In the greenhouse, the tomatoes were ripening well. Eggplants, long squash, radicchio, arugula, and other vegetables were growing without any issues. Olive saplings were also planted on one side of the greenhouse, but it would take some time before they bore fruit.
The brief pause in dress selection and dance practice was over. Gezell had a meeting to attend and needed to return to the office. Rensley, considering Gezell’s long absence, decided to prepare a simple snack.
After a lengthy meeting, even for someone as composed as Gezell, a refreshing salad accompanied by a glass of low-alcohol wine could serve as a pleasant way to end the day. Rensley felt light-hearted since this was a dish that required no cooking. As people left the empty kitchen, Rensley hummed a tune while slicing tomatoes and grilling salt-sprinkled eggplants. He finely chopped goat cheese, prepared a sauce with oil and herbs, and assembled the dish.
Contemplating where to take the finished dish, Rensley decided to visit the laboratory. Gezell often headed to the laboratory after a long meeting instead of going straight to the bedroom. Perhaps it was his way of relieving fatigue.
Thinking that the laboratory would likely be empty by now, Rensley decided to wait there and return to the room if it got too late. Since the food wouldn’t lose its taste from cooling down, it seemed like a good plan.
Despite knocking politely, there was no response. Rensley inserted the key Gezell had given him into the keyhole, but it turned out to be futile; the door was not locked.
“Hmm?”
Had the meeting ended already? Perhaps, upon entering, Rensley could play a teasing game with a kiss. With a mischievous smile, Rensley opened the door.
“Rensley! Long time no see.”
However, upon identifying the person inside the laboratory, Rensley quickly composed himself. Opening his mouth recklessly without confirming who it was could have led to an awkward situation.
“Long time indeed. I knocked on the door, but there was no answer, so I thought it was empty. But since the door opened, I was worried if there might be an intruder or something.”
“Oh, sorry about that. Sometimes, when I’m focused, I don’t hear sounds well. I came to get something I forgot and ended up getting absorbed in it. Did you join the knights for patrolling or something?”
The person guarding the laboratory wasn’t Gezell, but the head of the Mages’ Guild, Larcof. He put down the vial he was holding and approached, widening his eyes. Pushing up his glasses, he focused his gaze.
“Wait, isn’t this a tomato and eggplant dish?”
“Ah, yes. Lately, I’ve taken an interest in cooking. It turned out to be quite a large quantity, so I’ve been sharing it around.”
“Amazing. I’ve never seen fresh tomatoes in Aldrant. I’ve tried dried ones a few times, though.”
It seemed the Duke hadn’t mentioned anything about the backyard greenhouse to the head of the Mages’ Guild. Rensley, mumbling vague explanations, placed the plate down.
“I sneaked into the kitchen because I was hungry. I’m originally from Cornia, and this is a dish I used to eat frequently there. I made it because it reminded me of home.”
“Ah, Cornia! I visited Cornia a long time ago. It still remains in my memory. Celestine is truly a beautiful city. There was no place as abundant and delicious in food and drink. Although these days, it has become a bit intimidating for mages to visit, it wasn’t like that in the past.”
While Rensley pondered how to gracefully offer a not-so-plentiful salad to the Duke without creating a fuss, Larcof extended a dark-colored bottle tied to his waist.
“Coincidentally, I have this. Personally imported peach liquor from Pheraira. I’ve been contemplating when to open it; they say it has a strong, sparkling taste using a new brewing technique.”
So, Rensley and Larcof sat side by side in front of the long table where the salad plate was placed. Pushing aside scattered books and experimental materials, they poured the liquor into plain glasses.
Before taking a sip, Rensley inclined his nose. The tangy aroma enveloped his face like a floral fragrance. As he swallowed a mouthful, the tip of his tongue tingled. Rensley’s evaluation followed.
“It’s not as sweet as I expected.”
“Not to your taste?”
“No, I prefer it this way. It’s refreshing and delicious!”
“The dish Rensley made is exquisite. The refreshing taste of tomatoes, the rich flavor of grilled eggplants, all enveloped in cheese, oil, and herb aromas—such a fresh combination. It’s truly impressive. Who would have thought I’d get to eat such food here? Although, Rensley, you’re aware of Roudken’s lack of culinary skills, right? For us, it’s fine to dine out occasionally, but for Lord Roudken, having to eat the cook’s food every day must be challenging. Fortunately, his Lordship is quite indifferent when it comes to eating and drinking, so there haven’t been any issues.”
