Chapter 63

I collapsed face-first onto the bed with a thud.

It's already quite late at night. I've finished my bath and changed into my pajamas.

The soft bed gently enveloped me as I fell onto it with force.

"I'm... so tired..."

The travel, the dinner with the intimidating uncles.

This is what it means to have no time to rest.

In a way, I realized that the Imperial Capital was peaceful.

I'm already filled with nostalgia.

I miss taking naps. I want to live a lazy life. I said I would work, but I want to take it back.

As I groaned low, the door opened quietly.

I sensed someone moving, and the bed sank slightly.

"Playing dead?"

Yes!

So please don't talk to me!

He patted the back of my head in a comforting gesture, as if soothing a child.

I felt him gently pinching my hair, which was spread out on the bed.

In a way, he likes playing with hair.

"How was it?"

What do you mean? I wanted to ask, but it was probably about tonight's dinner party.

I was surprised to see not only the vassals but also the relatives gathered.

Everyone was very interested in me.

I felt like I was being tested by a large group of people. I realized I was indeed being tested.

Even though I knew this would happen, it was still scary!

My grandfather and mother's generation watched me closely, making it impossible to eat calmly.

My stomach tightened.

"There were a few people who caught my attention. I noticed some obvious gazes. There are some troublesome people, but the younger ones seem nice. I thought the older generation was the most troublesome."

I know Mr. Husband feels the same way.

He sat down on the bed with a "yo-ho."

My body tried to pull away from his unexpected closeness.

"Actually, the elders of my grandfather's generation know that while tradition is important, being too fixated on it is rather trivial. After all, they lived through the war, and their fathers experienced it. They don't seem to be rigidly bound by traditional concepts."

I see.

During the war, flexible responses are required.

The fact that the Lindbergh Duke's army could repel the enemy alone is due to their flexible thinking.

Of course, the geographical advantage was also significant.

"Rather, people have become more vocal about tradition since peace was established."

And they don't like that Mr. Husband ignored tradition to get married.

And by extension, they don't like his wife.

I understand that tradition is important.

I don't think Mr. Husband wants to disregard everything.

Marriage is a significant event in life, so I understand the desire to do it properly.

What comes to mind is today's dinner.

It was supposed to be a dinner party to celebrate the head of the household's return, but in reality, it was an evaluation of me.

Well, there was no formal introduction, so all the relatives and vassals gathered.

Especially the relatives were eyeing the seat next to Mr. Husband, so they were scrutinizing me.

By the way, this dinner party was not formal.

A proper one with invitations will be held later.

This was more like a prelude. It was a dinner party because acquaintances came to visit.

But, the Lindbergh Duke's family has an alarming number of acquaintances.

Apparently, dinner parties with vassals are held regularly. They are used for showing appreciation and exchanging opinions about the future.

Even though it's just dinner, it's also work.

Ah, but social events are like that, I guess.

"It's quite amusing to see someone looking so frustrated."

"I've always thought you had a twisted personality."

"You've become quite bold yourself."

Yes, yes.

I realized that being reserved wouldn't work.

Once I reached enlightenment, I became like this, so please bear with me.

"What was the most interesting conversation?"

"Probably the talk about the coal mine. Actually, since the coal mine is in a highland area, I thought it might be similar to where those children have lived."

If the coal mine is to be closed, please let it become a playground.

"Moreover, it's north of here. Given the texture of their fur, they are likely better suited to cooler environments."

The Vankuri people originally lived in highlands.

It's natural that they are good at living in cold places.

Mr. Husband understood my request accurately and, after some thought, decided it was fine.

"Once the mine is abandoned, people won't be able to live there. Even if we try to start a new industry, there are no good ideas... If anything, maybe we could cultivate that."

That refers to the Vakui.

"Since there are animals to eat, it's a good idea. The north is a major production area. Wheat production is minimal."

"By the way, how much does it sell for in the market? And how much is bought?"

Mr. Husband doesn't seem to know much about businesses he's not involved in.

I was a bit relieved, even though he seems to know everything.

"The Verdigo Earl's family, which is closer to the north, produced a little, but most of it was consumed within their territory. You might know, but it's expensive, though it's nutritious and requires less feed. So, if you buy it, it will be more expensive as feed."

That's if you buy it.

If you use it on your own land, the price will be lower.

A wonderful food that grows on its own in cold places.

I don't want to call it food, though.

The most labor-intensive part is extracting the seeds inside. Even if it's been improved, hard is still hard.

"It's better to produce it on your own land if you can."

"By the way, there was a report that feeding them that makes the meat softer and sweeter. I thought about allocating a budget for research, but it was canceled because I got married."

"That sounds like an interesting study."

Mr. Husband showed interest.

"I thought if we branded it, it could fetch a high price. In the north, there are few livestock, so it hasn't been noticed before, but what people eat affects them, just like us."

Generally, a mix of slightly expensive and cheap feed is used.

However, the territories that raise livestock for meat say that giving animals food that people wouldn't eat has no good effect.

I understand.

Even if it's nutritious, if it doesn't taste good, it will have an impact.

"Since we're going to abandon the mine anyway, why not build research facilities? It's a useful idea, and researchers like oddities, so they won't complain about large animals running around."

"And it will create jobs."

First, we need to start growing the crop.

We need people to take care of it, and the most needed manpower will be during the harvest.

"There are other things to consider... but let's do that another day."

It's already quite late at night.

I need to sleep soon, or it will affect tomorrow.

I glanced at Mr. Husband casually, and our eyes met.

I felt uncomfortable, and my body tingled.

I'm tired and want to sleep.

But...

How do I sleep? Mr. Husband.

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