As the time when the sun sets gradually became later, the cold was quietly deepening. One day, when Rensley, along with his knight comrades, went outside the castle walls for inspection, he unexpectedly discovered something unseen before on the plain covered with dry grass and cold soil. Jumping off his horse, he rummaged through the weeds, picked something up, and exclaimed loudly,
“Flowers have bloomed!”
It was a voice full of joy and wonder, as if he had discovered a rare herb. Seeing Rensley like that, his knight comrades laughed out loud. Stan, who approached on horseback, teased,
“Did you think no flowers would bloom here?”
“I’ve never seen them before.”
The flower buds were very small. Delicate and tiny purple petals were shyly lowering their heads, looking at the ground. It was a kind of violet flower that Rensley had often seen in Cornia.
He had always thought that flowers bloomed only in spring, and he never imagined they could bloom in the cold north like this. When living in places where flowers were common, he never considered small flowers blooming by the roadside to be special, but now, it was a moment of joy. Despite its delicate appearance, the flower was a robust plant.
Rensley carefully held the stem to avoid damaging the petals, mounted his horse again, and exclaimed,
“Spring has come!”
Stan, looking at the distant sky, murmured happily,
“It seems that spring has arrived. We won’t need much inspection for a while. The monsters must have all gone to sleep.”
“Will the knights have a break too?”
“Well, not exactly a break, but we’ll probably have a bit of free time. Not just us, but everyone in the town.”
Rensley nodded. Aldrant is similar to a country constantly at war. They live with the anxiety of not knowing when an invasion might happen, even while maintaining an orderly and peaceful daily life.
Although he couldn’t consciously feel the anxiety anymore, it seemed to Rensley that even though it hadn’t been long since he came to Aldrant, the time when that feeling completely disappears would bring great relief. Emotions like pressure and fear would only be truly felt once they were gone.
The knights welcomed Rensley warmly without asking too many questions about his sudden return after his disappearance. Although they might not believe all the stories created by Gezell, they were the king’s knights. They seemed to have no intention of questioning decisions made by their lord, and it was fortunate for Rensley.
“Let’s go back now. We have esteemed guests coming for dinner tonight, so the knights need to prepare for the welcome.”
The leader who led the members spoke loudly, and everyone turned their heads towards the castle gate. Rensley slowly guided his horse, looking around the plain. At first glance, it still seemed like the winter landscape, but he could sense the silent emergence of the vitality of life between the dry grass, partially melted ice, and the hardened ground.
It had been a considerable amount of time since the large-scale battle. The traces of the previous invasion were hard to find in the efficiently restored Roudken. Spring, like an audacious guest, had silently taken its place here and there, pushing away the long winter. What made it different from an ordinary intruder was that everyone greeted it, even though no one had invited it. People, without taking off their knight’s cloaks, greeted Rensley with smiles as he ran through the corridors.
“Hello, Rens. Come visit the laundry room sometime.”
“Yeah, I’ll come soon! Flowers have bloomed outside the castle walls. Take a breath of fresh air.”
“Don’t just say it, take me for a ride on your horse!”
“Sure! I’ll pick you up tomorrow, so wait for me.”
While exchanging greetings with people, Rensley did not stop. He quickly ascended the stairs to the second floor, then boarded the transport device, heading swiftly to his final destination.
“Hail!”
Gezell, who had been sitting at the desk, raised his head. He seemed to be reading reports or documents, but he promptly stood up and greeted Rensley as he approached. A faint smile appeared on his usually stern face. Rensley, pretending to be impressive, approached him.
“I guessed right. I thought you would be here, so I came straight up.”
“How did you know?”
“Well, esteemed guests are coming tonight. So, I thought you wouldn’t have time to focus on research or study, but you also wouldn’t want to spend all your time in a stuffy office. I figured you might come to the room with something to do.”
“As expected, you are clever.”
