Chapter Twenty and a Half: My Wife’s Secret (Will’s POV)

“—Brother-in-Law, here I come!”

Cedric jumped in, flailing a tree branch around, and I intercepted him with a branch I had procured nearby.

As a result, the branch fell from his small hand, and as he stood there in shock, I discarded mine, before picking him up.

“I got you!”

I carried him on my shoulder, and Cedric clung to me, laughing his head off. If I hoisted him high and swung him in the air, I’d be able to elicit more laughter from him.

Behind me, Liliana was watching us with a gentle smile under the shade of a tree. Upon spotting her, Cedric waved his hand. Liliana chuckled, before waving back. That alone made me very happy.

Just like how we’d just returned from the flower field, Cedric and the others had just returned from exploring the forest. He seemed to have had a lot of fun. As we had lunch in the shade of the three, Cedric told us about his experience in high spirits. Apparently, he didn’t only find an enormous bug and a hare, but also witnessed Alphonse getting scolded by Caddock after attempting to climb a tree. Despite his limited vocabulary, the little boy tried to share his experience with the entirety of his being.

It was apparent that Liliana was overwhelmed by her brother’s story. She looked so adorable. She seemed envious that her brother saw a cute hare. Meanwhile, I was in a dilemma. If I took her hunting, she’d probably faint, especially at the grisly scene that awaited her. She probably didn’t like fur, either.

…Yeah, fur gifts are out of the question.

“Brother-in-Law, Brother-in-Law.”

“Hm?”

“Doesn’t my sister look like a flower goddess?”

Cedric spoke, his face lithe with joy.

That’s right, that’s right. As expected of her younger brother! He’s good!

I nodded and hugged Cedric while using my unoccupied hand to stroke his head.

Liliana was still wearing the flower crown I made for her. When I referred to her as the flower goddess, I didn’t mean that in name, only. When she responded to my gift with delight, she looked so enchanting that I had to wonder, ‘Isn’t she basically a goddess?’

“Ceddie, Will, look!”

We turned around at the voice. Alphonse and Caddock, who’d jumped into the boat just before lunch, rushed over to us. Alphonse was carrying a huge fish. Rakefish, which could be found in most of the kingdom’s lakes, had a bland white meat which was suitable for Meuniere.

“Did Al catch this fish?”

Somewhat frightened, Cedric clung to my shoulder. It must’ve been his first time to see raw fish. Rakefish had big eyes, so it might be scary to see one for the first time.

“Yes, I caught enough fish to match the number of people present here. It’s been a long time since I’ve had fun! This one’s the biggest! Let’s turn it into a snack!”

Not too far behind him, Caddock was holding a large bucket with several fish scurrying inside.

Alphonse was both sharp-witted and talented, to top it off, he was also hardworking. Nevertheless, his sense was a bit off. Unlike the knights, Liliana, Cedric, and the servants had no reason to snack on fish. To begin with, fish wasn’t a snack.

Even when we were rescuing Cedric, the guy was waving his armband. His reasoning at the time was, “My dog always came when I did that. Children and dogs are similar, right?” I remembered feeling uneasy when I saw how dead serious he was.

…Sure, Cedric was as adorable as a puppy, but I didn’t think he’d come out because of an armband. To begin with, he wasn’t a dog.

Cedric hopped off to take a peek at Caddock’s bucket. A moment later, he yelped, scurried back, and hid behind my leg. I smiled gently while stroking his hair. Pale golden, just like Liliana’s.

“Now then, Cedric, you’ve been busy since morning, right? Why don’t you get some rest? Go to your sister.”

Cedric nodded and ran away in a hurry. Apparently, the live fish was so scary, he had to hide behind Liliana. Liliana, Elsa, and Ariana asked in confusion.

“Huh? Does Ceddie hate fish?”

“No, he likes it. But until now, he has only seen them on the dining table. Even if he has seen them in picture books, it must’ve been his first time to see the live ones. I can understand why he’s scared.”

“Well, this guy’s eyes are certainly scary.”

Seemingly convinced that was the case, Alphonse threw the fish he’d been holding into the bucket. The fish bounced vigorously, and I frowned when the fishy water splashed around.

At the same time, I heard a faint rumbling sound, and when I looked up at the sky, I saw black clouds billowing up in the Western sky.

“This is bad, it seems like it’s going to rain.”

Alphonse narrowed his eyes and looked up at the sky.

“The nearby villa is available any time. Let’s move there.”

