Chapter 10

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In the south of the Kingdom of Brioire, the Earl of Zachville's territory is located near the border with the Kingdom of Kaltzor.

Although the Earl of Zachville is not officially designated as a border lord, he has been granted permission to mobilize his forces independently in the event of an invasion by the Kingdom of Kaltzor, before reporting to the kingdom. However, since a minor conflict over a dozen years ago, there have been no disputes with the Kingdom of Kaltzor. Nowadays, the main task of the Earl of Zachville's forces is to guard the border area.

The most direct route from the capital of Brioire to the Earl of Zachville's territory is by train and boat. The railway project, led by the Baron of Doura, located to the southeast of the capital, has not yet been widely adopted, but a single railway line runs from the Baron of Doura's territory to the neighboring Earl of Realis's territory to the south. One can travel by carriage from the capital to the Baron of Doura's territory, then take the train to the final station within the Earl of Realis's territory, and from there, travel by carriage for about half a day to the Edibar Canal, where a boat can be taken to reach the Earl of Zachville's territory in three to four days.

Since three members of the royal family—Alan, Silas, and Princess Florenzia of Levanor—are traveling, the number of guards and maids to attend to their needs is considerable. To reduce the number of carriages and guards as much as possible, Olivia, Alan, and Silas decided to share the same carriage. Princess Florenzia and her maids are in a separate carriage, and Olivia's maids are in another carriage.

"It's been since the opening ceremony, hasn't it?"

Alan said, looking out the window. The railway had been operational for a year and a half. At the opening ceremony, the king and Alan were invited, and Olivia, who was Alan's fiancée at the time, also attended. Olivia hasn't been on a train since then.

"Speaking of which, you were unusually flustered back then, Olivia."

Alan chuckled. Olivia mumbled an excuse.

"Well, it was the loud noise that startled me... and once it started moving, it kept getting faster, and I got scared..."

The train, which suddenly let out a deafening whistle and began to move, quickly increased its speed. The scenery outside the window changed rapidly, and Olivia became frightened. Unlike Olivia, who was pale and struggling with her fear, Alan seemed to be enjoying the ride.

"Olivia, are you still scared?"

Silas looked at Olivia with concern.

"Since it's my second time, I should be fine."

"If you get scared, you can hold on to me."

"Okay."

They smiled at each other, and Alan sighed openly.

"Don't get all cozy in this cramped carriage; it's embarrassing to watch."

Olivia's cheeks turned red.

"N-no, we're not being cozy!"

"That's right. We're always like this, Brother."

"Prince Silas!?"

Instead of denying it, Silas affirmed it, and Olivia panicked. Silas casually pulled Olivia closer by her shoulder. Alan glared at his brother and then crossed his arms, closing his eyes in resignation.

"Fine, I'm going to sleep."

It seemed that Alan was in a bad mood.

(Well, it's all because Prince Silas is being silly!)

Olivia felt sorry for Alan, but Silas, unlike his brother, was in high spirits and took advantage of Alan's absence to kiss the top of Olivia's head.

Olivia sighed, worrying about what the future held for Alan and Silas.