~Chapter 103~
The sun had already set, but their shopping continued as they went around every corner of the estate.
Even though Ancia dressed like a noble young lady, there wasn’t a single person in the territory who failed to recognize her. With guards following behind, it was only natural. But whenever she acted childishly to match her disguise, people politely pretended not to notice.
“Brother, just one more place.”
“Haha… alright.”
Exhausted by Ancia and the maids’ endless shopping and chatter, Nathan realized he had underestimated his resolve.
The stamina of women shopping was never something to take lightly.
Just when Nathan was about to surrender, Ancia pulled him along to pick a brooch for the Countess. And when he truly felt he couldn’t continue, they finally stopped by a café to take a break.
She let the maids rest at the next table, then mischievously swapped her own drink with Nathan’s after taking a sip from his, smiling shamelessly.
Ancia had really changed. The once pure and gentle girl now looked like a refined lady who knew how to handle men skillfully, yet at the same time she was still a mischievous child.
The one who made Ancia so free and happy must have been the Duke.
Nathan felt genuine gratitude toward the Duke of Gwinted. If he met him again, he would be able to thank him sincerely.
“Brother, this is the last stop.”
“There’s still more to see?”
“Yes. The lights we put up during the last festival still shine at night. The estate becomes so beautiful after dark. Riding in a carriage around the territory to see the night view is very popular with visitors.”
“In that case, I can’t miss it.”
Ancia felt relieved seeing Nathan so relaxed. She hoped he would leave the North with a good impression and many good memories.
Because she truly wished for Nathan’s happiness, his softened mood made her glad.
Reassured by each other’s positive changes, they hurried to their last stop.
The area was bustling with people gathering for the night view.
There were small carriages for couples, large ones for groups, and even open-roofed carriages without ceilings.
The Duke’s carriage, already stuffed with all their impulse purchases, made it hard to see outside, so Ancia and Nathan tried to use another. But every carriage was full of customers, with waiting numbers already being handed out.
“What if we just see the night view another time?”
“But we don’t know when you’ll visit again. I really, really want to show you…”
Wanting to grant her small wish, Nathan noticed two carriages a bit away from the crowd. The driver who met his eyes nodded, signaling he would take them.
“An, look over there, I think those carriages are free.”
“Oh, those aren’t licensed. If they don’t have proper permits, the fares might be unfair, and if there’s any complaint, no one will accept it.”
But money wasn’t a problem, and even if there was discomfort, it would only mean a bumpy ride or a rude driver.
This time Nathan took Ancia’s hand and led her.
“You want to show me the night view, right? Let’s enjoy it and then return to rest.”
Shopping had been fun, but Ancia was also very tired. At his urging, she reluctantly agreed and headed toward the unlicensed carriage. The maids and guards followed.
“Welcome. We have a carriage just for couples.”
“We are not lovers.”
“Oh, pardon me. My lips are sealed then.”
Ancia found it strange that someone in the territory didn’t recognize her face as the Duchess, but Nathan, unaware of her growing fame, got on the carriage without hesitation.
Inside, the seats were padded with cotton and leather, soft and comfortable. Even the walls were insulated for warmth, clearly designed for winter rides.
It was no different from a licensed carriage.
“This is tea to warm your body. The night air is cold.”
Recently, carriage businesses competed fiercely by offering special services, one of which was herbal tea.
It seemed even the herbal medicine trend had spread here.
“Hehe, I started that trend.”
“Yes, very impressive.”
Amused by Ancia’s proud face, Nathan smiled and praised her.
The carriage was small and cozy, fitting only two people. Thankfully, another carriage carried the maids and guards, with one guard sitting next to the driver.
The carriage soon departed. At first it sped up, but soon slowed down, following the flow of other carriages.
The speed was just right to look around. Pointing out the view outside before it got completely dark, Ancia explained.
“Brother, do you see the small flags under the shop signs? The number of flags shows the official recommendation level. For example, that bakery with three flags means it’s approved by the Duke’s chef as a good place. The tailor with two flags means it was recognized by more than half the tailors. You can get a booklet at the central information center.”
