Episode 40. Unbearable
Kassius thought Renisha was truly too much.
He had never imagined that Shamdir's outfit could be so confusing.
The white exposed belly, the jewels draped over it, the anklets jingling with every movement.
Jewels were also draped over her long hair, and a white veil covered her eyes.
"I thought this would be fine instead of a hat. What do you think, Kassius?"
Renisha slowly turned.
The sheer fabric of her sleeves fluttered and moved with her.
Everything about Renisha seemed designed to dazzle Kassius.
"...It suits you well,"
Kassius replied, his voice choked up.
The hand rubbing his face was a bit rough.
Whether it was as a biped, as a slave gladiator, or when he finally returned as a hero of the empire, he had never lost his composure.
Although he had harbored a strong desire for something, his inner self had never wavered.
That was why Kassius's achievements were so rapid.
'Strange.'
But whenever he saw Renisha, his composure seemed to crumble.
Even now, it was the same.
Every time he heard a jingle, his heart raced.
"Hurry up, Kassius. If we're too late, there might not be anything left to see."
Lindy was puzzled by where she had gotten such clothes.
Kassius glared at Lindy and then quickly followed Renisha.
Lindy smiled softly behind him.
"Are you sure those clothes... are they for Renisha? Are they really right?"
Jane asked, her voice a bit worried.
Jane was the maid who had personally searched the market to find the clothes.
"Well then. Aren't you going with the Duke? And your wife hasn't said anything."
Renisha seemed to find it amusing.
Renisha found other cultures fascinating and enjoyed experiencing them firsthand. She seemed to take Shamdir's outfits in that lighthearted way.
Of course, the quick-witted Lindy also made excuses, saying she could only find clothes like this.
Not only Renisha's, but Kassius's was also moderately revealing.
His forearms were clearly visible, and when he raised his arms, a hint of his stomach was visible.
Fortunately, the weather was mild, so it wasn't too cold.
Lindy and the other maids had other goals.
"You two need to strengthen your relationship. Duke Kassius is different from the Emperor. Can't you see how much he respects and admires his wife? I hope she's finally happy."
Jane stared at their backs with a worried expression.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. Jane, go help Tessie and Luna pack."
"Yes!"
Jane hurried away, taking on her new mission.
Renisha sent all the noble maids back to the mansion, except for Lindy, and ordered them to assist Turiel in monitoring the central social circles.
Lindy lowered her eyes.
"They are nobles, my lady. Don't you think they could betray? They could easily act in pursuit of their own interests."
"If they were willing to betray, they would betray even if they followed me to Hiloshine. Those who wouldn't, won't be here either. I need their help. Of course I do. But they need to see if they need me, don't they?"
For the past two weeks, Renisha had diligently organized her people.
Most of the nobles had accepted her wishes.
They seemed content with the fact that they weren't completely cut off from Renisha, but had been given new assignments.
It was this that made Lindy uneasy.
Renisha seemed like a cold, icy woman, but beneath her skin, she harbored a tenderness.
Kassius was a man of such warmth that he could embrace her.
Anyone could tell by the way Kassius looked at Renisha.
Lindy sighed and hurried to get ready to leave.
Before leaving, she planned to meet with Turiel and ask her to keep an eye on them once more.
"We can't let Renisha get hurt."
It had been enough.
Renisha had been protecting her people with all her might.
Now, it was their turn to protect her.
Renisha walked leisurely.
“Renisha. Uh. Isn’t it a little chilly?”
“I think it’s just right. Are you cold, Kassius?”
Renisha smiled.
“Then I’ll lend you my shawl.”
The shawl Renisha held out was thin, transparent.
It was a light blue silk with a summery scent.
Kassius gritted his teeth and wrapped the shawl around Renisha’s shoulders.
It was fortunate that at least it covered Renisha. Right now, Kassius was on edge, as if on a battlefield.
Then, if a man caught Renisha’s eye, he would shoo him away with a flash of golden eyes, visible through his hat and veil.
“Phew.”
“Kassius, there seems to be an interesting sight over there. Let’s go quickly.”
Renisha seemed even more energetic, as if she truly didn’t know Kassius’s feelings.
Kassius walked forward, his eyes gleaming like a Tosa dog guarding its owner.
"Huh. This looks really delicious. There must be a reason why people are lining up like this."
Renisha stared at Kassius with a rare sparkle in her eyes.
The always composed Renisha now looked truly free.
