The final night passed in an instant.
I stroked the sleeping Victor's hair, then quietly slipped out of bed before sunrise.
When I went to the hostess's chamber, clothes and a travel bag prepared by Diederic were waiting. As when heading out for subjugation, I wore leather armor and draped a hooded robe over it. It had only been a few days since I wore a dress, yet this attire already felt awkward. I carefully checked my belongings one last time, buckled my sword at my waist, and slipped out of the room with my hood pulled low.
There was no one in the corridor. The servants, finally freed from the banquet schedule, were lost in sweet slumber. I soundlessly descended the stairs. A faint light filtered through the castle's back door.
As I approached, Diederic, holding a lantern, bowed.
"My Lady."
"Thank you for your help, Diederic."
It must have been sudden, and a troublesome request at that.
But the butler did not answer. Instead, he quietly opened the door.
And standing there was—
"...Victor?!"
My husband, the Grand Duke of Morte.
I froze, stiff with shock. I couldn't make sense of the situation at all. Why was he here when he was surely sleeping in bed, how did he know I was leaving—I understood none of it. Kalz had definitely promised to keep it a secret...
I turned to Diederic in disbelief.
"Diederic, how could you..."
"I apologize, My Lady. But I thought this was something the two of you needed to discuss."
"Diederic is right."
I turned hastily to Victor.
My husband, having caught me in the act of my midnight flight, surprisingly did not look upset. He was even wearing a thick coat just like mine, with a sword buckled at his waist. He was the very picture of a traveler.
I grew even more confused.
"Victor, what is the meaning of this?"
"I heard the news from Diederic yesterday."
Victor spoke quietly.
"He told me you were going to your homeland, that you planned to slip away at dawn today. ...And truthfully, I had somewhat guessed it myself. The monsters' movements had been unusual. If we were to find the cause, it would be in the north."
My heart dropped. So Victor had already grasped the situation, just like Sir Kalz. How disappointed must he have been in me, who tried to leave without even telling him?
But Victor smiled gently.
"So I decided to let you go."
My eyes widened wide.
It was completely unexpected. I had anticipated a drawn-out argument like the one we had for weeks before the subjugation.
Victor read my expression and smiled faintly.
"Why did you think I would stop you? I eventually let you go for the subjugation, didn't I? How could I refuse your words?"
"..."
"And truly, I have no way to confine you. I do not wish to cross swords with you."
Victor smiled bitterly. After hesitating time and again, I finally asked.
"Then why did you come out here?"
"Because I am going with you."
I squeezed my eyes shut. My vague expectation becoming reality made my head swim.
"You cannot do that, Victor. If the Grand Ducal couple is absent at the same time—"
"They will think we succumbed to newlywed passion and left on a secret honeymoon. It will be fine. The newly appointed vassals are capable and understanding."
"It will be a difficult journey."
"Better than being apart from you."
Victor looked at me directly. His burning golden gaze pierced me like a gimlet. His voice was earnest.
"I am a pathetic man who cannot even sleep without you."
"Victor."
"Please, let me stay by your side."
He pulled my hand and pleaded. Seeing those desperately burning eyes, I was rendered speechless.
It was absurd. My plan was already too dangerous on my own. What if we were caught crossing a closed border? And what if the identity of that illegal emigrant was the Grand Duke of Death?
I couldn't even fathom how huge a problem it would become. We could be branded as traitors who defied the imperial command.
Yet at the same time, an inexplicable sense of relief washed over me.
He did not try to stop me or get angry. Without resentment or disappointment, he offered to accompany me on this arduous journey. And here I had only worried about deceiving him and earning his hatred.
I was grateful, sorry, and deeply moved. So I spoke honestly.
"...I cannot refuse your request either."
Victor's eyes widened. I let out a deep sigh.
"But I will follow the mercenaries' way of travel, and that will be a very rough and dangerous path. If it were up to me, I would never drag you into such a journey."
"I will do anything if I can just be by your side."
He spoke with desperate earnestness. I bit my lip tightly. It was truly, utterly absurd.
But I genuinely could not refuse him. Especially not now, when he was saying this to me.
"...Alright, let's go together."
Only then did Victor's face brighten. He looked like a child who had just received a gift. I glanced sideways at him as he grabbed my hand and shook it up and down.
"What are you so happy about?"
"Either way, this is our first trip just the two of us."
"As I said earlier, it won't be a romantic journey. I'm already worried you'll resent me."
"That will never happen."
He declared firmly.
I wish that were true...
I shook my head with a short sigh. Diederic, who had been watching our conversation, stepped forward.
"My Lady, I have something to give you."
Diederic handed over a letter written on parchment. The letter, formatted as a letter of introduction, bore a signature I had never seen before.
"Lady Mary wrote it."
Startled, I unfolded the paper folded in half.
Mary's letter of introduction roughly read:
[The bearer of this letter is a guest of mine, Mary Melfin, eldest daughter of the Melfin family. Please treat them with the same goodwill you would show me and grant their requests.]
Diederic explained.
"Lady Mary's letter of introduction will work anywhere—among healers, herbalists, or at temples. It will surely be helpful on your journey."
"When did she..."
"I informed the knights and ladies separately during dinner."
The old gentleman smiled.
"I barely managed to dissuade the knights from insisting on accompanying you. The ladies and Lady Urianna said they would pray for Your Ladyship's safe return."
I squeezed my eyes shut and folded the letter, tucking it into my coat.
Their thoughtfulness moved me deeply. When I first married Victor, I left the kingdom without receiving a single farewell. Yet now, countless people in the capital and in Morte were praying for my well-being. My heart swelled.
"...Please tell them thank you, and that I will return soon."
"I will."
I nodded, then added with all my heart.
"Diederic, thank you for always thinking of me and helping me. Without you, I would never have managed the banquet or this journey."
"It has been an honor, My Lady."
"Please take care of the castle while I'm gone."
"Do not worry. I entrust Her Highness to your care."
Diederic bowed deeply. I clenched my fist and nodded. Then, together with Victor, I rode toward the rising sun.
It was the beginning of a new journey.