchalantly. However, his eyes soon sparkled.

 

The letter stated that Lepina would be visiting the Imperial Castle with a gift for him. In the postscript, there was a scolding from Lepina for him having left for work all alone.

 

The knight who delivered the letter tilted his head, seeing the literal honey dripping from Evan’s gaze as he stared at the paper.

 

“My wife says she’s coming.”

 

“Ah…”

 

The Duchess was quite famous among the knights. In fact, she was famous throughout society. It was no exaggeration to say that the guild she ran, which had created various trends with her exceptional skill, now represented the Empire.

 

The knight was inwardly relieved to see him in a good mood. It was only natural for his mood to hit rock bottom due to excessive work and overtime, and the knights had unintentionally suffered the aftermath. He relieved his stress by working the knights hard, claiming it was legal under the name of ‘training.’ Complaining changed nothing.

 

“I should prepare to welcome her.”

 

Evan handed the letter back to the knight and summoned the knights. He intended to show his wife how cool he looked while working.

 

 

***

 

 

“Why did you pack so much? Aren’t you busy?”

 

Eldan was sitting next to me. After hearing what I said, he suddenly had a “great idea” and turned this into a massive ordeal.

 

I had intended to simply bring some of the dessert teas made at our shop. But Eldan, saying there was no place with more certain advertising than the Imperial Castle, brought along armfuls of prototypes.

 

“That’s why I’m coming with you, isn’t it? If we’re doing it, we might as well do it right.”

 

“Look at this businessman…”

 

“Thank you for the compliment.”

 

The kid was becoming increasingly brazen, which was troublesome.

 

“Do whatever you want. I’m going to see Evan.”

 

As soon as we arrived at the Imperial Castle, Eldan and I headed straight to where Evan was.

 

‘Come to think of it, I’ve never seen Evan working…’

 

It was because I had been busy tackling tasks I had postponed as the Duchess and the head of the guild.

 

When we reached the place indicated by the attendant, I saw Evan. Evan, giving orders to the knights, was as handsome as ever.

 

Whether he sensed my arrival, Evan welcomed me with a bright smile.

 

“Lep… weren’t you cold? You didn’t have to come all this way…”

 

“I felt like I was going to forget my husband’s face at this rate. Is the scarf warm?”

 

He was wearing the scarf with pride.

 

“Yeah. But you must be colder, Lep.”

 

Evan wrapped the scarf I had given him around my neck and took my reddened hands, blowing warm breath onto them.

 

“Ahem.”

 

Eldan let out a small fake cough from behind. Look at him, rushing me.

 

“Is it break time for everyone?”

 

I said, glancing at the knights. Judging by their exhausted expressions, I thought it might be time for a rest. Evan looked displeased but gave them a break. Immediately, smiles bloomed on the knights’ faces.

 

Eldan and I took action right away. We gave the exhausted men drinks for hydration. While water is great, there’s a reason energy drinks exist.

 

Of course, I handed a drink to Evan first.

 

“Here, good job!”

 

“…What’s this?”

 

“It’s my heart for you, Evan. What else would it be?”

 

When I gave him a look urging him to try it, Evan took a sip.

 

“It’s a bit different from water… a little sweet…”

 

“It’s good, right? And it’s not just tasty. It helps with hydration better than water.”

 

The nearby knights, hearing my explanation, began to show interest. Eldan moved quickly among them, explaining the detailed benefits.

 

Seeing Eldan moving here and there like a peddler, Evan wore a dissatisfied expression. I quickly popped a chocolate into his mouth to cheer him up.

 

“Good, right? It’s a dessert made by our guild. You hate bitter things, Evan. So I made it sweet. I didn’t use sugar, though; I made it with milk.”

 

“…It’s sweet.”

 

“Right?”

 

Seeing him munching happily made me feel proud. Bringing sweet desserts on purpose had paid off. I handed him a gift set of desserts.

 

“Give these to guests who visit your office. Display them on the table, too. And make sure to promote that they’re from our guild!”

 

I gave him instructions as I handed over the box. Evan stared intently at the box.

 

“Didn’t you come to see me? You really came for work after all.”

 

His disappointed face looked like he was about to pout any second. I cried out, telling him not to misunderstand.

 

“No! I came to see your face because it feels like we haven’t talked lately! I thought you’d be hungry since you work late so often, so I brought snacks. But when I told Eldan, he said I should promote them while I’m at it…”

 

I pinned all the blame on Eldan. It was his fault things got this big.

 

“Is that so…?”

 

“Of course! If I came for work, would I be sticking to your side like this? It’s all because I want to spend time with you, Evan.”

 

Fortunately, Evan’s mood cleared up. A small smile appeared on his lips.

 

“But aren’t you working too hard? I’m fine, but your health is fragile, Lep… Leave it to others and rest at the mansion.”

 

“It’s work I started. I have to take responsibility. And I’m fine! You’re the one who shouldn’t overdo it, Evan. Why do you think I’m working so hard on the guild? Later, when we have a child, things will cost a lot of money. I don’t want to put all the burden on you.”

 

House Weiss wouldn’t struggle for money, but it was a matter of mindset.

 

“We’re a married couple, after all.”

 

“…That’s true.”

 

Evan gave a deep smile. Then, he grabbed my hand and pulled me into a firm hug.

 

How starved for affection was he? I hugged him back tightly. He rubbed his face against my neck and spoke.

 

“Just like you said, Lep, I think the overtime is making me cough and giving me a headache. I might have to leave work early.”

 

“What? Then that’s serious! Let me see!”

 

I tried to pull back to check his temperature. But Evan held on tight and wouldn’t let go. After a moment, Evan lifted his head and spoke with a beaming face.

 

“Shall we go to the mansion together?”

 

“Huh…?”

 

He looked perfectly fine for someone who said they were sick. Something… feels ominous.

 

“T-together?”

 

“Yes. I didn’t know you were thinking about that, Lep. To make your hard work feel rewarding, we should make sure a child visits us as soon as possible. I agree.”

 

“W-wait a minute…!”

 

I felt like I had brought up the wrong topic.

 

“Come, let’s go quickly. Tell His Majesty that I’m leaving early today because I’m sick.”

 

“Yes! Understood!”

 

Oh my goodness, it looks like I’m being dragged home by Evan with no way out.

 

“My lady, shall we go?”

 

My confusion was brief. Evan completely dazed me with a radiant smile.

 

“Yes…”

 

How could I hate a man like this? I smiled ecstatically and clung to him.

 

[END]

 

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We reached the end, everyone! I hope you loved the story. I was surprised with the direction the author took with the plot but it was a good surprise for me. I love the equal obsession between them haha. Anyway, hope you guys loved it and I’ll see you in the next book!