Mort.
Located at the northeastern edge of the empire, it was the largest estate in the empire. The main castle serving as the capital was situated to the west of the estate, and centered around it, the south, north, and east were so vast that each could be considered a separate estate.
Geographically close to the Black Mountain Range and the wasteland below, there were many monsters, but the knight order was strong, so there was reportedly no major damage. Rather, livestock freezing to death was a bigger problem. The cool weather was good for growing wheat, but fruit was scarce, and income was mainly generated from the massive amount of gemstones produced in the mines... or so it was written in *The History and Knights of the Empire*.
I just found it fascinating. The main source of income for Amari was also minerals. Of course, nothing as precious as gemstones came out; only a little iron ore and copper.
Anyway, it was quite amazing that Victor, who looked like a typical southerner, grew up in an environment similar to mine.
Did he also grow up watching miners with soot-blackened noses since he was young?
I secretly glanced at Victor. He had been looking out the window the entire way here. Since it was his first return home in a long time, he seemed to have a lot on his mind.
But he didn't forget to smile at me from time to time. Just as he had said before we departed, he seemed immensely pleased to have brought me to Mort.
"Thinking about you being in my castle puts my mind at ease."
He fiddled with my hand.
"With no one else around, just the two of us always..."
Victor smiled faintly. It was a beautiful smile, enough to send a shiver down one's spine.
It was a face I couldn't get used to even seeing every day. I mumbled and quickly changed the subject.
"Won't you be busy, Victor? It's been a long time since you've been here."
I had heard rumors circulating about the estate, and what the Chimera hunter said yesterday also weighed on my mind.
What could the 'rat' be? A person? A monster?
Actually, with such a large estate and the lord absent for years, it wouldn't be strange if anything had happened.
However, Victor smiled leisurely.
"Well, who knows. I trust my vassals."
He stroked my fingers one by one. He carefully caressed the knuckles hardened with calluses from sword training, then briefly brought his lips to them.
"Whatever happens, you don't need to worry. You just have to stay by my side."
With an indescribable sense of anxiety, I faintly furrowed my brow.
The northern wind blew chillingly against the back of my neck.
❖ ❖ ❖
The main castle of Mort we arrived at was indeed a beautiful place. Inside the high fortress backed by a massive sand-colored rock mountain, sturdy stone houses with white wooden roofs stood in rows. The roads were neatly paved with white stone, and even aqueducts were equipped, clearly showing it was a wealthy estate. The dark green coniferous forests visible here and there within the castle added a cold beauty, harmonizing with the grayish-white stone walls.
As the Grand Duke's carriage entered, the subjects standing by the road cheered. It was understandable, considering it was the return of their lord, who had become the hero of the entire empire. The sight of white petals blooming in the north being scattered about was like a festival.
However, Victor looked as if his attention was drawn elsewhere.
"...It certainly is strange."
"Pardon? What is?"
"It's nothing."
Victor smiled faintly and signaled the coachman. The carriage picked up speed and soon reached the inner castle where the lord resided.
I got off the carriage and blankly looked up at the castle.
The inner castle, built with snow-white stones, looked as if it were made of ice. The castle decorated with sharp spires was antique, and so spectacularly majestic that it was hard to believe it was as old as the empire's history.
We approached the castle entrance. In front of the castle gate, servants several times the number at the mansion and dozens of vassals were waiting for us.
"Welcome back, Your Highness the Grand Duke."
A man who looked like the head of the vassals bowed deeply enough to seem servile.
Victor looked down at him with indifferent eyes.
"You must have had a hard time while I was away."
"I am overwhelmed by your grace. Serving Your Highness is my joy..."
"Is the madam's room prepared?"
Victor moved inside without even listening to the rest, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.
Flustered, I had no choice but to hurriedly match his stride.
❖ ❖ ❖
All the way to the room, the servants were strangely polite. It seemed much worse than the first day I met the servants at the capital mansion.
After parting with Victor and heading to the lady's room, I realized the servant opening the door was completely frozen stiff.
Why are they acting like this?
I wanted to ask someone, but Victor wasn't around, so there was no one to ask.
