I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house.
After finishing our date, we returned to the Count’s mansion.
It seemed that Leila’s twin-tail hairstyle was only temporary, as she was now holding a piece of fabric dearly. I could leave it as it was, but it might be better to turn it into a handkerchief… Well, letting Leila do as she pleases is probably the best choice.
As for Kurt… well, he’ll do whatever he wants.
Upon passing through the gate, the elderly butler greeted us.
He bowed deeply—perhaps as an act of atonement for when he allowed my brother Josef to take me away.
“Welcome back, Lord Ainzich and Lady Leila. It will soon be time for dinner. How would you like to proceed?”
That was a good point. We had been so engrossed in our date, strolling through town and sampling various foods. Looking up, the sky was now dyed in the hues of sunset.
But to be honest, I wasn’t particularly hungry after all the snacking.
“I’m fine either way… Leila, what about you?”
“I’m not especially hungry either.”
“In that case, would you like me to bring a light meal later?”
I considered the butler’s suggestion for a moment.
Well, we might get a little hungry later, so a light meal should suffice.
“Yeah, let’s go with that.”
“As you wish.”
The butler quickly made his way inside, likely to inform the kitchen.
We should head inside too.
“Let’s return to our rooms.”
“Yes.”
I matched my pace to Leila’s as we walked slowly.
As I gazed at the sky painted in sunset hues, a thought crossed my mind.
Even though this was a rare visit home, we had to leave by tomorrow afternoon. There were so many things to take care of once we returned. Training bureaucrats, diplomatic maneuvers against enemy nobles… When would life ever become easier?
A sigh escaped me before I realized it.
“Is something wrong?”
Leila looked at me with concern.
“Nothing… It’s just that, even though I had fun, the thought of leaving tomorrow is a bit disheartening.”
There were things that still weighed on my mind—my initial meeting with Father, concerns about my brother Dietrich… But there were also plenty of enjoyable moments, like meeting my sister-in-law, Lady Selene, and my newborn nephew. And, of course, my date with Leila.
“I’m also sad that I won’t be able to see Selene again.”
Oh, right. When the faction meetings took place, the men attended the discussions while the women gathered for tea in another room. She must have spent that time bonding with Lady Selene.
The next time they could meet again… might not be until next year.
“But I don’t feel reluctant about returning.”
I was lost in my own melancholy, yet Leila didn’t seem particularly bothered.
“Huh? Really?”
When I asked, Leila beamed, her smile blooming like a field of flowers.
“As long as I’m with you, Lord Ein, anywhere is enjoyable.”
Ugh. That cuteness is a direct hit.
It’s not about where you are, but who you’re with…
Seriously, she’s the best wife I could ever ask for.
Even if things get hectic again once we return to the duchy, as long as Leila and my retainers are there, I’ll manage somehow. That thought gave me some encouragement.
“Besides, tonight, you’ll be telling me about your past, won’t you?”
Oh, right, we did talk about that.
Wait—no, I didn’t forget! I swear!
“Of course.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Leila looked absolutely delighted.
Really… my wife is the cutest.