Her face seemed as if the title of Empress and the burden weighing on her shoulders had been thrown off her.
No one recognized Renisha, seeing her as a Shamdirite.
Even though the nobles were clearly outside, watching.
Kassius, who had been on edge at Renisha's laughter, couldn't help but laugh.
"You want to stand in line for ice cream? Your Majesty?"
"I've never done anything like this before."
Renisha gazed at the long line with a gentle gaze.
The line was filled with noble ladies, giggling and laughing.
A few nobles were out with their friends, too.
"Never, you mean?"
Kassius asked, noticing Renisha's gaze deepening.
“I never left the mansion when I was young. Born as Lottera’s daughter, I had a lot to carry. Many wanted Lottera’s children. To ease their burden, I couldn’t go outside.”
“And?”
“I got married when I grew up.”
Renisha let out a small laugh.
“Now that I think about it, I only know three places: Lottera’s townhouse, our estate, and the imperial castle.”
Renisha tilted her head and added,
“And your mansion.”
Kassius frowned.
Renisha had unintentionally lived like a bird in a cage.
Kassius grabbed Renisha’s hand.
He clearly understood why Renisha was so excited.
Now that he looked at her, Renisha had the face of a chick hatching from an egg and emerging into the world for the first time. It seemed unusual for Renisha, who always seemed so strong, but there was a reason behind it.
“Let’s go and get some ice cream in line. And we won’t go back to the mansion until we’ve looked around the entire market.”
“Yes.”
Renisha smiled with a carefree expression.
The two of them stood in line.
Kassius’s prominent head was hidden under his hat, so they didn’t attract attention.
Furthermore, the dark evening sky obscured them.
Renisha and Kassius were the last in line.
“Oh my!”
“Oh my, it’s raining!”
“Still, it’s worth it. Are you going to give up the ice cream?”
It started to rain.
It was a light drizzle.
If she kept standing there, she’d get soaked, but it was still worth it.
“Ah.”
Renisha caught the rain on her palm.
The droplets that splashed and scattered weren’t that cold.
Looking back, it was her first time getting wet.
There were so many things Renisha shouldn’t have done.
Born as Lottera’s child, becoming Empress.
The reason was grand, and its weight rested squarely on her shoulders.
Renisha walked along, unable to shake off that burden.
Renisha was a dignified Empress, a respected person. She never made people suffer.
So, this was quite a departure from her life.
Renisha stared blankly at the sky.
"I didn't expect this."
It was liberating. Renisha slowly closed her eyes.
The world seemed to slowly flow around her.
The rain had stopped.
Renisha opened her eyes, noticing that the water that had been hitting her cheek had vanished.
A round, cute umbrella was placed over her head.
Cassius had bought it.
Under the small umbrella, the large Cassius and the small Renisha stood facing each other.
“The umbrella really looks like Kassius.”
“Does this umbrella look like me?”
Kassius was astonished.
The sudden downpour had caused a sudden surge in umbrella buyers, and he had barely managed to secure one.
He had planned to leave it for Isabella when he returned today.
But Renisha said it looked like Kassius.
“Yes. It’s cute.”
Renisha fiddled with the tip of the umbrella.
Her pink eyes seemed wet with moisture.
An unknown heat rose within the small umbrella.
Kassius hesitated.
“Become a couple, that comes first.”
Turiel's words caught him off guard.
But.
"It's such beautiful rain, Kassius. I could stand to be soaked in this kind of rain all day."
Standing before Renisha, who was unusually pretty today, smiling often, Kassius couldn't bear it any longer.
A faint watery scent rose from the rain, along with Renisha's signature wild rose scent. Kassius's throat twitched.
He tightened his grip on the umbrella.
"Thank you, Kassius."
"..."
"Thank you, I'm able to do things I've never been able to do before."
Why did she try so hard to suppress and confine herself?
Anger and resentment toward Laxus, who had driven her so hard, surged and then vanished. He didn't want to ruin this moment because of someone like that.
Then Kassius lowered his head.
Renisha blinked at the shadow approaching her.
The umbrella shielded them from the others.
The tiny umbrella had done its job perfectly.
Kassius hid there and kissed Renisha.
Their lips, lightly touching, were hot and moist at the same time.
Renisha's expression contorted as if helpless, and she parted her lips.
She didn't realize that someone's gaze was upon her, and she couldn't help but feel it.
