IGMDSML 23

 Chapter 23

After unpacking and finishing dinner, Reno felt an overwhelming fatigue. He wanted nothing more than to go rest, but he couldn’t delay his report, so he reluctantly sought out Morgan and gave his report.

“So this is the corpse, huh? Maybe it’s better to wait a bit before reporting to the crown.”

Morgan exhaled sharply after hearing the full report.

“I think waiting is best too.”
“How’s the situation in that region?”
“No special movements yet, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening.”
“What do you mean?”
“The border soldiers said that personnel from the Megani Empire seem to rotate often. I’ve instructed them to monitor and report any changes.”

Morgan frowned, deep in thought.

Even small conflicts were troubling now, given that only a few years had passed since the war ended, and unsettling news had begun to trickle in.

Then, Reno asked a sudden, unexpected question.

“But why did you act like that earlier today?”

Morgan ignored him at first, thinking it nonsense, but Reno persisted.

“I said—why did you do that earlier today…!”
“What earlier? Speak clearly.”

Reno’s eyes sparkled mischievously, like a playful imp.

“You stopped Ronan from holding Maricel’s hand—not once, not twice… actually three times. Why did you do that?”

Morgan recalled the afternoon events and felt irritation twist inside him.

“There was no need to hold her hand.”
“Then why do you decide what’s necessary? Maricel wanted to, and you interfered. Who do you think you are to Maricel?”
“I am.”
“Are what?”

Reno burst into a mocking laugh.

“Her employer.”
“E-employer…? An employer doesn’t have that kind of personal right, only a lover would.”

Reno deliberately shot down Morgan’s absurd claim, squinting his sharp eyes and grinning slyly as he waited for Morgan’s reaction.

“A lover…?”

Morgan instinctively reacted to the word that had slipped from Reno’s mouth.

“Even if not a lover, I have that authority as her employer. Fleur seemed unhappy seeing them hold hands.”
“Ha! Since when do you care so much about someone else’s feelings?”

Morgan’s words only made things more ridiculous, which amused Reno further.

Reno continued to provoke him mischievously.

“So that means you didn’t see Maricel as a woman? You only cared because she’s Fleur’s governess?”
“Then, what more do you want to say?”

Morgan’s reply was sharp and cold.

“Then, from now on, I’ll actively pursue Maricel. I’ve been holding back because I thought you had an interest in her, but now I don’t have to care anymore. I can act freely.”

Bang!

Morgan’s heart dropped.

‘Reno wants Maricel…?’

In an instant, Morgan imagined Reno and Maricel holding hands and laughing together.

Even that brief vision made a surge of uncontrollable jealousy shake his body.

He finally understood the source of his earlier agitation. He wanted Maricel for himself. He desperately wanted her to only look at him.

That was why he had reacted that afternoon too.

Even if it was just etiquette, he didn’t want anyone else to touch her.

Seeing her made his heart flutter, throb painfully, and ache with the sensation that people called “love.”

‘Foolish… I only realize it now.’

He chuckled bitterly. Everything finally made sense.

‘No one can take her from me.’

He had never failed to claim what he wanted.

Now, Maricel had become the most desired person in his life.

Morgan was certain she would be his first and last woman.

Of course, this was the most difficult challenge he’d ever faced.

All the wealth, fame, power, and looks he had always prized had no effect on her.

‘Ah… she didn’t care about my face, but my body did catch her attention.’

A strange bitterness swept through him.

‘Still, she’s within my domain, so it’s a favorable fight.’

He steeled his resolve.

“No!”

Morgan cut off Reno’s words sharply.
“Why? You said you don’t see her as a woman.”

Reno didn’t back down and replied cheekily.

“…I do.”

Reno feigned not hearing him, prompting Morgan to repeat himself.

“What?”

Morgan glared at him, speaking clearly, word by word:

“I like Maricel. So don’t even think about it.”

“…?”

Reno immediately laughed loudly, clutching his stomach with mock triumph.

“Stop it.”

Morgan glared at him with contempt, growling lowly.

“Hahaha—alright, alright. I won’t bother Maricel, so relax your eyes.”

Reno still chuckled quietly.

