Chapter 31: The Honeymoon Is the Ultimate “Shut-In Life”
“…Hey, Claude.”
“Hm?”
“What time is it now?”
“No idea.
I took my watch off, so I don’t know.”
“…That’s perfect.”
I let out a blissful sigh as I lay on the cloth hammock strung beneath the shade of the trees.
This place was a small, isolated island floating in the southern sea.
It was a private resort owned by the royal family.
And it was the stage for our honeymoon.
White sand beaches.
An emerald-green ocean.
And silence, with no one else around.
Here, there were no thick schedules, no heavy dresses, and no nagging Master of Ceremonies.
There was only the sound of the waves, and the two of us.
I suddenly remembered being stopped by Duke Valerius the day before our departure.
“…Eliana.”
It was right after the ceremony, in the waiting room.
The Duke was gently stroking the box that held the crystal rings I had made on the spot.
“I am an old man.
I have lived believing that tradition itself was justice.
…But.”
He removed his monocle and looked at me with tired, unguarded eyes.
“As you said, traditions that are only about form may one day rot away.
…Seeing the light of these rings made me think so.”
“Uncle…”
“What will support the royal family from now on may not be heavy gold, but someone like you…
An unconventional light.”
He snorted softly and turned his back to me.
“Go.
…and come show your face once in a while.
…Sylvia will miss you.”
That was the most heartfelt congratulatory message that stubborn final boss could manage.
I bowed deeply.
There was no need for a declaration of victory.
The fact that we had understood each other was more than enough.
“…Eliana.
It’s ready.”
A savory smell tickled my nose.
When I opened my eyes, Claude stood there holding a plate, dressed casually in a T-shirt and shorts.
“Wow, that looks delicious.”
On the plate was a sautéed white fish he had caught near the rocks.
It was simply seasoned with salt and herbs.
The side dish was some Empire-made packaged vegetables.
Compared to the palace’s full-course meals, it was extremely modest.
Even so, it looked more dazzling to me than any feast.
“I’ve never really cooked before, so I burned it a little.”
“No, this browned part is perfect.”
I climbed down from the hanging bed and sat at the table in the shade.
I took a bite.
The flesh was fluffy, with the aroma of charcoal.
“…Mmm!
It’s delicious!”
“That’s a relief.”
Claude smiled with boyish relief.
“I don’t want to make you work anymore.
…Here, I’ll be your personal butler.”
“Oh?
Then could you massage my shoulders too?”
“With pleasure.”
He moved behind me and began kneading my shoulders with his large hands.
The pressure was perfect.
Honestly, he might be better suited to being a massage therapist than a prime minister.
“…Ah, there.
That really hits the spot…”
“You’re quite stiff.
…I’m truly sorry for pushing you so hard.”
“No.
Looking back, it was actually fun.”
I gazed out at the sea.
On the day my engagement was broken off,
I had only wanted to live quietly and had fled to the library.
I never meant to rise through the ranks.
I never intended to get revenge on anyone.
And yet, before I knew it,
I had saved a nation, won over a foreign princess, and rewritten ancient traditions.
“…‘I want to be happy without trying too hard.’”
“Did you say something?”
“It’s my personal motto.”
I placed my hand over Claude’s.
“I hate working hard.
But if it’s so I can slack off together with you…
I think maybe trying just a little isn’t so bad.”
“…Heh.”
Claude let out a small laugh.
Then he hugged me from behind.
“That really is like you.
…I love you, my perfect slacker.”
“I love you too, my hardworking husband.”
The waves rolled in and out.
Splash…
Splash…
A soothing rhythm.
“…Hey, Claude.”
“Hm?”
“Now that I’m full, I’m getting sleepy.”
“What a coincidence.
So am I.”
“That cloth over there…
Do you think it can hold both of us?”
I pointed to the fabric hammock hanging in the shade.
Before coming to this island, I had custom-ordered it from a craftsman.
Inspired by the netted sleeping beds sailors use, it was my own invention, made from sturdy canvas and cushions.
Something like a modern hammock.
The nobles laughed, saying, “Hanging from cloth?”
But not knowing the comfort of this gentle sway was truly a loss.
“…One of your inventions, Eliana.
If you made it, the strength must be perfect.”
“Of course.
I designed it so even two large Empire soldiers could lie on it safely.”
“Shall we test it out?”
We awkwardly squeezed the two of us onto the narrow fabric.
Our body heat pressed together.
The cloth sagged and wrapped around us.
It was a bit cramped, but that only made it more comforting.
“…Good night.”
“Yeah.
…Let’s take the most luxurious nap in the world.”
I closed my eyes.
My consciousness slowly drifted away.
From now on, I would surely continue avoiding troublesome things, going home on time, and sleeping in on my days off.
But beside me, this person would always be there.
That alone made my life unimaginably happy.