When you looked at the empire’s map, the capital was located northeast of the center.

The sea bordered three sides of the empire, but from the capital, every coast was far away. If someone was born and raised there, they might never see the ocean in their lifetime.

‘I was born near the coast, so I got to see it a few times, at least.’

Still, I had never seen a sea as clear and transparent as this one.

I stared blankly at the ocean stretched out before me. The relentless waves crashed as if trying to break the sheer white marble cliffs.

This was the southernmost tip of the empire.

As I gathered my hair, which was being tousled by the sea breeze, Yuri spoke to me.

“Isn’t it magnificent?”

“Yeah. Truly grand.”

I was almost at a loss for words to describe how stunning the scenery was.

“I can’t see the Udahmwa, but… just capturing this view with my eyes makes the trip worthwhile.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I was worried the long journey might tire you out, Titi.”

Yuri sighed with genuine relief, and seeing that, I bit my lower lip.

‘He was worried about me.’

He had mentioned that the Udahmwa was a flower that was hard to find. He had explained beforehand that coming here might be a wasted trip, and he seemed concerned that I might be disappointed by that fact.

‘He’s really thoughtful.’

I was happy to be with someone who valued me so much.

To show him not to worry, I raised my voice more than usual and spoke in an upbeat tone.

“How can white marble form an entire cliff like this? It’s fascinating.”

“It’s a sight even magic can’t create. Maybe that’s why when my mind is cluttered, natural scenery helps me feel lighter.”

“When I see such mysterious and majestic sights, all my worries seem insignificant.”

I could understand that feeling. Even now, as I looked at the vast ocean, I felt like an endlessly small being.

Even a Grand Mage who could accomplish anything if he set his mind to it had thoughts like these.

Suddenly, my mouth tasted bitter. Knowing Yuri’s past, I couldn’t help but feel sympathy.

“…Do you still feel stifled these days?”

I asked cautiously, and Yuri turned to me with a gentle smile, then opened his coat wide and wrapped me in it. His embrace was warm.

“Not at all. Even if worries arise, they disappear when I’m holding you, Titi.”

“Same here.”

I wrapped my arms around Yuri’s waist in return. He laughed softly and pulled me even closer to him.

Enveloped in Yuri’s coat, the sound of the crashing waves faded, and I could hear his heartbeat clearly.

We strolled along the cliff for a while, sharing small, intimate conversations.

All we saw were weeds similar to moss covering the cliffs. There wasn’t even a small flower, let alone the Udahmwa.

“A flower that loves the sea breeze, huh? I guess we’ll have to stay in the south for a while. I wonder if the capital will be alright…”

I enjoyed spending time with Yuri, but I was starting to worry about the Magic Tower and the artifact shop.

Maybe it would have been better to ask another mage for help? Just as I was about to bring it up, Yuri interrupted by pulling my hand.

“There’s a spicy crayfish restaurant over there. Let’s have lunch there.”

Seeing Yuri’s face light up like a child, I thought, “Why not?”

There was no need to rush. I had earned enough money, and the staff were familiar with the shop, so they’d manage fine without me. Bradley was at the Magic Tower…

The spicy crayfish restaurant Yuri led me to had tables set up outside. People sat in the open, enjoying the warm sunlight. Some were sipping coffee and smoking, as the place seemed to double as a café.

‘It looks so relaxed.’

Everyone seemed so at ease. It made me feel a bit embarrassed for worrying about the capital.

A waiter approached us with a menu, hesitantly observing us.

“Um, excuse me…”

I assumed they were coming to show us to our seats, but the waiter asked an unexpected question.

“Excuse me, but are you two a couple?”

Such a personal question from someone we just met?

I blinked in surprise. However, Yuri, unfazed, wrapped his arm around my shoulder and answered with a broad smile.

“We’re married.”

At that, the waiter slumped their shoulders, and a man peeking out from the kitchen grinned mischievously.

“See, I told you so!”

What kind of situation was this?

The waiter showed us to a non-smoking table outside and explained the situation.

