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“Thank you very much.”

I responded sincerely to his words. Regardless, it was largely due to Roan’s efforts that I could understand him so well even when he didn’t speak clearly.

“So, exactly when are we leaving? I think I need to prepare myself mentally.”

“It will probably be in about a week.”

“S-so soon?”

This was too early. Is this really the week I know? Roan seemed to read my suddenly troubled heart and spoke up.

“Once the decision is made, it’s best to depart as soon as possible. The area of encroachment near the border where they are has been increasing. It’s an issue that needs to be handled as swiftly as possible.”

“I see…”

I trailed off in agreement. It wasn’t something I could beg to delay, nor should I. I tried to act nonchalant, but my unsettled expression must have shown.

“Don’t worry. Although it’s an expedition, it’s almost guaranteed to be a victorious battle.”

Roan said, trying to reassure me. Hearing his words, I tried to calm my restless heart. The current situation had removed most of the risk factors, but there was no guarantee that something unexpected wouldn’t happen.

No, no. The chances are slim, and Roan wouldn’t be easily caught off guard. Comforting myself with these thoughts, I suddenly froze at his next words.

“That’s what I would have said in the past.”

I stared at him, forgetting the reassuring words I was about to say.

“But it’s different now. If it weren’t for you, I might not have been able to keep my word. I might have easily fallen into their trap.”

“…”

“Therefore, I won’t guarantee victory. But I will definitely return victorious.”

His eyes, cold and calm, yet beautiful, were filled with certainty. My trembling heart calmed a little.

“Yes. You will definitely win.”

I answered as if I had to. Although my anxiety hadn’t completely disappeared, I decided to trust Roan.

Hearing my words, Roan gave a faint smile on his usually expressionless face. It was a smile only someone who had watched him closely for a long time could recognize. It was as clear as the moonlight shining in the dark garden, but it seemed like it would disappear as soon as the sun rose.

Yet, I wanted to protect that smile of his, even if it was fleeting. Compared to the past, when only sneers lifted his lips, it was much closer to a genuine smile.

So this time, I too smiled at him, hiding my own shadows, hoping that this smile would never fade away.

***

“My lady, my lady. A letter has arrived.”

The next day, I woke up a little earlier than usual, and a familiar voice, almost like an alarm every morning, reached my ears. Mary approached my bed with a letter. What letter could it be this early in the morning?

“A letter? From whom?”

As I looked at the envelope Mary handed me, the red wax seal caught my eye.

“It’s from the Berkeley family.”

Indeed, the seal bore the emblem of the Berkeley family. There was only one person from the Berkeley family who would send me a letter. Alicia? My slightly stifled chest felt a bit lighter with excitement.

Opening the letter, I saw neat yet gentle handwriting. The tone was formal at first, but grew more familiar as it went on, making me smile. It was a simple greeting, expressing concern for my recent experiences – particularly with the red-haired person – and asking if I had time to go sightseeing in the capital today.

Feeling a bit down today, I hesitated for a moment, but I wanted to see Alicia after a long time, and thought it might lift my spirits, so I sent a letter agreeing to meet.

As befitting the most prosperous part of the continent, the main street of Astrid’s capital was lively even during the day, with sparkling lights visible at every turn and a vibrant energy that was almost palpable. The faces of the people passing by were adorned with smiles. It was a peaceful sight.

‘Roan must have fought so hard to protect this peaceful scene.’

Sigh, it seems today everything I see and think about leads back to Roan. Although that wasn’t uncommon, the difference today was that thinking about Roan didn’t lift my spirits as it usually did. Instead, it seemed to lower them.

The fact that he was going to war kept troubling me. There wasn’t anything particularly unsettling about his departure, but that made it even more worrisome.

I felt anxious without knowing exactly why. It was like having a hangnail bothering me just enough to be irritating but not enough to do anything about. But what could I do? I just had to endure it.

I sighed deeply at the statue where I was supposed to meet Alicia. Then, a clear voice reminiscent of a fresh stream called out.

“Delis. You’re here already.”

Her light pink hair fluttered adorably as she approached with quick steps.

“Alicia. It’s been a while. How have you been?”

“I’ve been well. How about you, Delis?”

Alicia and I started walking along the main street. She must have heard the rumors about how the Marquis of Nocturne almost went bankrupt because of the Belcostar Bank, yet her eyes were filled with concern for me, just as in her letter. Well, it would have been stranger if Alicia had worried about the red-haired person.

“There’s nothing to be unwell about.”

I shrugged my shoulders as I spoke.

“But your complexion doesn’t look too good.”

I was a little surprised that even Alicia noticed. I’ve never been good at hiding my complex feelings.

“Maybe it’s because I didn’t sleep well last night. It’s not because of that.”

“Is something wrong?”

I didn’t intend to hide it, but I was about to brush it off when I saw Alicia’s eager eyes. In the end, I told her about my inexplicable anxiety. Alicia’s eyes grew wider as she listened to my story.

“Duke Roan is going to war?”

“Yes. There’s not much risk, but I guess it’s because this is the first time something like this has happened. Roan seems fine, but I seem more anxious than he does.”

“I don’t have a husband yet, but if someone I loved went to war, I’d be very sad, regardless of the danger. Your feelings are completely natural, Delis!”

Alicia clenched her fists and shouted as if empathizing with my feelings. Seeing her like that, I felt glad I decided to come out. Sharing my worries lightened the heavy burden on my heart a little.

“But the Duke will be fine. Everyone says he’s incredibly strong.”

“You’re right. He’ll do well. I should stop feeling down.”

‘Because worrying won’t change anything.’

“Let’s forget about it for a while and enjoy our time today!”

Encouraged, I decided to explore the capital with renewed energy. Indeed, they say it’s better to go out than to stay at home when feeling down.

Watching colorful sights and eating lots of snacks that Mary would have surely scolded me for, I felt a surge of energy.

While looking for more interesting things, Alicia, munching on a skewer, said to me,

“Hey, Delis, did you know? There’s a very famous fortune teller on Duban Avenue.”

Duban Avenue was the main street in the heart of the capital where we were standing.

“A fortune teller?”

I didn’t usually believe in superstitions, but hearing about it in this world for the first time piqued my interest.

“Yes. I’ve heard…”

Alicia suddenly lowered her voice as if sharing a secret. She leaned in and whispered in my ear,

“She even predicted the date of the former Empress’s death.”

“Wow.”

If true, that was quite impressive. Then again, in a world with mana and magic, nothing should be too surprising.

“I don’t usually trust such things, but it might be fun. What do you think, Delis? Want to check it out?”

Alicia looked at me with eyes full of curiosity typical of a girl her age. She clearly wanted to go. Normally, I wouldn’t care for such superstitions, but with the current uncertainties, my curiosity was aroused.

Hearing that she predicted even the exact date made me think she wasn’t just a fraud.

“Shall we give it a try?”

I agreed reluctantly. The question of how to find the place was quickly answered. As we kept walking, we noticed a rather ominous-looking spot tucked in a corner of an alley. It was a tent, covered in a black, semi-transparent cloth that seemed to shimmer.

“That must be it.”

Alicia noticed it too and pointed it out. I swallowed hard. The place had an intimidating atmosphere.

“Sh-should we go in?”

Standing before the ominous-looking tent, Alicia hesitated. I felt the same, but we had come this far, so we might as well check it out.

“If it doesn’t feel right, we can leave immediately.”

Alicia nodded firmly at my words. We knocked on the tent, though it didn’t make much sound, and cautiously lifted the curtain to step inside.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories