Could this be something commemorating our memories? I recalled how Lucian had kept souvenirs from our past, which had surprised me before.

“What is it?”

Unable to contain my curiosity, I asked first. Lucian smiled shyly.

Why would Lucian make such a face? Could it be a miniature of a dress I wore as a child, fitted on a doll for display? Or maybe he had framed the letters I had sent him? Or perhaps it was a display of gifts I had given him?

What could it be?

Eagerly, I waited for him to draw back the curtain. I could feel my heart pleasantly pounding with anticipation.

“Alright, I’ll reveal it now.”

Lucian spoke and then exhaled shortly before slowly pulling back the curtain.

As the space behind the curtain became visible, familiar faces appeared.

There were the aides I often saw in Lucian’s office, along with Tommy and the children holding flowers and a cake, and finally, Amber, standing with her head bowed.

“…Huh?”

“Ray, I created this space to symbolically show that I’m always behind you. Do you like it?”

So…

While accessed through a different door, it ultimately connected to Lucian’s office, making it one space.

Originally, the wall behind Lucian’s desk was filled with bookshelves. Now, it has been constructed into a rounded gateway.

It mirrored Lucian’s office almost like a reflection in a mirror, except everything was arranged oppositely.

And notably, minus the aides’ desks.

“…”

Could this really be called my own office?

Overwhelmed and slightly taken aback, I wasn’t sure whether to be happy or not.

Yes, I should have expected something like this when he agreed to make an office for me…

“…Ray, aren’t you happy?”

As I stared blankly, unsure of what expression to make, Lucian looked disheartened and asked.

Below his dark eyelashes, his golden eyes looked sad. Oh no, I shouldn’t be swayed by that face again…

“No? I’m actually thrilled! I was worried I would be lonely by myself!”

I blurted out my feelings, and as if they were waiting, the children clapped, followed by the aides.

Only Amber still kept her head bowed.

“Congratulations, madam!”

“Congratulations! Madam and the duke!”

“Really, congratulations!”

The cheerful voices of the children mingled with the even tones of the aides.

“…Ung, thank you.”

The children from the duke’s office had come through the newly opened archway.

Soon they gathered in front of me and sang.

“Under the brilliant sun…”

Holding a cake like this, it felt almost like a birthday, not entirely a bad feeling.

It felt a bit surreal.

“Madam, please have some cake.”

After finishing their song, the children looked up expectantly as they offered me the cake.

The cake, generously topped with strawberries and grapes, looked incredibly delicious.

And Lucian had an expression just as sweet as the cake.

Approaching me, he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and said,

“What are you waiting for? Cut the celebration cake. The kids are waiting.”

“Ah, right. Kids, you can set it on the table.”

“Yes!”

I cut the cake into small pieces so that everyone present could have a slice.

Amber then approached. She had prepared a trolley in advance and began taking out plates.

She placed the first slice of cake in front of me, and the second in front of Lucian.

After setting the accompanying tea on the table, Amber put the remaining cake back on the trolley.

“Have a pleasant time.”

She said, bowing correctly, though her eyes seemed unfocused.

‘Why is she acting like that?’ I thought just as the children were leaving the office, muttering.

“Hehe, madam said ‘honey’…”

“Hehe, ‘honey’…”

“Silly, of course. They’re a married couple.”

Hearing Tommy’s murmur, I could only flap my mouth open like a fish.

After the children and aides had left, only Lucian and I remained in the now empty office.

“What are you doing? Eat already.”

He pushed the plate with the cake closer to me and picked up his teacup, taking a sip with elegant grace. Watching him, I dumbly covered my face with my hands.

“Ah…”

I could not even scream. If there were a real mouse hole, I would want to hide in it. That’s exactly how I felt.

To think everyone was listening behind the curtain…

I was so embarrassed, ashamed, and mortified, I wanted to die. Stomping my feet and stifling muffled screams

“Ray, what’s wrong?”

His genuinely puzzled voice made me snap.

“Ah, it’s too embarrassing!”

