Chapter 74
Roil and Yuvel sat by the campfire, chatting. The main topic was swordsmanship. Both were drawing imaginary duels in the dirt with sticks, tracing sword movements.
The more Roil talked with Yuvel, the harder it became to guess his background. Yuvel’s sword style blended elements from the southern, northern, and central regions of the empire, and even techniques from other kingdoms.
Who exactly is he? Not a noble? Did Elli and I misjudge him?
Seeing a mix of styles, Roil even wondered if he might be a wandering mercenary. His attempt to infer Yuvel’s origin through his swordsmanship had failed.
“Ah, it’s not about slashing like this; I should have thrust here.”
“In that case, I’d deflect and go the opposite way, right?”
They were deep in conversation, aiming at each other’s weak points.
“Ah… No! Mom! Mom! Mooooom!”
A sudden scream startled Roil and Yuvel, who both looked in its direction. The source was Ellen.
“Mom? Well, at least it doesn’t seem like it’s related to that earlier dream. Must’ve been a vivid dream.”
Yuvel chuckled lightly at Roil, but Roil was already gone.
“Quick as ever.”
Roil had already seated himself beside Ellen. Yuvel shrugged at him, added another piece of wood to the fire, and continued observing.
Roil slipped his hand under Ellen’s sleeping bag and rubbed her back in gentle circles, whispering into her ear:
“Shh—shh—it’s okay. It’s over. Hyesuh, it’s alright. It’s alright.”
Ellen’s eyes were already moist. Roil seemed to understand what she had been dreaming about. Seeing the carriage accident during the day had triggered memories of his own near-death experience in a car crash, making his heart pound.
While rubbing her back, some dirt scraped against Roil’s hand, but he didn’t notice at all. His focus remained entirely on the tears streaming from Ellen’s closed eyes. His chest ached.
He continued until her breathing stabilized, then wet a handkerchief and wiped her face. Yuvel watched silently by the fire, scratching his head with a stick and letting out a quiet “hmm.”
When Ellen opened her eyes, Nesh had returned and was sleeping in her arms. She vaguely remembered someone comforting her in the dream—was it Nesh?
“Was it you?”
Ellen asked in a hoarse voice. Nesh tilted his head as if to say “What are you talking about?” and turned away, closing his eyes.
The three set off early the next morning. Ellen’s mind still lingered on the child from yesterday.
After sending Nesh to Yuvel, Ellen approached Roil on horseback. She didn’t speak immediately, and Roil finally asked:
“Still feeling off?”
“A little. I wonder if that person from yesterday will be properly punished?”
Roil glanced at Yuvel, who was holding Nesh’s tail and cradling a scratched hand.
He didn’t look like he’d just handle the body quietly… can’t tell his true intentions.
Roil remembered how Yuvel approached the child who died yesterday.
“I saw his face briefly; he looked like Viscount Eston’s grandson.”
“So, he probably won’t get severe punishment.”
Roil tightened his grip on the reins.
“No trial either, then?”
“None. Who would put a lord’s grandson on trial?”
“Does that even make sense?”
“Here, it does.”
Roil’s voice was cold. Ellen fiddled with the gold badge in her pocket.
Should I go back? Damn, why did Mom give me something I can’t even use?
“We need to separate judicial authority at least. What the hell is this?” Ellen muttered.
“Do you think it’ll be easy? Nobles rarely give up their privileges willingly.”
“Should I ask Dad to propose it at the next nobles’ meeting?”
“Don’t. You want the whole family’s heads on the chopping block?”
“I trust Grandpa, that’s all.”
“That grandfather is His Majesty, though, making it even riskier. At least our heads won’t roll. Maybe the Emperor will face execution?”
“Even if we talk about it, still…”
Ellen kicked Roil’s side in irritation. The horse accelerated reflexively, and Roil stopped it, returning beside her.
“Think about it. If a royal thinks like that, it’s even more dangerous. To exaggerate, this is a country where a woman could inherit the throne.”
“Oh, right. Since the crown prince is gone, Mom is third in line. Then I’m fourth?”
Ellen’s eyes widened at the realization. She had never imagined being in line for the throne.
Flustered, she looked at Roil, who nodded.
