Marriage with a Suspiciously Demure Husband - Chapter 102.2

Schedule: Wed and Sat. Nana's ko-fi, Nabi's kofi.

Chapter 102.2

“Why are you out here and not sleeping?”

“I was just about to go in. Why aren’t you asleep? Did you have another…?”

“I didn’t have a nightmare. I was thirsty and came out, then just wandered over here.”

“What if you catch a cold?”

“The temperature is practically summer-like.”

I approached Kairos.

Gently pressing down on his shoulder as he started to rise, I placed my palm on his forehead. His eyes widened for a moment before slowly fluttering closed, a sense of peace washing over his features.

“….”

I knew my cool touch was the only thing that soothed his headaches when they were particularly severe. I also knew he’d been frequently wincing lately when he thought I wasn’t looking. I’d intended to discuss things with Kairos when I saw him, but it seemed now wasn’t the time. It was bound to lead to an argument.

I was tired of that, so I decided to find the most peaceful approach possible.

‘…I’ll talk to him tomorrow.’

I kept my hand on his forehead for a long time, until he finally opened his eyes again.

***

The next day, I began my campaign to persuade Kairos. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but Kairos seemed to wear the word ‘no’ like armor. He was a human wall.

A week flew by since I’d started my efforts. Persuading him through calm, reasoned conversation, without a single argument, was proving incredibly challenging. Kairos, seemingly at his wit’s end, began introducing all sorts of hobbies to distract me.

He tried to convince me of the joys of embroidery, dangling it like a rattle in front of a baby. I realized this wasn’t working. Magic beasts were appearing almost daily now.

To make matters worse, it began to snow frequently, prolonging the battles.

The solid, snowman-like crystalline magic beasts were especially difficult to deal with, and combined with heavy snowfall, the knights faced grueling fights. I prayed we wouldn’t encounter those beasts during the northern subjugation.

I used that very point in my arguments, but after numerous rejections, I was once again waiting for his return.

“Kairos!”

I hurried towards him as he entered, having just returned from his outing. Fortunately, things seemed to have gone smoothly, as he was back before sunset.

Kairos smiled as soon as he saw me.

“No.”

‘Oh, I’ve been through this before.’

I was determined to help, to contribute as much as I could, but he wouldn’t let me.

“Other places are desperate for my help. Why do you always say no?”

“It’s dangerous. Why put yourself through that?”

“What’s the point of having power if I just let it sit idle? It’ll go to waste.”

“It won’t go to waste, so keep diligently storing it.”

“What if I stick right by your side?”

Kairos stopped walking. He stood there for a moment, either contemplating or simply frozen, before starting to walk again.

“…No.”

I seized the opportunity, slipping behind him and clinging to his back. Kairos stiffened.

“What about if I’m like this? I wouldn’t have to exert myself at all, then. Hmm?”

After a long silence, Kairos spoke.

“…I said no.”

“I’ve explained why I need to go out there. Don’t just keep saying no, think about it. Or at least let me ask the knights for their opinions.”

“….”

Still clinging to his back, I tilted my head forward.

“No to everything. How am I supposed to focus on embroidery like this? Just think about it, okay?”

“.…”

Kairos reached back and grabbed my hand. He turned around, and in an instant, my cheeks were cupped in his hands. Suddenly resembling a fish, I frowned.

“…What?”

Kairos let out a long sigh.

“If you promise to stay by my side.”