Chapter 162: Slacking Off
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 162: Slacking Off
The threat of never seeing Annette again was, for the moment, a terrifying prospect for Lucion.
When he finally fell silent, the furrow in Loik’s brow deepened.
His golden eyes flashed as he growled, "I’ll be away from the castle with Annette for a few days soon. In the meantime, you’d better sort out those filthy feelings you harbor for my wife. This is as far as my leniency goes."
With that, Loik spun around and stormed out, slamming the door just as loudly as when he had entered.
Only then did the heat in the room, which felt as though a fire had broken out, become palpable. The sweltering air made it hard to breathe.
"…Arrogant bastard."
Lucion rubbed his forehead roughly with his palm. A bitter sense of defeat washed over him like a fever, coiling around his entire body.
*
"You want me to cancel all the preparations for Sacrament Day?"
Cecilia, who had entered the castle early that morning with a light step, stared at Perel with wide eyes.
"It is the Grand Duke’s command. He also gave instructions not to mention Sacrament Day at all in front of Her Highness."
"That’s so mean!"
Even in the midst of her busy schedule, she had been preparing a surprise party to celebrate the Grand Duchess’s Sacrament Day. She had already asked Berni for a beautiful cake and even badgered Enolius into agreeing to a fireworks display.
"What on earth is the reason?"
"He didn't give me the specifics, but… it seems he believes Sacrament Day might not be such a pleasant memory for Her Highness."
At those words, Cecilia’s mouth fell open. She realized belatedly that for a 'Fake Saint,' Sacrament Day could hardly be a fond memory.
"I didn't think of that."
Perel spoke with a slightly pitying expression. "It appears Her Highness doesn't even remember her own Sacrament Day very well."
"Did they not observe it in the capital either?"
"I’m not sure about that."
"Then what about the first night?" Cecilia’s face immediately crumpled into a pout. She had painstakingly planned for the Grand Ducal couple to spend a romantic night together after the party.
"That seems unlikely as well." Perel shook his head and shared the news of the sudden trip the couple was taking the next day.
"Evern Forest?"
"There is a rather quiet and beautiful villa there. There’s even a small lake right in front of it."
At that, Cecilia’s eyes suddenly gleamed. She muttered, "A villa… yes, actually, that’s even better…"
"What are you thinking now?" Perel asked uneasily, his lips twitching.
"It’s actually for the best."
"Love always blossoms more easily in a new setting."
Cecilia immediately began pouring out her revised plan to Perel.
"Absolutely not."
"Why? Are you afraid the Grand Duke will scold you?"
Perel shook his head. "It won't even get to the Grand Duke. The knights wouldn't permit such a thing in the first place."
"Don't worry about that." Cecilia’s lips curled into a smirk. "I have my ways."
*
Late that evening, Loik soaked himself deep in the bathtub and splashed water over his face.
The bathwater, filled to the brim with ice, was cold enough to make one’s teeth chatter, but as soon as he submerged his burning body, it turned lukewarm.
After a long while, Loik stepped out of the water, swept back his wet bangs, and looked into the mirror. Fortunately, his eyes were black today.
— “It seems to be due to the dragon’s mana, but frankly, I don’t know the reason.”
The mage had looked troubled, but Loik had a rough idea of the heat’s true nature.
‘It’s likely because of my desire for Annette.’
The more he suppressed his urge to hold her, the faster the heat rose. It was the same whenever someone like Lucion loitered around her. Now, a mere hug or a kiss wasn't enough to calm it. If anything, it only made his body crave more.
This morning, the moment their lips touched, the ache in his lower body became so intense it felt like he would burst, forcing him to flee from her side. Perhaps the dragon’s mana was making his body follow its instincts more like a beast.
‘I can’t let Annette get scared.’
He never wanted her to find out that he was in such a state of heat.
To make matters worse, he was scheduled to share a carriage with her tomorrow.
‘Will I be able to endure that sweet scent of her skin for hours?’
Loik swallowed a deep sigh, already feeling as though a great trial was upon him.
*
The following day.
The Grand Ducal couple and their party set off for the villa in Evern Forest.
The couple rode in the carriage while the knights galloped ahead and behind. With the addition of maids, aides, and servants, it was a procession of considerable size.
