Arc-3 Ch-01

"Just then, a tremendous noise erupted behind me. When I turned around, I saw a cannonball embedded in the ground. I couldn’t help but think—my luck really is terrible, isn’t it?"

"That must have been quite an ordeal. Typically, armored units and warships focus on aerial combat, so ground warfare falls outside my area of expertise as well."

The host and guest of honor at the memorial ceremony were conversing amiably.

To an outsider, the scene would have appeared genuinely harmonious.

After all, they had gone to the trouble of inviting the Saintess from the royal capital to conduct a memorial service in honor of the fallen.

As the lord of this land, it was only natural that he express his gratitude, offer words of appreciation, and present a not-insignificant gift in return.

Looking back, when I first visited the Bartfort territory, Leon was practically still a child, not yet formally introduced into noble society.

He hadn’t even received the basic education expected of a noble. My father-in-law taught him reading, writing, and arithmetic by hand. After joining the military, Leon furthered his studies through sheer self-discipline. That was the full extent of his education.

He wasn’t crude, per se, but he lacked even the most rudimentary noble etiquette. I was the one who taught him proper manners and social conduct from the ground up.

Thanks to that, he’s grown into a reasonably respectable lord—at least capable of avoiding embarrassment in most formal settings.

Naturally, that attracted a deluge of bothersome suitors eager to become his concubine or mistress.

But in Leon’s case, such trivial matters never came up.

Partly because he married me—a daughter of a ducal house—but primarily because of his appearance.

Even now, Leon-sama bears the vivid scars of war on his face.

To young noblewomen raised in the sheltered elegance of aristocracy, far removed from the brutal reality of combat, Leon must seem like a coarse, terrifying, and violent upstart.

The women he met during his initial search for a wife either feared him or dismissed him without ever trying to understand the man he truly is.

Fools, all of them.

They had the chance to marry a hero like Leon and cast it aside without a second thought. It’s beyond comprehension.

There was a time when I was furious at those women for failing to see his worth, but now I’ve come to see it differently. Leon’s greatness is something only I need to understand.

His kindness, his wisdom, his strength, his love—every part of him belongs to me alone. I’ll admit it: I’m so hopelessly infatuated with him that I sometimes feel jealous of our own children.

But I can’t help it.

Every time he whispers words of love to me in our private moments, my heart and body melt—I surrender myself to him completely. That’s how deeply I love him.

"When that massive monster passed right in front of me, I truly thought it was over. I owe my life to Olivia-sama."

"It wasn’t just my power. It wasn’t only you, Leon-sama—everyone fought with everything they had. It’s because we all stood together that we survived. If even one of us had been missing, we wouldn’t have won."

And that’s precisely why this moment is so painfully difficult. Leon fought in two wars against the Fanoss Duchy.

Olivia not only participated—she was pivotal. In the first war, she defeated Hertrude Sera Fanoss, the Duchy's commander-in-chief. In the second, she defeated an enormous magical beast and captured Hertrauda Sera Fanoss, though at great cost.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Holfort Kingdom’s victory would have been impossible without Olivia’s efforts. And Leon, too, played a critical role in enabling Olivia-sama’s victories.

Had his surprise attack during the first war failed, the Duchy’s forces might have reached the royal capital or reinforced their main army. Olivia and her allies might not have prevailed.

In the second war, if Leon hadn’t minimized our soldiers’ losses, the summoned magical beasts might have decided the battle before the royal flagship even had a chance to deploy.

There’s a bond forged only in the crucible of battle—something only comrades-in-arms can truly understand. In that sense, Leon and Olivia share a deep connection.

Before our engagement, I stayed at the ducal residence in the royal capital, cursing the royal family and treating the war as someone else’s problem.

After our marriage, all I could do during wartime was pray for my husband’s safe return.

I can’t help but feel inferior to those who fought to protect the kingdom. I sip my tea—how many cups has it been now?—and wait for time to pass.

"Olivia-sama, it’s time," Marie interjected between Leon and Olivia’s conversation.

Well done, Marie.

I’ll be sure to send her some extra food as thanks once she returns to the capital.

