The Crown Princess's Man (9)

Marquis Kyril, who had spent two full days refusing food and drink and steeped in worry, wandered the fortress with a somewhat pale face and gleaming eyes by the third morning.

Watching Marquis Kyril energetically inspecting corners of the fortress and chatting with the knights, Saik felt a seething fury rise within him.

Just as Saik ground his teeth, wondering how far he should tolerate it, Kaiston unexpectedly requested a meeting with Marquis Kyril.

Marquis Kyril went to Kaiston’s study with a slightly nervous face, though he could not hide a relieved feeling that what had to come was coming.

A private audience with Duke Crunel. He thought the duke’s words were already decided.

So he quietly waited, rehearsing his answers inwardly, but the duke just stared at him for a long while.

Then the duke finally spoke.

“Marquis.”

It was a very cautious tone.

“Have you, by any chance, already decided on a match for the young lady?”

“What?”

It was completely unexpected, so he involuntarily blurted the question back like an idiot.

“Ah, no. I have not decided yet.”

He didn’t know why the question was asked, but he answered truthfully.

“Is that so?”

There was nothing readable on the duke’s calm, nodding face; despite his youth, his ability to hide his expression was on par with seasoned nobles.

“Saik has earned many merits as the Red Moon’s vice-commander, so he will soon be granted lands and a title.”

“I-is that so?”

Was the duke implying that Saik would form his own household independent of the Marquis family, so no matter what happened with the house’s ties to Raiden, it wouldn’t matter? Marquis Kyril began to feel uneasy.

“Which family is Young Lady Marian’s mother from?”

“She is the daughter of the Count of Rodam. A family based in the western Grima region.”

“Ah, so that’s why you’re with Raiden.”

Kaiston nodded as if he understood. Once again, the Marquis felt his heart sink.

“The marquis’s wife would naturally want to continue the family line through Young Lady Marian.”

“That’s right. She wants to bring in a son-in-law by marriage.”

“Is that so.”

Kyril glanced at Kaiston, who paused in thought. He had hoped the duke would bring up the topic first, but Kaiston showed no intention of persuading him, so Kyril had to speak first.

“Um… Duke.”

Kaiston looked at him.

“I originally served Duke Raiden, but I don’t want to be at odds with Your Grace. As long as my son Saik is a knight trusted by Your Grace, it would be wrong for us to be enemies, wouldn’t it?”

Kaiston’s face hardened slightly at the marquis’s words.

“It’s not wrong, but if you let him go, wouldn’t Raiden seek revenge on you?”

“That’s true. So I plan to pretend to be on his side until Your Grace comes to the Isles.”

“Would he readily trust you?”

“He’ll have no choice but to trust me. I am Duke Raiden’s closest ally.”

After staring at Kyril for a long moment, Kaiston finally nodded.

“Understood. Then I’ll assign some skilled knights to the family’s guard. Even if something happens, they can protect you, your wife, and Young Lady Marian.”

Marquis Kyril stared in surprise at the unexpected offer.

“You mean the Red Moon’s knights?”

“Of course I won’t force it if you don’t want them. It’s just that I care, since you’re Saik’s family.”

“Ah, no. It’s absurd to say I don’t want them. I’m simply grateful, Your Grace.”

Kaiston smiled faintly.

“I understand. It must not have been an easy decision to oppose Raiden; thank you for choosing me. I won’t give you cause for regret.”

At his sincere words, Kyril also smiled and nodded.

“I don’t think I’ll regret it either. I look forward to working with you, Your Grace.”

Hearing that he would be dispatched as a guard for the marquis’s family, Ban looked at Kaiston in surprise.

“Commander! I… I shouldn’t leave your side…”

“Ban. Don’t be mistaken. Someone must carry out this duty, and you’re the right person for it, so I’m assigning you.”

“Re-really…?”

“Yes. Besides, I will also be heading to the Isles before long.”

At Kaiston’s words, Ban let out a small sigh of relief.

“Understood. I will carry out the duty to the best of my ability.”

Kaiston nodded.

“Good. And titles have been bestowed on the fort’s captains, including you.”

“What?!”

Kaiston handed him a crisp sheet of paper from the desk.

