Chapter 1 – Part 9

‘Sports’ Olivia and sports were worlds apart.

She didn’t have the time or money to watch sports. They had no relevance to Olivia’s life.

“But horse riding? I can’t resist.”

A satisfied smile spread across Olivia’s lips. She had spent her whole life confined within rectangular buildings. Her life consisted of either schools, exam study rooms, or prisons. It was a secret that she became a prison officer because she figured she’d end up in one anyway.

“My Lady, please reconsider even now. If the vassals find out, there will be chaos.”

“Will there be no chaos if I obediently listen to them? If I’m going to be criticized anyway, shouldn’t I do whatever I want?”

Olivia took a deep breath of the refreshing morning air. The maid glanced at the carriage filled with trunks and then at Olivia. Ignoring the maid’s gaze, Olivia looked at her horse.

“Felix.”

As soon as the horse saw her, it neighed excitedly, despite the coachman’s attempt to hold it back. Olivia patted the horse’s head proudly.

“You’re the only one worth pampering in this house. Humans are useless, after all.”

She could hear the knights standing nearby clearing their throats awkwardly at her remark. The maid glared at her disapprovingly.

Olivia knew the reason. Even in the already strict aristocratic society, as a woman, she had managed to take the position of head of the family, and her actions were beyond expectations. Moreover, it was a royal visit, and the size of the carriage and the procession would showcase the prestige of the family.

But it’s not like it’s a damn parade. There’s no need to open the windows and wave, so why does she have to arrive in the capital with the carriage? It would take at least four days to cover the distance that can be covered in half a day.

Olivia hated being confined in the carriage, dragging her dress. So she had planned to ride ahead on a horse and stop at inns along the way. Originally, she was going to bring only a small number of knights as escorts.

“My lady, this is the duke’s carriage.”

Olivia swallowed and watched the large, grand carriage approach the mansion’s driveway. It was certainly imposing and would enhance their dignity.

“Marchioness, good morning.”

As soon as Marsden stepped out of the carriage, he noticed Olivia. His smile made not only the female servants but also the male ones blush. This was quite the competition.

“You’ve arrived, Your Grace.”

“Yes, and you, Marchioness, are as beautiful and dazzling as ever. If I were not in good health, I would have gone blind and died long ago from your beauty. Is there a need to travel the world in search of beauty when the Marchioness is right here?”

Olivia averted her eyes. She had anticipated this from the first time Marsden confessed after she possessed this body, but Troy Marsden was ‘very’ aggressive. Ignoring the shocked and terrified servants, Olivia overheard them whispering, “Has the Duke gone mad too?”

“Did you not receive my message? I said I would go ahead, so you could come slowly.”

“If I miss the opportunity to be with the Marchioness, I would be the most foolish person in the world, filled with regrets that could flood a river….”

‘Enough already’ Olivia sighed deeply, holding back the urge to ask if he was reciting scripture. As she turned away from the beaming Marsden, the maid stepped forward.

“Your Grace, I am maid Melanie. Please stop the Marchioness. She plans to ride her horse to the capital.”

Melanie spoke with a horrified expression, as if she had heard something dreadful. Marsden looked calmly at Olivia, who shrugged slightly.

“I wanted to ride for a change. Along the way, I plan to visit the estate villages. It’s not like I’m embezzling money, so I don’t see why this is such a big deal.”

“Haha.”

Olivia’s laugh made Melanie’s expression stiffen even more.

“Your Grace, it is vulgar and improper for a noble to ride a horse for personal matters, especially for a lady. I’ve never seen such a thing.”

“Well, you’re about to.”

Olivia stood in front of Melanie with a bright smile. Melanie flinched and stepped back.

“Unless you plan to bring world peace, there will be another war. Should I ride a pony into battle then, Melanie?”

“…….”

Olivia was afraid, but she did not avoid responsibility. Despite the psychological abuse from the vassals, she participated in a war at 17. She preferred horseback riding over tedious social parties.

“But if Lord Palmer finds out about this….”

“Is your name Melanie?”

Both Olivia and Melanie turned to Marsden simultaneously. He walked towards them, casting a shadow due to his tall stature.

“As long as I’m by Buddy’s side….”

Marsden’s smile slowly faded.

“Don’t mention Harry Palmer.”

Olivia flinched. She knew Marsden would support her, but she didn’t expect him to be this fierce.

Harry Palmer. Despite being a gentleman without a title, he led the vassals. He was wealthy beyond measure but had not attended the last vassals’ meeting for some reason.

“You are too ignorant, My Lady. Other ladies are not like this. You are too slow to learn.”

“With that head, you’ll not only embarrass yourself at social parties but also get killed by the sword in war. You lack strategy, My Lady.”

In Olivia’s memory, Harry Palmer was a gaslighting expert rivaling Gael. ‘Bastard’

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Melanie paled and bowed her head.

Olivia pondered for a moment. Did Marsden and Harry Palmer not get along? She had no memory of that yet.

“Marchioness, if you don’t mind, may I accompany you?”

“What? But the journey will be quite arduous. It would be better for you to take the carriage, Your Grace.”

Olivia kept her distance, still planning to use her relationship with Marsden but not yet ready to fully trust him. She hadn’t decided how much she could trust him yet.

Marsden spoke cheerfully, oblivious to Olivia’s feelings.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“……”

“I would go to hell with you, Marchioness.”

‘Don’t say that with a smile. I fear you might actually mean it.’

Olivia awkwardly smiled and nodded. She heard Marsden, in an excited voice, order a horse for riding.

Despite being in full uniform, Marsden showed no sign of reconsidering his decision. Instead, he was busy greeting the horse he hadn’t seen in a while.

In the morning sunlight, he shone. For a moment, Olivia was captivated by him but soon felt the weight in her heart return.

Who did Olivia truly like? Did she hold feelings for two men? Or had she given up on one?

Pushing these thoughts aside, Olivia looked at her horse. A knight approached to assist her, but Olivia raised her hand to refuse. Her body remembered how to mount a horse.

Olivia nimbly got on the horse. Despite its large size, she felt no fear, only a thrill of excitement. She felt light atop the horse.

“Glen, ensure the entourage arrives in the capital on time for the audience with His Majesty in three days.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

With a light heart, Olivia gave her orders to Glen, the knight commander, who bowed respectfully. Olivia confirmed her escorts were mounted and ready, then turned to leave.

At that moment, her eyes met Marsden’s. He was on his horse, having unbuttoned his outer coat, and looked incredibly dashing. He smiled at her.

Was his declaration of love sincere? She would have to find out soon, but that was a matter for another time.

“Yah!”

Olivia urged her horse forward with a strong pull on the reins. As the horse neighed, a refreshing breeze greeted her.

Outside the mansion, a wide carriage path led to an open field. The sight was breathtaking.

Her spirits lifted. She realized that this was what she had yearned for all her life.