29 – 29. A New Room, A New Life.
“…Huh – um…”
Another morning has dawned.
Well, not so bright.
The room was a bit dark. The body felt sluggish.
Looking at the slightly damp sheets… it’s probably raining outside.
It’s been a while since it rained. It doesn’t really make me feel good whenever it rains though.
I struggled to stretch and yawn, barely lifting my heavy body that felt like a wet sponge.
It’s not really any different… after all.
The room had changed.
I couldn’t even remember when I fell asleep, but the feeling of being in a new space was far from pleasant.
Literal sensations from my body felt strange.
A new blanket, a spacious bed, and an expansive room.
Curtains on the bed. What kind of fancy furniture is this?
I rubbed my eyes and flicked away the dust, then looked around a little more.
…There’s a window. Didn’t she say there wouldn’t be a window?
The sound of raindrops falling, pitter-patter, continuously tapping against the window.
For now, this place is probably the new honeymoon suite she boasted about in front of me, right?
No, I haven’t even gotten married, what kind of honeymoon is this?
Well… considering what the window is saying and the fact that I’m not married yet.
Of course, I’ll probably get married soon.
And next to that window, there were a dining table and two chairs, which had a quite plush and elegant design.
Now that I’ve seen so many, I start to think, is that really considered elegant?
Getting used to things is scary. That’s what I start to think.
For example, even though this is technically a kidnapping and imprisonment, I’m obediently going along without any resistance, just like her.
On the dining table, there were bread, cold ham, a little bit of vegetables, and warm milk with steam rising.
Along with a letter.
—
I think you must have been surprised by the sudden move. I’m sorry!
A new room has been prepared in the mansion, just for you and me. Isn’t it splendid?
I’ve arranged the space a bit wider so that you can be comfortable. I also fixed many things that you might dislike.
I hope you don’t feel uncomfortable. Because when I see you struggling, it makes me feel the same way.
I tried preparing the meal myself. How is it? Of course, it’s just a matter of slightly toasting the bread that I always bring, slicing the ready-made ham, and trimming the already grown vegetables.
But I was able to heat the milk myself. It was relatively easy!
Oh, and I recommend taking a look at the study. I’ve moved many books there. If you’re interested, you can pick one and read it.
Lately, whenever I have time, I’ve been writing stories that crows tell me. I hope you’ll like them.
If they’re completed, I plan to put them one by one in the empty space in the study.
If you’re thirsty, go to the right side of the room. There’s a parlor, and next to the door leading out of the parlor, there’s a handle.
Before pulling it, just write down the necessary items on a piece of paper and put it in the box.
The servant will bring them to you and deliver them.
I’ll be sad if you go out without permission. But it’s okay to go to the garden connected to this room.
There are still parts blocked by planks, but those parts are where I haven’t been able to move the flowers and trees yet. So please don’t go out recklessly.
There are still many things I want to tell you. I hope you realize how much care I put into building this room.
Of course, it will be less than the attention I pour out to you.
From Noble mtl dot com
I’m sad because I can’t convey how excited and happy I am through just words.
I love you. I’ll stop by after work. There are still… papers and such. The things outside haven’t been properly organized.
A woman who admires you.
—
A heartfelt letter. Written in a gentle handwriting, filled with love.
A letter filled with her scent. Did she spray perfume on it?
Surely, the person who receives this must be lucky.
I carefully folded it and set it aside, then opened the small shelf next to the dining table where the flower vase was placed.
It would be such a waste to throw it away.
I gently pressed the still warm bread with my hand, then picked up the knife and fork to cut it into small pieces.
Maybe it’s because I’m used to using a knife. It seems like I cut it at regular intervals.
I guess it’s meant to be eaten together with the vegetables. Where are they?
Right here.
Hmm, it tastes good.
For a simple meal, it’s really delicious.
Let’s open the window just a little bit and see. The sound of rain falling through the air hits the ground.
Of course, the window too.
The occasional scent of wet earth and a cup of tea.
