Chapter 53

The wedding came to an end.

After changing clothes, they immediately boarded the carriage. Their honeymoon destination was within the Astrea Empire.

“Terry, wouldn’t it be better to stay in the capital for at least a week before leaving?”

“Yes, you could enjoy the festival in the capital for a week… Besides, there might not be many good places to stop along the way.”

The family expressed their concerns about the honeymoon trip that was to begin right after the wedding.

“Are you planning to spend your first night as a married couple in some shabby inn? Or have you already—”

“Sister!”

“Siren!”

Look at that mouth of hers!

Both she and His Majesty were startled, but her sister just shrugged as if she had said nothing wrong.

At those words, Lord Leheln’s expression darkened, and he quietly pulled Eched aside to talk to him.

“What’s wrong with everyone? I’m fine with sleeping in the carriage or even camping outdoors.”

“We know you’re the type who could eat food off the ground, but we can’t help worrying about you.”

“I’ve never actually eaten food off the ground…”

“It’s just a figure of speech. Anyway, since you’ve even prepared supplies for the reconnaissance team, I guess you’re not planning to delay the trip. Just make sure to be careful and leave the supplies as soon as you reach the destination.”

For a moment, darkness shadowed her sister’s eyes. She seemed worried that monsters might suddenly appear, just as they had during the incident two years ago.

“Got it. Don’t worry too much and just relax.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to take Kirin with you?”

“Yes. Kirin, don’t feel too sad. The distance is far, and you know I don’t really need much assistance. I’ll bring back lots of gifts instead.”

“Miss…”

Since the assistance she usually received was limited to preparing bathwater and serving tea, her daily life wouldn’t be too difficult without Kirin.

“Well then, we’ll be off.”

“Alright. Take care and come back safely.”

“Always be cautious.”

Although it wasn’t a long trip, the farewell with her family dragged on. Feeling like it would never end, she cut it short and quickly climbed into the carriage.

The carriage set off. The procession of carriages leaving the capital was long.

The reason for choosing the Astrea Empire as the honeymoon destination, despite the potential dangers, was to deliver supplies and meet an informant investigating dark sorcerers. Eched also seemed to have his own tasks to attend to.

In the end, the trip was more of an extended business trip than a proper honeymoon.

The inside of the carriage running across the Blue Plains was extremely comfortable. It was a magical carriage crafted with the power and wealth of the Ducal Family and the Mage Tower.

It was as comfortable as lying on her own bed at home…

“Tonight, we’ll stay in a nearby village.”

She nodded in agreement. Since she didn’t know much, it was best to follow Eched’s lead.

The farther they traveled from the capital, the fewer villages they encountered. Soon, there was nothing but a vast, empty plain.

According to the explanation, human settlements became scarce as they approached the Haltonea Forest.

It was understandable. No one would want to experience another monster outbreak like the one two years ago.

The Kulnensi Marquisate, which bordered the Solun Mountains connected to the forest, had long fortified its military strength, so it hadn’t suffered much damage. However, smaller villages bore the brunt of the disaster.

Before that incident, monsters had never left their habitat in the Haltonea Forest. That complacency led to the great disaster two years ago.

Since then, the Imperial Family and the Holy Kingdom had kept a close watch on the Haltonea Forest, occasionally organizing subjugation campaigns when the number of monsters increased.

People suggested burning the forest to eradicate the monsters, but… unfortunately, the forest couldn’t be burned.

Even with magic or holy artifacts, it couldn’t be destroyed.

After traveling across the plains for a long time, they finally arrived at a small village by a stream as the sun began to set.

Having never traveled before, she found the rural village fascinating.

“Are you sure you don’t need an attendant?”

“I’m fine.”

Eched, lightly carrying her luggage, jumped down from the carriage. Then he extended his hand, clad in dark gloves, as if to help her down.

‘His manners are improving.’

Was he secretly studying noble etiquette somewhere?

She took his hand and stepped down from the carriage.

“If necessary, I can carry it for you.”

“Carry what?”

“Your luggage.”

His resolute expression made it seem like he was ready to fetch bathwater if she said she needed it.

She waved her hand, saying it wasn’t necessary.

“Commander, this is the room you’ll be staying in.”