"Oh, you’re right. It’s already that late—we should get going. Thank you, Leon-sama, Angelica-sama."

"No, the pleasure was ours. On behalf of the neighboring lords, I thank you."

"…Thank you."

…Leon, you’ve become surprisingly well-spoken with your formalities, haven’t you?

When I first taught you manners, you grumbled at every lesson and only obeyed after being scolded—yet here you are, so courteous with Olivia?

I take a deep breath, releasing my irritation with a long exhale.

Calm down, Angelica Fou Bartfort.

Letting emotion take control here would make me no different from how I was when my first engagement was annulled.

Leon loves me.

That’s an undeniable fact.

He’s merely a little flustered in the presence of the Saintess—Olivia, who happens to be beautiful, wise, and kind, the kind of woman who captivates without even trying.

But I was raised as the next queen, trained in beauty, grace, and statecraft.

I’m Leon’s wife. I’ve borne his children. I’ve worked tirelessly to manage the Bartfort domain. And though I’ve held back since giving birth, Leon still desires me every few days, without fail.

I’m not losing.

Leon loves me. I love him.

There is no problem.

He’s not like Prince Julius-sama.

As I watch Leon and Olivia walking side by side through the mansion, I silently reaffirm this to myself.

But no matter how many times I repeat it… the unease in my heart refuses to fade.

※　※　※　※　※

Angie is angry.

Really, truly angry.

Ever since I started chatting with Olivia-sama, she’s been standing beside me, radiating silent fury. When Angie’s mad at me, it’s usually because I’ve messed something up.

In those times, she’s half-exasperated and half-amused, not genuinely upset.

She scolds me like a strict older sister correcting her hopeless little brother, gently explaining what I did wrong.

When I mess up badly and start feeling down, she comforts me with that warm, soft voice. Burying my face in her generous chest melts away all my regrets and fatigue. It makes me feel like I can take on the world again tomorrow.

My wife is the best.

So when the woman I adore is this upset, I feel like crying. Did I screw up again?

Sure, I wasn’t perfect during the memorial ceremony. I nearly got a guest’s name wrong at the party too. But I tried. I really did my best.

I don’t think I made any huge mistakes. Probably. Hopefully. Please let that be true. Sighing, I escort Olivia-sama and her party to the entrance. Next, I have to show the Saintess our pride and joy—the hot spring inn where she’ll be staying.

"Father!"

"Mother!"

The twins, who had been darting around the house, finally spotted us and came running. I had left them with my parents, yet somehow, they managed to escape. Where do children even find the energy to keep running like that in such small bodies?

"Lionel, Ariel. Papa and Mama are working. Go back to Grandpa’s."

"Nooo!"

"Don’t wanna!"

Our children—clearly displeased—burst into a tantrum. Still, they’re easier to handle than their mother, Angie, which says a lot. As adorable as their lisping protests might be, I have to stay firm.

"I don’t mind."

Oh no, Olivia-sama…

You’re one of those well-meaning types who unintentionally makes things worse, aren’t you?Marie is glaring at me from behind, clearly unhappy.

The twins cling tightly to my legs, overjoyed. I glance at Angie, expecting her to step in and scold them, but she merely stares blankly ahead.

This isn’t like her. Normally, she’d rein them in with a word. Why is my wife so cold today? What did I do?

The guest carriage is ready outside. Olivia-sama and Marie will be riding in it, accompanied by me—as the host—and my wife, Angie. The remaining attendants and guards will either follow on foot or take separate carriages.

Our coachman and stablehand bow respectfully and open the carriage door.

According to etiquette, boarding is done by rank and gender: Olivia-sama first, followed by Marie, then Angie, and finally me.

As the women board, the twins trail after Angie and hop in beside her. They’re absolutely captivated by the opulent interior—a rare treat for them. Sighing, I step forward to board when a cold voice stops me.

"Leon, take another carriage."

…Did I actually do something wrong? Angie’s frosty tone nearly brings tears to my eyes.

"But as the host, isn’t it proper for me to accompany the guests?"

"The carriage is crowded with the children. A man can take another one."

"Oh, then I’ll step out—"

"Noooo!!"

