My Favorite Smut Author Is My Husband! - Chapter 15
Since the affairs of the Duke’s estate would eventually become Lily’s responsibility, she felt it was important. However, unaware of her tension and determination, Ashulin, distracted by his graceful and pale wife, only reacted belatedly.
“My lady, neither I nor the household staff intend to rush you. We just wish for you to be comfortable… and to become part of our family.”
Become part of the family.
Lily, who had been feeling a little daunted by the well-kept garden, was suddenly surprised by her own heart racing, and she looked up at him.
“My lady… Lily?”
“……”
Lily had been the precious jewel of the Count’s household, well-known even in high society. The home she had been born and raised in was so firm and warm that, deep down, she harbored some fear about how this new home, chosen by her own will, might turn out.
She had always known the warmth of family, and now she realized just how much she still longed for it. Her sky-blue eyes began to shine, growing moist.
“Lily! Did I make a mistake… or are you feeling unwell? Perhaps we should go inside…”
“No, it’s just that the sunlight is so bright and warm.” Embarrassed by her sudden tears, Lily quickly lowered her head and wiped them away before they could fall.
“Lily!”
Seeing his wife hurriedly rubbing her eyes with her bare hands, Ashulin knelt before her like a knight, offering her a handkerchief with care.
Lily, who had stopped crying almost immediately, took the handkerchief, wiped her eyes, and smiled brightly, though her nose was a bit red. As her smile spread beneath the sunlight, Ashulin was momentarily captivated.
“We can be a family as warm as today’s weather. No, we will be!”
Though Lily had hoped for a husband who would make her blush only at night, Ashulin made her cry both day and night. But while a bit embarrassing, she found herself satisfied with both types of tears.
“Of course, Lily. Because I… love you.”
They hadn’t known each other for long. Their marriage had been sudden. Yet, Asulin realized he had no other way to express his feelings.
“Thank you, Ashulin!”
He had fallen for her at first sight, and now he was in love. Did he really need a reason? His love for her was genuine.
Smiling brightly, he extended his arms and firmly embraced his wife, whose body was softly leaning toward him. She felt so sweet in his arms.
***
“Ugh… I’m a bit bored.”
Lily, lounging on the soft sofa in her room, slid her body down as she enjoyed her solo tea time.
She had been enthusiastic about taking charge of the affairs of the estate during the day and building intimacy at night. Yet, after their first night, Ashulin had naturally guided them to sleep in separate, prepared rooms instead of the shared marital bedroom.
It wasn’t just Ashulin who led her down this path so smoothly. Even the butler and the staff, noticing her eager and determined expression, recommended she relax and enjoy the honeymoon without any worries. They offered soothing massages and served tea and snacks as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Hah. Every time I come to my senses, it’s like this.”
Though she found the behavior of the Duke’s staff somewhat excessive, considering they hadn’t even been married for a week yet, it was appropriate.
Only Lily, with her body growing heated and her enthusiasm overflowing, pouted her lips in frustration.
She leaned her chin against one of the soft cushions, lost in thought.
“I’ve just become the Duchess, but it’s not like I can ask the maids to play with me like I did back home.”
Though the staff already viewed her as a delicate baby bird, trembling even in the wind, Lily, unaware of this, felt compelled to uphold the dignity of the Duke’s household.
For the first few days, Ashulin had been around, keeping her company, so she hadn’t felt as bored. But starting today, he had returned to the imperial palace to assist with imperial duties, making time seem to drag on even more.
Even though it felt like quite a while had passed since she’d seen him off, the sun was still high in the sky, stubbornly hanging there.
“I should have brought more books… Oh?”
She had already gone through the books she brought several times over. Just as Lily was sighing, an idea popped into her head, and she jumped up.
The cushion she had been holding silently rolled onto the carefully laid carpet, but she paid no mind to it.
“My favorite author is my husband, after all!”
Unaware that her lips were curling upward with excitement, Lily stamped her feet, though no sound came from the carpet beneath her.
“I should visit the Duke’s library! Why didn’t I think of this before?”
After bouncing a few more times in excitement, she took a deep breath to calm herself, picked up the cushion she had tossed aside, dusted it off, and placed it neatly by her side. Only then did she call for a maid.
I mustn’t appear too childish. I must carry myself with the dignity of a Duchess.
