Chapter 16

Altair decided to embark on a solo expedition to the Rembrou Mountains to hunt a dragon, despite everyone's attempts to dissuade him. When the departure date was set for four days later, Eilsford Castle was filled with a strangely restless atmosphere. It seemed that only Altair remained calm amidst the chaos. The knights, who had to send their leader alone, as well as Pavel and Anna, could not hide their worried expressions, and I, too, was deeply troubled. What did Altair mean when he said he wanted me to worry like a wife? I had resolved to be a proper wife, and I wanted to worry about him in a wife-like manner before he left. However, after a whole day of brooding, I reached the despairing conclusion that I would never find the answer. I had spent my days locked in my room, diligently reading books to gain knowledge, but nowhere did it mention how to worry about one's husband like a wife.

'Books don't contain all the knowledge in the world.'

Muttering to myself, I decided to seek help from my allies.

"Anna."

"Yes, my lady."

"Do you know how to worry about one's husband like a wife?"

"How to worry about one's husband like a wife?"

As Anna, who was brushing my hair, tilted her head in thought.

"Is it because Lord Altair is leaving to hunt a dragon?"

"Yes. When I told him I was worried about him, he said he wanted me to worry like a wife..."

"Hmm... Could it be something else?"

"Something else?"

"In the eastern region, there's a custom where wives make wish bracelets for their husbands when they go to dangerous places. They make two identical bracelets and wear them, praying for each other's safety. If the bracelet remains intact, it means the other person is safe."

"I didn't know there was such a custom."

It was a custom that didn't exist in the capital. It seemed to have developed in the eastern region, which frequently experienced wars due to its proximity to other countries.

"Is it difficult to make one? I'm not very handy."

"No, it's very simple. I'll show you how to make it! Once I finish your hair, I'll go get the materials, my lady."

* * *

As Anna said, making the bracelet was not difficult. By braiding three different colored threads and tying knots, a simple bracelet could be made. Since I wasn't very handy, even this simple task was challenging, and the finished bracelet looked a bit messy.

"Will it be okay? It looks really bad."

As I fidgeted with the poorly made bracelet, Anna encouraged me, saying it was fine.

"Lord Altair isn't very aesthetically inclined, so he won't even notice that it's poorly made!"

'That, that means it really is poorly made...!'

Feeling even more dejected by Anna's attempt to comfort me, I moved on. Today, Altair was finally leaving for the Rembrou Mountains. It was still dark before dawn, but I had to arrive at the agreed time. Following Anna, who was holding a lantern, I carefully made my way out of the castle. When I reached the entrance, Altair, who had already finished his preparations, and Blan and Pavel, who had come to see him off, were talking.

"Oh? My lady!"

The large black horse noticed me first and neighed, and Blan greeted me with a smile. Pavel bowed respectfully, and Altair turned to look at me.

"I told you it wasn't necessary to come and see me off so early."

Altair shot a scolding glance at Pavel, as if he hadn't delivered the message. Since I had clearly heard the message, I quickly waved my hand.

"No! Pavel definitely delivered the message! I just wanted to see you off... You said you wanted me to worry like a wife, right? I wanted to do that."

Feeling proud of finding the right answer, I confidently approached Altair, who seemed a bit uncomfortable and glanced at Blan and Pavel.

"You're going to do it? Here and now?"

"Yes. Do I need to go somewhere else? I think I can do it here..."

"There are many people watching."

"Um... Would it matter if others saw?"

It was just a matter of giving him the bracelet; there was no need to change the location or avoid people's eyes. As I tilted my head in confusion, Altair rubbed his neck and muttered.

"Well, if you insist..."

Since Altair had given his permission, I had no reason to hesitate. I took the bracelet from my pocket and grabbed Altair's hand. His large, strong hand felt completely different from mine, and I was amazed at how it could crush most objects with just a little force. As I absentmindedly touched his hand, I felt him flinch, seemingly uncomfortable.

'Oops! This isn't the time!'

I quickly regained my composure and put the bracelet on Altair's wrist. Despite its clumsiness, it felt appropriate once it was on. After completing my task, I looked up at Altair proudly, and he blinked, looking somewhat dazed.

'Why is he doing that?'

Not understanding, I blinked as well, and Blan, standing beside me, couldn't hold back a laugh.

"It seems Lord Altair was expecting something else, my lady."

