Side Story 1. Honeymoon

Time passed busily after they married.

As both of them happened to have quite a few things to organize at the Curtis mansion in the capital and south, their honeymoon was delayed slightly longer than usual.

Only after completing all tasks could Kana finally move completely to the southern Curtis mansion with him.

Currently, she was getting some fresh air on the balcony while maids were busy behind her packing luggage concisely.

The early morning breeze was slightly chilly for her thin, comfortable outing dress.

The wind spirit circled around her as she brushed back her hair, cheerfully shouting.

[It feels like just yesterday I watched your wedding, and now you’re finally going on your honeymoon! My goodness, I never thought I’d see such a sight in my life……]

‘Celia, why are you so excited?’

Kana raised the corners of her mouth while resting her arms on the balcony railing. The spirit’s round black eyes grew slightly larger.

[……Me? Shouldn’t your husband be more excited?]

‘Ah, that’s true.’

Kana chuckled and agreed. Indeed, Kiriel had been the happiest since their honeymoon schedule was set. She couldn’t forget the sight of his face blooming into a smile.

The wind spirit sat quietly on the railing, staring intently at her contractor’s gradually relaxing face before blurting out.

[You said you’re going to an island owned by the Curtis family in the south?]

‘Yes, Corel Island.’

While she was answering Celia, the maids finished their work. Lena, who had followed Kana from the Round family as her dedicated maid, announced cheerfully.

“My lady, all preparations are complete!”

“Good work everyone. Please let Kiriel know too.”

“Yes!”

After the maids left, she returned to the room and sat on the plush sofa to wait for her husband’s visit.

When she closed her eyes briefly and opened them again, Kiriel was standing before her, smiling brightly and waving his hand.

Kana stood up and gently cupped his cheeks with both hands.

“Honey, I’ve told you appearing suddenly like that startles me.”

“You say that, but my wife’s expression is actually quite calm?”

Kiriel responded slyly while covering her hands with his. Kana smoothly withdrew her hands and shot him a light glare.

“……Kiriel Curtis.”

“Sorry. When I heard from the maid that all preparations were complete, I got so excited I unconsciously used teleportation magic.”

Kiriel winked with a playful smile. Kana shrugged while looking at him radiating excitement from his whole body.

“You’re really hopeless. Are we departing now?”

“Yeah, as I mentioned before, we’ll go through the port city Balan. It’s not that far anyway, and the villa on Corel Island is fully equipped with everything needed.”

“Sounds good.”

Kana smiled softly.

Kiriel naturally stored her luggage in his subspace. She watched him with a smile before comforting the maids who were flustered about having their tasks taken away after returning late.

* * *

They left the Curtis mansion with the servants seeing them off and took a carriage to the port city Balan. As expected of a luxury carriage embedded with magic stones, the ride was fast and stable.

Kana blinked while watching the scenery flying past through the carriage window before turning her gaze to her smiling husband and boldly said,

“Kiriel, I’m borrowing your shoulder for a bit.”

“Gladly.”

Kiriel moved slightly to the side to make ample space.

Kana, who had been sitting across from him, quickly moved to sit close beside him. Then she gently rested her head on her husband’s broad shoulder. He wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist and asked tenderly.

“Tired?”

“……A little. Actually, I was too excited to sleep well last night. I thought I’d be fine, but I guess my mind wasn’t.”

“Well, I also had trouble sleeping because I was excited. Get some rest for now. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”

“Thank you.”

Kana closed her eyes while listening to his soft laughter. Soon her breathing became slow and steady.

Kiriel kept glancing at her sleeping peacefully before carefully brushing back the light brown hair that had slipped down to cover her face.

His fingers traced her round, smooth forehead, straight nose bridge, soft cheeks, and slightly parted plump, tender lips in order. A gentle smile spread across his handsome face.

How could even her sleeping face be so lovable? Deep affection filled his mysterious purple eyes. He could lose track of time just quietly watching over her.

Her long, thick eyelashes fluttered briefly, but fortunately she hadn’t woken up. Kiriel maintained his position well until they reached their destination so she could rest comfortably.

Finally, they arrived at the port city Balan. Her eyelids lifted before Kiriel could wake her. Kana raised her head from his shoulder and covered her mouth while yawning slowly.