"Young master, young miss! Please stop pulling my hair!"

Marie, trying to be thoughtful, is immediately overwhelmed by the twins. Of course that wouldn’t work. This is a guest carriage—it’s designed to accommodate extra passengers comfortably.

Even with two kids, there’s more than enough room. So I board and take my seat beside Angie, who greets me with a scowl of pure displeasure.

What was I supposed to do? I’m her husband. The coachman rings the departure bell, drowning out my sigh. How am I supposed to make up with Angie before we reach the inn?

“Hahaha!”

“Young master, please don’t pull my nose like that!”

Marie mutters something as Lionel tugs at her face, but I can’t make it out clearly.

“So pretty~ So pretty~”

“Young miss, I’m honored, but please stop pulling my hair.”

Ariel, surprisingly strong, is enthusiastically yanking on Marie’s hair. The twins must really like Marie—they’ve been ignoring both me and Olivia-sama, latching onto her instead.

When it gets too chaotic, I step in to calm them, but Olivia-sama merely watches with a gentle smile.

Meanwhile, Angie remains completely aloof.

Trying to juggle both guest hospitality and childcare at the same time is too much for me. I silently plead for help with my eyes, but Angie casually brushes me off.

I give up. I just want to go home.

“Lionel-kun, Ariel-chan.”

Olivia-sama calls softly to the twins, extending her hand. A faint light flickers at her fingertips, gently pulsing with subtle magical control.

It’s a refined display—well beyond my capability. I have little magic as a noble, and even less training. Angie’s affinity is with fire magic, but she’s not elite either. Entranced by the light, the twins finally let go of Marie. 

Seizing the rare quiet moment, I lean toward Angie and whisper:

“Angie.”

“…”

“Angie, please.”

“…What?”

Gazing listlessly out the carriage window, her voice is distant—frigid, even. Her coldness stabs me more than any sharp retort would.

But I can’t back down here. I gather my courage and ask:

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Do something?”

“I mean… you’ve been upset this whole time.”

“I’m acting as I always do.”

No, you’re absolutely not.

You’re ignoring the kids. You’re stiff, distant, cold—so unlike your usual composed and nurturing self.

“Are you mad at me?”

“I’m not mad.”

“You’re completely mad.”

“What about me seems mad to you?”

Everything. Literally everything.

The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I hold them back. Pushing her now will only make it worse.

After four years together, even someone as clueless as me has learned that much.

Finley and my older sister would’ve yelled at me five times over by now, but Angie rarely raises her voice.

Her few, quiet words cut far deeper.

I’d normally throw myself at her feet and beg for forgiveness, but doing that in front of Olivia-sama and Marie? Not ideal.

I have no desire to climb the social ladder anyway.

A quiet, simple life suits me just fine.

I just hope Angie’s mood improves before we reach the inn.

A bell chimes outside—the signal that we’ve arrived.

Unfortunately, Angie’s anger hasn’t subsided in the slightest.

As I step out of the carriage and greet the inn’s staff, I remember: a nobleman must disembark first to ensure safety, then escort the women out.

I turn back just as Olivia-sama prepares to step down.

Offering my hand with formal courtesy, I guide her gently.

Her body sways slightly, and for a moment, I catch a glimpse inside the carriage.

Angie, still seated with Lionel and Ariel in her arms, is glaring at me.

But her expression—there’s something different this time.

She looks… heartbreakingly sad.

And in that instant, something finally clicks.

She’d never admit it if I asked, would she?

Saying it aloud might only make things worse.

But I have to do something. I’m her husband.

She might get angrier. She might give me the silent treatment.

But if I let this go, she’ll stay hurt.

No choice.

After Olivia-sama, Marie steps down, followed by the twins. Then comes Angie.

The twins impatiently tug at her sleeves as she prepares to disembark.

I offer my hand. She takes it.

“Angie.”

“…Hm?”

Just as she answers, I seize the moment.

I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close.

As her body lifts slightly in surprise, I press my lips to hers.

※　※　※　※　※

Letting my irritation show was a mistake.

Every time Leon used the etiquette I’d taught him—especially with Olivia—my heart stirred with a bitterness I couldn't explain.

