Chapter 41

It’d been a little while since they set off.

Thus, around the time the rising sun began to earnestly emit its heat.

The surrounding scenery gradually began to change, and as they officially entered the paved road…

Luke and Carriel, who happened to ride abreast.

“Ten years ago, no, even five years ago, a sight like this would’ve been unimaginable.”

The main conversationalist was mostly Luke.

With his helmet tucked under his arm, Luke’s relaxed smile exuded a hint of pride.

As they ascended the hill and the vast open plains stretched out below.

An endless sea of purple rolled out like a painting.

A fragrant floral scent wafted gently on the breeze, lifting their spirits.

Wide enough for several carriages to line up side by side, the long paved road stretched far into the distance.

On both sides, the endless waves of purple created a magnificent spectacle.

Expanding their view further, various buildings and structures could be faintly seen in the distance.

Some artists were sketching in the distance, capturing the scene.

Beyond the purple fields, dozens of sheep grazed freely in the outer pastures.

The expansive sky above.

Below it, the vast lavender fields gleamed vividly under the warm golden sunlight.

Even from a great distance, the intense fragrance was intoxicating. This was a dense lavender field.

A scene he vaguely remembered learning about during academy lessons.

Though he thought seeing it in person wouldn’t make much difference…

It did.

…Difficult to put into words, though.

Early on, this place had been part of the Emperor’s Personal Territory, the Berkhart Doctrine.

It appeared close but was actually quite distant, once marking an abandoned border when the empire wasn’t even an empire.

Now, it was the Viscount Biddenberg territory, one of the few branches of the Enzul family.

Part of this area belonged to the Baroneurers Baronetcy, right here.

Once infamous for turning away from Fortress Carriel, the Baroneurers proved their repentance over generations through ceaseless devotion to the church and common folk.

After 300 years, they were now recognized as lords of this region.

Avoiding central politics despite being near Rutania, they remained loyal to Viscount Biddenberg without looking outward – truly exemplars of faithful knightly nobility.

This was proven during the Demon King’s invasion.

“Of course, there was significant damage from the Demon King’s forces, but with the war over, rebuilding and restoring the devastated lands became most important.”

However, if a knight excels at everything including administration, they’d be some kind of superhuman, but unfortunately, the current baron lacked in that area.

“Fortunately, my older brother had talent in these matters.”

During the war, while not particularly skilled in logistics or governance, he still showed more competence than the baron.

However, unsuited for knighthood, he’d often been overlooked since childhood.

Especially as the eldest son of the Baroneurers family, who viewed guarding Carriel’s name as honor and duty, the current baron couldn’t tolerate such incompetence during wartime.

“But still, in peaceful times, there are different ways.”

Descending the slope, they entered a road flanked by endless lavender fields.

By now, the fragrance was so strong it felt like someone poured an entire bottle of perfume, making heads spin.

Still, it wasn’t unpleasant.

Just…

“There are so many bees.”

“All comrades in our cause.”

The Baroneurers gained fame within the empire as honey distributors only a few years ago.

Some foreign merchants reportedly made fortunes securing rights to distribute their lavender honey.

“This year’s harvest is delayed due to excessive rain. Coinciding with Carriel’s festival makes it especially busy.”

From afar, people seemed numerous, but up close, countless workers harvested lavender actively.

The sound of bees buzzing could be heard even on the paved road; near the fields, it must be deafening.

“Do the bees sting?”

“They’re too intoxicated by the flowers’ scent to care about us. As long as we don’t disturb or provoke them, we’ll each go our separate ways peacefully.”

His attitude of accepting and coexisting without unnecessary conflict – does it signify compassion?

Or perhaps ease?

No, maybe thinking too deeply about such things is strange?

Carriel fell into contemplation.

After some time, Luke asked calmly, “How about it? Does any grand vision or artistic inspiration come to mind? I hear artists often gain inspiration from this place.”

“I’m no bard, so…”

“What? Who says you have to be a bard to sing songs, write poetry, or play instruments? Do it if you want, or don’t.”

“…”

Truly, those words made him think deeply.

Though seemingly trivial…

Carriel realized he hadn’t noticed the thorn in his chest until now, always accepting the pain as normal, enduring it as necessary.

Perhaps it wasn’t supposed to be this way?

The sweat-drenched smiles of young ladies picking flowers.

The sunlight shining down.

Everything was vibrant, bright, and clear.

Seeing flying bees didn’t make him flinch or feel fear, but rather brought a playful smile as he blew gently at them.

A calmness and grace he’d never witnessed or imagined before.

Such simple happiness, satisfaction, and ease…

overflowed everywhere.

Passing through the lavender fields and a few small villages,

without any outer walls or fortifications visible,

a quaint medium-sized city stood beneath a prominent church atop a lush mountain.

