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 17

Half a year had passed since returning from the expedition.

Lord Oliver, who had been suffering from an abnormal condition, had stabilized, though some symptoms remained.

That said, our daily routine remained unchanged. He would still make time to visit and court me whenever possible.

It was during this period that Lord Oliver, in his work mode for the first time in a while, made a request.

With a tense expression, I boarded the luxurious carriage that had come to pick me up at the Alchemist Association and passed through the gates of the Frontier Count’s estate for the first time in four years.

The last time I came through here, I was merely “the disinherited son cast out from his territory,” riding in a shabby carriage with just one trunk.

The mansion that had felt nothing but oppressive back then now appeared simply as a stately, magnificent residence.

I truly understood how one’s perspective changes with their position.

“We’ve been expecting you, Lord Ash.”

The carriage stopped before the entrance, and an unfamiliar head butler respectfully opened the door for me.

A small smile escaped me at the respectful tone of his address—stiff yet clearly showing deference.

I later heard that all the servants had received strict punishments, and the few whom Lord Oliver had personally instructed to care for me had been dismissed for ignoring his orders.

The head butler who had treated me coldly back then was likely among them.

I had no intention of dredging up the past now, but I felt a small sense of vindication for my past self who had thought, “That was unfair.”

“Ash, thank you for coming.”

When I took the hand Lord Oliver offered in greeting, his warm palm enveloped mine.

“I heard you needed me.”

Now that I thought about it, this was the first time he’d escorted me out of a carriage.

Whenever we went out together, it was always on horseback or on foot.

I never thought the day would come when I’d enter this mansion walking beside him.

“You mentioned wanting me to give a direct investigation report to the special envoy from the royal capital?”

“Yes, sorry, but I’d like you to join me.”

“Am I even allowed to meet someone of my status?”

Right now, I’m not the Frontier Count’s fiancé, nor am I the son of Baron Kreuz.

I’m here as Ash the alchemist.

The special envoy from the royal capital must be a noble of high rank.

Is it really appropriate for someone treated as a commoner like me to be present at such a gathering?

“The other party specifically requested to meet you as well.”

“Is that so?”

Lord Oliver’s tone carried a hint of pride.

I wonder what words he used to introduce me.

Just imagining it warmed the depths of my heart.

He’s a knight who’s sincere to everyone, cares for his people, and supports those who fight.

Words can’t express how happy it makes me to be valued by him personally.

“Don’t accept if they try to poach you, alright? You’re this territory’s treasure.”

“What’s that about? That’s impossible. I intend to have my bones buried in Graphica.”

“That makes me happy. While you’re at it, why not become the Frontier Countess and support me?”

“That’s not happening.”

“You’re a tough one. But that’s what makes you captivating.”

The usual lines of courtship.

At first, I was nothing but bewildered, but recently I’ve found myself thinking “here we go again” while somehow enjoying it nonetheless.

I no longer held any grudge against his cold treatment during our first meeting.

After four years and coming to deeply understand this territory and Lord Oliver, I could forgive him from the bottom of my heart.

But I couldn’t remain like this forever.

Because I…

While I was lost in thought, we arrived at the drawing room.

Here, I would wait with Lord Oliver for the special envoy from the royal capital.

A calm period of making polite conversation.

Even the occasional silences were comfortable.

Being next to Lord Oliver made it so easy to breathe.

A knock came at the door, and when Lord Oliver responded, the door opened.

The person who entered was a familiar face.

“Hey, Ash. Long-time no see.”

“Count Grey?!”

Count Darryl Grey, lord of the County of Grey which bordered Kreuz territory.

Silver-grey hair and deep blue eyes. Childhood memories of playing beside my smiling father came flooding back, and a natural smile spread across my face.

Making medicine to treat the Countess’s chronic illness had been the start of it, and until my parents passed away, we’d occasionally visited each other’s territories and deepened our friendship.

That familiar smile reminded me of those warm days.

“It’s been a long time!”

“When I heard you were engaged to the Frontier Count of Graphica, I waited thinking I’d be invited to the wedding. But since no news came, I decided to come myself.”

“…My apologies. The preparations weren’t in order.”

Lord Oliver bowed his head quietly.

“There was that massive outbreak of magical beasts, wasn’t there? That can’t be helped. But I heard things have calmed down now.”

“That’s only thanks to Ash’s efforts.”

“Mm-hmm, that’s what I’d expect from someone of the Kreuz family.”

Count Grey’s words soaked softly into my heart.

The Kreuz territory’s reputation had been poor lately.

