101st Confession

After a four-day honeymoon, Lucia and Herwin ride in a carriage.

Lucia is unable to sit properly in the carriage and lies with her head on Herwin’s lap.

At night, she couldn’t sleep and her back ached as the beast in her husband’s disguise kept attacking her.

On the second day of their honeymoon, they were all unharnessed and spent the entire day in their room.

It was a blissful time, but in retrospect, it was a bit of a beast.

Lucia patted her sore back, and Herwin reached out a long arm and patted her butt.

“Is your back hurting? Do you want me to give you a massage?”

“If you’re going to give me a massage, why are you touching my butt?”

“I’m in the wrong place, let me take a look.”

The touch must have been intentional, but Herwin was smug. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He squeezed her waist with a not-so-subtle force. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Lucia closed her eyes and felt his touch. 

“Mmm, nice there.”

He pressed in just the right spot, and the knot seemed to loosen. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.How long had she been like that? Gradually, Herwin’s hand moved down her side.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Lucia, who had only wondered at first, opened her eyes like a flounder and pinched Herwin’s thigh, which was being cut.

“Ouch!”

“Are you going to do that every chance you get? I’m hurting right now?”

“But, honey, I wasn’t the only one who liked it.”

Lucia turned over completely, staring into Herwin’s face. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Herwin blinked, his red eyes shining.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

He seems to be acting cute, but she regretted it several times because she fell for his eyes. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.If it goes over again, it will be a chapter in his hands.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I’m really tired today, stop.”

Lucia reaches out and grabs Herwin’s nose, and only after Herwin grunts does she withdraw her hand.

He looked up at Lucia, still loving, and stroked her head.

She felt like one of the cats, but it wasn’t bad. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.As the warm hand continued to caress her head, her eyes slowly began to loosen…read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Are you sleepy?”

“……Yes.”

“You haven’t gotten much sleep lately.”

“……Because of who?”

Is it because she’s sleepy? Herwin smirked at the complaining tone.

“Well, who could it be? You’re so pretty, I can’t stand still.”

Lucia frowned at the laugh but then buried her face in his arms. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.She was tired, having not slept much on their honeymoon.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I shouldn’t be sleeping…….”

If they use teleport, they will arrive in the capital soon. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.They’re thinking of stopping by the capital for just one day and going straight to the north, so they have spare time to say hello to their parents and meet their friends and give them gifts.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Sadly, however, Lucia’s eyes kept closing.

“Come on. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I’ll wake you up when we arrive.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“But……”

“It’s okay.”

Herwin’s warm hand came up to the corner of her eye. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It blinded her completely, and Lucia quickly drifted off to sleep.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Herwin looked at his lovely wife, who made a soft sound as she slept, and quietly ordered the coachman.

“Go slowly.”

The coachman began to drive the horses more slowly, which lessened the jolting of the carriage.

Normally, they would have arrived within an hour, but Herwin made it a generous two hours and kept running his fingers through Lucia’s hair.

During those two hours, as Lucia relaxed, Herwin watched her face, releasing the fatigue that had been building up.

* * *

She felt her limp arms shake. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.At the same time, a familiar musky scent lingered in her nostrils.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Her body swayed slightly as if she were moving somewhere, but it was so steady that it didn’t make her feel uneasy.

After a moment’s hesitation at the unfamiliar sensations, Lucia opened her eyes wide.

“Oh, you’re awake?”

Through the blur of her vision, Herwin’s face was clear. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Still not fully awake, Lucia stared at him in confusion, then looked around.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“This is…….”

“It’s Agnes’ mansion.”

“When did we get here?”

“Just a little while ago. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I thought you were asleep and was going to take you to your room. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Would you like to say hello to your mother and father?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Uh-huh…….”

Lucia rubbed her eyes and carefully slid out of Herwin’s arms. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.She staggered for a moment, but because she’d gotten some sleep, she was fine.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Herwin was right, she was in her own home, in a very familiar place, in the hallway that led to her room.

“Are both my mom and dad home?”

“Yes. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.They told me not to wake you up because you must be very tired. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.They’re on the first floor right now.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“You should have woken me up. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.What if I kept sleeping until night like this?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I’m sorry, you slept so deeply…….”

Lucia told him to just wake her up next time, and she and Herwin went down to the first floor.

As they entered the largest room on the first floor, they saw her parents huddled in front of the fireplace, chatting affectionately.

“Mother, Father.”

They both jumped up at the sound of Lucia’s voice.

“Oh dear, you’re awake already, you should have slept in.”

“Yeah, you must be tired from the honeymoon.”

They grabbed Lucia’s hand and told her to get some rest, but there was an infectious smile on both of their faces.

“We have to leave for the north tomorrow, and I can’t waste time sleeping. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.We got you a present, did Herwin give it to you already?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes, we’re unwrapping it now.”

“It’s a beautiful teacup, we’ll have to use it from now on.”

As a gift for her parents, they bought a teacup and other island specialties that they had spent hours choosing.

When they were overjoyed, Lucia was overwhelmed with emotion and told them everything she had to say.

They had only been away for four days, so there wasn’t much to talk about.

