The Final Task of the Forsaken Saint: A Command to Marry the Barbarian Count - Chapter 26

Outside, darkness had fully settled, and the pounding rain drummed against the windows, filling the room with its relentless sound. We had decided to have dinner, but as I thought about what food I had packed, I realized there was nothing. I’d only planned for a day trip, so my supplies were minimal, and I’d already eaten all my snacks. I regretted not asking the villagers for provisions.

Thankfully, Dirk was better prepared.

He set a grate over the fireplace and began roasting sausages given to him by the village chief. My mouth watered at the sight, and Dirk, noticing, softened his expression.
“Could you make some cuts in the bread?” he asked.

“Of course!” I replied eagerly.

“I forgot to fetch water for tea…” he murmured.

“I can take care of that!” I said quickly.

Before he could even look concerned, I waved my staff over the empty kettle. The spirits, ever present, responded, conjuring fresh water from the air to fill the pot. The water from the spirits was always delicious, perfect for tea. Dirk’s eyes glimmered with a rare warmth as he nodded.

“That’s helpful,” he said.

Unlike the other residents of Neige Castle, Dirk never seemed surprised by my use of magic. While I pondered this, he started melting some cheese over the fire, making my excitement grow. Roasted sausages, melted cheese, and warm bread—this was going to be delicious.

Dirk sliced the sausages and placed them in the bread, topping it with the gooey cheese. By the time the tea was ready, he handed me a perfectly assembled hot dog.

“Here, enjoy,” he said.

“Thank you! Let’s eat!” I said, biting into the meal.

A burst of hot, savory juices greeted me, and I flinched slightly at the heat.

“Ouch, hot!”

But the rich, spicy flavor, combined with the melted cheese and the crisp bread, was heavenly. I savored every bite, a contented sigh escaping me.

“It’s so good…” I murmured, my voice dreamy with satisfaction.

“Would you like more?” Dirk asked.

“Yes, please!” I said without hesitation.

Dirk chuckled and handed me another. I soon polished off two, then three, before noticing that Dirk hadn’t eaten much himself. It struck me that I’d been so focused on eating that Dirk had only cooked for me without taking a break.

“Let me take over the cooking,” I said, feeling guilty.

“Are you sure? Watching you eat was enjoyable enough,” he replied with a slight smile.

“Eating together is important, but so is making sure everyone gets their share. I’m not the best cook, but I’ve grilled meat plenty of times during field missions,” I said confidently.

“Then, I’ll leave it to you,” Dirk said, passing me the tongs.
Determined, I took over the task of grilling the sausages and cheese. The steady crackling of the fire and the rhythmic drumming of the rain created a cozy atmosphere.

“You seem quite skilled at this. Do you cook often?” I asked as I worked.

“I can make food edible. Whenever I came to this villa, I’d bring ingredients and cook for myself,” he said casually.

I blinked, surprised. Now that I thought about it, the village chief had seemed familiar with him, even if he was a bit intimidated.

“Did you come here often?” I asked.

“It’s a good place to think and work on research. Being away from the castle helped when I needed solitude,” he admitted, a slight cough betraying his embarrassment.

If it took a day and a half on foot to reach, it must have been quite the journey. But Dirk spoke as if it was no trouble at all. My heart sank a little.

“So, this was your peaceful retreat. Maybe I shouldn’t take it,”
I said, feeling as though I’d taken something precious from him.

Dirk’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I’m giving it to you because it’s a place I value. I wouldn’t gift something I didn’t care about to someone important to me.”

The sincerity of his reasoning caught me off guard. He shared what he cherished most with those he cared about. The thought warmed me, and my chest tightened with a strange sense of happiness.

“This place is yours now. Make it your own. Neither I nor Rostorc will interfere,” he said.

Knowing this villa was mine, a place where I could feel at home, brought joy mixed with an unfamiliar sadness. Why did it feel bittersweet? I frowned, pondering the odd sensation, only to realize I was letting the sausages overcook. Hastily, I assembled another hot dog, adding the melted cheese on top.
“Here you go!” I said, handing it to Dirk.

“Thank you,” he said, taking a bite. He finished it in two bites, wiping a bit of oil from his fingers with a satisfied look.
“It’s good,” he said simply.

I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. It felt right, sharing a meal with him in this place.

“This is a lovely home. I’d like to come here again, with you,” I said, the words fitting perfectly as they left my mouth.

The thought of being here, where Dirk found comfort, made me feel content. He looked surprised but smiled in a way that suggested he was a bit flustered.

“If you invite me, I’ll come,” he said.

I remembered what he’d said when he scolded me earlier. I hesitated, worried it might sound like an excuse, but as we assembled more hot dogs together, I found the courage to speak.

“I didn’t mean to leave without saying where I was going. I’m just used to being sent on missions with clear orders or going out alone. Telling someone my destination wasn’t something I often did.”

It never crossed my mind that it would matter so much. I’d always been the Holy Maiden, skilled in magic beyond any court mage and strong enough to handle any mission alone. I was used to being dispatched without support, and often, taking others along was riskier. It was faster to go alone.

No one had ever been concerned if I left, as long as I returned safely. That had been my normal for so long. Dirk’s expression softened after a moment of silence.

“You really lived like a soldier,” he said quietly.

“I guess I did…” I admitted, realizing how independent I’d always been.

When I glanced at him, Dirk looked a bit unsettled and quickly spoke up.

“I didn’t mean to criticize you. If that’s what you were used to, I understand. But let’s make a promise.”

“A promise?”

He turned to face me directly.

“As long as you’re in Rostorc, Neige Castle is your home. So, let’s always say ‘I’m off’ and ‘I’m home’ to each other. You are, after all, going to be my wife.”

Those words carried the weight of belonging—something I had always yearned for. My heart thudded in my chest, and a warm, light feeling washed over me. I couldn’t stop the smile spreading across my face.

“I’ve always dreamed of having a home. Being an orphan, I gave up on the idea of family, but I thought having a place where I could feel safe and at ease was still possible,” I explained.
I’d often dreamed of my own space, decorated with things I liked, where I could relax without worrying about anyone else.

Dirk’s eyes held a look of realization.

“So that’s why you wanted a villa in Carbuncus.”

“Yes. It also gave me a reason to stay as a manager, but being your wife means becoming family, doesn’t it?” I said, finally understanding what I’d been given.

Dirk was serious about making us a family, even though I wasn’t sure what that entailed. Hugging my knees, I felt a warmth spread through me.

“I’ve had two dreams come true,” I said softly.

There was no greater happiness. If this man needed me and offered me a place to return to, I felt capable of anything.

“You…” Dirk started but paused, taking a breath as if reconsidering.

“Then, please don’t hesitate to give me orders, Dirk,” I said, jumping in before he could finish.

Dirk seemed taken aback and opened his mouth to respond, then closed it with a sigh and a faint smile.

“You don’t give orders to family,” he said.

“Is that so?”

“If you’re willing and agree, that’s enough. If not, you’re welcome to punch me,” he said with a grin, surprising me with his straightforwardness.

I blinked, then laughed, realizing he always left the decision up to me. The thought made me happy.

“Understood. Just ask if you need anything from me,” I said.
“…I will,” Dirk said, after a brief pause.

I thought I noticed a slight hesitation in his reply, but it didn’t matter. I was too content, basking in the joy of having found what I’d always wanted.