I Thought I Was Married, But I Was Left Alone, So I'll Live as I Please. So Please Don't Mind Me Anymore, My Lord of the Border - Chapter 10

The café I wanted to visit was a shop that served menu items using the medicinal herbs we developed, and their new tart had been gaining quite a reputation.

The line never seemed to end, and securing a reservation was nearly impossible.

When we arrived at the shop, before I could even mention our reservation, Lord Oliver was waved right in with just a glance.

The staff bowed quietly with practiced ease and guided us to a special seat in the back.

The comforting blend of medicinal herbs and baked goods filled the air, mingling with the soft, lively laughter of the customers.

Sitting beside him made me feel as if I’d been put on a stage, acutely aware of everyone’s eyes on us.

…In a place like this, he really does look like he belongs in a painting.

Everything about him is so natural, so perfectly poised.

In this world, it’s not unusual for a man like me to be escorted by another man.

The male-to-female ratio is high, and there are plenty of male couples. Even techniques for someone like me—an introverted magic-user—to create a uterus in their own body have long been established.

The forms of magic, the nature of power, even the shapes of love.

Here, they’re all just “ways of living.”

Lord Oliver, with his extroverted magic, can wield both attack and healing with ease.

He’s a first-rate knight and a celebrated mage.

Someone who can do anything—it’s just unfair.

And yet, back then, even he was pushed to his limits.

It wasn’t until I started living here that I understood just how dire the situation had been.

Monsters attacking relentlessly, day and night; knights falling wounded; civilians lost—he carried the weight of it all.

And more than anything, as I settled in, I learned from the locals just how harsh the contract my uncle had forced on him really was.

It was borderline exploitation, taking advantage of Graphica’s desperate need for medicine.

When I think of the circumstances and feelings that drove Lord Oliver to take it, I can now understand, at least a little, why he treated me so roughly back then.

But that doesn’t mean I want to rebuild our relationship as fiancés. That’s a different matter entirely.

“Is it good?”

“…Yes.”

When I nodded to Lord Oliver sitting beside me, he gave a soft smile.

In places like this, he always sits next to me.

He says sitting across feels too distant…

I used to think, “Huh, is that so?”

“You’ve got some cream.”

His outstretched finger wiped the corner of my lips, and then he licked it off.

So that’s what he meant…!

Whoa, that’s scary.

A handsome guy who does stuff like that so naturally is terrifying.

My cheeks flushed under his intense gaze, and I hurriedly buried myself in the tart.

The tart, which should have been tangy, suddenly tasted cloyingly sweet.

“Lord Margrave.”

“Oliver.”

“You must be busy again today, Lord Margrave.”

“It’s Oliver. I’d like you to call me by my name.”

“Sigh…”

He really doesn’t waver.

I think he’s a good person—sincere, kind, and affectionate.

But maybe because I wrote him off when we first met.

Even though the situation, the setting, and his sweet words make my heart flutter, it’s not love or romance.

To begin with, in both my past life and this one, I’ve been completely absorbed in alchemy. I have no interest in love.

…Or so I thought, but it’s frustrating how just one word or gesture from him sets my heart racing all on its own.

I’ve never been courted before, so I must have zero immunity—that’s definitely why.

But even after six months of this, the distance in my heart hasn’t budged an inch.

I know it sounds arrogant coming from me, but I’m incredibly stubborn. Once I’ve decided something, I won’t change my mind unless something major happens.

So, I can’t become what Lord Margrave wants me to be.

When I think that, I feel guilty for letting him waste his time on someone like me.

How old is Lord Margrave again? I think he’s three or four years older than me.

Wow, that’s the prime of a man’s life, isn’t it? What a waste.

His territory is stable now, and with his standing, he could have his pick of partners.

He should just break off our engagement already and find someone more suitable.

That’s why I decided to be blunt.

“Wouldn’t it be more constructive to look for another fiancé?”

“I want you, Ash.”

His gaze was unwavering.

His gentle hand softly brushed back a stray strand of hair from my braid.

My heart made a strange sound.

I’m still not used to any of Lord Oliver’s gestures. My body gets startled and my heart skips a beat.

“…It’s a waste of your time, Lord Margrave.”

When I replied plainly, he gave a troubled smile.

His expression clearly said he had no intention of giving up.

Really, I wish he’d just stop.

As I sat there poking at my tart, feeling awkward, Lord Oliver suddenly looked up.

“She’s here already.”

Three seconds later, Lady Nia really did appear.

Watching the two of them in perfect sync made my chest ache just a little.

“As usual, I’ll take care of the bill. I’ll leave an escort behind too.”

“Thank you for the meal.”

“I’ll see you again, Ash.”

“…”

I didn’t reply, just took another bite of my half-eaten tart.

He walked away with his back to me, Lady Nia at his side.

The two of them looked so natural walking together.

Really… wouldn’t someone else be better for him?

As I quietly watched their retreating figures, that feeling seeped into my heart.

…Maybe after seeing him every day for six months, I’ve grown attached out of mere familiarity.

Even though it doesn’t hurt, my chest feels hot and unsettled.

Maybe that’s why I couldn’t really taste the tart anymore.

So, to soothe my irritation, I went on a shopping spree at the café and it worked.

This happens every time, and I did it again today.

And while I did buy a lot, the massive haul of cakes and sweets I couldn’t handle ended up in the bellies of Quinn and the other alchemists.

…Wait, is this why Quinn is so supportive of Lord Margrave? I just realized.