Chapter 57: A Worrier

Rodrick was genuinely considering how to support Urien after their divorce. That thought left Urien’s chest tightened, but he didn’t know if it stemmed from joy or sorrow.

Although, it was likely both. Rodrick’s earnest care gave him warmth, but the approaching future stirred a faint fear in him.

“We’re really going to a warm place.”

Marx stared up at Urien with round eyes. Feeling the breeze that had turned chilly, he then placed Marx back in his box.

Tonight, he planned to keep the box inside. It was Rodrick’s room, but he specifically allowed Marx’ box to be kept inside.

But soon, the room’s master would be gone.

Because he’d be leaving for Barca.

Summer had passed, and the air had grown colder. With that, Rodrick’s departure drew near. He said it wouldn’t take long, but with him having to personally go to Barca, he’d be gone for at least months. Though he was his consort, Urien wouldn’t accompany him. The official reason was due to his poor health.

‘Poor health, huh…?’ Truthfully, Urien wasn’t sure if he was truly in poor health or not. Lately, he had been sleeping well, but his Heat still didn’t come to him.

Though Rodrick had arranged for a physician to care for him, there was still no sign of his Heat returning. The physician suggested that it was due to mental stress, but Urien believed that it was his body that had issues.

Urien gave a wry smile, thinking how he’d have been a burden if their marriage wasn’t limited to two years. Without his Heat, he couldn’t conceive a child. Rodrick didn’t seem the type to take a mistress, so if Urien remained as his consort, Rodrick would never hold his own child.

But, he didn’t need to stay with Rodrick. Once the contract marriage ended, Rodrick would likely remarry.

Then, he would go on and have a family—

“Let’s go to bed.”

Urien forcibly cut off his thoughts and smiled at Marx. He didn’t want to continue that line of thought. His fingertips felt oddly cold.

So, he decided to stop thinking. After an exhale, he started to sing a lullaby.

This was the most enjoyable moment for him. Singing for Marx was the only moment his heart felt at peace.

Without such a peaceful time…

‘Who knows what would happen to me…’

“Not cold?”

At that moment, Rodrick entered the room, prompting Urien to stop singing.

He came over, standing beside Urien, who was standing by the table with Marx’ box. After closing the box, Urien answered in a mutter, “No. It’s warm.”

“This room is warm, yes. But you went outside for a bit, no?”

“Yes. I wanted to get some air. But it’s not that cold yet.”

“I see. Ready to sleep?”

Urien just nodded wordlessly. Even though he clearly said that he was fine, Rodrick still draped a gown over his shoulders.

Then, they both entered the bedroom. Slipping into bed with the gown, Urien watched as Rodrick took the gown back and covered him with a blanket up to his chest instead.

Urien gazed absently as Rodrick carefully adjusted the pillow and lamp. Noticing Urien’s stare, Rodrick asked, “Thirsty?”

Today, Urien had met new people like Siana and Earl Helder, both there for Rodrick.

‘He didn’t speak much with Lady Siana. Is that really alright?’ thinking this, Urien replied softly, 

“No, not really.”

“You think you can sleep well tonight?”

“Maybe. I met a lot of people, so I might be more tired than usual. What about you, Lord Rodrick?”

“Can’t tell until I try.”

“…Was it okay if it’s—?”

‘Is it okay if it’s me who’s lying beside you?’

Swallowing the words that nearly spilled, Urien rephrased, “Was it okay?”

“What?”

“…You didn’t talk much with Lady Siana.”

“Of course. I don’t have any business with her… Haa, Urien, I’ll say this again.”

“Yes?”

“Siana isn’t my lover.”

“Okay.”

“Understand? I have no feelings for her?”

“You told me that before Lord Rodrick.”

“Good. As long as you understand.”

“I do.”

But that was now. Besides, in Urien’s eyes, even if Rodrick felt nothing, Siana might feel a different feeling.

Urien had no place meddling in their romance. He knew that, yet he couldn’t help but wish for an answer.

‘Why do I feel so anxious?’

“You understand, right?”

“…I do. You’re being pushy again…”

“Are you upset? Sorry.”

“I’m not. Stop apologizing.”

“Because you look upset.”

“I don’t.”

“You do.”

“Do I…?”

“Yeah. You’re puffing up your cheeks again. Could it be, you wanted to talk more with Siana and the others?”

“…”