The idea Ancia came up with—like a Michelin Guide—was quickly adopted and received enthusiastic support from the people. Of course, some shops that weren’t chosen complained, but after she explained their weaknesses and suggested improvements, most accepted it.
Nathan realized it was similar to the newsletters printed in the Leslie estate that listed recommended shops.
“That’s an interesting idea.”
“If outsiders come and end up disappointed by a random shop, it ruins the impression of the territory. But if we officially recommend shops, others will work harder next time. Every season, we’ll re-evaluate and make it a small festival. Anyone can participate, and the townspeople will also vote.”
Her sparkling eyes as she spoke passionately about the territory impressed Nathan.
At the Count’s house, Ancia’s very existence had been enough. But the delicate, lovable Ancia had now gained vitality in the North, actively changing and moving forward. Nathan felt so proud that he wanted to pat her head again and again.
Her cheerful voice as she described the scenery sounded like a lullaby.
Nathan realized how much strain he had taken on today—crossing the gate, shivering in the cold, arriving at the Duke’s house, and then shopping for hours.
He pressed his tired eyes, trying to stay awake. But when the carriage slowed and stopped, he couldn’t fight it anymore and dozed off.
Seeing Nathan asleep made Ancia feel guilty for dragging him around so much. Maybe she had been too excited about his sudden visit.
In the few months since they last met, he had lost weight, and his sleeping face looked handsome rather than gaunt.
‘Wow… he’s gotten even more handsome.’
Part of her wanted to show him off to everyone, proud that this man was her brother. That childish desire had made her insist on taking him around so much. It was also true that her talk with Margaret had left her stressed, and spending time with Nathan was a way to let it out.
Being with him had let her forget all her worries. But whenever there was a quiet moment, the problem of children filled her mind again.
Yet today’s busy shopping trip made her realize her health was much better than before.
‘Maybe I’m finally at a normal level?’
Perhaps now… pregnancy might even be possible.
She hadn’t seen a doctor in a while. She resolved to get checked soon and think carefully about the future.
Looking at Nathan sleeping peacefully eased her heart. She had been worried he might leave right away, but since he was staying a night, she even had time to write a letter to the Count and Countess.
It was a shame she couldn’t show him the night view, but she didn’t want to disturb his rest. Hoping he could use the gate again someday, Ancia looked out the window. Strangely, the carriage wasn’t moving, and there was noise outside. She opened the window.
“What’s going on?”
“Some nobles from the Doug territory came as a group and are demanding we give up the road so they can see the night view first.”
What kind of nonsense was that?
By rank, Ancia’s position was the highest here.
“If they’re going to act like that, then I should—”
“Miss, if you don’t mind a slight detour, there’s actually a perfect spot along the wall on the opposite side. From there, the view of the estate shines like jewels. It’s even more beautiful than the main course.”
She had been about to reveal her identity and force them aside, but the driver’s careful suggestion made her reconsider. If there was more fuss, Nathan might wake, and if possible, she wanted to show him an even better view.
When the driver explained to the guards, they nodded in agreement.
The carriage moved again, and Ancia closed the window, realizing it would take some time.
Nathan leaned against the wall, looking peaceful. Ancia, also tired, rested her head against the wall. It was soft and comfortable. The steady motion of the well-paved road quickly lulled her.
If yawns are contagious, maybe sleep is too.
Smiling faintly at the thought, she closed her eyes for a moment.
“An, wake up.”
“Mmm… just a little longer.”
“Open your eyes, Ancia!”
“Yes, sir!”
Startled by Nathan’s rare, firm voice, Ancia shot up. Seeing his worried face, she blinked and quickly looked around.
A small space. Soft, colorful walls. She could see Nathan’s breath in the air, yet her body felt warm.
Only then did she realize she was wrapped in a robe with heating stones, and that she was still inside the carriage.
Outside the window, all she could see were pitch-black trees. Alarmed, Ancia looked back at Nathan.
“Brother, where are we?”
“I checked the surroundings, but all I can see are trees. I only know we’re in a forest.”
