I Became the Husband of a Sword Demon

I arrived at the bustling street of the Caladborg Duke’s territory heading towards Sylvantrium in the Central Region, and it was surprisingly fast.

If we had traveled by carriage, even if the driver pushed the horses to their limits, it would have taken more than ten days.

Thanks to the magic train that ferociously races across the continent, it only took less than two days.

To call this slow would be to mock and jest at the magical engineering that contributed to making the empire the hegemon of the continent and preventing other continents from looking down on it.

As we arrived in Sylvantrium, the sun was setting, signaling the coming of night.

If this had been a leisurely train journey, I would have booked a train that arrived in the morning or afternoon, but given the circumstances—receiving news that my mother-in-law (I guess that term works?) was gravely ill—I rushed here, so it didn’t matter what time I arrived.

And…

“Before entering the station, the sky looked dark, but the city doesn’t feel like it has even seen the sunset.”

I couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle and say this as I stepped off the train and left the station.

“I suddenly feel like a country bumpkin.”

Even considering it was just before midnight on a weekend, the urban landscape felt like day had come, making me forget how long I’d been here.

‘Four years ago, it wasn’t like this.’

Four years—it’s both a long and short time.

Even though I’ve been through the back alleys a lot, making me less aware of the current situation in the busy areas, the scenery of Sylvantrium told me that much had changed.

The bustling street welcomed me and Asulin with a parade of people crowding every corner.

Despite it being close to winter, the mildness of the central region’s winters made people dress lightly, with just enough volume to withstand the cold wind. Their outfits were colorful, creating a chaotic yet vibrant scene.

The bright lighting of the busy streets almost made me forget that it was night. Back when I left four years ago, such advanced lighting facilities were only installed around the Imperial Palace.

Now, they seem to have spread throughout the entire region, pushing away the night.

If I were alone, I might have murmured to myself, feeling moved by the memories. But,

“As I recall the time spent in the Caladborg Duke’s territory, the decay of the Failord Count Family stands out, but seeing this place…”

“As for location, our duchy may not be as quick to adopt new technologies and culture, but eventually, it will improve.”

“Rize must be working hard… As her brother, I feel a sense of responsibility.”

Unfortunately, due to my weak health, I had never set foot in the Central Region, so all I could do was pretend to be a country bumpkin.

However, despite my words, I observed the surroundings intently, trying to remember how much the busy streets of Sylvantrium had changed since I left.

‘It feels good to be back after so long.’

Even though I often admired the busy streets from afar, it was surprising how little the exterior had changed compared to my memories.

‘But it has changed a lot.’

Despite the changes, the continuous development and progress were evident, leaving me in awe.

If time allowed, I would have stood there, marveling at the sights for hours.

Alas,

“Let’s hurry. There’s a villa just ahead.”

As Asulin, who had finished sightseeing earlier, urged us forward, I tried to quell my disappointment as we resumed our journey towards the true purpose of this trip, not the bustling streets.

The Caladborg Duke’s villa wasn’t far from the busy street.

With our swift pace, it would take us less than 20 minutes to reach it.

Moreover, walking wasn’t necessary.

A popular mode of transportation in Sylvantrium, these vehicles ran on refined power from magic rather than animals, making them a marvel of magical engineering.

Thanks to these comfortable and fast cars, most nobles used them instead of walking in the region.

As for me and Asulin, we walked silently, observing the everyday lives of people.

This was because Asulin insisted that we should cherish the responsibility of understanding others’ lives.

“The northern winds feel like spring breezes after staying there for a month.”

So, I tried to comfort Asulin, who was burdened by the pressure of visiting her seriously ill mother.

“So, Mother chose to stay in this villa instead of the duchy because it’s easier to recuperate here…”

“…”

…I ended up inadvertently making Asulin feel worse with my words.

“But you might not recognize me. After I was born, Mother’s health declined. She loved the snow-covered northern landscapes, but she couldn’t enjoy them, which is why she stays here to recover.”

Listening to Asulin’s somewhat melancholic voice while moving, I felt a mix of memories and complex emotions.

Though melancholic, her genuine care and love for her family were evident, making me feel her appeal more deeply.

‘I envy her too.’

Growing up loved by her family and sharing that love with others, I couldn’t help but feel envious of Asulin.

Mother…

I had no positive feelings toward my biological father, but I suddenly wondered about the mother who gave birth to me.

