I Became the Husband of a Sword Demon

Asulin and I spent our holiday on the bed, with no major incidents to disrupt the smooth course of the day, thanks to the minor commotion caused by the scar on her back.

Exploring the city of Dragoon City, seeing Asulin’s different sides, felt significant, but…

“The warmth your body provides feels like a special device.”

Watching Asulin, who leaned her shoulder against me and began to speak, created a situation just as meaningful.

When someone offers their shoulder, and another leans on it, that person can enjoy a comfortable moment.

Even though I was merely lending my body, the satisfaction rising inside made my heart flutter and my face flush.

It wasn’t just because the distance had lessened; it was more than that.

“It has a pleasant scent.”

The scent she carried, which I often noticed recently, sharply invaded my nose as soon as she leaned her shoulder on mine.

Even in the cold winter, it was a noble fragrance reminiscent of wildflowers just before they bloomed.

Among the senses, olfaction is one that significantly impacts human memory, not unlike sight or hearing.

Because of this scent, the events of last night became clearer in my mind than when I first woke up, causing my face to flush.

“Andy, your face is turning red. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Her words were barely exchanged, yet her concern was evident from the dramatic change in her expression.

If I were to be honest, it might lead to an embarrassing situation, so I’ll have to dodge it.

“It seems the scent is much stronger today, and I couldn’t help but blush. Did you put on perfume?”

I started to make up an excuse based on the reality.

“…Really?!”

I didn’t understand why, but now Asulin’s entire face was redder than mine.

“Why is Asulin blushing more than me? What’s going on?”

The reason came quickly.

“I don’t use perfumes. In battlefields, if I used them, I could be easily tracked, so it became a habit not to use them…”

“…Ah.”

Asulin realized that the scent she sensed was not from perfume but her natural scent. She felt embarrassed without knowing why.

“…I wasn’t being delicate enough in front of her, even if we were a married couple.”

That’s why I immediately expressed my apology.

But instead of accepting it, Asulin said,

“Was the scent nice?”

She turned her body and held me tightly with both arms, maintaining the distance.

Maybe she wanted to avoid showing her blushing face to me, narrowing the gap between us.

Then, the response should be considerate enough to minimize her embarrassment.

“I almost lost myself in the scent. Now, whenever I smell it, I think of you.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, Asulin’s body, which was close to me, trembled significantly.

It was probably due to the sudden shock of my answer. Without seeing her face, I couldn’t tell if it was just surprise or other emotions mixed in.

“Thank you… for liking me…”

Even though her voice, expressing gratitude, didn’t reveal her face, it warmed my heart.

I realized how bad it was for my heart to hear Asulin use a cutesy tone to express her true feelings during important moments.

While I decided to prevent such situations from happening again, a small desire arose to hear such tones often.

Looking at Asulin squirming in my embrace, her blue hair caught my eye, flowing gracefully.

Even when I first saw her on the battlefield, she was beautiful, but then I only remembered the coldness symbolizing the harsh northern winter.

Now, after time passed, I recalled the warmth within her, rather than the coldness of her hair color.

Did she expect this? Even when we first clashed swords on the battlefield, I believed one of us would have to die for it to end.

“Andy, do you know?”

“Know what?”

“Just like you feel a good scent from me, I also feel something when I’m close to you.”

Who would have thought we’d be having such heartfelt conversations in bed?

…Wait, did she say she feels something when she’s close to me?

Have I been lightly washed today?

Gulp—

As soon as I realized this, my body involuntarily tensed up.

Last night, with nothing else in mind except becoming one, I didn’t notice the sticky sensation that might cause discomfort.

Just like Asulin was surprised by her own scent, I might have exposed her to my sweaty, unpleasant body.

Is this how couples become similar?

Feeling awkward and apologetic, I tried to create some space between us.

But Asulin rejected my gesture and tightened her hold on me.

“This is perfect… really…”

…I wasn’t in a good state.

Even though I hadn’t taken a proper bath, the scent from my body shouldn’t have been pleasant.

“But your body smells like the prairie. It’s refreshing, like the wide open plains that give off a fresh scent.”

Listening to Asulin describe what she smelled, my arm, which was about to pull away, lost its strength and gently rested on her back.

“I was worried about not cleaning properly, but your words eased my worries.”

I softly expressed my relief.

“Phew… Even if you’re my husband, it’s not easy to casually mention that you smell. And if I always smell good, why would I lie?”

“…Every day?”

“Oh.”

In my conversation with Asulin, who seemed momentarily stunned, I suddenly realized what I had said.

Every day. So, since our marriage, every night, Asulin had come into my embrace…

“When I first smelled you, it was comforting, so I kept coming back to your embrace out of habit.”

For a moment, I couldn’t help but smile softly.

Throughout my life, abandoned by my father and living in orphanages and alleys, I never heard anyone say I had a pleasant scent.

Compared to that life, this connection, even if fleeting, felt like a miracle.

“If I hadn’t met you, I would never have heard such a thing.”

Trying to hide my embarrassment, I sincerely expressed my gratitude.

Given Asulin’s personality, I expected her to respond appropriately, regardless of the form.

“But there’s something I want to ask.”

Instead of responding to my gratitude, Asulin started asking for something.

Hmm, does she have a request for me in this situation?

“Do you have something to ask me?”

I urged her to speak, noticing her hesitation.

“I think I can’t sleep without your embrace anymore…”

…

Hearing Asulin’s unexpected words, I felt as if I had been hit on the head with a hammer.

What should I do with this sudden declaration?

While I had a vague idea of what she might say next, it didn’t bother me.

“As the future Duke of the Caladborg Dukedom, I command you, Andy Myion, to always be by my side when it’s time to sleep.”

Hearing her serious tone, which I usually reserved for servants and retainers, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“…Don’t laugh. I’m serious…”

Feeling slightly hurt, Asulin lightly tapped my chest with her fists.

Even though her punches lacked power, they were still playful.

“Don’t laugh…”

Her voice, bordering on a sob, made her taps sound like a mix of trouble and affection.

So, I pulled Asulin closer to me, tightening my grip.

The distance between us narrowed again.

“Hiiit…!!”

Asulin let out a startled cry, surprised by our sudden closeness.

“So, you want me to do this every night when it’s time to sleep?”

Still with a smile, I asked.

“…Idiot.”

After a brief reply, Asulin wrapped her arms around me, ending the playful struggle.

From the way she hugged me tightly, it seemed she was very satisfied with my response.

“You’re cute.”

“…Huhu! Don’t say such things suddenly.”

She was truly adorable. Her slightly startled and pouty voice added to it.

“Grand gestures like last night are nice, but just knowing I’m with you makes me happy.”

Even though she’s the owner of the Caladborg Dukedom and one of the empire’s greatest warriors, her simple sentiment felt genuine.

Life that once seemed destined to wither in the nameless tomb of a forced marriage now felt full of promise.

“Looks like the sun is setting.”

“Then… shall we lie in bed together?”

“…I wish you would hold me tightly like this…”

With every important moment, my wife’s playful behavior made me feel like I was blossoming all over again.

This was how our first day as a married couple ended.

I wonder what tomorrow holds for us?

There might be good news, or perhaps unexpected challenges.

I hope good times are shared, and difficult times are faced together, especially so she doesn’t have to endure them alone.

Splat— Splat—

Even though it was early evening, I cherished the warmth of Asulin’s steady breathing in my arms.

Kissing her forehead, I concluded the day.

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