Chapter 52
【 Hometown 】
Just as Reina tilted her head in confusion, a kind voice came from somewhere.
“That is a sacred mountain.”
The one who explained was Bayen.
“A sacred mountain?”
“Yes. In the northern native language, it is called ‘Yubi Segnium.’ In the imperial language… hmm… it would roughly mean ‘a place where blood was shed.’”
“Blood? Whose blood? The mountain’s?”
Reina still looked confused, so Bayen elaborated further.
“It is tied to a long-standing legend of Lautzen. It is said that a great dragon once slept there, and that it protected humans.”
“A dragon… you mean an actual dragon? I heard they all disappeared thousands of years ago.”
“Most likely.”
Bayen nodded once and continued.
“In the distant past, there was a severe monster blaster that put Lautzen in great danger. At that time, the sleeping dragon awakened and fought the beasts while bleeding. The blood it shed soaked into the snow, which is why it still appears pink.”
“That’s quite an interesting legend.”
From what Reina knew, dragons were not particularly friendly toward humans. It seemed more plausible that the dragon had fought to drive out beasts that had invaded its territory rather than to protect humans.
“Well… it is only a legend. Still, people like it very much. The symbol of Lautzen—a black dragon—comes from that story.”
Reina’s gaze shifted to the flag attached to the mast. The image of a black dragon baring its sharp teeth and claws fluttered in the wind.
“It might just be an illusion born from people’s wish that some powerful being would protect them.”
For some reason, Bayen’s face looked a little gloomy.
“…This is a harsh land where it is difficult to receive help from others.”
‘A monster blaster stopped by a dragon…’
As Reina repeated his words in her mind, her expression darkened.
If her memory was correct, the year after her contract marriage with Kalheil ended, an unprecedented massive monster blaster would occur in Lautzen.
‘It nearly drove Lautzen to ruin.’
The sudden appearance of monster blasters was like a disaster—something beyond human ability to control. Kalheil and the knights of Lautzen had been holding them back for a long time.
But the one that would occur three years later would be beyond even them—unless that legendary dragon appeared again.
Even if she warned them in advance, they couldn’t avoid it. If Lautzen didn’t stop it, the beasts would move south and swallow not only the capital but the entire continent.
Unable to think of any clear way to save Lautzen, Reina’s face briefly fell before she shook her head.
‘Whatever happens to Lautzen… it has nothing to do with me.’
Even if she knew about it beforehand, a disaster was still a disaster. There was nothing she could do.
She just needed to treat Kalheil properly during their remaining time, secure her share of benefits, and somehow escape Lautzen.
Still, depending on the situation, she planned to subtly advise Bayen to leave Lautzen.
‘Though I don’t know if Bayen would listen…’
As Reina remained silent with a dark expression, Bayen deliberately brightened his face and spoke.
“Come to think of it, Your Grace’s hair color is exactly the same as Segnium’s color.”
“…Pardon?”
“It must be a sign that you are destined to suit Lautzen perfectly!”
Reina let out a scoff at Bayen’s forced talk of destiny.
“First of all, this cold alone doesn’t seem to suit me.”
“Ahem, well… it is a bit cold for you, Your Grace. But you will get used to it soon. Hahaha!”
Regardless of Reina’s blunt response, Bayen continued speaking positively.
“Following His Grace, now even Your Grace has come—Lautzen is truly gaining wonderful people.”
It was obvious flattery, but Reina let it pass. Bayen was likely acting this way because she was the only one who could treat Kalheil.
Carefully, Reina asked:
“How much trust does Kalheil have in Lautzen?”
Her eyes were filled with suspicion.
“He’s not exactly… the ‘excellent ruler’ type, is he?”
“Oh no, not at all! His Grace is a truly great ruler.”
“…Really?”
“Of course! Since he came, Lautzen has become so much better to live in. Everyone who lives here knows it.”
Reina quietly studied Bayen’s face. It was full of genuine trust.
It seemed clear that Kalheil was respected—at least by Bayen and the knights.
That was strange.