Whenever I heard the name mentioned, it was almost always in a negative context, so being addressed with such gentle tones felt strangely delightful after so long.

“By the way, why are you the special envoy, Count Grey?”

“Hehe, I heard the person responsible for exterminating the magical beasts was a skilled alchemist. I figured it had to be you, so I volunteered to be the envoy.”

He said it was because he trusted the medicines I made, which made me happy.

Being trusted by someone is something to be proud of.

“I’m the one who needs you most. Don’t be looking elsewhere.”

“…Lord Oliver.”

His whispered words felt like a sting, and heat rose to my ears.

The atmosphere around us instantly turned sweet, making it hard to breathe.

“Now now, it’s good that you’re close, but save it for after I’ve left. You’re making me miss my wife.”

At Count Grey’s teasing voice, my face grew even hotter.

“Le-let me give my report!”

Raising my voice to hide my embarrassment, I read aloud from the prepared report.

Lord Oliver gently chimed in beside me, accurately supplementing the necessary parts.

We moved in perfect sync, like long-time partners.

In between, I stole just a few glances at his profile.

Our eyes met at the same moment, and he smiled at me.

That was worse than anything for my heart.

“So, the crisis has passed?”

“Yes. The Enbi mushrooms that were the cause have been completely eradicated.”

“That’s splendid.”

“It was thanks to the Frontier Count’s swift judgment.”

“No, Ash’s contributions were greater.”

As we exchanged words praising each other, the Count laughed merrily.

“Mm-hmm, it’s wonderful that you get along so well…. Well, I’d heard some strange rumors, so I’m especially relieved.”

“Strange rumors?”

“That the fallen Kreuz baronial family is unworthy as the Frontier Count’s partner. That if the Frontier Count’s house is to marry, it should be with a family of higher standing.”

“……”

I’d expected someone would bring this up eventually, but hearing it as reality made my chest feel rough.

It was true that the Kreuz territory’s reputation had become terribly poor recently.

There had even been talk of a promotion for creating the cure for the epidemic, but even that had faded away.

“My partner is Ash. I have no intention of marrying anyone else.”

Lord Oliver stated this clearly.

My heart leaped and my breath caught.

Happiness and fear swelled simultaneously.

“Even so, isn’t it true that marriage proposals are pouring in like mountains despite everyone knowing you have a fiancé?”

I’d heard Lord Oliver was being called the hero who saved the country from crisis.

Many families would want to form connections with such a person.

Especially since his current fiancé was the son of the fallen Kreuz baronial family.

It wouldn’t be surprising if there were those who thought there was an opening to exploit.

While I understood this intellectually, actually hearing that marriage proposals were coming made me unconsciously hold my breath.

“Count Grey…”

Lord Oliver glared at Count Grey as if asking why he’d bring this up now, his face twisting with displeasure.

The fact that he didn’t deny it meant it was true.

“That achievement wasn’t something I could have accomplished alone. Without Ash, there would have been far more damage, and this territory would still be in the midst of chaos.”

“…Hmm. Then marry quickly. That should silence the annoying chatter.”

His gaze was directed straight at me.

I was the one creating this situation.

Lord Oliver had made up his mind. The rest depended solely on my feelings.

Although I’d been refusing Lord Oliver’s proposals, our interactions just now had revealed that I didn’t truly dislike it.

“……”

“Ash, I don’t mean to rush you. I can wait as long as necessary. Would you allow me to keep trying until your feelings turn my way?”

Lord Oliver took my hand as if pleading.

Hearing him say he wants me makes me happy and fortunate.

That’s my genuine, honest feeling right now.

When I glanced sideways, Count Grey’s gaze was piercing straight through me.

Behind his half-teasing smile, there was a weight that seemed to say, “Make up your mind already.”

If I nodded here, I would be at Lord Oliver’s side.

The position of “Frontier Countess” would become mine.

…But.

I knew better than anyone that I couldn’t do that.

The time for evading with ambiguous responses was over.

The back of my throat burned with heat as I struggled to control my trembling hands and opened my mouth.

“No, allow me to state this clearly here. I wish to dissolve this engagement.”

“!? Ash”

“Count Grey. Would you be willing to serve as a witness?”

After a brief silence, Count Grey sighed.

“I don’t mind, but…”

Lord Oliver was watching us with eyes like someone who’d lost comrades on the battlefield.

Sadness floated in those eyes.

Not wanting to see that, I averted my gaze.

“Ash…”

I couldn’t bring myself to look Lord Oliver in the eye.