Indeed, the food was far superior compared to their previous lodgings. Though Vanessa had no appetite when ordering, she was amazed by the taste of the chicken and bean stew that was served shortly after.

She then devoured her portion of the meal in an instant. The speed at which she ate could have made one wonder if she was possessed by a goblin.

Later, she learned that the innkeeper, who was also the chef, had worked as a cook for a noble family in the north for ten years. This explained the exceptional quality of the food.

Thanks to such a satisfying meal, Vanessa’s mood had improved considerably compared to when she first woke up, to the point where she almost forgot about the issue with Jurgen.

After eating the poached pears that the innkeeper specially served as dessert, she even found herself humming a tune.

With such cheerful humming, she stepped outside in good spirits, but…

“……!”

The moment she stepped out into the fresh air, she came face to face with Jurgen.

He was standing next to the coachman who was checking the carriage wheels, feeding carrots to a horse. He wore only a black tunic with a cloak — much lighter attire than usual.

Vanessa approached him awkwardly, shuffling closer in a manner unlike her usual self. The weather was already cold, and she felt guilty that he had spent the night in such light clothing because of her.

“Um, Duke…”

Just as Vanessa tentatively tried to start a conversation—

Clunk, clunk!

Loud noises came from the carriage wheels. The coachman was busy doing something while checking the wheels.

Vanessa, who had instinctively flinched at the loud noise, soon sighed and opened her mouth again. Jurgen, having finished feeding carrots to the horse, had turned to look at her.

“About yesterday…”

“Don’t ever do that again.”

Before she could make any excuses or apologies, he cut her off with a sharp warning. Vanessa felt a surge of anger for a moment but, feeling apologetic towards him, pressed her lips together and nodded.

“If you’re curious about the past, remember it yourself. I have no intention of telling you everything.”

“…But didn’t you say nothing would change even if I remembered?”

Though she tried to hold back, she ended up talking back. Jurgen shot her a sharp look. Vanessa avoided his gaze and pretended to be distracted.

“I understand that the past is a sore spot for you. But… I think nothing will change if you keep putting up walls like this.”

Vanessa now genuinely wanted to knock on his walls and break them down. It was partly competitive spirit, partly a kind of sadness.

Could a life dedicated to revenge, calling oneself a Bloody Avenger, truly be happy?

Vanessa recalled his gentle smile from yesterday when he was caught in his dream. That appearance when he seemed at ease, free from the wariness he usually wore like a layer of clothing.

If only he could be like that normally.

“Your meddling is nothing but deception to me, Vanessa.”

Unlike last night, a cold voice called her name. Vanessa stood there, watching his back as he brushed past her and headed toward where the knights were gathered.

A distance that seemed impossible to close no matter what. Nevertheless, he…

‘He can’t let go of me. Even while hating me, he remains obsessed with me.’

Whether he was aware of this contradiction himself was unclear, but one thing seemed certain.

This relationship was like a time bomb that could explode at any moment.

✦ ✦ ✦

The party departed from the inn around nine in the morning. Since they were now close to Valencia in the Drake duchy, they proceeded at a more leisurely pace than usual.

How much time had passed like this?

As they entered the duchy, many in the party sensed something strange.

“…Something’s not right.”

Garcia’s quiet murmur was met with silent agreement from Jurgen and the other knights.

This was because the commoners’ reactions to seeing their lord’s carriage were different from usual.

Normally, they would have waved, bowed respectfully, or smiled happily, but for some reason, everyone just stared at them with worried expressions.

“Maybe there’s a rumor going around that our Duke lost a duel and became crippled?”

Though it was actually Tolman who had become crippled. Since rumors tend to get distorted, Garcia’s guess wasn’t completely nonsense.

“Even so, this is strange. I’ve never seen such deep concern on the commoners’ faces before. I wonder if something’s happened in the territory…”

When Vincent, the youngest knight, spoke worriedly, dark shadows fell across the faces of those who had until then been thinking ‘surely not.’

If something had really happened in the territory, it would be no small matter. The knights’ riding speed gradually increased, as if reflecting their anxious and urgent feelings.

Meanwhile, Vanessa and Renee, traveling in the carriage, were also staring out the window with puzzled expressions.

