Chapter 169: Marghetta’s Woes
Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit off. No, to be more precise, I’m feeling happy but somewhat disappointed too.
“Mar, I’m going to head back now.”
Carl’s visits to the Vice President’s office have noticeably decreased. It’s not just my imagination; it really has dropped.
This was the time of day I eagerly awaited. Of course, I appreciate him coming every day, but I can’t help wishing he’d stick around a little longer.
“Are you leaving already?”
“Yes. I have things to do.”
I hesitated before speaking, but Carl answered with a smile.
I felt an urge to cling to him, begging him not to go—it was a temptation to throw a little tantrum! But I couldn’t do that. He mentioned he had work, and I couldn’t possibly interfere with that.
Still, there was no way I could just let him leave like that.
“Carl.”
After calling his name, I opened my arms wide. As I gazed at him in silence, Carl let out a little chuckle and wrapped his arms around me.
Ah, this makes it all better. My heart feels lighter.
I wish we could stay like this forever!
I wish he wouldn’t go anywhere and just keep holding me.
As if he knew what I was thinking, Carl whispered in my ear, “I’m sorry, Mar. I’d love to stay with you longer, but I can’t.”
Please, body, stop shaking while we’re hugging! It’s so embarrassing if he notices!
“It’s okay. There must be a good reason. I understand.”
I managed to say while trying to calm my trembling body and racing heart. It’d be a lie to say I wasn’t disappointed.
But Carl had always invested his time in our moments together. So, if he suddenly had to leave, there had to be a significant reason. I just have no idea what’s been bothering him for days on end.
I didn’t press him on where he was going or what was happening. Being this trusting might even touch him.
— It’s your duty as a wife to look after your husband, but don’t be too controlling. Being overly obsessive might cool his affection for you.
That was what my fourth sister said during our recent call.
She must be right.
My sister had a happy marriage and lots of kids, so she definitely knows her stuff.
So, I let him go. We have plenty of time together ahead; I couldn’t start showing signs of being a clingy and oppressive wife quite yet.
“Being with you feels suffocating. Can’t you just trust me?”
Just imagining Carl looking at me coldly filled me with dread.
No, that can’t happen. The thought of Carl hating me is unbearable.
“See you tomorrow, Carl.”
I waved him off with the brightest smile I could muster.
I couldn’t handle the idea of being disliked by Carl, yet I truly trust him. If he wasn’t telling me something, it’s probably because I didn’t ask rather than it being something he felt was necessary to hide from me. At least, I had to believe that.
Yes, that’s it. I trust Carl.
“I’ll be going now. Today was delightful.”
The next day, Carl left early again.
But it’s okay; I trust him more than anyone else.
“Ah, it’s time to go.”
He got up from his seat again the next day.
But I love and trust Carl more than anyone in this world.
“I’m sorry, but I think I need to leave first.”
…I trust him…
As soon as Carl left the Vice President’s office, I began biting my nails.
What’s happening…?
I had understood for a few days. Carl must have been busy with work or something personal.
But as time stretched beyond a week, nearing two weeks, I couldn’t help but feel anxious. What on earth could it be? This kind of busyness can’t be normal!
And we promised to always talk to each other honestly, to share everything without hiding anything. If it were something this significant, he would have mentioned it by now!
Is it something he can’t share with me?
Suddenly, my mind went blank. If there was something he had to hide from me, something he shouldn’t tell me…
— Devotion is important. However, if you show your heart too overwhelmingly, your partner might lose interest.
Once again, my fourth sister’s words echoed in my mind. Showing affection is vital, but if it’s too one-sided, the other person might take it for granted and become indifferent.
Could that be true?
A chilling sense of dread crept over me. Has Carl really grown tired of me? Or has he started to fancy someone else?
No! This relationship isn’t one-sided. Carl definitely loves me too. We’re mutual partners, not just one-sided pals!
…Are we though?
Once I started down the path of negative thoughts, I couldn’t help but spiral into a full-on storm of gloom.
Carl had always claimed he would be honest with me. He insisted there would be no more secrets. And since then, we had shared so many laughs and good times together.
But, strictly speaking, we had never formally agreed to be together. We hadn’t talked about engagement or marriage.
What if I was the only one who felt joy being with him? What if Carl was just with me out of guilt? What if he had feelings for someone else? Ah! Those are terrifying thoughts!
No!!
I clenched my fists tightly.
*
Though it’s not exactly lady-like behavior, I decided to follow Carl. I needed to see for myself what was going on to quell this uneasy feeling building up inside me.
Still, I made sure to avoid following him too closely. Carl is incredibly adept at sensing anyone tailing him, and I’d be caught before I knew it!
Just like my father.
Whenever I tried sneaking up on my father as a kid, he would spin around unexpectedly and give me a good scare! Is this an innate trait in all warriors?