After stretching as well, she looked at her husband who had awkwardly raised his hand and asked.

“Honey, have we arrived?”

“Yeah, I was just about to wake you but you woke up first. Let’s get off.”

“Okay.”

Kana accepted his escort while getting off the carriage with an awkward smile.

She shaded her eyes from the blazing sunlight with her hand and looked around to see docked ships and scenery in bright colors.

“Though it’s my first time here, it’s such a lively and beautiful city.”

“It is.”

They approached the docked ship. After exchanging brief greetings with the captain, Lena and the other servants who had accompanied them boarded first.

Kiriel, who boarded last, lifted his wife who was preparing to jump while holding her dress skirt and placed her on the ship. Kana instinctively grabbed his shoulders before blinking.

“Ah……”

“It’s better if I help you up.”

“Wasn’t that just to satisfy your own desires?”

“Ah, you caught me.”

Kiriel grinned before softly kissing her cheek. Kana raised the corners of her mouth, finding him adorable.

The ship started moving. Instead of going to their prepared cabin, she came out to the deck to watch the rippling blue sea.

Her long light brown hair fluttering in the wind gleamed like a well-ripened wheat field in harvest season under the sunlight.

Her neckline she glimpsed at was beautiful, and her bright green eyes and rosy cheeks on her fair face were fresh.

Kiriel blankly watched his wife’s side profile before suddenly coming to his senses and carefully blocked the front with his arm.

“Kana, step back a little just in case. You might fall if we’re not careful.”

“Okay.”

Kana obediently followed his instruction. Seeing her oddly wistful expression, he misunderstood and quietly added.

“Don’t be disappointed, you can watch the ocean all you want when we get to the island.”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s good then. I spoke up because your expression worried me.”

Kiriel caught her flying hair and brushed it back. Kana watched the surging waves and responded slowly.

“……I just remembered old memories. It’s been a really long time since I went to the ocean.”

“Ah, is this about when you lived in another world?”

“Yes.”

Kana nodded. Indeed, ‘Kana Round’ had never gone to the beach separately according to her settings. Curiosity filled his violet eyes that resembled violets.

“Who did you go with?”

“Sometimes alone, sometimes with family or friends…… I also went for work.”

Kana lowered her eyes. It was about before and after becoming a supporting character. Kiriel’s chest ached slightly at his wife’s subdued voice.

He knew there was much of her time that he didn’t know about. After hesitating anxiously, he asked with a slightly trembling voice.

“……Do you miss those people?”

“No. Their faces are blurry now. And I don’t really want to remember my work memories either. I prefer this moment with you.”

Kana answered firmly while looking straight at her precious husband. Her unwavering green eyes and lips curved in a gentle line showed her sincerity. His slightly stiff face softened.

“I’m glad. We can make plenty of memories together from now on.”

“That’s right.”

The two burst into clear laughter while looking at each other.

While they exchanged light conversation enjoying the breeze, they arrived at the island. As expected of a resort, the scenery was truly beautiful and refreshing.

The butler and head maid managing the villa were already waiting at the dock. They greeted formally as the couple disembarked.

“Welcome.”

“We’ve been waiting. We’ll guide you to the villa right away.”

The couple followed the butler and head maid walking to the villa.

The villa was splendid and magnificent, notably decorated with expensive jewels and luxurious magic stones.

They first briefly unpacked in their respective rooms before touring the villa. More precisely, since Kiriel had visited before, the tour was for Kana who came for the first time.

As they were finishing their round, a maid respectfully spoke.

“The meal is ready.”

“Perfect timing.”

“Indeed.”

They moved to the dining room following the maid’s guidance. A grand feast was laid out on the table. The two sat facing each other and began eating.

Kiriel was more interested in his wife’s behavior than the meal. He casually began speaking while watching Kana eating slowly.

“How’s the taste?”

“It’s good. How about you?”

“I’m satisfied too.”

Kiriel grinned while tilting his utensils. Kana smiled along and casually suggested a walk.

“How about walking on the beach together after the meal?”

“Sounds good.”

Kiriel readily accepted. After finishing their satisfying meal, they cleansed their palates with herb tea that had a refreshing taste before heading outside the villa hand in hand.