I told myself it was nothing, but deep down, I felt… left behind.

I tightened my grip on the children.

They are the living proof of our love—Leon’s and mine—yet even that couldn’t quell the ache in my chest.

That’s why my focus wave

red.

I let my guard down, assuming no one would dare harm the Saintess.

After confirming the children had disembarked, I moved to follow them out.

Maybe it would be easier to return to the Bartfort estate than to keep watching Leon fawn over Olivia.

Such thoughts consumed me as I stepped forward—

“Angie.”

“…Hm?”

I take Leon’s hand, responding absentmindedly.

The mere thought that Olivia held this hand before me stirs a thick, dark wave of emotion inside me.

Suddenly, I’m yanked forward with surprising force.

Before I can react, something brushes against my lips—and I find Leon’s eyes locked with mine.

SLAP!!!

A sharp smack echoes through the clear blue sky.

My right hand trembles.

Leon’s lips, which had just touched mine, are now distant.

“That hurt.”

“That’s what you get for doing something so foolish!”

What on earth was he thinking, pulling such a stunt?

Doesn’t he have any shame—kissing me where others can see?

I bite back a scream, but my voice trembles with anger.

My head is clouded with emotion, my thoughts tangled, and all I can hear is the deafening thud of my own heartbeat.

“I thought you were feeling down, so I wanted to cheer you up.”

“Then think about the time and place, you idiot!”

What goes on in this man’s head?

Even if he is my husband, there are boundaries—there’s a time and place for everything.

All around us, curious stares bore into us, silently asking what just happened.

“Is something the matter?”

Olivia approaches with concern.

This entire mess wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t shown up in the first place.

I want to glare at her—but snapping at the Saintess would only tarnish my dignity as a nobleman's wife.

“Kiss~”

“Kiss~”

“Lionel, Ariel—enough.”

“Father and Mother…”

“Kiss~”

My own children choose this moment to betray me.

No, they mean no harm.

Leon and I always share a kiss in the morning and before bed, and the children have witnessed countless affectionate moments between us. To them, a kiss is simply an expression of love.

I glance around, and sure enough, not just Olivia and her group, but also the inn staff and temple knights are eyeing us curiously.

Trying to hide the blush creeping into my cheeks, I start walking ahead.

“Angie, I’m supposed to be the one guiding them.”

“I don’t need you! Just stay back and look after Lionel and Ariel!”

“…Understood.”

If you're going to feel remorse, then don’t act so thoughtlessly in the first place, you fool.

The amused expressions on Olivia and Marie’s faces only deepen my irritation.

Fine. I’ll take charge now.

Leon can stay behind and manage the children.

Swallowing my anger, I stride toward the inn to escort our guests.

When I glance back, Leon and the children are already small in the distance.

Even though my heart remains in disarray, a strange warmth seeps in, and I feel the corners of my mouth soften.

Hot springs offer similar benefits no matter where you go.

Most ailments can be eased by maintaining hygiene, warming the affected area, and improving circulation to stimulate the body’s natural healing.

While specific mineral components or climate may cause minor differences, they’re not miraculous cures for incurable diseases.

The Bartfort territory’s hot springs rose to fame largely thanks to our promotional efforts.

We secured funding from the kingdom under the pretense of building a recovery center for wounded soldiers, received support from the ducal house, and launched a widespread publicity campaign to attract visitors.

The tale that Leon recovered from his war injuries thanks to the hot springs is a fiction we crafted.

In truth, it was a combination of my devoted care, the ducal house’s expert physicians, and Leon’s own resilience that restored his strength.

One of the reasons we invited Olivia here was to elevate the prestige of Bartfort.

After ending the war with the Fanoss Duchy, Olivia is now revered across the kingdom as the Saintess.

Whatever the temple’s motivations may be, her popularity is undeniable.

So, there’s no harm in leveraging her influence to promote our territory.

With that in mind, I exercised my authority as the lord’s wife to reserve the guest-exclusive inn for Olivia’s party.

In an era where many lords are financially strained by the war, it’s only right that the Saintess contributes to the prosperity of this land.