They kissed for a long time.
Kassius thought Renisha was truly too much.
He had never imagined that Shamdir's outfit could be so confusing.
The white exposed belly, the jewels draped over it, the anklets jingling with every movement.
Jewels were also draped over her long hair, and a white veil covered her eyes.
"I thought this would be fine instead of a hat. What do you think, Kassius?"
Renisha slowly turned.
The sheer fabric of her sleeves fluttered and moved with her.
Everything about Renisha seemed designed to dazzle Kassius.
"...It suits you well,"
Kassius replied, his voice choked up.
The hand rubbing his face was a bit rough.
Whether it was as a biped, as a slave gladiator, or when he finally returned as a hero of the empire, he had never lost his composure.
Although he had harbored a strong desire for something, his inner self had never wavered.
That was why Kassius's achievements were so rapid.
'Strange.'
But whenever he saw Renisha, his composure seemed to crumble.
Even now, it was the same.
Every time he heard a jingle, his heart raced.
"Hurry up, Kassius. If we're too late, there might not be anything left to see."
Lindy was puzzled by where she had gotten such clothes.
Kassius glared at Lindy and then quickly followed Renisha.
Lindy smiled softly behind him.
"Are you sure those clothes... are they for Renisha? Are they really right?"
Jane asked, her voice a bit worried.
Jane was the maid who had personally searched the market to find the clothes.
"Well then. Aren't you going with the Duke? And your wife hasn't said anything."
Renisha seemed to find it amusing.
Renisha found other cultures fascinating and enjoyed experiencing them firsthand. She seemed to take Shamdir's outfits in that lighthearted way.
Of course, the quick-witted Lindy also made excuses, saying she could only find clothes like this.
Not only Renisha's, but Kassius's was also moderately revealing.
His forearms were clearly visible, and when he raised his arms, a hint of his stomach was visible.
Fortunately, the weather was mild, so it wasn't too cold.
Lindy and the other maids had other goals.
"You two need to strengthen your relationship. Duke Kassius is different from the Emperor. Can't you see how much he respects and admires his wife? I hope she's finally happy."
Jane stared at their backs with a worried expression.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. Jane, go help Tessie and Luna pack."
"Yes!"
Jane hurried away, taking on her new mission.
Renisha sent all the noble maids back to the mansion, except for Lindy, and ordered them to assist Turiel in monitoring the central social circles.
Lindy lowered her eyes.
"They are nobles, my lady. Don't you think they could betray? They could easily act in pursuit of their own interests."
"If they were willing to betray, they would betray even if they followed me to Hiloshine. Those who wouldn't, won't be here either. I need their help. Of course I do. But they need to see if they need me, don't they?"
For the past two weeks, Renisha had diligently organized her people.
Most of the nobles had accepted her wishes.
They seemed content with the fact that they weren't completely cut off from Renisha, but had been given new assignments.
It was this that made Lindy uneasy.
Renisha seemed like a cold, icy woman, but beneath her skin, she harbored a tenderness.
Kassius was a man of such warmth that he could embrace her.
Anyone could tell by the way Kassius looked at Renisha.
Lindy sighed and hurried to get ready to leave.
Before leaving, she planned to meet with Turiel and ask her to keep an eye on them once more.
"We can't let Renisha get hurt."
It had been enough.
Renisha had been protecting her people with all her might.
Now, it was their turn to protect her.
***
Renisha walked leisurely.
“Renisha. Uh. Isn’t it a little chilly?”
“I think it’s just right. Are you cold, Kassius?”
Renisha smiled.
“Then I’ll lend you my shawl.”
The shawl Renisha held out was thin, transparent.
It was a light blue silk with a summery scent.
Kassius gritted his teeth and wrapped the shawl around Renisha’s shoulders.
It was fortunate that at least it covered Renisha. Right now, Kassius was on edge, as if on a battlefield.
Then, if a man caught Renisha’s eye, he would shoo him away with a flash of golden eyes, visible through his hat and veil.
“Phew.”
“Kassius, there seems to be an interesting sight over there. Let’s go quickly.”
Renisha seemed even more energetic, as if she truly didn’t know Kassius’s feelings.
Kassius walked forward, his eyes gleaming like a Tosa dog guarding its owner.
"Huh. This looks really delicious. There must be a reason why people are lining up like this."
Renisha stared at Kassius with a rare sparkle in her eyes.
The always composed Renisha now looked truly free.
