Ugh, how unsettling.

It was easier to believe that my mother-in-law had dementia.

Or maybe she had some sort of delusion, like being suspicious of her own son, like a disease.

I didn’t know why, but right now, I found my mother-in-law more suspicious than Alec.

Alec had come back from the brink of death.

It wasn’t strange for him to feel like a different person, considering the damage to his memory.

A slightly eerie sound came from my knife as I pressed down too hard while cutting the lamb.

‘Just like a mother-in-law, really knows how to get under your skin.’

I had just confessed my love to my husband.

Thinking of what happened last night, I felt my heart swell again, and tears welled up in my eyes.

“I love you, Louise.”

“……”

“Thanks to you, I’m learning what love truly is.”

“……”

The corners of my mouth twitched slightly.

I bit my lip hard, trying not to smile, and pressed down the corners of my mouth with all my might.

Though I was the only one in the dining room, I couldn’t help but worry that someone might see me like this.

My face must have been flushed red, so much so that I wouldn’t have been able to look at myself.

Is it okay to be this happy?

As much as I was overjoyed, a slight sense of unease crept in.

I didn’t even want to imagine that the husband who had just confessed his love to me might be someone else.

“Huh? You’re up, sister.”

At that moment, a voice startled me, making my heart skip a beat.

Standing at the entrance of the dining room, Eloise was staring at me with wide eyes.

After glancing around outside the entrance, she hurriedly walked over to me.

I cleared my throat awkwardly, gathered my expression, and casually picked up the silverware.

“Have you eaten?”

“Of course. I was worried about what people in the North even eat to survive, but it’s pretty decent here.”

“The chefs here are the best, so you won’t be lacking.”

“But what were you thinking about to be smiling like that all by yourself?”

“……”

So she did see.

I calmly picked up a napkin and dabbed my lips.

“I was just thinking how well I married.”

“……Suddenly, all by yourself, this morning?”

Eloise raised her eyebrows in confusion, clearly baffled by my words.

But why had she come to see me now, when she had been stuck to Harriet since yesterday?

After taking a sip of water, I spoke again.

“Has Mother been feeling unwell lately?”

“Huh? No? Why do you ask?”

Eloise looked at me with innocent curiosity.

I continued eating calmly.

Jane and James weren’t the only ones I could ask about this.

“It’s just that she told me Alec doesn’t seem like himself, so I wondered if she’s gotten a bit paranoid.”

“What do you mean?”

“……”

Eloise’s reaction was incredibly pure.

It was clear that among the people in our family, the only one suspicious of Alec’s identity was Mother-in-law.

Eloise, now understanding my words, frowned.

“Of course, brother doesn’t seem like his old self. He’s not acting like an idiot anymore, is he? I’m so glad he finally seems normal!”

Eloise laughed brightly and clapped her hands.

Right, what am I even saying to her?

I had only asked because Eloise had once doubted Alec’s identity, but now it didn’t seem like she had any such suspicions.

I let out a deep sigh, clearing my mind of the confusing thoughts.

What’s the point of asking others?

I should just talk to Alec directly.

Ask him if he’s really my husband.

* * *

“This is the area, right here. If we’re going to create a new commercial district in the North, the beginning of the road that connects the capital, Kanak, to Wiltsbrook Castle would be the perfect spot.”

Vali proudly pointed out various places as he gazed down at Wiltsbrook Castle from below.

Alec stood beside him, looking out over the barren and cold area, which was still filled with trees and rocks.

No one had noticed that I was approaching them.

‘He really looks like a proper lord when seen like this.’

Vali was tall, but standing next to him, Alec exuded an aura that was beyond comparison.

Was it because of his naturally imposing figure, or the large, fur-lined cloak draped over him?

Even from behind, he radiated the dignity of the sole hero who could rule this vast northern land.

‘And that man is my husband.’

Feeling a sudden surge of emotion, I pulled my fur cloak tighter and smiled slightly.

“How long do you think it will take to complete all the new buildings?”

At the sound of my voice, both Alec and Vali turned their gazes to me.

Vali greeted me warmly with a polite demeanor.

“You’re here, Madam.”

“Good morning, Vali.”

After speaking, I naturally extended my hand to Vali.

He bent slightly, as if to kiss the back of my hand.

But in that instant, Alec’s hand gently blocked Vali’s face and took hold of my hand instead.

“……?”

As his hand pulled me toward him, my eyes naturally met his.

Before I knew it, my view was filled with Alec.

“Did you wake up well this morning? You were sleeping soundly, so I didn’t wake you.”

“……”

I glanced at Vali briefly, then looked back at Alec.

“Of course. I had a good breakfast as well. The castle is still bustling with guests. It’s such a large place, but it feels alive, which is nice.”

At my words, Vali glanced at the clock in surprise and spoke.

“It’s already this late. I’ll go prepare to escort the guests now. If we leave any later, the sun will set quickly.”

“Go ahead, Vali. We’ll follow shortly.”

“Yes, Lord, Madam. I’ll head out first.”

Vali bowed and started walking toward the castle entrance.

I had already asked him to plan the best possible Northern tour for the visitors.

In the coming days, Alec and I also planned to visit several places in the North that we hadn’t yet explored.

Until Vali’s footsteps faded into the distance, Alec and I stood there, gazing into each other’s eyes.

‘Could this man not be Alec?’

It didn’t seem that way at all…

Suddenly, Alec broke eye contact and looked toward the area Vali had pointed out earlier.

“It’ll take about three months to complete the new commercial district. Thanks to Vali finding some skilled workers in the North, I think it’ll be very helpful.”

“Really? That’s great news.”

“Until then, it might be good to observe the market in the capital to gauge people’s reactions.”

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Seeing the excitement in my eyes, Alec smiled warmly and gently stroked my hand.

We were just about to present the people of the North with Burniel’s clothing shop, flowers, jams, and many other things.

If we also set up the flower farm and jam factory in Liz’s estate, we could employ even more Northerners.

Fortunately, Vali mentioned that the Northerners would likely welcome these changes, which made me even more excited.

Vali, in particular, was thrilled at the idea of being able to buy flowers in the North.

Taking a deep breath, I gazed widely over the land below the castle.

“I hope time flies by and this place flourishes even more. I already feel so attached to the North, as if it’s my homeland.”

“It’ll all work out. Just trust me and rest easy. You won’t have to go through any hardships.”

“I already rely on you a lot. I always thought I needed to take care of you, but now I find myself leaning on you more.”

As soon as I finished speaking, a surge of emotion filled my chest.

…Come to think of it, isn’t that true?

I used to look at him with pity and concern, but now, that wasn’t necessary.

If I was in danger, he saved me, and I didn’t have to sleep alone in loneliness every night anymore.

With him by my side, I wasn’t even afraid of the Emperor.

He was no longer the pitiful, fragile husband I once knew.

“Alec.”

At that moment, I blurted out his name.

He looked at me, slightly puzzled by my sudden call.

Should I tell him that some people are doubting him?

My heart was racing, but I wasn’t terribly afraid.

My mother-in-law didn’t know he had acquired magical powers.

No one knew, except me.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories