How To Win My Husband Over

26

Episode 26: Dream

"Are you busy today?"

"Well. What are you doing?"

"I'm going to… ahem, I'm going to write back to my friend."

"Who's your friend? Arien?"

Uh, how did you know? No, what's that petty tone?

Yes, I don't have any friends! The only person who plays with me is a six-year-old princess.…. Damn it.

"Actually, the princess sent me a letter……."

"If you don't have anything else to do, why don't you come to the temple at lunch?"

"Pardon…?"

"Faithful old priests seem to be eagerly looking forward to your visit. I just happen to be free then, so I can drop by."

I doubted my ears for a moment. What did you say, husband?

"Do you mind if I…?"

"You are the Holy Father's daughter. It is no wonder that the holy priests are anxious to make connections."

"But so……."

"If you're alone, there may be room for misunderstanding, but if you're with me, it doesn't matter."

That's right. If I went in and out of the temple by myself and made friends with the clergy and catch eyes that I was constantly communicating with the plate branded as the Pope's spy.

But it's a little different if I visit with Isaac. It's rather…….

What is he thinking? Why is he suggesting this all of a sudden?

Among Earendil's myriad priests, there must few who are part of my father and brother's spy network. There's no way Isaac didn't know that.

Does it mean to set an example?

A message that  Isaac is watching me, so don't even think about plotting something through me?

Or perhaps, don't look down on the North. Something like that? Or to test me?

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Really? Really?"

"…… Finish your meal."

Yes. Ugh, I feel like my stomach is going to explode.

* * *

I heard screams.

The cries of people in agony and terror were heard as vividly as the cry of the abyss, but the woman did not seem to be agitated in the slightest.

Although it was hard to see the finer detail because of the darkness, the woman leaning against the balcony, looking at the agonizing cries of the city being looted, looked bright and joyful as if waiting for her lover in peaceful summer night.

But slowly approaching behind her, the man was holding a blood-soaked sword instead of a bouquet.

The appearance of the balcony and the surrounding scenery felt somehow familiar.

Is it a dream? Am I dreaming?

—You're here.

—…….

—I knew you were coming. It's worth getting all dressed up for.

The man didn't say anything. He just looked at the woman who stared at him with a smile.

Finally, the agonizing cries felt as savage and painful as that of the wounded beast.

—I gave up the expectation that I would hear an answer.