Ch.512512. Between Rest and Work (1)

The Barony of Karpel, which had survived on trade between the western and central regions of the kingdom, was now enjoying its most peaceful moment ever. The new lord was receiving great attention from the royal family, and had even married the second daughter of a count.

Whether it was merchants who frequently traveled through the territory or tenant farmers taking breaks from work, there was always one topic of conversation whenever three or more people gathered.

“You know about the lord returning with the assault knights, right?”

“That’s all anyone talks about these days. We already know everything there is to know. Can’t we talk about something else?”

“No, no, hear me out. There’s a new rumor going around… they say the lord is planning to renovate the barony with the count’s backing.”

“Renovate? It’s not like the people in our territory, which used to be under direct royal control, are living poorly. If there’s anything that needs fixing…”

“Places like the slums. I hear there might be job opportunities there soon, and with that money, even in winter—”

Along with these abundant rumors and speculations about the lord’s future actions:

“But that’s just a rumor, isn’t it? No need to get excited over nothing.”

“Well… that’s true… but it’s the first time I’ve been so curious about what our lord is doing.”

“…Now that you mention it, I’m a bit curious too.”

In this situation where little concrete information was available, the expectant citizens had reached the point of wondering what their current lord was doing.

And I, the lord in question, rather than mapping out the complicated and headache-inducing future of the territory—

“Captain Teia. Take a vacation. Here, take this too.”

“My lord, this is…”

“I put in a generous amount. Don’t spend it all on alcohol.”

“…I will serve with absolute loyalty!”

After arranging vacations and bonuses for Teia and the special task force members:

“Welcome back, my lord. May I inquire if you will be resuming your duties immediately?”

And then there was Bener, who had been handling various matters in my place. Though I ended up burdening him with most of the work again:

“I’ve conquered the count’s magical realm and resolved many issues afterward. Now that I’m back at the barony, I’d like to rest for a few days… would you mind continuing to help out a little longer?”

“Of course. As someone from the count’s family, I’m delighted by how much you’ve helped. Rather, this is an opportunity for the count’s family to repay the debt we owe you.”

With my rest period secured:

“We’ve prepared rooms for the baroness and yourself that are no less luxurious than those at the count’s estate. I’ll be away, but please use this magical device if you need anything, and I’ll send servants immediately.”

The vassals who had strongly supported my marriage to Sione.

For some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they were eager to see grandchildren as soon as possible, and with their help:

We finally got to enjoy a leisurely time like a newlywed couple.

“……”

Since we shared the same bed.

I fell asleep embracing Sione, and due to accumulated fatigue, woke up later than usual the next morning.

“When did you wake up, Sione?”

“Not long ago.”

“…Really?”

“……”

Sione had been staring at me intently, holding her breath with unusual stillness.

Starting the day by losing myself in her blue eyes, and then:

“Honey, I’m going to visit the garden for a bit, okay?”

“Let’s go together. I was also—”

“No, I’m just going to meet the gardener briefly. It won’t take long. I’ll be right back.”

“Really? Well, I promised Tasha we’d play with the children today, so I’ll get ready.”

“That works out perfectly then. I’ll be back soon!”

“Take care.”

As I was looking for clothes to change into:

‘…A chill?’

A cold sensation crept up my spine.

Turning my head to check the source of this ominous feeling, I saw Sione with her hand on the doorknob, not leaving but staring at me.

Those eyes, which I normally found beautiful like a clear sky, now somehow reminded me of the frigid waters of the northern sea.

“Honey, I’m going out now, okay?”

“…Do you need to hurry back? I’ll be waiting here…”

“……”

She left with that cool demeanor.

As these subtle unexpected situations continued to occur, Sione finally raised the white flag and revealed her true feelings.

“This isn’t the daily life I imagined…”

“…?”

“…You blockhead! I can’t believe how dense my husband is!”

Sione sighed deeply before suddenly pouncing on me.

She pushed me onto the bed and straddled me.

If she decided to throw punches now, my face would be bruised with no way to defend myself.

Fortunately, Sione only pinched both my cheeks.

‘They say a person’s heart is the hardest thing in the world to understand.’

The married life Sione had imagined in the barony must have been different from our current mundane existence.

In the end, she was too embarrassed to speak first, but wanted to experience what she had dreamed of.

Well, other men might have figured out what she wanted from her behavior so far.

‘Married life in this world?’

This was my first marriage, of course.

How could I, with sensibilities completely opposite to this world, easily notice those signals?

I might be confident in my ability to hunt monsters with great intuition, but I’m lacking in many other areas.

“How should I handle this…”

Still, I found this side of Sione quite cute and amusing.

Thinking it would be good to create an atmosphere where she could express her frustrations more easily:

I placed my hands over hers, which were still holding my cheeks, and said:

“No returns allowed.”