The lady's room lacked a lived-in feel, perhaps because it had been empty for so long. However, the gold-painted furniture and snow-white carpet matched the pure white walls, creating an elegant atmosphere that seemed otherworldly.
I sat on the white leather sofa as guided. The servants who followed me quickly carried in the luggage. They didn't even make a sound while organizing the many dresses and accessories.
I sat on the sofa and blankly stared at them. Unlike the maids at the mansion who were always chattering, these people gave off an atmosphere where not only conversation, but even my trying to speak to them felt forbidden.
Are they really that busy?
I was thinking to myself when—
"Ah!"
A maid fell and dropped the dress. It seemed it was too heavy to move alone because it was a voluminous winter dress.
Worried, I jumped up. As I approached, she hastily got up and knelt.
"I'm sorry, Madam!"
Startled, I took a step back.
Why is she acting like this?
The maid was shivering with her head practically buried in the ground. The other servants were the same. The people who stopped their work all at once cowered and watched cautiously.
I realized it.
They were afraid. Very much so.
I couldn't understand it. Their master was the empire's hero and the lord, and I was his wife and the lady of the house. A renowned knight like Victor wouldn't have mistreated them. Why were they so scared?
For now, I grabbed the shivering maid and helped her up.
"Are you hurt?"
The maid, who looked like she was about to cry, gasped and answered that she was fine in a tiny voice. I told them to take her out and give her a warm drink, then sat back on the sofa. The servants continued organizing hastily, glancing around nervously.
I felt strange. The subtle sense of unease that had continued all the way here puffed up like cotton.
❖ ❖ ❖
I heard tonight's dinner would be held as a grand banquet. Since it doubled as a victory banquet, all the vassals of the Grand Ducal family would attend.
After getting dressed with the help of the taciturn maids, I awkwardly chose the dress myself. I didn't know which of the clothes I brought would fit Mort's banquet etiquette, but I couldn't bring myself to ask the terrified maids anything more.
I wore a modest summer dress with long sleeves and pearls to match the weather. The maids carefully brought out the lady's jewelry box and put an opal necklace around my neck that matched the dress.
"Thank you."
When I expressed my gratitude, they jumped in surprise as if they'd touched fire and bowed their heads. I, in turn, became anxious and left the room.
The banquet hall we soon arrived at was ridiculously wide. The tables covered with pure white tablecloths were filled with beautiful candlesticks and tableware. Didrick faithfully kept his promise and served up large roasted turkeys and small bird dishes in abundance. The moment I saw that sight, my built-up tension melted away.
Victor in his formal wear approached me as my eyes sparkled. He smiled softly.
"I'm sure you're tired of hearing this, but you are truly beautiful."
Tired of it? The problem is I'm still blushing.
I averted my gaze awkwardly, reddening to the tips of my ears, and looked around.
To the right of the head seat sat the knights, and on the opposite side, the vassals gathered. Unlike the knights who looked quite pleased, the vassals appeared quite rigid.
Why? Was it because they were meeting their lord after a long time?
While I harbored these doubts, Victor announced the start of the banquet with a short greeting.
"I commend the vassals who protected my land while I was away, and the knights who fought alongside me on the battlefield. Today, eat and drink to your heart's content."
As he took his seat, the servants carved the turkey.
I put away all other thoughts for now and picked up my fork.
As the banquet progressed, drinks began to circulate. It was a wine with a good fragrance and quality, different from the grain wine I occasionally drank on the journey.
Victor and I, who were leisurely dining while filling each other's glasses, were dragged to the knights' table for various reasons. Perhaps out of fear of the consequences, not many offered drinks to Victor, but wine was subtly pushed toward me. The knights, who had downed whole bottles of strong wine to celebrate their reunion, already seemed quite drunk.
"...Our madam sliced three wolves in a single stroke..."
"You expect me to believe a story like His Highness's?"
"It's true! Even if the madam fought with her elbows, she'd beat you."
Leonard nodded with a comically serious face and filled my glass again.
I sipped and emptied the fragrant wine that filled my glass. I usually only drink when I really need to, but this wine was tasty enough to keep drinking. Also, if I stayed still, I kept feeling uneasy.
