After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 135

Chapter 135: Beatrice and…

“Ahh… Lutz always smells so good.”

Fully embracing her dog-like demeanor once again, Beatrice buried her face in my chest, sniffing around with her nose wriggling. The noble and elegant atmosphere she displayed at the banquet seemed to have been left somewhere else, replaced by a pure and innocent creature seeking affection.

Finally done with the tedious ceremony, after our baths, Beatrice and I sat side by side on the sofa in the bedroom, enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed manner.

Yes, finally, it’s our wedding night.

“Well then, I’ll be heading back to the marquisate, see you tomorrow!”

Similarly, Gretel, who was supposed to be my wife today, said cheerfully, then returned to her family’s Hanoverian mansion. It seems she’s made some kind of agreement with Beatrice, surprisingly easily.

“Gretel yielded her honeymoon to us. She said, ‘I can be loved every night when I return to Baden, so while I’m in the capital, it’s all about Princess Beatrice’s time.’… She’s so kind.”

Jealous Gretel… but, I somehow understand. Despite her occasional impulsiveness and mistakes, her inner warmth is genuine. Ah, I wonder if she’s crying alone at home right now.

“She probably is crying. So when you leave the capital, make sure to spoil Gretel as much as you can. Unlike me, she’s tough, so no matter how many times you’re serious with her, she won’t flinch.”

“Well, I won’t be that reckless…”

Again, I try to retort a bit to Beatrice, who naturally reads my thoughts. I’ve gained some experience too, you know. Even though it’s adolescence, I’m not that much of a fool.

“I’m listening. Didn’t you do it to Clara-nee until she couldn’t stand anymore?”

Ugh… these sisters are so open about everything. I didn’t expect them to share such stories. They really are close. But it seems Beatrice isn’t trying to ridicule my behavior like a monkey. With a serious expression, she turns her emerald eyes straight toward me.

“Thank you, Lutz. For fulfilling my unreasonable requests. Clara-nee has been living so differently before and after returning from Baden. She said it’s because you’ve been guiding her even in the darkness. And with your gentle encouragement, she feels energy surging through her entire body.”

Uh, Clara’s excessive praise feels a bit heavy. I tried my best to boost her confidence as Beatrice instructed, but maybe I overdid it. Towards the end of her stay in Baden, Clara’s gaze toward me felt almost like she was entering a new religious mode like Liese-nee. I have no intention of becoming a cult leader, though.

Thinking about that, I casually take off my upper garment and remain in my undershirt. It’s winter, but as expected in a royal bedroom, the fire and wind magic tools are working quite well, making it quite warm… rather, the heating seems too effective.

“Lutz, that’s…”

Surprised by Beatrice’s unusually flustered voice, I turn to look, only to find her with her already large eyes widened by another 30%, pointing at my chest area.

And there, a small, tiny figurine that Clara gave me at parting. It’s a minuscule thing, about the size of a woman’s little finger, but it’s a delicate piece of craftsmanship that seems to be the work of a master of the gold attribute. For some reason, Gretel ordered me to “keep it close to me at all times,” and since it was designed with a string, I obediently wear it around my neck as a pendant.

“Oh, Clara-nee gave it to me when we parted. It’s cute, isn’t it, this doll…”

“No, but, that is…”

“What’s wrong? Is there something strange about this doll?”

Or maybe she’s upset as a wife that her husband, even though it’s from his sister, happily holds something given to him by another woman. I don’t think Beatrice is the type to feel that kind of jealousy… certainly not like Gretel. But then again, even jealous Gretel said “keep it with you” about this doll.

As Beatrice tried to answer my question, she suddenly swallowed her words.

“Well… no… it’s nothing. That… it’s actually, a very nice item. You should keep it close to you.”

Huh? Her reaction seems similar to when Gretel was asked. Is there something strange about this doll? Could it be cursed or something… Well, that’s unlikely. Both Gretel and Beatrice said “keep it with you,” and besides, there’s no way that innocent, sheltered Princess Clara would bring harm to me.

In the end, I didn’t raise any further questions. After all, it’s finally the long-awaited time alone with Beatrice.

But I’ll come to regret brushing it off so easily later on.