In any case, I asked students passing by to help me track Carl’s destination. Eventually, I arrived at a building full of teachers’ research areas.
What on earth?
The location caught me completely off guard. While it would be surprising to find Carl anywhere, the research area for teachers was particularly intriguing!
I cautiously moved forward, peering into each research lab. Through the windows, I saw teachers talking with their assistants or engaged in discussions with their students, likely because the main teacher was in class.
After searching the labs for a while, I finally spotted a familiar figure.
It’s Carl!
As soon as I saw him, I ducked low. What if Carl looked out the window and caught me staring?
Peeking cautiously, I noticed a sign reading ‘History Teacher Gerhardt.’ History… I still couldn’t grasp how that might relate to Carl.
The swordsmanship department would’ve made way more sense!
That would have been more understandable. After all, that was where Young Lord Erich was affiliated.
“—way, —you done—?”
“—you—!”
While I was busy pondering the connection between Carl and history, sounds of discussion floated out from the research room. Naturally, I couldn’t make out the details.
I forced myself to calm my racing heart and slowly stood up.
Ah.
And there was Carl, laughing and chatting with a woman with navy blue hair!
*
Gerhardt had to rush out for some urgent matter, leaving the room in silence, which isn’t surprising—
“No way, have you already written this much?”
“It’s all thanks to you, Prosecutor! Thank you so much!”
Since discovering that Christina was the Minister’s niece, I’ve made an effort to engage her in conversation.
At first, Christina felt a bit uncomfortable, but naturally, time has smoothed things over. Now, we manage to get along quite well without Gerhardt.
If only I didn’t know this!
Knowing her connection to the Minister and treating her indifferently could lead to trouble. So, I’m trying my best to be friendly.
“Udesr Zairug was known for firing multiple arrows simultaneously without missing a shot.”
That’s fascinating!
“He was part of the Eight War Machines, a group of exceptional folks!”
Still, we hadn’t strayed from our main objective of exchanging knowledge.
*
Even in familiar settings, there are times the atmosphere feels oddly foreign. Right now is one of those times.
What’s going on?
Upon entering the Vice President’s office, an inexplicable wave of pressure overwhelmed my shoulders. Everything seemed fine until yesterday, right?!
Casting a quick glance, I saw Marghetta silently signing some documents.
“Carl.”
Only after finishing her signing did she speak softly.
She was smiling, yet it felt a bit forced. Even her eyes seemed weirdly red.
“Am I not enough for you?”
…Huh?
She dropped an unexpected bombshell.
What did she mean, not enough? What was that supposed to mean?
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts amidst the unfolding chaos, I stuttered through conversation.
“Have you been keeping secrets from me… or seeing another lady…?”
Marghetta tried to speak calmly, but her voice trembled uncontrollably.
And even if her voice had been steady, her face would have told a different story altogether.
Oh no, I messed up.
It was only after hearing Marghetta that I realized my foolish mistake.
I hadn’t shared what I’ve been busy with lately. It wasn’t intentional; I just figured it was enough to mention work without going into detail. Of course, I would have explained if she had asked—
No, I should have let her know without her even asking.
Experience truly matters.
I almost let out a sigh at my blunder.
Thinking back, I’ve never had a typical relationship, not before my possession or even after. With Hecate, we had shared a life in the North and understood each other without needing to say much.
It was the only relationship I’d ever had, and I foolishly used that as my standard. But that wasn’t normal; it was far from it.
“Mar.”
Taking Marghetta’s hands as her gaze fell, I felt the weight of my mistake. No matter how I spin it, this is entirely on me.
Having left earlier than usual without a proper explanation must have made anyone jittery.
I assumed way too much, thinking that Marghetta would understand without me saying anything. I had no idea the turmoil she was dealing with inside.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been too thoughtless.”
Then I dove into the details, explaining how I ended up helping Gerhardt with proposals about the North and how I was trying to be as kind as possible since Christina was the Minister’s niece.
Of course, I kept reiterating my apologies.
“So that’s it. I’m sorry. I took things too far with my strange misunderstanding.”
Marghetta’s face turned red for a different reason, and she hurriedly tried to smooth over the situation.
But why is she apologizing? This entire mess is my fault for not giving her any hints and making her anxious.
If only I had established trust from the start.
Had I maintained a sturdy enough foundation of trust, a small misunderstanding wouldn’t have spiraled out of control.
“Um, Mar?”
Then, isn’t it upon me to forge that trust?
“After the New Year’s Ball next year…”
But at this moment, that would be too soon. At least after the New Year’s Ball, when we’d finally have some breathing room.
“…Would it be alright if I visit His Grace, the Iron-blooded Duke?”
“Wha—?!”
Marghetta’s eyes widened in utter shock at my suggestion.
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