Indeed, it seemed that everyone knew each other. However, Rensley, closer to Reyna than Larcof, couldn’t bring himself to agree too readily. He sipped the precious liquor more slowly. Larcof, spearing both tomatoes and eggplants with a fork, swallowed and asked, “How have you been lately? I suppose joining the knights has made life more bearable?”
“It’s not just bearable; it’s far from that. If his Lordship had asked me to stay in the room all the time, I might have endured it for a while, but I would probably have escaped or kept going outside and ended up neglecting my duties. It’s a decision his Lordship made about me without knowing me well. Joining the knights and establishing a presence in Aldrant. His Lordship is truly wise.”
“Although it must be tough with the secret double life… Hang in there a bit longer. I hear this lifestyle won’t last much longer.”
“What?”
“It’s about his Lordship’s new duchess. I don’t pay much attention to court affairs, and it’s not my business, but I heard that after scrutinizing several candidates, it’s almost decided. You know, there’s a small country not far from Cornia called Isren. The younger brother of their king still has an unmarried daughter of age. They say they’ll officially push for it once the upcoming banquet is over. Oh, didn’t you know?”
Though he hadn’t consumed much alcohol yet, Rensley’s tongue felt heavy, as if paralyzed. He gulped down the remaining liquor. As he savored the sweet peach aroma all at once, his head spun, and his speech quickened.
“I heard they were preparing, but I didn’t know how far it had progressed.”
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.
“Well, it’s not something that concerns people like us. With you joining the knights and settling in Aldrant, there’s no need for a separate explanation to the people. It seems his Lordship is handling things quite well.”
“Tfr. P tbqf la ufar rbgafv bea delmxis. Pa’r alglcu ab wjlcajlc atlr vbeyif ilof, jr atf wjuf rjsr.”
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“Some nobles aren’t pleased about preparing banquets during this time. It’s strange. He’s not interested in ruling, and it’s not his job, but he insists on holding a banquet precisely at this time.”
“…They say it’s to entertain the Emperor’s envoy before spring comes. Diplomacy is the king’s duty, after all.”
“Anyway, banquets don’t have to be held at a fixed time. It would be more convenient to have it after the new marriage is decided, wouldn’t it? You’ve already joined the knights, and settled in Aldrant, so you won’t be busy preparing for the banquet.”
“That’s true. Before coming to Aldrant, have you traveled to many other countries, Mage?”
As the topic changed, the conversation smoothly transitioned into other stories. In a good mood from the food and drink, the mage shared fascinating experiences, claiming to have worked under three kings and even been active in a union of continent mages for a while. While he enjoyed socializing, political conflicts arose wherever the number of mages increased, and he eventually grew weary. So, he secluded himself, focusing on research and writing during that period.
It was around that time, not long after succeeding to the throne, that an invitation arrived from the young Duke. Intrigued by his books, the Duke expressed a desire to meet him in person and seek his opinions. Larcof made his first journey to the northern lands, where he found a place more comfortable than anywhere else, despite frequent battles with magical creatures. The mage settled there as the season of the Ice Festival continued.
As the imported bottle gradually emptied, the mage shared more of his past. Rensley, deeply immersed in the mage’s eloquent narrative, nodded along.
“It seems you’re using the royal laboratory as a tavern.”
A foreign voice interjected. Rensley turned his head abruptly.
Whether it was due to the alcohol or their engrossing conversation, neither of them noticed when another person opened the door and entered. Larcof chuckled and stood up as the newcomer entered.
“I apologize for intruding. I left my notes here during the day and came back to retrieve them but got sidetracked by some other experiments. In the meantime, Sir Rensley here was apparently patrolling and happened to bring in a snack. Since I had some drinks on hand, I thought we could share a glass. Rensley, wouldn’t it be better for you to work in the kitchen rather than joining the knights? Your culinary skills are truly excellent.”
“It’s advisable to refrain from snacks in the laboratory when it’s not mealtime, especially consuming food at the desk where you handle potions.”
“I apologize, Your Grace. It was my mistake for bringing food here.”
