A Way to Confirm Your Husband’s True Feelings - Chapter 29

The territory granted to Caesar by the Emperor, along with his new title, was located on the outer edge of the Empire. Though remote, it shared a border with a neighboring country, giving it significant political importance.

It was a far distance from the capital—about a month’s journey by carriage, but since it lay along a trade route, it wasn’t a backward or underdeveloped area.

More than anything, Beatrice liked the temperate climate of the Margraviate. Unlike the capital, which became quite chilly during the fall and winter, the Valentin territory, situated in the Empire’s southwest, boasted warm weather year-round.

Thanks to abundant sunlight, various types of trees, flowers, and fruits grew well, and the mountains surrounding the territory held pure silver mines that greatly contributed to its finances.

When they finally arrived in the inner courtyard of Valentin Castle after a month-long journey following their wedding, Beatrice fell in love with her new home at first sight.

She adored the pale white stone walls, the classic architectural details, and the charming southern-style garden, modest yet delicately adorned.

Although the previous lord had been deposed due to scandal, there was no trace of that atmosphere left in the castle.

“I had the original castle hastily renovated, but I’m not sure if it’s to your liking. If there’s anything lacking, please let me know. If the castle doesn’t please you, we can consider building a separate residence or villa elsewhere.”

Caesar, who had silently followed Beatrice around as she toured the castle, said this.

Before answering, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. It was a slightly impulsive gesture.

“It’s not just that it meets my expectations. I absolutely love it. I’m looking forward to life here so much, I can hardly bear the wait.”

In truth, because of Caesar’s large frame, it was less that she hugged him and more that she was buried in his arms, but that didn’t matter. She was so happy she hugged his waist with all her strength.

Including the two times they met before and the day he visited the duchy, they had only met three times before deciding to marry.

She had worried that they might be too unfamiliar with each other for a marriage, but seeing the expression on his face now, she could tell. This relationship held promise.

The rumors she had heard and the impression he gave in person were the same. He was a man like solid rock. That’s why, when they departed from the capital, Caesar still felt like a stranger. But after a month traveling together by carriage, the distance between them had softened, if only by a fingernail’s breadth.

There hadn’t been any particular turning point. Or rather, perhaps everything had been a turning point. To Beatrice, everything about Caesar’s demeanor throughout the journey had left an impression.

He seemed to put a great deal of thought and care into anything related to her.

He scheduled enough rest stops so Beatrice wouldn’t be worn out by the long trip, and consistently checked whether the meals suited her taste or whether her bedding was uncomfortable.

Though he himself endured rough rides on a hard saddle and made do with rations, he always encouraged her to eat warm meals.

Though he never granted her request to sleep beside her, Beatrice could feel his consideration for her throughout the entire journey.

When Caesar was appointed as Margrave of Valentin, the mercenary group he once led became his private soldiers. As such, they made the journey to the territory together.

Though Sir Schultz, who always greeted her warmly, wasn’t present, the rest of the soldiers were exceedingly kind to her as well.

They were all large and rough-looking men, but seeing them follow Caesar like gentle lambs, Beatrice felt an odd sense of pride, even though she had nothing to do with it.

Because they traveled with such a large group, Caesar maintained a consistently formal and restrained demeanor, but when they were alone, he would occasionally show a small, softer side.

For instance, he would gently tuck a stray lock of her hair behind her ear, or wipe away crumbs from the corner of her lips.

Like hard bread slowly softening in milk, Caesar’s atmosphere had gradually begun to change—enough that now, she could even imagine doing something like this surprise hug, which she never would have considered a month ago.

As far as Beatrice could remember, this was their first embrace. Caesar’s body stiffened at her sudden action, but even his awkward reaction made her feel fond of him.

“Are you looking forward to it too? I hope you feel the same way.”

Still holding him by the waist, she looked up at him. At some point, she had stopped using the formal address Your Excellency altogether.

Caesar rarely showed emotion, but this time, even Beatrice could clearly see the flush rising to his ears.

“I am… looking forward to it as well.”

The summer breeze blowing around them was warm and dry. A delicate southern wind carried the scent of flowers. While the borderland couple quietly toured the castle together, those around them had discreetly stepped away.

In the stillness, their eyes met. It was the kind of moment where even the grass at their feet might feel slighted if they didn’t kiss.