Chapter 39

"Jed!"

When night fell, Lirith, seeing Jessalde peek into the bedroom, called out happily. However, she soon looked puzzled.

"I wanted to talk to you properly again, so I hurried over before you went to sleep... Is it okay?"

"Of course it is!"

Understanding Lirith's concern, Jessalde explained that he had only taken off his coat from his daytime attire. Naturally, Lirith welcomed Jessalde in any form.

"Are you really okay? Were you about to rest?"

Jessalde asked Lirith, who was already in bed. Pleased by his consideration, Lirith smiled.

"I'm fine. I was just about to go to sleep because I had nothing particular to do."

After answering, Lirith got out of bed, and Jessalde handed her the gown hanging on the side chest.

"Thank you."

While thinking that Jessalde was indeed kind despite everything, Lirith put on the gown and sat on the sofa. Jessalde sat down next to her.

"What did you want to talk about?"

"About the trip you mentioned yesterday—"

"Is it really not possible?"

"No, I think it's a good idea. I was also concerned about the town of Tuisen, and I thought it would be nice to show you around the country. If you're willing, we could visit not just Tuisen but the entire area."

"Really!?"

Smiling brightly, Lirith nodded, and Jessalde smiled back. Lirith had been discussing with Frederick what to do if their honeymoon trip was canceled. She had also been thinking about how to suggest visiting the town of Bunmini, but Jessalde had solved that for her.

"Actually, I was thinking of visiting the town of Bunmini as well, in addition to Tuisen."

"Eh?"

"Bunmini is a small town at the foot of the western side of the Hottar Mountains. It might be a bit of a shock for you, who lived in the lush lands of Freud—"

"I know. It's full of rocky terrain, right?"

"You knew...?"

Delighted by Jessalde's proposal, Lirith had interrupted his explanation. Jessalde looked surprised but also relieved.

"Yes... I talked to Lady Echude, the lord of Bunmini, at the duchess's tea party."

"I see..."

It seemed he understood, and Lirith let out a small sigh. She had unexpectedly cleared the first hurdle. More importantly, she was happy that Jessalde had taken her opinion into account.

"But are you really okay with it?"

"With what?"

"Your health. I don't want to push you, but wouldn't the carriage ride be hard on your body?"

"I'm fine! I was just nervous then... and my brother tends to exaggerate..."

Her frailty setting was getting in the way again. Thinking about it, she felt warm in her chest, realizing how much Jessalde cared for her.

"I did some research. It usually takes about five days by carriage to reach the town of Tuisen. From there to Bunmini—"

"About a day or a day and a half."

Jessalde supplemented Lirith's hesitant words. Grateful, Lirith smiled and continued.

"Given the current weather, it should be pleasant, and I'm used to mountain roads. So, it's fine if you plan the trip accordingly. But if Jed can take more time off, I'd like to proceed more slowly and greet the people in other towns. It would be nice to be recognized as Jed's wife by the people of this country."

Smiling, Lirith spoke, and Jessalde was taken aback. He was the cursed prince, feared by the people of the country. Not only was he unsure if they would accept them on the journey, but he couldn't believe Lirith wanted to be recognized as the wife of a cursed prince. Moreover, he worried that Lirith might also be treated coldly.

"But my reputation might hurt you too."

"Reputation? Oh, the curse thing? It's fine. Just laugh it off. It's not true, after all. Besides, if we proceed like this, we won't be on guard when we arrive in Tuisen. Of course, the officials might be a bit inconvenienced—"

"...How much do you know about Tuisen?"

Surprised by Lirith's reaction, which seemed to have forgotten the "cursed prince" rumor, Jessalde was also intrigued by her words. Changing his focus, he asked, and Lirith smiled as if it were nothing.

"Because the honeymoon destination is Tuisen, I thought Jed came up with this plan. And wanting to visit Bunmini shows you really intend to inspect the area."

Struck by her accurate guess, Jessalde looked at Lirith suspiciously. She continued to smile.

"Jed, as I said yesterday, I was involved in the government in Freud. I never stood on the front stage, and the problems we faced were much smaller compared to this country, but I do have some knowledge and experience. So, at the tea party the day before yesterday, I noticed that Baroness Court, who complained about the financial difficulties of her territory and the poor sales of stoneware, was wearing the latest dress and several fine jewels. That's strange, isn't it?"

For Lirith, revealing this much was a gamble. If Jessalde became wary and distanced himself, it would be a disaster. However, to proceed with her plans, she needed some acknowledgment.

"...I see. I underestimated you. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry. Most people do. In fact, it can be a weapon."

A narrow-minded man might have been angry at her audacity, but Jessalde honestly admitted his mistake and apologized. Lirith was so happy she wanted to shout. Of course, she restrained herself to maintain her composure. Jessalde smiled slightly and stood up.

"Then, let's adjust the schedule, including that. I'll inform you once it's decided, so please wait a bit longer."

"Eh? Are you going back to your room?"

"...Is there something else?"

Surprised by Jessalde heading for the door, Lirith quickly stood up and asked. Jessalde stopped, turned around, and asked curiously.

"Do you still have work to do, Jed?"

"No..."

"Then, please stay a bit longer."

Saying this, Lirith closed the distance between them and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the bed. Confused, Jessalde went along with it until he realized what was happening when they sat on the bed.

"Lirith, you—"

"I'm completely fine. Are you tired, Jed?"

"No... not really..."

"That's good."

Lirith's smile was full of expectation. As a man, Jessalde was torn, but Lirith pulled his shirt collar and kissed him, then smiled shyly. There was no way he could resist.

"Jed, I haven't bathed yet. I don't want to make you uncomfortable—"

"I don't mind at all."

"No, but—"

"Come on, it's fine."

"..."

In the end, Jessalde succumbed to the temptation. As he put on his clothes, he glanced at Lirith, who smiled broadly. Feeling like a lover, Jessalde couldn't help but laugh at Lirith's unchanged attitude.

"Jed?"

"No... I just find you really amusing."

"Uh-huh..."

Seeing Lirith's reluctant face, Jessalde kissed her and stood up.

"...Get some rest."

"Thank you."

"Ah..."

"Jed, good night."

As Lirith called out cheerfully to Jessalde's back, he stopped at the door and turned around.

"...Good night."

Before Lirith could say anything, the door closed, but she was thrilled that he had returned her greeting. She flopped onto the bed, writhing in excitement. Realizing she shouldn't be so rowdy, she calmed down, but her smile wouldn't fade. She had even heard Jessalde's laugh for the first time. Feeling incredibly lucky, Lirith went to sleep in high spirits.