In the end, Blair could only escape from him after falling into a nearly unconscious sleep. Of course, this too would be very brief.

Herdin, watching Blair who had fallen asleep in his arms for a moment, slowly rose and put on his robe.

In the fireplace that had been blazing, only smoldering flames and almost burnt charcoal remained. He added a few more logs, took out a pipe, and went out to the balcony.

The scenery of the garden bathed in moonlight unfolded before him. The night breeze, brushing against his cheeks, was as gentle as his wife’s tender skin. The scent, reminiscent of fresh grass, was similar.

It was spring.

Feeling the wind as he lit the pipe, he suddenly remembered the conversation Blair had a few days ago.

“Before starting hypnosis, I want to gradually practice overcoming the fear of fire.”

For some unknown reason, Blair was not afraid of fire when she was with him.

Certainly, staring at the fireplace could lead to overwhelming fear and hyperventilation, so during the time the fire was lit, he had to watch over her without moving, which was somewhat annoying. However, he was willing to tolerate that much.

The fact that only he could rescue her from the fire gave him a certain sense of satisfaction.

Thus, if she, who had been accustomed to the warmth of the fire, sought him out first and embraced him, he felt he could endure that level of annoyance.
Caring for a domesticated cat accustomed to human-provided food.

“There’s no need to rush.”

It is an erased memory that the unconscious mind deleted to protect itself.

Is there a need to deliberately dig up that memory?

As Kalligo is currently monitoring Katrina’s actions, there is no need to awaken her memories, especially if something can be grasped from there as a clue. If things don’t work out well, then it might be appropriate to let her regain her memories later.

Herdin, exhaling smoke, looked through the glass window into the bedroom where Blair was soundly asleep.

Then, what will happen after this spring passes?

Once the winter chill disappears and my warmth is no longer needed…

Herdin’s gaze deepened as he swept his bangs back. At that moment, Blair, who had been asleep, seemed to toss and turn.

Herdin extinguished the half-burnt pipe and entered the bedroom. To his wife, waiting for his warmth.

The weather was good.

Blue sky, moderately floating clouds, trees budding. It was a perfect day for a picnic.

“It might rain.”

Herdin didn’t appreciate the sunny weather that compelled him to participate in the hunting competition.

Gazing out the window with dry eyes, he shifted his gaze to his wife sitting beside him.

Due to the small hat covering most of her face, her expression was not visible, but judging by the direction of her head, she seemed to be enjoying the view outside the window.
The sight of her unable to take her eyes off the window was adorable, like a child going on a picnic.

Herdin, who had been quietly admiring Blair’s back, shifted his gaze to her neck. Strands of hair protruding from the raised head tickled the white nape of her neck.

It was the same spot where he had kissed her lips last night when he held her.

Memories of the previous night overlapped on the white nape, and blood rushed to the lower abdomen.

Herdin reproached himself for such a sight.

Now, he seemed to have become a crazy person who reacts just by looking at that woman’s neck.

Despite being aware of such a state, it was ironic that the desire was unstoppable.

Herdin reached out, wrapped his arms around Blair’s waist, and pulled her towards him. Without giving her a chance to resist, he kissed the nape of her neck.

Startled, Blair turned to look at him.

“If you leave another mark on my neck—”

Her words were swallowed by his approaching lips.

After thoroughly kissing her, he pulled away as if seeking permission and looked at Blair.

Action first, permission later.

The reversed sequence was awkward, and instead of complying, Blair looked at him with defiant eyes.

However, as if he didn’t care about her consent, Herdin kissed her lips again. In the end, Blair, pretending to give in, closed her eyes.
His hand untied the strap of the bonnet beneath her chin. As the carriage jolted, the loosely placed bonnet fell to the carriage floor.

The gentle kisses gradually became more intense. Herdin absorbed every breath of hers without missing a single one. It wasn’t until Blair’s face turned red from the lack of air that he finally let go.

Blair looked at him with dazed eyes. Her lipstick was smeared messily on his lips.

The chaotic face of a man embarrassed Blair more than the person himself.

What would others think if they saw them like this?

Although they were officially married on the surface, and it wouldn’t be a problem if someone found out, the issue was that she couldn’t stand how shameless he was.

Blair urgently wiped her smeared lipstick from his lips with her thumb. Herdin lightly nibbled on that finger.

“Ah.”