Chapter 113

She calmly recounted how she had come here and everything that had happened since. It was all unbelievable, but when she mentioned the prophecy of her eldest brother Olgard, he had no choice but to believe. On top of that, all the things that had been puzzling finally made sense: her overly practiced social skills for her age, her handling of duties, her way with words.

But there was something else that shocked him.

‘She was older than me.’

He felt ashamed of himself for having, without realizing it, assumed he should act like an older brother.

Her ongoing story was one surprise after another. A world without magic. Instead, science had advanced there, and that place was far freer and more competitive than the empire.

“I had thought of telling this someday, but I was worried it might be a burden since we’ve only been seeing each other for a short time. But um… I didn’t want you to have the wrong idea about me.”

“Wrong idea?”

“As we meet more, I think there will be many surprising things… I thought if you knew in advance, there would be fewer fights like today. What is natural to you may not be natural to me, and what is natural to me may not be natural to you.”

I felt sorry thinking how much she must have agonized in that small head of hers. Vespera was astonished by her story, but it did nothing to diminish his feelings of love. If anything, he was grateful she had confided such a difficult secret to him.

“When I fell for you, you were already you— that’s enough.”

What if he had confused the previous body’s owner with the woman before him? It was dizzying just to imagine it, though it wouldn’t happen. He was simply grateful she treated their relationship sincerely. Vespera slowly drew Cornelia close and held her to his chest.

“Thank you for telling me. Honestly, where you came from isn’t important to me. What’s most important is that you met me like this. You’ve had a hard time, and all I can do is thank God.”

He felt a small fist tap him in displeasure from his embrace and a suppressed laugh escaped him. Vespera said to the woman in his arms:

“But that outfit is a no.”

“Huh?”

“It’s not because you came from another world. I just don’t want others to see you even a little.”

“Then what about when it’s just the two of us?”

She said that in her world romantic relationships were free, but she still needed to hold back her reins. When it came to ideas about romance, he preferred this place to her world.

“…Please save me.”

“Hah. I’ll think about it.”

She lifted her head and smiled at him. Vespera smiled back and cupped her cheek and nape. As she shyly blinked and closed her eyes, he slowly lowered his head as well.

What had moments ago been an argument now felt like a tender, gentle kiss. They pecked like birds a few times, then covered each other’s lips deeply, laughing quietly between kisses— a happy kiss.

Only then did Vespera feel that he had truly reached her.

“Ugh… I slept well.”

I stretched and basked in the sunlight streaming through the window. I had gone to bed late and was a bit tired, but my heart felt very light. Vespera had been surprised to learn my true identity, but after a moment he gave an answer that went beyond sweet gratitude— he was glad to have met me.

‘Just looking at his appearance, I wouldn’t expect him to say something like that.’

I had worried he might treat me like a madwoman. Instead, he said his doubts had been completely resolved and that, however unbelievable, he’d accept this as the truth. They say the most rational people accept things better when there’s nowhere to refute them; that saying came to mind.

“You won’t think I’m an unseemly noblewoman anymore, right?”

The anger had long since vanished without a trace. After all he’d done, I couldn’t insist on my stubbornness. He respected my wishes as a boyfriend, and though I was disappointed, I decided to give up the swimsuit he had firmly refused.

‘Someday I’ll wear it…’

Maybe after we’ve been together longer it would be okay? I clicked my tongue at the lingering regret even as I gave it up.

Anyway, today was the last day of the second day of our trip. Since yesterday had an unexpected conflict, we had to enjoy today without regrets.

“You’re here?”

Vespera, waiting in front of the carriage, reached out his hand affectionately. I naturally took it and stepped into the carriage. As the door closed and he swept back his robe, he flashed the most beautiful smile yet.

“What shall we do today?”

The brightness made me almost shield my eyes with my hand. Usually Vespera planned things in advance, but since this trip to the Libertas domain was part business and part pleasure, I took the lead on the itinerary. Planning a trip for someone who works through the night is crazy.

“Today we’ll take the carriage around the domain to get a feel for the place. Then we’ll have lunch at a recommended restaurant the steward suggested.”

“Sounds good.”

The carriage slowly set off and I watched the domain through the window. Ideally I would have walked around to listen to the people’s stories and inspect things closely, but there wasn’t enough time. After I took over as lord, I planned to take a longer vacation and return, so today I’d look around with a light heart.

Perhaps because the weather was fine, people’s expressions generally looked bright.

“Being next to the Duke’s domain probably brought certain benefits. There would be a lot of exchange. At least most people would be fine making a living. Of course, it’d be different if the new lord was the sort who levies heavy taxes.”

“What are you saying. Are you suggesting I’m that kind of harsh lord?”

“I never said that. Are you feeling guilty?”

“Huh?”

We grumbled playfully as we made a full circuit of the Libertas domain. Growing a bit peckish, we went into the recommended restaurant. Unfortunately, because of his remarkable appearance, he had to stay bundled up in his robe while we ate. He smiled, saying he was used to it and not to worry.

“I’m curious if you’ve given it any thought.”

As I tasted the crisp fried squid I had ordered, he asked with a serious look. I even set down the fork I had brought to my mouth.

“Um… about a pet name.”

He shyly turned his head and cleared his throat. He liked that I used his name but wanted a simpler term to call him. Hmm… what did they call each other in my world? Usually…

“Honey?”

“Cough cough!”

Vespera started coughing like a mad man. I hurriedly handed him some water. Only after downing a cup of cold water did he calm a bit.

“Is… that also a term used in your world?”

I nodded.

“That world uses embarrassingly intimate words very easily.”

“It’s not much different here. Vespera is the conservative one.”

“Please use something else.”

“Hmm…”

I studied his whole face as if inspecting it piece by piece. Looking at that beautiful, dignified face that reminded me of a wolf, something suddenly came to mind.

“Ren.”

The essence of ‘Ren’ seemed to suit him—the way that wild sensuality peeked through the otherwise neat, perfect attire of a man. It wasn’t so much that the name had meaning as that the name itself conjured him.

“Ren… I like it.”

He tried saying it a few times and smiled as if satisfied.

“Ria.”

“…?”

His gaze fixed on me, but he had called a completely different name.

“I dislike pet names used by others. ‘Ren’ will be for you only, and ‘Ria’ only for me to use.”

Looking quietly, I realized this was what he wanted to say. After all, there would be more than one person calling her ‘Coco.’ No wonder he’d pester me to give him pet names. The thin motive made me laugh, and suddenly we had two pet names.

“Yes. Call me that when it’s just the two of us. But…”

Now that I had revealed my identity, one question came to mind.

“I’m older than you, you know. Shall we speak informally to each other?”

It was a joke. I didn’t really want to switch to informal speech since this situation still felt unfamiliar. I could hedge on the pet name, but if I let my guard down and spoke casually outside, it could lead to trouble.

“Sadly, that will be difficult. Look at us. Doesn’t anyone see that I appear older? In this place you’re clearly younger than me, so I’d like you to accept that.”

I swallowed a laugh. He didn’t seem willing to give up the older-brother role.

“I have nothing left to hide from you. If there’s anything you’re curious about, since we’re on a trip anyway, ask. I’ll answer everything.”

He was silent for a while, then slowly opened his mouth. I could sense hesitation.

“What do you think about meeting my family?”

At the sudden talk of meeting his family, I couldn’t close my gaping mouth.