My face felt hot under my hands. The thought that others had heard our private conversation made me bury my face in Lucian’s thigh, flailing my legs.

It was the most humiliating moment of my life.

Yet, even in that moment, his gentle touch on my back was so comforting that I resigned myself and ate the cake.

* * *

I heard that the new village for the territory residents had been completed.

I also heard that a restaurant was selling the dish I had created as a specialty limited menu item.

The harvesting of seafood from the sea had become a source of income for the residents, and the dish I created using these resources had been well-received.

Especially, the steamed mussels with spicy sauce had become a popular item.

The news was delivered by none other than the former Duchess. Her letter was filled with updates and thoughts on new experiences.

She seemed impressed by the steamed mussels, as her review extended to ten lines.

Chuckling as I read, I sensed a gaze from behind.

“What’s so funny?”

Lucian, having approached from behind, checked the name on the envelope and then turned his gaze to me.

The wide-open office left no room for privacy. He could come over to my office whenever he was curious.

I suppose he thinks of it as his way of showing care, which I found both funny and cute.

“It seems Mother was struck by how delicious the steamed mussels were. It sounds like the new territory’s restaurant is doing quite well.”

“Hmm…”

“How did you come up with that idea? It’s brilliant, Lucian.”

“Hmm, well.”

“I just thought I’d be eating it myself. I never imagined turning it into a business. You really are smart, Lucian.”

“Hmm, then. Speaking of which, shall we go eat there?”

“Really?”

“Or not. How about we take a trip? Let’s stop by to eat on our way out. What do you say, honey?”

“…Should we do that, honey?”

Although it still felt awkward, the term ‘honey’ rolled off my tongue more naturally than before.

After all, I had managed to wrap up most of the pressing matters, so making time seemed possible.

This is a honeymoon, then?

I looked up at Lucian with sparkling eyes. A trip in the ripe autumn…

The very thought filled me with joy.

“There’s a villa deep in the Lucas Mountains near Leon territory . It’s a great place to relax. Shall we go there?”

A trip.
It seemed like a great spot for us, who had been all about work.

“Yes, let’s go there. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Lucian smiled brightly at my response.

“Me too.”

* * *

The date was set quickly. As soon as he mentioned it to the staff, they eagerly encouraged them to go on the honeymoon.

As he prepared, Lucian was excited. He planned to bring just a few guards, cherishing the prospect of spending time alone with Rachel.

He was adamant about not bringing along Rachel’s shapeshifters this time. He was standing strong about it

Truth be told, he wanted to escape just with Rachel and leave the escorts behind.

However, for safety’s sake, he decided to bring two guards.

“Are you excited?”

Looking into her hopeful sky-blue eyes, Lucian smiled back.

Anywhere with her was happy, but a honeymoon made it even better.

Taking the carriage, they stopped at a restaurant for their first destination. Eating while enjoying the mystic black sand and sea was a delight.

“This place looks like it will do well.”

Rachel kept exclaiming her amazement as she ate, frequently pausing to take in the scenery.

The joy of watching her every moment up close was indescribable…

They had barely started, yet he constantly felt overjoyed.

After leaving the restaurant, they headed for the Lucas Mountains, but not before stopping to visit their parents.

It was just a brief visit to say hello and see their faces, but Rachel was still delighted.
Honestly, he had become more comfortable with his parents. But it’s not like he had developed an overwhelming affection for them. It’s just that he no longer holds any resentment.

But if Rachel is happy, then that’s good enough for him.

Sitting in a luxuriously cushioned chair designed to smooth out any bumps in the ride, Lucian gazed out the window.

Rachel smiled, leaning comfortably against him.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Is there a hot spring there too? It’s not winter yet, but it gets quite chilly at night. It would be nice to go in.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Hehe.”

Every time he saw her innocently happy smile, he pulled her in closer by the waist.

What’s beautiful to one’s eyes must also be beautiful to others…

He wasn’t one to simply relax because they were married. He curled his eyes, resting his cheek on the top of her head.

Just then, the sunset was setting beautifully. Just like the colors of autumn leaves.

__