“Don’t be too provocative. Don’t forget the opponent is the Crown Prince.”

When Anna repeatedly cautioned her, Serena nodded reassuringly. If it were a matter concerning Serena personally, it might be a concern. But the welfare of Astel depended on royal favor, so Serena would keep her boundaries.

Two horses were waiting in front of the ducal mansion. One was the large black horse that Lucas had originally ridden, and the other was Serena’s favored white horse.

“Your Highness, are you sure I don’t need to accompany you?”

“What could possibly happen in such a peaceful territory? Just do what I told you.”

“Yes.”

Sedric bowed his head and took a step back. Soon, Serena also arrived at the entrance, wearing a significantly different outfit, surprising not just Lucas but Sedric as well.

“I apologize for the delay.”

Serena had changed into a simpler, more comfortable dress and taken off her stifling gloves.

Despite its fine fabric and tailoring, from a distance, she looked like any commoner’s daughter.

Furthermore, her platinum blonde hair tied back in a single bunch made her look like some legendary knightess from a distant continent.

“Shall we go?”

Lucas found himself stealing glances at Serena’s unfamiliar attire, even as he deliberately acted nonchalant when mounting his horse.

Serena also got on her horse effortlessly, without anyone’s help, which was quietly impressive.

“First, we’ll inspect the overall farmland and hear reports from the farm manager. Then, we’ll meet with the person in charge of Astel Berry production and perform an on-site inspection, followed by a visit to the site where the distillery is being built.”

It was a tight schedule. However, seeing Serena easily climb on her horse and rattle off the agenda, it didn’t seem like she’d made up these tasks just for Lucas.

“We’ll also go to the school to finalize teacher selections and scout out a site for a new windmill.”

And that wasn’t all.

“We’ll need to check the festival grounds for the Harvest Festival as well, as there could be injuries due to the crowds. That’s when you’ll be able to meet the Knights of Astel.”

The day was packed, almost as if she were the empress herself. Only then did Lucas understand why Serena wasn’t dressed as an elegant lady-in-waiting.

This was not the daily routine of a lady, but of a very diligent landowner.

“Of course, Your Highness, if you find it boring or tiring, you can return whenever you like.”

“No, I’m already looking forward to all the activities.”

“Then, will Sir Sedric also be assisting you, Your Highness? I don’t have anyone else specifically set aside to assist you in my schedule.”
“I can handle it myself; it’s a trivial matter.”

Serena’s words fell short as her gaze met another’s, momentarily interrupted by a nod.

“I dare say Your Majesty is unfamiliar with Astel’s geography, so I will take the lead.”

Upon Lucas’s nod of approval, Serena unhesitatingly spurred her words. The small white horse, much smaller than Lucas’s black steed, was seen clearing the gates of the manor on the autumn wind.

“Is it true what His Majesty mentioned earlier about the schedule?”

Sedric asked Peter, who, like himself, had come to see off their master.

“Yes, the Harvest Festival is nearing, so things are busier.”

A cloud of dust swirled up where the two had disappeared. Sedric and Peter felt an immediate rapport, despite having exchanged only a few words.

“Today’s schedule should go smoothly…”

Sedric mumbled to himself, thinking of Lucas’s stubborn temperament.

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Peter replied in kind.

“Sedric, you work hard. I’d like to offer you some tea.”

“It would be an honor. I hear you were once the captain of the Astel Knights?”

“That’s in the past now.”

“I would love to hear that story.”

Both masters’ plans seemed likely to be realized naturally without making any particular effort.

Anna smiled slightly as she watched them from the entrance and left to carry out her tasks. By now, the chatty women would have gathered in the kitchen.

It was likely that Anna’s few words would spread through the estate more quickly than the two who had just departed on horseback.