This was the courtyard of the Baroneurers Baronetcy.

Carriella finally came into view.

Though it was still early evening,

spotting it didn’t mean they’d arrived yet.

Still…

“We’ve made it.”

Apparently, everyone feels the same way.

Luke let out what sounded like a sigh of relief.

“Come on! Let’s hurry! Speed up! We’re home! I’ll have the tavern cleared out today! Let’s party until we drop!”

Naturally, the soldiers’ cheers echoed like battle cries.

“That’s right―!!”

…And among the cheering crowd, a certain Holy Maiden was spotted celebrating alongside the soldiers.

Hmm, should we pretend not to notice?

For a moment, Carriel pondered.

====

Upon arrival, Luke headed to the lord’s residence to report while sending everyone else to the tavern.

Thus…

“Let me tell you! A ferocious wolf monster with fiery red eyes was charging straight at us! Then the young Ruel grabbed the trembling youth by the collar and dealt with it coolly! That’s not all – he climbed onto the bear-like daemon, using its knee and shoulder as steps, leaped onto its head, and cleanly sliced its neck!”

A young soldier recounted dramatically atop a round table, shaking his wine glass as fellow soldiers cheered “Ooooh!”

Not just soldiers, nearby villagers also joined in, staring intently at a black-haired boy sitting in a corner nursing a wooden cup.

“Was it really that amazing?”

“Yeah, before Sir Luke arrived! If he’d been just a bit late, we might’ve lost several men!”

The messenger who arrived earlier knew well that helping Carriel was one of the few favors he could do for him.

“Is that true?”

“…Yeah.”

Doing something so grand shouldn’t warrant this much attention, making him feel awkward.

It’d been five days since leaving Rutania.

Considering rest for the horses, they traveled mostly nonstop for three days, occasionally catching brief naps. Nightmares plagued those short rests, and headaches along with sudden body pains prevented proper sleep.

Most troubling, however, was the anxiety.

The constant worry of being pursued or captured anytime kept him on edge.

On one hand, there was vague trust that Ellie would handle things somehow.

Yet, the fear that she might ignore that and still try to find him lingered.

“If they were truly determined to capture me as a criminal…”

He wouldn’t have made it this far.

Still, he doesn’t know yet.

Not yet.

“Why aren’t you drinking this fine drink?”

Before him, the Holy Maiden filled a large goblet with golden liquid and drank heartily.

Without her armor, she looked exactly as she did that morning.

“Kuhuuuuu!”

…Is it really that good?

“One sip before sleeping makes it oh-so wonderful.”

Suddenly, a man at the next table interjected with a flushed face.

“Miss here never suffers from hangovers? Must be her constitution? She’s fearless! Maybe because of her build? More manly than most men! Though her face looks kinda pretty, sorta… nah, she’s cool!”

“Of course I get hangovers! Who doesn’t? Calling a woman manly is an insult! And being called ‘cool’ all the time is annoying too! They say my arms are thin but legs are thick! How’s my abs so toned?! Oh wait- why IS my chest so motherly?!”

“Then why drink so recklessly? Got some good news?”

“Are you avoiding this because you’re scared of hangovers? Or is your wife forcing you to pray at church instead? Good news? Sure! Isn’t there, Ruel?”

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?! What’s a ‘Simcomdungi?'”

Laughter erupted among the drunkards.

“…”

Watching this scene while sipping water, Carriel observed as she offered him her cup.

“Just one drink? Come on, just one.”

“Tension doesn’t easily dissolve for me.”

“Ah, so rigid! Are you trying to prove you’re not a knight-in-training? That’s why you came here for Carriella’s festival, right?”

…Not exactly.

He intended to visit, but only learned it coincided with the festival upon arrival.

The town was already bustling with festival preparations.

…Originally not a festival, but over time it naturally became Carriella’s combined celebration.

“Did I ever say I was a knight-in-training?”

“You wield a sword like a ghost, selflessly protect the weak regardless of cost, confident in your skills where minimal effort sufficed… To those struggling, even minor help can be life-saving. Refusing reward and upholding justice naturally isn’t something anyone can do.”

“Is that so?”

Helping when asked was simply that.

Pure luck.

He did have doubts.

Wondering if it was a trap to lure him in.

…Thoughts ran wild.

Truthfully, it didn’t matter either way.

Help if needed, deal with deception if any – that was all.

“Already tired with the sun still high?”

“…”

“Trouble sleeping?”

“Probably not used to it.”

Let’s leave it at that.

“So then. Want to sleep together with big sis? I could teach you how to sleep peacefully.”

Her face flushed red.

But her gaze burned strangely.

Putting down her cup, Alesia leaned forward subtly, extending an invitation.

“How to sleep peacefully?”

Is there such a thing?

Carriel pondered briefly.

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