The Villain's Sickly Wife Dislikes Being Overprotected - Chapter 3.15

Yes, I suppose you could say I handled yesterday wisely.

I nodded slightly, agreeing with their conversation.

“Duchess, you were here! We truly survived yesterday thanks to you!”

An employee who had been sick last night approached. He looked like he would grab my hand if he could.

“Thank you so much! You’re the savior of my life. I could have died trapped here without even seeing my children at home…”

Other people also approached to add their thanks.

“How did you come up with such an idea yesterday? We realized you’re a very intelligent person.”

“Well… I just luckily thought of it. I’m glad the idea I came up with was correct.”

“My, you’re even modest.”

This was the opposite of what I used to hear from those who spoke ill of me. It was pleasant to hear.

Yes, yes. When you think about it, I did play a crucial role.

“We were so fortunate to have you here, Duchess.”

I listened to the continuing relay of gratitude with a sense of satisfaction.

***

In the morning, the snow was still falling harshly, but as noon approached, the snowfall gradually weakened. Even at a glance, it was clear that the falling snow had significantly decreased compared to the previous day.

“Maybe this blizzard might end earlier than we thought!”

“Then our isolated life here will end soon too?!”

Everyone started to feel hopeful.

I spent the day with more energy along with Lia and Allis. After all, this isolation might end soon.

I could only see Kyron’s face when night came.

Just as it was about time to go to bed, he approached.

“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to sleep uncomfortably tonight.”

He announced.

“Pardon?”

“I have no intention of giving up my room either.”

That meant he wouldn’t be vacating the room like last night.

Although the snowfall had weakened a bit, we were still conserving firewood just in case. Also, since there were people who had been sick, I was still giving up my room to the staff for a more comfortable environment.

So I had to share a room with him tonight.

I didn’t think anything would happen just because we shared a room. Kyron would probably regard me as just a piece of luggage on a makeshift bed.

“It’s fine. Then I’ll go in first and sleep.”

“Alright.”

It might be a bit awkward, but I thought I could just fall asleep first.

I entered the room first and prepared to sleep. Then I burrowed into the bed where I had slept yesterday. Fortunately, even though it was a makeshift bed, it was comfortable.

I lay in the dark room, waiting to fall asleep quickly. Hoping Kyron wouldn’t come in before I fell asleep.

Luckily, I fell asleep before seeing Kyron enter.

***

After a long discussion about how to proceed with snow removal when the weather improved, Kyron returned to the room. It was quite some time after Ekette had gone to bed.

Kyron opened the door quietly to avoid making noise.

The room was dark, and he could faintly see Ekette’s silhouette lying on the makeshift bed.

She seemed to be already asleep.

Kyron quietly unbuttoned his shirt and changed his clothes. He was planning to sleep now too.

While changing, Ekette coughed softly. The cough continued a few times before stopping.

He couldn’t help but pay attention to his wife’s cough.

She had said she was more comfortable without him. Maybe she was avoiding him. That’s why she might have gone to bed early.

But… she wouldn’t know when she was asleep. That he was beside her.

He approached Ekette. She was covered with a blanket, with one arm exposed.

No wonder she’s coughing.

Kyron quietly and slowly pulled the blanket up to her neck.

At that moment.

“I also… didn’t…”

His wife mumbled softly. Kyron, who had tensed for a moment thinking he might have woken her up, soon relaxed when he saw her eyes tightly closed.

She seemed to be talking in her sleep.

Kyron smiled slightly.

What kind of dream is she having?

After tucking her in tightly, he straightened up to return to his bed.

But the voice that reached his ears stopped him in his tracks.

“I also… didn’t want… to get married. I’d rather live in my hometown…”

What…?

Kyron froze on the spot like a statue.

“It’s not like I clung desperately to get married… as you all say.”

It was directed at someone in her dream.

Kyron couldn’t move an inch.

“I’m not that kind of person…”

***

The snow stopped the next day. Moreover, the sun came out, causing the snow to melt quickly. Wherever God might be, it was a time to offer thanks in all directions.

With the sun out, snow removal work became easier. They quickly cleared the snow to create paths for people to walk.

By the following day, the situation became such that one could move around outside like before.

The snow was melting rapidly, and most of the village roads had been cleared.

Although the remaining travel period wasn’t long, I decided to enjoy each day of that short time.

Most of the time was spent enjoying the hot springs and trying delicious foods.

As before, Allis followed me around chattering, and I had developed enough immunity during our isolated time to handle her chatter.

My husband seemed busy, as there weren’t many points of contact between us.

The travel period, which wasn’t long after the isolation, was coming to an end. Before we knew it, it was the last day before leaving Pierce.

As it was the last day here, I headed to the shopping district.

“Are you going to buy souvenirs one last time?”

Allis had been pouting since morning, saying she was sad that I would be leaving tomorrow. She looked gloomy, as if even buying the last souvenir felt disappointing.

“Yes. And I want to buy some gifts too.”

“The people who receive gifts from you must be happy. You’re so thoughtful.”

I just smiled silently at her words.

“Where should we go first?”

I pondered over what to buy first. Even though there weren’t many shops in the shopping district.

“Let’s start by buying the chocolate you like, my lady.”

“Alright, let’s do that.”

Although Allis looked sad about leaving, she faithfully fulfilled her role as a guide until the end.

She led the way to the store.

The place we entered sold various snacks and souvenirs together. It was a store we had visited when we first toured Pierce.

I bought not only the chocolate I had enjoyed last time, but also the local jam I had spread on bread every morning, and a handkerchief said to be embroidered stitch by stitch by a master craftsman. It had a view of Pierce embroidered on it.

“Shall we go to another store?”

I wonder which shop we should enter next. Back on the street, I looked over the signs of the stores.

I already have enough clothes, so no need for a clothing store. Obviously no need for the grocery store either.

That’s when a store named “God’s Blessing” caught my eye.