Ch.85I Am the First Wife! (3)

Bump-bump—.

The carriage shook violently as it moved along the dirt road.

I thought I was used to long carriage rides, but apparently my backside had regained its sensitivity after living such a peaceful life.

It hurts…

“Crow, are you okay?”

Lael, sitting beside me, asked with concern.

For her, this road must be the path back to her family home.

“I’m managing fine.”

In truth, I wasn’t fine, but I couldn’t say that.

It would look pathetic.

Perhaps sensing my pretense, Lael said, “Tell me if it gets too difficult,” and firmly grasped my hand.

Is this what happens when you’re in love—you just know everything…?

I have a feeling that if I lie later, she’ll catch me immediately.

Well, not that I would lie anyway.

Actually, I’m more worried about Lael.

Her expression hasn’t been good since morning.

She’s always disliked the life of a noble lady, so it’s understandable.

But what can we do?

We need to go at least once to get permission for our marriage.

If we just started living together and the Duke of Gideon arranged some engagement on his own—that would truly cause a bloodbath.

“You look handsome today, Crow. I wish you’d dress like this all the time.”

Lael smiled brightly.

Not to sound conceited, but honestly, even I thought I looked pretty good today.

Of course, that’s a purely objective assessment, one hundred percent free of personal bias.

Anyway, I think I understand now why nobles wear these clothes.

Looking in the mirror, there was definitely something refined and neat about the atmosphere they created. It really shows how important clothing is for a person’s appearance.

But they’re equally uncomfortable, so I doubt I could fulfill Lael’s wish.

The bumpy feeling continued for quite some time until suddenly it stopped.

Curious, I pulled back the curtain covering the window, and what I saw was…

A city.

Not as grand as the Royal Capital, but a lively, well-developed city.

This must be the territory of Duke Gideon.

Lael, also looking out the window, suddenly burst into laughter.

“When I left this territory, I felt like I’d lost everything. Now I feel like I have the whole world.”

She said that, then immediately became serious and muttered, “Even though it’s been torn into four pieces…”

“It’s not torn. Let’s call it joint management.”

I wanted to pretend I didn’t hear, but I simply couldn’t.

The idea of me being torn apart—such a horrible thing couldn’t possibly happen.

But then, who gets my one and only holy sword…?

Hearing my response, Lael jumped in surprise.

“Y-you heard?! I-I’m sorry…”

“It’s fine.”

I wasn’t planning to get angry anyway.

I just wanted to correct her thinking.

As I was trying to comfort her sullen mood, the carriage soon came to a stop.

Knock-knock—.

With the knocking sound came a voice.

“We have arrived.”

Finally…

“Alright. We’ll be out now.”

I took the lead and opened the door, and Lael slowly rose and stepped out of the carriage.

Every movement of hers exuded dignity—truly befitting a duke’s daughter.

Following behind her, I stepped out of the carriage to find someone standing before us.

Even through his sophisticated attire, I could sense the strength of his physique. Despite his age, evident from his wrinkles and white hair, his handsome features remained distinct.

Seeing him, Lael spoke softly.

“Father…”

* * * * *

Clatter—.

The sound of spoons and forks hitting dishes echoed through the silence.

This is awkward.

I can’t tell if the food is going down my throat or up my nose.

Just the fact that I’m having dinner with the parents of the woman I love makes my heart pound, let alone that my dinner companion is Duke Gideon.

My whole body was having various rejection responses.

That’s when it happened.

Tap—, Duke Gideon, Bern Gideon, put down his spoon, breaking the silence.

“So, Lael, what kind of person is your marriage partner?”

Thud—.

It felt like my heart sank.

I involuntarily swallowed and my vision blurred.

I thought my introduction was over and there would be no more questions…

I’m curious how Lael will answer.

Lael, who had been eating beside me, gently put down her fork and answered the question.

“I can only say that he is perfect in every way.”

“I see.”

With that brief exchange, the meal resumed.

