That day, Avril arrived at the Duke of Lancester townhouse with several books in her arms. They were “bedchamber guidebooks” that had been half forced upon her by Alexandra.

They weren’t concrete, direct practical manuals like those used for bridal education, but rather seemed to be so-called romance novels with romantic depictions. Their titles were “The Doted-On Bride Can’t Sleep” and “I’m Troubled Over Being Loved so Much.”

Alexandra hadn’t particularly pressed them upon her because they were her favorites, but rather because their romantic depictions were careful and rich.  They seemed to be recommended as introductory books for the bedchamber education of noble ladies.

I didn’t ask for too much detail… but she pointing out that our relationship as husband and wife was too wholesome.

Wholesome, Avril thought that was a good thing, but she also understood Alexandra’s intentions.

However, Dylan hadn’t said anything yet either. As such, there was a possibility that things were fine as they were. Avril was stuck not understanding what she should do.

She thanked Samuel as they parted ways, and as he returned to his room, she walked through the mansion.

Actually, it was difficult to do such things during our mission in the Kingdom of Claughton due to our setting. Above all, our tasks were our main priority. When we were away from home for an extended period, Lord Dylan’s duties increased proportionally. There are also times when I fall asleep first. But that is…

With a “hmm,” she fell into thought.

“Avril…?”

“Hyaah?!”

The books slipped from her arms with a thud. Having been spoken to from behind, she ended up dropping the books she had been holding.

“Lord Dylan…?!”

Dylan was who had called out to her. Playfully clinging to one of his arms was Blue who had been left in his care. Dylan set Blue down on the floor and went to pick up the books Avril had dropped.

“Myaa.”

Blue, having been relaxed in the arm a beloved person, protested. Dylan worried about Avril, who was acting strangely while lost in thought.

“Are you feeling unwell? Shall I call a doctor?”

“No, I’m fine! …Lord Dylan, you’ve returned home.”

“? The one who went out and returned is you.”

Dylan’s blue eyes looked at Avril with worry. She was acting strange.

She had merely been lost in thought. Moreover, according to Alexandra’s lecture, a possibility existed that Avril might actually be the one causing Dylan trouble. She couldn’t make him worry any more than that.

“You don’t seem to have a fever.”

While Avril was thinking about various things, Dylan casually pressed his forehead against her own and confirmed that there wasn’t a problem with her condition.

Yet because of the topic she had discussed with Alexandra not too long ago, the act started her. Concerned that her face might have turned red, she covered her cheeks with both hands. Dylan smiled gently.

“I shall escort you to your room. Can you walk?”

Lord Dylan…

His smile, simply that made her heart race. The insistence of her heart was intense.

At her small nod, Dylan began walking, staying one step ahead of her. In his hand he still held the books Alexandra had given her earlier.

Avril followed after Blue who pattered along behind him. Only now did she remember one of the titles of the books.

Ah… The Doted-On Bride Can’t Sleep?!

“Lord Dylan, those books—”

She hastily called out that she would carry them herself, but it was too late. Dylan, who had been walking ahead, seemed to have noticed the titles of the books. He asked back to her, his tone somewhat exasperated.

“Did you receive these from the future queen?”

“…Yes.”

Her husband gave her a wry smile at her timid reply.

“Shall we talk for a bit? Come to my room for now.”

“Myaaan.”

It was not Avril, but Blue who let out a cheerful meow.

Once they entered the room, Dylan closed the door and began slowly.

“Actually, there was a request for Avril to be kept at the palace until the new king’s coronation ceremony is over.”

“Th-this is about that?”

“Yeah.”

She had completely expected him to press her about “The Doted-On Bride Can’t Sleep.”

Having an unexpected topic come up the moment she entered Dylan’s private chambers lead to her eyes widening.  Dylan sighed out as he sat down on the sofa.

Avril sat down beside him. “The Doted-On Bride Can’t Sleep” lay placed on a stack on the table. Unable to bear it, she could do nothing more than avert her gaze.

Dylan continued, as though understanding her reaction.

“I believe the reason you were invited to the royal palace by Lady Alexandra today was because she wanted to request you serve as a conversation partner for when she becomes queen?”

“Yes, I see you have already heard about it.”

“Entering and leaving the royal palace will also be beneficial for you. Keeping you hidden away in the mansion would be a waste.”

Avril felt light and fluffy at being praised as if it were natural.

“That said, I conveyed that I would prefer you refrain from having a room within the royal palace. Once you have one, it becomes difficult to withdraw. The probability of being drawn into politics and political maneuverings would also increase. You might be able to easily handle it, but it would still be a burden for you.”

“I also requested that. So that I do not hindrance to the Duke of Lancester family.”

Dylan paused for a moment while she nodded in agreement, and then he smiled.

“That’s not it.  The reason is because you are my wife.”

“…!”

They were seated on the sofa, in a way that they might be gazing at one another.

Dylan’s blue eyes were reflected within Avril’s. Her heart, which should had been completely settled, made its presence known once again. 

She wanted to complain to her heart, “We’re having a serious discussion, please calm down,” but suppressed the urge. Feeling uneasy, she looked up at her husband, and he gave her a gentle smile.

“I was also delighted to hear you were chosen as Miss Alexandra’s conversation partner. You’ll finally receive the praise and acknowledgement your family deprived you of your entire life. My pride goes beyond measure.”

Dylan’s words, spoken in a low, gentle voice, were beautiful and serene. Avril had never known anyone who would praise and acknowledged her without reservation like this.

“It’s all thanks to meeting you, Lord Dylan.”

“In truth, I haven’t done anything… but the fact that I am accepting those words without denying them, and even finding myself wanting to pretend to be the man who saved you makes me think I’m too far gone.”

“It is the truth.”

At those words spoken without any doubt, Dylan’s eyes widened slightly.

The long sofa they sat on sunk a little. Dylan had leaned closer. Naturally, they were the only ones in the room.

“So— you spoke about romance novels with Miss. Alexandra today?”

“Ahh.”

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