Rensley teased him half-jokingly, but Gezell nodded seriously. Although Rensley made the prediction playfully, Gezell seemed to take it seriously. Rensley quickly pulled out something from his hand.
“Flowers have bloomed in the fields outside the castle walls. I wanted to show you first. But they are very small flowers… and they’ve already withered a bit.”
“They are violet flowers. They bloom first around this time.”
“It seems like spring is really here now. Well, it makes sense since they went back, right?”
“Yes. From the ramparts, we can clearly see the movements of the monsters.”
The ‘esteemed guests’ coming in the evening were the defense members who spent most of the year at the northernmost point of Aldrant, the forefront of not only Aldrant but the entire continent.
Imagining the appearance of people he had never met before, Rensley felt a secret excitement. Although the knights guarding the lord and the castle in Roudken were strong and admirable, the frontline defense members seemed to give a different impression. They might be rougher, stronger, and tougher, like a gathering of beasts.
“I will meet sister[1] after a long time.”
Rensley tried to gauge Gezell’s emotions about ‘sister’ by examining the man’s expression as he mumbled to himself. However, Gezell remained expressionless, showing no particular reaction.
“Are you on good terms?”
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.
“Not bad. She used to get along well with me when I was young. After joining the defense, I can only see her face before winter comes, so it’s not the same as before…”
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“Putting flowers in my hair, really… I’m supposed to be a knight…”
“It suits you. It goes well with your eye color and your hair color.”
“Then, why don’t you put one on too?”
Rensley pulled out the stem of the violet flower from his ear and inserted it behind Gezell’s ear. Stepping back a few steps, he couldn’t help but smile at the sight. White face, pumpkin-colored eyes, long black hair, and a purple flower were harmoniously balanced like a work of art.
“Hey, you look so cool.”
After muttering a complaint, Rensley took out the flower and coughed awkwardly. The small flower was gradually wilting in the hands of the two men, moving back and forth. Seeing this, Rensley couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile.
“I guess I brought it for my own selfish reasons. I wanted this flower to properly welcome spring.”
“Give it here.”
An elegant hand, like a fully bloomed lily, took the withered flower. As he muttered a short incantation, the wilted petals, which had been shriveled, regained their bright purple color and became taut again, just like when it was freshly picked.
The sight of magic is always astonishing. Why is it that small spells that appear unexpectedly in everyday life are more magical than spells that shake the sky and the earth? Watching the revived flower, Rensley suddenly realized that the small glass bottle used to wash pens was in his hand. Gezell took the bottle and inserted the flower.
“Decorating your room with flowers is not a bad idea, in addition to enjoying the fresh air outside. It’s not common for field flowers to decorate a room in a grand castle.”
As the small flower was inserted into the small glass bottle, it looked more like a decoration suitable for the rooms of dwarves or fairies in ancient stories than a person’s room.
Cute. Rensley smiled with satisfaction, looking down at the small flower vase. Meanwhile, a large man embraced him from behind.
“Are you just going to admire the flowers?”
“Are you jealous of this poor little flower?”
Rensley turned around with a creaking sound. Nestled within Gezell’s sleeves and cloak, he lifted his head. Their lips were tantalizingly close.
Although their lips met every day, it always felt new. The kisses of winter and the kisses of spring would be different, just as the hugs of winter and the hugs of spring would be.
“My lord, it’s time to prepare to meet the defense team.”
Suddenly, a knock on the door and a voice from the other side interrupted them. Rensley took a step back with a start. The door opened, and the owner of the voice appeared.
“Oh, Rensley. Were you with His Grace?”
“Haha, yes, Lady Samlet! I had something to report directly to His Grace today.”
It was fortunate that the lips didn’t fully meet before the knock. Rensley stepped out of Gezell’s embrace and stood at a distance, awkwardly smiling loudly. Lady Samlet entered and noticed the violet flower on the desk.
“My, it’s cute. Is this what Rensley brought?”