Her face seemed as if the title of Empress and the burden weighing on her shoulders had been thrown off her.
No one recognized Renisha, seeing her as a Shamdirite.
Even though the nobles were clearly outside, watching.
Kassius, who had been on edge at Renisha's laughter, couldn't help but laugh.
"You want to stand in line for ice cream? Your Majesty?"
"I've never done anything like this before."
Renisha gazed at the long line with a gentle gaze.
The line was filled with noble ladies, giggling and laughing.
A few nobles were out with their friends, too.
"Never, you mean?"
Kassius asked, noticing Renisha's gaze deepening.
“I never left the mansion when I was young. Born as Lottera’s daughter, I had a lot to carry. Many wanted Lottera’s children. To ease their burden, I couldn’t go outside.”
“And?”
“I got married when I grew up.”
Renisha let out a small laugh.
“Now that I think about it, I only know three places: Lottera’s townhouse, our estate, and the imperial castle.”
Renisha tilted her head and added,
“And your mansion.”
Kassius frowned.
Renisha had unintentionally lived like a bird in a cage.
Kassius grabbed Renisha’s hand.
He clearly understood why Renisha was so excited.
Now that he looked at her, Renisha had the face of a chick hatching from an egg and emerging into the world for the first time. It seemed unusual for Renisha, who always seemed so strong, but there was a reason behind it.
“Let’s go and get some ice cream in line. And we won’t go back to the mansion until we’ve looked around the entire market.”
“Yes.”
Renisha smiled with a carefree expression.
The two of them stood in line.
Kassius’s prominent head was hidden under his hat, so they didn’t attract attention.
Furthermore, the dark evening sky obscured them.
Renisha and Kassius were the last in line.
“Oh my!”
“Oh my, it’s raining!”
“Still, it’s worth it. Are you going to give up the ice cream?”
It started to rain.
It was a light drizzle.
If she kept standing there, she’d get soaked, but it was still worth it.
“Ah.”
Renisha caught the rain on her palm.
The droplets that splashed and scattered weren’t that cold.
Looking back, it was her first time getting wet.
There were so many things Renisha shouldn’t have done.
Born as Lottera’s child, becoming Empress.
The reason was grand, and its weight rested squarely on her shoulders.
Renisha walked along, unable to shake off that burden.
Renisha was a dignified Empress, a respected person. She never made people suffer.
So, this was quite a departure from her life.
Renisha stared blankly at the sky.
"I didn't expect this."
It was liberating. Renisha slowly closed her eyes.
The world seemed to slowly flow around her.
The rain had stopped.
Renisha opened her eyes, noticing that the water that had been hitting her cheek had vanished.
A round, cute umbrella was placed over her head.
Cassius had bought it.
Under the small umbrella, the large Cassius and the small Renisha stood facing each other.
“The umbrella really looks like Kassius.”
“Does this umbrella look like me?”
Kassius was astonished.
The sudden downpour had caused a sudden surge in umbrella buyers, and he had barely managed to secure one.
He had planned to leave it for Isabella when he returned today.
But Renisha said it looked like Kassius.
“Yes. It’s cute.”
Renisha fiddled with the tip of the umbrella.
Her pink eyes seemed wet with moisture.
An unknown heat rose within the small umbrella.
Kassius hesitated.
“Become a couple, that comes first.”
Turiel's words caught him off guard.
But.
"It's such beautiful rain, Kassius. I could stand to be soaked in this kind of rain all day."
Standing before Renisha, who was unusually pretty today, smiling often, Kassius couldn't bear it any longer.
A faint watery scent rose from the rain, along with Renisha's signature wild rose scent. Kassius's throat twitched.
He tightened his grip on the umbrella.
"Thank you, Kassius."
"..."
"Thank you, I'm able to do things I've never been able to do before."
Why did she try so hard to suppress and confine herself?
Anger and resentment toward Laxus, who had driven her so hard, surged and then vanished. He didn't want to ruin this moment because of someone like that.
Then Kassius lowered his head.
Renisha blinked at the shadow approaching her.
The umbrella shielded them from the others.
The tiny umbrella had done its job perfectly.
Kassius hid there and kissed Renisha.
Their lips, lightly touching, were hot and moist at the same time.
Renisha's expression contorted as if helpless, and she parted her lips.
She didn't realize that someone's gaze was upon her, and she couldn't help but feel it.
They kissed for a long time.
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