Chapter 32
It was both strange and touching to see that he harbored no misunderstandings at all toward his brother’s clumsy behavior.
A moment later, Aiden spoke in a tone still laced with lingering emotion.
“Though it’s late, I sincerely welcome you to the North, sister-in-law.”
Sister-in-law.
What was it about that word?
Somehow, it made her feel acknowledged by Kaiden’s family.
Reina bowed her head, her cheeks flushing red.
“Please take good care of me as well.”
* * *
The weather was unusually clear today. The sunlight beat down strongly, and the fierce winds had vanished without a trace.
It was perfect for horseback riding, and both Reina and Dalia wore excited expressions.
The two of them, donning wide-brimmed hats to shield from the sun and their hair braided into twin plaits, looked as affectionate as mother and daughter.
Dalia, brimming with enthusiasm, grabbed Reina’s hand and shook it vigorously.
“This is my first picnic with the family! Dad’s always busy, and Mom was always sick.”
“From now on, we’ll do it often.”
“Really? Pinky promise!”
Dalia hooked her pinky finger and grinned broadly.
Even at a glance, her excited face made Reina feel buoyant herself.
She fiddled with the pistol tucked in her bosom, lost in thought.
It was a gift from Kaiden.
“Just in case, take this for self-defense. You know how to shoot a gun, right?”
“Aren’t you forgetting that I’m a princess?”
“You act nothing like royalty most of the time, but now you’re pulling the royal card?”
“……I learned shooting when I was young. Don’t worry.”
“I’m just saying this because I’m afraid you’ll stand there blankly like last time.”
It seemed the incident at the training grounds had left quite an impact on him.
She grumbled that it was unnecessary worry, but deep down, she was pleased.
At that moment, Lily called out.
“Madam! Miss! Come over here. There’s a squirrel!”
“A squirrel?!”
Dalia made a huge fuss and dragged Reina along.
Meanwhile, Rose, who had been forced to come out, had already claimed a spot in the shade and was unpacking with Mrs. Mary.
What was so exciting about a mere squirrel, anyway?
She didn’t like the idea of leisurely picnicking when monsters could appear at any moment.
“So excited.”
Mrs. Mary glanced at Rose as she muttered sarcastically.
She had been a maid who served Reina with a strange lack of sincerity from the start.
‘Was she the second daughter of the Daily family?’
She had originally been at the top of the list of candidates for the duchess.
If Reina hadn’t arrived, she might have become the duchess herself.
It was obvious she was jealous of Reina.
Mrs. Mary, who had seen plenty of young ladies admiring the duke, turned the wheels in her mind.
If played right, she might resolve things without lifting a finger.
“It’s quite hot today, isn’t it? Have this drink and rest a bit. They don’t seem to be paying any attention to this side anyway.”
Unaware of Mrs. Mary’s sly intentions, Rose casually accepted the beverage.
“Thank you, madam.”
Her gaze remained fixed on Reina the entire time.
After all, she was one of her close maids, and in emergencies, she had to serve as a bodyguard too.
She was an excellent shot, good enough to have been selected for the subjugation team last year.
That made Reina, who seemed like the type who wouldn’t even touch a weapon out of fear, all the more irritating.
Honestly, if she just stayed within the safe zones, there’d be no need for protection.
If Lily hadn’t insisted so vehemently on going together, she wouldn’t have come at all.
‘She’s holding up better than I expected……. She’s not really planning to settle down in the North for good, is she?’
Contrary to her expectation that Reina would throw a fit, crying and making a scene about wanting to return after just a few days, it had already been nearly two weeks since Reina’s arrival.
Moreover, at some point, she had become quite close with the heir, Dalia Crencia.
It was obviously an intentional approach.
By getting friendly with Dalia Crencia, she could earn the favor of her followers.
It was evident that the attitudes of the northern people, who hadn’t been favorable toward her to begin with, were changing.
At this rate, she might lose Kaiden forever, and that thought made her anxious.
This would disrupt her plans.
“Anyway, the princess is just for show. She probably doesn’t know how to do anything, so you’ll stand out more by her side. Surely, before long, the role of the lady of the house will fall to the concubine. You just need to aim for that moment.”
Rose bit her nails as she recalled the advice her mother had given when recommending her as a close maid.
She had taken on the role of close maid believing her mother’s words, but she was growing increasingly unsure.
It was because the relationship between Kaiden and Reina seemed more unusual than she had anticipated.
Especially since her unease had intensified from the moment he gave Reina the flowers she had presented to him, handing them over without a second thought.
Then, recalling how Reina had accepted the flowers so readily, her anger boiled up again.
‘What does he see in such a dim-witted princess…….’
From what she’d heard, she was a woman whose presence was faint even among the royals.
No strong backing, and far from the line of succession.
She couldn’t accept that such a person had taken the seat beside Kaiden.
If it had been someone remarkable, she wouldn’t have been this furious.
At that moment, Mrs. Mary spoke.
“Rose, you’ve been close to the duke since childhood, haven’t you?”
Rose wore an expression full of wariness at the sudden personal question. She answered politely.
“Being around the same age, we’ve known each other since we were young.”
Then, Mrs. Mary continued with her usual warm smile.
“How modest. Not just anyone can be by the duke’s side. My daughter couldn’t even make it to the candidate list.”
Rose softened her guard at the subtly flattering words.
After a few trivial exchanges,
Mrs. Mary glanced toward Reina and subtly remarked.
“It’s a shame. If someone like you, Miss Rose, were by the duke’s side, it would be incredibly reassuring. As a northerner, I can’t help but worry.”
She sighed repeatedly and continued.
“This year marks the 100-year cycle, and I’m concerned about unnecessary misfortunes piling up. At a time like this, we need a duchess who excels in both literary and martial arts.”
“……”
“Oh dear, I’ve said something imprudent. Just let it slide.”
Rose managed a faint smile, carefully controlling her expression.
It matched exactly what she had always thought, so she nearly agreed on the spot but held back firmly.
Mrs. Mary, observing this closely, smiled inwardly.
She seemed significantly shaken just from being gently praised and having doubts planted.
Mrs. Mary murmured as if in passing.
“The weather is awfully nice today. On days like this, hungry bears sometimes appear in the forest. I should warn Miss Dalia to be careful. Tell her never to go beyond the safe zone.”
* * *
The tree shade embroidered beautiful patterns on the ground.
Riding horseback swiftly through them brought a refreshing feeling all on its own.
The northern forest was truly wondrous. Just blocking the hot sun filled the air with coolness.
It felt like riding at dawn, and that sensation cooled her to the core.
Reina scanned the ribbons marking the safe zone with her eyes.
Even before coming here, Kaiden had repeatedly urged her, so she was continually checking.
From what she’d heard, the ribbons were infused with a scent that monsters and wild beasts disliked.
Thus, monsters and wild beasts wouldn’t appear within the safe zone.
Reina confirmed that this place was safe and stopped her horse.
They had ridden too long, and the horse was tired.
“Dalia, shall we rest here for a bit before going on?”
