Though I Don’t Recall It, I’ll Take Responsibility - Chapter 19

Beneath the faint light glowing in the entrance hall, I took a deep breath. Standing before the door where a trace of the night air drifted in, I instinctively straightened my posture.

“Welcome home, Lord Leonard.”

The chill from outside was abruptly cut off by the sound of the door closing. I noticed his shoulders were drooping slightly—likely due to the workload that had piled up while he was resting for my sake. Still, the moment he spotted me, he offered a gentle smile as if letting out a sigh of relief. It was an expression tinged more with joy than fatigue.

“I’m home, Aira. I’m happy you waited up for me.”

“Well, I am your wife now.”

At those words, his expression softened instantly, and a palpable sense of delight radiated from him. He gave a tiny nod, as if savoring the weight of the word “wife.”

“Ah, yes. I submitted the paperwork today. Actually, because of that, the Crown Prince and Serge kept dropping by my office to interrogate me that’s why I’m so late. Haha. I’ve already grabbed a quick bite to eat.”

He was laughing, but I could tell he was pushing himself. No doubt he was trying his best not to make me worry.

Barging in during work hours just to grill him? That sounds less like a blessing and more like prying, I thought. Don’t they have their own work to do? My impression of these men I had never met began to drop quietly.

“It’s likely because we married while your memories are still gone. But once I told them it was your wish, they finally accepted it.”

As he spoke, he stole a glance at me, as if checking to see if his words had hurt me.

How incredibly rude. Do they think Lord Leonard tricked an amnesiac woman into marriage? Anger began to swirl silently within me.

“I see. You must be exhausted. If you like, would you care for some tea?”

“I would love some.”

With that, Leonard gave me a single, lingering look before heading to his room to change.

A short while later, the sound of his returning footsteps accompanied by the butler sounded somewhat light. In the salon, a tea set for two had been prepared, and the fireplace crackled with a gentle, soothing rhythm. As the fragrant tea was poured, its aroma drifted through the quiet night air.

“I greeted my tutor, Mr. Robert Davis, today.”

“I see. Did he mention that he’s looked after two generations of our family?”

“Yes. I could feel his wonderful influence.”

“Ah, he truly is a great man.”

His voice lowered slightly as he continued.

“He’s a distant relative, but when my parents passed away, he handled all the procedures and dealt with the other relatives to protect me. It’s thanks to him that I didn’t lose my title and am where I am today.”

The glow of the hearth illuminated his face, and the gratitude and trust he held for the man came through even more clearly than his words.

“He was against your involvement with ‘Lara,’ wasn’t he?”

“Eh? W-well, I wonder…”

A moment of silence. His eyes darted away, and his fingers froze for a split second on his teacup.

A very easy-to-read reaction. Mr. Robert, it seems Lord Leonard really is the type whose emotions show right on his face. It’s quite worrying, honestly.

“Actually, Mr. Robert is the author of several papers I used to read quite fondly. He even said he would bring me some books next time. I’ve made a promise to ask him about things I don’t understand. I hope you don’t mind?”

When I asked, watching his reaction closely, he nodded immediately.

“Of course not.” There was no hesitation in his answer. “Mr. Robert specializes in herbalism. What a coincidence that you’re interested in it too. Though, I must say I’m surprised. ‘Lara’ hated studying.”

It was a casual remark. But deep inside, something clicked into place.

“…I happen to love studying. Please remember that.”

Even I was surprised by the strength in my voice.

“!”

He audibly caught his breath.

“My apologies. I’ve noted it. I will never forget it. I’m truly sorry.”

It was an almost reflexive apology. He didn’t make excuses; he simply accepted my words as they were.

It seems the “me” in his memories really didn’t study at all. What a waste. Having had the chance to study at the Academy—that supreme institution—what on earth was she so preoccupied with?

—Ah, right. Romance.

Silence fell over the salon, filled only by the scent of the steaming tea and the soft crackle of the fire. Perhaps because I had fallen silent for a moment, Leonard looked at me concernedly and spoke up with a cautious tone.

“Aira? Actually, thanks to Mr. Robert’s influence, I’m interested in herbalism too. I even took courses on it at the Academy.”

He sounded quite timid. Did he think I was angry? I wasn’t. But his anxious tone was almost comical. To think his demeanor could change so much based on my mood alone.

“That’s why I have so many books on herbalism at the other mansion. Everything from my Academy textbooks to things I’ve collected as a hobby. Would you like to read them?”

What! “So many”?

“Are you certain!?”

I leaned forward instinctively. He blinked in surprise, then quickly offered a relieved smile.

“Yes. Once we move, you are welcome to use my study however you like.”

Use it however I like. The moment those words hit me, joy welled up. It must have shown on my face, because Leonard’s expression finally relaxed completely into one of warmth. He seemed genuinely happy just because I was happy.

“Lord Leonard, what other subjects did you study at the Academy?”

Visible through the rising steam, he answered with a touch of pride.

“A few things, but I suppose my major was History?”

“My! I am interested in history as well. Specifically, the history of other nations. If I may ask…”

“Haha, books?”

Sensing where the question was headed, he laughed merrily.

“Actually, reading is a hobby of mine. I have many books on foreign history and the stories surrounding them. I believe my study is quite a bit larger than those in other households.”

It didn’t sound like “bragging”—it sounded like he was “happy to have something we can enjoy together.” My own voice naturally bounces when I talk about books, too. I could spend all day reading.

…Though I wouldn’t want to spend all day reading that diary.

“Lord Leonard, I shall move as soon as humanly possible.”

When I said that—only half-joking—he let out a hearty laugh.

“Haha, quite right. Let’s do that.”

The late-night tea party that was meant to be brief soon expanded into discussions of literature, academics, national history, and international affairs. The small salon took on the atmosphere of an Academy study hall.

Before we knew it, it was the middle of the night. The fire in the hearth had settled into a calm orange glow, and a deep, nocturnal silence filled the world outside the window.

His position as a financial officer isn’t just for show. He possesses a broad and deep insight into the capital, the provinces, and the national economy. It’s likely thanks to Mr. Robert supporting his “desire to learn.” I am grateful for that.

And Leonard himself, for continuing his efforts to learn… a sudden sprout of respect grew in my heart.

The night deepened peacefully. I felt as if the quiet time spent with him was wrapping around me, cherishing me.