Kalheil had only begun ruling Lautzen after reaching adulthood—not even ten years ago.
‘Not a short time… but not enough to earn absolute loyalty, is it?’
She was about to ask why when she noticed Bayen wasn’t looking at her anymore.
Instead, he was glancing shyly at Amy.
Now that she thought about it, Amy had also been unusually quiet.
“What are you doing, Amy?”
At Reina’s question, Amy quickly raised her head.
“Huh? W-what do you mean?”
“Are you running a fever? Your face is bright red.”
Amy’s face was flushed like someone with a fever.
“N-no?! Not at all! I feel perfectly fine!”
“You look like you caught a cold. Let me check.”
Reina reached out, worried—but before she could, another hand moved faster.
“Are you unwell, Miss Amy?!”
“…?”
Reina stared in surprise.
Bayen’s large hands were cupping Amy’s cheeks. Amy’s face was squished between his palms, her eyes wide like a startled fish.
“Sir Bayen…?”
“It does feel… a little warm. Should you go inside?”
They stayed like that for a moment—then suddenly jumped apart, startled by their own actions.
“I-I’m fine!! I’m not sick, just a little warm…!”
“I-I see?!”
Amy turned away, her face now even redder. Bayen’s face, already dark from the sun, was flushed deep red as well.
“…What is this atmosphere…?”
Reina asked, sensing something strange.
“Ah—Ahem!!”
Bayen coughed awkwardly.
“It feels like you two just went to another dimension and came back. Without me.”
“Another dimension… that’s absurd.”
“No, really. A tall, handsome, reliable knight… Amy, isn’t that Sir Bayen?”
“Y-Your Grace!!”
Amy rushed over, flustered.
“You shouldn’t say things like that in front of him…!”
“Huh? Really? That amazing knight you mentioned is Sir Bayen?”
“Your Grace!!”
“Well… he is tall and reliable, but… handsome… I’m not so sure…?”
Bayen’s face turned even redder.
“Miss Amy… is that how you describe me?”
“Th-that’s not what I—!!”
Amy looked like she was about to cry, but Bayen was grinning nonstop.
‘These two are completely in love.’
It was almost strange she hadn’t noticed before.
‘Was this why Amy so willingly followed me here?’
Reina, rather oblivious, decided she would support their relationship.
But then she frowned.
Something was off.
The handkerchief Amy had given Bayen wasn’t on his sword.
Noticing her gaze, Bayen turned toward her.
“What is it, Your Grace?”
“Why aren’t you carrying the handkerchief Amy made for you?”
“Ah—no, that is…”
Under her questioning, Bayen quickly reached into his chest and took out a neatly folded handkerchief.
“I’ve been keeping it safely here.”
“Why keep it there instead of attaching it to your sword?”
“I am always ready for battle. If a fight breaks out, it might get stained with blood… so…”
He scratched his head shyly.
Amy looked deeply moved.
‘…Are they doing it again?’
Even standing right beside them, Reina felt like an invisible barrier separated them.
‘…I’ll just let them be in love.’
She slowly stepped back, giving them space.
Even as she moved far away, they didn’t notice.
Leaning against the bow of the ship, Reina fell into thought.
‘Sir Bayen and Amy… when did they get this close?’
Thinking it over, she nodded.
Bayen followed Kalheil like a shadow, and Amy followed her. Naturally, they would have met often.
And when a man and a woman meet often, falling in love is only natural.
‘They’ve been growing their love behind my back.’
She smiled—then frowned again, recalling something Amy had said.
‘But calling Bayen a refined noble gentleman is a bit much, isn’t it?’
It wasn’t that Bayen was unattractive, but his features were bold and didn’t quite harmonize.
‘More… unique than handsome.’
A true handsome man needed more—balanced features, bright eyes, smooth skin—but most importantly…
A charming smile.
Like that.
Reina spotted someone with a dangerously captivating smile and nodded in approval.
“Yeah… exactly like that.”
At that moment, the very person she was looking at spoke to her.
“What are you thinking about, my wife?”
