Chapter 58

Finally, the day has come.

As I was feeling down, Leitsel, who was sitting next to me, started licking my hand.

She's always so smart and kind.

Rihito, whom I found and bought, is still playing with Leitsel's tail, looking as happy as ever.

Leitsel, I'll groom you a lot later, okay?

"Are you ready?"

"Yes."

My husband appeared in his travel attire—though it was just more comfortable clothing than his usual wear, still quite presentable.

I was similarly dressed, in simpler and more comfortable clothes than my indoor dress.

"Let's depart then."

At the command, the carriages from the royal capital estate started to move one by one.

Peeking out of the carriage, I saw people on the street stopping to watch our procession.

Of course, they would.

While not royalty, the Lindbergh Duke's family is still royal relatives.

When several carriages are lined up, people naturally take notice.

I would definitely watch too.

This time, I'm part of that procession—more than that, one of the main members!

I wonder where this group is heading, and it must be the subject of much speculation.

We've been preparing for a few days, so people probably know where we're going.

That's right, our destination is the Lindbergh Duke's territory, the heart of their domain.

Usually, engagement and wedding ceremonies are held in the lord's territory.

However, the beginning of my relationship with my husband was far from ordinary.

As a result, we never had the chance to visit, and it kept getting postponed. But this time, due to certain circumstances, we are going to the territory.

"My husband, you've really been missed."

"If this is what being missed means, then I'm beloved by all the beasts."

I said it with a smile, but he replied with a bitter tone.

Well, the cause of our trip, Leitsel, should stop being so affectionate with my husband now.

I picked up Rihito, who was playing with my husband's feet.

Naturally, we would be in the same carriage for the journey to the territory.

I thought someone else might join us, but no one else would ride in the carriage with the lord and lady, so it ended up being just the two of us, plus Rihito.

Being alone with him is tough in many ways!

Rihito, who was in the middle of playing, seemed to want to continue, but he calmed down when I told him to. He laid his head on my lap and rested on the seat.

Seeing him with his head on my lap, it's hard to tell who the master is.

Glancing at my husband, he was still working, even now.

"It must be tough to work even at a time like this."

Looking at my husband, who was reading documents across from me, with a sympathetic eye, he snorted and handed me a document.

"You should read this before we arrive. It's the latest information that Ragnarot just gave me."

"Uh..."

Encouraged to take it quickly, I reluctantly accepted it.

Ragnarot, the head butler, might not be fully trusted by the other servants yet, so how can he gather so much information from other houses!?

My husband must think it's strange too, right!?

Deciding it's pointless to question the oddities, I reluctantly took the document.

It's so thick!

I wonder if I can finish reading it before we reach the territory?

The Lindbergh Duke's territory isn't that far from the royal capital, so we should arrive by mid-afternoon if we leave in the morning.

However, the territory is as large as a small country.

The Lindbergh Duke's family is responsible for guarding the eastern border, which covers most of the eastern part of the country.

The country itself is bordered by the sea to the west and north, with the eastern part connected to the continent.

Thus, the eastern territory is the most important strategic point, and the Lindbergh Duke's family guards it.

They are responsible for defending the eastern border from north to south.

The lord of the territory, my husband, has been trained from childhood to lead the military and to fight if necessary.

Everyone says he is exceptionally strong, so it's probably true.

I know he's physically capable enough to carry a person and jump down.

The Duchess holds the second-in-command authority in the territory.

When my husband was single, the head butler held this authority.

Well, my husband, who didn't like Rockdel, must have wanted an excellent wife at all costs.

I'm glad my abilities were recognized, but I didn't realize he had feelings beyond that...

But... when did it start?

I've never asked.

It's hard to bring up.

Staring at the document, I was eventually noticed.

Trained as he is, he's sensitive to gazes.

"What is it?"

"Nothing, just about this mine..."

"Oh, that's the coal mine. It wasn't very productive and wasn't profitable, so it was closed during my grandfather's time..."

"Recently, the miners have started causing trouble?"

My husband rested his elbow on the carriage window frame and propped his cheek on his hand.

"We did provide some compensation, but it wasn't enough for people living day to day. They couldn't settle into the jobs we arranged, and their money ran out. Now, it's come to light that they were doing small-scale mining in the abandoned coal mine. Rockdel was managing it."

Oh no...

I have a bad feeling about this!

"Looks like we're in for some trouble, Reisha."

Smiling with the corners of his mouth, my husband made me grimace.

There are already enough enemies to face in the territory, so please handle this, husband!

I don't want to be involved!

"You have a serious look, but I was going to consult you about this. What do you think we should do?"

You're very suspicious, husband.

Especially since Rockdel is involved, you must have known about this. Why did you leave it alone?

"I could have consulted Ragnarot, but he suggested I discuss it with you. Personally, I plan to shut down the coal mine and issue a final warning to avoid further trouble."

That makes sense.

The compensation from the previous duke was generous, and rejecting it would be ungrateful.

What did Rockdel want there?

Probably the money.

My husband must have thought the same.

If you have time, please bookmark and support us with the stars below the ad.