Chapter 10 – The Master of the Northern Social Circle (Part 4)

“What are you thinking about?”

“I’m hoping there will be many beautiful things in the mines.”

She answered without hesitation. Over time, she had learned to respond quickly to avoid hearing Tartenon’s teasing remarks about abandoning her or wanting her to think only of him.

“I’ve never heard of precious gems coming from the northern mines.”

“You never know, right? There could be something amazing waiting for us.”

Thinking about money, her eyes sparkled. Reubellina spoke to Tartenon with a cheerful expression.

“And well, if there isn’t anything amazing, we can just make it amazing.”

“Oh, I almost forgot that my wife is quite capable.”

“Don’t forget such an important fact. Keep it well engraved in your mind.”

“I will do so immediately.”

She laughed at Tartenon’s playful response. Somehow, she felt that something good would happen at the end of this journey.

‘I take back everything I thought earlier.’

The drizzle that had started to fall began to pour down heavily. Reubellina got into the carriage, and the knights put on their raincoats. The ground turned to mud, and the sound of the horses’ hooves was drowned out by the rain. The sun disappeared, and darkness fell.

“It’s really gloomy, Your Grace.”

Sandy, who was also in the carriage, muttered. Reubellina agreed with her. What was supposed to be a simple trip to the mines was turning into a difficult journey. Although they had planned for a two-day trip, she thought they might be delayed.

“At this rate, we might run into the escort knights sent by Teryn on the way.”

“What? Did Lord Teryn say he was sending someone?”

“Yes. He said he’d send one of the ducal knights. We were supposed to meet at the mines, but who knows if that will happen.”

With the delay, it was uncertain who would arrive first.

“Would it matter? They’ll probably wait for Your Grace there.”

“Right?”

“Yes. It’s not that far, after all.”

“That’s true.”

‘There shouldn’t be any problem.’

The weather made her think unnecessarily, and she opened her fan. The sound of it opening gave her some comfort.

“I hope the rain stops soon.”

“Indeed.”

The knights riding outside were more of a concern than the two of them in the carriage.

‘If they keep getting wet, their body temperature will drop.’

Just then, the carriage stopped, and Tartenon came inside. He shook off the rain from his cloak and asked Reubellina.

“Aren’t you cold?”

“Do I look cold?”

The carriage was warmed by a magic stone. It was quite expensive, but Reubellina used it generously. If she got sick during this trip, everything would be in vain.

“That’s a relief.”

“What about the knights? Are they okay?”

“The raincoats are enchanted with warming spells, so they should be fine.”

“Oh, really?”

“I didn’t spare any expense on the knights’ equipment.”

It was a proud response. Reubellina smiled satisfactorily at Tartenon’s answer. He opened the window, and strangely, no rain came in through the open window.

“This carriage is also protected by magic.”

“It must have been hard to find a mage.”

There were very few mages in the Freynante Empire. Those who existed could only perform simple spells. Offensive magic had been lost long ago because its use was deemed improper. Thus, magic was used as a practical tool in daily life. Magical items were traded at quite high prices.

‘Wait a minute.’

The number of knights under Tartenon’s command in the north exceeded hundreds. Providing even one raincoat per knight would cost thousands of gold coins.

She let out a dry laugh.

“So, you’re not short of money?”

“I am short of money.”

The reason the north lacked money was because they didn’t spare any expense on the knights’ equipment. This was related to military expenses, so it couldn’t be easily found in the records. The most important thing in the north was military equipment and strength.

“Should I ask why you’re suddenly revealing such a secret?”

“No. There’s no need, but if you’re curious, I’ll tell you.”

She was curious about the extent of the north’s military strength. How strong was the army that had been gathered away from the emperor’s eyes?

She was curious but couldn’t easily ask. Knowing the core secret of the north’s military strength made her feel she couldn’t return to the Asillious Duchy.

And it wasn’t just the two of them in the carriage. Sandy was also there. Surprised by the unexpected information, Sandy was fidgeting and looking around nervously. It was too heavy a piece of information for a mere servant to handle. Reubellina didn’t want Sandy to get hurt because of this information.

“Later.”

“Oh. Does that mean you’ll listen later?”

Tartenon couldn’t hide his surprise at her unexpected answer.

“I said later, but I didn’t say when.”

Whether it would be a year later or three years later, Reubellina’s answer made Tartenon pout. She noticed his drooping eyes but just smiled. She had learned to handle Tartenon’s teasing more lightly now.

“Why? Don’t you like that I said that?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want to tell me more?”

“Yes.”

This time, Reubellina sat close to Tartenon. Sandy pretended not to see Reubellina’s sudden move and looked out the window. But she couldn’t close her ears.

“So do I.”

Reubellina whispered softly into Tartenon’s ear. Her voice was so soft that everyone in the carriage could hear it. She hoped the rain would drown it out, but Sandy closed her eyes tightly at the clearly audible words.

‘I do too!’

But she couldn’t say it out loud.

“What more do you want to tell me?”

Tartenon asked in a suggestive tone. Reading the anticipation in his voice, Reubellina’s eyes widened. Her lips curved into a gentle smile. Tartenon’s eyes didn’t leave her until her lips parted.

“About many things.”

Reubellina emphasized the word ‘many.’ Tartenon’s whisper grew thicker.

“For example?”

“Hmm, what could it be? What do you not know about me?”

“There’s a lot I don’t know.”

She could feel the tension in Tartenon’s thigh as he sat beside her. Reubellina swallowed dryly, feeling a sense of thirst.

‘What is he going to say…’

Reubellina steadied herself. No matter what Tartenon said, she resolved to respond calmly and not let him win this time. Just as she was about to speak, Tartenon’s lips touched her earlobe.

“I haven’t counted how many moles you have on your body yet.”

She almost screamed. Reubellina raised her hand to her chest to calm her wildly beating heart.

‘Stay calm. If you give in, you lose.’

She couldn’t afford to blush at his teasing anymore.

‘I can do this!’

Reubellina clenched her fists. Just as she was about to speak, the carriage stopped.

“Your Grace, we have found a place to camp.”

The knight’s voice explained the situation. However, Tartenon’s eyes didn’t leave Reubellina.

“Hold your position.”

“Hold position? In this rain?”

“You haven’t answered yet.”

“That’s not right. A true lord cares for their subordinates.”

“So?”

“So, go out there quickly.”

Reubellina pushed Tartenon. He knew he couldn’t spend all his time inside the carriage. Even though the knights were wearing raincoats enchanted with warming magic, their stamina would still be significantly depleted.

Reluctantly stepping away from her, Tartenon left a warning as he exited the carriage.

“This is the only time. Going out like this.”

“This is the only time for me too. Letting you go like this, Your Grace.”

As soon as Tartenon lightly kissed Reubellina’s smiling lips and stepped out of the carriage, she covered her mouth with her hand.

‘I must be crazy!’

‘Why on earth did I blurt out such nonsense to a man with those eyes?’

The boldness was brief, but the regret was long.

Sandy, who had watched the whole situation from the side, thought to herself.

‘It’s a good time!’