Chapter 5

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My husband, Duke Alexander, is a very handsome man.

When I first saw him twenty years ago at Saint Marcus Academy, I was surprised to find that there were men in this world who looked like princes.

Well, he was actually a real prince.

Now, I’m sitting on the lap of the former prince, feeling all flustered. I’m not used to it. When I say that, Lady Katarina always laughs and says, "What do you mean, 'now'?" But if you’re not used to something, you’re not used to it.

"Um, what did you need?"

"You should know even if I don’t say it."

Ugh.

When Alex says "you," it’s so full of charm that it’s blinding! It’s so blinding that I feel like my eyes might melt!

"If it’s about Nicholas..."

"No."

"If it’s about Flora, she’s in a good mood..."

"Mary, it won’t do to try to dodge it. You said you didn’t want to, but you’re still working on the plan to fly, right?"

He’s found out.

I think Nicholas was talking about those small lanterns, but I have a feeling Alex has found out about the real thing. How? I thought I had hidden it so meticulously and carefully.

"You’re really bad at keeping secrets, you know."

What? Bad at it?

"Alex, to be precise, it’s not a 'flying plan.' It’s still a 'floating plan' for now."

"Hmm. Just floating, huh?"

"Yes, just a little bit of floating."

"How high are we talking about?"

This is the crucial point.

How high is dangerous for Alex? Five floors? Four floors? Surely not three floors. It’s impossible that all the effort, money, and time I’ve invested would only result in a height of three floors. But maybe I shouldn’t say anything extra.

"This time, I’ll attach ropes to prevent it from being carried away by the air currents."

"Mary, let me ask you again, how high are you planning to go?"

I wish he would stop whispering in that low voice! It makes my ears tingle!

"The height can be adjusted as I like. Fundamentally, from a structural mechanics perspective..."

"Mary, you’re not planning to go higher than two floors, are you?"

Two floors? He said two floors?

What’s that, not very high or new? Two floors! Anyone can climb that height with a staircase.

"I see. So you were planning to go higher."

How does he know? Is he a mind reader?

"I want you to do whatever you want. But I don’t want you to be in danger. This is my selfishness. I want to be an understanding husband, but I can’t compromise on your safety. I know I might be called a selfish husband, but I can’t help it."

Oh? When did Alex start speaking like a noble? No, not just a noble, but a royal. Does being a duke change even a straightforward and pure person like him? If so, the role of a duke is truly formidable. ...No, it’s not a role. No, being a duke is like a profession, so it’s a role, right?

"Right. Alex always lets me be free. He’s completely different from other husbands. I’m grateful."

"So, I’ll ride in your new flying vehicle."

"...What?"

"I’ll ride in your new flying vehicle."

Eh?

I need to consider the impact if my husband rides. I quickly think through several scenarios, both successful and unsuccessful. No, it’s not good. Not good at all. I should be the one to ride.

"No, no, no, Alex, you’re a duke. A prince. You still have the right to the throne. If something happens to you, I’ll be executed. My head and body will be separated."

"Oh. So your wife is making such a dangerous vehicle?"

"..."

That’s how Alex became the first rider. Sigh.

I was absolutely confident when I planned to ride it myself, but now I’m worried because Alex is riding. Is this how he feels?

"So? What are you using the sewing machine for?"

"Sewing machine? Huh? Did you enter my workshop without permission?"

"Just looking for something."

I quickly turned to look at my husband’s face, and Alex’s gaze was wandering.

I see, this is it. The movement of the eyes. It’s a good lesson.

"Sorry. I was worried about your experiments."

"Well, I can’t help it. You were worried. The sewing machine is for making the balloon."

"Balloon?"

"Um, I’m making a balloon out of silk to float in the air. I’ve tried various thin and light materials, and silk seems to be the best."

Hmm? Alex has gone silent. Is he worried about trusting his life to silk? Was "thin and light" the wrong choice? Should I add that the strength is not a problem?

"Oh, um, I’m making a large bag out of silk and coating the inside with liquid rubber to prevent the heated air from escaping. I’ve done the calculations, so it’s safe."

"Mary, how high can this vehicle go at its highest?"

"Well, I should be able to go as high as I want? I can release the hot air from the valve when I want to come down."

"As high as you want, huh."

In the end, we settled on a height of about three floors. Three floors. I feel like looking into the distance, but I stopped because I don’t want any cracks to appear in my relationship with the beloved Alex.

If someone asked me if I wanted to go higher at the cost of a crack in our relationship, I would say no immediately. Besides, the one going up isn’t me, but Alex. There’s no need for a crack! Absolutely no need! Yes.

Well, if he rides and understands that it’s safe, there will come a day when I can ride and go high. The view from a high place won’t run away!

Phew. Still, psychological warfare is exhausting. I think I’ll have some sweet treats. The apple pie should still be there if Harold hasn’t eaten it.