Chapter 93
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: More than Lovers, Less than Spouses
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I see.
Inside the carriage heading to the academy.
After hearing the full story, Bella nodded as if she understood.
I get what happened.
She spoke in a calm voice.
If Id arrived just a little later, you wouldve gone way too far, wouldnt you? You sleazy Count.
She wasnt smiling.
She was simply staring at me with an expressionless gaze.
That look was so icy it bordered on uncomfortable.
I stayed silent and took the scolding, though it felt unfair. If Bella hadnt shown up, I might have struggled quite a bit to subdue Helga.
So, I had no choice but to listen quietly to Bellas lecture.
I wish youd show a little more self-awareness as a Count. What if a scandal breaks out over something like this? Have you forgotten that after the Seven Stars Harmony Society, people have been viewing us in a rather ambiguous light?
Ambiguous relationship?
Really? Do I have to explain this myself? More than lovers, less than spouses! Thats exactly what we are.
Wasnt it supposed to be more than friends, less than lovers?
I tried to object, but Bella continued her scolding.
What kind of lord offers up his own eyes just for a mere subordinate? Theres a limit to recklessness. If you keep living with that kind of sacrificial spirit where you dont even value your own life, you wont last long, sleazy.
It was an ambiguous statementpraise, criticism, or concern?
Sitting beside Bella, her guard knight Blanche muttered softly.
Thats quite the Count-like behavior
Really? I pictured a Count barking orders at his subordinates and treating them harshly.
No, he treats his subordinates better than expected Eek?! Oh, its nothing.
Hm? Blanche?
Ahem My apologies. Lady Bella is right. Please forget my slip of the tongue.
I cut into their conversation.
I admit it was reckless.
It had been a necessary process, but yes, it was reckless.
At this rate, my body might not hold up.
Seeing me admit it, Bella pouted.
Hmph Youre such an idiot. Let me see it for a second.
Bella suddenly leaned in close.
Before I could dodge, her hand gently touched the bandage over my left eye.
Poor thing Does it hurt a lot?
Dont worry about it. Itll heal in a few days.
You say that like its nothing Its a serious injury by any standard. Why is it that youthis manalways ends up hurt like this
As her words trailed off, a faint wistfulness clouded Bellas eyes.
Her hand, which had been caressing my left eye, fell away and came to rest on her chest.
But do you know? Even if the Count doesnt realize it, theres someone whos always worried about you.
Bella glanced up at me with dewy eyes.
The angle hid it well, but she couldnt completely conceal the flush on her cheeks.
It was just like the time I rescued her from the kidnapping.
So, it was clear who she meant.
For that persons sake, at least cant you stop doing these reckless things from now on?
Ill think about it.
Liar.
The moment she said it, I flinched. My lie had been exposed.
Naturally, I expected an angry face from Bella.
But contrary to my expectation, she was smiling.
You really are a liar
From here on, the path ahead would be an even thornier one.
She seemed to know all about my circumstanceshow I had no choice but to lie to her.
Bella smiled faintly.
For a moment, I felt a connection with her heart.
A brief silence followed.
Whew
And naturally, it was Bella who broke it.
By the way, I didnt expect the Count to value his subordinates so dearly.
I treat whats mine with care.
Hmm So, its because theyre yours?
Yeah.
Thats not how it looks Arent you handling her a bit roughly?
Bella glanced at Helga, who was sitting next to me.
Helga was sitting obediently with a mask on.
It was hard to read her expression, but in truth, she was being punished for defying my orders.
A closer look revealed her hands bound behind her back in thick steel handcuffs, and a gag filled the mouth hidden by her mask.
A dog that tries to bite its master needs training.
It might seem harsh for a patient whod just had surgery yesterday, but considering Helgas physical abilities, it was light punishment.
Still, I wondered if this was appropriate for her.
Because
Mmph Mmng
With her hands bound, Helga had somehow produced a leash and placed it on her thigh, her eyes pleading for me to take it.
She wanted me to collar her, no doubt.
Her eyes sparkled with sincerity.
Unfortunately, I had no intention of indulging her hobby. A punishment was a punishment.
Besides, showing up at the academy with a collared Helga would lead to unimaginable headlines in tomorrows papers.
I gazed out at the passing scenery beyond the carriage window for a moment.
Wed arrive at the academy soon.
I voiced the question that had been nagging at me.
So, what brought you to my mansion so early in the morning?
Oh, just I had a bad feeling.
?
Bella coughed suspiciously.
Ahem You know how it is. I came to check if something happened to you, Count. Besides, shouldnt you be grateful I woke you up this morning?
I never asked you to come.
Hmph. I didnt expect you to anyway.
Bella stuck out her tongue.
It was such a childish sulk that it looked rather cute.
But doesnt it hurt? You could rest today.
I cant do that.
What business could you possibly handle looking like this? As the Chairman, you could slack off, right? What exactly are you planning to do at the academy today?
I have an academy inspection scheduled.
That was what I said, but it was the kind of task the Chairman didnt need to handle personally.
The real reason I was doing it myself was to personally scout talent for dealing with future players.
An academy inspection Even the president doesnt do that often.
Im not the president. Im the Chairman.
Hmm Is that so?
Bella fell silent, lost in thought for a moment.
Then, as if shed made up her mind, she spoke.
Ah In that case, no helping it. Ill accompany you today.
What?
It sounded so out of nowhere, but Bella gave a reasonable explanation.
If youre doing an academy inspection, wouldnt it be more convenient to have a professor with you? Plus, your guard knight needs to be punished
Mmph??
Helga reacted to that.
But Bella continued.
Though Im just a temporary lecturer, Im still a professor. So, just for today, Ill specially accompany you on the inspection, Count.
No need.
There is a need.
Bella cut me off.
As far as I know, you have a class today.
Oh? You remember? Since were at it, how about observing my class during the inspection?
You want me to sit in on your class?
Yes. Youd be more than welcome, Count.
It didnt sound like a bad idea.
There were surely professors whod disapprove if I tried to observe classes on my own.
If Bella cooperated, I could comfortably watch the students in action.
It didnt take long to decide.
Fine. Ill leave it to you.
Hehe Good choice.
Soon, the carriage came to a stop.
Wed arrived at the academy.
As I moved to get out, Bella said,
Wait a sec.
?
Bella picked up the leash from Helgas thigh and fastened it around her neck.
Mmph??
Good girl. Whos a good puppy
Mmpf?!
Bella stroked Helgas head like one would a dog, then handed the end of the leash to Blanche.
Lady? Whats this?
Blanche, youve worked hard. You dont need to guard me today.
Yes?? What do you
Today, Ill be alone with the Count, so why dont you take the puppy for a walk around the city?
Mmph?!
Yes?! A walk?!
Helga and Blanche cried out in surprise at the same time.
But Bella ignored their protests and waved them off.
Have fun, you two.
W-Wait, Lady!
Mmmph?! Mmph! Mmmph!!
Bella quickly shut the carriage door and called to the coachman.
Take them sightseeing in the city.
Understood, Lady.
And with that, the carriage callously departed.
Caught off guard by how quickly it all happened, I was left stunned for a moment.
Bella spun around to face me with a grin.
Well It looks like theres no one left to disturb us now.
She hooked her arm through mine.
Her soft breast pressed against my elbow.
Shall we go? My Count.