Chapter 54 Part 5: Did You Think I’d let You Go?

The greenery was lush and verdant.

The weather had warmed considerably.

Spring had fully arrived in the land of Elchen, in Arnad.

Rosa had returned to the Archduke’s residence.

The past month felt like a dream.

It was already the middle of the fifth month of the year.

From the beginning of spring to the height of spring.

It had been two months since Caron’s return.

Rosa continued to move her pen nib.

[How are you? Caron. Spring has fully arrived here in Arnad.]

When she wrote a letter, Caron would reply from time to time.

[You’re not hurt, are you? I hope not.]

Rosa wrote those words with a desperate heart.

Just worried about Caron.

She couldn’t relax when she was idle.

Of course, Rosa remembered.

[Don’t worry.]

The one phrase Caron had left her.

Suddenly, the memory of that time came to mind.

Rosa reminisced about that night.

Mary had brought her the news.

[The Archduke’s forces are marching out tomorrow morning!]

When she came to her senses, she was already running.

Caron was going to the battlefield.

Upon learning that fact.

The place Rosa ran to was the residence where the Cardinal was staying.

[Cardinal Lazaro-!]

She had asked for help like that.

She remembered the Cardinal looking at her, panting, with a surprised expression.

In the end, Rosa made it in time.

The Cardinal gave her a carriage and an escort.

The bridge was lowered again.

Caron came running to her.

“Rosa.”

And then he hugged her.

Caron said.

[Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.]

The memory of that time already felt so long ago.

There were successive reports of victory, but Rosa was still worried about Caron.

Every night when she went to sleep, she held the necklace Caron had given her.

Tightly clutching it.

Somehow, it made her feel at ease. As if she were with him, at least in spirit.

She could sleep peacefully.

So it was a long time for Rosa.

That evening.

She was with Freya.

Quite an appetizing array of desserts was laid out before the two of them.

Moist apple pie, crispy scones.

Warm goat’s milk and sweet peach preserves.

“Really. Your Grace. How did you come up with such a thing?”

That was what Freya said.

Rosa agreed.

“Yes. I know.”

Even at that moment, the sweet peach melted in her mouth.

Laughing and chatting together.

The two shared a small conversation.

“You know? Your Grace. There’s a delicacy that goes well with peach preserves.”

“A delicacy..?”

“Would you like to try it?”

“Sure.”

Freya expertly poured the preserves into the goat’s milk.

Then she crumbled several pieces of scone and put them in.

“It’s quite an unusual combination, isn’t it? But try it. It’s absurdly delicious.”

Rosa tried it.

Indeed, it was as she had assured.

The savory and sweet flavors mixed with the fine texture of the scone.

“Hmm- it really is.”

Rosa marveled at the taste.

The two had grown quite close in the past month.

‘I’m not awkward with Freya anymore.’

That was Rosa’s inner thought.

Freya was her personal maid.

Naturally, they spent a lot of time together, and the distance between them had narrowed considerably.

“Your Grace. You must miss him very much.”

Freya now spoke such words without hesitation.

Because Rosa had suddenly stopped moving.

“Huh..?”

Rosa was caught thinking again.

“It’s all over your face, Your Grace.”

“..Is it?”

In fact, Rosa had just been thinking of Caron.

While she was enjoying such delicious desserts, she suddenly worried if Caron was eating properly.

As if reading her mind.

“He’ll be fine. If it’s the Archduke. Please don’t worry.”

She was like an older sister comforting her younger sibling, taking care of Rosa in a friendly way.

“Here, try the apple pie. This is quite delicious too.”

Freya said with a smile.

Such a harmonious mealtime.

It was a dinner like any other, with Caron absent.

“Your Grace! Good news!”

Until Hamel suddenly came running into the room.

“Please forgive my rudeness!”

But Hamel’s expression was very bright.

He was full of excitement.

“The Archduke is returning!”

Rosa jumped up from her seat.

Two days later.

Caron really did return.

Boo-woo- Boo-woo-

Two horn blasts sounded.

Dirt, sweat.

Along with sharp blades.

The Archduke’s forces entered.

The flag at the very front was blue.

Waaa-

Cheers erupted in the avenue.

The blue flag signified victory.

People gladly applauded and cheered.

The troops, having climbed the sloping avenue, finally stopped at the square.

Black hair fluttering in the wind. Two red eyes, coolly downcast.

It was definitely Caron standing on the platform.

A short speech followed.

Fortunately, Caron didn’t appear to be injured.

“Well then, good work everyone. Dismissed.”

Only then did the soldiers cheer.

Waaa-

Men embracing each other. Men collapsing to the ground, exhausted.

Those who sighed in relief.

Thus ended the Archduke’s expedition.

It was a literally overwhelming victory for the Archducal House.

All four families had fallen.

In a way, it was a foregone conclusion.

They were already in Caron’s grasp from the beginning.

“…”

And.

Their eyes met.

