”So she really does seem to be quite a unique person, doesn’t she?”
In the carriage on the way home, Taris’s remark earned a nod of agreement from Flare.
”Indeed. And there was something… slightly off about his sense of values, wouldn’t you say? A rather peculiar man.”
”But you two seemed to hit it off well enough, didn’t you?” At Flare’s murmured observation, her father Jack let out a chuckle.
It was rare-truly rare-to see his daughter spend such a long stretch of time speaking calmly with anyone outside the family or close acquaintances. Usually, people took one look at Flare’s face-mostly her eyes-and felt such fear or discomfort that they made no effort to continue the conversation.
”I was simply explaining to Sir Kyle the reason why I’m being made to marry him,” Flare said.
In high society, if you were common-born it was one thing, but among the upper classes, women were expected to be modest, chaste, and never too forward. And at political salons, most men would tell you with a straight face that “a woman’s charm is in being just a little bit dumb.”
So Flare’s type-sharp, unfiltered, unapologetic-tended to be avoided. The engagement candidates she’d met in the salons were exactly that kind-girls who smiled sweetly, nodded obediently, and never said a word out of turn. And that, in turn, made Flare stand out like a sore thumb.
For high-society gentlemen, a woman who got into fights-even with other women-was completely out of the question. And it was beyond the pale to use her fists, not just her palms, to beat someone until they vomited.
So what Flare had done, by their standards, was an absolute scandal-a far bigger deal than Kyle probably realized.
That was precisely why Flare had told him the truth from the start. She hadn’t wanted any secrets between them. And yet Kyle had just shrugged it off as if it were no big deal-and agreed to the marriage anyway.
That had surprised her. By any normal standard, a man would have recoiled. At the very least, he’d have grimaced and turned her down on the spot. If the arrangement had been impossible to refuse, surely he would have been horrified.
But that man-Kyle-had just smiled at her through the whole story. And when she’d first seen him, he’d said he was “captivated,” That was the first time anyone had ever said that to her-no, not the first time, but it was the first time she could tell he meant it. Not as empty courtesy, not as flattery. He’d truly meant it.
”The royal family is brokering this match,” Jack said. “Normally, we can’t refuse-but if you truly can’t bear it, I’ll call it off, even if it costs us. But even if I did, they’d just find you another rural lord. And the next one might be in worse shape than he is. So think carefully before you answer.”
”Understood, Father,” Flare replied.
Yes-in political marriages, in punishment marriages, you rarely got to choose. You’d hear of men who’d broken one wife after another, or girls barely of age being married off to men twice their age. It wasn’t uncommon.
Compared to that, Kyle was twenty-five, Flare twenty-one-a reasonable age gap. And his appearance was far from terrible.
He had dull brown hair and an average build, and sure, there was something a little rustic about him. But he wasn’t the type who made you think “I’d rather die than marry this man.”
The real questions were his character and his lifestyle. As a rural lord, he was apparently competent enough that Flare’s father had given him a solid endorsement. And his personality-
Sure, he was a bit odd. But the fact that he didn’t flinch at the sight of her, that he didn’t get offended or call her insolent-that alone was worth something, in Flare’s book.
”My word-that such a terrifying-looking woman would be your engagement partner! Oh, you poor dear!”
”Actually, I thought she was absolutely gorgeous.”
”…!”
Apparently, in Martha’s eyes, Lady Flare wasn’t exactly what she’d call a suitable bride for her young master.
”But sir! Sure, her face is lovely enough-but those cold, cold eyes! You can’t tell what she’s thinking at all! And they say she assaulted a classmate of hers! To think you’d have to marry a woman like that-oh, my poor, dear master!”
Martha wailed and crumpled dramatically, but I couldn’t help thinking-man, I’d gotten lucky.
”She didn’t just hit someone for no reason, you know,” I said. “From what I heard, the other party swung first.”
”Is that so?” Martha asked. “But-just look at her, sir. That woman is not respectable.”
”Come on, now. I like her. And we shouldn’t judge people by their face. Besides-she might be my wife someday. I’d really like you to get along with her, Martha.”
”If you say so, sir… Well, I will say this-that lady’s maid, Taris, seemed surly enough, but she did seem to genuinely respect Lady Flare.”
