Only after their reassurances did the shop owner’s face brighten. He cheerfully shook hands with both of them. “It’s been a while. How have you been? I haven’t heard from Lord Liot lately either.”
Liot referred to the First Prince Elliot.
Kayden shrugged. “Didn’t you hear everything from the customers who visit your shop? They say your shop gets rumors faster than the information guild or tavern.”
“Oh, I’m just asking out of courtesy. I’m giving you a chance to boast.”
At the shop owner’s jest, Kayden and Diana both laughed.
While exchanging casual greetings, the shop owner suddenly clapped his hands.
“By the way, you two came out to enjoy the festival, right?”
“Yes.”
“In that case, I’m about to start a small competition. Would you like to participate?” The shop owner spread his arms wide with a smile.
Since they had no particular plans, Kayden and Diana agreed without much thought. Having played various sports on their wedding night, they felt somewhat confident. However, they soon found themselves blinking in surprise. They were standing on a makeshift stage.
The shop owner spoke into a magical device with an enthusiastic voice. “Now, we’ll start the Lovers’ Endurance Contest!”
“Wooow!” The crowd cheered wildly.
Kayden glanced at the couples lined up on either side, then muttered with a sigh. “Come to think of it, that guy likes any activity that involves physical effort, not just sports…”
“…”
But the realization came too late. Kayden and Diana were already on the stage, looking down gloomily at their feet.
Meanwhile, the shop owner continued. “The rules are simple! When I give the signal, one person must lift the other and hold them until the end! Any lifting method is allowed as long as it counts as ‘lifting’! Ready… start!”
With a loud cheer, the contest began. Kayden sighed and immediately lifted Diana, supporting her knees and back.
“Kyaa!” Diana squealed softly as her feet left the ground, clutching his neck.
Kayden, surprised, asked, “What’s wrong? Did it hurt? Should I put you down?”
“N-No. It’s not that, it’s just… I’m afraid of falling…” Diana trailed off, glancing nervously at the stage.
Kayden’s brow furrowed. “Don’t worry. Do you really think I can’t hold you?”
“But you collapsed earlier today…”
“I told you, I’m fine now. How many times do I have to say it?”
“The doctor is the one who decides whether you’re already recovered or not. The imperial doctor clearly said you need plenty of re— uaah!” Diana clung to him desperately as she felt herself slipping.
Kayden, forgetting his earlier protest, was pleased by her reaction. He patted her back reassuringly. “Diana, if you hold me this tight, I might not be able to breathe.”
“Hand! Don’t let go of your hand!”
Every time Kayden’s hand left her back, Diana desperately burrowed into his embrace.
Indeed, Kayden was more exhausted than usual due to the incident earlier in the day. But Diana was so light that it was hard to believe he couldn’t just because he was tired. She seemed unaware of how light she really was.
Kayden found it both surprising and endearing, unable to stop his lips from curling up every time she nestled into his arms. It was fascinating to see her usually calm and composed face turned like this.
He chuckled and held her more securely. At that moment, he felt a faint mana around her.
Hmm…?
Kayden raised an eyebrow. He could feel her anxiety through his hand on her back.
Come to think of it…
A thought struck him.
How much mana does Diana possess?
Now that he thought about it, he had never discussed spirits or mana with Diana before. It was natural, considering Diana had been shunned by her family before meeting Kayden, and people paid no attention to a child born out of wedlock who lived as if she didn’t exist. Moreover, Diana had never claimed that she made a contract with the spirit or displayed any abilities.
Kayden realized he didn’t know much about Diana. Although he had become familiar with her expressions and habits, they had never talked about her past before they met.
Wanting to ease her trembling, he adjusted his hold on her and spoke. “Come to think of it, Diana. Have you not made a contract with any spirit?”
“…What?”
Diana asked back, startled. Her reaction made Kayden blink in surprise.
“Why are you so surprised? I just realized I hadn’t heard anything about you being an elementalist.”
“Ah.”
Diana sighed in relief, thinking he had figured something out. Her heart had dropped for a moment. Thank goodness, it was just curiosity. She quickly composed herself and smiled.
“I suppose so. I don’t have much innate mana…”
“Really? That’s strange. I could faintly sense your mana earlier. It didn’t seem like you couldn’t even make a contract with a low-level spirit.”
But Kayden was persistent.
Diana forced a smile, suppressing her growing anxiety. “Then I must be not good at handling mana.”
“…”
Kayden noticed something odd and stared at her curved lips. I wish I could see her eyes. He had learned to read Diana’s different smiles—happy, awkward, or hiding something—by observing her closely. But the mask blocked his view of her eyes, so he couldn’t be sure. He just stared wistfully at her lips.
“―Stop!”
At that moment, a whistle blew loudly. Kayden snapped out of his thoughts as the shop owner’s playful voice filled the air.
“Wow, the gentleman’s gaze is so intense, it’s practically burning. Since it seems you two want to be alone, we’ll declare a tie and end the contest here. Applause for the final two teams!”
The crowd cheered, making ambiguous sounds that could be boos or shouts of support.
While Kayden was momentarily stunned by embarrassment, Diana quickly slipped from his arms. As she led him off the stage, he regained his senses.
He really can’t be helped. Kayden glared at the shop owner, who winked back cheekily. Shivering, Kayden rubbed his arms.
Anyway, we got interrupted.
Kayden watched Diana receive the prize from the contest organizers, then shook his head to clear his thoughts. Rather than dwelling on uncertain thoughts, he wanted to fully enjoy his time with her right now.
He wanted to fully enjoy his time with her rather than dwell on uncertain thoughts.
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