After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 138

### Chapter 138: Farewell, Beato

“Well then. Take care… and be safe.”

Beato waved her small hand in front of her chest. Unlike her usual cool, porcelain-doll-like face, she wore a faint smile, but her expression clearly read “lonely.” My heart throbbed intensely, and I wanted to pull her close, but now was not the right time.

We had spent a week of married life together—a modest time with Beato, whose official duties had been slightly reduced. Now, the day had come for us to return to Baden. Given our status as royalty and war heroes of the empire, a large crowd, mainly soldiers, had gathered to see us off. I couldn’t very well be affectionate with Beato in front of them.

“Yes. I hope we can come back when the wheat is harvested in Baden and we have enough food for the prisoners.”

“That means it will be more than half a year.”

Beato lowered her eyes, her shoulders trembling slightly.

“The truth is, I want to go with you. I want to be held tightly by Lutz every day. But I have my responsibilities as the future queen, and I can’t abandon them.”

“Yes, Beato, you have a role that no one else can fulfill. You’re the only one who can do it. I respect you for that, and even when we’re apart… I’ll always be thinking of you.”

I responded to Beato’s serious words with a rather cheesy line. It might be cheesy, but it’s my honest feeling. Besides, she can probably see right through me with her “Spirit Eye.”

“I know Lutz’s feelings are genuine. I’m very lonely, but with your words, I can be strong.”

Beato said this while looking up at me with adorable eyes.

“Lutz, the development in Baden will be tough, but don’t overdo it. Take breaks and make sure to look after Gretel.”

It seems Beato had noticed my workaholic tendencies. Yes, when working with a Showa-era mindset, it feels like you can’t rest until the task at hand is done. I need to properly learn to balance work and life.

“Yes, I think I’ll get along well with Gretel. Beato, don’t be tempted by Adel.”

I joked, but her pale cheeks instantly turned red. Last night’s experience must have been quite intense for Beato, who was straightforward about her feelings of love.

“I won’t, I won’t. But Lutz, this morning you were with Adel without me…”

Oof, that was a slip of the tongue. Even though I was exhausted and dozing off, if it happened right next to me, of course, she’d notice.

“S-Sorry…”

“It’s okay. It was part of the contract.”

Seeing my downcast face, Beato let out a small laugh. It seemed she had forgiven me.

“Marquis, it’s time.”

The male officer in charge of my escort spoke up bluntly. Adel, who had been standing behind Beato, furrowed her brows and narrowed her eyes.

“How rude! The prince is newly married. Can’t you give him some time to say a proper farewell?”

“Eek!”

The officer flinched, overwhelmed by Adel’s anger. While women might see her as dignified and gallant, to most men, she would come off as a “scary woman.” Though she showed me a gentle expression…

“Well, we do need to leave soon to reach our destination before sunset. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Adel, but please forgive him.”

If an ordinary traveler ended up departing later than planned, they could just stay the night in the nearest town. But unfortunately, our party consisted of the future king consort and the future marquis. Accommodations had already been firmly arranged for the next few days until we reached Baden. If we didn’t arrive as scheduled, it would cause a lot of trouble for many people.

“Well… if Your Highness says so.”

Reluctantly backing down, Adel still didn’t soften her gaze, while the officer kept his shoulders hunched. It was about time to let them off the hook.

“Well then, let’s go. Hey, Beato… please, take care of yourself. As a young lady, you mustn’t catch a cold.”

It was just a casual parting remark, but at that moment, Beato’s fair cheeks blushed a rosy hue.

“…I’m not sure yet.”

Ah, I see. Those words might sound like something you’d say to a pregnant woman. It’s only been a few days since the first time, so we don’t know the result yet.

“But… I have a feeling. It’s somehow heartwarming… I’m sure my happiness resides here.”

With those words, Beato gently placed her palm on her stomach, her usual cool face softening, her cheeks relaxing. Even though she’s only seventeen, she already looks like a mother, and once again, my heart throbbed intensely.