Meanwhile, the knight who had paid for the room approached and handed them the key.

They passed by the people tending to the carriage and entered the inn.

***

The inn was a three-story building, with the first floor serving as a restaurant and the second and third floors as sleeping quarters.

As expected of a small, old village, the inn showed signs of wear and age.

The wooden floor creaked with every step.

The assigned room, though a bit old, was spacious enough and even had a bathroom. The bedding was clean, making it a comfortable place to spend the night.

After setting down their luggage, they went downstairs to have a decent dinner, filling their hungry stomachs.

Afterward, they went for a walk to explore the village and aid digestion.

By then, it was dark, but the streets were lit by scattered fires.

The usually quiet village was a bit lively due to their visit.

Walking along the dirt path with sparse grass, they reached a stream where water flowed gently.

Cool air brushed against her cheeks, and the soft sound of water blended with the chirping of insects. Distant laughter added to the harmony.

‘If I ever live in the countryside, a village by a stream like this wouldn’t be bad.’

She nodded to herself, thinking how it was always nice to live near water.

Then she met Eched’s gaze and flinched. 

How long had he been watching me?

His intense stare made her feel as though he had read her thoughts. She awkwardly cleared her throat and looked away.

“Shall we head back?”

It was getting late and chilly. And as if sensing this, Eched, who had removed his gloves during dinner, shared the warmth of his hands with her.

It made her wonder if he could read her mind…

But she didn’t pull her hand away, enjoying the warmth.

Just as they turned to head back to the inn, an elderly woman sitting on a chair under a tree spoke to them.

“Are you newlyweds?”

Embarrassed by the question, she hesitated before answering.

“Yes…”

The old woman smiled kindly.

“You’ve come a long way.”

It was clear that she had recognized them as people from the capital. She nodded in response.

“The night is cold. Go inside and rest.”

After exchanging evening greetings, they parted ways and returned to their room. She washed up first and came out.

As she sat quietly, the sounds she had heard outside still lingered. However, the people had dispersed, leaving only the sounds of nature.

The unfamiliar room, new environment, and changed relationship created a subtle atmosphere.

‘This must be what they call the first night after marriage.’

The thought made her blush.

She heard the door open and Eched step out. Suddenly aware of him, she couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

Since the evening at the opera, Eched hadn’t made any similar advances. She, too, had avoided drinking since that day.

Looking back, drinking always led to trouble.

‘You’ll regret it later.’

At times like this, she recalled Orgon’s words. She regretted not listening to him, though she knew it was pointless to dwell on it.

‘He should’ve stopped me more forcefully.’

She blamed Orgon for her own actions.

“Are you still awake?”

“Huh? Oh… Yes, I should sleep now…”

The lights went out, and darkness enveloped the room.

Restless thoughts kept her tossing and turning until Eched suddenly held her hand, startling her.

“Ahh!”

Her strange cry of surprise made Eched raise an eyebrow.

It was a simple, innocent gesture, no different from usual.

An awkward silence filled the room. The discomfort was palpable, making it hard to offer any explanation.

As she struggled to figure out how to break the silence, Eched spoke first.

“You don’t have to look at me as if I’ve done something indecent.”

His voice, muffled by the pillow, sounded resigned, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.

Given the situation, it wasn’t hard to guess… but it was still embarrassing.

Thankfully, it was dark, so he couldn’t see her face, which was probably flushed red.

“I wasn’t thinking that… I was just startled while lost in thought…”

She tried to hide her embarrassment and lay back down.

“Eched, don’t forget. Our marriage is a contract, nothing more.”

“Got it. Now go to sleep.”

Eched pulled the blanket up to her chin, as if telling her to stop overthinking and rest.

Hearing his confirmation, she felt relieved. Her tension eased, and she finally felt the weight of sleep pressing down on her.

Traveling for so long, even in a comfortable carriage, had left her quite tired.

“I have no intention of touching you.”

Yes, yes, thank you.

His soft, whispered promise sounded like a lullaby, quickly lulling her to sleep.

‘For now.’

She didn’t hear the last part.

***

Morning came. After preparing the carriage, they left the village and traveled across the plains for another day, finally arriving at the campsite where the reconnaissance team was stationed.