---

“Ahhh~ I never thought I’d get to soak in a hot spring.”

“Usually, we’re stuck with the maids’ communal bath, right?”

“I’d honestly prefer that.”

“The temple nobles care too much about appearances to let the Saintess bathe with attendants.”

In the women’s bath reserved for honored guests, Olivia, her two attendants, myself, and Ariel soak together.

Leon, Lionel, and Kyle will use the men’s bath.

The bath is far too spacious for just the five of us, and Olivia’s group seems far more excited than expected.

“What’s this spring good for?”

“Muscle pain, poor circulation, joint stiffness, irregular menstruation, digestive issues, and even skin beautification.”

“That sounds amazing. I’d love to stay more than just one night.”

“Maybe it even helps with mental health and infertility.”

“‘Infertility’...?”

Their gazes shift toward Ariel, nestled in my arms.

No—more likely, they’re eyeing the body beneath her.

“Um, Angelica-sama… did the hot spring have anything to do with your pregnancy?”

“Carla, what are you saying?”

“Well, she’s our age and already on her third child. That’s a lot, right?”

“Some commoner girls have children in their mid-teens, Marie-san.”

“By the way, Angelica-sama, how many years have you been married?”

“…A little over three.”

“Did you hear that, Olivia-sama, Carla-san!? That’s one child a year! It has to be the spring!”

“That’s rude, Marie-san. You saw how close Leon-sama and Angelica-sama are, didn’t you?”

They chat on, completely ignoring me.

Olivia, as expected of the Saintess, is sharp.

Before our marriage, Leon and I were like wild animals—driven by passion and buried in desire.

He sought solace from war’s physical and emotional wounds, while I sought to escape the bitterness of my broken engagement. Once we confessed our feelings, we couldn’t get enough of each other.

We indulged in physical pleasure whenever time allowed—outside of work and meals—hidden away in that secluded villa.

In fact, we’ve even been intimate in this very bath.

Our first pregnancy happened so soon after the wedding that I’m still not sure whether it came before or after. That’s how consumed we were with each other.

…Oh no. Just remembering it is making my body heat up.

Ariel’s innocent eyes, staring curiously, sting my conscience.

“Angelica-sama.”

“What is it, Olivia-sama?”

“Are you… happy?”

“Who knows? To those in the capital, I’m probably just a disgraced noblewoman, living out a fallen life.”

“But your expression has changed so much since the academy—especially after marrying Leon-sama.”

Has it?

Leon, who never knew me back then, always says I’m scary whenever something stirs me.

“Back in the capital, the rumors were so extreme that I didn’t know what to believe until I saw you myself.”

“What kind of rumors?”

“That Angelica-sama, the ill-tempered daughter of a ducal house, was punished for defying Saintess Olivia-sama by being married off to an ugly, lustful upstart from the countryside—forced to bear his children and live in disgrace.”

“Those rumors were spread by lackeys of Marquis Frampton and the royal faction who oppose the ducal house, Carla-san. I heard a different version—that Angelica-sama, as Bartfort-sama’s fiancée, healed his broken body and spirit, and now they thrive together in the frontier. That one likely came from the ducal house.”

“With such conflicting stories, I didn’t know what to believe until I came here myself.”

I’m well aware of the rumors circulating in the capital.

The first version should’ve been suppressed after Marquis Frampton’s corruption was exposed, but even now, some cling to those lies.

“After your engagement was broken, Angelica-sama, I felt so guilty. I went to the ducal estate many times, but was turned away at the gate. All my letters were returned unread.”

“Even now, Olivia-sama still worries about the former fiancées of those five fools.”

“I’ve sent countless letters to the Atley family’s daughter. When Stephanie was arrested, Olivia-sama was so distraught—she believed it was her fault the girl turned to crime.”

It seems Olivia made many attempts to meet me after the incident.

But my father and brother likely turned her away, out of concern for my well-being.

It’s understandable. Back then, I was consumed by anger and resentment. I honestly don’t know what I might have done if I’d come face-to-face with her.

“When Angelica-sama left the capital to get engaged, she became the subject of terrible rumors. Had things gone differently, I believe she would have made a splendid queen.”