”See? Having your servants’ respect is a pretty good sign she’s a decent master, don’t you think?”
”Perhaps… if you say so, sir.”
Martha didn’t look entirely convinced. But I had already sent word that I was willing to marry Flare.
Taris would probably come along with her, so I hoped Martha would warm up to both of them soon enough.
Not long after that, we received word back from House Regal. Flare had accepted the marriage.
Which meant-officially, at least, though the ceremony hadn’t happened yet-she was going to be my wife.
That gorgeous, terrifying woman-terrifyingly gorgeous, that’s the word-had agreed to marry me. Unbelievable. I was over the moon.
So I waited, counting the days, barely able to contain myself-and then, finally, the day arrived.
On a drizzly, gray day, the carriage arrived-just two, as expected.
In the first rode Flare’s parents, Jack and Lady Regal, with Flare herself. In the second came Taris and the luggage.
Normally, a highborn lady’s wedding procession would be far grander, with mountains of baggage and endless invitations to send. It was supposed to be the “happiest and busiest time of your life.”
But Flare had few friends to begin with, and in her current state, inviting anyone would only put them in an awkward position. She simply couldn’t.
So at the ceremony, I made a point of thanking her first-for agreeing to marry a rural lord like me-and apologizing for the lack of a proper reception. I was already known as the “Odd Lord” around here. By blaming myself for the lack of a celebration, I made sure Flare didn’t have to feel embarrassed.
Flare accepted this without so much as a flinch.
And just like that, the ceremony ended.
I and Flare were officially husband and wife.
”It is a true honor to wed a lady as noble as you,” I said.
When I said that, Lady Regal’s opinion of me was clearly not improved. No surprise there-in her eyes, Flare had probably been destined for the crown prince’s hand. Even if that fell through, she would have expected Flare to marry into a house of equivalent standing. My estate was not that.
Still, Jack smoothed things over somehow, and at least I was acknowledged as Flare’s husband.
Even so, watching my mother-in-law leave the venue in tears was… complicated. I understood, of course. But it still stung.
”I must apologize for my mother’s rudeness,” Flare said.
”No need,” I replied. “Your family and mine really are in different leagues, and I can’t blame her for feeling a certain way about it.”
”Thank you. And-since we are now married, and I am the younger one, you may simply call me Flare. Taris as well-just her name, no titles.”
”Got it, Flare. Looking forward to living with you.”
”Yes.”
Holy-! Oh man oh man oh man. She said I could use her first name. That’s never happened before. And now that she’s my wife, that means-okay, okay, calm down, don’t get too excited.
Flare was as icy as ever, her eyes still capable of murder. Taris kept looking at me with that same dead-fish stare. But they’d exchanged vows. Flare had said yes. That meant she genuinely consented to this marriage, right? And Taris would follow her mistress’s lead, wouldn’t she?
Back in Japan, land was scarce and newlyweds often shared a room-even a bed-because they couldn’t afford separate quarters. But among the nobility in this world, that wasn’t the custom.
My house was smaller than the Regal estate, sure, but we had empty rooms to spare. Still-
I wonder…
The room I usually sleep in used to be my father’s room, so I decided Flare could use the adjacent room that had once been my mother’s. Taris got the guest room next to that one.
Taris might have been a lady-in-waiting, but she was still a servant-under normal circumstances, she probably should have used the servants’ quarters, where Martha currently slept alone in the bunk bed. However, she served Flare directly, and I figured Flare would feel more at ease with Taris nearby.
”Still a bit smaller compared to House Regal, I suppose,” Flare observed, her refined tones carrying a hint of longing.
”This will be more than sufficient, I’m sure,” Taris replied with practiced deference. “For now, we’ll leave any redecorating for tomorrow or later-it would be a great help if you could arrange for a few people to help move the luggage, if you’d be so kind.”
”Got it. I’ll set that up,” I said, already making mental notes.
Martha had thoroughly cleaned and prepared the rooms. They were perfectly fine for sleeping and basic living-like a business hotel room, you might say.
Of course, there was no way we could unpack everything Flare had brought for her bridal trousseau today. We’d stored it all in the parlor on the first floor.
Starting tomorrow, we’d have the servants move it into her room, and she could transform it into a space of her own liking.