Sir Kalz worried about me in a louder voice than usual.
"Madam! Please drink a little slower. No matter how invincible you are, alcohol is a demon that ruins the mind."
"Is that so..."
I looked at Sir Kalz with an ambiguous expression. Honestly, I was much more worried about him. Kalz's face was as red as his hair.
I scratched my cheek and poured another glass of wine.
In Amari, instead of precious grains, they made alcohol using tree fruits and medicinal herbs. If you put a little alcohol, water, and herbs in an earthen jar and let it age for years, it became a liquor so strong it was bitter the moment it touched the tongue. Such alcohol was usually used to clean wounds or to drink on cold days to warm the body.
Because the weather was freezing enough to die every day, most northerners were heavy drinkers. Compared to that, the empire's alcohol was no different from a beverage.
I sat quietly at the table the entire time as the knights collapsed one by one. Eventually, even Sir Raoul, who held out until the very end, dropped his glass.
"Madam, just what kind of life have you lived..."
He thudded and fell flat, beginning to snore.
I emptied my last glass and turned my head. It was to find Victor, who had been out of sight for some time. Looking around, I saw the terrace curtains were half-open. I rose from my seat and headed to the terrace.
"...Victor?"
As expected, Victor was there.
He, who had been feeling the night breeze, turned to look at me. A light smile appeared on his beautiful face. He asked.
"Have you drank to your satisfaction?"
"I didn't drink that much."
I protested softly and went to stand beside him.
Below the terrace, the scenery of the lower town of the fortress came into view at a glance. It wasn't as glamorous as the capital, but it was a well-organized village. Under the cool summer night sky, the lights leaking from each house flickered like stars.
I looked up at Victor's side profile as he cast his eyes down. His amber eyes were quietly looking down at his land.
What could he be thinking?
Victor was particularly taciturn today. From entering the castle to receiving the vassals' greetings at the banquet hall, he dealt with everything with a dry smile.
I thought he'd be happy to return to his hometown. What if he isn't?
Victor suddenly asked.
"What do you think? Of Mort."
I widened my eyes before carefully answering.
"It seems like a lively place. It's similar to my hometown. Of course, this place looks much wealthier."
At my answer, he smiled faintly.
"I'm glad you like it. Your land and my land..."
He muttered as if talking to himself.
"Right... It is my land now. My land where I can take you and hide you..."
He slowly turned to look at me. I read an indescribable heat in his eyes.
A new assumption crossed my mind.
Is Victor drunk, by any chance?
"Victor?"
The moment I called him, he approached without hesitation. His body closed the distance in an instant and pulled me fully into his embrace. A hot whisper tickled my ear.
"Do you know what made me the most angry about this illness?"
A suppressed voice whispered.
"That I couldn't have a proper first night with you."
'...!'
The moment I grasped the meaning, my face flushed as if on fire.
My heart pounded wildly.
Under the star-filled night sky, Victor was looking at me with heated eyes. I turned my head to hide my beet-red cheeks.
Naturally, we had never shared a bed 'that' way. Victor had been suffering from his illness, and I had to monitor him. In the midst of that, we had no energy for other things. And that was still the case now. Victor's symptoms had worsened again, tormenting him throughout the journey.
So such... thoughts could wait until later.
I looked up at Victor again. Eyes filled with hot longing, devoid of a smile, were unfamiliar yet endlessly captivating. I forced away distracting thoughts and smiled.
"You must be tired, so it would be best to go to sleep now."
"Will you come into the bedroom with me?"
I was about to say yes but clamped my mouth shut. The question right now wouldn't mean that.
"I have to watch over you while you sleep."
"But, Marion."
His hand slowly cupped my cheek.
"If you are in my arms, I will fear nothing. Not nightmares, not illness, nothing."
He whispered sweetly. I inhaled quietly, without showing it.
His fingers were caressing my cheek. It was dizzyingly tempting, but still.
I quietly took his hand and lowered it.
"We have plenty of time."
His candle-like gaze blinked slowly.
After a short silence, he buried his face in my shoulder.
"That's right. Continually in the future, too..."
A throat rumbling like a satisfied beast reached my ears.
