Chapter 44: A Confession and a Pang of Annoyance

“Ah, I understand what you mean now. So, generally speaking, you simply want to make your wife happy, don’t you? You two had a flash marriage, getting hitched on the very first day you met. Don’t you know anything about what she likes?”

Zelin’s interest piqued whenever his areas of expertise were mentioned. He leaned against the armrest of the sofa, looking at Wade and Osias Parama.

As he spoke, he couldn’t resist tentatively reaching out for the box of pastries on the table. However, both Wade and Osias, quick as lightning, blocked him.

Wade, sitting on the small side sofa, slapped Zelin’s hand, signaling him to withdraw it. Osias, meanwhile, pulled the pastry box further towards himself, effectively isolating Zelin from the treats he so desperately wanted.

“…”

Zelin pursed his lips but said nothing. One was her husband, the other her grandfather — whether by blood or not, he couldn’t be sure. As an outsider, what more could he say?

Though Zelin was a bit of a scoundrel, his only real flaw was frequenting pleasure districts for beautiful women. He was also meticulous about hygiene and health.

Being wealthy, he sought out ‘cleaner’ companions, essentially engaging ‘socialites’ for a period to avoid any strange diseases. In this day and age, a young master indulging only in the first of the ‘yellow, gambling, and drugs’ vices was already commendable.

Moreover, he was always one for clean breaks. If things didn’t work out, the breakup fee was generous, and he never clung to those women. He was a scoundrel, yes, but a principled one.

Precisely because of his principles, he was quite sought after. Just as good women often sought excitement with bad men, and bad women might aim for a good man among many, Zelin — wealthy, principled, of no low status, and favored by women — naturally caught the eye of ladies everywhere. He was, in fact, quite a hot commodity.

“It’s not that I know nothing at all… I know a little… hmm, a little.”

Wade answered Zelin’s question thoughtfully, unsure how much he truly understood about Lamia.

From the White Knight’s perspective, he knew most of the Devil King’s combat details and preferences.

From Wade’s own perspective, his understanding of Lamia… it was hard to say how deep it truly went. But then again, if he wanted to know, wouldn’t his mind-reading ability suffice?

“So—alright, essentially you want marital harmony? In that case, I think instead of asking me, you should talk to your wife. She seems like a gentle woman who’s easy to approach. If there’s anything you want to know, why not ask her directly?”

When it came to Lamia, Zelin could only recall the few minutes they had just spent together. From Lamia’s appearance to his being led away by the old man, only a few minutes had passed.

Osias, despite his age, possessed considerable strength. He had subdued Zelin in just a few moves, leaving him no chance to even grab a telescope and catch a glimpse of Lamia’s appearance.

‘Still, it wasn’t hard to guess… she must be an easy woman to fool.’

‘After all, for women who “find a new partner every two or three years,” a casual relationship is perfectly fine. Sometimes, they even hope for a divorce to get a share of the assets.’

‘Zelin usually dealt with such women, so it was natural for him to speak this way. Having been hurt by love in his life, and not being against marriage, he had certainly experienced it.’

‘Rather than “hanging himself on one tree,” it was better to change partners frequently for more novelty. Plus, with clear agreements, any trouble could be resolved with a payment.’

‘However, for ordinary women, like Lamia, who Zelin perceived as genuinely seeking a lasting relationship, such “scoundrel talk” should have been intolerable.’

‘He had also noticed Lamia was quite angry at the time. Generally, an angry woman is incredibly difficult to appease. Without kisses, hugs, or gifts, it’s hard to make things right, even in a deep relationship.’

‘Even if they “quarrel at the head of the bed and make up at the foot,” a cold war usually precedes it.’

Yet, observing Wade’s demeanor, and the expression on his face when he spoke of his wife, Zelin could discern—

‘—This guy seems completely unaffected.’

After saying such things, he had simply walked away as if nothing had happened. It was clear that his wife was the kind of woman who could be appeased with a few sweet words.

‘Beautiful, skilled at making pastries, and possessing a good temper… Had this guy saved the world? How else did he manage to flash-marry such a wonderful woman?’

It seemed Lamia’s ambition to “become a perfect wife that others would envy” had truly worked. Even a scoundrel like Zelin felt a pang of envy for Wade’s good fortune.

It could only be said that, at least when putting on an act, Lamia seemed quite pleasant. If Wade hadn’t been able to hear her thoughts, those “evil plans” hidden in her heart, he too might have been completely deceived by her.

And yet… even after hearing her thoughts, after hearing her “schemes,” didn’t Wade still develop a slightly positive view of her?

“A gentle woman…?”

Wade, however, was slightly stunned by this description.

“Does Lamia… really seem gentle?”

Recalling the night he was kicked out of bed, he genuinely couldn’t feel any gentleness from her. He would likely remember that incident for the rest of his life. Even as an old man, toothless and mumbling, he would still purse his lips and tell Lamia, ‘I still remember the kick you gave me back then.’

‘Ha, I truly want to see her embarrassment then. It would be even better if she could turn furious with shame.’

“Of course! By all accounts, she’s a gentle woman. If there’s anything you need, you should talk to her.”

“No, no, absolutely not. Talk—talk about what? I can’t talk to her.”

‘Talk to the Devil King? Proactively ask the Devil King for personal details?’