Because they moved at a leisurely pace with plenty of rest, the sun had already passed its zenith and was beginning to sink.
It was during the final rest stop, while Tiern was personally checking the carriage for any issues, that the Grand Duchess’s maid suddenly appeared in his line of sight.
"How much longer until the villa?"
"…It’s not that far." Tiern looked at Cecilia, who was holding a sandwich, with a slightly bewildered expression. "Once we pass that forest over there, we’ll be at the entrance to the villa grounds."
Cecilia suddenly leaned in close to Tiern, lowering her voice. "We’re going ahead with the plan, right?"
Tiern flinched and pulled back, his expression sour as he remained silent.
Yesterday afternoon, Cecilia had sought him out and abruptly told him to repay his debt.
— “Repay… what?”
— “Back when I found your handkerchief. You said you’d repay the favor.”
Well, a knight had to keep his word. Tiern had nodded readily, but then she had made her demand.
— “We’re going to leave only the Grand Duke and Her Highness at the villa, and everyone else is going to clear out.”
The maid had made this outrageous request with a perfectly calm face. She had even added the 'cute'—no, horrifying—condition that it be done 'secretly.'
— “…Are you making such an absurd request to the knight currently in charge of their protection? The entire division will be disciplined.”
— “That won't happen. The Grand Duke will secretly love it.”
Upon hearing that the aide was also participating in the plan, he had eventually accepted her demand, but now he was deeply regretting that decision.
"You mustn't act awkward, okay? They can't find out until we arrive."
"Sir Tiern, shouldn't we be heading out soon?"
Cecilia, who had been speaking excitedly, suddenly jumped and trembled as she saw the Grand Duchess approaching. The maid’s behavior was so suspicious that the Grand Duchess narrowed her eyes.
"Cecilia, you’re acting strange today."
"M-me? Am I not always a little strange? Please, hurry and get in."
Just then, the Grand Duke was walking over from a distance. Cecilia hurriedly backed away, but not before winking at Tiern.
‘Is it too late to back out now?’
Guards would be patrolling the perimeter of the villa all night anyway, and the knights would be staying close by. They were only vacating the interior of the villa; all safety precautions were firmly in place.
As Loik approached and stepped up into the carriage, Tiern moistened his lips slightly and spoke.
"We will follow slowly from behind."
He had intended to give his lord at least a minimal hint. Even if he weren't a Sword Master, Loik would notice the knights weren't following the moment the carriage started moving.
Loik seemed to consider Tiern’s words for a moment, then nodded and climbed inside. Relieved by the sign of permission, Tiern closed the carriage door.
Clop, clop.
Finally, the couple’s carriage departed.
The knights looked worried about whether they should really stay behind, but Cecilia watched the carriage fade into the distance with a look of immense satisfaction.
*
Stepping down in front of the villa, I couldn't help but look around in awe.
The first thing that caught my eye was the lush garden. On either side of the small path in the center, fruit trees of all sizes were showing off their beauty. Beyond them stood a classic two-story villa built of ivory-colored bricks. The slightly faded red roof gave the place a very cozy feel.
Loik asked, watching my reaction, "Do you like it?"
"It’s so beautiful! I’m so glad we came."
Loik gave a relieved smile.
As I looked around excitedly, I noticed something strange. "But why is there no one here?"
Aside from the coachman, who was cautiously taking the carriage to the stables, there wasn't a soul in sight. Come to think of it, where did the knights who were riding with us go? I didn't see the carriage carrying Cecilia and Perel, either.
"Did only we arrive?"
"The others decided to come a bit later."
Later? "Why? Did something happen?"
"Don't worry." Loik let out a short, dry laugh. "It seems they intend to use us as an excuse to slack off."
I wasn't sure if I should call them thoughtful or bold.
Muttering something under his breath, Loik glanced around and said, "It looks like it’s going to get chilly. Shall we head inside for now?"
Taking Loik’s firm arm—his fist seemed clenched particularly tight today—I stepped into the villa.
"The bedroom is on the second floor."
We climbed the stairs together, and when Loik opened the bedroom door, I was struck speechless by the sight before me.