Translator: Nox

Chapter 50

Chapter 50.

As this was the first territorial war to break out this year, rumors spread more actively than ever.

Close confidantes, who immediately sent letters expressing their intent to visit, flocked to the newlywed mansion.

“You were attacked in the middle of the night, I heard.”

From Marchioness Iris Domunia to Duchess Kate Eblain, Marchioness Vanessa Beatrice, Countess Celia Camelon, and Madame Challet.

Agatha, who had washed up and fallen into a deep sleep, had erased all traces of the previous night.

“As you can see, I am fine. He personally took up his sword.”

At the words that recalled the valor of the war hero, the confidantes collectively let out sighs of relief.

“Speaking of which, Mrs. Bona said she saw a group of ruffians armed and wandering around last night.”

“Well, seeing that, I was sick all night.”

Agatha chuckled softly at the words.

“Did she?”

“Yes. What he started talking about has spread, and the attack last night has also reached the capital. Combined with the report of the territorial war declaration submitted to His Majesty yesterday, the capital is in quite a stir.”

Countess Celia sighed deeply as she surveyed the strict security within the mansion.

“My goodness. Assassins, at the residence of Marquis Aratus, the war hero. Whoever sent the assassins must be a fool who doesn’t know the sun rises in the morning.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. To think there’s someone who doesn’t know what the Aratus Knights are!”

“They probably know but are pretending not to. Blinded by greed, they can’t discern right from wrong.”

Agatha maintained a composed expression and posture throughout her confidantes’ stories.

“I am truly unharmed. Not a single scratch.”

Seeing Agatha’s continued well-being with their own eyes, the confidantes looked visibly relieved.

‘Indeed, the rumors said the scale of the assassins was immense.’

Thanks to that, there were widespread whispers that the Aratus family, who had silently dealt with so many assassins, would win this territorial war.

Furthermore, there were rumors that the Aratus family’s military strength was extraordinary.

It was a bonus that rumors of it being a staged attack or a trap were amplified.

‘If it were truly a trap, my heart wouldn’t feel this complicated.’

Marchioness Iris Domunia, keenly noticing Agatha’s thoughts drifting elsewhere, subtly shifted.

“Still, it’s fortunate it ended this way. You will be reopening the salon soon, won’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Now that we’ve confirmed you are safe, we will take our leave.”

“Oh, you must be busy preparing for the territorial war, so we shouldn’t have stayed so long without noticing.”

“Not at all. Thank you for coming, everyone. I will send invitations soon.”

After seeing her guests off, Agatha glanced up at the sky for a moment before calling a lady-in-waiting to confirm Enoch’s location.

“He’s still at the Aratus mansion, isn’t he?”

“Yes, Madam.”

“Did you ensure he had everything he needed?”

“I believe so. Shall I summon the aide?”

“Yes. That would be best.”

Agatha read the report presented by her First Aide, Ethel, in her study. It was a document submitted by Jose Quin, the First Administrator of Nobilis.

Sitting on the sofa, she calmly read through the supply status.

“The food supplies are all accounted for. We have enough feed for the horses and oil for the armor.”

“We have also sent official documents to request cooperation on the route to Caden territory.”

“Good.”

Seeing the report of perfect execution, Agatha felt a little lighter. At least there wouldn’t be any trouble due to supplies.

“Continue to monitor it closely so we don’t fall short until the end.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Agatha checked the time and looked out the window again. Hesitantly, Agatha called out to Leon Takran, the First Commander, who was standing nearby.

“Is it alright for me to go and see him off at the departure ceremony?”

“He will be waiting.”

At those words, Agatha rose from her seat and ordered a carriage to be prepared.

As she left the hall, four times the usual number of escort knights surrounded the carriage.

“To the Aratus mansion.”

The carriage headed towards the Aratus mansion in the capital, passing through the garden that the Head Butler, Allen, had worked tirelessly to tidy up overnight.

Agatha gazed out the window for a while before speaking to Leon, who was following closely beside her.

“If I go now, I’ll be able to see Enoch, won’t I?”

“You will arrive with time to spare.”

The departure was tonight. Even though they had said goodbye earlier.

‘I miss him.’

As the carriage sped along, an excessive number of knights in front and behind guarded the surroundings, creating a cordon.

