After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 211

Chapter 211: Beato’s Determination

“This is truly wonderful.”

“I’m glad you like it, Beato. I heard that Berzenbrück doesn’t have this kind of custom.”

“It’s a bit embarrassing, but… I’m fine as long as I’m with you.”

Beato, her pale cheeks slightly flushed, gave me a tender smile. The two of us were soaking in lukewarm water, wearing nothing. The winter breeze in Baden cooled our heads just enough, making it feel like we could stay in the hot spring forever.

“It’d be even more fun if Fanny could join us.”

“That’s not possible yet, but I look forward to the day it is.”

That’s right. Beato and I, teleported here by Adele’s magic, were fully enjoying a private outdoor hot spring in Baden’s hot spring district. Soaking in the water while gazing at the clear starry sky—it was absolutely perfect.

“We can stay the night here, right?”

“Yes, and I plan to spend tomorrow here as well.”

“Huh? Are you sure that’s okay?”

This was unexpected. Although Beato had visited Baden several times, she usually stayed for only one night, ate breakfast, and returned to the capital before the morning snack hour. Considering she had purged nearly seventy percent of the upper nobility monopolizing the government, even if they were bad people, their work wasn’t completely insignificant. It was necessary, but it left the nation in turmoil. As one of the royal family’s top leaders, Beato had been overwhelmed with cleaning up the mess.

“The new ministers are finally able to manage the administration.”

I see. A new government, built with trustworthy nobles, was now functioning. This meant Beato no longer had to personally make decisions on every single matter. With this newfound freedom, perhaps she could spend short periods living here in Baden. It was something to look forward to.

While I was entertaining such optimistic thoughts, Beato turned her jade-green eyes to me, her expression unchanged, and declared:

“In six months, I’ll leave the government affairs to the nobles and ceremonial duties to Clara. Then, I’ll head to the ‘Forest of Magic.’”

“Huh? Why?”

“For my family.”

Wait, what? That makes no sense. Well, it’s typical for Beato to be a bit short on explanations when talking to close ones.

“Beato, could you explain it in a way I’d understand?”

“Sure. I want to visit the Forest People’s village. It’s said they live deep within the Forest of Magic, around a giant tree.”

“The Forest People?”

Now that she mentioned it, I had heard about them before. A race known for their extraordinary longevity and beautiful appearance, living in seclusion deep in the forest, avoiding contact with humans. But why would Beato risk the dangers of the Forest of Magic just to meet them?

“Didn’t Grandma Elise mention them? Like the beings from the Dark Continent, they borrow the power of spirits to perform miracles. Those are the Forest People.”

“Ah… Is this about Fanny?”

“What else could it be? For Fanny’s sake, I’ll do anything. I’ll seek out the Forest People and ask them how to interact with the spirit that accompanies Fanny.”

“But… does the crown princess really need to go in person? Couldn’t you send someone else…?”

I understood Beato’s concern for Fanny’s future and her desire to help. But venturing into the Forest of Magic would mean braving countless dangers. Even the outer edges, where we lived, were plagued by attacks from magical beasts. How could Beato, who isn’t a combat type, possibly endure such a perilous journey?

“No, it has to be me. They distrust humans and avoid contact. If I send someone else, the Forest People will never appear.”

“That may be true, but…”

“That’s why I’ll go. If I overcome the dangers and personally show them my intentions, they might finally listen.”

Beato’s reasoning made sense on a logical level. But the idea of her stepping into what was essentially a den of magical beasts was terrifying. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing someone as precious to me as Beato.

“At least, promise me you’ll bring a sufficient number of guards.”

“No. If I go with a large group of soldiers, the Forest People will hide. I won’t go alone, of course, but I’ll bring a small, elite team.”

“I don’t want to stay behind worrying about you…”

I spoke earnestly, but Beato looked at me with a surprised expression, as if she hadn’t expected such a response. Wait, isn’t it natural to be worried when your wife is heading into danger?

“Hmph. This oblivious stud doesn’t seem to realize… You’re included in the ‘small elite team.’”

“Whaaat?!”

No way. I couldn’t picture myself being useful in the dangerous Forest of Magic, where magical beasts and wild creatures constantly lurked. Beato might not be a combatant, but she could influence the forest in ways she had demonstrated during the war. At most, I could supply her with magic or act as a pack mule.

“This clueless stud… doesn’t he know a single word of encouragement from him could make any woman 50% stronger?”

Even with such flattering words, I couldn’t shake my fear. What scared me the most was the possibility of being unable to protect Beato.

“Don’t worry. I’m not leaving anytime soon. It’ll only happen after Gretel gives birth and can protect us.”

In the end, I could only sigh deeply and hope for the best. Silently, I prayed to our childhood friend: Please, Gretel, keep us safe.