“Even if the rank is lower, being in the line of succession and advocating ‘separation of powers’—what will the nobles think? They’d suspect, ‘Is she plotting something?’ Perfect for them to accuse you. Nobles won’t like independent judicial power.”
“They probably won’t. Honestly, without this issue, I wouldn’t be that pleased either.”
“Especially now, with rebel remnants stirring everywhere, it’s perfect for them to blame you.”
“Hmm…”
Ellen didn’t continue and instead pulled out some jerky pieces to chew. She then realized Yuvel was behind them.
Uh-oh. Did we talk too loudly? Did he hear?
They had been talking quietly at a close distance, but Ellen still looked anxiously at him. Yuvel caught her gaze and smiled brightly.
He looked so cheerful—must not have heard.
Relieved, Ellen shared jerky pieces with Roil, Yuvel, and Nesh, chewing her own piece contentedly.
After camping one more night, the three reached the Bourbon territory.
Ellen was quite exhausted. Roil adjusted their pace according to her condition, but witnessing the accident in the Eston territory had clearly affected her. Coupled with whatever nightmare she’d had, Ellen still looked pale the next day.
“If we push it, we could reach Bourbon Manor tonight, but maybe we should just arrive tomorrow morning?” Roil asked.
“I want to see Serel. Would we be pushing too hard to arrive today?” Ellen checked the map to estimate the distance.
“Probably.” Yuvel leaned closer, stretching over his horse to look at the map with her.
“Better to rest at an inn today. You don’t look fully recovered yet.”
Ellen looked at Roil. He nodded when their eyes met, keeping a quiet vigil.
“Right, we should let the horse rest too. Let’s do that. Nesh, visit Serel once more.”
Ellen wrote a note about arriving tomorrow morning, tapping her forehead with the pen.
Why am I bothering to do this when we could write it at the inn?
Nesh, waiting on Jenny’s back for the note, sighed. Ellen scratched her head, thinking it was directed at her.
The next morning, they set off early. Ellen was excited to see Serel after a long time. They traveled quickly throughout the morning, and Bourbon Manor soon appeared ahead.
“Almost there.” Roil said cheerfully.
“Ellen, Roil, run!” a woman shouted while riding toward them.
Ellen, Roil, and Yuvel, having relaxed a bit, turned their horses and began galloping. The manor that had seemed close now seemed farther away.
The woman caught up quickly.
“Serel?” Ellen looked back in surprise.
“Yes, it’s me, Ellen! Roil, to the left!” Serel shouted as she moved slightly ahead.
Soon Serel led the way. Ellen and Roil exchanged puzzled glances but followed her, while Yuvel grinned and trailed behind, clearly enjoying the situation.
Serel guided them around the town, slowing her pace after halfway. Ellen, Roil, and Yuvel followed, walking slowly.
“Roil, long time no see. Sorry for making you run without greeting you.” Serel extended her hand.
“Hello, Serel. I’ve heard updates from Elli. Looks like you’ve been doing well. Still practicing horseback riding diligently.” Roil greeted, meeting her palm with a light slap.
“By the way, what’s going on, Serel?” Ellen asked, concerned.
“My father wanted to assign eight knights to me.”
Huh?
The three looked at each other. Serel continued:
“We argued over it for days. Even when friends brought two knights each, totaling fifteen, he ignored it. So I ran away. If he had asked for just a few, I’d have complied without fuss. That’s why I told them we’d arrive in the afternoon and slipped away first.”
Serel spoke confidently.
Serel’s become quite bold since I last saw her.
Ellen laughed quietly at Roil’s gaze.
“So, let’s get far from home as quickly as possible. The knights might chase us.”
Serel widened her eyes, spotting someone unfamiliar.
“Oh, there’s someone I don’t recognize?”
All three looked at Yuvel. Ellen was about to speak, but Yuvel introduced himself first.
“I’m Yuvel. With Ellen and Roil’s permission, I’m traveling with them.” He bowed politely while still on horseback.
“Serel. Um…” Serel glanced toward Bourbon Manor and scratched the back of her head.
“Just Serel.”
“I’m simply Yuvel.” He smiled warmly.
“I’m also heading to Roanoke. May I travel with you?”
“Isn’t that why you’re here?” Serel asked, tilting her head.