Caron slowly approached.

It had been nearly two months since they had seen each other.

Rosa couldn’t find the words.

Her heart swelled with relief.

She was so glad to see Caron again.

Hug-

Only when Caron hugged her did she finally feel the reality of this moment.

The feel of cold armor, and the faint smell of dirt.

Only then did Rosa open her mouth.

“Caron. You did well.”

Caron nodded silently.

Then he looked back at his staff officers and said.

“You are all dismissed as well. I will return to the inner castle with the Archduchess.”

“Yes. Understood.”

The staff officers dispersed.

Only then did Caron look down at Rosa again.

“How have you been?”

His voice was eerily pleasant to hear.

“Good.”

Rosa nodded.

Then Caron’s large hand snatched hers.

There was a carriage, but the two walked without getting in.

“I’m a bit disappointed. I haven’t been doing well.”

She could naturally understand what that meant.

Rosa’s face turned slightly red.

‘I felt the same way, actually.’

But she didn’t say it out loud.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

Instead, she asks again, just in case.

Caron answers her question.

“As you can see. I’m fine.”

A moment of silence lingered.

So overwhelmed by each other’s warmth.

Still, not quite able to believe it.

Meanwhile, the inner castle came into view.

“Rosa. There’s still work to be done.”

Caron, who had arrived at the first-floor hall, said.

“After the meeting, shall we have dinner together then?”

Naturally, Rosa didn’t even hesitate.

“Let’s do that. Then.”

“Alright.”

And Caron immediately went into the meeting.

Rosa returned to her room.

She brushed off the dirt from her clothes.

In fact, she was still dazed.

Caron had returned.

And without a single injury.

‘I’m so relieved. Really.’

So deeply relieved from the bottom of her heart.

Leaning against the wall, Rosa closed her eyes.

The reunion of the two was more subdued than expected.

Her heart was actually pounding.

She had been dazed until just now.

But gradually, a happy sensation spread throughout Rosa’s body.

Since when had she become like this?

She didn’t know, even when she asked herself.

Really, at some point, Caron’s presence had become so large.

She was just happy. At this moment.

“You have a big smile on your face. It’s good to see, Your Grace.”

That was what Freya said.

“-“

Rosa was startled.

She was so out of it.

She had forgotten that Freya was in the room.

‘That means she saw my reaction from the beginning.’

Rosa wanted to hide in a mouse hole.

Ahem-

Rosa cleared her throat and said as if making an excuse.

“Well, it’s a good thing. He came back without getting hurt, after all.”

Freya replied with a smile.

“Yes. It is a good thing. I just meant it’s good to see.”

Rosa looked so happy.

Freya, with a smile, asked the question she had prepared in advance.

“Ah, so Your Grace. The head maid asked me to inquire.”

“Yes. What is it?”

“The consummation night, Your Grace.”

Freya’s expression was as if she were saying something obvious.

“Co, consummation night..?”

Rosa was momentarily flustered.

Consummation night, what was she talking about?

Freya tilted her head instead.

“Since the Archduke has returned after nearly two months. It is customary for the two of you to have a consummation night.”

Originally, once a month. A couple must have a consummation night.

It was a system to prevent the ills of loveless arranged marriages.

It was a natural system in noble society.

As that consummation had been delayed, it had to be carried out in the near future.

“As I mentioned yesterday, the head maid has assigned that day for today.”

It was the head maid’s authority. And the consideration of an experienced noblewoman.

It was such an obvious common sense, wasn’t it?

The Archduke had just returned from the battlefield.

He was clearly in the prime of his life and must have endured a lot.

And the two had feelings for each other.

In this situation, would the Archduke just let the night pass by, leaving his lovely wife alone?

“Um.. So. Should I come to work in the afternoon tomorrow?”

This was also a natural custom.

To leave the couple alone all morning after they had their consummation night.

“Ahaha..”

Rosa laughed. Of course, it was a laugh that came from embarrassment.

But she knew.

‘I can’t refuse the consummation night, anyway.’

It would look strange, and besides, they had gotten through the consummation night fine last time.

Eventually, Rosa’s answer was decided.

“Um. Do that, Freya.”

She felt her face burning, as if she were being seen for that purpose.

But the preparations proceeded.

And this time, for some reason, it was quite serious.

“It’s the Archduke you’ve been missing so much.”

“Your Grace. We will help you.”

Freya and the head maid, with their warm smiles, seemed to share a single purpose.

‘Tonight, the consummation night, make Her Grace the most beautiful in the world.’

Rosa barely managed to dissuade the two, who even offered to help her bathe.

Eventually, it happened.

Pushed by others, Rosa finished preparations for the consummation night.

Rosa was sitting in her room.

Freya had just left.

“Then, have a good night. Your Grace.”

Leaving that subtle goodbye.

Rosa was honestly perplexed.

‘Consummation night..’

She didn’t expect it to be set so suddenly.

And it had been a few months since the two had met.