My elder brother mentioned that she passed away shortly after giving birth to us, suffering greatly during childbirth. Hearing this, I felt a growing curiosity about my own mother.

Curiosity led to imagining different scenarios.

It was nothing significant.

My biological father had openly admitted to abandoning me because of some disgust, calling me a monster.

Imagining my mother might have felt the same way and abandoned me.

It was a trivial thought, but,

“Why are you like this?”

“Hmm. Maybe I got lost in the increasingly quiet atmosphere and my steps became numb without realizing it.”

Even though I only thought about it briefly, it made me feel so numb that I had to give a clumsy excuse to Asulin.

However, it was an imagination that could never be verified since the person I wanted to ask had already passed away.

Well, what can you do? If there’s a chance to meet in the afterlife, I’ll ask then.

“Even though it’s quiet, let’s hurry. This place isn’t as safe as it seems.”

“I don’t think there are any homeless people who would dare approach us.”

“I’m worried I might lose control because I’m not in the best mood.”

So, I put aside those negative thoughts and followed Asulin’s lead towards the Caladborg Duke’s villa.

The walk lasted about 20 minutes, and as we continued, the colorful and vibrant scenery of the busy street gradually transformed.

Unlike the lively and colorful streets, where people viewed night as a continuation of the day, the final destination was a calm and orderly area where people seemed to be concluding their day.

“We’re almost there.”

Asulin, who was meticulously hurrying, didn’t need to announce it, but I knew exactly where we were going.

Outside the Imperial Palace, this was the largest and most splendid architectural area in Sylvantrium. It was also one of the four major regions, known as the Dignity Zone, where nobles and newly rich resided.

Among the dazzling mansions in this Dignity Zone, the Caladborg Duke’s villa stood out.

“Miss, we’ve been waiting for you.”

A group of servants, refined and disciplined, greeted Asulin as we entered the Caladborg Duke’s villa.

The villa was quite impressive.

Even though I couldn’t fully appreciate it due to the rush, the mansion’s sophisticated style was evident.

Thinking about how the Sword Mansion was in decline compared to this small villa, I realized that despite its size, this place was superior in every aspect.

The mansion was certainly smaller than the Imperial Palace, but its charm was undeniable.

Inside, the combination of elegance and coziness created a level of comfort that surpassed many other villas in the Dignity Zone.

As we slowly toured the villa, we soon reached the reception room leading to the owner’s quarters.

“The master and mistress are waiting for Miss and her husband.”

The senior servant guiding us informed us that the Caladborg Duke and his wife were inside.

…Hmm? The Duchess is waiting?

Didn’t she say she was gravely ill?

“Wait, the Duchess is waiting? You said she was in critical condition. What’s going on, Olson?”

Asulin asked the butler, Olson, about the situation, sensing the unease.

“Just go in and you’ll understand,” the experienced butler replied with a faint smile, urging us to enter.

“…”

Asulin silently turned her head toward me.

Though she didn’t speak, her nodding confirmed she understood.

I nodded back in agreement, supporting her decision.

Then, Asulin closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and said,

“Olson, please inform Father and Mother that I’ve arrived.”

“Understood…”

Olson bowed lightly and knocked on the door gracefully.

“Master, Mistress, Miss Asulin and her husband are here to visit.”

From beyond the door, a booming voice echoed,

“Let them in.”

It was unmistakably the Duke’s voice.

Incongruous with his imposing presence, his voice was unexpectedly powerful and resonant.

“Miss, it’s been a long time since you visited the villa.”

Olson opened the door with a graceful motion.

What we saw inside was…

“…You came.”

A stern middle-aged man with blue hair, resembling Asulin in appearance, greeted her with a solemn expression and tone.

“Only now, after being called, do you show up in the capital. Our daughter is truly naughty.”

The Duchess, whose appearance belied her age, stood with her hands on her hips, puffing out her cheeks as she playfully scolded Asulin.

…Despite the terrifying moniker ‘Sword Demon,’ Asulin’s cute side, which she rarely showed, was clearly inherited from someone.

“Ugh… M-Mother. How could you treat your daughter so harshly when she rushed here upon hearing about your illness?”

Asulin’s relieved yet anxious expression was a given.

It was only after a month of marriage that I finally met my wife’s family, excluding my wife herself.

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