Chapter 84 - 84
"Now, Lady Rachel. We'll be in the Milicier Territory soon."
At Leonie-sama's voice, I looked out the window as she opened the carriage curtains. I saw horses and cows grazing or running across the wide plains.
"Oh! Sarah, look! So many animals!"
"Yes, Ojou-sama. It's so different from the royal capital or the Marcel Territory."
As we raised our voices in excitement, Kuro, who had been curled up asleep on my lap, jumped up in surprise. After looking around frantically, he let out a long stretch, returned to his original position, and closed his eyes to sleep again.
In contrast to Kuro, I was captivated by the sight. First, the cuteness of the animals caught my eye, but as I looked around, the beauty of the land itself took hold of me. Beyond the vast highlands stood mountains, all capped with snow. They looked both brave and fantastically beautiful. I felt as if I were being embraced by nature, and the sheer scale of it took my breath away.
I must have been staring for quite a while, for Leonie-sama's soft chuckle snapped me out of it. I hurriedly turned to her, only to find her watching me with a smile, her arms crossed. My cheeks flushed as I remembered my behavior. I slowly sat back into my seat.
"You don't need to mind me. Both you and Sarah were very adorable."
"I've shown you an embarrassing side of myself..."
"No, I'd like to see more of it, actually."
Leonie-sama wore her usual beautiful smile. Beside me, Sarah was staring at her as if in a trance. I peeked out the window once more. We've finally made it this far, I thought, feeling deeply moved.
It had been five days since we left the royal capital. We had reached the Milicier Territory without any major issues. This was entirely thanks to Leonie-sama, who had stayed one step ahead of my preparations, contacting rest stops and inns. When I expressed my apologies, she simply replied with a refreshing smile, "It's the same road I always take to return to my territory. I'm used to it."
Sarah had become an instant fan of Leonie-sama's knightly dignity. While I had many anxieties before departure, I felt a sense of relief now that we had arrived on schedule.
Yes, the journey had been going smoothly since we left. The trouble had been before we departed. Just like when I left for the Marcel Territory, my father began to fuss the moment I was about to leave. No matter how many times I tried to soothe him, he insisted on coming along. I was at my wit's end until my mother dragged him back into the mansion.
Mother, for her part, was worried about my health and gave me a massive amount of herbs and mana stones. As for Leonie-sama, she had won Mother over with the passionate and powerful words, "I will protect Lady Rachel with my life." Mother had looked at her with a dazed, enchanted expression. Seizing that moment, we finally managed to leave the Marquis's estate—an hour behind schedule.
"Lady Rachel, we will use our Count's manor as our base for a while. We plan to enter the Bousquet Territory in a week and stay for about three days. Does that work for you?"
"Yes. I'll be in your care for a while."
"Haha, no need to be so formal. Just treat it like your own home and relax."
"Thank you very much."
Leonie-sama narrowed her eyes gently and nodded. Then, as if remembering something, she looked up thoughtfully.
"A gift from His Highness should have arrived."
"Eh? From His Highness?"
"Yes. A soldier from the Count's house joined us as a guide at the last rest stop; he's currently riding alongside Roger to guard the carriage. It seems he was given a message. According to him, it was delivered to coincide with your arrival."
"Oh..."
At Leonie-sama's words, His Highness's face naturally came to mind, and I felt my cheeks soften. I gently touched the necklace that had become familiar against my skin during the journey. Strangely, whenever I felt lonely or thought of him, touching the stone filled my heart with warmth. Even now, just touching it made me feel him close by. Perhaps I was just naturally convincing myself of that because I missed him. But still, I felt that the sense of security I got from touching the stone was because he had infused it with his own mana. It felt as if he were always watching over me.
Even now, my heart beat faster just thinking of him. I felt a strength as if he were sharing his power with me.
"I'm truly glad."
Leonie-sama's voice brought me back to reality. This is bad. I tend to get lost in thought whenever I think of him. When I asked her what she meant, she smiled brightly.
"No, I just meant for His Highness. To be able to share his feelings with someone as wonderful as you... I can rest easy knowing this country will only get better."
"No, I still have much to learn..."
"I mean it. I'm grateful not just to His Highness, but to Theodore as well. That's why I've wanted to meet you for so long, but a certain jealous someone wouldn't let me."
Leonie-sama winked like a mischievous child, her finger to her lips. Even that gesture was so elegant I couldn't help but giggle. Still, Lord Theodore? Gratitude? What did she mean? I had many things to be grateful for, but I didn't remember doing anything to earn her gratitude. Just as I was about to ask, Leonie-sama's atmosphere shifted into that of a sharp knight. I instinctively closed my mouth and straightened my back.
She wore a serious expression, her sharp eyes staring straight at me.
"I don't know what awaits us ahead. But I will protect you. I won't let you come to any harm. Neither will I, nor Roger."
"...Thank you. Leonie-sama, I'm in your hands."
When I met her gaze and answered firmly, she smiled happily again. I couldn't afford to repeat my past failures. The knight protecting me, Sarah who came with me, and everyone else on this journey—they were all here because of my wish. Therefore, I had to take responsibility to ensure they could fulfill their duties and return to the royal capital.
As I renewed my resolve, I noticed the carriage slowing down. Looking out the window, it seemed we had arrived at the Count's manor. The carriage passed through the gates and slowly proceeded toward the building. As expected of the House of Count Milicier, one could tell at a glance that the manor was historic and grand.
"Well, it seems we've arrived. Shall we?"
"Yes."
Leonie-sama stepped out first and offered me her hand, her smile as bright as the clear day.
"Welcome to the Milicier Territory."
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