I Had No Complaints About This Marriage - Chapter 71 - - END

During Herman’s convalescence, the two stayed together in the same room, talking for hours—clearing up misunderstandings.

Like the truth about Esina’s birth control pills.

Or the fact that the rumors of Herman’s illegitimate child were completely baseless.

And, more importantly—that Maria had only approached Herman for advice, because her real target had always been Xenon.

Recalling past misunderstandings, Esina let out a hollow laugh before suddenly remembering something and asking Herman.

“So, did those two end up together in the end?”

Having completely cut off any interest in Xenon and Maria due to Herman’s affairs, she had no idea what had happened to them afterward. Herman’s expression soured slightly, clearly displeased that Xenon’s name had left her lips, and muttered.

“As soon as Lady Maria heard that he’d been attacked by a wolf, she rushed over and confessed her feelings—swearing she’d die without him.”

“Hmm.”

“Seems she thought that vermin—Xenon—was the one who got mauled.”

Frankly, Esina found the story laughable. In reality, Xenon had barely been hurt at all.

‘With his gentle nature, he couldn’t even harm an animal—just stood there screaming while someone else’s husband got torn apart.’

Not to mention, Esina was unaware that Xenon had, just in case, been carrying a hunting rifle strapped to his back the whole time. Yet even as someone was being attacked right beside him, he hadn’t drawn it.

The original Esina must’ve been completely love-blind, no doubt about it.

At any rate, Xenon’s heart had been swayed by Maria’s tearful confession—realizing that even his feelings for Esina had been nothing more than a fleeting delusion.

Now smitten, the two had quickly announced their engagement and returned to Baron Elzen’s estate.

Good riddance. Never come back.

Who did they think they were, putting a scratch on my precious diamond of a husband?

Still, she knew that if she openly showed her lingering resentment, Herman would get smug. So instead of making it obvious, she pressed a pitying kiss to his temple.

The way his lower body tensed and swelled beneath her was unmistakable, but Esina simply ignored it, soothingly running her fingers through his hair.

“…Esina.”

“Not here.”

“You’re the one who—”

“The physician said no strenuous activity for a while, remember?”

“Madam, Master.”

The head maid slipped into the garden, interrupting their conversation with a knowing, satisfied smile as she set down a tray of refreshments. By now, she was well accustomed to the newlyweds’ belated, mutual clinginess.

Soon after, a butler followed, discreetly sliding a newspaper onto the table before leaving.

Herman barely glanced at it—the headline declaring Duke Telloien’s public recognition of Esina as part of the Telloien household no longer held much significance to him.

But Esina’s eyes widened as she saw it. While they had cleared up all their other misunderstandings, this was the first she was hearing about whatever conversation Herman had with the Duke.

“Herman. This is…?”

“Shh, Esina.”

Before she could press further, Herman offered her a freshly served madeleine from the table. Esina took it obediently but kept her gaze fixed on him.

Watching him—who had been subtly gauging her reaction while openly declaring her as his wife to others—she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Herman.”

Then, she quietly pressed a kiss to his cheek. Herman sighed in contentment, stroking her back, but Esina whispered a light warning.

“But we’re not there yet.”

“Mm.”

“We still have a long way to go.”

“I know.”

“So…”

“There’s still time, right?”

And Herman had no intention of wasting that time. Probably not for the rest of his life.

After all, he had already prepared countless other ways to quietly tie her to him.

“So, Esina—”

Putting on a pitiful expression, he fed her another madeleine. In response, she pressed a kiss to his forehead—softer than expected—as if to say, We’ll see. Herman smiled, uncharacteristically tender.

Watching that smile with satisfaction, Esina thought.

‘Definitely…’

She still had no complaints about this marriage.

And she, too, smiled.

Not long after, as they were fussing over snacks together, Esina suddenly felt nauseous. Herman carried her in a panic to the physician—only to hear the news of her pregnancy.

[There Were No Complaints About This Marriage] —End—