Chapter 10
“There’s no choice. We’ll move immediately. If we ride through the night, we should reach Blayer by morning.”
Arriving at the small village, Beren reported that the few inns had no rooms left, and the neighboring village wasn’t any different.
Hearing this, Ruban judged that traveling through the night to Blayer was the best option. It would be better to arrive at the estate sooner and let everyone rest than to camp outside.
He worried about the exhausted Inael.
Tilting his head, he glanced at her as she sat beside him. Despite her fatigue, she was smiling cheerfully while chatting with the knights.
Maybe we should have taken it slower, he thought, letting out a soft sigh.
Lemon approached him.
“Your Highness, I’ve mapped out the fastest route. Shall we review it?”
“Very well.”
Ruban stood, excusing himself to Inael.
“I’ll step outside for a moment. Don’t go out alone; stay with the knights since it’s dark.”
“I will. Be careful.”
Watching him leave, Inael’s eyes swept over the busy dining hall. The knights, used to frequent expeditions, prepared to depart without showing the slightest fatigue.
They’re really incredible…
She thought of Roziana, lifting baskets with ease, and tilted her head. Are all the people in this world this strong?
Clenching her fists to keep from falling behind, she bravely stood and approached the knights packing supplies.
They were dividing small pouches of feed and water for the horses into their sacks.
Inael crouched beside them to help lift a sack, but one knight stopped her.
“Lady Inael, we’ll finish quickly. Please, stay seated.”
“Yes, riding all day is hard. You must be tired.”
Their kind concern made her smile, and she took a feed pouch herself.
“No, really. I’ve just been sitting. I’m sleepy because I’m full. To wake up, I need to move.”
She packed the sacks energetically, showing them her strength, which made the knights laugh and join in.
When Ruban returned from checking the route with Lemon, he noticed she was no longer at her seat. He found her crouched among the knights, helping with the sacks.
“She’s truly bright. Despite a long journey, she never shows fatigue and keeps smiling,” Lemon said, admiring her.
Ruban nodded, smiling slightly, and approached her.
After tying the last sack, Inael stood, and Ruban suddenly came up beside her, taking her hand and brushing it gently.
Only then did she feel the redness and swelling from the rough sack.
“The sacks are rough. Skin like yours gets rubbed raw.”
“It doesn’t hurt, so it’s fine.”
More than the minor wound, it was the warmth of his touch that made her palms burn.
Feeling the knights’ curious gazes, Inael subtly withdrew her hand. Ruban glanced at her face, then called the knights.
“We’re leaving soon. Move the sacks outside.”
The knights hefted the heavy sacks and hurried outside with cheerful steps.
Inael turned to follow but Ruban caught her hand.
“Come here.”
He led her to a small door inside the hall and took a small, round glass container from his pocket, placing it in her palm.
“This is ointment for blisters. It helps with the pain, so put it on now.”
“Thank you… Did you get this just for me?”
“Yes, so apply it and don’t hurt yourself.”
He showed her the small staff room used by the inn and opened the door.
“I’ll be right outside. Take your time.”
Inside, Inael fidgeted with the hem of the purple velvet dress Ruban had gifted her. Though soft and beautiful, she hesitated to remove it alone.
Even if she managed to untie the straps, putting it back on would be a bigger problem.
After a brief pause, she rolled up the sleeves to apply ointment to her blistered arms, lifted the skirt, and treated her legs.
Once in Blayer, she’d apply it properly all over.
Carefully, she stored the ointment in the dress’s small pocket and adjusted her outfit in a mirror.
Thinking of Ruban waiting outside made her blush and her heart flutter.
Peeking out, she saw him turn toward her. He eyed her suspiciously.
“You applied it properly?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
For some reason, her face turned even redder, and she tugged at his arm, urging him to leave.
“They’re waiting. Let’s go.”
His lips curved as he noticed the tiny, fragile arm pulling him. Pretending to follow her lead, he quickly grabbed her hand and led the way.
Through the dark night, they rode toward Blayer.
“Haah…”
Inael fought against the heavy pull of sleep, blinking desperately in his arms. Ruban smiled softly at her struggle.
“Close your eyes and sleep.”
“…I’m not sleepy.”
“Your eyes are halfway shut.”
“No… when did I… Don’t tease me.”
Blushing at his teasing, she straightened herself to avoid falling asleep.
“Thank you for enduring despite being so tired.”
She had relied purely on her mental strength during the long journey, her body exhausted.
As she relaxed after reflecting on the past few grueling days, her posture sagged like a deflated balloon.
Ruban chuckled again at her honest display of emotion.
She was a clear, transparent soul. From their first conversation, he had sensed she was bright and pure—perhaps even more than he had imagined.
He enjoyed seeing her expressions shift with every word, sometimes teasing her with silly jokes on purpose.
“…Then I’ll nap for a bit. Wake me after a while.”
“Okay.”
Exhausted, Inael immediately fell asleep, and Ruban drew her closer into his embrace, making her more comfortable.
He found it amusing that he secretly wished this dark, quiet ride would last longer.
Time passed, and the bluish dawn revealed the red sun rising slowly.
Feeling the horses slow, Inael stirred, lifting her head groggily.
“Wow…”
She whispered in awe.
Blayer, Ruban’s estate, was as prosperous as the capital with its palace.
Travelers often ranked it among the top tourist destinations. The biggest reason was the happy, peaceful atmosphere among the residents.
Though Ruban frequently left for war or imperial duties, he ensured the estate ran smoothly in his absence. He allowed freedom but strictly enforced rules, separating residents from tourists to prevent complaints.
The residents’ satisfaction had reached its peak, and their affection for Ruban and his knights was immense.
Arriving a day earlier than expected, the city was quiet, unaware of the lord’s return.
Despite the stillness, a warm, peaceful feeling emanated from every corner.
After some time, they reached the grand estate, surrounded by a vast, well-kept garden. Many buildings framed the main hall, which exuded solemn authority.
The garden was so wide that colorful flowers and trees blurred past as they entered.
Inael smiled brightly at the warm breeze and sweet fragrance.
Seeing her excitement, Ruban slowed the horses slightly.
“Do you like it?”
She only nodded, too absorbed in the scenery to speak.
Her long hair flowed over her shoulders with every movement, and he thought, This is maddening.
The soft, smooth texture made him want to reach out. He gripped the reins tightly to suppress the urge to touch her head.
At the main hall entrance, numerous servants lined up in order, faces alight with excitement at their lord’s return.
Ruban dismounted and held out his hand to Inael.
“Welcome to Blayer, Inael.”