“Don’t the people of the territory seem… lacking in energy? It’s strange…”

Renee quietly agreed with Vanessa’s muttered words. She too felt that the atmosphere in the territory seemed unusual.

“We’ll know the details when we reach the outer castle. All we can do is hope it’s nothing serious.”

When Renee spoke, Vanessa silently nodded and sighed.

Though she had neither affection nor responsibility for this unfamiliar land, the thought that something bad might have happened made her uneasy. Perhaps it was because she had been impressed by the bright and happy faces of the commoners when she first arrived.

‘I hope it’s nothing serious…’

The scenery outside the window passed by even faster than before. It seemed the coachman had increased the speed due to growing anxiety. Vanessa continued to look out the window, gripped by a strange uneasiness.

The dark clouds that had poured heavy rain the night before still hung in the sky.

“My Lord!”

As soon as they arrived at the south gate of the outer castle, the captain of the guard came running out breathlessly.

After giving Jurgen a respectful bow, he reported in a serious voice.

“My Lord, the situation in the city has not been good since four days ago.”

“Not good how?”

The Drake duchy was divided into uncultivated land and forests, villages where farmers lived including farmland, the city within the outer castle, and the lord’s castle within the inner castle.

Judging by the guard captain’s words, the problem seemed to be in the city within the outer castle.

He answered Jurgen’s question with a flustered expression.

“A plague has spread in the city. The symptoms are similar to the flu but much more lethal. Though the situation isn’t severe yet, since it’s contagious, everyone is worried about how quickly it might spread.”

“…A plague?”

One of Jurgen’s eyebrows rose as he quietly repeated the word. Soon his expression became as serious as the guard captain’s. As did the others listening to the conversation.

The one who stepped forward among them was none other than Millard, the aide.

“A sudden plague? Our territory’s hygiene standards should have been adequate, shouldn’t it? What’s the cause of the plague? Have you identified the vector? Are there any effective treatments?”

To these rapid-fire questions, the guard captain hesitated for a moment before answering each one carefully.

“We’re currently investigating the cause of the plague. We suspect wild animals as the vector, but it’s not certain yet. Miss Jenelly is currently searching for effective treatments, and regular fever reducers and pain medications are somewhat effective for patients. We’re also making every effort to keep the city clean by mobilizing soldiers to maintain hygiene everywhere. The public baths have been closed.”

Fortunately, it seemed the vassals who had remained at the castle were handling things properly. Millard let out a relieved sigh and turned to Jurgen.

“We must hurry back to Rivadel Castle and assess the situation in more detail. Still, it’s fortunate that the situation isn’t severe.”

Garcia suddenly interjected.

“That’s right. Even the reclusive hermit Jenelly can be helpful sometimes.”

Millard gave him a sidelong glance for making jokes at a time like this. Jurgen’s orders followed in a calm tone.

“We’ll return to Rivadel Castle immediately. Guard captain, control access to the outer castle and make sure no one enters or leaves while the plague is active.”

“Yes, my Lord!”

Leaving behind the guard captain who responded energetically, the party rode through the city’s main street at top speed.

Meanwhile, Vanessa, who had overheard all this through the slightly opened carriage window, was gripped by helpless anxiety and worry.

✦ ✦ ✦

As soon as they arrived at Rivadel Castle, the situation became busy without a moment’s rest.

The first thing Jurgen did was examine the detailed records of what had happened so far.

Fortunately, his vassals were already doing their best in their respective positions, so beyond reading the mountain of reports they had submitted, there wasn’t much additional instruction Jurgen needed to give.

Next, he rose from his chair to go meet Jenelly, House Drake’s mage.

It was when he had just opened the office door to leave that Vanessa suddenly intervened.

“Duke, I want to go with you.”

Her lips were blue as if she had been waiting long in the cold corridor. Jurgen let out a small sigh and spoke as if pushing her away.

“There’s no need for you to get involved. And I’ve already made sure no one will spread rumors about this plague being caused by your misfortune, so don’t worry about it.”

He spoke, assuming that was all Vanessa was concerned about.

Feeling indignant, Vanessa clenched both hands into fists. Then she countered in a calm but sharp voice.

“I’m not doing this for such trivial reasons. Though I am anxious about that too. More important are people’s lives. I’m saying I want to help now too.”