Empress Lawrence enjoyed brunch with her maids. Although the weather was a bit chilly lately, the sun was quite warm, making it very enjoyable to spend time outdoors. Moreover, with no bothersome Emperor’s government or the Emperor himself nagging, her mind was even more relaxed.

“Empress!”

In the midst of a lively conversation.

One of the Emperor’s attendants rushed over and informed Lawrence.

“What’s the matter?”

“Empress, Princess Kelita has awakened.”

Lawrence put down the fork she was holding and stood up abruptly.

“Where? Where is Princess Kelita right now?”

Lawrence followed the attendant with quick steps.

After coming out of the portal, Kelita, who was expected to be crazy, still hadn’t awakened. Lawrence was very worried about her condition.

Lawrence discovered Kelita standing in front of her and hurriedly approached her.

“Princess Kelita.”

Kelita, who was neatly combing her hair, didn’t smile when she saw Lawrence.

In front of the hesitating Lawrence, Kelita calmly lifted her skirt and greeted her.

“Have you been well, Empress Lawrence?”

“Princess Kelita… Are you… alright?”

Kelita, as if thinking for a moment, raised her eyes and nodded with her still expressionless face.

“If you’re asking if I’ve gone crazy, no, I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Kelita extended her hand, lightly embraced Lawrence, and then spoke with a calm voice.

“I have something to do today, so may I come back another time?”

Lawrence swallowed her saliva, nodded her head, and replied.

“Of course, you may. Naturally.”

Watching Kelita walk away, Lawrence sighed, feeling relieved.

Vercheria, Lacrahann, Groovy, and even a dog following behind. Lacrahann, who had been discreetly moving without being noticed by people, was now leading two guests and crossing the outskirts of the northern forest.
“How long does it take to reach the border area?”

In response to Groovy’s question, Lacrahann measured the time and answered, “We’ve covered about half the distance, so I think it’ll take another day and a half or so.”

“It’s farther than I thought.”

Back in the days when the continent was a chaotic mix of small countries, Periat united the surrounding nations to create an empire. Derancis and Kontana also proposed negotiations to secure the lands they desired. Initially, they asked the opinions of the smaller nations to decide which country they wanted to go to. Then, the remaining regions were divided by consensus.

For the safety of everyone, they designated the largest and longest land, which was previously dominated by barbarians, as a buffer zone. They defined the fertile land spanning from the beginning to the end of the continent as the boundary, and anyone crossing it could be killed without warning, as stipulated by law.

Over time, small villages emerged around this buffer zone. It was the first region to suffer in times of war, the furthest from the capital, hence receiving no benefits. Also, due to its peripheral location, commercial development was slow. Most people in these small villages were either very poor or individuals who wanted to live away from the eyes of others.

Since benefits didn’t come back properly, Lacrahann couldn’t help but neglect this place, which naturally became a forgotten memory in his mind if it hadn’t been for the damage caused by a long drought.

“It’s not that far for walking.”

“Is that so?”

Groovy scratched his head and laughed.

“I’ve only lived in an underground prison, so I don’t know where to go and things like that. I don’t even know what’s where.”

Vercheria, who was walking with them, responded on behalf of him.

“I’m the same. Living only in the tower, I still don’t have a good sense of direction or roads.”

Vercheria and Groovy exchanged smiles while looking at each other.

Woof!

Meanwhile, Lacrahann slipped in between them and tried to walk, but the alert dog stuck close to Vercheria.

The dog that followed Groovy unexpectedly knew how to do cute things, as if it had been raised by human hands from the start. However, what was really surprising was that it only showed these charms to Vercheria and not to anyone else.

That’s why males, whether human or dog…

Lacrahann was becoming dissatisfied in various ways.

“If you continue on this road, there’s a small valley. There’s a shallow cave there, so it would be good to stay there tonight.”

At Lacrahann’s words, both Vercheria and Groovy nodded simultaneously.

Lacrahann couldn’t help but burst into a slight laugh, finding the similar appearance of the two amusing.

By now, the castle would be in turmoil trying to find him, but what could be comforting was that no one would be able to guess that he was heading to the border area.
To Lacrahann, the current destination was entirely disadvantageous, and Timothy probably couldn’t even predict it.

“I think it’s good to split in half around here. If you continue straight along this road, you’ll come across the valley I mentioned. Facing left after passing the valley, you’ll see a large Platernus tree, and behind that, the entrance to a small cave will be hidden.”

“Yes, I will take responsibility and escort Lady Vercheria there.”

Ignoring Groovy’s enthusiastic response, Lacrahann sat next to him, looking at the dog being groomed with a trustworthy gaze.

Handing over Vercheria was uncomfortable, but there was no choice if they wanted to find food. Lacrahann couldn’t hunt prey by slashing its neck and draining blood next to Vercheria, who bestowed the aura of protection on all life in this land.

Lacrahann didn’t want Vercheria to see him looking like a barbarian.

“Well, then, see you in a little while.”