Chapter 109

“So this is the Libertas territory.”

I was captivated by the new scenery visible through the carriage window. The Duke seemed familiar with the area, perhaps because it was close to his duchy.

“It’s good that your territory is close to the Ariadne domain.”

He seemed particularly pleased by that and lifted the corner of his mouth. The Duke had managed to arrange a supposedly impossible three-day, two-night leave. He said he’d do whatever it took and even pulled two all-nighters. I tried to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but he was unmoved. It was at least fortunate that, being a former knight, he showed no signs of exhaustion.

“We always see each other at the central ministry. It’s nice to get out like this.”

Vespera, who usually wore tightly tailored clothes, looked even more relaxed in comfortable trousers, a shirt, and a vest. My gaze lingered on the veins of his forearm where his sleeves were rolled to his elbows. I cleared my throat slightly and briefed him on today’s schedule.

“It’s just an inspection of the territory, so there’s nothing major to do. First we’ll go to the castle to see how things are progressing, what else is needed, and then look around the surroundings. I heard this place is on the coast and has a sea. I thought a little bit of playing in the water might be fun.”

He chuckled as if I looked adorable from being so excited.

“Just looking at your expression, it seems we made the right choice to come. Do whatever you want.”

“Really? No backtracking!”

“All right. It’s a promise.”

I was so excited my eyes sparkled. Imagine—my own territory. Back in Seoul it was so hard to even have a single room. No matter how hard I worked or how good a job I had, it wasn’t easy.

‘That’s probably how I died from overwork.’

I felt a brief pang of bitterness but recovered quickly. After all, I’m alive here now.

As the castle came into view, I checked the brief notes I had written in my notebook. After all, the purpose was to inspect the territory. Vespera was thoroughly knowledgeable about estate management, befitting the lord of a duchy.

“We’ve sent notice in advance, so they’ll be out to meet us. Greet the steward sent from the Imperial Palace and hear about the upcoming schedule. Then you can request whatever you deem necessary. They’ll be busy repairing the existing castle.”

It sounded very reassuring. As Pinea had said, bringing the Duke instead of Marcella had been a stroke of genius.

“Welcome.”

Vespera wrapped himself in a robe and disguised himself as if he were my escort. It was to prevent any unnecessary comments from arising. We preferred to avoid needless attention for now.

The middle-aged steward slowly guided us through the castle. As he said, they were busy with repairs and interior work. It was incomparably larger than the house I had been living in. It was like a medieval-style castle straight out of an American TV show. I couldn’t believe I would be living in a place like this.

“It should be finished in about a month. We’ll need to start hiring servants soon. When will the Count be arriving?”

It was natural that the steward was waiting for the lord of the estate to arrive. But it was too early for the lord to come down. Marcella and the two younger siblings hadn’t yet graduated from the academy.

“When my brother graduates from the academy, he will come down here first. For the time being, I intend to fulfill my duties as Chancellor in Resera.”

“Please, speak informally. Now then…”

When the steward showed reluctance, he proposed a solution to ease the concern.

“Someone from the neighboring Duke of Ariadne’s domain will come. He will look after the territory for the time being.”

Vespera had suggested it while they were still deliberating. It was a neighboring territory to the Ariadne domain, and the climate and environment were similar. So they decided to send someone who would manage the Ariadne lands and take our estate under their care as well.

“A-are you acquainted with the archducal house?”

The steward looked surprised, not realizing the person was standing beside him.

“He’s a colleague who works with me as a Supreme Justice in the central ministry. He knows my situation and agreed to help.”

“Then there’s nothing to worry about. The Duke of Ariadne’s domain is well known to be well managed by the Duke, so it will greatly benefit the Libertas territory.”

Color returned to the steward’s face. It wasn’t at all surprising that the duke’s domain was well managed. Knowing the Duke’s usual work style, he wouldn’t run an estate carelessly.

“Then I’ll explain the matters that require the Count’s decision and the future schedule.”

He handled things neatly, fitting for someone sent from the Imperial Palace. Seeing this, the Emperor wasn’t entirely unlucky in the children department.

‘It’s just that he wasn’t blessed with good kids.’