"What? Something else?"

"A wife's passionate kiss... Ow!"

Before Blan could finish, Altair kicked his shin.

"Lord Altair! Are you really going to break my leg?"

"It's not broken. I've kicked you before, and I know my limits."

"Well, you could just not kick me."

"Then you should close your mouth."

"But when have I ever been..."

Altair ignored Blan's complaints and turned to me.

"Yours?"

"Mine?"

"They're supposed to be a pair, right? You're not going to do it alone, are you?"

"Of course not! I have mine too."

I fumbled for my bracelet, and Altair, without hesitation, took it and put it on my wrist. As he tied the knots carefully, he frowned, seemingly dissatisfied with something.

"...It might break if you apply too much force. Your wrist is so thin."

"It's not that thin."

"It is. It fits in one hand."

To prove his point, Altair wrapped his hand around my wrist. It felt as if it would break if he applied any more force, but his touch was gentle. Feeling a strange sensation, I quietly pulled my hand away, and he let me go without holding on.

"...Be careful and come back safely."

"Will do."

His farewell was simple. Altair gave some final instructions to Blan and Pavel and then mounted his horse, quickly riding away. Free from the gaze of the fearsome young lord, I could live without worrying for a while. However, despite this, a part of my heart felt empty.

"Let's go inside, my lady. The morning air is chilly."

Seeing me standing there in a daze, Blan smiled and said. I nodded and moved towards the castle, occasionally looking back. I really felt strange.

* * *

While Altair was away, the knights began exploring the mountains. Blan confessed to me that he had not kept the secret of the mission as Altair had requested. As a knight, it was an unavoidable choice. During the exploration, I started looking for a mining expert through Pavel. I was confident that a mine would be discovered, so this was a logical step. Although Pavel seemed to wonder if it was necessary to find someone so soon, he didn't try to stop me, perhaps sensing the strange confidence behind my actions. However, despite my expectations, no news of a mine discovery came. Since the search started without knowing the exact location, it was bound to take time. As the search period extended, the knights exploring the mountains showed signs of fatigue. Without clear results, it was natural for them to feel tired. Blan's face grew darker each day as he reported, "No results today," but I pushed forward with the search, determined. It was unusual for me, who was usually timid.

'Knowing the right answer can make a person strong.'

If this was the privilege of a novel character, I intended to enjoy it fully.

"My lady."

And today, as usual, it was time for the report. Blan, who usually sighed with a dark face, had a slightly different expression today. A hint of positivity could be seen on his slightly flushed face.

"Perhaps..."

As I asked with anticipation, Blan smiled.

"Yes. We found it, my lady. The ground was unusually sunken, so we explored that area and discovered magic stones. It's true... our territory has a magic stone mine!"

"I knew it."

Excited, I jumped up from my seat and approached Blan. I wanted to hug him and jump for joy, but I kept it to myself.

"Have you told Pavel? I asked him to find a mining expert..."

"Of course. He's already excited and planning to contact them immediately. The knights are also thrilled... I can't believe it."

Blan smiled, but he still seemed a bit bewildered.

"It's not over yet. The quantity of magic stones is still uncertain, and the ground might be too weak to develop..."

"No, it will definitely work."

It was an unfounded confidence, just like when I first mentioned the mine, but this time Blan nodded and smiled widely.

"Since you say so, it will probably happen."

In the novel, Altair was already a wealthy duke, which meant that the area had a significant amount of magic stones. Development was certainly possible.

'Eilsford will become rich, the knights won't suffer, and I will earn Altair's recognition!'

I couldn't stop smiling at the rosy future I could already see.

"First, I need to talk to Pavel. We need to decide what to do next..."

As I said this and was about to move, I felt something fall from my wrist. It was the wish bracelet that Altair and I had shared, a symbol of our well-wishes.

"..."

"..."

The moment we confirmed its existence, the excitement of both Blan and me was dampened. The wish bracelet was said to show the safety of the other person.

'Of course, it's just a superstition...'

I laughed awkwardly and quickly picked up the broken bracelet.

"I told you I'm clumsy. How could it not break if I made it so poorly?"

"Y-Yes..."

Blan, feeling uneasy, awkwardly laughed and agreed.

'I, I don't believe in such superstitions, no way!'

Despite my attempt to show bravado, the unease in my heart did not disappear.