chapter 42
After checking the schedule, costs, and other details Silas had found out and paying the fees, the day quickly passed while gathering all the items needed for the trip.
Serena had just closed her eyes on the cozy bed when a loud noise outside the window woke her.
Reflexively opening her eyes, she saw the clock hands approaching 5 a.m.
Just as she was about to grumble about the early hour, Sophia knocked politely on the door.
“Miss, it’s time to get up.”
Even though she must have gone to bed later tidying up, Sophia’s diligence in waking her erased Serena’s initial desire to linger in bed.
Serena finished preparing quickly and went outside with her still half-asleep family, where Silas gave a polite nod.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning…? I feel like I’m going to die from sleepiness.”
“…It’s only 5 a.m., so why are we leaving so early?”
Ashbel and Rianna’s voices were smaller and more drawn out than usual due to their grogginess.
Daisy was standing, barely holding herself upright. Without leaning on Rianna, she would have collapsed to the dirt floor, eyes closed and swaying.
“We couldn’t help it since we need to join the caravan. We’ve prepared a spacious and comfortable carriage, so please board and rest.”
Silas opened the carriage door. Ashbel grumbled quietly and was the first to climb in.
“Daisy, just walk a little. If you want to sleep, wait until you’re on the carriage. Come on.”
Rianna helped Daisy up the swaying carriage. Serena greeted Silas, who was loading the luggage.
“…Good morning. Are you feeling alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Perhaps the fresh air helped shake off the sleepiness.”
Serena wanted to encourage Silas for his early morning efforts, but she herself wasn’t in the best condition.
She nodded silently instead of saying anything and boarded the carriage. Sophia followed quickly, carrying a warm drink for Serena.
Even though they had just boarded, Rianna, Ashbel, and Daisy were already sprawled across the seats, snoring loudly.
Serena glared at her inconsiderate family and took the remaining seat, luckily next to Sophia.
She would have liked a bit more space, but at least she didn’t have to see her foolish family’s faces, and for that, she was grateful as she closed her eyes.
Feeling the carriage start moving, Serena soon woke to the sound of bustling outside.
Pulling aside the curtain and looking out the window, she saw dozens of wagons and people—the caravan they were traveling with.
‘It’s enormous.’
She hadn’t understood the scale when it was described, but seeing it in person, she could understand why even high-ranking nobles preferred to travel long distances with a caravan.
The size was enough to make anyone think twice before challenging it. Everyone looked strong, no doubt from having to lift heavy loads every day.
The caravan’s manager, checking for missing items or people, approached Serena’s carriage.
“Long time no see, Silas. The passengers are four nobles, including Baron Rosegold Junior, and one maid, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Upon confirming, Silas opened the carriage door without hesitation.
“Excuse me.”
The manager bowed politely, then climbed in to inspect the carriage.
The sight of them sleeping sprawled across the seats was undignified, but there was nothing suspicious aside from the youngest being the only one awake.
“Everything matches the prior report. We’ll do our best to ensure a safe and comfortable journey to your destination.”
The manager bowed to Serena and left the carriage. Serena’s carriage seemed to be the last, as the rest of the wagons set off in order.
It was quite a spectacle, and Serena enjoyed watching the procession from the window, though she soon fell asleep, unable to fight off her drowsiness.
The carriage reached its first stop when the sun was high in the sky. They unloaded some items in a small farming village and took on new cargo.
With a little time, they ate at a small restaurant, as did the rest of the caravan.
Apparently routine, the restaurant staff efficiently brought out the food.
“This isn’t very good for something sold at a shop… a bit dry, maybe.”
“Yeah, food at home tastes better.”
“…Hmm. Do they not serve beer?”
Serena was dumbfounded by her family’s habit of complaining instead of being grateful.
“If you don’t like it, don’t eat it.”
“I never said I disliked it. I just said it wasn’t great.”
Despite the complaint, their plates were cleared. It had been quiet until now, but now it seemed they’d grumble the whole way. Daisy, with her lack of patience, was especially worrisome.
Buying her a snack from a vendor fortunately kept her satisfied, either eating quietly or looking out the window.
“If you stay quiet at the next stop, I’ll get you something tasty again.”
“Okay! Got it!”
Daisy occasionally sang out of boredom, but it was far better than screaming.
After passing the second stop, they reached their final destination around 6 p.m.
Exhausted from riding all day, they soaked in warm water and fell asleep early.
The next day, the wake-up time was 5 a.m. again. They got up groggily and boarded the carriage. The day already felt long and exhausting.
Traveling with people she disliked only added to Serena’s stress. The only consolation was that they were close to their destination.
After a long stretch past the first stop, the carriage slowed.
“Miss, we’ve reached the Rosegold border.”
Silas’s voice came from the driver’s seat. Outside the window stretched a massive mountain range with no visible end.
Books had failed to convey the scale, but now Serena understood why Rosegold was isolated.
‘They said it’s a shallow range, but it’s quite high… It’s better to go around than try to cross it.’
Even if the destination was on the other side, crossing by carriage seemed impossible.
Her family added their negative opinions.
“I didn’t expect much, but this is completely useless.”
“Hmm… how do we even get through? Is there anything over there?”
“What?! Cross that? How?”
“Well… ask the one who suggested it.”
Rianna pointed at Serena with her chin. Daisy grabbed Serena’s arm and shook her violently.
“Hey! How do we get over there? Can we ride the carriage?”
Even Daisy, simple-minded as she was, knew a carriage couldn’t cross a mountain.
“You’re not thinking we’ll walk, are you?!”
Serena didn’t know either, so she stayed silent.
At that moment, the caravan manager’s carriage pulled up beside them.
“This is Rosegold from here. The entrance is roughly in that area.”
He admitted that no one had gone before, so he could only give a rough location.
Serena felt relieved to at least have an idea of where the entrance was.
With thanks, her carriage separated from the caravan. The rest of the caravan, having completed its task, sped away out of sight.
Serena’s carriage headed toward the entrance the manager had indicated.
Even though no one had gone before, she hoped the entrance would be visible up close.
Unfortunately, after circling the area for a while, there was no visible opening.
“Hmm… doesn’t seem like there’s an entrance here…”
“Ugh, why did I even agree to follow?”
“Mom, I’m tired! I’m hungry! Are we far?”
“I don’t know… maybe someone else knows?”
“Hey! Are we there yet? When will we arrive?”
Her family’s complaints grew louder. Sophia also looked worried. Serena considered returning to a stop before nightfall for safety.
Then, a small light flickered in her sight.