The meeting at the monastery was already a month and a half ago.

She knew. The approaching Caron.

And herself, who wouldn’t be able to refuse him.

So she couldn’t help but be conscious of it.

The consummation night that would take place tonight.

Would there really be nothing between the two?

It was hard to guarantee that.

Rosa knew she would be swayed by Caron.

It was true that she was worried.

But she was too embarrassed to think about exactly what she was worried about.

She just liked Caron.

She enjoyed being with him and looked forward to their time together.

And they were different genders, so it was inevitable that they would be attracted to each other.

In fact, thinking about it more only made her feel strange.

‘Today is the day Caron returned.’

Rosa decided to just think that.

There was no need to worry in advance.

It would be more strange to be nervous.

Having made that decision, she finally opened the door and entered Caron’s room.

The chandelier was dimly lit.

A table was laden with food.

As expected, Caron wasn’t there yet.

For some reason, Rosa wanted to check her appearance again.

Clearing her throat for no reason, she stood in front of a mirror on one side.

She wasn’t wearing her usual hairpin.

Her wavy silver hair flowed down in waves.

A slender, supple waist. The curve of her flexible hips.

A pert nose, and light pink lips.

Honestly, she looked quite pretty even to herself.

The dress she was wearing now was a sheer, one-piece dress.

And through the white dress, one could slightly see her inside.

‘Hmm. This is a bit..’

She was actually a little embarrassed.

But it was a bit too much to change now.

Anyway, Freya and the head maid. It was the dress the two had chosen.

She felt like she shouldn’t change it, out of consideration for their efforts.

So Rosa waited for Caron.

How much time had passed?

Just as she was dozing off, Caron finally entered the room.

“Sorry. I’m late.”

His usual, nonchalant expression.

He was dressed neatly, having washed up before the meeting.

“You’re here.”

Rosa got up and greeted him.

Immediately, his gaze fell on her.

A moment of inexplicable silence passed between the two.

Rosa was the first to speak.

She said with an awkward expression.

“Did you know it was the consummation night?”

“Of course.”

Caron nodded as if it were nothing.

Then he pointed slightly to his neck.

Rosa stood in front of Caron as if it were natural.

“This is also.. It’s been a while.”

Swoosh-

Quite skillfully.

Rosa untied Caron’s cravat, standing on her tiptoes.

So she didn’t see.

That Caron’s two eyes were taking her in.

Truly kind, and lovely.

His childhood friend who had been with him.

But now he wanted more than that.

Chuckle-

Caron laughed softly.

As if he had finally realized it.

“Rosa.”

His calm gaze slowly changed color.

“The meeting just ended. It was a meeting about post-war settlements.”

As if reciting, as if reporting to her.

“Now, the fighting in Elchen is over.”

Caron spoke with such certainty.

“Over? Completely?”

“Yes.”

Those words surprised Rosa.

Caron never spoke idly.

‘Then those words just now..’

It was true.

Caron had completely pacified Elchen. It was a sound that came from that confidence.

“I see the meaning of that flower.”

At Caron’s words, Rosa’s face suddenly turned red.

“I was happy. For a moment, I couldn’t think of anything.”

At that honest confession, Rosa’s eyes gradually widened.

Hug-

Strong arms and a broad chest pulled her in.

It wasn’t calm as she had thought.

A volcanic heat was revealed on the surface of Caron’s two red eyes.

“I missed you. Rosa. Every night. Every time I woke up.”

In fact, every moment they were apart.

He had missed Rosa terribly.

It wasn’t the screams of the battlefield or the crises that came over and over again that tormented him.

The gaze in Caron’s eyes as he spoke those words.

The emotion engraved in his heart.

The force of his embrace around Rosa grew stronger.

“You were the only one for me.”

The air around them gradually heated up.

Rosa couldn’t say anything.

In fact, she was the same as Caron.

But it was somewhat embarrassing to say those words out loud.

Flame-

Rosa’s face was burning.

But even so, she looked up at Caron’s face.

Of course, in the end, she was the one who looked away first.

“R, right. Shall we eat dinner first?”

Caron answered immediately.

“I am hungry. But I’m craving something else more.”

Thud-

Rosa pushed Caron away for no reason.

“Don’t. Say such cringey things.”

Of course, Caron, who was bigger than her, didn’t budge at all.

Still, their embrace was broken.

“I mean it.”

Caron’s expression was so serious.

In the end, it was always like this, but Rosa ended up losing.

“Ah, come on.”

Rosa didn’t know what to do.

When Caron pulled her, she was helplessly embraced in his arms.

“Do you.. not like it?”

To that question.

She couldn’t answer and turned her head away.

Caron slowly lowered his head.

His hot breath was felt on Rosa’s nose.

“Ugh-“

The next moment, their heads overlapped.

Soon, the sound of lips moistening each other. Their breaths quickened.

It was the beginning of a promised night, as if it were destined to happen someday.