Rensley felt embarrassed and bowed his head. He hadn’t known that it was inappropriate to eat in the laboratory when it wasn’t mealtime. He had certainly been eating here without a word of reproach from Duke Gezell, who, without expressing any displeasure, had allowed him to eat without criticism whenever he brought food.
“It’s alright to share food you’ve cooked. The rules for using the laboratory are the responsibility of the users, and it’s not for the Duchess to apologize.”
“You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind. Rensley, thank you for the meal today. I’ll be heading back now. Your Grace, I’ll take my leave.”
Taking advantage of the distraction caused by Gezell’s attention toward Rensley, Larcof swiftly offered a hasty apology and left the laboratory. Even though the mage had talked to him, Gezell didn’t look back and took one more step toward Rensley.
“Raise your head. I told that to Larcof, not to you.”
As Rensley lifted his head in compliance with Gezell’s words, the Duke’s gaze was directed at the empty plate. Rensley quickly picked up the plate from the desk and hid it behind him.
“It was nothing. Just a little salad… I thought you were here, Your Grace, so I opened the door, and the mage was here.”
“What kind of salad was it?”
“I mixed tomatoes, eggplants, and cheese… Your Grace, I can make it again whenever the tomatoes are ripe! I didn’t realize you weren’t here, and I used up all the ripe ones, so it’s difficult right now.”
“…When can I taste this tomato you speak of?”
“They’ll ripen soon. In a few days, there will be several bright red ones.”
While speaking, Gezell lowered his head, burying his face in Rensley’s neck. When their skin touched, Rensley’s shoulders involuntarily tensed.
“Your Grace?”
“Have you had a lot to drink?”
“Not at all. We shared only one bottle of fruit wine.”
“Your position as the official duchess is still in place, and yet, you’re drinking alone with an outsider in a place like this. It’s not very dignified.”
“Haha! When has my dignity ever been intact?”
Although Rensley laughed heartily and patted Gezell’s shoulder, the Duke did not laugh.
“By the way, about the official duchess.”
The momentarily forgotten topic surfaced in Rensley’s mind, and he gradually lost his strength. Rensley carefully smoothed his expression and stared intently at the Duke.
“Do you have something to say to me, Your Grace?”
“Something to say?”
“If you truly consider me the duchess, you should have something to say by now. How is the marriage proceeding? It’s not a time to be preoccupied with banquet preparations. Even when enjoying leisure, it should be accompanied by necessary duties.”
Despite the sudden probing, Gezell’s expression remained unchanged. He even snorted lightly.
“It seems Larcof has been babbling unnecessarily.”
“It’s not unnecessary. Such matters should rightfully be informed to me as well. Don’t I have the right to know who you’re considering? And I believe I can offer some useful opinions if you tell me. Your Grace, since you have not had many experiences meeting women, if you share the details, I can deeply contemplate which woman might be most suitable for you…”
“Didn’t I explain last time? I’m only looking for someone to take on the role of the duchess in Aldrant, not necessarily seeking a woman who suits me.”
“It’s the same story. No matter how strategic the marriage is, you become a couple once the wedding ceremony is held. Whether you like it or not, you have to live your lives together. As the Duchess of Aldrant, and, of course, as your companion, I need to find someone who suits both roles.”
“That’s not important at all.”
Gezell’s firmness left Rensley bewildered, and he closed his mouth, unsure if he had misspoken. The man who denied his words seemed so confident that Rensley found himself reconsidering whether he had said something wrong.
“You don’t need to worry about it. Sir Maelrosen, for now and in the future, you only need to think about what you want.”
Gezell took the empty plate from Rensley’s hands, placed it on another table, and, as always after finishing work in the laboratory, settled into his own comfortable chair. He then took Rensley’s hand, leading him to sit on his lap. Even after sitting face to face, their joined hands didn’t let go.
As they sat in front of the warm fireplace, everything else felt distant and insignificant. Rensley waited for him to speak again. After a long silence, as if dissatisfied with the situation, a discontented tone emerged.
“I was going to tell you after this event. It’s a marriage to be pursued after this event ends anyway.”
“…Your Grace, is it necessary to hold the event now? If you’re soon going to have a new Duchess, it would be more fitting to celebrate after the new wedding ceremony. It would be awkward for people to see you suddenly abdicating me and immediately having a new wedding ceremony after the event. People might find it strange. Among the servants, there might be others who feel the same as me.”
