Atia recalled the gaze Owen had on her.

That strange gaze, as if proclaiming the ability to entangle every woman in the world with excessive self-esteem—what about those peculiar eyes?

If it were that gaze, even Atia wouldn’t find it appealing.

“Well, how should I put it? When you peer into his golden eyes, your mind feels dizzy? It’s intensely captivating, as if being drawn in. Like the feeling of a hurricane embedded in your eyes.”

“You even know the eye color.”

“Yes?”

“There’s probably no need to remember the eye color of the Crown Prince.”

“…What?”

Atia tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

Cascus, coughing awkwardly, redirected the conversation elsewhere.

“Anyway, now that the goal is achieved, it’s about time to step back.”

The large hand that had held Atia’s arm moved toward her hair.

As he brushed aside her smooth silver hair behind her ears, Atia’s face became more exposed.

How could such distinct facial features fit into such a small face?

Feeling Cascus’s touch, Atia rolled her eyes.

“I want that too, but I made a pact with him. I agreed to help him.”

“…”

“At least we have to make the route development a success. If we withdraw to the north before that, it would be considered a violation of the pact, resulting in significant bleeding.”

“You’re using his foresight ability.”

With a disapproving expression, Cascus furrowed his thick eyebrows.

“Yes, that’s right. I used the Crown Prince to unravel the black magic. Isn’t it a mutual benefit? Helping each other?”

“It’s not just cooperation; it’s as if our feet are tied.”

“Well, in a way, but… It’s not all drawbacks. I made an agreement with him that he will help find the mastermind behind the black magic in return for my assistance. We even got it notarized.”

“It would be quite advantageous to be so meticulous.”

“Of course. We shouldn’t change our minds later. I insisted on having it notarized when we talked verbally. I checked every detail to see if it had a proper effect. Just a piece of paper wouldn’t be enough trouble.”

Atia shrugged her shoulders.
While looking at his wife, who seemed delicate and needed constant protection, Cascus felt a mix of emotions. It was impressive, and at the same time, he couldn’t help feeling sorry for his perceived incompetence. Atia appeared to handle her tasks effortlessly, even those he should be doing.

“As your husband, I feel sorry that you seem to handle more things on your own than I can do.”

“What? Isn’t it natural for each person to take care of their own affairs? The Duke is already doing well by my side. Why dig into the ground so much?”

Atia looked at Cascus, who seemed unnecessarily dejected.

“Don’t be discouraged. I’m just doing what I have to do.”

“Wherever you go, it seems like you’ll survive.”

“Like a weed…?”

“No, it means you have good adaptability.”

“Ah… yes.”

Atia closed her eyes and looked at the ceiling.

“Anyway, I’ll rest for an hour, so wake me up. I don’t know if I’ll fall asleep, but it’s better to listen to the doctors and rest well.”

“Shall I give you a massage?”

“What?”

“Then you might sleep well.”

“Are you talking to me, Duke?”

“I even did it when you fell asleep on the ship. Don’t you remember?”

“…”

“You seemed comfortable.”

“Did I? I didn’t know because you did it for me.”

“Now, I want to do it. Your arm hurts, right?”

“Haha… Well, then, show me your skills.”

Atia lay down with her legs stretched out, looking at the ceiling.

Cascus lifted her legs onto his knees and stimulated her bare feet. His two thumbs gently released the tension in every part of her soles, touching every blood vessel.

With each touch of his fingers, it felt like Atia’s entire body was surging with blood. Her firm arms seemed to exist just for herself, and his delicate touch seemed to be there to comfort her.

Cascus looked at Atia’s face frequently, making sure she wasn’t uncomfortable.

Atia’s expression was serene. Her complexion was as healthy as if she had gently stepped on clouds in the sky.

‘Is this insane? What is this? It’s so refreshing…’

With Atia having almost no memory of receiving a massage from anyone, she felt like she was melting under Cascus’s touch.

“Wow… You’re so good at this. Like a human sun… You’re melting me.”

Almost falling asleep, Atia spoke with a drowsy voice.

“I was impressed. You lived without knowing about this precious talent. I’m lucky to have discovered it. Such a talented person exists.”

“It’s an honor to have you discover it for me.”

Cascus responded with a pleased smile to Atia’s praise.

Atia raised her thumb and shook Cascus. However, not long after, she drifted off to sleep.

Thud.

Atia’s arm, lost in direction, sprawled on the bed.

“…”