Volume 3 Chapter 6 Part 3 (1/2)

Volume 3 Chapter 6 Part 3

Translator: Kurehashi Aiko Editor: Queenie

「The rumor seemed to have begun spreading around the time you began your work as His Highness’ assistant. What’s more, the fact that you are now in charge of preparing his meals only strengthened that assumption. These past few days have been peaceful, but someone will eventually try to get to Klanven through you, and it might result in you being put in danger because of that.」

I felt as though my head had been hit with a hammer. I had no idea that such rumors were being spread around, and if he didn’t tell me now, I would still be kept in the dark. And since no one had the courage to come to me and try to confirm them, they were only bound to become even wilder over time.

If it was about anything else, I would have probably left it be and not pay it any mind, but when there are rumors of this caliber going around about you, you cannot simply leave the matter be as if it was nothing.

「Pray tell, are those rumors based in reality?」

「How can you even joke about something like that? It’s impossible and you know that.」

Even though I responded to his provocation right away, the truth is that although I might look calm about this whole situation, in reality I was at a loss as to what to do about it.

It was also true that recently, whenever I was walking somewhere with Klanven, I would catch passersby looking at us in a funny way, and it would always strike me as strange. I always explained it away to myself that they were simply admiring Klanven’s beauty. Never would I have thought that the real reason would be so venomous.

The only saving grace in this situation was the fact that Klanven himself is bound to dismiss the rumors once they reach him. While I was suppressing the urge to grab my head in a show of irritation, the man looked down on me and continued.

「Oh well, you must be patient and wait until the festival is over.」

「Does it bother you what people talk about me…… about your own wife?」

「Just please be aware of that fact and do try to act accordingly.」

Wait a moment, was that really it? No getting angry? No cold stares? No complaining about this whole situation? I couldn’t help it but to think that something was missing here. …… Or maybe I’m just overthinking things again. If I continue to pry into this matter, I may end up touching a subject that would be best left untouched. Instead of that, I want to enjoy this man’s warmth which I haven’t felt in so long.

I wanted to hug my face against the man’s chest again, but then a short and clear sound of s bell resonated throughout the room. We thought that maybe it was a mistake, but when the bell continued ringing without showing any signs of stopping anytime soon, I could see an irritated look appear on the man’s face as he let out a long sigh.

「It seems that Klanven is calling for me, so I have to go.」

「…… Yeah.」

Reluctantly letting go of one another, I put my uniform back on.

「See you tomorrow, Edi.」

「Yeah. See you tomorrow.」

He kissed me on the forehead and then disappeared from my room. Seeing him off, I get ready and exit the room as well, walking towards the chamber next door and then knocking onto the door. I enter it when I hear a voice from the inside telling me to come on in.

「Hmm, nice timing. Really nice timing.」

Klanven was resting on the sofa as usual, his long silver hair scattered about. Contrary to during the day, he wasn’t wearing his Priest robes, but an intricate night robe instead. When he saw me, he lit the magical crystal that was installed in his room.

「Please excuse me for asking this, but what is the purpose of summoning me here this late at night?」

Seeing just how relaxed he was, I realized that this isn’t how someone who was nearly poisoned should act. Now I was starting to feel stupid for actually being worried about him. He then smiled at me.

「For some reason I can’t fall asleep. Would you keep me company until I manage to?」

I was this close to actually smacking him to the head and yelling “Are you a child, or what!?”, but I managed to stop myself from doing that. It was foolish of me to expect him to act in a different way than usual, so the only one I can blame here is myself. So in the end, I had no other choice but to just bear with Klanven’s shenanigans, since there was no way for me to weasel my way out.

「If that’s indeed the case, then please wait a moment.」

I go back to my room, take out the tea leaves that were stored in my closet, and go back to Klanven’s chambers together with a teapot and a tea set. Using one of Klanven’s magic fire gems I boil water and warm the set a little bit before casting the leaves in.

Inhaling the sweet and light aroma of brewing tea, Klanven’s eyes gradually opened up, becoming livelier than they were just a moment ago.

「Is this perhaps an herbal tea?」

「Correct. This tea should help you relax and fall asleep more easily. It was my husband that came up with the idea for this blend.」

I originally brought it over from my house since I was planning on using it myself, but I would have never expected to use it in a situation like that. I pour the tea into the cup and place it in front of Klanven.

He sat up properly on the couch and reached out his hand towards the cup.

He must have had a cat’s tongue, for he blew some air a few times on the tea before eventually taking a sip. The expression in his eyes melted instantly.

「I see. It is exceptionally delicious.」