”You truly expect us to eat fish raw?” Karila sneered, her nose curling in disgust. “To call such barbarism a dish-I am utterly speechless.”
”No, all the guests who’ve taken this course have been delighted by it, I assure you,” Kyle replied smoothly, maintaining a polite professional smile. “There may be some hesitation at first, but once you try it, you’ll understand.”
Not that I didn’t explain all this upfront, Kyle thought dryly. And now this swamp-rat has the nerve to complain?
He had gone over the menu in great detail before they even set out fishing, yet here she was, complaining away-a young noblewoman named Karila, one of Lady Lilicia’s eager followers from House Royal. In short, she was just one of the unnamed background extras who had stood around when Flare put Lilicia in her place. Apparently, after hearing her father took an interest in Quinta’s shore casting1, she tagged along specifically to make fun of Flare. She had hoped to see Flare living in total misery to boost her own ego, planning to return with a juicy story for Lilicia’s friends.
Still, Flare looked completely unbothered, and her father-who she thought shared her bad mood-was actually having fun fishing. Seeing that annoyed Karila, making her throw a childish fit.
”Now, now, Karila, calm yourself,” her father scolded half-heartedly, offering a vague gesture. “He’s even offering to taste-test it himself, and they say no guest has complained of stomach trouble so far. As Kyle says, it’s hardly fair to make such judgments without even trying it.”
Though he acted like he was scolding his daughter, the smug, fake smile on his face basically showed he expected nothing special. Kyle figured this man didn’t care much for House Regal either. He had probably come just to watch a sideshow, curious to see how Jack Regal’s eldest daughter was doing after being kicked out to this backwater town. Even so, he genuinely enjoyed the fishing itself, and the only reason he defended the food was because he had caught that fish himself. He just didn’t want his own catch bad-mouthed. Had it been someone else’s fish, he would have joined his daughter’s complaining right away.
”Alright then, I’ll take the first bite myself,” Kyle offered, stepping forward before turning to his wife. “Oh-Flare, care to join me? You two were in the same salon, weren’t you?”
”Why, yes, I believe I shall,” Flare replied calmly, stepping up with easy grace. “It has been quite some time, has it not, Karila?”
Unlike the brat, Flare stayed totally cool, seeing right through the girl’s weak plan as if the past drama and exile had never even happened. The difference in class was huge. The moment Flare spoke to her, Karila flinched, turned pale, and quickly hid behind her father’s broad back.
That’s some weak-ass energy right there, Kyle thought with a quiet laugh. If you’re going to be that scared, just stay quiet from the start…
They ran into guests with bad intentions pretty often. Just recently, another noble had laughed loudly enough for everyone to hear, making fun of how Quinta’s weird lord was totally weak and took orders directly from his wife.
At the time, Kyle had simply thought: Shut up. What’s wrong with listening to Flare? Her hips are top-tier, alright? I’d let her ride me all day, or even take a face-sit2 without hesitation.
While being called “whipped” meant something specific in his old world, in this society, a wife holding power and giving orders to her husband looked totally strange. Still, people like Aile found it odd without caring too much. Now, as Quinta’s famous lord, everyone was still curious about what kind of guy Kyle really was.
”Flare, I actually got a letter from Aile a little while ago..,” Kyle mentioned as they sorted through the daily mail.
Even with growing popularity, bookings didn’t come in every day, since their rich high-society audience was small. Hosting one group a week was a solid speed. Busy as Kyle was, it was nothing like his past life where he worked until he passed out. Right in the middle of their rising fame, a nice envelope arrived for Kyle. It wasn’t a normal fishing booking, but a stylish invite to an upcoming party.
Everyone wants to hear about you and Flare, Aile had written in his letter. You never show your face at parties, so people just make up crazy rumors. Come out just this once-and bring Flare with you!
The party was also a birthday celebration for Aile. Going would help Aile’s status too, showing that the Harper family’s second son had strong links with Quinta’s ruling family. On the surface, Aile was just throwing a party, but really, he was making friends, getting news, and showing off his power-all of which helped his family’s business. He was doing sales and PR, plain and simple.
”What do you think?” Kyle asked, handing her the letter.
Normally, a lord brought his wife to these events. Going together meant the couple everyone was talking about would show up side-by-side, which would probably get them stared at like zoo animals.