He’ll soon realize things don’t go the way he expects.

After that, things moved quickly. The focus was on determining the owner’s preferences—colors for the interior, room styles, favorite foods, and so on.

“That should be enough for today. The rest we’ll discuss with the steward coming from the Ariadne domain.”

“Compile the details and send them to me regularly.”

Even if I wasn’t running the estate personally, keeping track of progress was essential.

“Understood. It’s a small territory but rich in resources and sights, so feel free to look around. There’s a shallow sea near the annex; you might like to visit. It’s quiet—the kind of place good for thinking.”

“Thank you.”

The steward bowed politely and departed.

‘Phew, it’s not easy to speak casually with the elders.’

It was a relief they accepted it as natural. It seemed it’d take longer to get used to the deference than to the work itself.

“How stifling.”

Vespera said as he rolled up his robe. He had been bundled in layers, so it took courage to endure this weather.

“Thanks to you, things finished quickly. Thank you.”

“I just did what was natural.”

I wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief and said.

“There’s no such thing as ‘natural.’ I’m really grateful.”

“…You leave me speechless.”

“Hehe.”

I smiled sardonically and lowered the arm that had been wiping his forehead. Suddenly conscious that it was just the two of us in the room, the atmosphere turned oddly quiet.

“Ahem, shall we go to the sea in front of the annex the steward recommended?”

“Sounds good. Go to the room, unpack, and meet me in thirty minutes.”

“Okay. See you shortly.”

Vespera and I returned to our respective rooms to unpack and rest. I usually loved water, so I was very much looking forward to today. I made thorough preparations for having fun. Through Laurent, I had arranged a bright, lightweight dress and swimwear items instead of a trailing gown.

‘It’s a pity I couldn’t get an inner tube, though.’

Still, I was able to get fashion items like a straw hat and sandals.

I packed various things into a basket. It didn’t seem like much, but it added up. Wearing different clothes instead of the same work outfits made me feel inexplicably excited. I finished preparing by putting a white headband on my hair.

“Ready to play.”

Knock, knock.

Just then Vespera came to fetch me. He had taken off only his vest and wore similar trousers and a light shirt as before. I gave him bonus points for unbuttoning more than three buttons. The brief glimpses of his abs and chest muscles made my heart flutter. He tilted his head when he saw me.

“Why are you wrapped in cloth like that?”

I spun around once while wrapped in the fabric.

“It’s a beach towel.”

“A beach towel?”

“Ah, it’s like a large towel for wiping off when you get wet from playing in the water. It’s rather big.”

“I see. Shall we go?”

He slowly closed his eyes and politely offered his hand. I smiled and took it.

The sea connected to the annex we arrived at felt like a private beach for the castle’s lord. In the blazing sun, the well-kept water was blue and clear like something seen abroad.

“Wow, it’s so beautiful.”

The open view felt refreshing to the core. After working in a confined office, it felt amazing to be out like this.

“It’s beautiful.”

When Vespera swept his hair back with his large hand, his well-kept hair fluttered in the breeze. He looked like a beautiful painting. The moment felt so unreal I stared blankly.

‘Then shall I wet myself a bit?’

I carefully took off my sandals on the sand.

“How seriously do you intend to play?”

The bright sand crunched softly underfoot; it was smooth and pleasant.

“Did I tell you I like playing in the water?”

I revved myself up to play in earnest. When I judged I was ready, I unhesitatingly removed the beach towel.

Behold, my bikini!

What else is there if not to show off this slim figure! My pale skin and modest but sufficient curves made for a satisfying shape.

I had put so much effort into having Laurent custom-make it. It was the first beach with my boyfriend, after all! When Laurent sent the finished outfit he joked about a hot night, which made the dress a bit misunderstood, but let’s leave it at that.

Anyway, just as I was enjoying the cool breeze and about to run into the sea—

“Coco!”

He suddenly grabbed me and pulled me into an embrace. That had its own appeal… but there was a strange texture against my body. It was his shirt. His voice sounded clearly flustered.

“W-what on earth is this…?”

There was a man’s face, greatly shocked, staring at his perfectly bare torso.

“Huh?”