‘No, I mustn’t “beat the bush and startle the snake.” Exposing my mind-reading ability would be disastrous. Those risks were already present before; I can’t afford another incident.’

“Are you shy because it was a flash marriage? Hmph, I know marrying such a perfect wife has made you so self-conscious you could just sink into the floor.⭐”

“No! Nothing of the sort!”

Wade refuted Zelin’s words, which were delivered with an “I understand you” expression, shaking his head awkwardly and vigorously waving his hands.

“How could I possibly feel inferior because of someone like that—”

“Being stubborn is a taboo in love, my friend Wade. As the man, you should be open and direct. Tell her you like her, that you want to get to know her. Isn’t the church a perfect large venue for a stroll right now—go ask her out! Ask her to talk, to clear your mind, just like the beginning of a first love!😋👍🏻”

“…Huh? What…?”

In Wade’s mind, Zelin was hardly a reliable source of romantic advice, so he wasn’t particularly inclined to listen to him. And yet—he found himself unable to refute Zelin’s words. It was as if Zelin was stating the most straightforward truth, one that Wade stubbornly refused to believe.

“A romance should begin with a confession. Did your flash marriage have a confession? If not, then confess in the church, under the witness of the gods!”

As Zelin said this, he clapped his hands, as if encouraging Wade to act immediately.

“But—”

“He’s right, Wade.”

Wade’s grandfather also seemed to find some sense in Zelin’s serious words this time. He stood up and patted Wade on the back.

Seeing his grandfather stand, Wade couldn’t remain seated. He reluctantly stood up as well.

“Go on, Wade, get along well with Lamia.”

“—But, Lamia, she—”

“I know, I know. That’s precisely why you need to get along with her even more.”

As he spoke, Wade’s grandfather leaned in and whispered into his ear:

“Precisely because she is special, you must draw closer to her. Start anew, allow her to properly engage with our society, and find a way to guide her with your affections.”

“…”

Wade’s face displayed a complex expression at his grandfather’s words. He swallowed, ultimately nodding in resignation.

“Alright… I understand… For the future of humanity… Fine.”

‘Sacrificing my small family for the greater good, that’s just the kind of man I am.’

Wade mumbled to himself, steeling his resolve before walking out. Zelin, hearing his words, couldn’t help but tease:

“Does falling in love also have to be for all of humanity? Is this how all middle-aged men find wives?”

“Actually, he’s only twenty-seven, so he can’t really be called middle-aged.”

“However, in a person’s life, there are only a few decades of freedom and health. Once you reach a certain age, you become powerless. I’ve never considered that truly free living. So—seeing as he’s almost thirty, he might as well be considered middle-aged.”

“Hmph…”

Wade’s grandfather chuckled at Zelin’s words. He settled back onto the sofa, looking with keen interest at the principled scoundrel before him. He felt as though Zelin’s stories would surely make him enjoy a few more pieces of cake.

To be honest, with age, his appetite wasn’t what it used to be. A few of Lamia’s pastries were enough to fill him, but he was reluctant to share them. So, he had to find some entertaining conversation to accompany his meal.

Meanwhile, Wade descended the stairs with a peculiar expression.

Lamia was still waiting there for him, appearing to dutifully await his return, just as they had agreed.

This made Wade recall Zelin’s words once more—’Could Lamia truly be a gentle woman?’

‘No, no, no… What even is this? Of “gentle” and “woman,” which one does she actually embody?’

“Hmm? You’re back?”

But the next second, Lamia’s smile greeted Wade. It was a beautiful smile, one that made him involuntarily think of “gentle” once more.

“Ah… hmm.”

He nodded awkwardly and sat back down beside Lamia. Pondering his grandfather’s words, he cautiously glanced at her.

“Where are we going later? Back to the Knight Order?”

“—No, not going there. Not going.”

At the mention of the Knight Order, Wade instinctively refused. He kept recalling the young knights’ eager anticipation for his wife’s arrival—’What were they so excited about? She’s *my* wife! If you want one, go find your own at a mixer!’

“Then, home?”

“No, not there either… Ah, well…”

Considering this was indeed a suitable place for a stroll, and he had steeled himself, prepared himself for the mission of saving humanity, then—

‘Alright… alright!’

‘Everything I do is for all of humanity!’

“Lamia.”

Wade turned his head, looking at Lamia, who was now gazing at him with an inquisitive expression.

“What is it, Wade?”

“—Lamia, I like you.”

Then, he uttered his confession.

It should have been a lie, a mere pretense for the sake of humanity.

But… hah…

‘Was his heart racing because he’d spoken such embarrassing words?’

After speaking, his entire body felt tense, yet simultaneously exultant.

Because he knew that no matter what, Lamia was now his wife. Her only possible answer could be affirmation.

“Ah, yes~ Hmm, that’s right, I like you too~☺️”

However, Wade was met with the same unchanging smile and a mechanically strained “too” in response.

“…”

Wade heard Lamia’s thoughts, which were simply along the lines of, ‘I knew it!’

But inexplicably, Wade felt a pang of dissatisfaction.

It was as if his feelings hadn’t received a genuine response. The smile that answered him was merely Lamia’s smiling mask—but what about her inner thoughts? Any reciprocation for his feelings was virtually nonexistent.

‘Ah…’

‘A little bit… annoyed.’

‘Why exactly was he annoyed?’

‘He didn’t know.’

‘Perhaps it was because he hadn’t eaten enough.’