“It’s not impossible. I agree that it might seem awkward.”
The man who spoke like that showed an untimely smile. It was sharper than usual, but at the same time, it carried a bitter amusement.
“But how about this? Since the wedding ceremony day, I went straight out of the banquet hall, and you couldn’t even dance at the celebration. That must seem a bit awkward to others.”
“…I’m not a real woman, and I have no regrets about not wearing a dress and dancing in front of people.”
Although he pretended not to be bothered, now he guessed what was on his mind. Regardless of the timing or what others might say, he wanted to hold this event ‘firmly.’ Whether it was a last commemorative gift for Rensley before his abdication or a necessary memory for himself… Rensley let out a quiet sigh, organizing his thoughts.
‘Well, whatever. What does it matter to me?’ As he thought, it wasn’t too forced, just a bit awkward. Although he sincerely meant that he had no regrets about not wearing a dress and dancing, he couldn’t muster the courage to decline the banquet that was opened for him.
“After all, it would be a waste to cancel it now that I’ve practiced the dance.”
Because it was the last one. To make it a plausible period for the end.
Thinking so, all the self-reproach felt lighter. As his heart lightened, the kiss, too, was no different from usual. Rensley whispered that the fruit wine the mage shared was fragrant when sipped and smooth when swallowed. He didn’t feel intoxicated at all, but the alcohol must have taken effect late because he fell asleep without any memory.
He recalled the moment when he and Duke Gezell kissed and started to intertwine in the bedroom. However, the part in between falling asleep and that moment was missing. Worried if he might have said something absurd in his drunken state, he suddenly became concerned.
Lying with his back facing the window, he felt the familiar warmth of the skin against his back. Rensley slowly turned over. If he was also asleep, he didn’t want to wake him up, but the face he met was clear, as if he hadn’t slept at all. Pumpkin-colored eyes slightly narrowed as they met.
Rensley just stared at him in silence. Normally, he would have been the first to speak, but with his head still muddled from the alcohol, he couldn’t easily open his mouth.
“You might be thirsty. Would you like to drink some water?”
Nodding in response to Gezell’s question, he raised the water bottle that had been on the bedside table. The sound of flowing water in the quiet bedroom was refreshing.
Rensley slowly rose and took the glass from Gezell. As he drank it down in one go, he felt a gradual revival, like a plant coming to life when watered.
“Thank you.”
With a sigh and a brief greeting, Gezell’s large hand touched his forehead this time.
“Do you have a headache or dizziness? I worry because your body is weak, and you seem to enjoy alcohol and entertainment.”
“Your Grace, I believe I mentioned this before, but my body is not weak at all.”
“If your body is weak, you shouldn’t drink. It would be better to be cautious.”
The uneasy expression in Gezell’s eyes didn’t disappear. Perhaps it was because the alcohol consumed by the eminent mage wasn’t something an ordinary person could handle from the start… However, blaming Larcof would only backfire, so Rensley abandoned the blame game. After all, the important thing was not his tolerance or strength; it was not to become a liability.
“I didn’t cause a scene while drunk, did I?”
“Well, who knows. Do you not remember?”
“Your Grace! Please don’t tease me; just tell me. If I behaved rudely, I hope you can forgive me.”
Instead of answering yes or no, Gezell, as always, only showed a subtle smile. Rensley rolled his eyes down. He was getting anxious, as he hadn’t been without a sense of disappointment lately. If he had complained about anything in his drunken state, it would have been shooting himself in the foot.
Strong arms embraced Rensley. In a moment, Rensley found himself lying on top of Gezell, who had turned over. Trying to support himself with his arms to avoid putting weight on him, he was eventually stopped by Gezell’s hand and ended up lying helplessly.
Gezell’s dry palm swept from the nape to the back as if savoring the texture of the skin. It was a slow but firm touch, as if enjoying the sensation of the flesh. Unconsciously, Rensley took a deep breath, feeling like the heat that had stirred deep into his body before falling asleep was oozing out onto the skin. Gezell whispered belatedly.
“There’s nothing to forgive. It wasn’t fun because you didn’t become rude even when drunk.”
