As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover

Luize made a regretful expression.

“Not feeling well,

? That can happen. Since we’ll be together from now on, let’s keep sharing the joy of our reunion.”

“

!” [That’s right, good!] Ren nodded vigorously, looking happy.

Maxion, who took Ren from Luize with a familiar gesture, asked. “Did you receive the letter?”

“Yes. Now that I think about it, I sent a reply, but it hasn’t arrived yet?”

“…Yes.”

“I ended up arriving faster than the letter. I didn’t expect it either. Let’s talk more about it later.”

“Sure. And…”

Maxion had a vague idea of what was happening when Edward left only a note saying he was going to meet Luize and disappeared. He also had an inkling when Edward returned with a happy face to announce Luize’s return and when she stepped out of the carriage with a joyful expression, escorted by Edward.

“…Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I won’t be leaving again. A lot has happened. Including the stories in my mother’s diary and what I’ve experienced, I have a lot to tell you. Let’s talk all night.”

“All night?” Maxion glanced at Edward.

“Let’s prepare for the banquet. All plans have changed, so you can rest for a day. The banquet hall will remain open all night.”

“Speaking of the changed plans, I heard the gist of it, but how did you suddenly find a clue to the reinstatement?”

At Hendrik’s question, Edward pulled out an envelope with the imperial seal. “I didn’t have time to explain in detail. It seems I can return to the capital peacefully.”

“What?”

The knights blinked in surprise.

“Let’s talk about it at the welcome banquet. You’ll enjoy the banquet more once you hear it.”

“Yes! Anyway, welcome back, Miss Luize!”

“Welcome back!”

The knights answered loudly.

* * *

The news of Luize and Edward’s reunion spread quickly from the capital and its surroundings. People who had lost interest in the princess and Reiad’s unclear engagement announcement were excited about the new news. Stories about the two were non-stop in the capital’s taverns. Some speculated that the notorious grand duke had an affair, but Luize forgave him. Others said the grand duke had sent her away because of his dangerous expeditions, but she couldn’t stand it and came back. Whatever they said, the truth was in the Lindeman residence.

Maxion, after hearing Luize’s explanation, nodded. “…So that’s what happened.”

“Yes. Whether it was fate’s trick or not, Edward and I not only reunited but also became lovers.”

“Are you sure it’s okay to join Edward’s plan? I’m worried you’re rushing.”

“That’s not something Edward’s aide should say…”

“I’m speaking as your family now.”

“Then I’ll be honest.”

Luize took a sip of beer and smiled smoothly. Though a blush rose from the alcohol, her gaze was calm.

“My first marriage ended badly. I thought a lot about what went wrong.”

“…”

“It wasn’t passionate enough to be called love, but it hurt too much to say it wasn’t. Maybe I just needed someone to rely on back then. To me, Reiad felt like a lifeline, like the sun that brightened my darkness. A savior who rescued me.”

“…Yes.”

“After coming to the capital, I lived a completely different life. This place was full of light and people, just like I dreamed, but I was still lonely. In Perils, I lived under a giant shadow, and in the capital, I lived as Reiad’s shadow.”

Luize’s gaze turned to the opposite window. The sun had set, and the dark window reflected the banquet hall. Amidst the joyful noise, Luize found her own reflection.

“I realized only after everything ended that I missed something important in my choices.”

“Something important?”

At Maxion’s question, Luize nodded.

“I forgot why I longed for light and vitality. That’s why it was so hard.”

“What was it?”

“I wanted the warm light in Perils so the beasts wouldn’t be sick and to regain the vitality of living together. I wanted to share various interesting things with everyone and enjoy a happy daily life. That’s my happiness.”

“…”

“I forgot why I wanted light and vitality, and that’s why I struggled. All my choices were for my happiness, but my happiness was missing from them. Only the shell of light, vitality, a beautiful world, and a non-lonely situation remained.”

“… I’m sorry. For leaving you like that.”

“Maxion, I’m not telling you this to get an apology. You’re my only remaining family, and I have valuable friends and colleagues in the knight order. I even have Ren, who is so cute and lovable. And the person I truly love is right here. I’m happy and having fun with everyone, so this is the right path. And.” Luize continued in a clear voice. “To achieve what I want, I need to be here.”

“Do you have another goal?”

“Yes. I want people like me to be able to wield a sword comfortably. My mother had to live through many scandals and discrimination before becoming a hero. It was a situation she couldn’t escape unless she became a hero at the risk of her life. I want to create a world where everyone has opportunities.”

“…”

“A world where anyone with the talent, regardless of status or gender, can study and work without worrying about others. A place where you can choose the future you want, not the one given. Where it’s not strange for a woman to become a swordswoman or for a tavern owner’s child to become a secretary.”

For a moment, Maxion looked at Luize’s shining purple eyes and thought of Edward. Then he understood why the two had to fall in love. They both wanted the same thing. Ironically, Edward realized it through Luize, and Luize…

“I met everyone and found out what I truly wanted, so how could I not love this place?”

“No, Luize, you…” Maxion smiled as he looked at her unwavering gaze. “You always found the answer wherever you were. Even if it takes a bit longer.”

“Really?”

“Yes, so no matter what you choose, you’ll find the answer and go the right way. I was worried for nothing.”

“Thank you.”

Maxion recalled the day he decided to become Edward’s sword at the Lindeman estate’s castle wall. Seeing the light passing through the red eyes, he thought of the rising sun on the horizon. And now, Luize’s purple eyes…

“They resemble dawn.”

“

?”

“Your eyes. They resemble the moment when the sky brightens just before the sun rises.”

“What are you talking about?”

“…Indeed.” Maxion laughed and took a sip of iced water, then frowned. “Who mixed ‘Dragon’s Breath’ in my water?”

Robin, right next to him, spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. “The bottle moved on its own and went that way? It’s probably either Aiven or His Excellency.”

Maxion’s gaze turned to Edward, who had moved aside to let him talk to Luize, and Aiven sitting next to him. Aiven crossed two fingers to form an ‘X.’ Then, everyone’s eyes turned to the remaining suspect.

Edward answered with a smiling face. “It didn’t seem like the conversation would end before Maxion fell asleep, so I did it.”

“

, you said we could talk all night!”

“So petty.”

“I thought you were a big-hearted person…”

“

! I saw His Excellency mix a few drops earlier. That won’t get him drunk. If you want to make him drunk, it should be at least this much!” Hendrik held up an on-the-rocks glass filled with Dragon’s Breath.

Edward, who had spent a long time with him, couldn’t possibly be unaware of that fact. The members, realizing this, exchanged glances with each other.

“…Don’t tell me.”

“Don’t tell me?”

“Jealousy…”