Promise Me a Life With Three Meals and a Nap, Duke

Dawn Proposal

　Uh…face…

　In the morning, I woke up to some heavy weight.

　There was something warm behind me, and something heavy on top of me.

　I wondered what it was, and when I moved, something on top of me slipped off and came back on.

　When I look at that heavy something, I felt amused ――

“Licht, you’re heavy…”

“Waf-waf!”

　This is no time for some warf-warf!

　He’s gotten so big lately that he’s getting heavier and heavier for me to lift. It’s really hard when he treats me like a futon.

　Do you understand?

　He proabably he couldn’t tell if he was getting bigger and heavier or if he was simply gaining weight.

　You’ve been playing to your heart’s content at the residence in the capital, but I got mad because you’ve been too naughty, remember?

　Can’t you take a lesson from Retzel?

　Why is he so quiet and gentle, but you…is it because you’re a pup? It’s because you’re a pup, right?

　He huffed and lifted himself up.

　Then, Licht immediately went down to the side, but the next moment, I was flabbergasted.

　That existence next to me.

　I forgot about him!

　A lump larger than a Licht.

　For a moment, I thought it was Retzel, but Retzel was now quietly outside.

“….Ng.”

　The lump of heat next to me slowly opened his eyes, as if he was stirred awake.

“…You’re awake?”

　I was somewhat startled to hear the husky voice of my waking bedmate.

　No, I have always thought my husband had a beautiful voice, but why does his faint voice upon waking up sound so sexy?!

　I nodded, averting my gaze as it was difficult to look directly at him.

“You’re early…”

　As I was getting up, my husband also got up.

　The sun has not come in through the curtains yet, so it must be just after dawn.

　Even though I went to bed late, I was awakened by the early sleeper and early riser, Licht-kun.

　He usually stays quiet until I wake up, but why today?―― I wondered, but then Retzel was usually in the room with me.

　I just discovered that Retzel is indeed a deterrent.

“Do you still want to sleep?”

“No…I’m already awake.

　I’m sorry I woke you.

　If you are going to be angry, by all means, reprimand Licht.

“You look like you want to go outside.”

“Uh?”

“It’s good that you’re doing well, but you’re not really getting enough exercise, are you?”

　Doubtlessly, he’s talking to Licht.

“Wild animals are basically out in the open all the time. That means they’re probably moving around a lot. At least, more than this guy lounging around the house. Tell me, didn’t you get up early because you lack exercise and have too much energy, huh?”

　Ah, I see.

　You’re very knowledgeable. I’ve never owned an animal, so I have no idea…

But compared to a wild animal, Licht is certainly not exercising.

The same goes for Retzel.

He seems to be under a lot of stress, that’s for sure.

“Do you want to go to the stable? Since you’re awake anyway, why don’t we go for a walk?”

“Do you have one?”

“This is the home of the largest estate in the country. We raise horses on the property. We’ll need them for the war.”

　Oh, you mean war horses.

　There’s definitely an open space for raising them, isn’t there?

“It’s pretty vast, so running around won’t be a problem. They probably wouldn’t be using the place right now, and that’s why you’re here, right?”

　Right on the mark.

　It was for the two beasts to exercise.

“I don’t know about Richt, but Leitzel is a bit monstrous.”

“He’s not as big as he seems.

　My husband got up from the bed and rang the bell on the side of the room.

　After a while, knock sounded on the door.

　Husband opened the door himself and talked in the crack.

　He closed the door right after.

“What is it?”

“Can you ride a horse?”

“A-A horse? Yeah, sort of.”

　The Count of Verdigo’s estate is quite rural, you know?

　It’s easier to move in a horse than a carriage.

“It’s a long way to the stable. It’s not too far on foot, but a horse would be faster.”

“…I didn’t bring my riding clothes, though.”

“I’m sure they have some here. Even if you didn’t bring it from the mansion, everything’s here. When you’re ready, come to the main gate.”

　The master quickly left a number of commands and left the bedroom.

　He’s acting kind of normal.

　Very normal…

　Yesterday, we were talking about something important, but I didn’t feel a trace of it just now.

　I wonder if he has his mind on the matter, or if yesterday was an illusion…

　I believe not.

　That aside, I need to get ready too.

　There are two bells in the room that call people.

　One bell is for the Master, which my husband uses, and the other is for the Duchess ―― or rather for calling maids.

　Although it’s called the Master’s bell, it’s for the butler or an attendant male servant. So, if you want to call either of them, ring the Master’s bell. If you want to call a maid, use the Duchess’s bell.

　Before I could use the bell, however, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

“Excuse us.”

　It’s probably the lady attendants of the castle.

　Incidentally, the only one I brought with me on the trip was Lil. This is because Layla and Lina are still inexperienced as lady attendants, so they might be taken lightly by those who have worked at the castle for a long time.

　Well, I don’t want any bullying to happen to my maids, but I’m also sure that as attendants to a Duchess, they lack experience.

　The skill of a lady attendant is also linked to her dignity as a Duchess, so this time, I let them stay and see how they improve in my absence.

　On the contrary, Lil is actually from this territory and has been to the castle many times for training.

　I see.

　So that’s why she didn’t quit even though she was forced to do something different from being a lady attendant for a long time. When I heard that, I understood.

　I thought that no matter how much the salary was, they still have pride. Mystery solved.

“I’ve brought you riding clothes by Master’s order. Shall we begin getting ready?”

“Please.”

　The lady attendants moved briskly.

　At their urging, I got off the bed and took off my nightgown.