While her family was preparing Hadith’s room, Jill decided to give him a tour of the main residence.

The first destination was the field. Under the divine protection of the goddess, a wide variety of plants could grow in the Kingdom of Kratos. Naturally, it still depended on the soil and climate. Nevertheless, the tangy strawberries were juicy and nostalgic.

During the tour, they also foraged for food. After all, Hadith had offered to prepare dinner. Her letters, in which she enthusiastically wrote about Hadith’s cooking and her impressions, must’ve been a success.

I’ll have my parents understand His Majesty’s appeal!

Even though her first strategy ended in failure, Jill believed that Hadith’s true worth lied in his face, magic, strength, and cooking. As it was of great importance, she invited everyone to an all-you-can-eat instead of having a formal dinner at the mansion.

After all, there was once a time when Hadith didn’t only serve as the head chef of the Dragon Knights, but also as a baker. While her parents were worried, there were only about 100 residents around the main residence. Furthermore, she would also be aiding him.

“What should I make? Since there will be a lot of people, should I make curry? We have all the spices needed, and obtaining all the ingredients is easy…”

“Curry!? Then potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat! Leave it to me! There should be some in the fields over there!”

Jill dashed ahead with a large wooden box in her hands. Hadith calmly followed after her.

“Are all the crops around here managed by the Saber family?”

“Well, everyone who lives near the main residence is employed by my family. They’re paid every month. In a way, we’re like one big family.”

Each family had its house, specialty, and area of expertise, but it was faster and more efficient to buy both crops and livestock from the Saber family. Furthermore, they often looked after each other’s children, so it was almost as if they were self-supporting.

“Although, the foot of the mountain has become a town. They trade with other territories, and the population is also different.”

“There aren’t that many youths around here. Is the defense okay?”

“If we get attacked, an army will rise from the foot of the mountain, surrounding the enemy, and annihilating them. Conversely, if the foot of the mountain gets attacked, we will initiate guerilla warfare from here and annihilate the enemy!”

“…It’s annihilation either way.”

“Come to think of it. Your Majesty, where’s Rave? I haven’t seen him since we arrived. You didn’t do anything unreasonable, right…?”

While Rave still made appearances after Hadith’s magic was sealed, Jill wondered if he couldn’t maintain it for long. Hadith smiled vaguely at Jill’s concern.

“No, I didn’t. My magic hasn’t fully recovered. He’s sleeping inside me.”

“…Is that so? If it’s the people of my territory, I think there’s a possibility they’ll be able to see Rave.”

“I don’t want Rave to be chased around…”

That makes sense, Jill agreed.

“Don’t let your guard down, Your Majesty. Don’t let their appearances fool you. At the end of the day, they’re still powerful magic users…”

“That… doesn’t sound threatening at all.”

“I’m saying this for your own good. Excuse me, I’d like some potatoes, carrots, and onions.”

Jill called out to the fields from the side of the road, and in response, she heard a reply. “Of course.” Several people came out with looks of utter curiosity.

“Lady Jill, you’re really back! At first, I thought he won you over with his magical prowess…”

“Me, too. But I heard that he won her through her stomach, instead.”

“Ooh, which reminds me of the delicious daily menu that the madam ordered…”

“It’s not that surprising. Back then, the young lady said she wanted to marry the chef.”

“E-enough chitchat! I’d like some vegetables, please…”

“Eh, why? Let them talk.”

Hadith spoke in a subdued tone.

“T-that was five years ago, okay? Your Majesty, you’re so mean! I only have eyes for you!”

She puffed her cheeks and averted her gaze. However, Hadith didn’t reply…

…When Jill turned to look at him, she saw Hadith crouching down.

“Your Majesty! N-no way, did your physical condition deteriorate again…!?”

“N-no… I can still endure it if it’s just words or facial expressions, but now I got assaulted with both…”

“I don’t understand, but if you’re exhausted, let’s return to the mansion.”

“N-no, I’m alright, now…”

Is he telling the truth?

As she rubbed his back, the people watching were astonished.

“So, it’s true, the Dragon Emperor has a delicate body! But he isn’t weak, either. His magic is really strong! How did you train to reach this level? I’ve never meet anyone like you!”

“…In other words, he won’t do well in a protracted battle which exhausts magic. I see, we can certainly arrange for something like that.”

“—What are you talking about!? I’m going to marry His Majesty! Don’t you dare lay a finger on him!”

“Scary…”

“Lady Jill, please protect him properly.”

When she glared at them, those people only laughed. Jill puffed her cheeks, only to be interrupted by Hadith from behind.

“It’s alright, Jill. I’m fine.”

“I mean, they—…”

“We’re getting sidetracked. Let’s obtain some vegetables. If you don’t mind, I’ll help with the harvest.”

The people of the territory were shocked when they saw Hadith rolling up his sleeves, and then reluctantly shook their heads.

“You said that you’d be preparing a meal for us, we can’t possibly let you do that.”

“Wait, I’ll go get some fresh vegetables.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m Jill’s boyfriend, after all.”

He said, beaming.

—He’s proud of it. Jill thought to herself.

“Well, being honest with you, you seem more like Lady Jill’s wife than anything else.”

“I agree…”

“Eh, but Jill is my wife…?”

“I’ll refrain from saying anything more. Lady Jill, take good care of him. Good luck, Lady Jill.”

“Yes, yes, just make sure she doesn’t go hungry, and that should suffice.”

“…Well, of course, I’m her boyfriend—”

“—Alright, wait for a bit, I’ll get everything ready right way. Hey, get the lady’s wife some vegetables.”

Everyone went on their way.

Meanwhile, Hadith muttered to himself.

“Instead of Jill being my wife, I’m her wife…?”

“Isn’t it fine either way?”

“Really…? I wonder if it’s really fine… is it!?”

While Hadith was in a dilemma, everyone gathered the vegetables they requested. When Jill tried to carry a heavy wooden box full of produce, Hadith took it from her.

“Let’s go look for meat.”

Jill nodded and Hadith held out his hand. After she took it, the two walked hand-in-hand. While it wasn’t uncommon, it was also better than being picked up.

“Hey, did the young lady just hold hands with a man!? Is this a sign of a disaster!?”

“No way, just what kind of hands did our lady use to seduce such a man!?”

What annoyed her was the comments of those who saw them holding hands. To not incite any more ridicule from them, Jill opted to stay silent, until she noticed Hadith’s eyes on her.

“Your Majesty, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just amazed by how everyone is convinced you’re deceiving me. Normally, isn’t it the other way around?”

“Ugh, enough! Even His Majesty is being annoying! I won’t hold your hand anymore!”

“Eh, no, Jill, wait—”

—When she released his hand and strode forward, someone kicked Hadith from behind, causing him to fall over.

---

***T/N: HEY!!!! BE KIND TO JILL’S WIFE!!!!!!

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