Chapter 69
Fortunately, the day they departed for Toden dawned under a clear sky.
“Judging by the lack of clouds, the journey should be quite pleasant!”
Marcus exclaimed with a beaming smile, his voice more cheerful than usual.
Cecilia adjusted her hat and glanced up at the sky.
“You’re right. At least we won’t have to struggle through mud.”
It would have felt awkward if she seemed overly concerned about her master’s mood, so she responded in a bright tone as well.
“The road might still be a little slippery, but it shouldn’t be a big problem.”
Marcus, who had been lightly kicking the ground with the sole of his boot, shrugged.
“If we leave now, we’ll arrive around nightfall?”
“Yes. If we keep the schedule relaxed, we should be back the day after tomorrow.”
If her husband were with her, she would have chosen that option without hesitation.
But traveling to Toden alone would probably be nothing but dull.
After nodding, Cecilia decided she would make the final call depending on the weather and stepped toward the carriage.
Marcus quickly moved to assist her as she climbed in.
His firm, steady hand was noticeably slimmer compared to her husband’s. Once again, she became keenly aware of just how broad and solid Yuri’s body was, and a quiet laugh escaped her lips.
He really was like a bear—both in build and in temperament.
At first, I wondered what kind of overly sensitive and arrogant man he was.
Had Yuri heard that, he would have complained that it was far too harsh.
Though, to be fair, he wouldn’t have been able to deny it either.
These days, however…
Well… he does have a cute side.
There was a time when she’d only ever seen his scowling expression, or the way he curled one corner of his mouth in a mocking smirk.
That impression had once been so deeply ingrained, yet recently it felt as though it belonged to some distant past.
Now, those memories had been replaced by the image of a man sulking quietly or carefully watching her reactions.
Yuri probably wouldn’t be too thrilled if he knew she thought of him that way.
Still, it was true that he’d grown much gentler.
A faint smile, tinged with happiness, settled over Cecilia’s face as she thought of her husband.
It was such a pleasant expression that even the person secretly watching her couldn’t help but smile along.
Eli, who sat across from her, quickly struck up a conversation.
“Doesn’t this remind you of when we were heading to Lotreven, my lady?”
“It does. I can’t even remember the last time I went on something that could truly be called a trip.”
Back then, the inside of the carriage bound for Lotreven had been gloomy from start to finish.
But that, too, was all in the past now.
Leaving that unspoken, Cecilia and Eli reminisced, laughing as they shared old stories.
Before long, her mood lifted as well. Cecilia burst into carefree laughter, having forgotten the worries she’d carried at their departure.
Eli, equally energized, chattered nonstop.
“…And then, you remember how Young Master Pierre jumped straight into the sea, saying he wanted to look cool?”
“Oh, I remember. He couldn’t even swim, so Mario had to carry him back out.”
“And Rosalie mocked him endlessly for it.”
“And yet he kept laughing, only to get scolded by Mother afterward…”
Cecilia shook her head with a smile as she recalled her foolish older brother’s antics.
Watching her expression, Eli giggled.
“It really was fun back then, wasn’t it?”
It truly was.
The orange glow of the late afternoon sun, the sea sparkling brilliantly beneath it.
Even the damp, salty breeze carried by the wind became part of those fond memories, mingled with the sweet scent of flowers and fruit.
“If we ever get the chance, I’d like to visit Eldova too.”
“Then let’s go! Next time, couldn’t you ask His Grace the Grand Duke?”
Eli clenched her fist and exclaimed enthusiastically after hearing Cecilia’s casual murmur.
Eli likely assumed Cecilia would travel alone.
But Cecilia was already imagining Yuri standing quietly on a beach.
It’d be better if we went together.
The heat of Eldova might feel excessive to him.
It was a land where snow was unheard of. Just like when she’d first arrived in Lotreven, he might struggle to adapt to the climate, looking awkward and out of place.
He wouldn’t need to wear such heavy clothes there. He wouldn’t go so far as Pierre—walking around with his shirt completely unbuttoned—but even short sleeves made of light fabric would probably give him a sense of freedom.
More than anything…
She wanted to share the places she loved with her husband—the alleys, the beach, the markets, the hills, and the gardens where gentle breezes passed through. Sharing the same memories, then staying up all night talking about them, sounded delightful.
“Alright. Then once we’re back at the Grand Ducal residence, I’ll bring it up with my husband.”
“Don’t forget to take me along too.”
Eli added playfully, then let out a small sigh.
“Talking about Eldova really makes me want to go back… Ah! That doesn’t mean I’m unhappy with my life now.”
“I know. You can’t help missing home.”
Talking about it only seemed to deepen the longing.
She’d never imagined she’d feel homesick. She’d thought she’d adapted well enough to Lotreven—but home was still home.
She never would have guessed that even memories of coaxing her mother would be softened by nostalgia.
With a small laugh, Cecilia allowed herself to sink into the past for the first time in a while.
The long reverie was so immersive that the rattling carriage felt like a ship riding the waves.
There were no major incidents along the way, so they arrived in Toden slightly earlier than expected.
Cecilia stretched, loosening her stiff body.
Even so, her waist and the back of her neck ached, and a dull headache pressed down on her head.
She sighed as she gently massaged her temples with cool fingers and looked around.
Though it had fewer shops than Tisheer, Toden’s streets were still bustling with people.
While she stood there absentmindedly watching the crowd, she spotted Marcus running toward her from afar, slightly out of breath.
“I’ve secured lodgings! Fortunately, they had three rooms available, so I reserved all of them.”
“Good work, Sir Marcus. It must’ve been surprising to handle such a sudden situation—thank you for staying calm.”
Considering their numbers, it was tight, but for same-day accommodations, it was quite decent.
If Eli and Cecilia shared a room, everyone should be able to stay comfortably enough.
That had been one of the causes of Cecilia’s headache.
“Let’s inspect the lodgings in the morning.”
Originally, she’d planned to stay overnight at the very place they’d come to inspect.
But whether due to scheduling issues or miscommunication, they’d been told it wouldn’t be ready for guests just yet.
The meals and bedding weren’t prepared, apparently.
I thought we’d given them plenty of time.
From the sound of it, even hiring staff hadn’t been fully sorted out.
Maybe it’s a good thing my husband didn’t come with me.
At least she wouldn’t have to show him this mess.
And if he had come, her usual room arrangement might have changed.
It was still a little too embarrassing to think about.
All things considered, she felt rather lucky. With that thought, the trip didn’t seem so bad after all.
“It’s late, but we should all eat something simple. Let’s head to the lodgings.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The place Marcus had found was modest but clean.
The owner didn’t complain about the sudden request and immediately began preparing a meal, which alone made it quite acceptable.
After eating warm soup and bread, everyone looked visibly worn out. Those who needed rest were sent upstairs early, and Cecilia was just about to tidy up and prepare for bed herself when—
“…Hm?”
As she looked around, Cecilia noticed Eli quietly slipping out of the inn through the back door.
