Chapter 70: I Tried Welcoming Claris as My Wife.
《Serios’s Side》
The oppressive atmosphere of the Everett Dukedom’s mansion felt lighter just from its master being absent.
As I surveyed the grounds, I took a deep breath to prepare myself.
Duke Everett had departed for the Royal Capital.
This was to report our marriage and to undertake the procedures for Claris’s Disinheritance.
Moving Claris, once disinherited from the Dukedom, to the Aegrid Territory was the top priority in the meantime.
Before she is formally declared disinherited, I had to lay the groundwork for her new life.
“Lord Serios, the carriage is ready.”
Kanon’s voice echoed from behind me. As always, she regarded me with a resolute demeanor.
“Thank you. All that’s left is to persuade Claris, I suppose.”
When I gave a wry smile, Kanon raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Is persuasion necessary? I believe Lady Claris has already decided to go with you, Lord Serios.”
“I know. But she must have her own thoughts and feelings about all this.”
Saying that, I headed towards Claris’s room.
“Claris, I’m coming in.”
After knocking, I entered the room to find Claris standing by the window. Her beautiful profile was tinged with a hint of melancholy.
“Serios… what is it?”
Recognizing me, she turned around. A hint of something like exhaustion flickered in her eyes.
“The preparations are complete. Let’s move to the Aegrid Territory. Your new life is about to begin.”
“A new life, huh…”
She murmured softly, her gaze falling to the floor. Her somewhat ephemeral appearance made my chest tighten.
“Claris, from now on, I will protect you. I’ll prepare a place where you can live in peace.”
At my words, Claris narrowed her eyes slightly.
“Really, is someone like me okay? I’ll no longer be the Daughter of a Dukedom, you know. I’ll be a disinherited commoner with nothing.”
“What are you talking about?”
I walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“It doesn’t matter who you are. I chose you. That’s why I want you to build a new life with me.”
Claris gazed at me for a moment, then eventually gave a small nod.
“I understand. I am no longer Claris of House Everett. Will I be alright with just myself?”
“Of course. Besides, there’s no need to worry about that. As for your Dowry, I’ve prepared it.”
At my words, Claris’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Prepared, you say…?”
“My territory has skilled artisans and merchants. Suitable attire, furniture for you – everything has been arranged. Moreover, I wanted you to be able to choose what you like, so I’ve prepared several designs as well.”
Claris’s lips trembled slightly. Astonishment was visible in her eyes.
“To go that far… there’s no need to do all that for me.”
“It’s only natural. I can’t let the woman who will be my wife be embarrassed.”
At my words, Claris let out a soft smile.
“You really are… an idiot, aren’t you?”
Those words were somehow gentle and warm.
“I’m fine with being an idiot. If it’s to make you happy, I’ll become as much of an idiot as it takes.”
Saying that, I held out my hand to her.
“Come, let’s go. A new life awaits.”
Claris hesitated for only a moment before gently taking it. The warmth of her small hand spread through my chest.
We boarded the carriage and headed towards the Aegrid Territory.
It was an even more remote, rural area than the Everett domain. However, a townscape sufficient for starting a new life awaited us.
Upon arriving at the mansion, I had arranged for Claris’s new room to be furnished similarly to Her Room from the game, so she wouldn’t feel any hardship or sense of unfamiliarity in her daily life.
I thought it would be best if we could change the color scheme and atmosphere according to Claris’s wishes.
“I’m thinking we can change things as you wish from now on. Just let me know, and I’ll arrange it anytime.”
“Really… you truly are…”
Claris murmured softly, yet a look of relief was visible in her eyes.
“I never imagined I’d be welcomed like this.”
“From now on, we can forge a new path together.”
At my words, Claris smiled. That smile felt as if it would brightly illuminate our future.
At the mansion, Faina and Liese came out to greet us.
“Welcome, Young Madam!”
“Lady Claris, congratulations!”
“Faina, Liese, I’ll be in your care.”
“This is your new home, Claris.”
When I told her that, Claris closed her eyes for a moment and exhaled deeply.
“Thank you, Serios. Truly, thank you. And to both of you, I look forward to working with you.”
At her words, I nodded silently. The other two also welcomed Claris joyfully.
“From now on, it’s our time. Together, let’s build a new future.”
At those words, Claris gave a small smile.
“Yes, Serios. I’ll be in your care from now on.”
Our new life had begun. I didn’t know what awaited us down this path. Even so, I was certain.
About Liese, the main heroine.
And Claris, who faced a future of Judgment as the villainess.
And my own future as well… I resolved to face it all.
Even if it’s a thorny path, I will press onward.
Even if the path from here on was unknown, seeing those three women solidified my resolve to challenge it.
“Just as they chose me, I will protect them.”
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Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
First off, we’ve surpassed 5000 stars! This was a milestone I was aiming for in the Kakuyomu Contest, so I’m very happy.
Thank you so very much!!!
And with this, Chapter 2 comes to an end!
I’m writing this story as ideas come to me, so there’s no plot whatsoever.
Therefore, I’ll just leave you with a hook.
Chapter 3, Preview!
《They’re too adorable, so even if the Kingdom becomes my enemy, I will fight!》
Please look forward to it!