Chapter 15

Blan relayed the events that took place at the training ground to Altear as they were. When he mentioned that Lady had brought sandwiches, Altear's sullen face changed at the mention of the ‘Mystic Stone Mine.’

"If it's the Mystic Stone Mine, it's certainly worth taking a gamble on."

"Yes. If we divide into appropriate groups, the damage won't be too great..."

"No."

Altear raised his hand to cut off Blan's words.

"It won't do to have just minimal damage. We need to complete the exploration without any casualties."

"But the mountains are full of monsters. No matter how elite the groups, there will inevitably be injuries if we search such a wide area."

"Then we need to reduce the search area."

With Altear's firm words, Blan shrugged, his expression asking, "So how?" The information they had was not enough to narrow down the search area. But Altear seemed to have an idea. He stopped tapping his fingers on the table and looked at Blan.

"Let's start with a preliminary investigation, focusing on those who have lived in Eilspord for a long time. People who have lived near the mountains for generations might have heard stories passed down from their ancestors."

"Oh!"

"It might not be specific information about the Mystic Stone Mine, but we can gather stories about peculiar spots in the mountains and start our search from there."

If the Mystic Stone Mine exists, there must be some geographical differences from other areas. Of course, no one would have thought these differences were due to the Mystic Stone Mine.

"I'll send someone to gather information."

"Yes. It will take some time, so I'll go capture a dragon in the meantime."

"Capture a dragon... Really?!"

Blan, who had been nodding naturally, jumped in surprise.

"I only mentioned the Mystic Stone Mine to stop you from going to capture a dragon!"

"The Mystic Stone Mine is the Mystic Stone Mine, and the dragon is the dragon. There's no guarantee the exploration will succeed."

"That's true..."

Blan closed his mouth at Altear's calm words. The Mystic Stone Mine was just one possibility. Staking the future of the territory on a less than 100% chance was foolish. As the lord, Altear understood this better than anyone.

"I've already sent a letter accepting the commission from Remblu territory. It's a done deal, so you do your part."

Is it true that the poor and powerless cannot even resist injustice?

"...Yes, my lord."

Blan bit his lip in frustration and bowed his head, firmly resolving to find the Mystic Stone Mine.

* * *

Early in the morning, an unexpected visitor came to see me. Pavel, with a determined look on his face, stood before me.

"What's the matter?"

Worried, I asked, and he hesitantly began to speak.

"There's something I want to discuss, my lady."

"Yes, please speak freely."

"Um... It's a bit presumptuous... but could you contribute your dowry to the estate's expenses?"

It was certainly a delicate matter. Pavel must have hesitated to bring it up. The estate's finances were in poor shape, especially over the past few months, where the accounts showed a deficit.

'I understand, but...'

"I can't do that, Pavel. I have a specific use for the dowry I brought."

If the Mystic Stone Mine is discovered, funds will be needed to develop it. Eilspord, living day to day, wouldn't have such funds, so I planned to use my dowry for the development costs. But Pavel looked confused, not knowing this.

"My lord..."

After hesitating for a long time, Pavel finally sighed.

"My lord is going to Remblu territory to capture a dragon to earn money."

"Really? A dragon? When?"

"Probably within a few days."

This time, I was the one who was confused, my eyes widening. In the novel, the villainous duke had many rumors attached to him, but there was no mention of him being a dragon slayer.

"As you know, dealing with a dragon is a difficult task. It could cost one's life. Of course, I believe my lord is strong enough to avoid that... but it's definitely dangerous."

Pavel sighed worriedly and then pleaded with me.

"If it's difficult to contribute your dowry, please try to persuade my lord not to go. Even if you dismiss my words, my lord will surely listen to your request."

The idea that Altear would listen to my request seemed absurd, but Pavel seemed confident.

'If I ask, he'll probably just glare at me coldly and tell me not to interfere...'

The thought of that glare made me shiver, but I couldn't refuse Pavel's earnest gaze. I weighed the options, sweating, but ultimately, Pavel's earnestness won.

"...Alright. I'll try to talk to him."

"Really?"

Pavel, who had been slouching, immediately perked up.

"He's in the office right now!"

"R-right now?"

'I'm not mentally prepared... I haven't even run through the scenario properly...!'

But Pavel, seemingly oblivious to my protests, opened the door wide and gestured for me to go. Seeing his expectant gaze, I couldn't bring myself to say, "Not now, later..."

'I really hate my inability to refuse. Sob.'

I swallowed my tears and stood up from the sofa. * * *

This was my first time visiting Altear's office.

