I fell asleep again around 2 a.m.

Theodore and I had been playing chess until 1 a.m., and since our skills were evenly matched, the game ended in a draw, 2-2. We had made a bet that the winner could make a wish, but unfortunately, it fell through.

I had wanted to tell him to visit Arendelle Castle a bit less frequently if I won.

Before falling asleep again, Theodore sat by my side and read poetry to me. His soft voice echoed in the quiet of the night, lulling me to sleep. The last things I remember are the clock’s big hand pointing at the two and Theodore whispering, “Good night.”

I woke up fully rested at 10 a.m. As usual, my day was filled with managing estate duties and wedding preparations. At times, I wished I could split myself due to the workload.

“Budget adjustments for the repair of the rift damage…”

“Misentries in the ledger…”

“With the lower yield of spring vegetables this year, we need to reduce exports to other estates…”

Managing an estate is a never-ending task. Theodore’s situation isn’t much different, after breakfast, he had to leave immediately for Veronis.

I sometimes wonder if our married life will continue in a similar fashion. Fortunately, I’m glad we won’t lack the time together.

“It’s not enough.”

…..But perhaps that was just my own thinking. Theodore returned for dinner with a somber look.

“I wish I could spend all day with you, but there’s just not enough time. I often imagine how great it would be if I could split myself in two, one to handle duties and the other to be with you.”

It was precisely the same thought I’d had, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I put down my fork and knife and took a sip of wine. The white wine, pairing well with the fish dish, carried a subtle fruity aroma. I’m not much for alcohol, but I do enjoy a light drink like this.

“We can’t help it. We can’t literally split ourselves in two. Just sitting here, sharing a meal with you is enough to make me happy. Don’t you feel the same?”

“…I guess I’m just greedy.”

Theodore said with a sigh, then soon gave a faint smile. His plate of fish remained largely untouched. He was going slowly with the meal.

“…You said you have to leave right after dinner, right?”

“Yes…”

His voice was gloomy as he cut his fish. I thought for a moment before gently speaking up.

“You can come to my room even if it’s late… after midnight if you wish.”

Theodore’s eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected such an invitation from me. I chuckled dismissively and poured more wine into his glass. The clear liquid shimmered under the chandelier’s light.

“Why so surprised? You didn’t think I found you bothersome, did you?”

“…I…”

“I enjoy our time together too, Theodore.”

“…!”

He flinched visibly and looked stunned. I watched his reaction with amusement, keeping my face nonchalant as I neatly separated a piece of fish. The tender white flesh easily flaked off under my knife.

“Come on, eat up.”

I scooped up a piece of fish with my fork and brought it to his lips, which caused his face to flush with shock. This was uncharacteristic behavior for me. But I feigned ignorance, tilting my head slightly, and Theodore, caught off guard, just blinked rapidly.

I smiled again and asked him.

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

“…I will.”

He replied in a choked voice and opened his mouth to accept the fish. Watching him chew and enjoy the food gave me a strange sense of satisfaction. Is this why people love feeding their pets by hand?

“Is it good?”

“…Yes.”

“Then eat some more.”

He nodded obediently and picked up his fork and knife, his ears tinged red as he stole glances at me. If I found his shyness cute, am I a bit crazy?

* * *

One week later, May 1st.

Just a few days until the wedding.

“It’s hard to believe the Viscount’s wedding….is just a few days away.”

Charlotte said, sounding rather melancholic. According to her, me getting married was giving her something akin to ’empty nest syndrome.’ I couldn’t quite relate, but Charlotte was quite sensitive, so I let it be.

“Are you sure you want to go with this design for the wedding suit? It’s elegant and suits the Viscount well… but it seems a bit plain and empty.”

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