We arrived at the mansion and immediately started moving in.

  The men who traveled with us carried our belongings while the servants began cleaning. Outside, everyone else started setting up for what quickly became a massive feast. By the following evening, the entire town had gathered, each person bringing food.

  I’m the new lord of this place.

  I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.

  We eat.

  After that, every important-looking person lines up to introduce themselves. Titles, responsibilities, promises. I manage to follow along for a while… then my brain shuts off halfway through.

  Eventually, it ends.

  I’m exhausted.

  I glance to my right. Roka is swaying slightly, barely awake after all the talking.

  I look to my left. Felmina, on the other hand, looks perfectly composed.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  I lean closer and raise a hand toward her. She notices immediately, shifting closer until she’s within arm’s reach.

  “Listen,” I murmur. “Can you really manage all of this?”

  “Yes, dearest husband,” she replies calmly. “This much is well within my capabilities.”

  So dependable.

  “I’ve had plenty of practice at the palace,” she continues. “Administration, etiquette, coordination—it was part of my education. This is my specialty.”

  I pull her in and kiss her.

  She freezes.

  Completely stunned.

  “Call me if anything important comes up,” I say quietly. “Anytime.”

  She blushes hard, clutching her cheeks and squirming in place.

  “You can depend on me.”

  That night, we go to bed together.

  Just sleep.

  Today was too much for anything else.

  The next morning, I call a family meeting.

  “Felmina.”

  “Yes, dear.”

  “I’m leaving the day-to-day management of the territory and the mansion to you.”

  “Of course,” she says smoothly. “But what will you be doing?”

  I turn to Roka.

  Our eyes meet.

  “You and I are making this mansion livable.”

  Roka blinks. “What do you mean?”

  “You and I—and some of the crew who came with us—are installing indoor plumbing.”

  She stares at me.

  “You’ll draw up the plans,” I continue. “Make a budget. Let Felmina help you with that. Once everything’s ready, come get me.”

  “…Where will you be in the meantime?” Roka asks.

  “Yes,” Felmina adds. “Where?”

  “I saw an abandoned barn not far from here,” I say. “I’m going to find the owner today and start setting up my laboratory. Once the mansion’s sorted, that’ll be our next project.”

  They both look surprised.

  Then they nod.

  And just like that—

  we’re off.