Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger

”But if you ever speak of him like that again...”

Roya felt a shiver run down her spine at Ethea’s words, so she didn’t even register the rest of her words. For that brief moment, she even forgot she was the mighty princess and Ethea the one in the wheelchair. She then realized the situation and cleared her mind of distracting thoughts. ”You’re right, Ethea. I shouldn’t have spoken like that or meddled in your private life. For that, I sincerely apologize. I just hope you can forgive my rudeness.”

”...Ok,” Ethea replied after a moment. ”Please, don’t repeat such a mistake again.”

Roya nodded in understanding.

”Speaking of which...” Ethea glanced at her. ”When are you getting married, Senior?”

”Huh? Me?” Roya was caught off guard again. ”I... I have been busy lately and haven’t had time for such matters. Furthermore... You know how the Imperial Family arranges marriages. I don’t think I will have much of a say in it when the time comes.”

”Thank you for your kind wishes.”

”Mmm. Now, shall we continue watching?”

”Ah, yes. Of course.” Roya agreed hastily and turned her attention to the arena.

Minutes passed in silence, and Roya’s inner curiosity only kept increasing. She didn’t speak because she feared she would mess up and make another mistake.

”...Your Highness, we’ll be leaving tomorrow.” Ethea said, breaking the quiet. ”So you don’t have to make any arrangements for us. I know you want to help, but the best help you can give right now is not to do anything.”

”...I understand.” Roya reluctantly nodded, realizing why Ethea said that. ’She probably doesn’t want to draw attention to herself or her husband. But...’

”What about the competition?” Roya asked, because she could understand that Ethea’s husband was unknown and that it didn’t matter if he left the competition. But at the same time, he had talent and passion; it was obvious even without the reports Roya received. ”Is it really ok to just leave like this? He might have a chance of winning.”

Ethea went silent for a moment. ”...It’s ok. He will have plenty of chances to prove himself later. Besides, he is doing it just for fun. If he takes it seriously, his chances of winning the tournament would be extremely high. But right now... There are more important things than winning a trophy.”

”...I don’t understand what could be that important, but I believe you have your reasons.” Roya let out a sigh. ”Alright, as you requested, I won’t do anything. But... I hope you will contact me if you need any help.”

Roya stood up, took something out of her ring, and handed it to Ethea. ”I am going to take my leave now. ...Take care.”

”...Thank you.” Ethea accepted the item and nodded. ”And... Till we meet again.”

Roya nodded back, put on her hoodie, and left the room, leaving a single phrase behind.

’...Be careful.’

”...” Ethea stared at the door intensely for a moment before turning back to the arena. ’Be careful, huh... Then, we should leave before something happens...’

───────

[Soren Everly: Pass]

’...’

Soren squinted as he saw himself among the 10 people who passed to the semi-finals.

’The rules were a bit stranger than I expected, but the process wasn’t that different from the Expert Magic Chef exam.’ He thought as he analyzed it. ’They probably wanted to sort out the strongest candidates this way.’

Furthermore, he also learned about the rules for the semi-finals and that 3 people would advance to the finals.

’That way, they won’t have to hold another round for 3rd place. They will find out about it directly in the finals...’

While there was an ingredient he really needed for third place, he had long decided to let it go. It wasn’t worth the risk of drawing more attention to himself or delaying their departure any further. Ethea’s safety, reuniting with Ryan and his family, and rescuing his little sister came first.

’...Though there might be a way to get it without staying for the whole tournament.’

The thought lingered as he slowly took his leave, doing his best to avoid the reporters and other contestants.

’I am already in the semi-finals, so if I participate in it and manage to get into the finals, the first half of the work will be done.’

In the finals, he would just forfeit or not participate at all, which would automatically make him third place. As for the rewards, he could have President Doran collect them on his behalf and send them to him later.

’...I’ll have to discuss it with Ethea and President Doran later.’

There was a chance it might not be allowed after all.

’Let’s hope for the best...’

───────

’...So, what do you think?’

’...That’s actually a great idea,’ Ethea replied after a short pause. ’But is it actually possible? Did you talk about it with President Doran?’

’Yes, I met with him after advancing to the semi-finals.’ Soren answered, recalling how he’d been caught by him after escaping the reporters. ’He agreed to help, but with one condition. He... wanted me to have participated as a candidate from Bagdad’s Magic Chef Association.’

’...That’s it?’

’That’s it. He said having a contestant reach the finals under Baghdad’s name would be good publicity for the branch and also the people of the city. It looks like it has been over a decade since a local candidate made it that far.’ Soren let out a small chuckle. ’While he might have had some ulterior motives, I think he truly wanted to give the people something to be proud of again.’

’...’ Ethea smiled at Soren’s words. ’Then, did you accept it?’

’...I was going to, but I decided to discuss it with you first.’

’...Thank you, but you really didn’t have to ask me. This is something you wanted to do, isn’t it? I trust your judgment.’ She paused, her voice softening. ’But, more than anything, I still want you to do it for yourself. Because... you deserve to have something you enjoy, and I don’t want to take that away from you.’

’...Alright, I will enjoy it as much as I can.’