I quietly embraced his back, fearing he might hear the violent pounding of my heart.
The summer wind brushed coolly against the back of my neck.
❖ ❖ ❖
I took Victor's hand and came out to the banquet hall.
The banquet was already winding down. The vassals had left earlier, and the heavily intoxicated knights headed to their quarters outside the castle with their arms around each other's shoulders.
As we stepped into the corridor, the maids quickly followed. They were still extremely tense. It bothered me, but taking care of Victor, who was acting sluggish from the drink, was more urgent. When I scolded him with a red face as he kept leaning into me, he smiled as if he was simply enjoying himself. The servants showed signs of surprise, even if they tried to hide it.
That was also strange. The servants at the capital mansion always said Victor was a cheerful person, and when Victor acted playfully, they only smiled and weren't surprised. But the people here acted as if they were seeing Victor's smile for the first time.
Why on earth?
Before I had time to ponder, the bedroom came into view. Surprisingly, the interior of the bedroom was almost exactly the same as the bedroom in the capital mansion. From the red curtains and the tapestry with the crest embedded in it, to the wall full of weapons. It looked as if the room from the capital mansion had been uprooted and placed right here. Victor must have arranged it this way on purpose so he could sleep.
I grabbed Victor's wrist and led him to the bed. He obediently followed and lay down on the bed. However, he didn't let go of my hand.
Whoosh. At the pulling hand, I lost my balance and fell onto his chest. I opened my eyes wide and looked down at him.
"My Grand Duchess."
Victor's gaze pierced through me, sweeping over my eyes, shoulders, and wrists. He asked in a whisper.
"You won't leave me, will you?"
It sounded exactly like a spell.
I looked at Victor without a word.
He was definitely acting a bit strange today. Was it because he was drunk? Or did the sight of his hometown, which he hadn't seen in a long time, evoke some sentimentality in him?
After some hesitation, I planted a short kiss on his cheek. It was something I had never done first, but somehow I felt he needed it right now. Then I whispered quietly.
"Yes. I will always be by your side."
Victor chuckled softly and closed his eyes.
I rubbed my reddening cheek with the back of my hand, grabbed the spread skirt, and stood up. It was time to change out of the uncomfortable dress.
❖ ❖ ❖
Fortunately, Victor fell asleep obediently that day. I was worried his symptoms might be severe since he was tired and drunk, but it seemed effective that the place was decorated exactly like the bedroom he always slept in. I had no trouble putting Victor back to sleep and then fell asleep as if I had fainted.
When I opened my eyes the next day, Victor was already gone from the bed.
'Did he already leave?'
Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I turned my head and saw a short note on the table.
[I have a meeting, so I will head out first. Rest well.]
The handwriting written in ink was incredibly elegant.
How can everything about him be so stylish.
I smiled secretly and rang the bell. Soon, the maids appeared at an astonishingly fast speed.
I washed my face with warm water in a golden basin and awkwardly received my breakfast. Thinly sliced pork bacon, warm and flaky wheat bread, and various mushroom dishes grilled with herbs. Naturally, the food was all excellent. I emptied my plate in admiration.
"His Highness the Grand Duke instructed us to tell you to stay in your room as much as possible today."
One maid said carefully. I blinked in wonder.
Was he worried? The journey was long.
Of course, that was fine by me. I was the kind of person who thought rolling around in bed was the best thing in the world. But suddenly, I thought that if I really did that, I would look like an incredibly lazy lady of the house.
After some thought, I asked.
"By any chance, is there nothing I need to do? People I need to meet?"
I was still far from being a proper noble lady, but I knew that the lady of such a large estate was usually incredibly busy.
It was on a completely different level from simply managing a mansion. The lord's wife had to maintain the castle, relieve the poor, and meet merchants traveling to and from the estate. Moreover, I was the Grand Duchess. Since the land's taxes and military were separate from the central government, I would undoubtedly have more work than a normal lady of the house.
However, the maids shook their heads while glancing nervously.
"His Highness only told you to rest in your room."
Was it really okay? Normally, shouldn't I meet the vassals or the butler to discuss matters as soon as I arrive?
Troubled, I just nodded.