“Thank you, Freddie! Get ready to evacuate—”

—Before I could finish my sentence, there was a dazzling flash of light, as the sound of a thunderbolt shook the area. I rushed over to Liliana and Cedric, who in return, hugged me while trembling.

“M-my husband…”

“Brother-in-law…”

“It’s okay, it’s falling somewhere else.”

“—Jill! Get the carriage over here! Hurry up! Ariana, stay strong!”

Frederick called the coachman while trying to reassure Ariana, who froze in shock. However, Jill got his hands full trying to calm the excited horses. Caddock hurriedly approached with a bucket of fish, while Elsa rushed to clean up the surroundings. Ariana, who’d come to her senses, helped her while half-crying.

“My husband, w-what just happened?”

Liliana clung to me; her eyes tearful as she appealed to me. Cedric buried his face in my belly and cried. In the royal capital where they lived, lightning wasn’t all that common. Therefore, it must’ve been a shock for the two, who barely went out. When I saw how frightened they were, I felt so sorry.

“Ceddie, stay on my back. Liliana, hold on tight.”

I carried Ceddie on my back while lifting Liliana. Cedric cling to my neck, while Liliana to my head. I ran straight to the carriage. Before the rain started, Elsa and Ariana got into the carriage. Even though they were reluctant to leave me, I managed to entrust the two to Elsa. Ariana clung to Liliana, but Elsa—unfazed by the lightning—alternately rubbed the backs of the three.

“—Jill! Follow Caddock and me!”

Alphonse shouted so as to not be drowned out by the thunder and torrential downpour, and Caddock took the lead. The carriage started moving. Freddie and I lined up behind the carriage, chasing after it.

Thus, we left the lake and headed for Alphonse’s private villa.

***

Since the rain didn’t let up, we gave up on going home, and decided to stay a night at Alphonse’s villa.

Our arrival surprised the elderly couple in charge of managing the villa. Soon, Elsa and the others joined us. As part of his hobby, Alphonse had a large bathtub installed in the villa. So, us men—already drenched as we were—were thrown into the bath together.

Indeed, the extravagant marble bath could accommodate the five of us.

According to Alphonse, the purpose of the villa was to let him enjoy a bath. Out of courtesy, Frederick and Jill tried to refuse, but Alphonse insisted. Envious, Cedric decided to join us, transforming what was once a distasteful bath consisting of nothing but weathered men into a heartwarming one.

My heart goes to you Cedric.

Given that I planned to play in the lake, I had spare clothing with me. Moreover, the thorough Elsa said, “I knew this would happen.” And made preparations on the assumption of an overnight stay.

For dinner, the old housekeeper lady prepared Meuniere using the Rakefish caught by Alphonse. After his brief encounter with the fish when it was still alive, Cedric was hesitant to touch his food. However, after some coaxing from Liliana, he dug in, and soon gobbled down his meal.

Is it that delicious?

Either way, I was concerned that Cedric was going to end up hating fish, so it was a relief.

In consideration of Liliana, Cedric, and me, Alphonse let us sleep in the master bedroom, which had the largest bed. Meanwhile, Alphonse would sleep with Caddock in the drawing room, Elsa and Ariana in another drawing room, while Frederick and Jill would sleep on the sofa in the living room.

“The rain won’t let up, and to top it off, there was that thunder… Since it was my first time seeing it, I was so scared.”

Liliana, in a negligee, sat beside me and muttered.

“Honestly, I was surprised, too… Perhaps, it fell somewhere not too far away, but considering the heavy rain, there’s no need to worry about fire.”

At my words, Liliana’s expression eased. “Is that so?”

Cedric was already fast asleep in the bedroom. He’d been in high spirits since morning, and just when he was about to rest, a thunderstorm hit. By the time dessert was served during dinner, he was already swaying, and eventually fell asleep. I managed to comfort Liliana, who was still bewildered, before taking Cedric to our room. Liliana and I helped Cedric change into pajamas, but he was asleep the entire time.

Currently, I was enjoying Liliana’s companionship with the wine that Caddock gave us at the behest of Alphonse. Liliana herself was sipping apple juice.

“This apple juice sure is rich.”

Liliana heartily drank from the narrow glass, and it was such an endearing sight.

The garland I’d given her was on the table. To prevent it from wilting, she placed it in the basin. The blue sapphire necklace sparkled on her delicate neck.

“I can’t thank you enough, Lord William. Cedric seems to be enjoying himself quite a lot. He seems way happier than when he was at home.”

“Certainly, compared to that house, he has a lot more freedom here. Above all, he can see you, who’s akin to a mother figure, anytime. Not only that, the two of you can finally take a stroll in the garden, eat together, and sleep together. I believe that’s the main reason why Ceddie is smiling a lot more these days.”

