Turning Around, It’s Someone Else (106)
Extra Story 6
Reilly felt Kaver’s sword tip as their blades met. *Clang!* The two blades rang sharply.
She closed her eyes, familiarizing herself with the sword’s movements, and twisted her body.
“You’ve improved quite a bit.”
“That’s quite insulting, you know.”
At Reilly’s words, Kaver pressed his sword against hers, digging deeper and closing the gap. Reilly smiled, her lips twisting slightly as their faces drew near.
“But it’s true, isn’t it?”
The chilling sound of steel echoed between them. Reilly always felt a thrill when sparring with Kaver. It felt like they were facing each other as equals.
Besides, his skills were considerable; he was a worthy opponent.
“You’re so harsh with me.”
Kaver clicked his tongue, watching Reilly, who wouldn’t yield an inch. How could he win against the Empire’s swordswoman? Just matching her movements and exchanging blows was a feat in itself.
“Coming all the way here just to spar, you’re really going all out.”
He lowered his eyebrows at Reilly, feigning a pitiful expression. But even that was useless. She showed no mercy when it came to swords.
“You only pretend to be weak at times like this! Why are you such a beast at night?”
Reilly laughed, knocking Kaver’s sword away. In the end, the sword flew from Kaver’s hand again. He shook his head slightly, looking at the sword stuck in the ground some distance away.
“When you point a sword at me like this, I have no choice but to take my revenge at night.”
He pushed the tip of the sword aimed at his neck away with his finger and spoke to Reilly.
The grass swayed back and forth in the wind blowing across the field. The golden waves reflected in the sunset created a spectacular sight. He didn’t know whose land this was, but it seemed well-maintained.
“By the way, this is my first time here. Where are we?”
“Ah, I borrowed it from someone I know. I thought you’d prefer a quiet place with no people, rather than going to the Imperial territory.”
Kaver wrapped his arm around Reilly’s shoulder and looked at the vast plains. It wasn’t exactly a palace, but there was no better place to relax.
“How about horseback riding tomorrow?”
“Horseback riding? I’ve never tried it, but it sounds fun. I think Ren would like it too.”
“Ren already went, full of excitement.”
“…Where to?”
“He rode a horse and said it felt better than flying, so he went to wander around and will come back later.”
Only then did Reilly realize that the sword wasn’t responding. No wonder it felt lighter and easier. Without his will reinforcing it, it was easy for her to handle the sword as she pleased.
“I really can’t stop him.”
“Well, it’s nice to have no distractions, isn’t it?”
Kaver smiled, holding her in his arms. Reilly couldn’t help but breathe shallowly, feeling ticklish as his breath touched her neck.
“I-It’s ticklish.”
He put down the sword in her hand and gently wrapped his hand around hers.
“This too?”
“Don’t do that. It’s ticklish.”
Reilly laughed, pushing against Kaver’s chest, but he made a mischievous expression and kissed her everywhere.
“Don’t look at my hands.”
“Why? I think everything about you is beautiful.”
Even her hands, roughened from holding a sword, Kaver found everything about Reilly beautiful. Even if a war broke out, she would bravely step forward first.
“I’m glad a war didn’t break out.”
“You’re stating the obvious.”
Everyone knew without having to imagine how great the tragedy caused by war would be. The Empire’s power was strong, leading to peace for all, and Reilly’s neutrality fortunately gave everyone stability.
“It’s all thanks to your wisdom.”
After Reilly ascended to the Empress’s throne, people praised the Empire. There was no self-awareness, no unintentional slaughter, and no emotionless obedience to orders that terrified everyone. [This refers to the previous Empress’s policies.]
Moreover, she had a kind and gentle nature. At first, she was awkward in everything because she was not used to it, but she skillfully handled things.
“I’m glad you’re here. It’s a great blessing for the Empire too.”
Kaver hugged her and kissed her head. She had overcome so much pain with this slender body, so her heart must be stronger than anyone else’s.
“I wonder what kind of food will come out today?”
“Hmm, I hope it’s not burnt like yesterday.”
“That’s too much. You know how hard I worked to make it.”
At his words, Reilly wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Honey dripped from the eyes of the two people facing each other.
“I know. So, let’s do it together today.”