“I didn’t know you found enjoyment in my drunkenness.”
“I didn’t know I had such a hobby.”
As Gezell turned around, Rensley, who had been on top, also slid to the side. This time, pulled to the side and embraced, Rensley ended up lying near his collarbone.
“Still, you were more honest than usual during our intimacy.”
“What?! What are you talking about?”
“It was nice to see you being more straightforward during our intimacy.”
“What are you saying?”
Anxiously, Rensley spoke faster, but Gezell deliberately delayed his response. While gently stroking Rensley’s hair and neck, he shifted the subject.
“About the story we talked about before going to sleep, which you seem to have forgotten… The lady in charge of the ceremony after the party heard that the arranged marriage that was about to happen was canceled, putting her in an awkward position in her home country. There seemed to be no more suitable person, so I’ve decided to proceed with the arrangement.”
“What does that mean? It’s not like Your Grace is dealing with a troublesome royal family member. As you’ve always said, you need to find a good match, someone compatible with the Duke.”
“Think about Princess Ivet. She escaped because she didn’t want to marry, and you also came a long way against your will. It’s the same for everyone.”
“It’s different in my case. Princess Ivet didn’t dislike marriage; she just wanted to hide to give the king a hard time.”
While rebutting, Rensley could vaguely guess the meaning of his words. He wanted someone for the position of Duchess who was not connected to an external power, in other words, someone from a distant country. Perhaps what Gezell Jivendad desired for the position of the Duchess wasn’t really for troublesome royalty. Even if it wasn’t a fake Duchess, he might prefer someone who lived like air, fulfilling obligations and bearing heirs as if it were nothing.
If you listen quietly, it seemed that the person he desired wasn’t even a political ally. If that were the case, his married life could only become dull and dry. Whether it be the princess who would come to this distant land for the wedding ceremony or the Duke who would have to live with such a person as a companion for a lifetime.
“It may be a distant and small country, but there are advantages in trading with us. A suitable partner. I made the decision considering various factors.”
“People should also be to your liking.”
“Sir Maelrosen, I am not getting married to have happy and enjoyable days.”
“…I understand.”
It was a statement that seemed to glimpse into Rensley’s inner thoughts. Despite knowing that it was best to yield first, he stubbornly added a comment.
“But I hope Your Grace will be happy.”
If there were no sounds of a crackling fire or the rustling of the wind through the thick double windows, the silence would have felt very heavy. The sounds created by the harsh cold now whispered gently between the two, circulating.
So Rensley could still remain in his embrace without avoiding the words he had spoken. The only sound that disrupted the gentle stillness was the faint sound of the blanket crumpling. Suddenly, Gezell’s body rolled a half-turn, covering Rensley as if to press him down. The breaths came in sync with each other, and the kiss that followed, awakening from sleep and pleasure, was still fresh in their minds.
It was a kiss like folding flower petals. Their tongues plunged into each other’s, intertwining. The body beneath felt heavy as the breathing quickened, but Gezell’s arms did not easily release Rensley.
“Umm, ah…”
There was no intention to ask him to let go. The humid and roughened breath of the man, who rarely wavered, was comforting. It was good that the body, pressed against him, was still trembling. Rensley clung to Gezell without saying a word. He left Gezell’s hand, which was trying to rekindle the fire with a bit of disarray, and his lower body, which was quickly trying to penetrate him, untouched.
Gezell thinking he’ll be all complacent just having Rensley by his side. His Nonchalant facade will crumble soon.
He can’t be without Rensley anymore. My man is in a too deep already.
We’ll witness the Ruler of this Winter land metamorphose into a man, not just in private but in the public eye as well.
A Man who has desires .
Ahhh !!! Wanna know what Rensley Babbled during his drunken episode ! Just hope he was more honest , husband can give you whole world baby. Thank you for Translating everyone ⊂(´･◡･⊂ )∘˚˳°
ur welcomeeee💛💛
Thank you!
ur welcomeee😁💛
My heart ached so much for Rensley every time the damned marriage is mentioned, I understand Gezell is slowly understanding love and has other things to worry about, but Rensley’s love is so selfless it hurts: “I can even watch you marry someone else, (even loving) as long as you’re happy”, but that’s not okay, he’s hurting himself.
Wished Rensley learned to demand for more, even a little