The so-called “aftercare process,” which I thought would be a hassle, ended up being easier than expected.

Feeling a slight sense of relief, I quietly started to smile to myself.

“Honestly, I was a bit worried… But still, I’m glad everything is wrapped up without any major issues.”

Revealing that someone who was thought to be of lowly birth actually held a noble status… the scene of those who had their heads held high suddenly bowing down in submission is a cliché often used in dramas from the original world.

In that regard, I felt a sense of relief that my family didn’t put on such a disgraceful display.

“My father and mother were never the type to act like that… Even if they had their issues regarding marriage, at least they never publicly snubbed Cazerose.”

Realistically speaking, it would be more accurate to say that my parents weren’t particularly interested in Cazerose.

In fact, the time Cazerose spent here was when the Sacred Empire was preparing for war, and after that, she had to leave to head back to the Dragona Empire amidst post-war affairs.

Given the situation, my busy parents wouldn’t have had the energy to worry about their son’s romantic entanglements.

Nonetheless, I secretly felt grateful that the so-called thrilling development didn’t unfold, as I wasn’t particularly concerned, but if Cazerose were to face any disdain here, then whether big or small, she might retaliate, and no one in Bohemia would be able to stop her.

“But if I stepped in, it would work out somehow… but honestly, I don’t think I’d want to stop my wife from getting revenge for being mistreated.”

With such thoughts, I felt relieved that there had been no troublesome incidents and walked into the room with Cazerose.

“Well, it seems the conversation got a bit lengthy. Are you tired, Cazerose?”

“I’m fine, but aren’t you tired, Mr. Santana? You traveled such a long distance and then explained the situation…”

“Ahaha, that’s the least I could do! Honestly, ever since I learned of Cazerose’s status, I’ve wanted to talk about it. Even if there weren’t any overt issues, thinking about all the mental strain you must have gone through…”

“Dear…”

As Cazerose blushed slightly, showing a serene joy at my words, I felt a sense of fatigue and laid back on the bed. Naturally, Cazerose settled next to me, leaning against me.

In my familiar bed, facing my beloved wife, as I looked into her warm eyes, I started feeling my heart race from the excitement.

We were so close that I could hear her breathing.

In that moment, I maintained silence while gazing into her sparkling eyes that gleamed like blue gemstones.

Her eyes gave off a feeling of holding the clean and vast ocean within them.

Just lying in bed and looking at her made the accumulated fatigue from my travels slowly melt away.

After a moment, Cazerose carefully reached out her hand towards my calm face.

Her hand was as white and delicate as porcelain, infused with the warmth of a spring day.

It gently began to stroke my hair, and I too slowly responded by running my fingers through her silky hair.

The feeling of her black, lustrous, and soft hair led me to cautiously move closer to the Cazerose lying in front of me.

And then…

*Chuu*

We naturally pulled our heads closer, kissing each other.

While savoring the soft yet warm sensation we both felt, I cautiously began to indulge in her lips.

“Hahat…”

“Haah…”

With excited faces, we felt each other’s warmth.

Her breath, the touch of her tongue, the taste of her saliva.

As I began to tighten my grip around her body, I could feel a rush of emotion, but…

I then stopped before doing anything more.

“A bit… disappointing. If my body weren’t this tired… we could have moved on to the next step…”

In that moment, I could still feel Cazerose’s warmth and her scent.

And that soft sensation from her body stirred a primal desire within me, but unfortunately, it was only in my heart.

Cazerose’s hands also moved slowly downwards before freezing.

Both of us knew very well that we needed rest right now.

Separately from our racing desires, we were quite fatigued after our long journey and the lengthy explanation.

The most affection we could express in that situation was just this.

Feeling a bit regretful over that fact, Cazerose and I embraced each other tightly before slowly drifting into sleep.

I thought about how nice it would be if we could see each other’s faces even in dreams.

Suddenly…

*Knock knock knock*

“Huh?”

“What?”

A sudden knock from outside jolted us awake just as we were about to fall asleep, and we hurriedly sat up a bit, creating some distance between us.

Even though we were a couple, this situation somehow felt a bit embarrassing, causing our faces to redden.

“Um… um… P-Please come in.”

As soon as I gave permission, the door slowly opened, revealing Polena, who was wearing a more serious expression than usual.

She then spoke to me in a polite tone.

“I apologize for the intrusion, Master. Miss Dust is waiting outside and insists on seeing Lady Cazerose. What would you like to do?”

“Huh? Dust?”

Cazerose asked me whether to let in my younger sister, who had arrived.

Normally, she wouldn’t have needed to ask such a question, but given that we were both quite worn out, she probably understood the situation.

I cautiously turned to Cazerose and asked.

“What should we do? If you’re too tired, we could postpone…”

“No… Since a ‘noble person’ has come all the way here, we can’t do that. There are matters to deal with, so let’s meet her.”

Cazerose’s face wore an unusually serious expression as she spoke, which piqued my curiosity about what was going on.

“Please let her know it’s okay to come in.”

Once my permission was granted, Polena nodded slightly before letting Dust enter.

She then carefully closed the door and left.

Before my eyes, I began to see Dust standing nervously in front of us.

She looked as if she had committed some great sin.

Watching her, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on that made her act like this.

“Did she borrow some money without me knowing? She looks oddly tense…”

Just as I was filled with curiosity over things I couldn’t immediately understand…

“…C-Cazerose…”

“…”

Dust called out to Cazerose with a trembling voice.

Looking at her, I noticed Cazerose’s unusually cold demeanor.

Both Dust and Cazerose were acting quite differently from their usual selves, fueling my intrigue even more.

Then…

*Thud!*

“?”

“…”

In the next moment, Dust knelt in front of Cazerose.

She then buried her head against the floor with a pleading voice.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, Lady Cazerose!”