Later today, I planned to give them a full tour of the house and explain how each room worked. The bathroom and toilet especially-I’d used a Magicraft device to recreate something as close to my old world’s Japan as possible-so the setup was a bit different from the norm. I’d need to cover that too.
As for Taris, I hoped she’d focus on supporting Flare for the first couple of weeks. Once she’d settled in, Martha could show her the ropes around the house, and she could learn the household duties gradually.
For now, Martha didn’t seem too thrilled with the two newcomers, but I was hoping that having a young pair of hands like Taris around would lighten her workload-and maybe soften her attitude toward them.
Just as I’d expected, they were both baffled-but also somewhat curious-about the unfamiliar bathroom fixtures… especially the Magicraft device I’d poured so much money into developing just to supply the bathtub with plenty of hot water.
Hey, but this device was portable, and Martha absolutely loved it because she could use hot water for winter laundry and dishwashing too!
And so, after an awkward but eventful dinner and a turn in the bath for each of them, the moment finally arrived. You know-the wedding night.
Should these things happen on the wedding day itself, or was it better to wait a little?
There was no concept of a honeymoon in this world, and we hadn’t planned a reception, which meant all the formal procedures for marriage were complete. Starting tomorrow, it was just a matter of building our “new normal” together. I was sure I’d be nervous for a while, but this was the only day that really felt like a milestone-like a chapter break…
Hmm… but she’s probably exhausted… I caught myself thinking like a coward, but still, I wanted to confirm-as soon as possible-that she was truly mine. Somehow, it wouldn’t feel real until then.
Wearing pajamas close to what I’d had in my old world, I knocked on her door.
It was probably around ten at night by my old world’s reckoning. I figured she’d still be awake, but it wouldn’t have been surprising if she’d gone to bed.
”Come in,” Flare’s voice called from within.
I called out with a stiff voice, “Kyle here-can I come in?” A second “Yes” came from inside.
Click.
Opening the door hesitantly, I found Flare sitting on the bed, with Taris seated on a chair across from her. Both were in white, dress-like nightwear, their makeup removed. Flare was beautiful even without cosmetics-and terrifying.
As for Taris, without makeup, the bags under her eyes stood out even more, but she was still striking. She had that dangerous vibe-like a beautiful actress deep in some kind of habit.
The two seemed to have been chatting by the lamplight on the table.
”Oh-were you in the middle of something?” I asked, hesitating at the threshold.
”Yes, indeed,” Flare replied, her aristocratic drawl carrying a note of amusement. “We saw so many unusual things today, I was sharing my impressions with Taris. I especially thought it would be lovely to have that toilet and bathroom at my family home.”
”I’m glad you liked them,” I managed.
”And what can I do for you?” she asked, her gaze sharpening.
”Actually… well…”
She must have caught on from my demeanor, because Flare said, “Ah, I see,” with a knowing look that seemed to see right through me. That alone nearly made me tremble.
”Well, we are married, so it’s only natural. That’s fine. But I also have some conditions-and since you’re here, let’s have a little discussion before we… proceed.”
She said this with a calm composure, and Taris rose, gesturing for me to take the chair she’d just been sitting in. I sat down as directed.
The warmth of Taris’s seat lingered against my backside… wait, that thought was a little gross.
But sitting face-to-face like this, I was reminded again that my wife-for all her deadly glare-was absolutely gorgeous.
Of course, she probably had her own boundaries-things she didn’t want, things that weren’t allowed, and questions about what we’d do if a child came along. But was Taris going to stay in the room while we discussed such intimate marital matters?
Taris was currently standing silently beside Flare, with no sign of leaving.
I kept glancing over at her, and Flare noticed again. “Taris may stay-in fact, this concerns her as well,” she said.
”Concerns Taris too?” I echoed, confused.
”Yes, indeed,” Flare confirmed with a slight nod.
Flare nodded quietly. Taris, though the subject of the conversation, remained as expressionless as ever.
”First of all-since we’re husband and wife, there’s no issue with doing that. We do need heirs, after all… but I will not permit any perverse acts.”
”Of course not!” I agreed quickly.
”Also, there may be times when I’m unable to attend to you… but even then, please do not visit any brothels.”
”Right. Understood,” I said, nodding.
