After spending the evening with Reus for the first time in a while, we decided to take a light walk around the mansion. Since there was almost no physical contact or expression of affection between us, we did this to show that our relationship was still intact.

I worried if this was enough, but surprisingly, it seemed to convince the people of the Grand Duke’s mansion quite well.

From what Dewin told me, before I arrived, Reus always used to lock himself in his office.

Even without showing we spent time together, the fact that we shared a bedroom was enough to amaze the servants…

They had no choice but to be fooled by such minimal acting.

‘No, on second thought, Reus really has a talent for acting.’

When observed, Reus convincingly played the role of a loving husband.

His usually unsmiling face made even a slight smile seem meaningful, probably why the butler looked so pleased.

‘In truth, he’s far from it.’

I’m more accustomed to Reus’s indifferent expression. Just as I thought that, Reus looked at me with the expression I had always known.

“I have something to tell you.”

It had been a long time since we had a conversation with a real purpose, not just for show, so I waited seriously for what he would say next.

But his words were unbelievably unreal.

“I’ve been ordered to go to war.”

Reus said this with his usual impassive face, as if someone had merely sent an invitation and he had decided to accept it.

I was so stunned that it took me a while to respond.

“Going to war… What do you mean, all of a sudden…?”

“I apologize for any disruptions to our plans.”

“What?”

“It won’t take long.”

His sudden announcement of departure had already left me dazed, but now he was saying something else entirely?

Reus paused, as if waiting for my response.

I tried to sort out my thoughts. So, the disruption he mentioned was about diverting the assets of the Ibelr Count’s house… and he’s apologizing because it might be slightly delayed?

‘But he’s going to war because of an imperial command?’

Though I understood, it still didn’t make sense, but judging by Reus’s reaction, it seemed I had summarized it correctly.

We hadn’t even been married for a month. This meant there was still plenty of time to carry out our plan.

The one-year timeframe was just a question of caution; there was no exact date in the contract since it wasn’t a task with a specific deadline.

‘After all, I’m in a position to leave anytime.’

I just couldn’t believe Reus was being sent to lead a monster subjugation. And…

‘This wasn’t in the original story.’

After witnessing the original story change drastically on Iris’s birthday, I decided to let go of my obsession with the novel.

But this situation was too significant to ignore. It felt like…

‘It’s all because of me…’

No, it was definitely my fault.

I may have mentioned breaking off the engagement with Casien in a fit of anger, but everything that followed was my choice.

However, I never thought about the consequences of my actions. The only thing I occasionally considered was the potential harm to myself.

But I never expected things to become this complicated. Even though it wasn’t intentional, I felt conflicted.

‘Because of me, Reus has to…’

I didn’t know how to respond.

What do you say to someone who is leaving for monster subjugation? Wishing them a safe return didn’t seem like something I was allowed to say.
When I was unable to continue speaking for a long time, Reus called out to me.

“Roel.”

“Yes… Reus.”

“I understand you might be disappointed, but the plan won’t be indefinitely postponed. I intend to return as soon as possible…”

“Disappointed? No, it’s not that.”

Reus’s expression changed, questioning why I looked the way I did.

“If it’s about the Ibelr Count’s house matter… I don’t mind. Like you said, Theron will help with that. My concern is… about you, the Grand Duke.”

Reus’s gaze darkened, showing his displeasure. He stared at me silently before speaking.

“This is a usual occurrence. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“But…!”

“Even if it were, it has nothing to do with you.”

His sentence implied many things: his rejection of my concern, the distance between us, and invisible lines firmly drawn.

Reus was telling me not to cross those lines.

I swallowed the words I wanted to say.

“Still… please, take care and return safely.”

“I’ll return soon.”

With that, Reus left the Grand Duke’s mansion early the next morning.

Normally, Reus and I didn’t chat much after waking up. Most days passed without any conversation, and when we did talk, it was just basic.

For instance, whether we should have breakfast together for appearances, or if I needed to call Dewin for something…

That was the extent of our communication.

‘It’s strange to feel this empty when he’s not here.’