Kyle sat on the coachman’s seat, driving the wagon, following the hunters on their horses. They were currently heading to one of their camp sites.

Kyle had been living in the capital for over a week with Vanessa. They had arranged the house as they wanted and gone shopping for food and more household items. Vanessa had started to grow vegetables and fruit trees in their yard.

Kyle was now on his first hunting trip with the team. He was a general hand so he was tasked with driving the wagon that was to carry their catch. He would have to help with setting camp and meals when they reach their destination.

They reached camp just before sunset. There was enough light left over to start setting up tents and get the fires going. They would begin cooking soon and start readying a night watch.

There hasn’t been news of stray monsters in the forest near the capital in the last ten years but it was always good to be cautious.

Kyle laid on his back as he watched the stars. It was time for his watch soon. The hunt would start early in the morning. Not that it had anything to do with him. This was a trial trip for him and he would only remain at the camp during the day to keep watch, together with one of the younger members.

He had brought his bow and arrows just in case of emergency. He had his storage ring but such a thing was unheard of in this world. It would only bring annoyances to his peaceful life if it was to be revealed.

The night passed by quickly and the first signs of light could be seen from over the treetops. The hunters woke up and the camp started to become lively with activity.

Kyle assumed his post near the wagon. The inside of the wagon was lined with a magic formation designed to expel heat towards the outside, using small mana crystals.

The surrounding of the wagon was rather warm. Kyle’s Divine body did not care about such things but it would be seen as odd behaviour by others, therefore he sat a distance away, with his bow and arrows nearby.

The other young man, Thomas, not much older than him, sat nearby. The two chatted about their lives as they kept an eye out for any potential dangers.

Thomas had been very jealous of Kyle upon learning that he was to be married after returning to the capital and that they had already bought their own home.

That day, the veteran hunters had caught one of their goals for the trip. A fully-grown steel boar. It was a rather strong wild beast. Not quite at the level of monsters but a dangerous foe nevertheless.

Kyle helped with draining the blood and skinning the tough hide of the large animal while the hunters taught him the areas which were easier to dismantle.

Of course, it was not the first time Kyle had hunted such a thing but it was best to not divulge about his life prior to ‘Kyle the hunter’.

The chilled space of the wagon was half-filled with just the remains of the boar after processing.

It turns out that a noble house with a taste for gourmet dishes had requested this prize of a wild beast.

The hunters went back out the next few days to hunt for their regular requests. Kyle assumed the watch with a different member of the hunting team each day.

***

‘Kyle will be back tomorrow. I can’t wait!’

‘And we’ll officially be husband and wife the day after tomorrow! Kyaaaa!!’

Vanessa tended to her garden in a state of euphoria as she screamed internally.

She did not have much to do during the time Kyle was away. Therefore, she went around and greeted her neighbours, attempting to get into their good books.

The efforts paid off as she found many miscellaneous jobs to keep her occupied. Kyle had been away for four days now. She felt very lonely as she could neither see her beloved or meet with her little brother.

Vanessa had met a few housewives, a few years older than her, who had husbands working away from home. They lived in the same housing district as Vanessa. Many of their husbands were working for merchant companies and would be travelling in convoys, going from city to city.

Quite a few of the neighbours had small children that Vanessa would babysit during the day while the mothers were away working elsewhere.

She kept herself busy most of the time, but couldn’t help but miss Kyle. They had seen each other every single day for the last four years after all.

***

Alex had been in a very good mood lately. He’d hum a song randomly while resting in his room. This annoyed his roommate even more than usual! And this was an impressive feat.

Amelia would endlessly talk about marriage and her ideal prince charming that she’d marry when she grew up. Susanne would fail to provide any answers on the topic whenever Amelia asked her about it, albeit with her face beet red.

Alex thought she was too shy. Truthfully, they were only ten years old and were far too young to be talking about such topics.

Michael just pretended to be invisible whenever Amelia talked about it. Although, Alex noticed him blushing from time to time.

That day, they had just finished Basic Mana Theory and were heading to the mess hall for lunch.

“My sister and Kyle are having their ceremony tomorrow. You guys still coming?”

“Of course! Susie, you coming too yeah? You have to meet Big Sis Vanessa! She’s real nice.”

“O-OK, I’ll come. I’ll tell daddy in the morning.”

“Mikey?”

“I don’t want to. Hmph, why do I have to attend some commoners’ wedding ceremony.”

“Mikey, don’t be mean yeah? Come with us!”

Michael grumbled some more but he knew he couldn’t win against his twin sister.

Alex smiled happily. “Thanks guys! I’m sure Big Sis will be pleased to have more friends come to the ceremony.”

“Who’s your friend…” Michael’s usual retort was dismissed by everyone. Alex thought it was rather cute that Michael insisted on his unfriendly visage yet never able to go against Amelia.

It turned out that Alex was somewhat of a prodigy, even at the academy full of heaven-sent children. He easily had a larger mana capacity than Michael. He was only beaten by Amelia and the crown prince of the Kingdom.

Hence, a lot of noble children were instructed to attempt to draw him under their banners. This was all prevented by Amelia. A Duke house had far too much influence to deter most nobles to use unscrupulous methods. The royal family was far too proud to even think of such a thing.

Of course, unknown to others, it was also due to the fact that the King had instructed his children at the academy to leave Alex alone.

***

Vanessa waited at the gate. Standing a distance away from the gatekeepers. Eagerly looking out from time to time. It was the day Kyle was meant to come back from his first trip. The sun had almost touched the horizon. The summer had passed and by next month, heavy rain would come, followed by short periods of snow.

There was barely anyone entering the city gates, as they would be closed after sunset. A cloud of dust could be seen on the main road leading towards the gates, trekking between the farmlands.

Soon, a large wagon, led by a dozen or so riders on horses could be seen, slowing down as they approached the gates.

Vanessa held her breath until she could make out Kyle’s figure on the seat of the wagon. She excitedly waved at him. Kyle also waving back, bringing a large smile to her face.

The wagon entered the gates with ample time to spare. A lot of the hunters sending jeers and laughter towards the couple after Kyle had pulled her up to sit beside him.

Vanessa followed Kyle to a trading post to handle the transactions and then to a tavern afterwards, getting acquainted with Kyle’s employers.

Night time.

Kyle lied on the bed, with Vanessa in his embrace, inside their new home. A cool breeze came in through the open window. The two shared their experiences from the last few days to each other.

“Well, my love. Let’s get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.” Vanessa looked at up Kyle, endearingly, and gave a quick kiss.

Kyle returned the favour and snuggled with his bride to be as they both drifted off into dreamland.