Epilogue
AFTER SUCCESSFULLY USING the magic device to stabilizethe mana in the Volcanic Miasma Zone, we returned to our mansion that evening.
I was back on the sofa, soothing my fatigue with a cup of black tea that Lena had brewed.
“With everything that’s been going on, this doesn’t feel like the leisurely newlywed lifestyle we were expecting,” said Sir Osvalt.
“That’s fine. Sharing tea with you is relaxing enough for me. This mansion may be new, but it already feels like home.”
As I took a sip, savoring the tea’s fragrant aroma, I shared my honest feelings with my husband. Marriage hadn’t led to any great changes. Our day-to-day lives were as chaotic as ever. It was far from a peaceful, slow-paced life.
“Sir Osvalt, I’ve been meaning to ask… Why did you decide to add that extra stop to our honeymoon itinerary?”
After his private conversation with Prince Reichart, Sir Osvalt had suddenly suggested a walk in the woods. From what I gathered, the prince had warned him about strange behavior from foreign actors, but that didn’t seem to explain his change of plan.
“What? I already explained that. But if I had to give another reason… Talking to my brother made me desperate to spend some quiet time with you, Philia.”
Quiet time. Our honeymoon had turned into yet another adventure, but maybe that made the peaceful moments all the more precious.
“Perhaps happiness is simply being able to spend time with someone you love.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, well… I’m just happy that I was able to spend more time with you.”
“You’re a pro when it comes to making people blush, Philia,” said Sir Osvalt. “It sometimes feels like you’ve put an arrow through my heart. It’s hard to maintain my cool façade.”
Was that true? Sir Osvalt’s sudden, unexpected admission made my cheeks burn.
“You’re right. The more time we spend together, the more we discover. It sounds obvious, but it’s not until you experience it that you realize that the joy far outweighs anything you could have ever expected.”
“Have you discovered anything new, Sir Osvalt?”
In a way, that idea scared me. What if he uncovered unpleasant parts of me that he hadn’t noticed before we were married? I felt the need to brace myself.
“Me? Yes, of course. I notice new, endearing things about you every day.”
“What?” I exclaimed. “Well, I made a new discovery, too. I learned that you have a startling proclivity for teasing people.”
“Maybe I do, but that was just payback for earlier.”
I wasn’t totally sure what he was referring to, and I was still too embarrassed to look him directly in the face. I imagined he was wearing a triumphant grin, having seen my reaction.
I took two sips of tea in an effort to calm myself down.
“Anyway, the mysteries we investigated over our honeymoon and our concerns about the Volcanic Miasma Zone have all been resolved. Starting tomorrow, we should be able to relax.”
I laughed gently. “So much has happened, we’re already in danger of forgetting our honeymoon.”
“True enough.” Sir Osvalt smiled at me, nodding cheerfully. “I guess this tumultuous life is very typical of us, but a constant stream of chaos would be too much to handle. We need to take a breather occasionally.”
Maybe we did need a break every now and then. As soon as we came home, Lena and Leonardo had ordered us to rest. Now I understood why.
“It’s strange. It might not be very appropriate for a saint, but I don’t mind saying I want to take things easy sometimes. Am I becoming lazy?”
“Come on now. If you’re lazy, every citizen in this country is a slob.”
“D-do you really think so?”
✦ ✦ ✦
I didn’t think I’d changed that much, but somewhere along the line, relaxing every once in a while had begun to feel normal.
“I don’t see the problem,” Sir Osvalt went on. “I’d love to see your lazy side, Philia. Why don’t we spend a few days at our quiet villa doing absolutely nothing?”
“What? D-doing nothing? That’s something I am still a little hesitant to commit to.”
“Oh, all right. Well, if a few days is too much…”
Sir Osvalt stood up, opened a window, and beckoned me over.
“Sir Osvalt…”
I stood by his side. We looked out at the garden, bathed in the soft glow of the starlit sky. It was spring, but the nights were still cool.
“Come on. I’ll warm you up.”
“Y-yes…”
He pulled me into his arms. I let myself sink into them.
Not long ago, this would have made me tense and stiff, but now I just felt comfortable in his embrace.
“The night breeze feels so nice, doesn’t it?” I said.
“Yeah, it really does. A few minutes spent relaxing like this is ideal for you, right?”
“Huh? Oh, that’s why—”
As the breeze, imbued with the aroma of cool spring air, brushed past my cheek, I returned Sir Osvalt’s gentle gaze.
Dear God, I know I pledged to devote everything I had to this country, but please indulge my selfish request.
For the next few minutes, I want this man to be the only thing on my mind.
His soft lips slowly touched mine.
Slightly embarrassed but overwhelmed by affection, I wrapped my arms around his neck.
In that moment, he showed me what eternal love felt like.
When I opened my eyes, his beautiful golden hair, illuminated by the moonlight, took my breath away. I’d seen it countless times before. Why was it making my heart race like that?
Our life together was only just beginning. I could only hope that someday, I would uncover the answer.