Ariel’s past four days flew by quickly.

As always, she tended to the demon realm flowers and plants in the greenhouse in the morning, and guided Demian in the afternoon. It was about marinating meat, timing over high heat, basting thick cuts while cooking, when and how much to sprinkle mixed spices while grilling, and so on.

In the evenings, she incubated the dragon egg. At this rate, it would likely take at least another month, so she significantly increased that time. This was possible because Kaius was away from the manor during that time.

Upon hearing the news that he would be away for a few days, the first emotion that came was relief at not having to worry about the nights. The next was anxiety about whether Ludvian might visit. But after spending one night without him, she realized clearly.

That the sense of security filled by Kaius’s presence was incomparable to anything else.

During the past few days without him, she locked the door at night and only lay down after placing a dagger under her pillow, but still couldn’t sleep properly. She considered asking Lord Carsen to post guards outside her bedroom door, but hesitated to speak up as it might seem like she didn’t trust the people of the mansion.

Only after two days passed did Ariel become curious about the detailed reason for leaving home, and learned from Butler Raymond. That he had obtained a list of nobles attending the birthday banquet and left to persuade them. Only then did Ariel realize that this competition was not just about cooking.

Ariel immediately reflected on her memories. And she could recall about Olivia von Klardeus, the protagonist of this birthday banquet. She was still a key figure wielding influence over many nobles, and the fact that she had been suffering from headaches for quite some time.

Based on that fact, Ariel prepared a customized birthday gift for Olivia von Klardeus. Earnestly hoping it would be helpful to Kaius.

“Your Grace, I have prepared as you instructed. We will now depart for the mansion.”

Kaius slowly opened his closed eyes. As he lifted the curtain on the carriage window, dazzling sunlight settled on his face. Squinting slightly, he opened the window and a cool breeze gently ruffled his hair.

Letting out a low sigh, Kaius rubbed his face with both hands. He was on his way back from meeting influential nobles over the past four days.

If he lost in this competition, it would take at least 2 years to recover the losses.

So he had to try his best. His personal efforts had an effect. Half said they would judge solely on the taste of the food. The other half remained resolute.

There was a clear line to their respect. That line was courtesy towards them, which meant returning the hotel to exclusive use by nobles. If only that was done, they would always be on Elbartan’s side.

It’s not that he didn’t understand the nobles’ feelings. Kaius was not much different from them either. However, he was a businessman. Since the number of commoners far exceeded that of nobles, he chose the path that was profitable. He had no intention of moving according to their wishes.

“Any news from the mansion?”

“According to Mr. Devian, Demian can now grill exactly like the madam. You should taste it when you arrive today.”

Lemon reported, carefully setting down the box he was holding in the corner of the carriage. Kaius slowly nodded while gazing out the window.

“The madam is also said to be doing well.”

Of course she would be. Since he wasn’t there.

He knows.

That although she wanted to marry to learn business or out of respect for him, she did not wish to be a real couple.

That also indicated there was a real reason for this marriage that he did not know.

The reason he proceeded with the marriage despite knowing this was because the benefits he would gain were quite substantial. Also, since she was fulfilling her role sufficiently, he intended to properly play his part as well. At least until he saw her face showing obvious relief as he left the mansion that day.

That was why. The reason he rushed to shorten the schedule that was planned for five days. Only by erasing the relief from her face could the humiliation of that day be completely erased.

At the thought of seeing his wife soon, heat began to build deep inside his body. As he loosened his tie, his gaze turned to the box Lemon had set down. Although it was prepared as Anna had instructed on the day he left.

She likes just that sort of thing?

With the thought that she was an incomprehensible woman, he shifted his gaze out the window. Kaius quietly watched the red forest passing by, then chuckled.

Is that the only incomprehensible thing?

Hiding her appearance, a young woman building and succeeding in business, her unusual fondness for plants. All of it was incomprehensible.

Meanwhile, the long forest passed by and the main gate of the ducal residence came into Kaius’s view. Passing by the gleaming dark wing crest, Kaius stopped the carriage.

“Your Grace, we haven’t arrived yet?”

“I’ll walk a bit, so go on ahead.”

He decided to walk because the heat in his body had not subsided. At this rate, he could not be confident of treating his wife well, who would not welcome him. As the carriage departed first, Kaius took out a cigar and lit it. Leisurely blowing out smoke, Kaius walked along the cypress tree-lined path leading to the mansion.