“Well, you two look so perfect together that I thought you might be noble lovers who eloped against your families’ wishes. The owner thought you were newlyweds.”

“Oh, I see.”

It seemed there was a disagreement between the two people regarding Yuri’s and my identity. Judging by their earlier disappointed expressions, it appeared they had even wagered on it.

‘Being at the southern tip, it looks like they aren’t well-informed about Yuri.’

In the capital, numerous lively articles had been published about me as the bride of the Grand Mage and the lady who had won the Crown Princess’s favor. So, it was refreshing to be among people who didn’t recognize us.

It had been a long time since we had casually entered a restaurant and leisurely chosen our food.

We enjoyed this peaceful moment and ordered a few dishes. A little later, the owner brought two large cups to our table.

“Since I won the bet, these are free of charge.”

The yellow liquid sloshing in the cups was beer.

I had often seen Robi and Father drink it, but it was the first time it was placed in front of me. As I stared blankly at the glass, Yuri tilted his head and spoke.

“Come to think of it, I’ve never had a drink with you, Titi. Do you handle alcohol well?”

“No, just a glass or two of wine.”

I had always drunk just enough in social settings to avoid gossip. Since Robi and Father caused trouble every time they drank, I never felt the urge to drink.

While I was staring blankly at the beer, Yuri took a sip from his glass. The sight of his Adam’s apple moving up and down looked oddly pleasant.

I came to a simple realization.

‘Yuri isn’t my father. And I’m not like that either.’

There was no need to avoid alcohol.

The moment I realized this simple fact, I boldly picked up the beer glass and drank it all in one go.

There was quite a lot, but the day was hot, and the beer was cold, so it wasn’t hard to drink. Seeing me gulp down the beer, Yuri looked very surprised.

“Huh? Titi?”

“…It’s refreshing.”

I placed the empty glass on the table and let out a deep sigh. The fizzy carbonation and slightly bitter and sour taste weren’t bad.

‘Strangely, it made me thirstier.’

It felt like my stomach was sizzling.

As I was carefully analyzing the taste, a man at the next table burst into laughter and clapped.

“Miss, that’s impressive!”

I received an unexpected compliment. I bowed my head in embarrassment, my face turning red.

‘It’s embarrassing but not a bad feeling.’

It was shameful to be seen gulping down beer by others, but it felt liberating as if I had shed another piece of my past.

‘My face feels hot.’

As I touched my cheeks with my palm, Yuri sighed.

“Ugh, I should give you an artifact to change your hair color, Titi.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re so beautiful, you keep attracting attention.”

I chuckled at his words.

“You’re being silly.”

“I’m serious. You don’t pay enough attention to yourself, Titi. Your shimmering silver hair and bright pink eyes are so beautiful.”

Yuri’s compliment made my eyebrows raise slightly.

Of course, compliments made me happy. I hadn’t heard many directed at me before, so it was even more so.

But even so, I couldn’t just nod in agreement with Yuri’s words.

Because.

“You’re the one who’s beautiful.”

The man sitting in front of me shone much brighter.

From his soft pink hair to the line of his neck leading to broad shoulders and his long, distinct fingers, Yuri had no unappealing features.

‘And this beautiful man is my husband.’

A smile naturally spread across my face. Yuri, who seemed to freeze for a moment as if he had stopped breathing at my compliment, cautiously asked with a soft laugh.

“…Titi, are you drunk?”

“Come on, who gets drunk from one glass?”

Did he think I was the type to call anyone beautiful when drunk?

I glanced at Yuri with a pouty expression and waved to the server.

“Excuse me! Could we get another beer here? Actually, bring five, so you don’t have to keep coming back!”

“Titi!”

Ordering a bunch of drinks made Yuri jump halfway out of his seat in surprise. His reaction was so amusing that I burst into laughter.

Why was he so shocked? What’s the big deal if I get drunk?

“If I get drunk, you’ll take care of me, won’t you?”

After all, I had Yuri now.