Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 59

59.

The Emperor's orders had come—north they must go.

"The number of troops is smaller than I expected."

At Ibelin's words, Alex, who was part of the expedition, smiled bitterly.

"Yes—there's already a standing army in the North. Its numbers were reduced after the war, but the higher-ups deemed it sufficient."

It seemed the opinions of those who disliked Kite's success had been factored in.

"Also, there's been trouble on the border with the Teyrin Empire."

"Is it alright to tell me that?"

"You're a comrade now—sharing this much is fine."

He said casually.

"Besides, you're our lord's fiancée."

Shouldn't that come before comrade? She thought, carrying a box to load onto the wagon.

"Let me take that—if Lord Kite finds out you worked, I'll be in trouble."

"Really? That can't be."

She smiled and handed it over.

"It's heavier than I thought."

Mostly metal—hence the weight.

"It contains dangerous things, so be careful."

"Yes—I'll be careful!"

She wanted to carry it herself, but that wouldn't do. She left it to Alex and approached Kite, who was inspecting the lead horse.

"Ibelin—perfect timing. Can you ride?"

"You're asking now?"

"True—but I had a feeling you could."

Most noble ladies could ride—but only at a walk, smiling prettily. Unless they aimed for a military career, that was the norm.

"I can."

"Can you gallop?"

"I can shoot arrows from horseback."

"Good—pick one you like."

"Aren't we taking the wagon?"

"Yes—but in emergencies, you might need to switch. Among these, the brown one is gentlest."

The large brown horse stood calmly. She approached and stroked it—it blinked its big eyes. She fed it a sugar cube she'd gotten from Kite.

"I heard from Sir Alex—no additional troops?"

"His Majesty said he'd send some. Probably a little. But don't expect much—the military high command is close to House Barkel."

That was why the Barkels had produced an empress.

"They're making noise about solving the border issue with Teyrin, but who knows—a single mistake could cost them their positions. His Majesty has been patient."

Ibelin listened with wide eyes. The capital's politics were tangled—far more complex than when she'd investigated Kite alone.

"And the Intelligence Department has sided with them too—there'll be changes soon."

"Will the replacements be good?"

"Loyal to His Majesty—experienced in war and capable. Best of all, they listen to others. All set!"

Kite finished preparations, and the butler and servants came to see them off. He'd chosen to take only part of the knight order to protect Leonhardt—the political situation made it risky to take others.

"Safe travels, my lord!"

"Safe travels, my lord!"

With hearty send-offs, Ibelin boarded the wagon. Kite rode beside it on horseback. The journey north was long, and once they left the heartland, villages grew scarce—they might have to sleep rough. But Ibelin wasn't worried.

"This wagon is excellent!"

The seats were long enough to lie down on with a blanket. They'd packed plenty of emergency rations too—hence three wagons, but it was necessary.

Kite had also assigned her a maid.

"Won't this be hard?"

Ibelin tried to refuse, but it would be improper for Kite's fiancée to have no attendant. Nobles were more trouble than they seemed—so much attention to appearances.

Is that why I had no friends?

So many things to uphold—Ibelin had never cared about that. Not that provincial nobles didn't bother with appearances.

The wagons rolled northward.

When they reached a town by evening, they rested. But as Kite said, once they passed the hinterlands and into the provinces, camping became the norm.

"Ugh."

The maid who'd volunteered to attend Ibelin also groaned occasionally.

The food from the last town was gone—they ate from their supplies. Stew powder dissolved in water, with hard bread, biscuits, and jerky.

"It's better than I expected."

Ibelin tilted her head.

"The ducal kitchen prepared it with care—ordinary rations are much lower quality."

"I see."

Even the ducal kitchen's best had its limits.

As they neared the North, prying eyes dwindled. Ibelin took her bow and stood.

"Let's have fresh meat today."

"Going hunting?"

"Yes!"

"Don't take too long."

"I'll be right back!"

And she was—she quickly brought down a deer. Kite, who'd accompanied her, was impressed.

"Amazing—taking a deer so easily."

"Of course—I told you before."

"...The grizzly bear?"

"Yes—I caught one on the back mountain when I was ten."

It didn't seem like a lie—but it was still hard to believe.

"Even knight aspirants rarely catch a grizzly."

"Really? Grandfather said everyone my age could."

"He lied."

Kite said firmly.

"It can't be!"

She knew her grandfather had deceived her about many things—but that too? Seeing her shock, Kite shook his head.

"That's not what you should be surprised about."

Shouldn't she be surprised at her own skill? But her shock didn't last long. She said she needed to butcher it, and Kite helped hang the deer from a tree.

"You learned butchering too?"

"Otherwise, you can't eat the game, right?"

She seemed capable of anything.

They buried the offal away from camp—beasts would smell it and come, but far enough away, the chance they'd follow was low.

The venison was roasted by Ibelin and Kite. The maid and knights offered to help, but they declined—experience mattered most. Sprinkled with spices and roasted, it was shared by all.

"Delicious!"

The maid looked surprised.

"Truly—no gamey taste, clean and tender!"

Alex added a longer praise.

"Because I bled it properly."

Ibelin puffed up at the compliments. Paired with berries she'd gathered along the way, it was an excellent dinner. Distinguishing edible from inedible seemed easy for her.

"A remarkable fiancée, isn't she?"

Kite smiled at her.

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