“Yes. It’s the first time I’ve seen flowers bloom in Aldrant since I arrived. I brought one as a commemoration.”
“Oh, really. It’s the first spring that Rensley experiences in Aldrant.”
She, who had been smiling warmly, turned her head towards Gezell.
“By the way, Your Grace, what do you think Rensley should do?”
“What do you mean?”
“Since the news of Your Grace getting married is known to Princess Frida and the defense members, wouldn’t it be appropriate for Rensley to introduce himself as the Grand Duchess at tonight’s banquet? Perhaps wear the dress you bought at the last ball but didn’t wear?”
Lady Samlet might consider dressing Rensley as a new hobby rather than a forced activity. Rensley looked at her suspiciously and shook his head.
“Since they are not external guests, there’s no need to introduce him immediately today. It might be difficult for him to meet the rough defense members right away, considering he came from the south and might not be accustomed to unfamiliar and rough surroundings.”
“What do you think, Your Grace?”
Gezell replied without changing his expression.
“I will do as Maelrosen wishes.”
Rensley was satisfied, but Lady Samlet seemed disappointed. Originally, welcoming a beautiful Grand Duchess, managing her daily routines, and providing her with various beautiful dresses would have been Lady Samlet’s responsibility. Feeling sorry for taking away her joy until now…
“It’s the first day. Today, I will meet them as a knight.”
“Very well.”
Once Gezell’s answer was received, Lady Samlet quickly gave up on her goal and changed her target.
“All right, Your Grace. Then, for the welcome party, you should at least change into formal attire…”
“I’m fine. There’s no need to go to such lengths just for me. Besides, it’s not a gathering for external guests.”
“Oh my. Both of you are making the servants too idle.”
She rolled her eyes, but soon corrected her mood positively and smiled.
“Well, it’s not bad since it’s not sunny today. Moreover, Your Grace, the items you ordered last time have arrived.”
“Oh, really? Bring them in.”
“As expected, Your Grace has excellent taste. They are all truly remarkable. It’s a great honor for a humble servant like me to participate in such an event.”
Surprisingly, Gezell seemed to show a noticeable reflection. Not having heard the details, Rensley couldn’t join the conversation and observed the two, examining the atmosphere. Lady Samlet, with a smile that seemed genuinely delighted, approached the desk and gave instructions.
“Bring them in.”
As commanded, the servants who were waiting outside brought in numerous items, stacking them into a tower in the wide room. Rensley bit his lip, only flickering his eyes. Boxes of unknown contents piled up in an instant, and variously colored fabrics hung like pillars. After placing the items, the servants stepped back, and Rensley, somewhat bewildered, glanced at Gezell.
“What is all this…?”
“Rensley has been in Aldrant for quite some time. Not only has he performed his given duties well, but he also distinguished himself in the past battles. However, His Grace regretted not rewarding him properly until now. So, this time, His Grace has prepared many gifts for Rensley. It took some time to prepare with precious items, but how do you like it? Isn’t it magnificent?”
Lady Samlet explained cheerfully instead of Gezell, who nodded lowly and whispered to Rensley, “It’s an engagement gift.”
“Oh, well… My lord, all of a sudden like this…”
The lids of the boxes were quickly opened. Rings, bracelets, brooches, and cloak buttons made of expensive and rare jewels, ceremonial swords adorned with gems, delicately crafted belts and scabbards made of soft leather, and hats beautifully decorated with meticulously crafted harmony or bird feathers.
It was an overwhelming spectacle of luxury, and the once simple, elegant, and comfortable room of Gezell had transformed into a dazzling exhibition filled with all kinds of extravagance.
Not only jewels but also fabrics of various colors and glossy furs were of the highest quality, even though one could tell without touching them. It was intimidating even to touch them. Even if Rensley, as a low-ranking knight, was to use such fabrics to make clothes, when would he ever wear them? Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Rensley whispered to Gezell.