“Congratulations, Baron Ban Strin.”

Ban took the paper in astonishment.

“Normally you’d go to the palace to receive the commission in person, but the Crown Princess will act as proxy and confer it here in the Red Moon. Only Saik’s countship will be conferred in the Isles in person.”

“Uh… th-that’s to say… It’s so sudden… Commander… what is this…”

“You are now a noble, so don’t be cowed anywhere. If someone picks a fight, stand and fight; don’t take hits, give them. Never forget who stands behind you.”

Ban was left speechless. His chest tightened. He knew how difficult it was for a commoner to become a noble.

“Protect the one you love dearly.”

“Commander…”

“And don’t think you can slack on training just because no one’s watching. That’ll cause trouble.”

“Ugh. Of course not.”

“I can trust you, right?”

“Yes, Commander!”

Kaiston smiled and gave his shoulder a light pat.

“If the marquis really won’t give you the young lady, at least get her pregnant.”

“Gah! Co-Commander…”

Watching Ban break out in a cold sweat, Kaiston said, “Since they’re planning to take a son-in-law, try to earn some favor. Nobles would prefer a remarkable talent like you to the usual scoundrels.”

It was quite amusing to see his gentle face flush bright red.

“Now go. You’ll have much to prepare.”

“Yes, Commander… I…”

Ban hesitated, then bowed deeply.

“Truly, thank you.”

“…You’re welcome.”

After clearing his throat and turning away, Kaiston received another bow, and Ban left his study.

His steps quickened little by little. His heart pounded. He was eager to tell Marian the news. Since dinner time was near, he guessed she would be in her chamber.

Fortunately the corridor to her chambers was empty. Ban walked quickly and quietly to her door and knocked twice after checking around.

After a moment, the bedroom door cracked open.

“Oh… Ban…?”

Marian, startled, opened the door fully and let him in. She carefully closed and locked it, then turned to look up at Ban.

“Marian…”

Ban suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Ah… Ban…”

Marian, breathless from the unexpected squeeze, patted his back.

“What’s wrong? I can’t breathe, Ban…”

“The Commander… the Commander…”

“Why His Grace? Were you scolded by His Grace after all?”

“No, no, Marian. It’s not that…”

Ban pulled Marian slightly away into his arms and met her eyes.

“His Grace has assigned me to be dispatched as a guard for the marquis’s family.”

“Reeeally?!”

“Yes. It’s true.”

Marian couldn’t hide her joy and covered her mouth with her hand.

“My goodness… how could that…”

“Are you happy?”

Marian nodded vigorously at Ban’s question.

“Of course! I’m so happy! I even feel like giving His Grace a kiss!”

“Th-that… you shouldn’t, Marian. The Crown Princess can be more jealous than she seems… She’d be furious.”

“Ugh. I’m joking, joking.”

Marian giggled and then threw herself back into his arms.

“I thought we’d have to be apart for a while… I just can’t believe it.”

“Yes. Me too.”

Ban hugged her back.

“Ah… This can’t be a dream, right?”

“I keep worrying this might be a dream, too. But the warmth I feel now is surely Marian’s.”

“Yes. That’s right. The little hard pokes in my belly are oddly painful, so it must be real.”

At Marian’s words, Ban flinched, let her go, and took a step back.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, it’s just… it’s like instinct…”

Watching him flustered made her laugh without meaning to.

“I wasn’t uncomfortable. That couldn’t be.”

“Then… may I kiss you?”

Ban gently took her hand and asked; Marian hesitated bashfully.

“Don’t… ask about that… mmm…!”

In an instant, Ban pulled her close and pressed his lips to her small, soft mouth. Because of their height difference, her head tilted fully back and his arms supported her firmly.

Their tongues tangled, sweet saliva passed between them, and they shared breaths; even as they frantically explored each other, they could not quell the longing to grow closer.

Ban lifted Marian high and climbed onto her bed.

He untied the shoulder knot of her thin, simple indoor dress, revealing the upper curve of her breasts wrapped in a corset.

“Ha… truly, unbearably beautiful.”

Ban kissed the curve of Marian’s breast.

“Mmm… Ban…”

Her long eyelashes fluttered with anticipation.