Despite being family, the awkwardness between them was probably because Lael had been away from home for so long.

Bern didn’t seem like much of a talker either.

But I wasn’t the only one uncomfortable with this atmosphere.

Lael’s mother, Jane, sitting next to Bern, kept looking around as if she wanted to say something.

She finally sighed deeply and spoke.

“Really… both of you are just as tactless no matter how old you get. Dear, you were so worried that Lael wouldn’t return, yet you can’t even speak honestly—how pathetic. And Lael, do you have to frown like that when you’ve finally come home? What will your future husband think?”

At Jane’s words, Bern cleared his throat with a “Ahem…” and turned his head, while Lael met Jane’s eyes as if feeling wronged.

Of course, Jane didn’t stop there.

“Lael.”

“Y-yes…”

“Eat your meal.”

What incredible force.

It was immediately clear who the real head of this family was.

Thanks to her, the meal somehow concluded peacefully, followed by a simple tea time.

As expected of a ducal family, even the aroma of the tea was on another level. Definitely a premium product.

But I preferred the fruity tea Lael had served me at the villa.

That one had a sweet aftertaste that made it easy to drink.

To think that I’d be evaluating a duke’s tea…

It’s surprising in many ways.

While enjoying the tea, Lael firmly grasped my hand.

With a clear premonition that something was about to happen, I swallowed hard and steeled myself as Lael brought up the most important issue.

“Father, Mother. Actually, there are more people I’m going to marry besides me.”

The atmosphere, which I had thought was fairly normal, changed instantly.

A chill ran down my spine at that cold feeling.

“W-what do you mean? Mom doesn’t quite understand… You’re saying the person you’re marrying isn’t just one…?”

Jane’s voice was filled with bewilderment, while Bern didn’t speak at all, just tightly clenching his fist.

The situation was about to explode.

“So what I mean is…”

“I’ll explain.”

I interrupted as Lael was about to speak.

I didn’t want her to have to say it herself.

After all, I was the cause of all this.

Though I was aware things might not go well…

I thought it was time to show my determination and ambition.

“S-so, is what our daughter Lael said true?”

“Yes, I’m going to marry four women…”

Crash—.

The teacup Bern threw barely missed my face.

Lael jumped up in shock and shouted “Father!” but I continued speaking regardless.

I had anticipated this kind of reaction anyway.

“I intend to marry four women, including Lael. I’m confident I can love them all equally. If you don’t believe me, you can come check every week, or even every day.”

As soon as I finished speaking, Bern stormed out of the room, and Jane followed him with a serious expression.

A silence that made it hard to believe a storm had just passed hung in the air.

The eye of the storm, perhaps…

I’d said everything I wanted to say.

It might have been too direct, but I have no regrets.

As the tension suddenly drained from my body and I slumped, Lael grabbed my face and examined it from all angles.

“Are you hurt?”

“No.”

“Really?! Father went too far. How could he throw a teacup…”

I leaned forward slightly and briefly pressed my lips against hers.

“W-what…”

Lael blushed and released my face, embarrassed.

Energy replenishment, or perhaps love replenishment.

Either way, I felt filled with strength.

At this rate, though, we might get kicked out…

Just as I was thinking that, a maid entered.

“Lady Jane has instructed me to show you to your room.”

It seems the situation isn’t as bad as it could be.

At least we’ll be able to sleep inside.

Lael spoke to the maid who had bowed her head.

“Alright, let’s go now.”

“Yes, I’ll escort you.”

So Lael and I followed the maid out of the room and soon arrived at a large bedroom.

Having successfully completed her task, the maid said, “Then I shall take my leave,” bowed her head, and left, closing the door behind her.

“This is tough in so many ways…”

Saying that, Lael flopped down on the bed.

Seeing her usual casual self made my tense heart melt.

I lay down beside her and said,

“But I think we can do it.”

“Yes, we can!”

After all, this is just the beginning.