As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover

“Really?”

“Yes. On the first day we arrived, the lord mentioned that a small number of people could stay in the castle. I declined then, but it should be easy to change my mind now. As guests, it would be much easier to search for the squirrel.”

“Are you sure that’s okay?”

“It’s fine. We’ll just need a reason to move our lodging. This method is the simplest.”

Edward snapped his fingers, and there was a heavy thud from upstairs.

“What was that? It sounded like something broke.”

“I broke the bed in my room. Since it was probably the best bed in this inn, replacing it won’t be easy. The lord will accept our request without suspicion.”

“That makes sense. Thank you for helping.” Luize smiled brightly.

* * *

Edward immediately conveyed to Viscount Morelta that he wished to stay at the lord’s castle. Upon hearing about the broken bed, the viscount apologized profusely for the poor accommodations and promised the best bed in the territory this time.

Only Luize and Edward were to stay in the castle. When Luize explained the situation, Hendrik and Robin accepted it surprisingly easily.

“Somehow, this doesn’t seem strange at all. You two seem closer to something non-human than human, so I might believe you if you said you talked to a dragon.”

“

, I feel the same. It seems quite possible.” Hendrik laughed in agreement with Robin.

“Anyway, that’s how it is. Elliot and I will be staying at the castle. I’m sorry for bringing personal matters into the mission and for leaving you all in uncomfortable lodgings.”

Luize spoke with an apologetic face, but Robin waved his hands quickly.

“Uncomfortable? I find this place much more comfortable. The High Priestess Raphaela is in the lord’s castle. I absolutely do not want to go there! I’m sure she would recognize me the moment she saw me.”

“

! I also prefer staying here. Robin is busy treating the wounded, so someone needs to manage the members. And since we haven’t found any clues yet, maybe you’ll find something at the lord’s castle. The lord would also find it more natural if only the two of you go.”

Robin looked at Hendrik curiously. “Why would it be natural for just the two of them to go? Is there a reason it would be unnatural for us to join?”

“Didn’t His Excellency say he broke the bed?”

“What? How does that…

, I see. Have a safe trip.” Robin quickly changed the subject.

Luize blinked. “What does a broken bed have to do with anything…”

Just as she was about to ask, Edward’s arm wrapped around her shoulder. “Let’s go. It’s time to head to the castle.”

“

, it’s already that time.”

Luize only blushed when she finally realized the implication after leaving the inn and arriving at the lord’s castle.

They followed the guide to the castle and were shown to their room. Luize was once again taken aback. The spacious, well-lit room was excessively luxurious as if it was the lord’s own bedroom. The problem was…

“There’s only one room?”

“Seems that way. The territory must not be doing well.”

“Why is the bed so ornate? There are even flower petals scattered around. It’s as if it’s meant for a couple to have a romantic time…” Luize looked suspiciously at Edward.

He answered with a sly smile. “Staying apart in enemy territory is dangerous, so I specifically requested a single room. There might be misunderstandings, but since we are known to be a couple, they accepted without question. Of course, I adjusted a few people’s memories to prevent any rumors about you.”

“Our relationship is probably already the most scandalous story in the empire, so rumors don’t matter. What I’m curious about is why we need to be in the same room when this isn’t exactly enemy territory.”

“We must be cautious. This is the den of those ruthless enough to kidnap a squirrel.”

Luize narrowed her eyes at Edward’s cheeky response. He raised his hands in surrender and continued. “Besides, I won’t go near your lips while we’re here. I may be shameless, but I’m not so low as to take advantage of the situation.”

“Alright. I suppose you must have sensed something suspicious to be this thorough.” Luize spoke more seriously and was ready to discuss the main issue.

“Yes. Considering they found and called Quirrel a ‘wicked creature,’ the paladins likely know its true identity.”

“If they know about the animals of Perils, they must have been there. This might be related to the mission the holy father assigned them.”

“Despite their denial, it’s likely that the barrier around this village and their mission are related, given that the barrier appeared after the paladins entered.”

“I think so too. Though I still don’t see why we must share a room.”

“As my guard, you need to protect me. What if those ruthless squirrel kidnappers abduct me?”

Luize narrowed her eyes again at his brazen comment. “You know, I don’t believe you at all. You could teleport to me anytime. Lately, I feel like I’m the one being guarded by Elliot.”

“Just as you protect me during the day, please grant me the honor of guarding you at night.”

Edward did not deny it. He had deliberately requested only one room for this reason. If Luize discovered the mission of the paladins and they realized she knew, she could be in great danger. Despite being a knight order from the temple, they were formidable warriors. The paladins were few but elite, chosen for their exceptional skills. He could not allow even a scratch on Luize.

“Alright, I’ll allow that much.”

“Then, if there’s an emergency, please summon me through the necklace.”

“Is that possible? How?”

“It’s a spell I made before my deposition. Originally, it required my full name as the activation phrase.”

“Come to think of it, I don’t know your full name. Could you tell me?”

“It’s ‘Edward Elliot von Bellord Kaillon Carl Roblin Estante Orwell.’”

The name flowed from his lips more smoothly than Luize had anticipated, and it was longer and harder to pronounce than she thought.

“Edward Elliot von Bellord Kaillon Carl Roblin Estante Orwell… I’d probably already be in another world before finishing it in an emergency.”

“Let’s shorten it to ‘Elliot.’ The members have started calling me that as they please. To activate the spell, hold the magic stone in one hand, imagine my face, and say the activation phrase.”

“Got it. What does Elliot mean? Names are usually taken from significant ancestors.”

“It was the name of the consort of the first emperor. The first emperor of Kaillon was a woman. It meant for me to be wise and generous like her consort.”

“That suits you. I imagine he must have been quite handsome, like you.”

“…Thank you.”

Edward’s lips curled into a beautiful smile, his eyes warm with affection. He often looked at her like that lately, making her blush. He was handsome, and he knew how to use it to his advantage.

Luize averted her gaze and took a step back. “No more looks like that until we find Quirrel. Let’s go.”