Chapter 75

Jeffrey is always late coming home.

But today, he returned at a time that would allow him to have dinner.

"Welcome back, Jeff. You're early today."

"Yeah, I wanted to talk to you. I think it's better for you to leave here a month before the coronation."

"That's right. I was also thinking about taking Nonna somewhere far away. However, apart from the capital, the only place I know is the Duchy of Cadiz. Since I'm supposed to be from the Duchy, it might be safer not to go there. I might be asked, 'Who are you really? Are you really from here?'"

"You have a point."

Nonna, who had been sitting on the floor playing with Ash and Berry, raised her head.

"Mom, Dad, I've been invited by Elizabeth to go to the Kingdom of Randal. Elizabeth's family is successful in business, and they travel to the Kingdom of Randal quite frequently."

"Does the Earl of McGrath take Elizabeth with him on business trips?"

"According to Elizabeth, her father wants to marry her to the heir of a large trading company in Randal. Elizabeth was quite enthusiastic about it until recently."

At that, Nonna gave a subtle smile.

"What's that look for? If you have something to say, say it. You look like you're up to something."

"The other day, an angel blew a trumpet in Elizabeth's ear. Now, Elizabeth doesn't seem to want to marry the son of the trading company in Randal."

The person the angel's trumpet was referring to was probably Il, but it was unlikely. Il would eventually return to the Kingdom of Shen. However, there was no point in worrying about such things now.

"So?"

"That's why I think she plans to take me with her and tell the boy, 'I'm too busy to show this child around the Kingdom of Randal. I'm sorry.' I can pretty much guess what Elizabeth is thinking."

Jeffrey, who had been listening silently, looked at me. I met his gaze.

If we spoke in Randalian, both Nonna and I could do so without any problem. It might be a good idea to take a trip to Randal before and after the coronation to have some breathing room.

"What's going on? Why are you both looking so serious?"

"It's still a secret. Jeff, when the guests from other countries come for the celebration, will I have to attend the evening party?"

"Probably not. The Minister of Military Affairs will bring his wife, but I'm in charge of practical matters. I'll confirm with Prince Conrad tomorrow."

"Please do. If I stubbornly refuse to attend, it might lead to speculation among the nobles."

"Alright, I understand."

The next day, Jeffrey asked Prince Conrad if he and his wife had to attend the evening party. According to Jeffrey, the conversation with Prince Conrad went something like this.

◇ ◇ ◇

In the prince's office at the royal palace, Jeffrey and Prince Conrad were having a private conversation.

"Mrs. Asher has been guarding Delphine for two months without a break. She not only served as a shadow but also fought against the rebels when they were discovered."

"Yes."

"Mrs. Asher deserves a reward for her efforts. Let the eager nobles attend the evening party."

"Your Highness, does that mean my wife doesn't have to attend the evening party?"

"You don't need to confirm that. I promise. Mrs. Asher doesn't want to meet people from other countries, does she? She can take a break wherever she likes a month before the coronation. And she can return to Ashberry after all the guests have left."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

"I'm satisfied as long as Jeff is working diligently nearby."

◇ ◇ ◇

"That's how it turned out."

"Really!"

"You worked hard, so this reward is well-deserved."

Jeffrey would undoubtedly be busy with his duties as Deputy Minister of Military Affairs. It felt wrong to go on a long trip during such a time, but it was better for me not to be in the country if I were to be seen by a Hager agent.

"Nonna, would you like to go with Elizabeth and me?"

"Really? Can I go to the Kingdom of Randal with Mom? Yes! Is it the capital? I've been to the ranch and the port town, but not the capital, so I'm excited!"

"Sure."

"I'll tell Elizabeth tomorrow."

I accepted the shadow role for my own sake, and it's gratifying to see how that decision is now helping me.

"Can I come along and pay my respects?"

"Of course! ... I mean, of course, you can. Everyone knows that you are Lady Delphine's favorite. Elizabeth's parents will welcome you too!"

"I hope so."

The next day, I understood the meaning of Nonna's words.

When we visited Elizabeth's house after sending a messenger, we were welcomed with great enthusiasm. Elizabeth's father, the Earl of McGrath, greeted us personally.

"Welcome, Mrs. Asher. I am Elliott McGrath. This is my wife, Mildred."

"Thank you for having us. I am Anna Asher. I am grateful for all the kindness Nonna has received from your daughter."

The McGrath family's living room was luxurious yet tasteful. Despite Elizabeth's frequent claims that they were nouveau riche, it didn't feel that way. The room was filled with elegant and high-quality furnishings.

"We have a regular residence in the capital. Please, Mrs. Asher and Nonna, stay with us. It's a very convenient hotel."

"If it's not too much trouble, we would be happy to stay there."

"That's wonderful. I'm looking forward to the trip to the Kingdom of Randal. Elizabeth may seem strong, but she's quite shy. Both my wife and I are delighted that Nonna is accompanying her."

After a pleasant conversation, we visited Edward's residence. Since we would be away from home for a long time, it was necessary to inform him in advance. Visiting the castle during the day was more relaxed.

Nonna rushed into her mother-in-law's room, and her excited voice could be heard.

Lady Briez listened to my travel plans with a graceful smile.

"That's right. Once the celebratory envoys start visiting, Jeffrey will be busy with security. He'll probably only come home to sleep. It's better to go out than to wait at home. I look forward to hearing about your trip to the Kingdom of Randal."

"Thank you. I will be traveling with Nonna's friend's family."

"Victoria, can I come along too?"

The voice belonged to Il, who was looking at me with hopeful eyes. I hesitated because of the incident with Elizabeth's trumpet.

"Hmm, Il will have a separate room, so it might be okay."

"The expenses won't be a problem. My family gave me more than enough. I wanted to travel the world, but my father and grandfather were against it. I want to see the Kingdom of Randal with my own eyes."

I was at a loss for words. Unexpectedly, Lady Courtney came to Il's aid.

"Take him along. There are many things you can only experience when you're young and healthy. Especially for Il, who is from the Kingdom of Shen. It's not often he gets a chance to go to Randal. Broadening his horizons will be beneficial."

"Thank you, Lady Courtney!"

Il beamed with a bright smile.

"You're right. I understand. I will take responsibility for taking Il along. Lady Briez, please convey my thanks to Edward."

"Of course. Edward will surely agree."

Edward would probably agree.

He knows that Jeffrey's wife is a former Hager agent and would want her to be out of the country before a Hager envoy arrives.

Il, who was overjoyed, Nonna, who was excited, and I, who was relieved, spent the next month preparing for the coronation. Since we planned to be away for two months, we visited Miles from the sheep farm, the abbess of the convent, Zahar, Bernard, and Yolana, who had become my tea companion, to say goodbye.

Finally, we visited Clark's house. Eva said, "Oh, if Jeff says it's okay, then it's fine. Have a good trip."

Clark was not yet back, but he returned home shortly after. When we got home, Berta handed me a letter.

"Welcome back, madam. You have a letter. It was delivered by a Mr. Mike."

"Thank you."

Back in my room, I opened the envelope and found neatly written words.

"Viscountess Asher, I am deeply grateful for your help. Thanks to you, I am recovering well. Although I serve the country, I am willing to do my best to assist you if you ever need help. Please do not hesitate to contact me through Mike or Chester. With deep gratitude, Mia."

I was relieved that Mia didn't end up in a situation where she couldn't forgive herself.

Thus, the five of us—me, Nonna, Il, Elizabeth, and the Earl of McGrath—set off for the Kingdom of Randal.