Chapter 88

In the evening, when Jeff returned from the castle, he said, "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"Miles has returned. He brought back some information, and I want to hear it. I can leave tomorrow."

"...Jeff? Did you have the servants spy on me?"

I asked with a half-amused, half-exasperated smile. Jeff shook his head, a smile playing around his eyes.

"That sounds bad. I was just so worried about my beloved wife that I asked them to let me know whenever there were visitors."

I stretched up and cupped Jeff's face in my hands. Jeff just smiled.

"Jeff, if you say that, Bercy and the others will think you're a jealous and possessive man."

"What's new? I'm the most jealous and possessive husband in the world when it comes to you."

"Really? You say that so proudly?"

I couldn't help but laugh, despite the tension I had been feeling about our departure. When I looked up at Jeff, he was gazing at me with deep love in his eyes.

Looking into his blue eyes, I thought, I can't leave him behind. Jeff will do whatever it takes to come with me.

Moreover, I could sense not just the affection of a husband in Jeff's expression, but also the trust of a comrade.

He is my husband and my comrade. Comrades don't keep secrets from each other. I might as well give in.

"Alright. I'll tell you everything Miles brought back."

I explained the information Red Robin had gathered to Jeff. Jeff listened silently until the end and then asked a question.

"A former agent who now runs an underground gambling den with connections in the underworld. It sounds like he has a lot of guards. How do you plan to get close to the woman calling herself Matilda?"

"I plan to break into her room when there are the fewest people around. If the gambling den is also her home, I'll observe her routine from nearby and take care of her quietly without anyone knowing."

"Do you know how many guards there are?"

"About twenty during business hours, and ten on duty at all other times."

"He must be spending a lot on security. But to target you and only have twenty guards?"

Jeff chuckled.

"This isn't a laughing matter. But seeing your smile, it doesn't seem so bad."

"Victory in tough situations is where the best stories are born."

"Hehehe."

Talking with Jeff, even the most serious situations turn into fuel for determination. I thought, he really is the kind of person who can rally his subordinates and earn their trust as the second knight commander.

"The problem is Nonna and Il. I don't want to involve them."

"We'll leave Nonna and Il behind. Leave that to me. I've already made arrangements since I heard Miles was coming. We'll leave after noon tomorrow. Is that okay?"

"Yes, that's fine."

When I replied, Jeff raised one eyebrow.

"You're being unusually honest tonight."

"You're my husband and my comrade."

"Ah, that's right. We are both husband and wife and comrades. Comrades don't keep secrets from each other."

"I agree. Jeff?"

"What is it?"

"Let's come back together, no matter what."

"That's the plan. When we return, I'll be the shepherd."

"Sounds good. I'll be the shepherd's wife. It sounds like a fun life."

Jeff hugged me as I smiled.

Nestled in his arms, a cold, blue flame burned in my heart.

Matilda Kimberly. Or should I call her Mary? I'll see you soon. This is probably just another petty grudge of hers. You'll regret targeting me with tears.

The next day, our house was visited one after another.

After Jeff left for the castle as usual, I received a message from the convent asking for a consultation on increasing the production of ointments.

"Alright, I'll come right away."

Immediately after that, a servant from Miss Elizabeth's house came, summoning Nonna. Nonna went to Elizabeth's house, knowing that Jeff had gone to the castle and I was about to leave.

Right after that, Lady Brie, Edward's wife, contacted me, saying, "My mother-in-law's throat is dry. She wants the medicine Il made before."

"Il's medicine must really suit your mother-in-law. I'm heading to the convent, so you can come with me. I'll drop you off on the way."

Thus, everyone was scattered. After dropping Il off, I didn't go to the convent but headed to the castle. Everything was arranged by Jeff, and I agreed. I left a note saying, "I'll be back as soon as I finish my errands."

A grand, tearful farewell would make it look like I was concerned about Nonna. But such a farewell would undoubtedly remind us of our deaths. It would make Nonna fear an uncertain misfortune, which would be cruel. The less time spent on such farewells, the better.

I preferred that they be angry at me for leaving without a word rather than crying and being sad.

When the carriage arrived at the commoners' entrance of the castle, Jeff was waiting outside with two horses.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I'll change quickly."

"I've already packed everything we need."

"Alright."

I changed into more comfortable clothes in the carriage. When I got out, the driver, Reed, smiled and said, "I look forward to your return. This is your first trip alone together, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. I'm looking forward to it. Please take care of the house while we're away."

"Leave it to me. Have a pleasant trip."

Waving goodbye to Reed, who smiled and saw us off, we set off on horseback. The horses Jeff prepared were large and strong. We continued moving until sunset, spent the night at a suitable inn, and started moving again at sunrise.

This trip with Jeff was, as Reed said, our first experience.

We regularly let the horses rest and drink water, and we took breaks as well.

Birds were singing in the fields, and the wind was refreshing. I wished this trip was just a vacation.

"Spending so much time alone with you, this is the first time since we got married, no, since we met."

"It feels fresh. I bet Nonna is angry right now."

"Yes... But this is for the best. I didn't want to involve her."

"Nonna is thirteen. She can survive even if something happens."

"Yes..."

"Her brother and sister-in-law will take care of her. They've promised that before."

"That's right."

Jeff's large hand overlapped with mine as we sat side by side on the grass.

"Don't worry. Let's take care of Matilda Kimberly and come back."

"Jeff?"

"What is it?"

"Your bright life, and me..."

Jeff kissed me, interrupting my words.

"Don't say any more. I'm grateful to God for meeting you and being able to live with you."

I buried my face in Jeff's neck, nodding slightly, afraid that I might start crying if I spoke.

The weather was favorable, and we made good progress. Tomorrow, we would finally reach the border between Ashbury Kingdom and Randall Kingdom.