”A birthday celebration for Lord Aile?” Flare asked, reading the clean paper. “He has been immensely helpful with launching and promoting our enterprise. I see no reason to decline.”
”You sure?” Kyle asked, rubbing the back of his neck. “It might not be all that fun.”
”I was raised in such high-society circles, so it does not disquiet me in the least,” Flare replied smoothly, giving him a small, sweet smile. “I am rather more concerned for you, Kyle, as you remain unaccustomed to such formal evenings.”
”Fair point,” Kyle laughed, unable to argue with that. “Alright, I’ll send word that we’re coming. Besides, if it’s just his birthday, it won’t be some huge, strict event.”
The Harper family succession was already set for Aile’s older brother, meaning Aile’s birthday was mostly just an excuse to throw a fun party. In this world, people usually counted their age together when the new year started, so an individual birthday party was just a rare chance to hang out. Kyle figured it would be a casual night, but at that exact party, an unexpected guest would walk up to him with a specific goal in mind.
”Yo, the hermit actually showed!” Aile called out, walking over with a drink in hand.
”Well, I was invited,” Kyle replied, gesturing to his side. “And since I’m married now, I don’t have to stand around awkwardly by myself.”
While “hermit” felt a bit mean, Kyle had routinely skipped these invites in the past. Unmarried men standing alone at formal parties were usually looked at like a joke, making Aile’s label pretty accurate.
”And Lady Flare, what an absolute honor to have you grace us with your presence,” Aile said, instantly switching to a clean, formal posture.
Unlike his casual tone with Kyle, Aile spoke to Flare with perfect manners. Flare gave a slight nod in return, stepping back a little to let Kyle take the lead out of respect for his position as head of the house. She looked amazing in a dark green and black dress. Kyle knew she liked cool, dark colors because soft light colors didn’t fit her sharp looks, and seeing her tonight made him puff out his chest with quiet pride.
During the open buffet party, the couple kept quiet while enjoying the snacks, though curious looks followed them across the room.
”What is it?” Flare would silently ask with a cool, calm smile whenever her eyes met a gossiping noble, making them flinch and look away right away.
Seeing her totally calm made Kyle hold his head high, feeling super lucky to stand beside her as her husband. They talked quietly, enjoying the rare night out, until a round, chubby noble walked up to them nervously. He looked much older than Aile’s usual crowd, built like a heavy daruma doll.3
”U-um, excuse me… Lord Kyle Walker, is it?” the man stammered, wringing his hands. “I-I’ve heard so much about you…”
”Heard so much from where, I wonder,” Kyle replied politely, holding out his hand.
”Actually, I arranged with the head of the Harper family to be invited to this gathering just so I could speak with you,” the man explained quickly. “Oh, forgive my lack of manners-my name is Tory Old.”
So he asked Aile’s dad for an invite, Kyle realized. That made sense given his age, though the name Old didn’t ring any bells.
”Old… so you’re connected to Layla?” Flare asked, her eyes lighting up with slight recognition.
”Ah, yes-you remember her!” Tory gasped, his face brightening up. “I am Layla’s father.”
Kyle looked between them in surprise. Flare explained that she had briefly gone to the same private school as Layla years ago.
”Well, she was rather distinctive in her own way..,” Flare noted thoughtfully. “Though we only attended classes together for a short while.”
Layla Old had been born with striking white hair and red eyes. At first praised as a special child, a series of weird accidents led to ugly rumors that her red eyes brought bad luck. Parents eventually complained to the school, forcing the Old family to take her out after just two months.
White hair and red eyes? Kyle thought, listening with mild interest. That’s totally like an anime character design.
As they talked, nearby whispers got louder.
”Isn’t that guy talking to Quinta’s weird lord the father of that cursed girl?” a noble whispered nearby. “What does he want with them?”
Kyle leaned toward his wife. “Hey Flare, does that whole ‘cursed eye’ rumor actually have any truth to it?”
”None whatsoever,” Flare stated firmly, her voice clear and strong. “It is mere coincidence. If it were true, her parents would hardly remain in such radiant health. People simply enjoy cruel amusements when they are bored.”
”Oh, I see,” Kyle replied easily, nodding along.
Seeing how easily they accepted it, Tory’s eyes filled with tears. “That’s right! My daughter’s eyes carry no curse! You understand, don’t you?!”
”Such slander based purely on appearance is utterly absurd,” Flare agreed smoothly, giving him a warm look.