In this world, brothels were treated kind of like entertainment-apparently even married men could go. Kind of like the Yoshiwara1 in Japan’s Edo period2. But for Flare, it counted as cheating, apparently. Got it.
”Disease is a concern as well. So for those times, I’ll have Taris attend to you in my stead. You are forbidden from engaging with any woman other than Taris.”
Ah, so it’s less about jealousy over infidelity and more about hygiene… that’s what I thought-but Flare’s next remark completely threw me off.
”Wait-what?! T-Taris?!” I sputtered, nearly choking on my own surprise.
”Yes, indeed,” Flare replied, her tone utterly matter-of-fact. “Taris has a clear background and certainly carries no strange diseases. And if the other woman is Taris, I can tolerate you sleeping with someone other than me. If Taris were to conceive, I could accept raising the child as that of a concubine.”
Huh? Is that how nobles operate? It’s okay to cheat if I approve the partner…?
I was technically a noble myself, but I’d grown up carefree as the heir of some backwater rural lord’s son-I didn’t know much about these customs.
When I was left speechless, Flare must have misinterpreted it-her sharp gaze intensified, and she glared at me. “What? Is Taris not good enough for you?” she demanded, her aristocratic composure cracking slightly.
”No, no, no-that’s not it!” I stammered, waving my hands frantically. “I just… was wondering if it’s really okay for me to make advances on my wife’s attendant… and whether Taris herself is fine with it.”
Flare replied matter-of-factly: “My, it’s quite common for noblewomen to keep ladies-in-waiting for personal care. And if that lady-in-waiting is beautiful, it’s not unusual for the husband to take an interest. My grandfather, for example-after my grandmother grew old and fell ill, he appointed a young lady-in-waiting of his choosing to her care staff, and took care of his urges that way…”
Taris also bowed her head in submission. “If it is Lady Flare’s will, I have no objection-so long as you take responsibility, I am yours to command,” she said, her voice soft but steady. Then she added, a little sullenly: “And if you were to frequent the pleasure quarters, the rumors would spread-‘That lord cannot satisfy his wife, so he seeks comfort elsewhere’-which would damage Lady Flare’s reputation.”
I see. It’s all for her lady’s sake. What incredible loyalty.
Of course, Flare was the main prize-but Taris was gorgeous in her own right. She was twenty-three, if I recalled correctly? And I was allowed to have her when Flare was unavailable… This was one hell of a bonus!
I imagined being served by expressionless, impeccably rude, radiating reluctance-and my body reacted before I could stop it. I felt like I was about to unlock a whole new side of myself.
”If that’s how it is, then I understand,” I said. “I’ll abide by everything Flare just said. And Taris-I’ll be counting on you too when the time comes.”
At my words, Taris gave a silent bow. I took that to mean she accepted.
”Next, then… well, you see, my mother had a constitution that made it difficult for her to conceive, so it’s possible I’ve inherited that. If that turns out to be the case, we’ll have Taris bear the heir, or take a concubine-but if we do take a concubine, I expect you to discuss it with me properly before deciding. And… I suppose that about covers it?”
”Yeah, of course. But honestly, I’d rather have you bear my child than a concubine. So when I want you, I’d like you to be willing… as much as possible.”
”I understand. I shall endeavor to do so.”
YES!!
Everything Flare had asked for regarding their night life-she’d accepted all of it without issue. If anything, there’d been a ridiculous bonus on top. So I agreed to her terms, and from my side, I put forward just one request: When I say I want to have s*x, let me actually do it, okay? She accepted that too.
”Well then… shall we?”
There was nothing standing in the way now. When I voiced the question, barely able to contain my anticipation, Flare offered a faint smile and gestured for Taris to leave the room.
That smile was the very definition of an icy one-and honestly, I’d been getting chills from her expression ever since earlier.
”Then, Lady Flare, if you should need anything at all, I shall be in the adjoining room.”
And with that, Taris took her leave.
I couldn’t hold back any longer. My throat and lips felt parched; I caught myself licking them, swallowing hard.
Flare said, “Well then… please, go ahead. Though I’ve never done this before either, so I do ask that you be gentle with me.”
And she welcomed me into her bed.
Before I knew it, as if drawn in by a sweet invitation, I was holding her in my arms.
