Chapter 12: Honeymoon?

Six months after marrying Cedric.

We were on a trip.

A honeymoon with my favorite!
Not quite, but… okay, it’s an exaggeration.

We’re indeed traveling by carriage, far from the capital, to a distant estate.
But it’s not for leisure.

It’s an inspection tour.
Specifically, to use my water magic’s purification ability.

Over these six months, my purification magic has blossomed.
It’s grown stronger than standard water magic.

I can purify tainted water and cleanse corrupted land.
With more practice, I might even purify poison.

I truly have a talent for water magic.

For me, simply using magic is thrilling.
In my past life as a Japanese person, magic was impossible, so wielding it in this world sends my excitement soaring.

Creating water orbs, reshaping them, infusing them with purification.
It’s fun, so I practiced daily.

But some people won’t let it end at joy.

That’s my father-in-law, Duke Gilbert.

He took notice of my purification ability and “requested”—ordered—me to use it for the ducal estates.

I couldn’t refuse.

As the duke’s daughter-in-law, working for the estate is expected.
Besides, helping those in need isn’t bad.

I convinced myself of that.

I was supposed to go alone.
But Cedric insisted, “I’m coming too, absolutely.”

I told him the academy made it impossible, but he said, “It’s fine,” with conviction.

His serious expression left me speechless.

So, here we are, together.

In the carriage, moving along.
Outside, lush greenery unfolds—trees swaying, birds singing, pastoral fields.

The carriage’s sway is pleasant, and we sit across from each other.
Cedric’s reading but occasionally glances at me with a smile.

Each smile makes my heart skip.

I asked, a bit worried.

“Are you sure it’s okay to miss academy classes?”

He looked up from his book, answering calmly.

“It’s fine. As top student, I have some leeway.”
“But skipping lessons…”
“I’ve cleared it with the teachers. Besides, this trip is official estate business. They said it’s a good opportunity for hands-on learning.”

He smiled.
Maintaining top rank allows such trips, apparently.

As expected of my brilliant favorite.

After three days by carriage, we reached the ducal estate.

Peering out the window, I saw a sizable town.
Stone buildings lined the streets, paved with cobblestones.
People bustled, carts passed, full of life.

The logistics seemed robust.
This land mainly grows and ships grains, it seems.

The carriage stopped, the door opened.

Cedric stepped down first, offering his hand.

“Here, Amelia.”
“Thank you.”

Taking his hand, I stepped out.

The square was lined with stalls selling fruits, vegetables, bread, and meat.
Children ran about, mothers chatted with smiles, an old man walked slowly with a cane, young men carried goods.

The air was clear, the breeze pleasant.
The sun was warm, clouds drifting lazily.

Quite a nice town.

The air was fresh, and though it’s an inspection, I felt a vacation vibe.
The ducal carriage was comfortable—soft seats, minimal sway, making the three-day trip easy.

Escorted by Cedric, we headed to a prominent mansion in the town.

Walking, we passed townsfolk.
They widened their eyes, likely recognizing the ducal crest on the carriage.

Some bowed politely.
I returned smiles and nods.

Soon, a large gate came into view.
Stone, engraved with the Gilbert ducal crest.

The gate opened, and we entered.
This must be the ducal house in this land.

Smaller than the capital’s mansion but still impressive.
Three stories, many windows, a spacious garden.

Servants greeted us warmly.

“Welcome, Lord Cedric, Lady Amelia.”

A butler-like man bowed deeply.

Impeccable.
The ducal house is something else.

As a border count’s daughter, I grew up in a fine home, but the ducal house is on another level.
We handed our luggage to the servants and entered.

The corridors were wide, ceilings high.
Paintings adorned the walls, vases held flowers.

The room we were led to was spacious and clean.
A large bed, windows overlooking the garden.

After settling our things, we decided to explore the town first.

“Let’s take a look around before the inspection,” Cedric suggested.

“Yes, it’s good to know the town.”

I agreed.
Truthfully, it felt a bit like sightseeing.

We went out again, this time on foot.
Cedric took my hand, linking arms.

The closeness made my heart race.
But it was joyful.

The town had a lively atmosphere with stalls.
Colorful fabrics, wooden dolls, the scent of spices.

Vibrant, bustling, fun.
Meat skewers were sold, and since we were hungry, we bought some.

“Two, please,” Cedric told the vendor.

The vendor handed them over with a smile.

“Thank you,” I said, smiling back.

Hot, savory skewers.
The aroma whetted our appetites.

Eating together, they were delicious.
Tender meat, sweet-spicy sauce, bursting with flavor.

“Delicious,” Cedric said.

“Yes, really,” I nodded.

Why are street foods so tasty?
It reminded me of Japanese festivals in my past life, a nostalgic pang.

Summer festivals, wearing yukata, strolling stalls with friends.
Yakisoba, takoyaki, candied apples.

Back then, magic was a fantasy.

Now, I’m using magic in this world.
And walking with my favorite.

A strange feeling.

As I thought this, Cedric looked at me.

“You’ve got some on your face.”

“What?”

I hurriedly tried to wipe my face.
Where? How embarrassing.

Food on my face in front of my favorite?

“Here,” Cedric said, wiping my cheek with his finger.

His touch made my heart leap.

Then he licked the sauce off his finger.

“…!”

My face flushed red instantly.
Hot—my face, ears, neck.

“T-That’s dirty!”

I said, hiding my embarrassment.

But he shook his head, smiling.

“Nothing on your lips could be dirty, Amelia.”

His words made my face burn hotter.

Embarrassing.
Embarrassing, but somehow thrilling.

My chest tightened.

To hear such words from my favorite.

He’s my husband, but it’s still hard to believe.

So happy I could collapse.

“U-Um…”

I looked away, too shy to meet his eyes.

Cedric laughed, amused.

“Heh, you’re cute, Amelia.”
“N-Not cute…”
“Yes, you are.”

He took my hand.
Warm, large, strong.

“Let’s walk some more.”
“Y-Yes…”

I nodded, face still burning, but squeezed his hand back.

We walked on, through the town’s bustle, side by side.

Cedric looked happy.
Usually calm, composed, masked, he now smiled genuinely.
His joy made me smile naturally too.

(I’m so happy.)

I thought it from the bottom of my heart.
I want to stay his wife forever, but I can’t.

For his sake, I must divorce in three years.

But for now… I want to savor this happiness.