Marriage With A Suspiciously Demure Husband

Annie’s face was filled with confusion.

Purification stones, crafted by condensing the divine aura of the gods, were pristine white stones imbued with the power of purification. They served the purpose of purifying not only the body and mind but also various elements such as water and soil.

While regular purification stones lacked the exceptional potency of their divine counterparts, they did not enjoy high demand, nor were they sold at exorbitant prices.

Often deemed inferior to sacred or restorative stones found in temples, purification stones were disregarded as unnecessary by mages like myself, who practiced dark magic. In fact, they were considered a hindrance, suppressing our powers.

However, as the onslaught of dark forces intensified and contamination engulfed the land, as foretold in the original story, there would come a time when even the purest flowing stream could carry illness, and polluted lands would proliferate. This was an inescapable future unless I unearthed and vanquished the ultimate antagonist.

In that impending crisis, purification stones would become indispensable.

Even with restorative or sacred stones available, clean drinking water would not be readily accessible everywhere as it was before. Even after the protagonists defeated the ultimate antagonist, the empire would require several years to recover and restore peace, prolonging the suffering of the people.

During that time, purification stones would not only be scarce but also exorbitantly expensive, to the extent that riots might erupt in certain villages where they couldn’t be obtained even with wealth.

While I had other matters to consider, my immediate focus should be on acquiring purification stones, as they would prove to be the most invaluable resource.

“I’ll let you know later. So, please purchase purification stones for me.”

“Well… it’s not a difficult request. Alright, but how much? Even if they’re small purification stones, they can still accumulate into a considerable volume.”

“It’s not necessary to gather them all at once. It would be suspicious if we suddenly acquire a large quantity. We can collect them slowly. Even if we say ‘large quantity,’ it won’t be what they consider large. They don’t like monopolies. Also, since all donations to the temple are recorded, it would be best to purchase them under different names if possible.”

“Ah, right. That’s true. I wouldn’t know much about that because I don’t pray. I’ve never set foot in a temple for fear of getting struck by lightning.”

Annie said jokingly, furrowing her brow.

“I feel the same way. Then, you won’t need to fill it up quickly… maybe just fill in a small safe?”

“Ah, I got an idea. I’ll discreetly gather them without raising suspicion. But…?”

“Hmm.”

I gestured to Ani as if to say, ‘Go on.’

“Why does this useless purification stone smell like money? If it’s alright, can I also gather some for myself?”

Her words made me burst into laughter.

“Sure, you can gather them without asking. You didn’t need to mention it.”

“I have a sense of ethics, too, you know.”

Annie retorted wittily.

“Alright, I got it. I’ll count on you for that too. As for the commission fee…”

“Oh, why do you have to be like this? Just give it to me all at once later. Of course, if it looks like I might die, you can give it to me then.”

As she playfully narrowed her eyes with a ruthless joke, we laughed together, and Annie counted the days with her finger.

“So, we leave on Friday, right?”

“Yes, after finishing the work here, we’ll depart in the morning.”

“Hmm, got it. Let’s meet on that day, then.”

“Take care, Annie.”

“I hope you stay safe until then as well.”

Annie waved her glamorous hand and left. As soon as she left, I collapsed onto the desk.

Now I had to go up to the capital and organize the tasks to be completed during the week, timing everything as efficiently as possible. The problem was that Kairos’ main base of operations would likely be in the capital, and his subordinates wouldn’t be easy opponents.

Even though he wasn’t there, it didn’t mean I should be any less cautious.

Come to think of it, wasn’t Duke Hadid in the north? I thought he was in Sergal or Tenegal or something like that. Well, I had nothing to do in the north anyway.

Especially Senegal, the future dark sanctuary.

I knew all about the dangerous things happening there, so unless I were dragged there, I wouldn’t go even if I died.

“Only three hours left until I go home.”

I reluctantly got up and started dealing with the remaining tasks.

* * *

“Today, right now?”

What on earth?

Today, my work schedule didn’t align with Noah’s, so I left the office early and found myself engrossed in my home office. However, when Noah called me out for a moment, I was taken aback by the sight of a woman standing before me, clutching an easel.

She introduced herself as Bekira, a renowned painter of extraordinary talent.

As someone with little knowledge or interest in the world of art, I was completely unfamiliar with her, but it was apparent that she had arrived in a disheveled state, seemingly recovering from a night of heavy drinking. Her robe, ill-suited for the summer season, bore conspicuous stains as well.

It was clear she had been drinking until this morning.

Curiously, It seemed that her purpose for coming here was to paint my portrait.

