As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover

“Her surname changed after the divorce. It’s ‘Servenia’ now.” “My goodness! So she divorced Count Cloette, dated Duke Lindeman, and then remarried to Marquis Servenia?” “What kind of soap opera is that? No, I heard it’s her maiden name. There are many local nobles among the Servenia branches. She must be one of them.” “I thought she might be some legendary femme fatale.” “Isn’t she, though? After all, she divorced Count Cloette for Duke Lindeman. Both are quite handsome, aren’t they? But I heard they’re even better looking in person.” “Actually, I heard Count Cloette fell in love with the Princess of Pendel, and that’s why his wife divorced him.” “Don’t bring that up in a tavern. Once that debate starts, it never ends. It’s like the chicken and egg question.” “If it were me, I’d have stuck with Count Cloette. He’s known to be the emperor’s right-hand man. The grand duke is practically just a dragon who lost its magic now.” “True. It seems His Majesty is always looking for a chance to get rid of him.” “There’s also a rumor that the grand duke seduced Lady Cloette on purpose to get a hold of His Majesty’s weakness.” “Typical of the ruthless grand duke. It’s a relief that His Majesty sent him on expeditions to curb his violence and mad tendencies. Such a dangerous person shouldn’t stay in the capital.” “Dangerous? I liked the grand duke. I haven’t seen his madness or ruthlessness, but life was the best when he was the crown prince. Things have only gotten worse since he was deposed. Plus, he’s the only one who brought back meaningful results from the Perils expedition and the dark magic incident.” “Well, what does it matter? Since the former emperor passed away, there’s no way for him to be reinstated. It’s easier to believe he’s as bad as the rumors say. The grand duke couldn’t commit treason alone, and it’s just frustrating and disappointing for us.” “Treason? Hey, watch your mouth. Our emperor is so kind. He even takes time five days a week to meet with commoners.” “That’s true. But many people around me have applied for those audiences, and not a single one got in?” “With requests coming from all over the empire, it must be hard to get an audience.” “Isn’t it strange that His Majesty makes time for commoners five times a week? I’ve heard there are many problems these days, but I haven’t heard of any being resolved. He should be busy handling those.” “People usually don’t talk about good news, only bad news. It’s probably quiet because everything’s been resolved. Even just by looking at the newspaper or the news, you hear only good things about His Majesty. How amazing must he be for that to happen?” “Well, that’s true.” “I don’t know. I haven’t been reading newspapers or the news lately. The world there seems fine, but it’s hard to make a living.” “Anyway, putting everything else aside, why is Lady Luize di Servenia back in the capital, riding around on a horse?” “That’s the road leading to the Central Square. Now that you mention it, I’m curious. Maybe she’s meeting someone? Could it be her ex-husband? There were rumors she broke up with the grand duke.” “That sounds interesting. I’m free right now, so I’ll go check who she’s meeting. She’s moving so slowly that I think I can catch up on foot.” “Great. Tell us all about it when you get back! I’ll buy you a beer tonight!” “Just a beer?” “Grilled chicken too!” “Deal!” People shared rumors and information they knew about Luize, paying close attention to her movements. At first, Luize entered the capital without much thought, but she began to feel tense as she noticed the gazes and the presence of a few people following her. I didn’t realize this would attract so much attention. She had always been the center of rumors, but this was the first time she had attracted such direct attention. Soon, Luize arrived at the fountain in Central Square without delay. For some reason, the water in the large magical fountain of Central Square was tinged with a pale pink color. “Was the fountain water always that color…?” As Luize dismounted and looked at the fountain in confusion, she heard the sound of a carriage entering the square. Turning to the sound, she saw a carriage bearing the Lindeman family crest, a silver hawk with wings spread wide, arriving. Edward, in a luxurious uniform, stepped out and walked towards her. Despite his quick steps, his movements were perfect, and his handsome face made her marvel at the fact that this man was hers. Finally, they stood face to face. “I missed you. You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting, Miss Luize,” Edward said loudly, making his longing clear. Luize smiled brightly. Just seeing his face made her smile. “Me too.” She moved into his arms and hugged him around the waist. Edward tensed slightly before gently wrapping his arms around her head and waist. He whispered in her ear. “…I meant every word. You’ve attracted quite a crowd by performing your task so perfectly. I was anxiously waiting for you, wanting to see you as soon as possible. I didn’t want to be apart for even a moment.” “Same here. But we still have to do our jobs properly. Did you change the fountain’s color?” “Yes.” “It’s beautiful.” “Shall I summon an orchestra for you?” Luize chuckled quietly. “No fireworks?” “If you want, anything is possible.” “No, thank you.” They pulled away from their hug and looked at each other closely. “I think a long kiss would be nice. Someone might need time to capture our story in a painting.” “I agree wholeheartedly.” The crowd cheered at their kiss. Some whistled and clapped, some excitedly talked about the couple to those nearby, and others… “It’s a scoop, a scoop!” Quickly sketching the scene, someone ran off to write an article. * * *As the carriage entered the mansion, those waiting rushed to the front gate. Unlike the commotion in the square, this was a joyous commotion. Luize smiled brightly as she stepped out of the carriage. “Ren, Maxion! Sir Knights!” “Hahaha! Welcome, Lady Luize!” “Glad to have you back!” “… It’s been a while.” After Hendrik, Robin, and Aiven greeted her, Maxion smiled lightly and spoke. “Welcome back, Luize.” “Pipi-!” [Luize-!] Ren ran and leaped into the air, aiming for Luize, but landed comfortably in Edward’s arms. “…I didn’t even interfere this time, so what’s going on?” Edward asked, bewildered. In fact, Ren was even more bewildered. “Ppii. Pipippi?” [Why is Human Edward here? Did you swap places with Luize?] “Miss Luize has been standing there from the beginning.” “Ppi?” Luize withdrew her open arms with a disappointed face. She looked down with a bitter smile. “It seems Ren has gotten very close to Edward. It’s my fault for leaving you behind…” Ren, sweating nervously, shook its head vigorously. “Pipi, ppi! Ppippippippi pipi ppii…” [Luize, no! It’s just that Human Edward smells like you…] Sniff sniff. Ren sniffed Edward again, frowning in confusion. The little dragon tapped Edward’s arm with its tiny claws. “Ppii. Pipi.” [Anyway, put me down. I’ll go to Luize on my own.] “Alright.” Edward put Ren down, and Ren immediately climbed up Luize’s dress and into her arms. “Pipi-!” [Luize, I missed you-!] “I missed you too, Ren.” Ren rubbed its face against her neck happily but suddenly stopped. “Ppi. Ppippi.” [Why does it smell so weird here, like another dragon has marked this territory?] Ren furrowed its brow and clutched its head with its front paws. “Ppiii! Ppi?” [You two smell like you’ve become one! Why is that?] Edward, who was listening to Ren, quickly realized why Ren was confused. If this continued, it seemed like the baby dragon might come to an emotionally troubling conclusion. “Maxion.” “Yes. Luize, it seems Ren isn’t feeling well.” “Ppii? Ppiii. Ppiippippi…” [What? I’m feeling fine. But I think I might figure it out soon…] Ren tilted its head as if deep in thought.