Tory explained that after hearing Flare had married into Quinta and was doing great despite her own bad rumors, he really wanted to meet the couple in person to see if the stories were true.
”Having seen the two of you together, and how wonderfully close you are, I am entirely convinced!” Tory said, wiping a tear.
”Really? Do we really look that close?” Kyle grinned, totally happy about the compliment.
Tory asked a lot of questions about their life in Quinta and how Kyle treated his wife. Even though the questions were personal, Tory’s polite, friendly tone kept it from feeling rude. He was genuinely shocked that Kyle gave a banished noblewoman so much power, but Flare’s quiet nods proved everything was true.
”And… well, that’s pretty much how we run things,” Kyle ended up rambling, feeling the drinks hit him. “Man, I really am glad I married Flare.”
”Kyle, don’t you think you’ve had a bit too much to drink?” Flare chided gently, placing a hand on his arm.
”Hmm… maybe..,” Kyle admitted with a silly grin.
Relaxing at a party where he didn’t have to host or clean up had made him drink way more than usual.
”Well, well-that was truly enlightening!” Tory praised, bowing deeply. “House Walker’s approach is splendid! You must be quite glad you married Lord Kyle, Lady Flare!”
”Yes, indeed..,” Flare replied, her cheeks turning slightly pink.
”Thank you for your time today,” Tory finished warmly. “I am truly glad I got to hear such wonderful stories.”
With the chat over, Tory bowed and left. Kyle watched him walk away, still a bit confused as to why the guy had gone through so much trouble just to talk.
”So what was that really about?” Kyle asked, leaning against a nearby table. “He barely talked about anything real.”
”I wonder,” Flare mused quietly. “Still, the fact that Layla was not present tonight suggests her situation remains difficult. I had hoped to see her…”
Before they could think more about it, Aile barged into their spot, waving his glass around.
”Hey! What were you two whispering to that old guy about for so long?” Aile yelled happily. “Anyway, it’s my birthday! Did you bring me a present or what?”
”Yeah, yeah, I got you something,” Kyle laughed, pulling a small item from his coat. “Here-it’s a Magicraft-style light. Figured it’d come in handy when you’re out late.”
It was a compact, handheld LED light. While not as strong as a big Magicraft Lantern, its beam could easily light up a dark path.
”Whoa! Is this one of those famous Magicraft tools you’ve been building?!” Aile cheered, turning it on. “Man, this is bright! You’re full of surprises!”
As Aile showed off the light to nearby guests, Kyle smiled, happy to let his friend take all the attention. Still, the true reason behind Tory Old’s visit would only become clear a few days after they returned to Quinta, delivered in a single, sealed letter.
____________________To be continued
Trivia:
- Flare’s choice of dark and cool-toned clothing is explicitly a practical decision based on what suits her coloring, not a stylistic preference for somber aesthetics.
- Kyle’s internal monologue about Flare’s hips and face-sits reveals his deep physical attraction to her, contrasting with the formal public perception of their relationship.
- The soirée invitation doubles as a political move for Aile, who uses his connection to the now-famous Quinta couple to boost his own standing within the Harper family.
- Kyle’s internal chuunibyou reaction to Layla’s albino-like traits (“Like a mutant from a fantasy story”) reveals his modern-world otaku sensibilities, which clash with the fantasy setting’s serious supernatural rumors.
- Flare’s firm denial of the cursed eye rumor relies on the fact that Layla’s parents still live with her, suggesting that if the curse were real, they would have been affected—a logical argument she uses to dismiss superstition.
- The letter referenced at the end is heavily foreshadowed by Tory’s emotional visit and his probing questions about how Kyle treats Flare, implying he may be seeking a similar arrangement for his daughter Layla.
Translation Notes:
1 ↩ A specialized fishing technique using a rod and reel to cast a lure or bait to a specific spot, popular among sport fishermen in this world. The term emphasizes the skill and precision involved rather than simple angling.
2 ↩ A sexual position where one partner sits on the other’s face. Kyle uses this as hyperbolic, crude humor to emphasize his devotion to Flare, deliberately contrasting with the formal expectations of noble marriage.
3 ↩ A traditional Japanese round, limbless doll modeled after Bodhidharma, used as a symbol of perseverance and good luck. The comparison emphasizes Tory’s stocky, round physique in a culturally specific way.