Having won the battle, Roudken was surprisingly energetic. Those accustomed to fighting quickly joined forces to expedite the restoration of the castle despite the significant damage. The knights took the lead in the restoration efforts. Rensley, too, mingled among the people, working diligently to carry materials and assist in repairs.
“They say there was a bounty on Rensley for plotting a rebellion, but we didn’t believe it. We thought there was some misunderstanding among the upper ranks.”
“I heard you went on an errand only His Grace and the Knight Commander knew about. You must have worked hard.”
People threw comments at Rensley, who had been the protagonist of various rumors. Taking a break and clinking glasses, Rensley responded with a lighthearted smile.
“Oh, nothing. Thanks to everyone, I returned safely. Did you miss me while I was gone?”
Even fellow knights raised their glasses and teased him.
“Doing such important tasks already. Aren’t you making a name for yourself alone?”
“Don’t ignore us later just because you have ties with Her Grace.”
“Did you notice? Then you should show off to me instead of being jealous. Hey, everyone, line up. I’ll take care of you in order.”
Extending his hand and making a joke, Rensley’s subordinates eagerly teased him by patting his back of the hand first.
“Your rise to fame is not ordinary. You might become Her Grace, whom none of you dare to look at, if you’re not careful.”
Looking at them, Rensley smiled, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
The collective efforts for restoration were completed before sunset. Although there was still much to be done, they couldn’t do everything all at once.
Finally having some free time, Rensley temporarily set aside those who wanted to socialize and headed to the backyard. It felt strange to be back here after only being away for a few days, but it had already been several weeks since he left.
However, upon arriving near the greenhouse, Rensley let out a small exclamation. Oddly enough, despite various buildings being destroyed and burned, the greenhouse, which should have been in the worst state, remained intact, with not a single broken glass.
“Did the monsters avoid this place? Strange.”
Rensley opened the door and stepped inside. Upon entering, he swallowed a small gasp, surprised by the quiet breath of the person who had arrived first.
“Your Grace.”
“Oh. Is everything outside finished?”
“Is Your Grace also finished?”
Approaching, Rensley noticed Gezell, who was combing his slightly disheveled hair with his fingers.
“Now that I’ve just returned, you should take a day or two off. It’s okay. You don’t have to lie alone when everyone else is working.”
“You’re strong, so it’s okay. Everyone’s working, and it would be noticed if I lay alone.”
“You don’t need to be concerned about anyone else.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Rb, lo P ilnf ilxf atja, P’ii ibrf jii ws oglfcvr.”
Ktf wjc klatbea oglfcvr mibrfv tlr wbeat. Efcrifs ibbxfv ja tlw klat jc jwylueber offilcu, ecregf ktfatfg ab ijeut bg mgs.
“Xb bc, vb jr sbe qifjrf klat wjcs oglfcvr.”
“Cgf sbe ufaalcu reixs jujlc?”
Vwlilcu, Efcrifs ibbxfv jgbecv atf ugffctberf. Jbcagjgs ab fzqfmajalbcr, la kjr mifjc jcv kfii-wjlcajlcfv. Ktf mgbqr lc atf ujgvfc kfgf ogfrt jcv ilnfis, cflatfg vglfv eq cbg bnfgis glqf.
“Did someone take care of this while I was gone?”
“I did it at first, but while you were in the tower, I had to entrust it to the gardener.”
“Really? You’re good at farming too…”
“I’ve never actually tried it, but I’ve read a lot of books on farming. Following the instructions seemed to maintain it well.”
“The glass is intact too. Looks like the monsters avoided only this greenhouse.”
“That’s correct. I placed a simple barrier here.”
At that, Rensley’s eyes widened.
“A barrier? Oh? Magic?”
“Yes. Of course, it was a makeshift one that would break if you decided to destroy it… but the monsters from the recent battle couldn’t properly breach the castle walls, so they couldn’t break this far.”
“If something like that is possible, why not set up a barrier around the entire fortress or Roudken? That way, you could also prevent the monsters’ attacks, couldn’t you?”
“That would be ideal if possible. However, casting a barrier requires a lot of magical power and skill, both for casting and maintaining. It’s not something that can be perpetually sustained. Realistically, it’s an impossible story.”
Rensley nodded his head in understanding. Unfortunately, it was something unavoidable.
As a country where many aspects were moved and maintained by magic, Rensley returned from the northern tower after performing another ceremony.
It was said that anyone who knew the Duke’s secret had to go through it. An oath similar to the loyalty oath, a magical vow that prevented the disclosure of secrets. A lifelong pledge to remain loyal to the ruler, exchanging life and secrets to never leave Aldrant. An invisible shackle that would follow the person who cast the ceremony forever.
When Gezell cast the magical vow on Rensley, his expression was bitter, unlike when he cast the tracking magic, which was a mark of engagement.
“Have you tried the tomatoes I grew?”
