Chapter 4: Part 1
“It’s best if we don’t see each other again,” the woman said.
“What, why,” the man questioned closely.
“Just because,” she replied.
“I can’t accept that,” the man refused to budge.
To the west of the Beelzenian Empire was a vast ocean called the Hark Sea.
Further west across the Hark Sea was Marlon Island. There, two nations wrestled for control over the island.
One of those countries was Marlon of the east. At twilight, the couple rendezvoused in the town of Jamet on the eastern coast.
They exchanged a hug like always, whispered sweet nothings to each like always, kissed like always.
And then bid each other fair well like always.
They certainly loved each other.
But, at the same time, it was a forbidden love.
“…… I haven’t gone back by now.”
Although the woman told him that and tried to leave, the man restrained her.
“Yufina, wait. We’re not done talking yet.”
“If I take any longer, my husband will get suspicious.”
“If you’ll be aboard the ship traveling to Beelzenia tomorrow, we won’t see each other for some time. At least let us be together for just another—-”
“Karchess, don’t say such selfish things….. If our relationship’s made known, we’ll both be ruined.”
“I know. I know what I say is indeed wrong. But I still want to be with you.”
The woman was a little troubled since the man was also holding onto her so much.
The feeling of not wanting to leave was the same for her. However, she was aware of her own situation, more than the man.
The woman couldn’t help it, removed the pendant from around her neck in the winds as they were, and gave it to the man.
The pendant had a golden key hanging from it. The woman always wore it on her person. It was a keepsake from her mother.
“Until I return, have this in my place. It’s something important. Think of this as me and take care—-”
“I’m supposed to just accept this?”
There was anger in the man’s voice. For he was convinced that that key pendant was actually given to him as severance pay.
“Is there a problem with accepting what’s given to you….. It’s all right, my stay in Beelzenia won’t be too long. It’s for my husband’s homecoming, not politics. Once I return…… I’ll come see you right away? All right?”
The woman told him with a smile.
Seeing that smile, the man calmed down a little, and clenched the key pendent.
Although the man and the woman were the same age, it was like there was a difference in their mental ages. He was often much more childish compared to her but it was a cute part of him that she liked.
“Well…… I’ll be taking my leave now, Count Karchess Crim.”
What she called him in public—-it was back to referring to him as her favorite retainer.
The man ran from her with nothing but a wave goodbye.
Her name was Yufina Marlon.
She was the Queen of Marlon.