@Eggyeoh
That's probably one of those cultural things that doesn't translate well. He's probably being 'nobility in a political marriage' levels of formal rather than being condescending.
@Eggyeoh I totally understand that it can sound and seem condescending but in this context, the chances of it being condescending are really low. I'm not sure what it's like in Korea as I don't live there, but still, I can confirm that calling your spouse "wife/husband" or even just "my spouse" can be used as a nickname/term of endearment culturally speaking here in Asia. The best way in which I can explain why Alfonse says it at home and even in public is like saying "My dear wife, whom I love and I am proud to let everyone know that this is not just my marriage partner, but my /wife/" but just shortening it to "wife" 😂 My own father calls my mother "wife/my wife/wifey" as well as a few other friends' Asian parents and it's always been in an endearing way similar to saying "honey". Not everyone does this, but just food for thought!
I feel like the art in this chapter is some of the best yet! I can't put my finger on why, but it looks a bit more polished than usual. Gosh I love this series. Thank you for the TL!