Gezell looked slightly displeased.
“I didn’t plan on eating them alone.”
Rensley approached the area near the tomato plants. If he hadn’t eaten them in time, a considerable number of fruits would have eventually gone to waste. Regrettably, when the time passed, the food would become unusable.
Examining the field, Rensley widened his eyes slightly, then knelt down. Gezell approached.
“Is there something?”
“I think a sprout has grown from the seeds I planted a while ago. The stem has grown quite a bit.”
Pointing to a place, a small tomato stem was growing, smaller than the other trees around it.
Rensley smiled quietly. Rather than eating the slightly unripe and tart tomatoes, he wanted to bury his feelings of affection for Gezell here. He picked two of the ripest fruits. After wiping them on his sleeve, he handed one to Gezell.
“It tastes delicious even if you eat the fully ripe ones as they are. I’ll cook something for you in the evening, so why don’t you try it first?”
Gezell received it with a courteous gesture. Looking down at the ripe fruit, he muttered to himself.
“I’m finally going to eat this.”
He brought it to his mouth and took a bite as soon as he picked it up. Eating the fruit right after plucking it was a new experience for him.
A burst of vibrant vitality mixed with the scent of fresh grass exploded in his mouth. The texture was firm yet juicy, also unfamiliar to him.
“How is it?”
“It’s sweet and tangy.”
He looked at Rensley and smiled.
“It’s like you.”
“But I’m not food…”
“Metaphorically speaking, yes.”
Watching Gezell take another bite, Rensley finally took a bite of the tomato. The fully ripe fruit exuded a rich flavor that was hard to express in simple words. Rensley also smiled and marveled.
“It’s really delicious.”
“It seems so.”
“Same as Your Grace.”
At that, Gezell let out a small fake cough.
They sat facing each other on chairs inside the greenhouse, eating tomatoes. Gezell, wiping the juice off his hands, suddenly spoke as if something had crossed his mind.
“Come to think of it, you seemed to have prepared to leave this place. You won’t be using the greenhouse for that purpose anymore, right?”
“Your Grace, we agreed to let the past go.”
“This also applies to the future. You can’t imagine how confused I was because of the note you left.”
“Well! Originally… I intended to write a proper letter, but I lost the notebook I wrote it in. In a hurry, I couldn’t help but…”
Rensley’s voice, with a strained face, gradually crawled upward. Gezell nodded.
“Fortunately, Lady Samlet found the notebook for me. It was all wiped out, so it was hard to read.”
“…What? You read it?”
“It took quite a while. Still, the letter you wrote on the last page was almost intact. I could memorize a lot of it.”
“Your Grace! Please don’t. Stop teasing me!”
As if attempting a recitation, Rensley’s voice rose sharply. Gezell nodded and beckoned.
“I’m not teasing you. I deeply regret the fact that I made you think that way. I won’t do it again.”
“Your Grace, it’s in the past. Let’s not discuss it anymore.”
As Rensley muttered, Gezell this time kissed his cheek. As Gezell repeated his actions, Rensley, seemingly trying to block his mouth, initiated a kiss first.
The sunlight illuminated every nook and cranny of the greenhouse in a golden glow.
[Your Grace, I am truly grateful for everything.
Although I often felt unfortunate to be born as an illegitimate prince, I have been fortunate to have caring individuals around me who showered me with affection, even though I did not inherit royal blood. Luckily, I’ve encountered many kind friends, and I have lived a relatively enjoyable life relying on their kindness.
Yet, I have never felt truly happy. Despite knowing that there are many people who have less and endure more than me, I always felt a sense of inadequacy. The reason is that I ultimately believed there was no place in the world for my existence.
Born as the son of a king, I couldn’t be recognized as a noble or a prince. Due to my useless lineage, I couldn’t fully integrate among the commoners. I couldn’t establish a family, have a job, or possess anything of my own.
Living like a ghost, not belonging here or there, I have been convinced since some time ago that my life would be like the wind, blowing here and there, leaving nothing behind and eventually dying.
The person who created a place just for me was you, Your Grace. Thanks to you, I could always stand tall in front of you. You made me a confident person, and that was a tremendous joy and happiness for me.
Now, if I have to become a hidden existence again, I don’t think I can endure being by your side any longer. I think I will come to resent you, even myself.
I apologize for being weak and lacking perseverance despite your trust. I sincerely pray, with my remaining life, that you find happiness.
The greenhouse you created for me will never wither in my heart. You truly were an extraordinary magician.
-With love, Rensley Maelrosen]
<End of Volume 3>
🥹 thank you!
Triple release 😍
hehe~ ur welcomeee~~<33
Ahhh… I almost teared up 🥹 what a way to end a volume 🤧
Hey hey Rensley! That was a good letter. What was that about not being good at writing, or was it just missing something???
Wow that letter, I’m glad he knows how to write well. When Germ read it I bet he was feeling guilty😈👌🏾