“You poor thing. Seems Maricel doesn’t see you as a man.”
“Shut your mouth. There’s no woman in the Empire who would reject me.”
“That’s right. Empire women. Well, good luck then. Hehehe.”

Reno finished teasing while keeping his playful well-wishes tucked in, deliberately ruffling Morgan’s nerves.

“Governess, here’s everything: sandwiches, fruits, cookies, drinks, napkins, plates, forks, and…”

Ablelyn listed everything aloud to make sure nothing was forgotten.

“To see if I missed anything,” she explained.

“Looks like everything’s ready. Even if something’s missing, it’s fine. Isn’t that part of the fun of going out?”

Maricel laughed warmly to ease Ablelyn’s worry.

Ablelyn relaxed and looked up at her.

“You make people feel so comfortable, Governess.”

Maricel smiled sheepishly.

“I’m glad you think so. We’ll have a good trip. Thank you, Ablelyn. Jeffrey.”

Ablelyn and Jeffrey escorted Maricel to the front porch, adding careful words to travel safely.

Maricel carried the picnic basket toward the porch where Fleur and Morgan were waiting.

She saw them waiting by the carriage and waved her arm high, like greeting a long-lost friend.

The excitement of a picnic made her cheerful.

Morgan smiled faintly as he approached, taking the basket from her.

“You’ve been waiting long?”

Maricel handed the basket, glancing quickly between Morgan and Fleur.

“Alright.”

Morgan passed the basket to a guard.

Maricel was about to get into the carriage when Morgan suddenly reached out his hand.

‘Huh?’

Maricel hesitated, thinking, ‘What’s this? Did I forget to give him something?’

No matter how she thought, there was nothing she needed to give him.

If it were a car, maybe she’d give him the keys, but this was a carriage.

“Your Highness? Did I forget something? Should I give you something?”

Morgan watched her alternately glance at his face and his extended hand, utterly bemused.

A noblewoman should naturally offer her hand for escort at a carriage.

This woman seemed to have no understanding of even that basic etiquette.

Had she been confined at home too long to know about a man’s escort? Or did she truly only see him as her employer?

Morgan hoped for the former and sighed at the empty air.

The sky above was clear and blue.

The sun was gentle, with white fluffy clouds drifting prettily in the high sky.

A perfect day for a picnic.

A light breeze ruffled Maricel’s pale blond hair and the hem of her dress.

Her sparkling violet eyes, however, were fixed unblinkingly on Morgan, silently demanding an answer.

Even this moment, where she eagerly awaited his response, seemed beautiful to him.

The possessive desire for her to be his alone startled him again.

It was intense.

Now aware of his feelings, Morgan acted without restraint.

If he didn’t claim her quickly, others might interfere.

His heart pounded uncontrollably.

‘I can’t handle this.’

He brushed his face roughly with his free hand and let out a short sigh, speaking aloud:

“If you want to be a shameless one who doesn’t even escort a lady, I won’t stop you.”

“Eh?”

Maricel finally realized that this hand was for escorting her.

No—when did he ever treat her like a lady?

Then she remembered the handkerchief on the bench last time.

‘Well… he did seem different then.’

Still, one previous gesture wasn’t enough to predict today’s escort.

But since today was special, and Morgan was offering this special courtesy, Maricel gladly placed her hand atop his.

Once Maricel climbed into the carriage, Morgan followed.

‘Huh? Huh?’

Maricel had expected him to ride a horse, so the carriage surprised her.

“Um… Your Highness, you’re taking the carriage too?”
“It sounds like you’re implying I shouldn’t.”
“Eh? No, not at all…”
“If not, then what?”

Morgan cut off her words abruptly.

“I thought you wouldn’t like riding in a carriage. For someone used to riding horses, it must feel cramped and stifling, right?”

Maricel laughed awkwardly.

She had hoped that after explaining, he would mount a horse instead.

Her wish was crushed.

He crossed his arms, crossed his long legs, and glared at her with mock annoyance.

“Knights are trained to adapt to any situation, so don’t worry about that.”

Then Morgan closed his eyes, as if refusing to hear another word about it.

But inside, his mind was far from calm, swirling with thoughts:

Annoyance that Maricel seemed uncomfortable, guilt for his own choices.

He pressed his eyes shut to suppress the chaotic flood of thoughts.