As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover

“…

That’s a bit…” Luize trailed off, her eyes devoid of tears.

Edward asked with a puzzled look. “Do you have another schedule? I’ve been practicing at night lately, but it’s not going well. I don’t have a proper partner either.”

“

right. That’s what you mean. Then it’s fine then.”

“I wonder what Luize thought I meant.”

“…Yes? It’s okay. You don’t have to know.” Luize turned away from Edward’s gaze, her face flushed red.

Edward narrowed his eyes and replied, “I don’t know what you guessed, but it wasn’t entirely wrong.”

“It was wrong. That’s… anyway, that’s it.”

Edward laughed silently as he watched Luize, who couldn’t hide her embarrassment. Sensing something odd, Luize turned back to Edward, who quickly changed his expression and feigned surprise.

“…Surely not. Were you thinking of that, by any chance? Miss Luize, you’re more bold than I thought.”

“…”

“Sadly, I’m a bit more conservative than you. I spent most of my childhood in quite a conservative environment.”

“No, it’s not that that…”

“It’s okay. I understand. It’s not a bad thing.”

“…”

“…Miss Luize?”

Luize suddenly stood up. She looked at Edward with a disgruntled expression and said, “That was a misleading statement.”

“I agree.”

“It’s not me who’s weird.”

“Of course.”

“…”

“…I’ll stop teasing you.”

“Okay.”

Luize, looking in the direction of the noisy banquet hall, continued. “I’ll keep the promise I made about the bet. It doesn’t seem like anything will happen if I don’t go home tonight.”

“…Yes.”

Luize extended her hand towards Edwards. He took her hand and stood up. As he offered his arm, Luize gladly placed her hand on it. Together, they returned to the banquet hall.

* * *

Back in the banquet hall, Luize marveled at Reiad, who mingled with people naturally, as always. He seamlessly blended into the lively, bustling atmosphere of the banquet. He was a person who suited the grandeur of such banquets. A modest and bland wife from the countryside like her didn’t fit well with him.

As Luize thought like that, Reiad turned his head. Surprised by their eye contact, Luize stiffened. Reiad then walked towards her. Edward, standing beside her, followed Reiad with a relaxed smile.

“Luize, are you leaving now? Let’s get back a little later.”

“…”

“Luize?”

“…You like parties. You don’t have to leave just because of me.”

“Alright. Then you go first. I’ll come later.”

“

right. I plan to stay out tonight.”

“Stay out?”

“Yes.”

  Reiad’s smile cracked at Luize’s answer.

Finding it amusing, Edward chimed in, “Miss Luize, how about taking my carriage? It would be a hassle for you to send back the carriage. Besides, Count Cloette might not have a carriage to leave tonight.”

“Reiad, is that okay?”

“…Yes. Then I’ll see you tomorrow.” Reiad replied with his usual smile, a beat late.

With a playful expression, Edward said, “Have a good night, Count Cloette.”

“Yes, Your Excellency. I hope you also have a good… time.”

Reiad turned and walked away quickly. His smile faded, and a chilly coldness emanated from his blue eyes. He clenched his teeth and walked briskly towards the crowd.

Watching his retreating figure, Luize turned and said, “Let’s go.”

Her face was resolute, but Edward could see her hand trembling slightly. He placed his hand over hers. The warmth soon calmed the trembling.

* * *

Upon arriving at the mansion, the two changed clothes and went to the training ground. It took them a similar time to reach, despite Edwards’s main house being a bit further. It was because evening gowns required assistance to put on and take off, and undoing her hairstyle took time alone.

Edward had offered to assign servants to help, but Luize immediately refused. Their relationship wasn’t publicly seen in a good light, so she believed it was right to maintain distance in private. Besides, the gaze of servants would make her uncomfortable.

Both dressed for practice, the two faced each other with swords drawn. The training ground was dark without magic. Though it was a bright moonlit night, thick clouds obscured their view, making it hard to see each other’s faces.

“Are you sure it’s safe to proceed in the dark with real swords?”

“I’ll avoid it, so don’t worry.”

“I remember you saying you don’t use real swords at night with unfamiliar opponents.”

“I’ve seen enough of Edward’s swordsmanship, enough to be comfortable. The place I lived at was darker at night than here, so I’m used to the darkness.”

“…Alright.”

They adjusted their swords. Luize was the first to charge.

A sharp metallic sound rang out through the training ground.

Luize’s swordplay was fast and practical. No trick or superfluous movements; she aimed precisely for weakness, quickly overpowering her opponents.

Edward, on the other hand, used psychology more. He mostly defended, assessing his opponent’s state and striking effectively at the right moment. Luize was undoubtedly superior in swordsmanship, but in sparring against people, Edward was also formidable.

“…You’re being too hasty, Master.”

“Focus.”

Again, the swords clashed. Edward stepped back, allowing Luize to press forward, then suddenly lunged at her. Luize, visibly surprised, retreated her sword. He tripped her ankle, and she slowly fell backward.

Edward dropped his sword and caught her head, falling with her. They were close enough to feel each other’s breath.

Luize stared at his face, visible in the faint outline. The clouds hadn’t fully cleared, but his skin shone even in the dim light.

“…Throwing away your sword in front of your master. I must have taught you wrong.”

“I’m not a student right now, but a man catching his falling lover.”

“I could have fallen without being hurt even if you didn’t cover me like that.”

“I know. I just took the opportunity.”

“…”

“The day I beat Miss Luize is finally coming. Honestly, it feels good.”

Luize nodded bitterly. She hated to admit it, but it wasn’t Edward who couldn’t concentrate properly. Even now, her eyes are drawn to his fair face, which boasts a clear outline in the dark rather than his words. Luize laid down her sword and reached toward his face.

“…Miss Luize?”

“

, sorry.”

Startled, Luize withdrew her hand. As she tried to get up, Edward stood first. He extended his hand to her. Luize took it and rose.

The clouds cleared, and moonlight descended on the training ground. Now, his face, clearly visible, looked surprised. Luize, about to make an excuse, paused as Edward stepped closer.

“If you want to touch…” Edward gently grasped her wrist. Bringing her palm to his cheek, he continued, “Touch properly.”

“…”

The cheek she touched was soft. His hair was slightly damp with sweat, but his cheek was dry. It was because she lost after a short period of time.

“It’s much warmer and softer after a bath.”

Luize’s eyes fluttered. She hastily pulled her hand, shaking her head.

“I won’t touch you again.”

Edward replied with a smile of regret. “That’s a shame. You look very disturbed today, Miss Luize.”

“…I know.”

“I remember the talkative teacher who taught me before said, ‘When a woman is troubled over a man, give her a sword’.”

“A sword?”

“Yes. Holding a sword, she’ll know whether she wants to stab the man with it, protect him, or…” He smiled as he continued.