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 30

When word spread that I had returned as lord, the servants who once served my parents came back as if they’d been waiting for this moment.

When the former head butler handed me my father’s recipe notebook inscribed “To Ash,” I nearly wept.

Only now did I realize how many people had been holding me in their thoughts all this time.

When I told them I’d be marrying Lord Oliver and living in the borderlands, they expressed their loneliness but still asked me to entrust them with managing the estate.

They were truly dependable.

The Kreuz manor was gradually returning to its former self.

The collapsed walls had been repaired, and newly planted herbs were beginning to sprout in the medicinal garden.

Smiles had returned to the mansion, filled with the cheerful voices of the butlers and servants.

While working amidst these sounds, a knock echoed through the room.

When I responded, the head butler escorted in a guest. It was Count Grey.

Stopping my work, I moved to the sofa and prepared tea and sweets.

As we sat facing each other, Lord Oliver naturally took his seat beside me.

Since Lord Oliver had told me that Count Grey had already handled most of the paperwork, I bowed deeply.

What he presented were the documents certifying me as the formal Lord of Kreuz and provisional papers authorizing joint management.

The official documents would arrive a bit later.

Though they were just a few sheets of paper, they felt weighty in my hands.

My new responsibilities and the thoughts of those who supported me welled up quietly in my chest.

Seeing me like this, Count Grey took a sip of tea and looked at me with gentle eyes.

“This herbal tea is quite good.”

“Right?”

The herbal tea made from Graphica was gradually gaining popularity.

Count Grey took another sip as if savoring it, then looked at me as if checking on something.

“Ash, how are you feeling physically?”

“I’m perfectly fine now.”

After staring intently at my energetic response, he looked toward Lord Oliver as if to confirm whether it was true.

“She was well enough to sneak off and conduct alchemy experiments behind my back yesterday.”

“!? You knew…!?”

“I only let it slide because you came back quickly.”

“…Hmm. Maybe I should make a potion to conceal my presence.”

“Don’t even think about it.”

Watching our exchange, Count Grey laughed while trying to suppress his voice.

Oh no, I forgot Count Grey was here.

I immediately cleared my throat and composed my expression.

“Count Grey, thank you for everything.”

“Not at all, I’m truly glad you’ve recovered. If I’d lost you, I wouldn’t have been able to face Lyle.”

Lyle was my father’s name. The two had been friends beyond their noble ranks and frequently interacted.

When I was little, I often tagged along to play with them.

“Thank you for doing everything you could. But are you sure about entrusting me with joint management of Kreuz?”

Even though Count Grey’s territory is quite large, managing two territories—even if one is small and neighboring—must be challenging.

“It’s no problem for me. …Besides, Ash, you love Lord Oliver, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Then stay with the person you love. Lyle would have definitely said that. We owe you both for helping our wives.”

“Both” included my parents too.

“Thank you.”

Count Grey stood up and came to my side, ruffling my hair with the same gesture my father used to make.

I closed my eyes and let him continue, but suddenly the warmth disappeared.

Sensing something amiss, I looked up to find Lord Oliver standing between us.

“Could you please stop touching Ash like that?”

“My, my, how jealous.”

“Unfortunately, she loves me even though she knows everything about me.”

“…You’ve got some nerve.”

Lord Oliver puffed out his chest while Count Grey tilted his head in amusement.

The contrast was so funny I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Ash.”

“Yes.”

Called formally by Count Grey, I looked up.

When he saw my face, his expression turned slightly more serious.

“There’s been talk of elevating Kreuz’s rank. You’ll receive word from the royal capital soon.”

At this unexpected news, I blinked reflexively.

The incident with my uncle who seized Kreuz territory had spread rapidly throughout the kingdom after his death, but this development was still too sudden.

“…Isn’t that too soon?”

“It’s due to your parents’ achievements and your own accomplishments in the Graphica borderlands. Years of rumors are finally becoming reality. Congratulations.”

“…”

Too many things were happening too quickly for my emotions to keep up.

I should be happy, but I couldn’t feel it yet.

“Ash, that’s wonderful.”

Lord Oliver gently patted my shoulder as I stood there dazed.

That touch gradually stirred joy in my heart.

Lord Oliver’s face looked prouder than mine, and just seeing it made me smile.

“Yes!”

The name and ideals my father and mother had protected were finally being rewarded in the proper way.

The beliefs I inherited.

Alchemy exists to help people.

I could finally believe that this wasn’t wrong.

This would no longer be the Kreuz Barony, but the Kreuz Viscounty.

“Next time we meet will be at your wedding, right? Don’t make me wait too long this time?”

“We plan to hold it immediately after returning, so you won’t have to wait long.”

“I see.”

Lord Oliver rather childishly pulled me close and moved me out of Count Grey’s reach.

“Alright, alright, what a jealous husband. I suppose this intruder should take his leave then.”

“Thank you for everything!”

“Oh, and if he ever makes you cry, come to my territory. You’re always welcome.”

“He won’t make me cry!! The exit is that way!!”

Still holding me, Lord Oliver pointed toward the door.

Count Grey gave a wry smile, ruffled my hair one more time, nodded contentedly, and left the manor.

Evening sunlight streamed through the window, painting the room gold.

Amidst this, Lord Oliver sighed.

“Ash, you charm everyone you meet. I can’t take my eyes off you for a second.”

I turned around in Lord Oliver’s arms to face him and hugged him back.

“But the one I love is Lord Oliver. Only you.”

“…! Ash!”

We held each other tightly.

I would live my life with this person.

I had decided.

“I won’t leave your side ever again.”

“Ash. I won’t let you go ever again either.”

Nodding at Lord Oliver’s words, I felt our future opening up brightly before us.

Outside, spring winds were blowing.

They seemed to herald the beginning of new days.