When the side path to the lakeside appeared, Kaius looked at the mansion and the lakeside in turn.

Soon making a decision, he began walking towards the lakeside.

Ariel went on a picnic with Anna. Demian too.

To celebrate Demian finishing competition preparations, to enjoy the peak autumn scenery, killing two birds with one stone.

The three walked side by side with Ariel in the middle, shading the sunlight with a wide-brimmed bonnet. The bonnet was a gift her mother personally made every birthday.

Demian carried the rattan basket containing the food. Steak salad mixed with fresh vegetables, simple fruits and bread.

And wine.

Since it was a special day in its own way, they decided to have a drink together.

“Let’s go to the lakeside.”

It was perfect for enjoying a picnic. Ariel’s mood was slightly elevated at the thought of finishing competition preparations and soon going to search for the demon realm plant guide. Thanks to that, her steps were lively.

“Anna, what’s that on your wrist?”

“This? It’s called a lucky bracelet. Also known as a fate bracelet. They say if you make one for the man you like, it brings him good luck. It’s trendy among women these days, so I learned how to make one too.”

“The meaning is so pretty. Do you have someone to give it to?”

“I’m still thinking about it. If you want to make one too, Ariel, come over to my room.”

“Maybe I will.”

They arrived at their destination by the lake while chatting about small and pleasant things.

Finding a large tree shade, they spread out a water-colored blanket and placed the food on it one by one. As the wine glasses were filled, Ariel took off her hat and set it down neatly beside her.

“Let’s make a toast, Ariel.”

The sound of glasses clinking, the quiet sounds of eating, and laughter bloomed amidst Demian’s stories. Demian became quite talkative with alcohol, and the same was true for Anna.

And Ariel’s smiles increased. Bright and gentle.

“So? What happened to that couple?”

The three were deeply engrossed in the story about the couple who had proposed at the hotel. It was then that the sound of rustling leaves being stepped on was heard behind Ariel’s back. Seeing Anna and Demian rising from their seats with surprised looks, Ariel’s head slowly turned back.

“Seems like you’re having fun?”

Kaius looked at Ariel with a smile that only lifted the corners of his lips. With a mix of surprise and joy, Ariel also slowly rose from her seat. How did someone who was supposed to arrive tomorrow appear at this time, and in this place? With a puzzled mind, she stared at him blankly, even forgetting to greet him. Her cheeks, flushed red from alcohol, caught Kaius’s gaze.

“How did the Duke come here…?”

“Did I come somewhere I’m not supposed to be?”

Kaius said in an indifferent tone, tilting his head slightly as he looked down at the blanket on the ground. His gaze swept over the food, the wine glass in front of her, and Anna and Demian in turn, before settling on Ariel’s face. At that moment, Anna took Demian and moved away from there.

Kaius slowly went to sit where they had been. Confirming there were no empty glasses in the basket, Kaius emptied Demian’s glass of wine and refilled it fully. Watching this, Ariel also sat back down.

“I heard you were coming tomorrow. If I had known you were coming today, I wouldn’t have come out for a picnic…”

“Are you saying it’s my fault for coming early without notice?”

“No! That’s not what I meant. I…”

Ariel was about to say she had been waiting, but trailed off at his sharp tone. It was because of the cold look in his expressionless eyes.

“Demian finally finished preparations. So we came out for a picnic to celebrate that.”

As Ariel carefully looked at him and explained the reason for the picnic, Kaius silently began to drink. Ariel fiddled with her empty wine glass before setting it down gently. She felt like she shouldn’t drink any more after already finishing one glass.

“Did your trip go well?”

Even to that question asked like a greeting, Kaius continued to empty his glass without answering. As he emptied his glass, Ariel promptly moved to sit beside him. For the first time, she poured him a drink. Kaius’s gaze deepened at the soft scent emanating from her who had suddenly approached.

Kaius said nothing about Demian’s important matter, nor to her question about his trip. He only quietly looked at her with an utterly inscrutable expression. At that gaze, the smile also faded from her beaming face.

“Are you very tired?”

“……”

“Let’s go back to the mansion. You should rest.”

Kaius, who had been tilting his wine glass, swiftly caught Ariel’s slender arm as she tried to stand up. Ariel realized what had happened to her after she was laid down as if embraced on Kaius’s two legs.