“My lord, I sincerely appreciate it, but honestly, this is too much. How can I wear such expensive things?”
“If you don’t use them, what’s the point? Jewelry and accessories are meant to be possessed. I don’t wear them often myself, but I have much more than what’s here.”
“Well, that’s because Your Grace manages the finances of the duchy. This is a different matter.”
“Didn’t you give me a gift as well?”
Then, Gezell shook a small bottle containing the violet flower. Rensley, feeling bewildered, sighed and asked Samlet, who was still excitedly organizing the fabrics.
“Madam, what do you think? Isn’t it too extravagant as a reward for a fake Grand Duchess?”
“I’m just a showpiece of the duchy, Rensley. I can’t judge such matters. Your Grace is well-known for managing finances excellently, so I don’t think Rensley needs to worry about it.”
Gezell walked towards the boxes. He picked up a ring adorned with sapphires and diamonds and held it up. Then, approaching Rensley again, he slid the ring onto his finger and looked into his eyes.
“It suits you.”
“Well, I like anything that goes well with the background. But just because something goes well doesn’t mean people can afford to have it all.”
“Why not?”
Rensley was left speechless. Despite being widely known for his lack of interest in extravagance, the Duke of Aldrant, Gezell, was thrifty and simple only because it allowed him to avoid conflicts with his interests. Realizing that, despite the ongoing struggles with the mages and the difficulties in food production, the finances of the Aldrant Duchy were being consumed quite a bit, the cost had significantly decreased since Gezell ascended to the throne.
“Um… Well… Since there seems to be no immediate use for these, I would like to ask Your Grace to keep them in storage for now.”
“Then, before storing them, let’s choose a few.”
Lady Samlet, who was pleasantly listening to their conversation, smiled and slightly bowed.
“Well, since you both say there’s no need for special preparations today, we’ll focus on getting ready for the banquet. Please come down on time, both of you. Rensley, I’d really appreciate it if you could show me what you’ve chosen later.”
“Of course! Thank you, madam.”
Lady Samlet, without showing any resentment, cast a glance and left the room. Leaving behind the treasure piled up like a mountain, Rensley scratched the back of his head.
“I didn’t even think about greeting the princess as the Grand Duchess.”
“Nothing will happen.”
“I have to deceive another person again.”
Rensley let out a light sigh. Although it would be easier to continue the lie than to face the truth he wasn’t ready to handle, he couldn’t shake off the cowardice of preferring a comfortable lie over a truthful one.
So, the golden treasures in front of him felt more like a burden on his heart. There was no intention to refuse, and once he made a decision, he could get it over with quickly. However, the words of acceptance didn’t come out willingly.
“What do you think? It might be better to inform Lady Frida. What’s your opinion?”
“Inform her? What… No way, I’m a man.”
“She won’t mind. …Although she might not be very welcoming.”
Rensley continued to stare at the unshaken face of his fiancé, who seemed to have no qualms. Considering Gezell’s character, he wondered if his cousin, Princess Frida, might be a similar person.
Nevertheless, Rensley had learned over the past few months that people in this place were not easily swayed. In other places, something that might cause an uproar and scolding would be surprising for a moment, and then they would just shrug their shoulders, nod, or shake their heads and move on. Of course, rumors might spread, but that was a separate matter.
“I will… I will follow His Grace’s intentions.”
As Rensley answered obediently, Gezell smiled more distinctly than usual. This time, there was no interference, and their lips met softly.
Their lips lightly touched, and their tongues licked each other’s tips. The ticklish laughter from before intensified into a deep kiss. Every nook and cranny inside their mouths was licked as if swallowing every inch of it. The sticky kiss seemed to have become a habit for Gezell Jivendad.
Every time his tongue scraped against the roof of his mouth, Rensley’s shoulders trembled. The long, lowered eyelashes, which had been raised and then lowered again, shivered finely.