“…It’s not because you don’t trust me, is it?”
“It’s because I want to eat something. I can’t starve again.”
“Was it that bad?”
“Hmm, don’t think about it. I’ll be really upset if I can’t eat yesterday’s food and can’t eat today’s either.”
Kaver’s eyes flashed at Reilly’s words. Well, she needed to be physically fit to handle his… attentions. Besides, she had been tormented all night, so she must be very hungry.
“That’s true.”
“I really can’t stop you!”
She pushed against Kaver’s chest, who was blushing, and headed towards the mansion.
* * *
Dreamlike days continued.
Reilly rubbed her eyes, waking up in the dazzling sunlight. The leisure given to her was always a little unsettling.
She looked at Kaver, who was sleeping soundly next to her.
“He sleeps well.”
The firm upper body and prominent muscles were nicely in place. She pulled the blanket up and covered him well.
“Ah…”
She groaned involuntarily, feeling pain in her waist. He really should show some mercy, but he was busy… enjoying her every day.
‘Doesn’t he get tired?’
Should I make him exercise more? But when I complete the schedule with him, I’m the one who gets exhausted. Reilly pondered for a moment and shook her head.
“First, I should get some fresh air.”
I haven’t been able to check the letters because I’ve been with him all day. It was a week’s vacation, but not working felt uneasy.
In particular, Haban’s tearful face came to mind, and I felt sorry for no reason.
Reilly carefully left the room and opened the letters one by one. As she brewed tea and placed it next to her, a pleasant scent spread.
“The scent is nice. I should ask where he got it.”
Ren went around almost every day. He always had tea in his hand, and Reilly liked the tea that Ren brought.
“He’s really amazing.”
I’m not even telling him to get it, but isn’t it amazing that he keeps bringing tea from nowhere?
Ren said there was a village far away, but I wouldn’t know since I haven’t been there.
“Hmm, I should ask Kaver to go with me when he wakes up.”
Staying here has its own fun, but it’s also a little boring.
She moved her stiff body and read the documents. The climate was good enough, so there were no problems with the harvest. However, the water supply was insufficient.
“If there’s a shortage of water, there’s a problem…”
Reilly thought it would be better to return quickly. Even if there is enough harvest, if it doesn’t rain and the land doesn’t hold enough water, there will be problems next year.
She organized her thoughts and clapped her hands.
“I should go on a tour of other countries.”
Wouldn’t it be okay if we gave them what they needed and exchanged it? There must be something they need. She was happy that she had to persuade Kaver.
‘It’s nice to stay here, but I’m getting restless.’
Reilly organized the documents and quickly wrote back. Kaver would obviously object if he knew, but he wouldn’t be able to win her over anyway.
I’ve only been to the kingdom once, so it seems like it would be fun.
“Then shall I start packing?”
I was thinking of leaving as early as tomorrow. Reilly smiled, thinking of Kaver, who was sleeping without knowing anything.
She went to the kitchen and started making food. She was so excited that her hips moved from side to side. It was possible because there was no one to disturb her and no servants to serve her.
Considering how she was harassed by maids in the Imperial Palace every day, the freedom she has now is very precious.
It was natural that freedom was somewhat suppressed when you had power. There was a price to pay, and wanting everything was close to greed.
It was more than enough for her, and she always had a grateful heart for them.
Above all, if she thinks of Leta, who is working hard as the head of the family for her, she also had to do her best in her position.
“I have to make it quickly before Kaver wakes up.”
I made food with him yesterday, but he really had no talent. It wasn’t something that could be done by teaching. God must be fair.
He didn’t give him the talent to make food. Reilly moved busily, saying it was a relief if he didn’t burn everything.
If he wakes up, he’ll make a fuss that he can’t get water on his hands. [He dislikes getting his hands wet.]
‘He’s really extreme.’
It’s a problem that he’s the same in front of others, but Reilly loved even that aspect of Kaver. Someone said that the rose-colored glasses might come off someday. [Meaning she might eventually see his flaws.]
So what? I can just love him as he is.
She was ready for that. Because she had seen everything about Kaver for her. She was also ready to give everything no matter what happened.
If they have this much trust in each other, there is nothing they cannot overcome.