Chapter 4 – To The North (Part 7)

It had been four days since they headed to the North. Reubellina was waiting for someone.

She could have continued the journey in the carriage, but she was waiting for someone, so she traveled on horseback. On the slow-moving horse, Reubellina eagerly awaited Teryn’s arrival.

‘It’s almost time for him to come…….’

Before arriving in the North, Teryn had to come and inform her of the news from the capital for her to stay at ease in the North.

Reubellina tried not to show her impatience. As long as things went according to plan, she should have received news today. If her superior had acted in time, by now the capital would have been in an uproar.

“Is something wrong?”

While she could deceive the eyes of other knights, she couldn’t deceive Tartenon’s. When he sensed her anxiety, Tartenon asked slowly.

“I’m just curious about the news from the capital.”

“Ah, I was thinking the same thing.”

Tartenon’s assurance that news would soon arrive, as he had sent someone to the capital, made Reubellina smile faintly. But that wasn’t what she was waiting for.

“By the way, there seem to be no bandits on this road.”

“There wouldn’t be any bandits here.”

While traveling for trade, it was not uncommon to encounter bandits. Reubellina marveled at the peaceful journey.

“No bandits?”

“Of course not. If there were bandits on the way to the north, they would have to face my knights.”

‘He sure knows how to spin the fact that they killed all the bandits on this route.’

Reubellina didn’t mind Tartenon pretending to be a gentleman in front of her. She knew from the occasional cold glint in his eyes that he was not a person to be trifled with.

“The North must be quite a harsh place.”

“It is. With poverty, a lack of resources, and monsters roaming about, we have no choice but to strengthen our military.”

“You can always make money.”

Her casual response made Tartenon chuckle.

“Make money?”

“There are plenty of resources in the North, so it’s entirely possible. You don’t have to worry about that.”

Reubellina reassured. She was practically the head of the Duchy of Asillious internal affairs and its trading company. Even the Duke had stepped back from the company’s operations for a long time and gave her the power to run it. When Reubellina proved her exceptional ability in managing the trading company, the decision was made to give her the sole leadership, rather than having two representatives.

Though not publicly known, the household staff and the employees of the trading company were well aware that while the Duke was the nominal head, Reubellina was the one truly in charge. She was the real force behind its success.

Fanning herself gently, Reubellina smiled charmingly as she guided her horse.

“Don’t worry. I’ll bring plenty of wealth to the north.”

She whispered this with a smile, and Tartenon, momentarily captivated by her smile, found himself at a loss for words. Just then, the sound of hooves approaching from behind the group broke the moment. Reubellina quickly turned her head.

Judging by the lack of a significant dust cloud, it seemed like a small group was following them. The knights remained on alert, and soon the rider’s figure became clear.

“Lady Reubellina!”

The shouting voice made it clear that the person had undoubtedly come from Duke Asillious. Even as the knights breathed a sigh of relief, Tartenon did not take his eyes off the approaching person. It was Teryn.

Teryn’s sudden appearance brought the group to a halt. Reubellina warmly greeted Teryn, who rode up beside her.

“Welcome.”

“Here’s today’s edition of ‘The Scene’.”

“Oh, really?”

Reubellina smiled, her eyes twinkling. Although it had been quite some time since they had left the capital, she didn’t question how Teryn managed to get today’s edition of ‘The Scene’. After all, ‘The Scene’ was published by her trading company, Mysen.

‘The Scene’ was her hidden ace and could potentially be her fatal weakness. 

Not only did she make money through this, but she also used the newspaper to dominate the rumors in the capital. This was the decisive factor that allowed her to survive in the capital’s social circles without any major issues.

Reubellina laughed heartily as she received the newspaper from Teryn.

As her cheerful laughter echoed through the forest path, Tartenon approached. Taking the newspaper handed over by Reubellina, Tartenon understood its content and handed it to Bruelin. Having confirmed the contents, ran her fingers through her hair, her lips curving into a satisfied smile.

“It’s quite refreshing.”

If there hadn’t been knights watching her, Reubellina probably would have laughed with her hands on her waist.

Her laughter caught the attention of Sandy, who opened the carriage door and peeked out.

“My lady?”

“Oh, Sandy.”

“If you’re feeling tired, perhaps you should ride in the carriage?”

“Ah, yes, alright.”

Reubellina waved her hand casually and said to Tartenon.

“I think I’ll ride in the carriage, I’m feeling a bit tired.”

“If you wish.”

Bowing slightly, Reubellina gestured to Teryn. Responding to Reubellina’s gaze, he smoothly moved towards the carriage.

“Can Teryn come with us?”

“He hasn’t proven his identity, so…….”

“Enough.”

Tartenon interrupted Bruelin’s urgent reply.

“The future Grand Duchess is the one who vouches for his identity, so of course he can come with us.”

“Understood.”

Bruelin responded promptly to his words and stepped back. Tartenon couldn’t take his eyes off Reubellina as she boarded the carriage.

***

With the addition of the newcomer, Tartenon’s party was nearing their destination. Feeling the cold wind hitting the carriage, Reubellina blinked her tired eyes. The journey from the capital to the north had taken nearly ten days. She endured the long journey without a single complaint.

“I can see the castle!”

At the sound from outside, Reubellina perked up. Sandy did too. She, who had been dozing off, shook her head to drive away sleep.

Reubellina opened the carriage window. Tartenon warned her as she leaned out.

“It’s better not to stick your head out yet.”

“Why?”

“Because now could be the most dangerous time.”

“Oh.”

Reubellina closed the window again.

Speraum was a territory consisting of a massive fortress city surrounded by sturdy walls. Given the frequent attacks by monsters and barbarians, it had long been established in this form.

It was necessary to survey the surroundings before crossing the northern walls. With rumors spreading about Tartenon bringing a prospective spouse, there could be insurgents targeting Speraum. 

“Why did you close the window?”

“I’m curious, but my safety is more important.”

“Don’t worry, Miss! I’ll protect you!”

“Sure you will.”

As Sandy clenched her fists and shouted at her, a chuckle burst from Reubellina’s lips. It was understandable; seeing the petite girl clenching her fists in anger was as amusing as watching a cute squirrel twitching. 

Contrary to Reubellina’s concerns, the vicinity of Speraum’s outer defenses was safe. Tartenon was only afraid of disappointing Reubellina, not worried about any actual danger. Unlike the prosperous capital, the north was barren and poor. He loved the North, but it was one thing to show it off to her with pride.

After the long journey, the carriage came to a stop.

‘We’ve arrived.’

Reubellina clenched her fists tightly. They had reached the inner stronghold, and from now on, it was just the beginning. The journey from the capital to here had been nothing but a respite, and she looked forward to the future unfolding in the northern lands. She brushed her chilled hands against her skirt.

“I think we’re almost there.”

Reubellina nodded quietly at Sandy’s words. Although Reubellina appeared nonchalant on the surface, she couldn’t deceive Sandy’s eyes.

Sensing her tension, Sandy sprang up to tidy Reubellina’s dress hem. As she rose to ensure there were no wrinkles, she bumped her head on the carriage ceiling.

Reubellina felt sorry for Sandy, who was rubbing her head, but she had no presence of mind to scrutinize her. Tartenon had already flung open the carriage door.

“Welcome to the North, Lady Reubellina Asillious.”