What, you’re really going to do that?!

Then I’ll do exactly that.

‘Why is he suddenly going this far…?’

It didn’t seem like he was just teasing me for fun. Then, seriously.

I blurted out the thought I’d been muttering inside.

“You… you… could it be that you like me…?”

“Are you stating your wish?”

“Y-yes, what you’re doing right now is weird.”

“You’re scared.”

Of course you’re scared when I scare you.

“If you’re afraid of me climbing onto your bed, then don’t ask me to let Kian ride piggyback on me, or demand that I take good care of Kian. I’ll handle things myself then.”

Ah. So that’s why this crazy guy’s acting like this—this was his goal all along.

‘Did he get annoyed because I asked him to give Kian a piggyback ride not long ago?’

“You promised you’d listen to me about Kian.”

“Hmm. Unlike the duke’s mansion, this place doesn’t have many rooms. Even if you leave the room because you’re uncomfortable sharing a bed with me, you won’t have anywhere else to go.”

So, in other words, I’m at a complete disadvantage here, so I’d better behave.

“Fine… I’ll do it. But don’t even dream of climbing onto the bed.”

At that, Sikar smiled faintly and pinched my cheek.

“Cute.”

Cute? Sikar thinks someone is cute?

“Could you…?”

“Are you going to ask again if I like you?”

“N-no. I was just wondering… do you also pinch Happy’s cheek and say she’s cute?”

‘Now I’m comparing myself to Happy…’

“Looks like you think I can’t tell the difference between a puppy and a person.”

“What do you mean?”

“You can’t pinch a puppy’s cheek because they’re too small.”

So he’s treating me as cute like a puppy?

Just as my thoughts tangled in confusion, Sikar tossed a towel over my face. My vision was blocked, and I couldn’t see anything ahead.

“What are you doing?”

I was about to pull the towel down when—

“If you want to see my naked body, feel free to remove the towel.”

I stopped trying to remove it and instead pulled the towel back over my head myself. My face burned hot, and I could only stand frozen in place.

‘That crazy guy… sharing a room with him has made him even crazier…’

The rustling sounds confirmed he was definitely changing clothes.

‘With his personality, there was no way he’d quietly leave to change elsewhere. I asked for too much.’

At least he gave up the bed—I should be grateful for that much.

“But what about when I need to change clothes? Will you cover your eyes with a towel too?”

“Hmm.”

“Hmm? What does that mean?”

“Even if you cover my eyes with a towel while you change, would it really make a difference?”

Ah, right. He’d still see everything. That’s why lately, I’ve been closing my eyes while dressing.

“If you want, I’ll cover my eyes with a towel.”

“No. What I want is for you to leave.”

“It won’t be easy for you to dress alone.”

“It’s fine. My arms can reach all over my back.”

“If dressing alone isn’t difficult for you, then I won’t bother being considerate.”

“And when you change clothes, I’ll be considerate and leave.”

“No need. There are plenty of ways to cover your eyes.”

It’s uncomfortable hearing every rustle as he changes. Next time, I should quickly get out of the way on my own.

Soon, the towel was lifted from my face. Sikar had already neatly changed clothes—switched from his uniform into a more comfortable shirt and vest.

“You should change into something more comfortable too. This is a temple. Everyone dresses lightly; we can’t be the only ones wearing heavy, elaborate outfits.”

“Fine, now get out.”

I pushed Sikar’s back. He stood stubbornly for a moment as if amused, pinched my cheek again, then left the room.

‘Taming Sikar seems harder than raising a child.’

Then, as Sikar suggested, I changed into a light blouse and long pleated skirt and came out.

Seeing my outfit, Sikar lifted one corner of his mouth approvingly.

“Much better.”

Then we immediately followed Grandmother to pay our respects to the High Priest. In the original story, the High Priest was mentioned only briefly, so I was curious about who he was.

‘He must be an extremely charismatic and noble figure.’

With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I met the High Priest. But contrary to my expectations, he had the warm, grandfatherly appearance and easygoing demeanor of a neighborhood elder.

“Hehe. Welcome, welcome. I’ve heard you generously donate to our Reper Grand Temple.”

“We’re simply grateful you allowed our grandmother to reside here.”

“This place is open to anyone who serves the divine. If you ever feel you need the god’s help, come anytime.”

“If you ever need more donations, please let us know. We’ll offer our devotion as much as our means allow.”

“Hehe. I feel like I’ve gained a reliable ally. Then I won’t hesitate to request donations whenever necessary.”

“That’s what we hope for.”

I never expected the noble High Priest to have such a boisterous personality. He seemed refreshingly genuine and likable.

After greeting the High Priest and presenting a large donation, we exchanged brief greetings with the priests.

Next, after taking a quick tour of the entire living quarters where Grandmother resided, we headed to the chapel.

Though the main building’s chapel was said to be very large, the chapel in the living quarters was cramped.

“This is where you’ll attend morning and evening prayers from now on.”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

During our stay at the temple, we had to follow its schedule alongside Grandmother—and it was quite rigorous.

