episode_0106

The monotonous green fields soon transformed into the tranquil scenery of a rural village. Then, just like the landscape of the capital city that she had left behind, it gradually changed into the bustling streets of a city filled with people.

Along the road, the vivid colors of blooming flower petals and lush leaves on the stems were distinctly different.

The sight of the constructed buildings, the variety of food laid out on street stalls, the fruits, and even the attire of the people.

Eleanor, who had been marveling at the distinctly different scenery from the capital, with curious eyes, as the carriage continued to sway, eventually ended up collapsing onto Etienne’s warm thigh.

However, the carriage, which still had a long way to go, did not take into consideration the delicate situation of the youngest daughter of the noble family of Beaurnga. The carriage continued to travel for a while longer.

It was when the swaying that had been tormenting Eleanor gradually began to subside that a magnificent mansion built on a quiet hill was welcoming the large carriage Eleanor was riding in.

Passing through the iron fence that rose tall, the carriage finally came to a stop as it reached the front courtyard of the mansion.

The old coachman, who had dedicated his life to the Beaurnga family, was well aware of the fact that the youngest daughter was weak. The elderly man who hurriedly got off the coach seat unfolded the steps to make it easier for Eleanor to descend.

The first to get off the carriage was Etienne with blue eyes. Following him, Albert and Etienne got off, and Eleanor, holding the hand of her older brother who got off first, carefully walked down the steps.

“Thank you, brother.”

Eleanor smiled weakly at Etienne, who had escorted her. Her already pale face now seemed to lack even a hint of color due to motion sickness.

The worry in his eyes was not only from Etienne.

Albert, who had returned to his hometown after a long time to welcome the youngest daughter, approached the servants who had come out to the front of the mansion and began to give orders, “Call the doctor!”, “Prepare quickly so Ellie can rest comfortably!”

Approaching his daughter, Etienne cautiously placed his hand on her forehead to check if she had a fever.

After all, she had just narrowly survived a fever that could have been fatal.

“No fever… Ellie, are you okay?”

A voice filled with concern. Eleanor, with trembling eyes, managed to smile back.

“Mom, I’m fine. I feel a bit dizzy and nauseous, but I can bear it.”

“What’s the point of bearing it recklessly? Let’s go, Ellie. Let’s go to the room and lie down. I’ll stay by your side.”

“No, no.”

The soft and warm embrace of her mother. Despite the overwhelming sweetness of it, Eleanor declined. Her platinum blonde hair flowed smoothly as she shook her head from side to side.

With her head bowed in response to her mother’s words, her eyes of faded sky blue were directed towards the approaching carriage.

It was her homeland.

The grand mansion, the ornate marble fountain, the garden that was no match for a townhouse.

Even though it was her first time standing here, this land was her homeland. Unlike her dizzy head, her calm heart was deeply immersed in the scenery of her homeland that she had not seen in a long time.

In a few days, she would probably blend into this beautiful mansion as if she were born here.

However, her lover sitting in the incoming carriage was different.

Dmitri had no connection to the west. The northern territories where he was born and lived were probably very different from this place.

Surely, even though it was a new landscape for her, it would feel warm and welcoming, unlike him.

Therefore, Eleanor believed that she had to take care of Dmitri as much as he had to take care of her. After all, she was his lover.

She had prepared herself to be with him in this unfamiliar world, not knowing what would happen.

And beside her, Etienne let out a small sigh. Looking at his younger sister, who was sending such affectionate glances even to the carriage she had just ridden in, he muttered to himself.

“Ah… What’s so special about that so-called beloved lover.”

Eleanor, in response to her younger brother’s muttering, only held an unknowable smile.

#

On top of a quiet hill overlooking the city, the mansion of the Beaurengard family followed the traditional western architectural style, using gentle curves instead of the straight and towering buildings of the capital.

The vast western plains served as a natural barrier, bordering the desolate lands of the heretics at the edge of the Palomine Mountains. Due to the frequent invasions by the heretics, the architectural style of the mansion incorporated the emphasis on harmony and unity typical of the western culture.

Three carriages arrived one after another at the entrance of the mansion.

The first carriage to arrive carried the Grand Duke of the North, Dmitry Verbriz, who had personally traveled to the west for some unknown reason. Following him were carriages carrying Lady Eleanor’s maids and servants, and the carriage with the escort troops that had gone out to meet them.

The white paths on the platform led back to the capital after Eleanor left the station.

As most of them were knights of the Beaurengard family, they were mostly from the west. Although it might seem unreasonable to return to the capital without even seeing their families after such a long absence, the uncertain situation in the capital made it unavoidable.

The race for the succession to the throne, which was expected to be decided by the princess’s kidnapping incident, continued due to the Empress’s interference.

Despite the slight tilt in the balance of power, the Empress’s faction, which had gathered the remaining forces, was not to be underestimated.