“I no longer have any particular attachment to the queen’s position. In fact, thanks to the annulment of my engagement to His Highness, I was able to find an irreplaceable partner.”

“That’s a relief to hear.”

That once-bright future—where I would continue my engagement with His Highness Julius and eventually marry him—had already faded into mist.

Even if I had remained in the duke’s mansion in the capital, steeped in bitterness toward the royal family, I doubt I would have found the same fulfillment I now feel living a humble life in the countryside.

Looking back, I’m genuinely glad I didn’t reject the marriage proposal my father brought me that day.

“And you? Who do you plan to marry?”

“I am a saintess. My duty is to serve the people of this country. I have no intention of becoming anyone’s wife.”

When I glanced toward Marie and Carla, both nodded silently in agreement.

The five noble heirs—led by His Highness Julius—schemed to raise the status of the commoner-born Olivia.

Marquis Frampton plotted to exploit her power and expel the ducal house.

The temple conspired to turn the saintess into their puppet, using her fame as leverage.

Even the Redgrave family sought to absorb Olivia’s influence to claim the throne.

All of them, without exception, underestimated and misjudged Olivia’s character.

Even I, once her adversary, cannot deny that Olivia is a wise and resilient woman—worthy of the title of saintess.

She is no longer the fragile commoner girl in need of protection.

His Highness Julius is truly pitiful.

Even if he still harbors feelings for Olivia, the day she returns those feelings will never come.

Had he not annulled our engagement, he might have inherited the throne, made Olivia his concubine, or supported her on a national level as the saintess.

But he let emotion guide him—and it cost him dearly. Nearly disowned, he now endures the cold gazes of a court that sees him only as a brute.

And yet, the palace can’t afford to treat him harshly—not when he remains a national hero who helped save the kingdom from crisis.

“Olivia.”

“Yes?”

“On behalf of the people of the Bartfort territory, I thank you. I am truly grateful for all you’ve done to protect this country.”

“I only did what anyone would have.”

“Even so, had you not fought, Leon would have died on the battlefield. We would never have met, and these children would never have been born. In the recent conflict, Lionel and Ariel could have lost their father. Thanks to you, lives were saved, and new lives came into being. You should take pride in that.”

I bowed my head deeply as I finished speaking.

Five years had passed since the scandal of that broken engagement.

Even now, traces of sorrow and resentment linger in my heart.

But so too do love and joy.

Perhaps, one day, I’ll be able to laugh at the humiliations I once endured—recounting them as fond memories.

It may finally be time to stop living in the shadow of grief and move forward—drawing strength from past mistakes.

“Thank you.”

I bowed again, this time to express my sincere gratitude.

“Please don’t do that, Angelica-sama. It troubles me.”

“Even so, you’re a saintess. A mere viscountess like me shouldn’t speak to you as an equal.”

“Then I’ll drop the honorifics too. How about just ‘Angelica-san’?”

“You say you’re dropping honorifics, yet you still use ‘-san.’ How very like you.”

Everyone laughed softly.

When I looked up, the night sky sparkled with countless stars.

The day I learned about Leon’s past, the stars had shone just as brilliantly.

If Olivia is the sun that illuminates this country, then I am a faint star near the horizon.

And that’s perfectly fine.

By my side is a small, radiant star.

Even if it’s only a dim, easily overlooked glimmer, its presence beside me is more than enough to bring happiness.

As I gently cradled Ariel in my arms, my heart swelled with a rare sentimentality.

“Lionel, your papa’s really worried about your future.”

“U~?”

“There are lines in this world that must never be crossed. Like how siblings can’t marry, or how you shouldn’t kick someone when they’re already down.”

“A~?”

“Also, a man entering the women’s bath—that’s a forbidden act, ever since humans gained reason.”

“E~?”

“Yes, Mama’s breasts are beautiful. They’re firm, soft, large, and simply perfect. But they belong to Papa. I’m just lending them to you for your upbringing, so don’t get any ideas.”

“I~?”

“Olivia-sama is indeed stunning, but even for a child, seeing the saintess naked is taboo. And don’t be fooled by Marie—she may look young, but she’s the same age as Papa and Mama.”

