Chapter 12
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Ordinary Daily Life
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After obtaining solid information on the Dragon Lair, about three days had passed.
The northern time still flowed leisurely and unhurried, but externally, Kaltstein Castle had transformed into a holy site of romance.
"Ah, try it. My love."
"... Hm."
Haa.
Today, as always, the dining hall was filled with Roselia's cringeworthy acting.
At first, it made my stomach churn so much I thought I'd throw up, but as they say, humans are animals of adaptation.
Now, I could take it in fairly naturally and respond with a suitably affectionate smile.
The maids and servants would beam happily at the sight of us or whisper among themselves, faces flushing red.
They seemed to think that if they spoke softly, I wouldn't hear... but I'm a Sword Master.
No matter how quietly you whisper, I hear everything...
"Oh my, did you see the Duke brushing the Princess's hair back?"
"I did, I did. Honey was practically dripping from his eyes."
"They really look like protagonists from a novel. It feels like spring is coming to this cold northern castle."
This was the reaction we wanted from the act... but their misconceptions grew firmer with each passing day.
Still, behind that misconception lay a thorough calculation.
Roselia and I stuck close whenever we could, but most of that time was filled not with romance, but with exchanging information.
To be more precise, I performed the act to the fullest while prying original story details from the somewhat lacking Princess.
Strategy meetings disguised as garden strolls.
Mana resonance simulations under the pretense of tea time.
We leaned on each other's shoulders, looking to others like we were whispering sweet nothings, but in reality, we were discussing ways to dismantle the Dragon Lair's traps.
"Please lower the flame temperature by just three degrees there. That way, it balances with my ice mana."
"Got it. But Duke, your mana flow is too rigid. Can't you make it more fluid?"
"Northern mana is like this by nature. Adapt."
"Tch, so prickly."
Roselia grumbled but absorbed my advice like a sponge.
As a possessor, she was sorely lacking in some areas.
But overall, she was a smart and capable partner.
The problem was her tendency to shatter illusions with her mouth... but her determination to charge toward our goal was admirable.
In short, thanks to her, preparations for the Drakenspitze expedition were proceeding smoothly.
And my other daily routine—my true happiness—came only after night deepened.
In the dead of night, when everyone was asleep.
After the office lights went out and the castle fell silent.
Knock knock.
A very small, cautious knock sounded at my bedroom door.
I closed the book I was reading, hid my fluttering heart, and opened the door.
There stood Seria, holding a single candlestick.
Her head maid attire was impeccable, but unlike usual, her face was bare of even light makeup, fresh and natural.
A shy smile bloomed the moment she saw me.
"Were you waiting, Your Grace?"
"I've been waiting a long time."
I led her inside and locked the door.
It was our secret date time.
There were no grand events or heated intimacy.
Just sitting face-to-face, sipping warm tea, and casually sharing the day's events.
"Today, Her Highness the Princess taught the head chef a spicy seasoning recipe. She said northern cuisine is too bland."
"Ha, up to her antics again. Did the chef faint?"
"On the contrary, he praised it as a new world of flavor. Red dishes might appear on the table starting tomorrow."
"... I'll need to prepare some stomach medicine."
I used to sneak spicy chicken stir-fried noodles whenever I could as a true Korean, but they say ten years change the mountains.
I've lived twenty years here, so the mountains have changed twice.
For some reason—maybe reincarnation's effect—I've become a complete spice wimp now.
Seria smiled as she watched me grimace slightly.
I, too, smiled back at her—awkward, but as natural as I could manage.
We shared more stories, stifling giggles.
Seria relayed Roselia's eccentricities without malice, and in front of her, I could shed the Duke's mask and laugh freely.
Sometimes, we'd stand side by side by the window, gazing at the night sky.
"So many stars."
"Yeah. Looks like tomorrow will be clear too."
My hand quietly covered the back of hers.
Seria startled but didn't pull away.
Instead, she intertwined her fingers with mine, sharing warmth.
A warm, soft touch.
It hit me—I'd regressed fifteen years just to hold this small hand.
"Not too hard? Seeing me with Roselia."
When I asked carefully, Seria shook her head calmly.
"Not at all. If anything, I'm glad Her Highness makes you smile more."
"... No jealousy?"
"A little jealousy... but I trust you."
She met my eyes directly.
"I know exactly where your heart lies now."
"... Yeah. Thank you."
Her unwavering faith sustained me.
By day, the cold lord of the north; by night, a woman's lover.
Thus, I filled my days enjoying this double life.
It had been two weeks since I became the master of this vast Kaltstein.
One afternoon, as I leaned by the office window reviewing documents, a shadow appeared silently.
"My lord, a messenger has arrived from the capital."
It was Raven, information leader of the Black Wing Knights.
He knelt on one knee in his black robe and presented the report.
"Report."
"The capital's public opinion is flowing exactly as you intended."
Raven began his report in a flat tone.
"Rumors of a legendary romance are spreading across the Empire. They say Duke Kaltstein and Princess Roselia have fallen into a love transcending borders and status, even defying the imperial family's opposition to push forward their engagement."
"Reactions?"
"Explosive. Especially among young noble ladies, their story is called a real-life romance novel and is hugely popular. The cold northern grand duke and the lovely princess—fan clubs might even form."
"... Fan clubs? Horrifying."
The dreadful wording made my hand rise to pinch my brow.
To think Roselia's cringy acting had landed this well.
Raven continued impassively at my reaction.
"The imperial family's response is as expected. His Majesty the Emperor was furious at first, but whether that man mediated well or not, now he's delighted that imperial blood has taken root in the deepest heart of Kaltstein. He even sent a congratulatory message via spokesman recently."
"I see... Understood."
I gave a slightly bitter smile.
Calling his own daughter 'imperial blood'—his character remains the same.
I could somewhat understand why the possessor fled the imperial family the moment she possessed Roselia.
Well, that's that. For now, the operation's goal of securing the Princess's safety is achieved.
This means I can focus on the Drakenspitze expedition without external interference for the time being.
"And one more thing."
"...?"
Raven paused briefly, then spoke cautiously.
"Along with the capital's reactions, the investigation into Her Highness the Princess as ordered has uncovered something unusual."
"Unusual?"
"Records show Her Highness has been extensively reading ancient language books from the imperial library for about half a year. Especially forbidden texts on dimensional transfer and soul synchronization."
"... I see."
Dimensional transfer and soul synchronization.
Fitting interests for a possessor.
Just searching for a way back to her original world? Or some other scheme?
Roselia.
Sudden ally and still an enigma, I glanced out the window.
In the corner of the training grounds, I saw Roselia chatting happily with Seria.
Seria was laughing out loud, which was rare.
... Well, doesn't look like she has the bad intentions I'm thinking of.
At least for now.
Judging people by appearances isn't wise.
She seems like an acting possessor, and that could be an act too.
Cozying up to my closest confidante to get something out of her.
Of course, Seria wouldn't fall for such acting...
I turned my gaze back to Raven, still kneeling.
"Keep watching. But not too closely—loosely, just where she goes and what she does."
"As you command."
With that, Raven vanished like smoke.
I returned to my documents.
Now, two weeks left.
Until the day the gate to the Mirror of the Sky—the lake known to house the Dragon Lair—opens, I can't relax.
But suddenly, the peaceful scene outside caught my eye.
Snow falling on the training grounds, two women laughing.
A premonition hit me: this storm-before-the-calm peace might be the prelude to the grand fate called the original story ahead.
So I must prepare thoroughly.
I picked up my pen and signed the bottom of the document.