…Ah, it’s nice.
Truly, there’s nothing lacking, it’s just perfect.
By the way, do I not need to exercise?
Honestly, even though I didn’t eat much, I’m a little worried.
Just drinking water reminds me of my old body that used to swell, it’s a bit scary…
I put down the bread and slowly unbuttoned my thin pajamas.
But what I see are not clear lines, but rather distinct scars.
“…Really, how pathetic.”
Even though I followed Duke Frederick’s lead and ate this and that, really? Not even one?
Running my hand along the lines, I could feel the arrangement of agile bones and muscles in my palm.
“Look at this. Amazing…”
A sculpted body that elicited nothing but admiration. Even the face was handsome, how envious.
As I continued to marvel at the body, lost in my thoughts, I heard the sound of wings flapping and turned my head in that direction.
Ah, it’s a crow again.
A black bird approaching me with a curious tilt of its head.
“Why, do you want something to eat?”
I reached out my hand and gently stroked its beak.
It doesn’t shy away, maybe these crows aren’t just ordinary crows…
“Here, have a taste.”
I lightly placed a piece of bread on my finger and offered it to the crow on the table.
Huh? It seems it’s not hungry.
With a puzzled expression, it slowly moved away.
“…I’m bored. Why don’t you play with me? Hm?”
I tapped the table with my finger and reached out my hand, gently grazing its beak. It seems it doesn’t mind.
With slightly lowered eyelids, watching the beak tap, tap against mine, it seems to enjoy it.
How adorable.
The scent of earth spreading amidst the sound of falling rain.
In the midst of it all, I had breakfast with the crow.
How peaceful these days are.
*
Just watching him eat the food he prepared makes me feel content.
Now I understand why they say that just watching someone eat makes you feel full.
It was a relatively simple breakfast, but he smiled lightly as he exhaled.
Ah, he really enjoys eating.
But suddenly, instead of eating, he started taking off his clothes!
The crow turned its head as if it couldn’t bear to watch, but –
“Why are you turning away? What’s wrong with looking at my husband’s body? Show it to me quickly!”
There was no way to resist in front of his pleading eyes.
His body was quite slender. However, the curves of his body, reflected in the sweat he had shed while sleeping and the candlelight that was still lit, were –
“…gulp.”
It involuntarily made me swallow my saliva.
To think that I would bear those things together if we get married and have a child…!
Just thinking about it makes me dizzy!
As my face turned pale and I began to panic –
The crow approached him a little closer.
“Ah…?!”
When his half-naked body entered the crow’s eyes, she couldn’t resist it and fainted.
Looking at that raven, even the way she smiles with satisfaction is deadly.
As she looks around, turning her head this way and that, examining every corner of him, she soon finds herself face to face with his outstretched hand.
“Oh…that…that raven…!”
Seeing him share a gentle warmth with the raven, she, who was writing a letter to the royal family, immediately becomes furious, her eyes bloodshot.
“How…how can this be! Ah, ah, hehehe…”
But in the synchronized vision, she sees him with his eyes half closed, stumbling and stroking his head, and her face also relaxes.
“Did I do well? Did I? I worked hard. hehehe…”
Her appearance, gazing into the void and even drooling, is truly shocking.
However, not a single living thing objects to it.
With all the ravens intoxicated by her pleasure, each of them finds their place and flutters about.
Scratching under the beak, gently caressing around the eyes.
“Is this place good…here? Here? Is here good?”
He bestows his kindness generously. Even to a mere raven.
…!
“Just a moment, what am I doing here right now? Why am I happy to see a raven being caressed here? Why is that damn raven wagging its tail at my man?
I only told him to watch, but what on earth is he doing over there…! No. No…
Get away right now??!?!?!”
The door shatters, and the ravens pour out of her office.
Of course, the raven being caressed is still unable to escape from his extraordinary hand movements.
With her dignity and pride in tatters, the man continues to stroke that limp thing, unaware.
What this single action has brought about.