As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover Chapter 186

“Honestly, I sometimes worry that I won’t be able to contribute my part properly in this situation. I jumped into politics and social circles without knowing much about them.”

 

He was silent for a moment before gently stroking her cheek and speaking. “To be honest, I was surprised to hear you say that. You’re doing much better than you think.”

 

“…Really?”

 

“Yes.”

 

In the Empire, the primary social role for women was active participation in social circles. However, Luize was inexperienced in that area. She had been learning about social etiquette from Edward and Ellisian. Still, theoretical knowledge alone wasn’t enough to master social skills instantly. Nor was she well-versed enough in politics to assist him fully in those matters. No matter how skilled she was in swordsmanship, these fields were not battles fought with the body.

 

“I want to do better. I’m your partner, not just your shadow. I’m going to work hard so I won’t fall behind you or Maxion. So don’t try to exclude me when I’ve decided to take risks with you.”

 

Luize clenched her fist, her face set with determination.

 

“Edward, you’ve always been good at everything since you were young, so you probably can’t understand these feelings, can you?”

 

“Um, I’m sorry to disappoint Miss Luize’s expectations, but that’s not the case at all. I wasn’t a genius.”

 

“You?”

 

The words associated with Edward that Luize had heard growing up were things like perfect, genius, prodigy, and brilliance. In the past, everyone had praised Edward as the ideal candidate for the throne since birth. Luize had thought that the current emperor felt threatened by Edward because of this.

 

“Yes. When I first started learning imperial studies, my tutor couldn’t help but sigh in front of me.”

 

“My goodness.”

 

“No one is born wearing the emperor’s crown, perfectly suited for the throne. I was no different.”

 

Luize looked puzzled. “Then how did you become so good at everything? You’ve handled everything perfectly since becoming crown prince.”

 

“It was thanks to early education. With enough learning, anyone can at least survive in their position.”

 

“But you’re more than just someone who’s survived. You fit the role so well that I can’t even picture you as anything other than the emperor. Education must have helped, but you clearly have talent, too.”

 

“That’s because I worked hard to become that kind of person.” He smiled slightly. “Talent can’t fully blossom without effort. You’re putting in enough effort now. Just because the results aren’t immediately visible and others seem busier doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.”

 

Luize looked down, her expression complicated. “Is that so?”

 

“Yes. It seems I’ve made you anxious, Miss Luize.”

 

“Huh? That’s not true, Edward.”

 

Edward spoke softly. “No, it’s my fault. I brought you into this, and I’ve been conflicted between being your lover and your colleague.” He took her hand and interlaced their fingers. “I need to remember that you’re my partner when it comes to work. I’m sorry if I’ve caused you any confusion. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust you earlier; I just wanted to keep you out of the emperor’s sight as much as possible, which led me to make a bad choice.”

 

“…”

 

“It seems that my actions made you feel like you weren’t capable.” He looked into her eyes as he continued. “When I was young, the only people around me were older adults who had been in politics for a long time, so it was hard to compare myself to them. To them, I was just a child who didn’t measure up.”

 

“Ah…”

 

“But at some point, I realized that comparing myself to them was pointless. There’s an absolute difference in time and experience.”

 

“Right. You were just a child, after all.”

 

“So I developed a habit of comparing myself to my past self. I would focus on whether I was better than before I started working and learning. If I was better than before, I believed I was on the right path and did my best.” Edward smiled gently at her. “And one day, I realized I was ahead of others. I think this approach could help you too, Miss Luize.”

 

Luize’s eyes widened. She realized that compared to a few years ago, she was far more proactive now. She had also gained a lot of theoretical knowledge about social circles. At least she knew how to behave without offending others, like how to pick up food without making a scene. Politically, her opinions were being increasingly valued as well.

 

“…Alright. I’ll try that.”

 

“And you’ve already been a tremendous help to me, both professionally and personally.”

 

The way Edward looked at her was more serious and tender than ever.

 

“If it weren’t for you, we would have shed much more blood while carrying out the grand plan. It’s all thanks to you that I can sleep deeply without suffering from insomnia for such a long time.”

 

He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her lightly on the nose. “Are you still feeling anxious?”

 

“No.” Luize smiled.

 

“In that case, I’d like to take advantage of this private time as a lover.”

 

“As long as it’s done before lunch.”

 

It was still early in the morning, but Luize, who had become well-acquainted with Edward’s routine, added this condition.

 

He chuckled. “We’d better hurry, then.”

 

From that day on, Luize felt more at ease and freely shared her opinions. And Edward, as promised, never gave her a moment to feel insecure.

 

“Right after the Founding Festival, you want us to head straight to the temple?”

 

Just like now.

 

* * *

The skies in the fifth month were especially clear. The foliage began to turn a deep green in preparation for summer, and the flowers bloomed brightly, their petals radiating various colors in the brilliant light.

 

Edward became incredibly busy. On the last day of the Founding Festival, numerous nobles eagerly approached him, desperate to exchange a few words. The previous attitude of subtle disregard, as if he were a dragon without wings, had completely changed.

 

“Miss Luize, are you alright?”

 

“Ah, I’m fine. It’s just… I have mixed feelings. I didn’t expect everyone’s attitude to change so drastically once my true identity was revealed.”

 

“This will happen often. The capital is always like this.”

 

Edward spoke nonchalantly, but Luize felt a pang of bitterness. When she had been living as Reiad’s wife, she could never have imagined receiving such treatment.

 

“Luize, the capital is full of terrifying monsters.”

 

She could now understand a bit why her mother had said that. Her mother had warned her in such a way because she feared the imperial family would exploit Luize. But the truth was, the capital was filled with strange people. How could anyone live like that without suffocating? Or had they lived that way for so long that they didn’t even realize they were suffocating?

 

Luize shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. In any case, she had to focus on her duties.

 

“Lady Luize, this way.” Robin, who was right beside her, whispered softly as he pressed a finger to his lips.

 

“The security isn’t as tight as I expected.”

 

“The barrier is strong enough. It’s invisible to ordinary people.”

 

“But with Robin here, we can get inside, right?”

 

“Yes. Even without using any divine power, those with it can freely enter and leave. But as I mentioned before, we’ll need physical contact each time we cross the barrier…”

 

Robin hadn’t forgotten Edward’s face when he had asked him to take care of her. As usual, Edward had smiled gently, but there had been such a dark aura around him that anyone might have mistaken him for a dark mage.

 

“Take good care of her.”

 

“I’ll just touch the tip of her finger. No matter how much I want a rabbit-like lover, it won’t be Lady Luize.”

 

“Miss Luize did wear a rabbit mask during the Founding Festival.”

 

“Anyway, that’s not the point! I value my life, you know! And I’m not shameless enough to covet Your Excellency’s lover!”

 

“I understand. I wish you a long life as well.”

 

Edward patted Robin’s shoulder. The conversation was light, and the weather was nice, but why did he feel so cold? It was as if the temperature had suddenly dropped.

 

Aiven, who had been watching, quietly muttered to himself.

 

“…So that’s why they say His Excellency is a dark sorcerer.”

 

Edward’s gaze swiftly turned toward Aiven, making him flinch. He could have sworn he saw a terrifying glint in Edward’s eyes just now.

 

“…I didn’t say anything.”

 

“And I haven’t said anything yet.”

 

“…”

 

“Take good care of her.”

 

“Yes.”

 

The people assigned to the mission at the temple were Luize, Robin, and Aiven. They also had a non-human companion joining them.