Chapter 11 – Long Ago, Where My Gaze Reached (Part 4)

Bruelin glanced at Paddington, but the urgent Reubellina saw nothing. She asked Sandy to prepare for a simple trip. Thanks to her urging, the personnel for the trip to the capital were decided within half a day.

Heather naturally followed her, and Hemil also joined. Paddington had to stay to guard the castle, and Bruelin was the same. To prevent anything from happening while Tartenon was away, Reubellina’s absence had to remain unnoticed.

Before departing, Reubellina called Armur and gave instructions about the trade guild. That wasn’t all. She also gave firm instructions regarding the red and blue Stella stones currently in circulation.

“The key is that they are limited editions. Got it?”

“Yes, understood, Your Grace.”

“Good. As always, the profits…”

“Of course, I will handle it well.”

“Don’t forget to invest in the northern knights.”

“Yes, I will donate periodically.”

Having completed all preparations, Reubellina spoke to Bruelin as if apologizing.

“I’ll be back before Tartenon returns.”

“Understood.”

“I don’t think it’s necessary to tell him…”

“This concerns Your Grace’s safety, so I must.”

“Ah, then tell him but make sure he knows I’ll be back soon. Give this letter to Tartenon!”

“Understood.”

Although Bruelin’s dazed expression seemed suspicious, the urgent Reubellina boarded the carriage.

“Please be careful.”

Leaving Paddington’s farewell behind, Reubellina, Sandy, Heather, Hemil, and Fleur departed from the North.

Paddington, who saw off Reubellina’s party that had left like the wind, asked Bruelin.

“Have you informed His Grace?”

“Of course. I’ve already sent a carrier pigeon.”

Although Tartenon’s reply had not yet arrived, Bruelin could predict what it would be. He would likely instruct them to ensure Reubellina’s safety.

‘He will probably say the capital is the most dangerous…’

Despite his concern, Bruelin tried to calm his mind. Heather and Hemil were with her, and they were heading to the Duke of Asillious’ mansion, not the imperial palace, so it was somewhat reassuring.

Bruelin’s prediction was shattered that very night. Upon hearing the news, Tartenon abandoned his border inspection and returned to the castle.

“Where did Reubellina go?”

It was the first thing Tartenon said as he passed through the castle gate. He seemed oblivious to the startled looks of Paddington and Bruelin who had come to greet him.

“She went to the capital. The Duke of Asillious…”

“I’m going too.”

“Your Grace!”

“Bruelin! You follow me, and Paddington, stay to guard the castle.”

“Yes!”

Bruelin immediately ran to the stables. Knowing Tartenon’s personality, it was clear he would depart immediately.

Sure enough. Tartenon turned his horse without waiting.

‘No wonder he didn’t dismount from his horse!’

It was clear he had turned back the knights as soon as he heard that Reubellina had gone to the capital. As Tartenon took the lead, the knights, though surprised, followed him in perfect order.

The capital might perceive Tartenon’s movement with so many knights as a threat. Realizing this, Bruelin hurried his horse, but it was difficult to catch up with Tartenon, who was already far ahead.

Riding at full speed, Tartenon’s movement was relentless. It took half a day for Bruelin to catch up with Tartenon.

Bruelin, who had ridden all night, had dark circles under his eyes. However, Tartenon’s face showed no signs of fatigue. At the speed they were going, they seemed likely to catch up with Reubellina’s party soon.

“Your Grace, please consider the knights’ fatigue.”

Bruelin said, stepping forward. Tartenon’s displeased expression was evident, but once Bruelin had spoken, there was no turning back. Tartenon merely nodded in response to Bruelin’s suggestion, indicating they would camp and rest for at least that night.

The exhausted knights gave Bruelin a thumbs-up in gratitude. If Heather and Hemil had been there, they would have praised Bruelin even louder, but the two were not present.

“Are Heather and Hemil the only ones who went with Reubellina?”

“No. There is also someone sent by the Duke of Asillious.”

“Who?”

“I heard it was Sir Fleur.”

“Oh, him.”

Tartenon was familiar with Fleur, a knight renowned even among the northern knights, who stayed as the Duke’s bodyguard due to his close relationship with the Duke.

“With that level of skill, Fleur should be able to take care of Reubellina for a while.”

“For a while?”

“Of course. She is the Grand Duchess.”

Tartenon had no intention of leaving his person to someone else. Bruelin, seeing Tartenon’s severe possessiveness, cleared his throat to express his feelings.

Tartenon, although looking at the busy knights preparing for camping, continued to think about Reubellina.

‘Will she be okay?’