To be continued
Trivia:
- Flare’s violent reputation stems from defending herself against a classmate who physically attacked her first, yet society frames her as the aggressor.
- Kyle’s immediate acceptance of Flare’s history contrasts sharply with every other man who has met her.
- The “Odd Lord” nickname Kyle carries suggests his community already accepts his unusual perspectives.
- Taris’s cold demeanor masks genuine respect for Flare, indicating Flare treats her servants well despite her fearsome exterior.
- Lady Regal’s tears at the wedding reveal that Flare’s social fall from crown prince candidate to rural lord’s wife is devastating to her family’s status.
- Kyle deliberately takes blame for the lack of a wedding reception to protect Flare from further shame.
- The rain on the wedding day creates an atmosphere of melancholy that mirrors the circumstances of the match.
- Flare’s ability to accept the situation “without so much as a flinch” suggests she has grown accustomed to disappointment and social rejection.
- Kyle’s internal comparison to a “business hotel room” reveals his modern Japanese sensibilities clashing with the fantasy world’s medieval-level accommodations.
- The Magicraft device represents Kyle’s primary contribution to the household economy—a practical invention born from his past life knowledge rather than noble status.
- Flare’s matter-of-fact acceptance of a sexual proxy reflects a dynastic mindset where marriage serves political and reproductive functions rather than romantic fulfillment.
- Taris’s dark circles hint at a history of sleeplessness or stress, yet her loyalty to Flare remains absolute—suggesting a backstory of deep obligation or gratitude.
- Kyle’s hesitation at the threshold and his self-deprecating “coward” thoughts reveal he still views Flare with awe and fear, not yet comfortable in his role as husband.
- The brothel reference to Yoshiwara subtly establishes that Kyle’s modern Japanese education informs how he interprets this world’s customs.
- Flare’s protective stance over Taris’s reputation—”if Taris were to conceive”—indicates she values her attendant as more than a disposable servant, perhaps as a trusted extension of herself.
- The absence of a honeymoon or reception implies this marriage is a pragmatic alliance rather than a celebrated social event, reinforcing the political nature of noble unions.
- Kyle’s final thought—”What incredible loyalty”—shows he still views Taris’s devotion through a modern lens of individual choice rather than the feudal obligation it actually represents.
- The shared bath sequence, though mentioned briefly, establishes a moment of domestic intimacy that contrasts sharply with the formal, transactional negotiation that follows.
- Kyle’s physiological reaction to Mei’s reluctant service is the first hint that he is aroused by cold, dismissive behavior, setting up the later appeal of Flare’s icy smile.
- The negotiation about heirs and concubines reveals that this world operates on noble lineage laws, where bloodlines and succession are the primary concerns of marriage.
- Flare’s disclosure about her mother’s fertility issues is a moment of unusual vulnerability from a character who otherwise maintains perfect aristocratic composure.
- Kyle’s request for sexual availability is framed as a preference rather than a demand, subtly positioning him as more considerate than a typical noble in this setting.
- The “ridiculous bonus” refers to a previously negotiated term not shown in this excerpt, suggesting there is more to their arrangement than what appears on the surface.
- Flare’s faint smile and the description of it as “icy” create a deliberate parallel between her and Mei’s earlier expressionless service—both are cold, yet one arouses Kyle and the other merely intrigued him.
- Taris’s silent bow and her promise to remain in the adjoining room establish her as an ever-present guardian, even during intimate moments.
- The final embrace is described as if Kyle were “drawn in” rather than taking the initiative, preserving Flare’s agency and making the moment feel mutual rather than one-sided.
- The use of “night life” instead of a more explicit term for s*x reflects the formality of the negotiation scene, where even intimate matters are discussed with clinical politeness.
- Kyle’s inner victory cry (YES!!) contrasts sharply with his composed exterior, revealing his internal excitement and the thrill of having secured Flare’s agreement on all terms.
Translation Notes:
1 ↩ A reference to the famous licensed pleasure quarter in Edo-period Japan. The narrator uses this as a cultural touchstone to explain that brothels in this fantasy world are socially tolerated similarly to historical Japan, unlike modern Western norms.
2 ↩ The historical era of Japanese history (1603-1868) during which the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter operated. The narrator invokes this to frame his understanding of the world’s customs.