“Isn’t this a chance to see the famous Winter’s Duchy? Of course, we should go together.”

“…….”

Until he casually mentioned joining the honeymoon, it was fine. Given that he enthusiastically listed things he wanted to see, it was hard to refuse.

Glancing to the side, Nathaniel stood with a stern expression, clenching his fists.

“We’re not taking the same carriage, are we?”

In response to Nathaniel’s words, Kilian raised his hands in surprise.

“I have a conscience too. Of course, we’ll ride separate carriages! My first destination is the ducal castle.”
“Then, can we depart on another day?”

“Still, it feels a bit lonely to go alone.”

As if reading my thoughts, Kilian wore a wistful expression. I felt a bit awkward giving a poker face to someone trying to help.

“Well…… Can you go with Lady Menisil?”

“The Winter’s Viscount’s fiancée?”

“Yes. She left earlier, but she plans to travel slowly, so you can catch up quickly. I’ll contact her separately.”

“I’ve got myself a good travel companion.”

I made a real request to Kilian, who was smiling broadly.

“Besides a travel companion, I hope you can also act as Lady Menisil’s escort.”

“Oh, um… just trust me!”

Somehow, there was a suspicion, but it quickly faded in Kilian’s flattery.

“My Lord, the preparations for departure are complete.”

Nathaniel reported, extending his hand to me. I accepted his escort and got on the carriage.

“Well, I’ll see you soon!”

Kilian waved and stepped back. Our carriage rattled and started moving.

The spacious interior, where I could stretch my legs comfortably, was covered with plush red cushions.

“Are you okay with going so far?”

“I’m fine with this.”

The carriage, using magic stones and magic, provided a very comfortable ride.

It was much better than a bus traveling on a country road.

“Sometimes, when I see you, I really doubt if you’re fit to be a noble lady.”

Nathaniel’s words made me inexplicably embarrassed, and all I could do was smile sheepishly.
“By the way, you’ll follow along well, won’t you?”

“It might be a bit tiring, but I’ll keep up. If any problems arise, we agreed to give a signal, so don’t worry too much.”

Behind the carriage we were riding, Bill and his family were following.

The children were in a small carriage, and the couple decided to pull that carriage.

And Nathaniel cast a concealment spell on them.

“I’m worried that the kids might feel cramped. It’s hard for adults to be in the carriage for two days straight……. ”

Suddenly, Nathaniel stared at my face.

“Why are you like that?”

“Aren’t you afraid of demons?”

“What?”

“When you first saw me, you weren’t surprised, and even though my appearance has changed, you really think of them as human children.”

“Well……”

Of course, they looked like terrifying monsters. But unlike Nathaniel, I could communicate with them.

“It seems like it’s because we can communicate. Besides, I’ve become familiar with Nathaniel.”

“I see.”

Nathaniel, with slightly reddened cheeks, turned his gaze out the window.

It seemed like there was something he hadn’t said yet.

“Why are you like that?”

“It’s nothing.”

“What’s going on?”

All these little nothings can lead to big trouble later!

After I asked for a while, Nathaniel finally opened his mouth.

“I didn’t know I was this sentimental.”

Oh, you didn’t know that.

Suppressing the urge to tease, I waited for his next words.

“It feels like something special has been taken from me.”

“Hmm…….”
In response to his words, I, too, fell silent.

‘Is he jealous of the kids now?’

Nathaniel wiped his face with his hand, sighed as he looked outside.

“Alright, forget what I said earlier.”

He seemed embarrassed, his words hastening, and the tips of his ears turning red. I stood up from my seat and moved to the seat next to him.

Emotions for Nathaniel were both a remedy and a poison.

I hoped he could feel positive emotions as much as possible. Holding his hand tightly, I spoke.

“Do you know you’re the person I care about the most?”

Nathaniel, who was still looking out the window, slowly turned his head. His ears became even redder.

Not long after, the carriage arrived near the Winter’s Duchy. Since it took a full two days for the journey, the plan was to camp here tonight.

“Hmm.”

Following Nathaniel’s orders, the knights outside the carriage moved efficiently.

They lit a campfire and began preparing food.

While not a gourmet dish, it was made with quite luxurious ingredients, so it should taste good.

‘It feels like real camping.’

Of course, it would be more fun if I were cooking, but for now, it was better to stay where I was.

If I went out to help, everyone would feel uncomfortable.

‘Even with just Nathaniel, everyone is so rigid…’

Watching the knights move like dolls, I chuckled to myself.
How long I’ve been waiting.

Nathaniel returned to the carriage with a pot of stew in hand.

“Wow, it looks delicious.”

“Does it?”

Nathaniel handed me a bowl with a rather expressionless face.

Then, sitting on the opposite side, he slowly began his meal.

The food was better than expected. It was a bit overwhelming with spices I hadn’t tried before, but other than that, it was perfect.

After finishing my bowl, I noticed that there was still a lot of stew left in Nathaniel’s bowl.

“Why don’t you like it?”

“No.”

Ah, maybe because no one served the food first? However, since it came from the same pot, there didn’t seem to be a need to make a fuss about it.

“But why?”

Nathaniel shook his head and resumed eating. Like me, he finished one bowl and cleared it.

Outside, it had gradually darkened, and stars began to appear one by one.

Due to being in the carriage all day, my body felt a bit sluggish.

I got off the carriage, thinking of taking a stroll.

Outside, Nathaniel, who had been exploring the camping site surroundings, was there.

He looked at my comfortable attire and asked casually.

“Why are you coming out?”

“I thought of taking a walk. Would you like to join, Nathaniel?”

“Sure.”

Nathaniel immediately agreed and subtly extended his hand. I took his offered hand, and we walked into the forest.

“Ugh, it’s chilly in the north.”

“It can’t be helped. After all, isn’t it your hometown?”
“I was born in the north, but I grew up in the capital.”

“I heard that people from the Winter’s Duchy are all resistant to the cold, but… It seems you’re not.”

“Hmm, my older brother and father are resilient to the cold, but I take after my mother. Strangely, I’m weak against the cold.”

Nathaniel floated a small light bead, illuminating the walking path.

Snow lingered on the spindly branches of the birch forest, stripped of its green leaves.

The appearance of the forest, tinged with the yellow light of the bead, was mysterious.

Excitement bubbled up in me as I embarked on this journey after a long time. The air was fresh, the scenery beautiful, and with Nathaniel by my side, it felt carefree.

We walked, finding joy in the little things and laughing together.

This peaceful time felt like a rarity, making me feel light-hearted.

As we circled back, the carriage came into view in the distance.

“By the way, how is your mother doing?”

Nathaniel’s question made me stop in my tracks.

I had been too busy and had forgotten.

“My mother is there!”