I Was Told, “I Can’t Leave the Territory Management to You, Brother-in-law!!”, So I Restarted My Adventurer Life in My Mother’s Homeland – Chapter 27

Chapter 27: I’m Staying With Him
  “Now, let’s get down to business.”
   
  “Wasn’t that the main topic just now?”
   
  Eld says with an exasperated look.
   
  “If that was the main topic, I would have asked Mary to leave too.”
   
  Eld agrees, realizing that makes sense.
   
  “It’s been three years, but it seems like you two haven’t made any progress. Have you actually regressed?”
   
  The two of them flinch and stiffen at the question.
   
  “Even considering how busy you were, three years is a long time.”
   
  “No, but the lord’s work is tough, and…… It’s not like I broke up with her or anything……”
   
  Mary tries to interject, but the words don’t come out smoothly.
   
  “Hey, hey, Mary. This guy’s been neglecting you because he’s been busy, right? Not only that, he even hired you as a maid to keep an eye on you and prevent you from going to other men.”
   
  “Th-That’s not……”
   
  Eld tries to deny it, but Al glares at him.
   
  “What’s not true about it? That’s how it looks from an outsider’s perspective.”
   
  Eld falls silent.
   
  “That’s why, Mary, let’s be together. I wouldn’t keep you waiting like this.”
   
  Al extends his hand to Mary. Mary lowers her gaze for a moment, then looks at Al intently.
   
  “I’ve been saying this for a long time. I’m staying with Eld. I know that, unlike his appearance, Eld is selfish, self-centered, irresponsible, and uncaring. That’s why…… I’m comfortable with him.”
   
  Eld hangs his head at Mary’s clear words. Al smiles and stands up.
   
  “Ahh. That’s the 100th rejection. As promised, I can’t propose anymore.”
   
  Al says to Mary. Mary recalls the promise Al unilaterally made during their academy days.
   
  “Well then, I have to head back north. I’ll come visit again when I have time, and I hope to see some progress by then.”
   
  Al laughs and leaves.
   
  “Mary…… I’m sorry……”
   
  Mary places her hand on Eld’s head.
   
  “I know you’re selfish, self-centered, irresponsible, and uncaring, and at the same time, I know you’re kind and pure. Eld was the first person who looked at me and called me beautiful without disdain or contempt.”
   
  Eld couldn’t lift his face at Mary’s words.
   
   
   
  “Welcome back, Bocchama.”
   
  Tohlight was putting away tools when Al stepped outside.
   
  “Yes. It’s been a while since I saw them, and they’ve become quite soft, so I gave them a good talking-to.”
   
  “Hahaha. Bocchama also says he wants you to stop calling him Bocchama, but he can’t quite shake off his dependence. As long as he relies on Mary, he’ll always be Bocchama.”
   
  Tohlight laughs heartily.
   
  “Well, with this, if there’s no progress next time we meet, I’ll have them break off the Goddess’s contract or whatever it is and send them to the North Front Line.”
   
  “Is there still conflict there?”
   
  The North Front Line where Al is stationed has been in a constant state of war since long ago, with tensions running high.
   
  “No, we’ve been able to repel any attacks for the past year, so there’s no problem, but given who we’re dealing with, we never know when a large horde might attack.”
   
  “It must be tough to be stationed in such a place for nearly ten years.”
   
  “There’s not much else the fifth prince with low succession rights can do.”
   
  Saying this, the fifth prince of the Lutodelein Kingdom, Alderic Lutobalk, wipes his eyes. Seeing this, Tohlight gently offers him a handkerchief.
   
  “Are those tears from being rejected by the one you love, or from the sadness of having to go to the harsh front lines?”
   
  “The way you ask so bluntly and without delicacy, you’re quite similar to Eld. Is that appropriate for an educator?”
   
  Al wipes his eyes with Tohlight’s handkerchief and says with a laugh.
   
  “Oh, is that so? It’s common practice where I’m from, so I thought it was normal.”
   
  Tohlight says with a laugh. Al’s tears have subsided, and he laughs, thinking that their personalities are similar too.
   
  “I can’t interfere with the Faniaal family, but there are a few things that bother me, so I’ll investigate what I can. It’ll take time since I’m not always stationed at the castle, though.”
   
  “I don’t think Eld-sama is too concerned about it anymore, so please do so at your convenience.”
   
  Al returns the handkerchief to Tohlight and leaves. Tohlight bows and sees Al off until he disappears from sight.