“I-I see…”

Her silver eyes twinkled in surprise. I laughed in agreement.

“Even if I or someone else had sheltered that child, if not for you, his smile wouldn’t have returned. To him, you’re so important, to the point he can overcame the abuse he’d experienced at the hands of his father and sister. Cedric loves you from the bottom of his heart.”

At my words, Liliana’s face reddened, which she tried to conceal by drinking juice.

Then, she casually exchanged silly stories.

Ever since her precious little brother came to our house, Liliana began to smile even more than before. Perhaps, the anxiety and tension she’d always carried with her had subsided.

When she’d just taken care of him, her brother’s injuries would cloud her expression, but as Cedric recovered, her smile grew brighter.

Recently, I began to notice the difference between how she’d smile towards Cedric and towards me.

She loved her brother sincerely, akin to how a mother would love her son, making the smile that blossomed from said feelings all the more dazzling.

On another note, her smile for me was lovely and pretty, akin to a flower blooming in humility. I was almost convinced that she was falling for me.

But sometimes, Liliana would stare at me, before chuckling bitterly.

The same smile had been directed at me since I lost my memory.

She must’ve given up on yearning, desired on, and being loved. The resulting smile was painted in tragic beauty, like a transient blossom. The very same smile graced my sight when she first collapsed on dinner night.

Even today, in that flower field, that was how she smiled.

Although it was pretty, I didn’t like it. I wanted her to smile joyfully—just like when she was with Cedric. But lately, she’d only ever shown me that sad smile.

The fear of my resurging memories must’ve eaten away at her.

The night Liliana cried for the first time in my arms, she told me exactly that. I immediately denied the possibility of despising her once I regained my memories. However, I didn’t think she believed me one bit.

—Even until now.

After a while, the wine decanter became empty, as Liliana grew drowsier. About time for me to retire for the day. However, when I was about to leave, Liliana tugged at my sleeve.

“Where are you going?”

Liliana looked up at me. Her round silver eyes were glassy, while her white cheeks were a pale crimson.

“Don’t leave me, pwease…”

Liliana, who clung to my sleeve, looked so cute. No, she’d always been cute, but I wondered if something happened to her…

—Still, she was too cute, so I sat next to her despite my confusion. Beside me, Liliana still held onto my sleeve, joy emanating from her soft smile.

“Lord William.”

“What is it, Ma’am?”

I accidentally used honorifics, but Liliana didn’t mind and snuggled up to my arm, rubbing her cheeks like a spoiled cat. The entire time, I desperately clung to my rationality.

—Cute! My wife is so cute, so cute, so cute…!

I had to cover my mouth to suppress my roar.

Still, how strange. Liliana usually wasn’t like this when she was drowsy. I picked up the decanter of apple juice that she was drinking earlier from the table. I sniffed it, and despite knowing how uncouth it was, tasted some.

From the smell alone, one would mistake it as an apple juice. However, it was actually an apple liquor. Liliana probably didn’t notice it due to the sweet and delicious taste. At my house, everyone knew she didn’t drink, so no one served alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, neither Alphonse nor Caddock, who served us the drink, knew that. In the kingdom, a married aristocratic couple would indulge in alcohol before going to bed. Therefore, they were just being considerate.

“Lord William?”

The pitiful voice took me out of my reverie. Liliana steered away from me, seemingly about to cry.

“Li-Liliana?”

“Forgive me, you didn’t like it when I stuck close to you, right? I’m so sorry, please don’t hate me…”

“I-it isn’t like that! Sorry, I was just lost in thought! I wasn’t angry, so please stay beside me!”

She seemed to have misunderstood my dilemma as anger. Liliana was especially cautious not to make someone angry. Given that she was often chastised and abused in the past, it couldn’t be helped.

When I spread my arms, Liliana warily stared at me, but after some time, she smiled softly—

—and perched herself between my knees.

I almost had a nosebleed.

“Lord William, Lord William…”

“What is it…?”

“Thank you for this…”

Liliana touched the sapphire with her delicate fingertips.

“The color is so beautiful… It’s blue, just like Lord William’s eyes…”

I was enchanted by the way she spun her words. Finding it unbearable, I soon averted my gaze.

I called a jeweler to the division commander’s office and spent an hour choosing. Should I pick Liliana’s favorite pale pink color? Or a sublime green, which would highlight her youth? Perhaps, a solemn purple? But since a man’s foolishness knew no bounds, I picked the one that matched my eye color out of possessiveness.