“What time do you think you’ll be leaving tomorrow?”

“Um, I don’t know, Herwin, what time are we leaving?”

When she turned the answer over to Herwin, he seemed to think for a moment.

“Well, it’s starting to snow hard, so it’s better to go early… but I think we can stay for lunch and then go since it’s going to be hard to get down until spring.”

“Aye, well thought out. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.You said you’ll take over the dukedom as soon as you get up there, didn’t you?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes, not right away, but I think I’ll take over my father’s work and work my way up so that by the time I come down to the capital, I’ll be able to take over the dukedom fully…….”

Herwin and John talked seriously about the future, and Julian, who had been watching, whispered to Lucia with a frown.

“The two don’t seem awkward anymore, do you?”

“Yeah, I’m glad they’re getting along better.”

“You know, the last time the Duke and Duchess of Phoenaeus stayed at our house, he and the Duke talked about Herwin all day?”

“The day of the wedding?”

“Yes. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Herwin’s been popular again lately, slaying monsters in the capital. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Now he’s been bragging about him, saying he’s his son-in-law.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Oh.”

It was a surprising development, considering he had initially opposed their marriage. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.John’s face brightened as he talked to Herwin.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Are you going to eat dinner here?”

“Uh, no. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.We’re meeting some friends for dinner, and I don’t think we’ll be free tomorrow.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I see. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It’s great that you guys have been so close since the academy. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Cherish your friendships now because you might grow apart after you start your own families. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.You might not have the same friends later on.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes, I know, and I’m going to write to them often anyway.”

Lucia chatted comfortably with Julian, and the evening passed quickly.

They decided to go to Ethan’s house tonight, as they had arranged before their honeymoon.

“Well, we’ll be there.”

“Okay, have fun.”

They were waved goodbye by her parents and headed to the front door, feeling extra cold after being in the warmer southern states.

Noticing Lucia’s shivering, Herwin held her clothes open to keep the chillout. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.As they waited for the carriage to arrive, the door opened and Lucas appeared.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Lucas looked tired, but his face lit up when he saw Lucia and Herwin.

“Guys, today is the day of your return, is it not?”

“Hi, big brother.”

“Are you back home from work?”

“Yes, I am, and from the looks of you… where are you going?”

“We have dinner plans with some friends.”

“Why don’t you come along, if you don’t mind? I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”

Lucas flinched and avoided her eyes. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Before she could question him, he held out his hand.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I’m good, you guys go your separate ways.”

“Yeah, okay.”

Lucas turned and walked away. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Lucia and Herwin whispered to each other as they watched his backside slowly recede.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“What’s going on with brother?”

“You said something about something going on with Arista last time. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Isn’t that right?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Is it……?”

They thought about them for a moment, but quickly put it out of their mind, knowing that thinking about it wouldn’t tell them what happened.

The carriage came, and Herwin and Lucia headed to Ethan’s house.

Seven in the evening. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.At Ethan’s house, his lover Hella and other friends arrived first. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Lucia and Herwin hugged them and gave them each gift from their travels.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

It was a little embarrassing because they haven’t only seen each other for four days, but the fact that they were together with friends itself was good, so the embarrassment quickly disappeared and they talk comfortably as usual.

As they were laughing and talking, Lucia’s eyes caught Arista stepping out of the corner of her eye.

Lucia cautiously followed her.

“Arista.”

“Oh, Lucia.”

“Are you going to the bathroom?”

“No, I’ve had a few drinks and I’m heating up, so I’m going to the terrace. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Do you want to come with me?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Lucia nodded and stood beside her. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.As she followed Arista out onto the terrace, a chill breeze brushed against her cheek.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Ugh-“

“Here, cover-up.”

Arista offered Lucia the jacket she was wearing. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Lucia tried to refuse, but Arista handed it to her and she couldn’t help but take it.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Even though I saw you get married, it still doesn’t feel real. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.You’re starting a family.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Neither do I. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Every time I see Herwin’s face in the morning, I’m surprised.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“How’s it going now that you’re married? Do you like it?”

“Um… I’m not sure yet, but I do like it when he calls me honey.”

“Ew- I get goosebumps every time he says that.”

Arista swept down her goosebumps arm, saying it was cringe-worthy.

“You know, Arista.”

“What?”

“The other day you asked me to hold my brother.”

Arista paused, but Lucia didn’t stop talking.

“Did you talk to my brother then? Did you two get into a fight?”

“Um…….”

Arista took a moment to choose her words. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.But then she patted Lucia’s head with a meaningful look.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“No, we didn’t fight, your brother just ran away.”

“Really? Did you manage to talk to him?”

“Somehow, but I don’t know what’s going to happen now…….”

For some reason, Arista’s face looked bitter. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Lucia had heard from Herwin that Arista had a crush on Lucas, but she couldn’t pretend to know.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Lucia, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Have you ever hated me?”

The question was so out of the blue that Lucia was dumbfounded. 

“Once, when Herwin liked you.”

The next words left Lucia speechless. 

“And even though you knew all that, you didn’t hate me?”

Their gazes locked for a moment.