Chapter 59
“Agarest, you’re going to keep the promise you made with me, right?”
“Of course.”
Elinor had made a certain promise with Agarest.
In exchange for Agarest watching over the baby, Elinor would bring him whatever he wanted from the border.
“Plants are fine, but if possible, animals would be better.”
“Even small animals?”
“Yeah. And if you detect anything contaminated by magic, use the scroll to send it to me.”
“Take good care of the baby. And if anyone notices the baby…”
“You want me to take it to the Mage Tower, so the Duke or his family can’t touch it, right?”
Elinor nodded.
Agarest smiled slyly.
“Leave it to me.”
With that, Elinor pressed a gentle kiss to the baby’s forehead and gathered her belongings.
Just as she was about to leave for those waiting for her, the golden bird that had been near the baby suddenly flew toward her.
“Chirp, chirp!”
“My divine beast, please protect the baby as well.”
Elinor greeted the golden bird.
However, the bird landed on Elinor’s shoulder.
“I have to go now. I’m going to the baby.”
But the golden bird refused to leave her side.
Even when Elinor tried to shake it off, it stubbornly returned to her.
Agarest whistled.
“Looks like it wants to follow you, Elin.”
“Chirp!”
The golden bird seemed to agree.
Elinor was at a loss.
If the baby summoned the divine beast, the baby should be its master.
Then why was it trying to follow her?
“Well, let’s take it along. It might help somehow.”
Even if she tried to remove it, the bird would just return, so she had no choice.
In the end, the golden bird became part of Elinor’s group.
At the front gate, the Hilliard family had already gathered.
“Brother, we have to protect your wife well.”
Tedian spoke seriously as he came out to see off Elinor and Mathias.
“Don’t let her get hurt. Even if it costs your life, protect her.”
“Don’t worry.”
Mathias ruffled Tedian’s hair.
“Of course, that’s the plan.”
“The border is a tough place, even for Logan.”
Cornelia held Tedian’s shoulder.
“Be careful not to get hurt.”
“Thanks for your concern, Cory.”
“Not for your brother, but for Elinor. Don’t hurt her.”
“…Got it.”
“Remember, safety comes first for both of them.”
By now, the matriarch had approached and held Elinor’s hand.
Though aged and wrinkled, her hand radiated warmth.
“You’ve already given us so much. Don’t feel burdened and travel carefully.”
“Yes, Matriarch.”
“We’ll take care of the baby safely. I’ll personally look after the baby with my maids. Don’t worry too much.”
Elinor turned and reached out to the maid holding the baby, who handed the child over to her.
“My little one.”
Elinor took a deep breath.
The warm scent of the baby wrapped around her like a cozy blanket.
“Kyaa, baba.”
“I’ll be back soon. Please stay safe until I return. I’m counting on you.”
Elinor’s carriage disappeared completely.
Those who had come to see her off, led by the matriarch and the baby, gradually returned to the mansion.
Tedian also started to head back to his room.
But then, Cornelia screamed.
“Kyaa!”
“Sis, what’s wrong?!”
With a distressed expression, Cornelia pulled something from her pocket.
“I was going to give this to you, but I completely forgot.”
It was a handkerchief Cornelia had personally embroidered to pray for Elinor’s safety.
A turquoise laurel wreath and a blue eagle—the symbols of the Hilliard family.
Since Elinor was leaving the next day, Cornelia had stayed up all night making it.
She had forgotten to hand it over while reminding her to be careful during the farewell.
“It hasn’t been long since she left. She can’t have gone far. I’ll bring it to her.”
“Really? You’ll do that?”
“Yeah! I can catch up quickly on horseback. Come on! Bring the horse.”
A servant brought out a horse from the stable.
Tedian jumped onto the horse.
“Please, Tedian.”
“Leave it to me. Giddy-up!”
Tedian, clutching the gift Cornelia had given him, galloped at full speed in pursuit of the carriage.
The road toward the border was the same one that led to the Five-Colored Garden.
The area near the now-restricted Five-Colored Garden was deserted.
It should be visible by now. Why can’t I see anything?
Tedian clicked his tongue to urge the horse to go faster.
Then, from the bushes, someone suddenly appeared.
“Whoa?!”
The startled horse lifted its front hooves.
Tedian hurriedly grabbed the reins.
“Whoa, whoa! It’s okay!”
Thankfully, he managed to calm the horse.
What the heck was that? My heart almost stopped.
“Hey! This area is off-limits!”
Tedian frowned and jumped off the horse.
“The Five-Colored Garden viewing period is over. How dare you enter without permission? Let me see your face…”
He froze as he approached.
Standing before him was an incredibly beautiful woman he had never seen before.
Her bright blonde hair was tied high, and she looked about Cornelia’s age.
She wore a wide, pale pink silk dress decorated with ribbons and pearls—extravagant yet perfectly fitting.
Given the setting, it felt more like a ballroom than the middle of the mountains.
“Uh…”
Am I dreaming right now?
Why is such a gorgeous woman in a mountain, dressed like she’s attending a ball?
Tedian was thrown off.
Then, a melodious voice spoke.
“Is the Five-Colored Garden tour over?”
“Huh?”
“Do I have to say it twice?”
The woman frowned, seemingly annoyed—but even that frown was beautiful.
Tedian, recalling lessons from Cornelia about losing, instinctively backed down.
The woman crossed her arms, clearly irritated.
“What? I came all this way just to see that?”
“I-Isn’t she from the Hilliard family?”
“What?”
“But who are you?”
Tedian asked, carefully observing her.
“A noble? If so, I can ask my mother if it’s okay for you to be in the Five-Colored Garden.”
“Mother? Oh, are you Hilliard?”
The woman stepped closer to Tedian, intrigued.
A sweet floral scent came from her.
“You do look somewhat alike.”
“Look alike with whom?”
“Of course you—”
Rustle.
At that moment, a man with silver hair appeared from the nearby bush.
Unlike the woman’s extravagant dress, the man’s clothes were simple.
Yet a longsword hung at his waist.
As a fellow swordsman, Tedian could tell he was quite skilled.
Tedian took a defensive step back.
The man, however, ignored him.
Glancing at him briefly as if he were a roadside stone, the man approached the woman.
“You’re going ahead first?”
“I was bored waiting for you.”
Charlotte smiled slyly.
“Exactly, you shouldn’t have left me alone.”
“I-I just said I’d take care of some business briefly.”
“Kya ha ha ha.”
Charlotte laughed out loud.
“I even know where your moles are. And now, you’re trying to be polite?”
“Charlotte.”
“Alright, alright, you stuffy paladin.”
Charlotte giggled.
Watching them, Tedian couldn’t help but ask suddenly.
“Are you two… married?”
Both of them turned their heads simultaneously.