The gazes of nobles, spotting the flags of Nobilis and Aratus, poured down.

Upon arrival at the Aratus mansion in the capital, the Head Butler, Ben, was waiting.

“Madam.”

“Where is he?”

“He is in the training grounds.”

“Thank you. You don’t need to follow.”

Agatha headed to the training grounds with only her escorts and lady-in-waiting.

The moment she entered the training grounds, she saw the backs of knights gathered in silence.

Unlike the usual appearance of the training grounds in her memory, it was excessively quiet, save for the occasional snort of a horse.

Standing in eight neat rows, the knights exuded a chilling aura, like swords sharpened to a keen edge.

Sir Leon whispered softly.

“His Lordship is at the front.”

At those words, her feet moved on their own. The gazes of the knights followed Agatha’s back as she moved forward.

Enoch was mounted on his warhorse, conducting a final inspection.

The moment Agatha saw him, Enoch saw her too.

The steel armor that encased his body, the surcoat embroidered with the Aratus family crest, and the gauntlets that covered his hands without a gap.

The man’s black horse began to move. Only the sound of its hooves echoed loudly in the silent training grounds as he approached.

“Did you come to see me off?”

Agatha looked up at Enoch, who was mounted on his horse.

“……It’s a territorial war for my sake, isn’t it? And I wanted to see you one more time before you left.”

“…….”

It was a territorial war fought all the way to the south.

She wouldn’t be able to see him again anytime soon.

As she gazed up at him, he dismounted. A heavy metallic clang echoed from his armor.

The man in armor appeared much larger and more imposing than usual.

“If I had known, I might have come out to see you one more time.”

From his unfamiliar appearance and different demeanor, he seemed to carry the scent of the battlefield.

Only then did it become real. He was stepping into a dangerous place.

For her sake.

“……You must return safely. That way, we can have the romance we couldn’t have until now.”

At her words, spoken with an effort to smile, Enoch’s eyes widened before forming a deep curve.

“You have given me a reason to return alive, without fail.”

“I’ll believe you.”

Agatha fiddled with his surcoat, her gaze drifting downwards.

“Would it be too much to escort you beyond the capital?”

“It is wartime, so you should remain in the safest place possible. Do not dismiss your escorts even within the mansion. That way, I can go with peace of mind, can’t I?”

“…….”

Seeing her hands slowly stroking the hem of his coat, Enoch slowly approached. Agatha watched him approach and then closed her eyes.

The touch of the slightly touching armor and the gauntlets that wrapped around her back was cold and hard. However, the place that touched her lips was hot and soft.

Agatha closed her eyes and accepted the warmth he gave her.

The kiss, seemingly short, continued for a long time. When she opened her eyes, his deep gray eyes gazed at Agatha’s eyes, nose, and lips for a long moment.

He lightly kissed her lips again.

“I will write so you don’t worry.”

“……Yes. I understand.”

That was the final farewell. The Aratus Knights, under the watchful eyes of the capital, passed through the South Gate of the outer wall and departed.

Their destination was Caden.

---

Rumors that the Aratus Knights were heading to Caden and that House Caden was behind the recent attack spread like wildfire throughout the entire capital.

And predictions that the defeat of Caden territory would not be far off also spread far and wide.

Wherever she went, the air was filled with rumors of this territorial war, yet Agatha remained a step removed from the capital’s social scene.

With her husband on the battlefield, it was perfectly acceptable for her not to appear at events like tea parties or balls.

Instead of attending official functions, Agatha made her presence known through her unwavering patronage and the smooth operation of her trading company.

Of course, her greatest concern was Enoch.

“How far has the march progressed?”

“They are passing through Roan.”

“There’s nothing there, it’s just an open field.”

“Even so, I have contacted the trading company to arrange for supplies to be received immediately once they cross the plains.”

Checking how far Enoch had traveled, the state of the army, and the supplies was her first task of the day.

“This is a letter from His Lordship.”

At the end of it was a letter from Enoch.

“Good work. You may go.”

After sending her First Aide, Ethel, out, Agatha opened Enoch’s letter.

The clean white paper, devoid of any scent or decoration, indicated that Enoch was on the march from afar.

Agatha, blinking her eyes for no particular reason, spotted First Commander Leon Takran standing nearby and composed her expression.

Faintly, the young commander seemed to be smiling subtly.