Twenty years had passed since the eldest daughter of the Edmund family became the Empress. During this long period, the influence of the Edmund family behind the Empress was not to be taken lightly.

Finally, the carriage carrying the Grand Duke arrived at the mansion. The door opened, and a black-clad man stepped out of the carriage in one swift motion, despite the scorching sun.

With his black hair neatly swept back over his navy uniform, the man squinted his eyes against the bright sunlight and surveyed his surroundings.

The mansion in front of him seemed to have aged with time, with various discolorations on the outer walls and window frames that made it difficult to identify the fortress style.

However, these traces that enveloped the large mansion did not detract from its elegance; rather, they added to its grandeur.

The expansive garden in front of the mansion was similar in size to the townhouses in the capital, but the vibrant colors and life-filled atmosphere set it apart from the capital’s restrained elegance.

Dmitry took a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed by the dazzling, elegant, and unfamiliar scenery.

This place was so different from his own land.

His homeland, which turned pure white in winter after being dull in summer, filled with monochrome colors, seemed meager in comparison to the restrained elegance of the capital.

The emotions he felt in the capital, where he had never experienced such feelings before, even stirred up a sense of guilt in Dmitry’s heart.

To think that he had to take Eleanor, who resembled herself so much, from this vibrant and beautiful land to a colorless, cold homeland.

Dmitry, who was beginning to understand the feelings of that woman, his mother, who had left them behind, raised his heavy foot. His black-clad self seemed out of place in this vibrant and warm land.

As he approached Eleanor, she greeted him with a worried voice.

“Dmitry…”

Eleanor didn’t look particularly well either. During the long journey, she had often shown such a face even inside the train, so it seemed that she was not feeling well.

“Elli, you don’t look very well.”

“Oh, no. I’m just a little surprised by the scenery of my hometown. But more importantly, Dmitry, is something bothering you?”

The two lovers were worried about each other.

“Why are you asking so much?”

“Because Dmitry’s expression doesn’t look good.”

It was unclear who was worrying about whom.

With a face pale as snow, the adorable woman who looked up at herself effortlessly dispelled any guilt that had arisen in Dmitry’s heart.

Dmitri ignored the gazes around him and held Eleonore tightly in his arms.

“Like Ele, I was a bit surprised, so don’t worry, Ele. The land of the estate was much more splendid than I had imagined.”

This was followed by a warm and gentle embrace.

Although he wanted to hold her even more, Dmitri, unable to bear the overwhelming sense of danger looming ahead, reluctantly released Eleonore with a voice full of regret.

“More than that, Ele. I’m more concerned about you. The journey here by carriage didn’t seem very comfortable.”

Still, with her pale cheeks, Dmitri gently caressed her. Eventually, he turned around and, with the help of a servant, called out to Ailey as she took out a trunk containing only her torso from the luggage compartment.

“Ailey! Ele doesn’t look well. Come and check on her quickly.”

“Oh, yes! I understand.”

Grumbling as she took out the carrier, Ailey handed her luggage to the servant and ran towards Eleonore with only a small handbag.

In response to Dmitri’s words, Obert and Ettelos, who had been glaring sharply at him, cautiously approached the two men and women.

“Your Highness, who is that girl?”

“She’s the one who took care of Ele in the capital. She learned medicine under her grandfather and, being a fellow woman, she was placed by Ele’s side.”

Obert’s gaze softened at these words. Despite the difficulties and preciousness in various ways, he personally sought a physician to care for his beloved.

While Ailey was examining Eleonore without paying attention to Obert and Ettelos’ gazes, looking into her large sky-blue eyes and carefully sending mana through her wrists to assess Eleonore’s condition.

“It seems that the lady is quite tired from the long journey. Rest for a day or two inside, and you’ll feel better.”

Upon hearing this, Obert hesitated and said, “Yes, yes. It’s hot outside, so let’s not stand here like this and go inside to rest.”

Obert turned his back and signaled to the servants standing in front of the mansion, and at that signal, the servants began to disperse in different directions.

Dressed in a well-tailored suit, a man and a woman approached the servants who were busy unloading luggage, introducing themselves as the butler and housekeeper, and led them into the mansion.

“Then, Your Highness, shall we guide you to the guesthouse-”

“Just a moment!”

A sharp voice immediately interrupted the butler who was trying to separate Dmitri from the group. Eleonore widened her eyes and looked at the butler.

“Just a moment! Why is Dmitri being led to the guesthouse? Is there not a single room in this huge mansion to accommodate a guest?”

“W-well, that’s… It’s just that… It’s customary to accommodate guests in the guesthouse…”

The butler stammered in response to the lady’s loud voice. Soon, before Obert could signal for help, a sharp voice cut in.

“A guest! Dmitri is my family!”

Even Eti, who had been watching her daughter’s relationship with a gentle eye, glared at the dark man with widened eyes.