Chapter 30

As the broad-leaved trees in the garden shed their leaves completely and the wind grew increasingly cold, Julius informed Laila that he would be attending another party.

"The venue this time... is General List's mansion?"

"Yes. The general is a major in the Magic Corps, and while the List family is not of noble birth, they are known as one of the great magical families alongside the Baltzsek family. My adoptive father used to serve as the general's right-hand man when he was young."

Laila, having read through the invitation, looked at Julius intently.

"Your adoptive father was part of the Magic Corps, Lord Julius?"

"Yes. My adoptive father served in the Miasis border war, and that's where he found me."

"Oh, I see."

"General List continued to be close to my adoptive father even after he retired from the military, and I also received magic training from him. Since this is his sixtieth birthday party, I really want to attend."

Laila nodded.

Since General List's mansion is in the capital, it will be an overnight stay, just like the Baltzsek family's party. Therefore, Laila's presence is indispensable.

"I understand. I will accompany you."

"Sure. Just like with the Baltzsek family, I want to show off my adorable fiancée to everyone. General List even sent us a congratulatory letter when we announced our engagement, so I really want to introduce Laila to him."

"O-Oh, I see."

The casual words included a slightly embarrassing line, and Laila fidgeted, rubbing her fingertips together.

(Really, Lord Julius's unexpected actions are so bad for my heart! The worst part is that he doesn't even realize it...)

"By the way, how big is this ball going to be?"

"Primarily, a considerable number of nobles related to the Magic Corps will be invited. I think... maybe five hundred people."

"Five hundred!?"

Her voice involuntarily squeaked.

The largest ball Laila had ever attended had about a hundred people, and even then, she had felt it was crowded.

(First of all, it's amazing that there's a hall that can accommodate five hundred people... and it's a mansion, not a castle? The general is incredible...)

"Will there be more male guests, given the military connection?"

"While General List's subordinates are mostly male, their families and ordinary nobles will also be invited, so I think the gender ratio will be about even. Also, there will be women who want to marry promising young officers from the Magic Corps, so it will be a place for them to meet potential partners."

"...I see."

Julius's words made Laila's chest ache a little.

Women who want to marry young officers.

In other words, young noblewomen.

(How will they react when they see Lord Julius...?)

From the previous experience in the provincial city, Laila knew that Julius stood out.

And he was popular with women.

The women in the provincial city didn't dare to approach a great magician, but noblewomen would be different. Even if Laila was by his side, they might fall in love with Julius at first sight.

And Julius, being a gentleman, would respond politely to anyone.

If a beautiful woman spoke to him and he smiled at her, even if it was just a social courtesy—

(No, no, I can't think like this! It's unbecoming of a fiancée!)

It was something to be happy about that her fiancé was popular.

If someone said her fiancé was wonderful, Laila would naturally be pleased.

...But still.

"...Laila?"

Noticing her silence, Julius called out to her.

Laila quickly looked up and responded with the best smile she could muster.

"Yes? What is it?"

"...Laila, come here and sit down."

"Here" referred to the impressive single-person chair in front of the desk where Julius was sitting.

While the two-seater sofa they usually enjoyed tea on would have been fine, there was no room for Laila on the smaller chair.

(What is he up to?)

Curious, Laila walked around the desk and stood next to Julius. He grabbed her arm and pulled her close, then effortlessly lifted her onto his lap with one arm.

Without using magic, it was a quick move.

Before she knew it, Laila was sitting on Julius's lap, facing him.

(Ah...! Ahhh...!)

"Hey! Let me down!"

"No. ...Ah, this way I can look up at your face. Your blushing face is so cute."

"Stop it, don't look! I'm heavy, let me down!"

"I don't think you're heavy at all. Here, sit properly."

He pressed her shoulders, and despite her resistance, Laila ended up sitting on his lap.

(How embarrassing...!)

Usually, Julius would look down at Laila, but now he was looking up at her slightly, and with his arm around her waist, she couldn't move.

Covering her face with her hands, Laila heard a soft voice in her ear.

"...What were you thinking just now?"

"...Huh?"

"You looked troubled just now. ...Did something I said bother you? Do you not want to go to a large ball?"

Concerned, Laila lowered her hands.

Julius had sensed the unease in her heart. He was trying to understand why she was upset.

(I'm no good. I can't hide anything, and now I'm making Lord Julius worry.)

"...I will go to the ball. I will fulfill my duties as your fiancée. ...But"

"But?"

"...I was being selfish and jealous."

Thinking about the various women who were captivated by Julius in the provincial city.

Noblewomen might be more proactive in approaching him.

If Julius responded politely to them, she might feel jealous.

Julius listened to Laila's hesitant words with a calm expression. When she finished and looked away awkwardly, he nodded resolutely.

"Then, at General List's mansion, I won't talk to any women at all."

"What? That's not good!"

"But if I greet female guests, Laila will feel upset, right? Then it's fine if I don't talk to them."

"No, no! ...I'm sorry. Please forget what I said. It was just my selfishness."

If Julius snubbed female guests because Laila was jealous, it might lead to a bad reputation.

Feeling regretful for being honest, Laila fell silent. Julius gently stroked her dark blonde hair.

"I'm happy. That you were jealous of me. It made me realize how much you love me... and I felt so happy. I'm the one who should apologize."

"Wh-What...?"

"Laila, I want you to tell me if you feel upset or if something bothers you. Of course, I can't fulfill all your requests... but I want to hear your words."

His fingers, which had been stroking her hair, slid down to her cheek.

The gaze that had captivated many women in the provincial city was now focused solely on Laila.

"If you say so, I'll talk to female guests normally. ...But I won't touch any other women, and I won't be swayed by them. I'll try my best not to make you feel upset."

"Lord Julius... I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. ...Laila, look up."

Encouraged by his gentle voice, Laila raised her head.

Pulled closer by the hand on the back of her neck, she was told to close her eyes.

Their lips met with a barely audible sound, and when they parted, the slight tug on her lips made her feel incredibly embarrassed.

"...Your face is red."

"It's because someone kissed me!"

"Hmm? ...If I say that the person who kissed you wants to see you blush more... will you be angry?"

"You just said that! ...I'm not angry, but..."

"Hehe, thank you."

Feeling a bit frustrated at his confident smile, Laila turned away. Knowing it wasn't a cute gesture, she saw Julius's smile deepen, and he kissed her cheek lightly.

She loved being kissed by Julius.

When he kissed her lips, it was a gentle touch.

When he kissed her cheek, it was a soft press.

When he kissed her neck, it made a light sound.

She loved these moments when she could feel his affection, and that's why she had the selfish desire to monopolize her beloved fiancé.

"...I'll behave properly at the ball. I won't act jealously or get in your way."

"..."

"But... when we're alone, can you be just mine, Lord Julius?"

Laila's plea, blushing and trembling.

Julius's eyes widened for a moment. He inhaled sharply, and a pained groan came from his throat.

"...That's unfair. I want to monopolize you too. I don't want anyone else to see you dressed up beautifully, or see you trying to sit up straight, or see you eating sweets."

"Even Verneli and Helka?"

"Even Verneli and Helka."

"Ah...?"

"I love you that much. ...Thank you for always being by my side. I look forward to the ball."

Hearing his gentle words, Laila lightly patted Julius's back and gently bumped her forehead against his.

"Thank you. I look forward to it too, Lord Julius."

"...Hehe. For my cute fiancée, right?"

He hugged her and kissed her cheek.

(...That goes for me too.)

Because it was for him, Laila felt motivated to try her best.