As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover

* * *

The final destination was Kavan. It was the place where a winter festival was held for ten days from New Year’s to commemorate Lensia for slaying the light dragon Rune, and it was a place that held significance for Luize, Edward, and Maxion.

On the way to Kavan, there were more nights spent in inns than camping out. Although there were already many villages to pass through, Edward adjusted the schedule to stay in villages more frequently due to the increasingly cold weather. Thanks to this, the knights could gather information about each new village they arrived at.

“Have you seen a priest around here recently? Come to think of it, I’ve seen a few lately. They were rare after the light dragon disappeared, but I don’t know why they suddenly appeared again.”

“Yes, and hasn’t it been quite a while since the priests stayed in Kavan?”

“Yes, they say something happened there…”

“I heard they saw a monster there!”

As they got closer to their destination, the ominous rumors became more specific. Everyone tried not to show it, but the atmosphere among the knights grew heavier as they approached their final destination. Outwardly, they pretended to be nonchalant, saying things like, “Finally, this tedious mission is ending!” But unlike the previous destinations, the constant bad rumors weighed them down. Moreover, the burden grew heavier after realizing that this expedition was a plot by the emperor and the temple to eliminate Edward.

“Although the nature of the magic might be different, the influence has already spread around the village, and they might be spreading rumors to attract prey from outside.”

“What kind of magic is it? We couldn’t tell anything until we were within its range in the previous villages.”

“Until we arrive, we can’t be certain of anything. Everyone should be prepared, but be careful not to unnecessarily spread anxiety.”

Thus, ten days passed. Winter had fully set in. The journey took longer because they had to detour around a mountain, and the days were shorter due to the winter season. They decided not to overexert themselves and to conserve strength for the next destination.

“Indeed, the number of assassins has decreased compared to previous villages.”

“I noticed that too.”

It was a calmness like the calm before a storm.

Maxion spoke with a stern face. “Still, I don’t intend to reduce the number of guards…”

“I also believe I shouldn’t stop guarding Elliot.”

When Maxion brought up the topic of reducing the number of guards, Luize interrupted him.

Maxion looked at Luize with a puzzled expression.

“…Thank you, Luize. I think the same. And I intend to keep the guards as they are.”

Edward smiled and nodded. “Let’s do that. Please take good care of me, Miss Luize.”

“Yes.”

Although they were moving slowly, they were expected to arrive at their destination in four days. Luize clenched her fist with a determined face.

“I must give it to him before we arrive.” She was holding a gift meant to replace the broken dagger. Edward seemed to think she hadn’t chosen a new gift yet.

“Come to think of it, lately, we’ve been stopping in villages frequently, even after short journeys. It might be because of winter, but thanks to the magic stones, it doesn’t feel that cold as long as we don’t get wet… Is it because of the burden of the last journey?”

She looked at the gift with a determined face. For the past ten days, she couldn’t find the right moment to give him the gift. Edward was too busy gathering information and meeting village representatives at each village they arrived at. Hearing ominous rumors about their destination in every village made it inappropriate to create a romantic mood for giving a gift. Additionally, with no time to rest, their meetings with the knights were often extended, and Edward even sent Luize away to rest, leaving her with gaps of at least an hour, sometimes up to three hours.

“He’s so busy. It’s not right for me to be the only one excited and thrilled. But where does this rose scent come from in the middle of winter?”

Luize loosened her determined expression and looked around. Anyway, it seemed she would have to postpone giving him the gift again today.

* * *

Maxion, hiding behind an alley wall with only his eyes showing, watched Edward secretly observing Luize. He spoke up. “…What are you doing?”

“

. No matter how much I erase my presence with magic, Luize is quick to notice.”

“It’s probably because Luize can sense your mana scent.”

Edward looked at Maxion with wide eyes. “The scent of mana? Does Luize have such an ability?”

“No. And it seems she can only sense your mana scent. She has never reacted to anyone else’s mana before.”

“Does she know this herself?”

“Not yet, but I think it’s only a matter of time.”

“…I see. I should be more careful.”

Following Edward, who was again trailing Luize, Maxion asked him. “Do you suspect Luize of something?”

“Of course not.”

“Then why do you lie to her about holding unnecessary meetings every time we stay in a village and secretly follow her?”

“Luize said she wanted to give me a gift. Not the gift for me seven years later, but one for me now. I’m curious about what she will buy, but first, I need to see her buy it so I can subtly create a moment to receive it.” Edward said excitedly.

At twenty, Edward had never shown such a side to Maxion or the knights before. His life had been fraught with difficulties, and he had matured early, living with many responsibilities and duties from a young age. Now, he really looked like a fresh young man in his twenties.

“I believe you received a dagger back then.”

“Yes, but it became unusable after breaking black magic, so Luize took it back to buy a new gift.”

“…”

“Are you jealous?” Edward smiled mischievously.

“No.”

“Of course you are. I understand. But what can I do? Luize promised to give the gift to me alone.” He approached Maxion and patted him on the shoulder with his palm.

“I just said I’m not.”

“Right, you did. But it was obvious from your face. You are still bad at lying even after seven years.”

“…”

“It’s probably because you feel like losing an old friend. Come to think of it, Maxion, didn’t you say you were saved by Luize at your first meeting? I couldn’t have become her childhood friend in such a situation. I would have fallen in love at first sight and tried to become their son-in-law. How could you remain just friends without falling in love?”

“I also fell in love with Luize.”

“So that’s it… What?”

Edward met Maxion’s gaze. His black eyes, under his roughly cut ashen hair, looked at Edward without any wavering. It meant he was sincere.

“Luize was my first love. I remember falling in love at first sight at our first meeting.”

“…”

“I am telling you this because it seems you misunderstood something. You don’t need to worry about it now.”

“I see.” Edward stood with a stern face, pondering for a moment before speaking. “Let’s go back. The mood is ruined.”

“…Yes.”

The two headed back to the inn.

* * *

“You seem to need this. Here, take it.”

It was at dinner time that day. At a gathering of everyone, Luize handed Maxion a rectangular stone slightly larger than her palm. It was a whetstone used for sharpening swords. He received it gratefully, with a slight blush on his face.

“…Thank you.”

“You never throw anything away until it’s completely unusable. Your previous whetstone was so worn that it would soon turn to dust. It has done its job, so it’s time to return it to nature.”

“Yes.”

“

! A whetstone? It looks like it will sharpen well. It’s a good thing because the Vice Captain’s whetstone was about to become as thin as a card and break soon!”

Hendrik said cheerfully, and those listening to their conversation laughed in agreement. Among them was someone who, although smiling, looked at Luize with eyes full of expectation.

“Miss Luize, that seems like a good whetstone.”

“Elliot has a keen eye. Yes, that’s why I immediately thought of Maxion.”

“…Did no one else come to mind?”

“Who? I don’t think of anyone else when I see a whetstone.” Luize blinked with a puzzled expression.