“O~?”

“So don’t cry just because you couldn’t sneak into the women’s bath. If you keep this up, you won’t be able to inherit my place.”

“Bu~?”

[What is this guy talking about with such a serious face…?]

Meanwhile, the young elf who had joined the lord and his eldest son in the bath made a solemn vow to escape this madness as soon as possible.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

“They’ve left.”

“Yeah.”

The airship’s engines roared as it slowly ascended into the sky.

The saintess’s custom airship, flanked by escorts, grew smaller with distance—melting into the blue beyond.

The day after the memorial ceremony, Olivia and her companions returned to the capital.

We sent them off with simple parting gifts and words of gratitude.

The twins had been especially distraught to say goodbye to Marie.

They even tried to sneak out of the mansion to follow her, clinging to us and sobbing. We allowed them to accompany us, but when the moment of farewell came, they wrapped themselves around Marie like ivy.

Where there are meetings, there are also farewells.

I don’t know when—or if—I’ll ever see Olivia again.

That’s why I’m glad I had the chance to thank her.

There’s no point in carrying mutual resentment forever.

“Finally a bit of peace?”

“There’s still work to do. Harvest season is approaching, and we need to replenish the reserves lost in the war.”

“When will I ever retire and stop worrying about money?”

Leon stood up reluctantly, the twins clinging to him—but there was a hint of relief in his expression.

“What do you think will happen in the capital?”

“Who knows? We can only do so much. At the very least, we can ensure that the people of the Bartfort territory don’t have to shed any more blood.”

“But you’ll cooperate, right?”

“It’s better to struggle as a participant and try to change the tide than sit on the sidelines worrying about what might happen.”

“Hmph.”

Our eyes met as Leon rose.

Now that I think about it, ever since he kissed me yesterday, we’ve been so busy that we haven’t kissed again even once today.

Letting things end with me on the losing side would hurt my pride.

“Leon.”

“Hm?”

This time, I kissed him.

With both his hands occupied by the twins, he had no choice but to receive it.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, drawing even closer.

There’s something so warm, so fulfilling, about kissing someone you love deeply.

After a long, intimate kiss—our lips lingering and entwined—I pulled away, leaving a trace of lipstick on his mouth.

“What was that for?”

“Just returning the favor from yesterday.”

“Do you always act without considering time and place?”

“I did consider it. I kissed you because I wanted to. Sometimes, acting on impulse isn’t such a bad thing.”

“Who’s the shameless one now?”

Grumbling, Leon headed toward the carriage with the twins in tow, and I followed.

“When we get home, don’t forget—you owe me for yesterday morning’s and last night’s missed kisses.”

“Seriously?”

“You don’t want to?”

“…As you wish.”

Surrounded by the husband I love and our adorable children,

This peaceful, ordinary life feels impossibly precious.

Once aboard the carriage, I leaned in and kissed Leon’s cheek.

┳⁠━━━━⁠━⁠⁠━⁠━⁠━━━⁠┳⁠

Authors Note

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Olivia and Angelica’s reconciliation chapter.

According to the original story, it’s written that “the villainess Angelica marries a crude rural lord,” but it doesn’t say “she never met Olivia again” or “she never reconciled with Olivia.” (A bit of a stretch, I know.)

The energy of revenge can produce tremendous power, but without someone left to share it with after it’s over, it feels empty. So, for the villainess Angelica, I prepared a beloved husband and children.

The days of Angelica and Leon indulging in carnal desires during their engagement, mentioned in passing, are detailed here (with illustrations): https://syosetu.org/novel/312750/ (Adult content warning).

Reconciling the saintess Olivia, who hasn’t been possessed by the original saintess, with the former villainess Angelica was quite a challenge.

The next chapter will bring a new development: the arrival of “D.”

Addendum: At the client’s request, illustrations were commissioned from Tori no Su-sama and Iketara Iku-sama. Thank you very much.

Tori no Su-sama: Pixiv (Voice actor joke warning)

Iketara Iku-sama: Skeb (Adult content warning)

I’d be grateful for any opinions or feedback to motivate me moving forward.