This wasn’t Rensley’s first kiss. Before meeting him, Rensley had already kissed several people. However, a kiss that made his body tremble just by touching lips and licking tongues was something he had never imagined.
What about the nights that continued like this every day? When Rensley lived in Cornia, he never knew that there would come a day when he would accept warmth deep into his body from someone else. He had never imagined feeling the pleasure he hadn’t felt before, sometimes sobbing with a voice that didn’t sound like himself.
It was not just a relationship he had never imagined but now he felt more awkward than before. Although he had become accustomed to pleasure, Rensley Maelrosen, who accepted that pleasure, still found his own image occasionally unfamiliar.
“Um…”
After Gezell thoroughly licked around Rensley’s lips, the kiss came to a gentle end. Rensley lightly nibbled his lips, savoring the sweet aftertaste that tingled around his jaw. As Lady Samlet mentioned, guests would arrive soon, and they couldn’t afford to be disheveled like the night.
Without bothering to fully open his half-closed eyes, Rensley nestled near Gezell’s shoulder. He enjoyed the slow sweep of fingers through his hair. Closing his eyes like an animal feeling its owner’s touch, Rensley suddenly whispered a thought.
“You keep calling me Maelrosen.”
He thought it was a kind of boundary, calling each other by their first names only in bed, while using their surnames in public. However, even after the engagement, Gezell’s address remained unchanged.
Recently, even when they were alone, Gezell started calling him by his name more often, but in the presence of others, he still maintained a formal address. Well, they couldn’t suddenly reveal familiarity, especially in the current situation where they couldn’t officially announce Rensley as the Grand Duchess.
“Since everyone addresses you as they please, I find it more to my liking.”
However, the response he received was something Rensley hadn’t anticipated. Rensley lifted his head, which had been leaning on Gezell’s shoulder.
“Everyone?”
“Isn’t that the case? Ren, Renci, Rensley. I’ve thought about which name suits you best, but they’re all titles others already use. When there are many people around, I seem to be the only one who calls you Maelrosen.”
Listening to him, it made sense. From the beginning until now in Roudken, Gezell was the only one who consistently used a more respectful form of address for Rensley.
To others, it was only natural for a foreign worker and a master of the castle, nothing more. Lady Samlet, who regarded Rensley as a fake Grand Duchess, and Larcof, as well as Anton, the newly graduated knight, didn’t elevate their speech toward Rensley unless it was a special circumstance. Without responding, Gezell inquired.
“Is it uncomfortable?”
Rensley smiled and shook his head.
“No, it’s fine.”
Even if he were treated with disdain from the beginning, it didn’t matter. Stripped of his name as a consequence of defying the king, treated as a slave, or even imprisoned, there was no excuse for his actions.
And yet, his fiancé had never scolded him, let alone said a harsh word. Initially, Rensley had thought of him as rigid and formal, but even those aspects now felt like fragments of affection bestowed upon him.
“Anything is fine. If you wish, you can even call me a licentious pig or a filthy sycophant.”
“What are you saying? That will never happen.”
It was a joke, but Gezell’s expression became serious. Rensley chuckled while planting a kiss on his cheek.
In just a short while of chatting, time had flown by. Though the night ahead promised the two of them sharing kisses and intimacy until dawn, there were still tasks to be done.
“Your Grace, let’s take our time to choose the engagement gift later when we have leisure. I need to go to the Knights’ Order now, as time is running short.”
“That sounds good. See you later.”
“I may have seemed a bit surprised and reserved, but… thank you sincerely. I’ve never seen such extraordinary items before.” Rensley chuckled playfully.
Gezell accompanied his fiancé to the door of the Duke’s chamber. After another brief kiss, Rensley could finally leave the room.
[1] “누님을” (nunimeul), which is a honorific expressions that can be used to address or refer to a sister or a lady with respect
Volume 4’s cover~
Thank you!
Ren, if you don’t want the gold I’ll gladly take them 😁
let’s share the gold between ourselves👀😂
😂😂😂