Chapter 33
“Welcome to the Duke’s Grand Mansion”
(Kai and Lutia’s Summer Vacation Arc – Part 2)
Outside the carriage window stretched an endless garden, vast and manicured.
In the distance, a massive white mansion towered over the landscape.
The tree-lined road from the gate to the front entrance was wide enough for three carriages to pass side by side.
“…Is this a castle or what?”
Kai muttered without thinking. Beside him, Lutia proudly puffed out her chest.
“This is my home—the Duke’s estate.”
“‘Home,’ huh? Bit of an understatement there!”
When the carriage stopped, a line of butlers and maids stood waiting at the entrance, bowing deeply in perfect unison.
“Welcome home, Lady Lutia. And… Master.”
“Wh–Who’re you callin’ ‘Master’!?”
“Why, your husband, of course.”
“Don’t go makin’ things official on your own—!!”
The heavy doors opened to reveal polished marble floors, a red carpet, and portraits of generations of dukes adorning the walls.
“…Looks like the set of a movie.”
“A… movie?”
“Ah, think of it like a super fancy stage play.”
As they chatted, a woman with lustrous black hair descended gracefully down the staircase.
It was Lutia’s mother, Duchess Eleonora.
“Welcome, Professor Kai.”
Her voice was calm but carried undeniable authority.
“It’s been a while, Duchess… since that dinner at the restaurant.”
Kai quickly bowed.
“My, you remember? That night was quite lively.”
“Well, some villains crashed the party, after all.”
“You neutralized their magic and even saved my sons. To me, that makes you practically family.”
“F–Family…!?”
Kai blushed and scratched his head. Beside him, Lutia proudly wrapped her arm around his.
“As you can see, Mother. He’s my husband.”
“Who says I am!?”
At that moment, two tall young men appeared—the Duke’s sons, Wilhelm and Julius, Lutia’s elder brothers.
“Sir Cross—no, Professor Kai, isn’t it? It’s been a while since the Academy Tournament.”
“The strength you showed defeating us alongside our sister—we haven’t forgotten.”
Their gazes were serious, but not hostile. In their eyes was a mix of frustration and genuine respect.
“That match… we lost completely. In both sword and magic, you were no ordinary man.”
“I can’t deny it—you’re a man worthy of entrusting our sister to.”
“H–Hold up! Ain’t nobody entrustin’ nobody yet! Stop makin’ assumptions!”
Kai protested with all his might, but the brothers just grinned.
They were led into a grand dining hall.
Golden plates held lavish meat dishes, fresh-baked bread, and steaming soup.
Lutia, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, began serving Kai’s plate and cutting his meat for him.
“Here you go, dear husband. Let me take care of the meat.”
“I told ya, I can do it myself!”
“No, you mustn’t. It’s a wife’s duty.”
“Stop callin’ yourself that!”
The butlers and maids exchanged amused smiles.
“My, what a lovely couple they make.”
Kai could only bury his face in his hands.
After dinner, Wilhelm spoke seriously.
“Professor Kai, I’d like a rematch sometime soon.”
“Why’re we schedulin’ duels right after dinner!?”
“That last mock battle left things unresolved.”
Julius nodded.
“For a man my sister trusts this deeply, I must see his strength for myself.”
“Stop puttin’ pressure on me, will ya!?”
“It’s fine, my dear husband. You’ll never lose to anyone.”
“Stop callin’ me that—!!”
That night, as Kai walked down the long corridor, he let out a deep sigh.
“…So this is where I’m spendin’ my summer vacation, huh? It’s too comfortable—it’s kinda scary.”
Lutia stopped and looked up at him earnestly.
“Kai. This is your home too now. So please… feel at ease.”
Kai fell silent for a moment, then gave a small, wry smile.
(A place to belong, huh… Never thought I’d have somethin’ like that.)
Deep in his chest, he felt a faint, warm flame begin to glow.
