Chapter 41
“The People’s Favorite”
[Kai and Lutia’s Summer Vacation Arc ⑩]
Ever since that day when water began to flow again through the waterways, the entire atmosphere of the duchy had changed.
The villages, once tormented by drought, regained their lushness, and the farmlands began to yield vibrant, healthy crops.
And at the center of it all was—Kai Cross.
Before long, the townsfolk began to call him by many affectionate names:
“Professor Cross!”
“The Son-in-Law Teacher!”
“The Savior of the Territory!”
One day, when Kai went out from the duke’s manor to visit the marketplace, people called out to him from all directions as he walked down the street.
“Professor Son-in-Law! Could you explain that fertilizer ratio again?”
“Sir Son-in-Law! When’s the wedding day!?”
“It’s not decided yet! And I’m not the son-in-law!”
Flustered, Kai barely had time to react before a crowd of children swarmed around him.
“Teacher, candy!”
“All right, all right, can’t say no to that. Here, one each, okay?”
He handed out little wrapped candies from his pocket, and the children’s faces lit up with delighted “Wow!”s.
“…You really do look like a teacher, Kai,” Lutia said beside him, folding her arms proudly.
“Do I?”
“Yes. Everyone from children to adults adores you, and you even saved the territory… You’re more of a husband than just a teacher now.”
“Don’t go triggering ‘Wife Mode’ on me!”
The people in the market burst into laughter at their exchange, calling out even louder:
“Professor Son-in-Law and Lady Lutia make a perfect pair!”
“The future of our land is in good hands!”
“When’s the wedding?!”
“It’s not a wedding! I’m not even thinking about marriage—”
“Not even thinking about…?”
Lutia gave him a sly smile, staring at him intently.
“…You are thinking about it, aren’t you?”
“No! Not right now!”
Even so, all through the marketplace, no matter where they went, voices followed him.
“Sir Son-in-Law!”
“Professor Son-in-Law!”
“Master Husband!”
Each time, Kai’s face turned bright red as he tried to shout back denials.
But before he realized it—he found that deep down, he didn’t really mind.
(Is it okay… for me to have a place like this? If everyone’s smiling and calling out to me like that…)
Beside him, Lutia beamed blissfully, proudly linking her arm through his as they walked.
“See? No one denies it anymore. You’re this land’s rightful husband now.”
“The fact that no one denies it is what’s scary!”
Laughter filled the market from end to end, and so—Kai Cross became the beloved favorite of all the people.