Noah had mentioned his desire for additional portraits the previous night, but was this what he had in mind? He had asked me to spare an hour or two of my time after work, and without much hesitation, I had agreed.

Contrary to his usual relaxed demeanor yesterday, he seemed a bit desperate and impatient now.

“I only have one portrait of you, right?”

“Well… yes.”

“I mentioned it yesterday, but I thought I’d miss you too much during the week without you.”

I looked at the painter, who bowed politely. There seemed to be… more paper than I expected.

Do painters usually paint this many portraits?

I was aware that nobles often commissioned portraits and adorned their residences with them. After marrying Noah, I had one portrait of myself and displayed it in the hallway. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had other intentions for these portraits…

Could he possibly be using them for something sinister, like placing a curse upon me? Although I had never heard of curses being conveyed through portraits.

Well, I’ll find out later… Given that Noah could change his mind at any moment, it seemed wiser to comply with his request for now, didn’t it?

“If you want it, we can do it anytime. Should she paint me right away? Should I change into a pretty dress and come back?”

As I fluttered my dress while speaking, Noah’s somewhat tense face brightened.

“You’re beautiful just the way you are.”

And so, reluctantly, I had to sit on a chair for hours for the sake of the portrait.

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“Hello, Baroness Edith. I am… Bekira.”

She took off the hood of her partially worn robe, revealing her purple, tangled hair that spread out like twisted vines.

“Nice to meet you.”

I nodded.

The woman greeted me vaguely, then pushed her hair back and unfolded her easel, preparing her materials.

“It’s fine as long as you don’t make big movements, madam. If you’re uncomfortable or anything, please let me know.”

“Okay, I’ll rely on you.”

I straightened my back nervously and sat down.

The first time I had a portrait done, I couldn’t move at all. I thought it would take several days to finish, even one. I was worried it might be the same this time. As I watched the woman start sketching without any preparation, Noah walked in.

“Have you already started?”

“A while ago.”

I replied briefly and refocused.

And a few hours later, after seeing the completed portrait, I dramatically threw myself onto the bed. Buried in the covers, I was wriggling like a caterpillar when the door creaked open. Naturally, it was Noah, and I continued to bury myself in the covers while mumbling.

“That painter works really fast.”

As he approached, a sweet peach scent wafted. Was it tea? When I turned my head slightly, sure enough, he had a teacup in his hand.

“I’m sorry, it was tough, wasn’t it?”

“It’s okay. It’s because you wanted to see me… but it only took a few hours, right? She said I could move freely when coloring.”

“Is that so?”

Noah placed the teacup on the table and came closer, embracing me as if he was going to make up for all the kisses he hadn’t given before.

“I was almost moving the whole time. It was amazing how the portrait was completed in just a few hours. Oh no, Noah, it tickles.”

I tried to push him away to ease the affectionate display, but Noah pressed his body closer.

Why was he like this, really? Before I knew it, I was looking at the ceiling, and Noah’s arms were supporting me, leaning over and looking down at me.

This position cast a shadow over Noah’s face more than usual. His red eyes seemed darker than usual.

“My wife.”

“Yes?”

“Hazel.”

“Yes, Noah.”

Noah called me twice but didn’t say anything and just stared at me intently.

“Noah, why are you looking at me like that?”

“Say it.”

“What… do you want me to say?”

“Tell me that you love me.”

I blinked my eyes a few times and then opened my mouth.

“I love you.”

It was the same confession I always made, but my throat felt tight.

The feeling of love, which used to make my heart pound, didn’t evoke the same excitement anymore. I was worried that my dry voice wouldn’t come out. At the same time, I was nervous and afraid that Noah would realize that my feelings for him were not the same as before.

“….”

“I love you, Noah.”

There was no response, so I said it again, but still no answer.

His silence felt strange, and as I tried to sit up, Noah suddenly grabbed the back of my neck with a hurried touch, and our distance rapidly closed as our lips touched.

I couldn’t meet his red eyes and closed mine.

It wasn’t a deep kiss, just a brief touch of our lips.

* * *

Returning to the room, Kairos locked eyes with Hazel.

Although he had obtained her permission in advance, he still felt a lingering sense of guilt for rushing the portrait. On the other hand, there was something uncomfortable that remained in his chest like residue.

Nothing was different from usual, so why didn’t his mood improve?

“Noah, why are you looking at me like that?”

“Say it.”

“What… do you want me to say?”

“Tell me you love me.”

And then Kairos felt the urge to ask Hazel to confess.

“I love you.”

“….”

“I love you, Noah.”

In that moment, Kairos noticed one thing had changed.

…Hazel’s affectionate gaze seemed somehow different.