“…?”

“We’ve already had the wedding ceremony and done everything else, so no returns.”

Ah, she smiled.

Well, it was probably more from disbelief than amusement.

“…Who said anything about returns? I don’t want that either.”

Since Sione played along with my joke:

“So, what did you have in mind?”

“……”

“Come on.”

“Well… like a husband waking his wife with a kiss in the morning…”

Ah, so that’s what it was.

In other words, a lovey-dovey couple overflowing with affection. In this world’s terms, she wanted a husband who was romantic and expressive.

‘There’s no reason to hold back.’

I pulled Sione’s top, making her fall beside me.

“W-wait, suddenly what…!”

The bed was soft, so there was nothing to worry about.

Surprised by my sudden action, Sione ended up lying next to me.

Having occasionally watched romance movies with Tania, I imitated what I’d seen the female leads do.

“…!”

After a brief kiss, I tried my best to soften my usually cold expression with a bright smile.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Ugh…!”

“Like this?”

“Y-yes, that’s right. But so suddenly…”

It worked.

And judging by how she couldn’t even meet my eyes properly and slightly turned her head away, it worked extremely well.

Finding Sione’s immediate retreat amusing, I continued with my newfound initiative.

“Then why did you act that way when you went to see the gardener last time?”

“Well, that was… just…”

Again, too embarrassed to say it herself.

Perhaps she had greater expectations that I would do something like this if she told me.

Finally, she grabbed a pillow from nearby, buried her face in it, and mumbled softly:

“…I thought when a wife goes out, her husband might straighten her collar or give her a kiss…”

If that’s what she wanted.

It’s not difficult, and if she asks, I should do it.

How could I not fulfill my only wife’s wish?

“W-wait, Ray, what are you—!”

Action speaks louder than words.

I immediately picked Sione up and carried her to the door.

Ignoring her struggles as she clearly hadn’t expected this, I tried to hold back my laughter as I set her down in front of the door.

Then I began tidying up Sione, who had been carried upside down.

‘Her hair’s a mess, clothes all disheveled.’

Well, I was the one who made her that way.

I fixed her appearance at a distance close enough to feel each other’s breath.

After neatly combing her tousled hair with my fingers, Sione lowered her gaze.

Her face had turned so red that it looked like it might burst if I just poked her cheek.

“Honey, do your best today too. I’m always on your side.”

“…!!”

Instead of poking her cheek:

I gave her a short, light kiss, followed by a hug.

“Ah, no, that’s cheating…”

Despite her words:

Sione’s body went limp, as if all her strength had left her.

To think she would show such vulnerability to these gestures after we’d already done much more intimate things.

I sat Sione on the edge of the bed and asked:

“How was that? Satisfied?”

“……”

“This is what you wanted, right?”

“……”

“If this doesn’t make you happy, I don’t know what—”

“…I’m satisfied! I am, so just give me a moment to breathe…”

Seeing her completely surrender, I finally let out the laugh I’d been holding back.

And with that, I concluded this matter:

“Good. Then since I did this for you.”

What goes around comes around in human relationships, doesn’t it?

After I worked hard to match her expectations like a female lead from a drama or movie:

“Tomorrow it’s your turn, right?”

I should get to receive some affection from our cute wife too.

“What? Me?”

Fortunately, Sione’s reaction was:

“But I’m a woman? The dependable head of the household?”

She already seemed happy at the thought of making an effort for her beloved husband.

* * *

The next day, Lord Benet urgently summoned me through a messenger.

‘For Lord Benet to call me urgently.’

My usual diligent proxy who performed his duties responsibly.

He had told me to rest as much as I wanted and had been accommodating me as much as possible. For him to suddenly call me like this meant something must have happened.

‘Still, I am the head of the barony.’

I couldn’t postpone it just because it would likely be troublesome.

Quickly changing from comfortable casual clothes into appropriate attire:

I turned at the door and spoke to Sione, who was reading a book.

“Sione, Lord Benet has urgently called for me. I’ll be in the office, so come there if you need anything.”

“…Alright.”

“If you’re bored, you can spend time in the garden or play with the children. Oh, you know where the shooting range is, right?”

Sione quietly nodded.

However, there was one thing bothering me…

She was pretending not to remember what we had talked about yesterday.

“Sione, I’m heading out…”

At my words, Sione quickly approached and straightened my clothes.

Then, standing directly in front of me, she remained silent for a while before clenching her fist to gather courage.

“Have a good day…!”

*Smooch!*

And even a peck on the lips from Sione.

After quickly finishing her task, she retreated back under the warm covers in broad daylight, while I simply nodded silently.

“Why are you just standing there nodding? Instead of that, hurry up and finish your work so you can come back sooner!”

Yes, this is how the world should be.