“While you’re here, you must never miss the morning and evening prayers. And after morning prayers, there’s group calisthenics—I’d appreciate it if you didn’t skip that.”

Sikar, who had been listening calmly, frowned at the mention of group calisthenics.

“Group calisthenics? Grandmother? Not exercise—calisthenics?”

“It’s different from the workouts you’re used to. You might find it fun once you try it.”

Reluctantly, Sikar nodded.

“Understood, Grandmother.”

“I didn’t mention this in my letter, but I’ve been volunteering here with the trainee priests. Lately, we’ve been making clothes for the village girls.”

“Clothes?”

“I’ll show you what I’ve been working on. Follow me.”

The small room we followed Grandmother into resembled a home-based sewing workshop. Bolts of fabric were neatly stacked in the corner, and sewing kits sat on the central table.

Soon, the village will hold a coming-of-age ceremony, which is like a debutante ball for commoners. That’s why the trainee priests are currently making clothes for the village youths to wear during the ceremony.

“This room was originally shared with others, but everyone cleared out when they heard you were coming.”

Sikar, who had been nodding absentmindedly, suddenly stiffened and asked warily.

“Grandmother, you mean…?”

“Yes, exactly what you’re thinking, Sikar. While you’re here, I’d like you both to experience volunteering together.”

“Grandmother, I’ve never sewn before…”

“People learn new things as they age whenever they encounter something unfamiliar. Not knowing how to sew isn’t something to boast about—take this opportunity to learn.”

“But, Grandmother… even if I learn, when would I ever use it…?”

“You can use it right here, for volunteering like this.”

Sikar sighed deeply without further protest.

Sikar sewing? Just imagining that big guy holding a needle in his hands was funny enough.

“Since the village’s coming-of-age ceremony happens right before you leave, make sure to see it before you go.”

In the modern world I came from, there was an Adult’s Day, but I never received anything on that day.

I’d only heard of coming-of-age ceremonies and never experienced one, so I was curious—but crowded places still made me anxious.

Still, I couldn’t easily refuse Grandmother’s kind intentions.

“A coming-of-age ceremony? That sounds so fun, Grandmother.”

Grandmother looked at me, surprised.

“Yura, didn’t they hold coming-of-age ceremonies where you lived?”

“Huh? Well, um…”

I glanced at Sikar pleadingly for help, but he just grinned at me amusedly, as if waiting to see how I’d excuse myself.

Annoying man. Did I just blunder by trying to go along with him?

As my head throbbed trying to think of an excuse, Sikar chuckled and spoke.

“Yura was sick back then and couldn’t attend the coming-of-age ceremony, Grandmother.”

“Oh dear, I didn’t know that happened. Then you must attend this time and see it properly. I can’t go myself, but you two should go and enjoy yourselves.”

“Wouldn’t our presence disrupt a commoners’ festival? We plan to stay with you and return afterward.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to hide your status and have fun for once.”

Sikar, who had been listening silently, flushed as if the suggestion was absurd.

“It’s not a festival I’m eager enough to attend. It’s fine, Grandmother.”

Sikar really was perceptive. It seemed he was saying this to consider me—I was curious about the ceremony, but didn’t feel confident attending.

“But since Yura missed her ceremony due to illness, take her to see it this time.”

“I understand your kindness, Grandmother, but Yura has agoraphobia.”

“Agoraphobia?”

“It’s a psychological condition where she fears crowded or unfamiliar places—she might suddenly feel suffocated or even faint.”

“Oh my. Such a thing exists. The world truly has many cruel afflictions.”

“Grandmother, it’s not a disease—it’s called a disorder, like an anxiety disorder.”

Grandmother looked at me with deep sympathy, took my hand, and patted the back of it gently.

“I see. You must have found it so inconvenient all this time.”

Grandmother’s hand holding mine felt so warm. Just that simple gesture made me feel how genuinely she cared for me.

“Ah, no, Grandmother.”

“I wondered why your wedding was so small—now I understand.”

That’s right. Sikar did seem quietly considerate at times like this.

“But Yura, don’t worry. This village has only a few households, so it won’t be crowded.”

“Really?”

“Certainly. I’d guess there won’t even be dozens of people. Would even that be too hard for you?”

“I think I could manage that much… but they’re strangers… I’d find it hard to mingle. Still, if it’s okay, I could sit aside and watch—as long as I’m not the center of attention.”

“Even that would make for a wonderful memory.”

Kian, who had been listening thoughtfully to our conversation, looked at me with firm determination and spoke.

“Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll protect you.”

“Huh…?”

Just as I was about to give Kian, who clenched his little fists earnestly, a look of感动, Sikar snorted and said,

“I’ll protect my wife.”

“That’s fine, Duke. She’s my mother—I’ll protect her.”

“Before that, she’s my wife.”

“Before that, she’s my mother.”

I felt so embarrassed because of Sikar that I couldn’t even look at Grandmother’s face.

But thankfully, Grandmother beamed warmly, still holding my hand.

“Our Yura is so lucky—to have so many men willing to protect her.”

“Ah, no, Grandmother.”

It was embarrassing, but as Grandmother said, having two men declare they’d protect me did feel nice.