Tartenon, sitting absentmindedly, lost track of time. Representing the knights who had finished camping preparations, Bruelin approached and called him. They couldn’t prepare a meal without his permission. The knights who had caught wild animals were waiting eagerly.

“Your Grace.”

“I feel like I need to go quickly.”

“Your Grace.”

“Hmm, if I’m by her side, nothing will…”

“Your Grace!”

Bruelin’s voice grew louder. Finally, Tartenon snapped out of his thoughts about Reubellina and looked at Bruelin.

“The camping preparations are complete.”

“Then eat as you see fit.”

Tartenon still didn’t move from his spot. Even with a well-prepared meal in front of him, he didn’t notice it.

***

Reubellina Asillious arrived in the capital swiftly. Unlike her trip to the North, there were no obstacles this time. Reubellina, who had arrived peacefully in the capital, opened the carriage window and took a deep breath.

“Phew!”

“Feeling good?”

“Of course!”

Though the time away had not been long, she felt surprisingly nostalgic. Reubellina slowly took in the somewhat changed appearance of the capital.

“Oh my, that pastry shop wasn’t there before.”

“Huh? That’s true!”

“It hasn’t been long since I left the capital, but it has changed a lot.”

“The capital changes quickly, after all.”

“That’s true.”

Reubellina muttered bitterly. It was strange for someone like her, who was always at the forefront of fashion, to be surprised by the changes in the capital’s shops.

“Something feels off.”

“What do you mean?”

“It doesn’t feel like home.”

Compared to the lively capital, the North was a more static place. Of course, the people there were lively, but not as much as those in the capital. She liked that tranquil atmosphere. Unlike the hurried people of the capital, the Northerners began their day by greeting each other warmly.

Not hearing those warm greetings left her feeling somewhat empty. She also missed the gentle touch of Tartenon’s lips on her cheek when she woke up.

“Hmmm.”

Sandy, watching Reubellina’s sulky face as she looked out the window, smiled contentedly.

“You’ve become a Northerner.”

“Me?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Somehow, the title coming from Sandy’s mouth no longer felt awkward. They had been together for a long time, so she thought Sandy would always insist on calling her ‘miss’ or ‘my lady’ but ‘Your Grace’ had become more familiar. Like clothes getting wet in a drizzle, Reubellina slowly adapted to life in the north.

‘I want to go back.’

Although she had come out for urgent matters, she wanted to resolve them quickly and return. Unaware that Tartenon was following her, Reubellina thought to herself.

“Heather.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Heather, who was driving the carriage next to her, pulled closer.

“Let’s go straight to the Duchy of Asillious’s mansion.”

“Aren’t you going to the dress shop?”

Heather, remembering Reubellina had mentioned needing to visit the dress shop, asked again. Reubellina, who had made a vague excuse, spoke again to Heather, who remembered it precisely.

“I can go there next time.”

“Understood.”

With that, Reubellina closed the carriage window. The familiar yet unfamiliar scenery made her feel unsettled.

They had been riding for quite some time now.

“Open the gate!”

Recognizing Reubellina’s carriage, the guards at the main gate of the Duke’s mansion hurriedly opened it. Heather and Hemil escorted the carriage, riding at the front and back.

Fleur announced Reubellina’s arrival. The butler, surprised by Reubellina’s earlier-than-expected arrival, rushed outside, fussing. The sound of Heather and Hemil’s horses neighing was heard as the carriage stopped in front of the entrance.

Hemil got off his horse and opened the carriage door. Reubellina, elegantly dressed, emerged from the carriage with Hemil’s escort.

She looked better than when she was at the Duke’s mansion. Her beautifully flushed face looked healthy, and the dress that enveloped her was ornate and beautiful, embroidered with unique patterns not commonly seen in the capital. It was the first time she visited the capital from the North, and the Northern maids had carefully designed the dress.

The staff of the Duke of Asillious’s mansion, seeing Reubellina’s bright face, smiled warmly but couldn’t hide their bittersweet feelings. Reubellina, who had been their lady, had now returned as the mistress of another house.

“Welcome, Miss.”

“It’s been a while, Butler. But I’m no longer a ‘Miss,’ am I?”

The butler, seeing Heather and Hemil’s sharp gazes, raised his voice in embarrassment.

“My apologies! Welcome, Your Grace.”

“Where is my father?”

“He has gone to the Imperial Palace.”

“He went to the Imperial Palace?”

She had sent a letter saying she would arrive today, and he wasn’t the type to forget his promise with her and go to the palace.

“Did the palace summon him?”

“Yes. A messenger from His Majesty came.”

Reubellina’s expression hardened.

‘The Imperial family has caught on.’