'Altear is behind this door.'

Standing in front of the massive door, my heart was already pounding. I wanted to run away, but Pavel, standing behind me, whispered, "My lady, you can do it!" and clenched his fists, making it impossible to flee.

'I should knock on the door first, right?'

I hesitated, lifting and lowering my hand repeatedly, and before I knew it, the door opened. I met Altear's cold gaze.

'Oh!'

I took a step back in surprise, almost bumping into Pavel behind me, but Altear reached out and pulled me back, preventing a collision.

"What are you doing, loitering in front of the door?"

I let out a sigh of relief, and Altear frowned.

"Did you notice me?"

"Of course. I can sense your presence."

Indeed, Altear, being a strong knight, would easily sense such a presence. I had been standing there for a while, feeling embarrassed, and my face turned slightly red.

"Why are you here?"

Altear's gaze seemed to be searching for something, looking at my hands as if expecting a gift. Had I brought a bribe like when I asked the knights for favors? I realized this too late, but I had already come to see Altear empty-handed. I fidgeted with my empty hands, feeling embarrassed.

"I... I have a request."

"A request?"

Altear raised an eyebrow, surprised. Of course, he was thinking, "What kind of request do you have the nerve to make?" But with Pavel's encouragement, I couldn't back down easily. I gathered my courage and straightened my shoulders.

"I heard you're going to capture a dragon. It's a dangerous task."

"So?"

"Can't you not go...?"

My voice grew weaker under his intense gaze. Altear glanced at Pavel behind me, sighed, and ran his hand through his hair.

"Pavel, stop this nonsense."

"But I just guided my lady here."

"I'm not an idiot. Stop wasting my time. Get out."

Altear chuckled and gently pulled my shoulder, leading me into the office. The door closed behind me, and I looked at Altear, confused by the situation. He frowned, looking displeased.

"Don't let Pavel sway you. He's not a bad guy, but you don't have to follow everything he says. He can be annoying sometimes."

"I'm not swayed."

"Sure you're not. He asked you to make the request for him, didn't he?"

"That's true, but... I was also worried, so I came."

It wasn't a lie. I wasn't worried that Altear would die from the dragon, as I had a strange belief that he, being a major character in the novel, wouldn't die easily. But capturing a dragon was extremely dangerous, and even a strong Altear could get seriously injured. Despite his fearsome reputation, Altear had saved me from drowning and given me opportunities. He was a good person. The fact that I could think of him as a good person surprised even me. I cautiously observed Altear's face. His expressionless face and cold eyes still felt distant, but I no longer feared he would threaten my life with a sword over trivial matters.

"That's... We're married, and I'm part of Eilspord... so we're family..."

As I rambled, looking down, Altear remained silent. The only thing I felt was his intense gaze.

"...So I'm worried. That's why I came."

"Worried..."

Altear repeated my words, almost to himself. He covered his mouth with his hand, avoiding my gaze. An awkward silence filled the room. I clutched my skirt, unsure what to do, and Altear sighed, bending down.

"Don't worry. I can handle it."

Altear's head rested on my shoulder. Surprised by the sudden contact, I flinched, and he patted my back lightly, as if to calm me.

"I've been content with just getting by, but now I need to take action. I don't plan to make you a widow, so don't worry."

"I'm not worried about becoming a widow..."

"I know. You're worried about me."

Altear turned his head, looking at me with a strong gaze. I felt my cheeks burning.

"How about worrying a bit more like a wife?"

Like a wife? What does that mean? I blinked, not understanding, and Altear chuckled, straightening up.

"Right. What can I do with this innocent wife?"

The tickling sensation of Altear's breath on my neck disappeared, and the tension in my shoulders eased. I let out a sigh of relief, and he lightly tapped my forehead with his finger.

"I'll return as soon as possible, so don't worry. I'll leave Blan and Cain behind, so you won't be in serious danger, but try not to leave the castle."

"Yes."

"If visitors come, tell them the lord is unavailable and send them away. Don't let anyone in."

"I'll remember that."

"And... Have you thought about what I asked before?"

"What you asked before?"

"How you should address me."

"Oh!"

He was referring to the conversation we had in the hallway. With no progress on the issue, I shook my head, feeling down.

"I'm sorry. I'll think about it more."

"I hope you have an answer by the time I return."

"I'll try my best!"

I clenched my fists, determined not to disappoint him, and Altear chuckled.

"Good. You're a good wife, trying your best."

The gentle touch on my head made me feel a warmth I wasn't sure was real. My heart fluttered.