“…My husband’s color.”

Her cuteness rendered me speechless.

In my head, I tried my damnedest to recall today’s sordid bath, and somehow managed to prevent my rationality from running away.

“My husband, you may hate me for this, but can I tell you a secret?”

“…Liliana?”

She was still smiling tenderly.

“I’ve fallen in love for the first time.”

I froze at the unexpected words. I didn’t know how I did it, but I triumphed over my raging jealousy and squeezed the word, “Who?” My voice was lower than expected, but Liliana replied happily.

“—He’s wonderful, cool, kind, and warm…”

“…Again, who? Freddie? Al? Caddock? Or maybe, Arthur?”

Liliana shook her head in amazement at the names I fired in rapid succession.

“Lord William, will you keep this a secret?”

“Yes, so who is it?”

Before I knew it, an indescribable sense of unease surged inside me. Oblivious to my feelings, Liliana drew closer, before whispering into my ear.

“I fell in love… With my husband.” Afterwards, Liliana earnestly pleaded to me, her husband. “Please keep this between us.”

She smiled bashfully while cupping her cheeks. My face was hot—blazing, yet I could only bear to stare at her.

In the entire world, I was the only person carrying the title of her husband.

“But my husband doesn’t love me.”

“No way, that’s not true, I, towards you—”

Liliana slowly shook her head.

“In truth, I’m a deplorable being. After being treated so kindly by my husband, I began to wish that his memories would never return. That way, he’ll keep on cherishing me, and we can stay together… Absolutely horrendous, right?”

I could only watch in a daze as her long, pale golden eyelashes quivered. Droplet of tears fell from her silvery eyes, flowing down her white cheeks.

“Even though a wretched monster like me has absolutely no right…”

Her hand slid to her abdomen, the silk fabric underneath it starting to wrinkle.

“Surely, the time will come when he’ll no longer call my name, just like before. Perhaps, even the handkerchief will be thrown away. In truth, I’m deeply aware that what we have right now is a false happiness. But in the first place, what is happiness…?”

All the while, the smile never left her face.

She, who had given up on everything, could only smile sadly.

“Merely seeing you smile makes me happy.”

I grasped her slender hand, and pressed my lips against her tear-stained cheeks. When she started twisting, I tightly embraced her.

Perhaps, the words of a man without memories may as well be empty, while the happiness he granted her was fake. Yet, despite knowing that, she still smiled as if they were real.

“My husband, please don’t hate me.”

I tightened my grip around her as her voice echoed dully in my ear.

Whenever I embraced her, she never returned it. She’d always place her hand on my chest, separating us, as if she was prepared to gently push me away once I released her.

“You may ignore me as before… I wouldn’t mind if you throw the handkerchief. I also wouldn’t care if you no longer smile, hug, or call me by my name… Just, don’t hate me.”

A fleeting, almost inaudible voice, perhaps directed towards her own self.

Selfish tears seeped on her night gown. I hugged her and buried my face in her skinny shoulder.

Liliana buried her face in my chest, pressing her cheek against me.

“Lord William, please keep this a secret from my husband. He’s very kind, the truth will only burden him.”

“Of course, I won’t tell a soul.”

“Really? You won’t tell anyone? Not even to Elsa, Ceddie, or anyone else?”

“Yes, mark my words!”

I let go of her, forcing myself to smile.

Liliana smiled in relief. Then, her silvery eyes began to close, and before long, she was asleep. I gently lifted her up.

I left the sofa, and headed for the bedroom, finding Cedric sleeping peacefully in the middle of the king-sized bed. I let Liliana join him. Cedric flinched, and I panicked when I saw him woke up, but as soon as he saw his sister, he happily snuggled with her. His drowsy purple eyes smiled at me, before closing once again.

What a relief.

“I’m sorry, Liliana.”

Like usual, I laid down and embraced the two of them.

“If anything, I’m the one who absolutely has no rights. Yet, I can’t seem to be able to give up on you…”

I dropped a kiss on her pale golden hair.

The sweet scent of flowers tickled my nostril, and my heart began to flutter.

Her smile alone made me happy.

“I won’t throw away the handkerchief. I want to hug you anytime of the day, and I’ll keep calling you because I love the sound of your name. It may mean nothing to you, but I did vow to protect your smile by any means necessary.”

—Hence, I promised that when the time came, I wouldn’t forget my love for you. So, trust my words, my thoughts, and my hearts.

I whispered inwardly with the two in my arms, before closing my eyes.

She, who was fast asleep, was still smiling sadly.

---

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