Well, Victor must have told me to rest because it was fine. If it's really necessary, I can meet them later.
I finished my thoughts and looked at the maids. The state of the maids was similar to yesterday. They were all young, and they watched my mood every moment like a flock of frightened sheep. It was really, really awkward. If it had been like this on my first day at the capital mansion, I might have cried.
But now I had learned a little about how to mingle with people. I never managed to become close with the noble ladies, but I got along fairly well with the servants.
If I try here, I can probably get close to them too. I thought, looking at the maid who had spoken to me earlier. It was the same maid who had fallen while moving the dress yesterday.
"What's your name?"
At my question, she jumped in surprise and answered.
"M-Mary, Your Highness."
"Mary. I look forward to working with you."
Mary froze stiff and bowed her head even deeper.
"I will do my best, Madam."
I smiled awkwardly and nodded.
I didn't make her more uncomfortable, did I...
I asked the extremely tense maids to bring me some books to read from the study, partly to give them something to do.
Mary and the maids widened their eyes, then returned incredibly fast carrying books. It was a novel called *The Adventures of the Wandering Knight Dordofin*.
Dordofin? Where in the world is that name from? It doesn't seem like a name from the Empire or the Kingdom. The Southern Kingdom or the Eastern Kingdom, perhaps?
I leaned against the headboard and turned the pages. Comical illustrations were drawn right from the front. I immersed myself in the novel and spent a leisurely afternoon giggling.
❖ ❖ ❖
Around the time Dordofin was fighting the ugly lake toad, Victor returned to the bedroom.
"What are you reading?"
When I showed him the title, he laughed happily.
"*The Adventures of Dordofin*, I see. It's a fun book. When Dordofin proposes to Grand Princess Flamberge under the tower—"
"Victor!"
I hastily cut off his words.
I haven't read that part yet!
When I glared at him with all my might, Victor raised his eyebrows.
"I'm sorry, I thought you had read up to there."
"I thought he'd end up with Princess Rapier."
"If I say any more, I might make another slip of the tongue, so please read it yourself."
He smiled brightly and sat on the edge of the bed. He smelled of candles and ink. It seemed he had been in the meeting room right up until now.
Suddenly, I felt embarrassed about still lying in bed. But Victor looked satisfied.
"Have you been in your room this whole time?"
"Yes, I rested well."
"That's good. You've worked so hard throughout the journey."
He smiled and kissed my cheek. I had no choice but to blush again.
I wished the servants here were as generous as the people of the Black Lion mansion. But the maids didn't even smile when they saw me and Victor; instead, they kept their heads down, seemingly afraid to even make eye contact.
'Is this okay...'
Whether he knew my worries or not, Victor calmly took my hand and held it.
"From tomorrow, slowly look around the castle. It will take a few days, but it'll be fun. There's much more to see here than at the capital mansion."
"Yes, I will."
"And, I'd like you to stay only within the inner castle for a while."
His eyes suddenly turned serious. I tilted my head.
"Why?"
"It's been a while since I came here, so I'm not sure if it's safe, and I'm too busy to go out with you. It might be stifling... but I'm asking you."
Victor said pitifully. I blinked.
Honestly, I wasn't stifled at all. Born on frozen ground, I had lived a life where I slept on stone floors more than in beds. I even considered a straw mat over my armor to be a comfortable bed. Staying buried in these soft blankets was something I could do for months or even years.
When I nodded, Victor smiled and smoothly continued to ask.
"Also, would it be alright if I stationed knights in front of your door? I'm nervous because many people come and go from the castle."
Huh?
This was a bit incomprehensible. No matter what happens, it would be hard for them to protect me with their skills...
But if that puts Victor's mind at ease.
"Do as you please."
When I agreed once more, his smile grew even deeper. He acted like a child presented with a sweet dessert.
Victor whispered with a captivating voice.
"Rest as much as you want inside the castle, Marion. Eat to your heart's content and do whatever you please. Just don't go outside."
"You're planning to make me like Flamberge trapped in the tower."
At my joke, Victor smiled so brightly it was dazzling.
"There is nothing I desire more than that."
What is so fun about that?
Without understanding, I simply smiled back.
-To be continued in the next volume