River was surprised.

He was surprised to see how adeptly Brody handled the medicine.

River, who had some medical knowledge and could perform basic first aid, recognized that the medicine she used was not the type he was familiar with. However, the effectiveness felt much better.

Wounds healed quickly, and the pain was lessened.

‘She said she knows plants well, but it seems like she’s more than just average.’

River asked, “Where did you get the healing medicine?”

“Are you asking about my trade secret? Or are you just curious?”

“I’m curious because it’s strange. Did you make it while staying here?”

River responded sharply, but Brody had no intention of hiding anything.

Since she was going to work for the North, she planned to use everything available.

Brody kindly replied, “I made a lot when I stayed in the South. I need to have a way to make a living too.”

“Ah.”

River nodded. He already knew that she had stayed in the South from Idan’s movements and other incoming information.

‘Did she make it while running away to avoid His Majesty? Even in such a short time, she seems unexpectedly energetic.’

It was surprising that she, who seemed delicate and weak, knew how to properly cover herself.

Well, unless a woman has a usual mental state, would she decide to run around alone?

River asked again, “Can those plants be found in the North as well?”

So curious. But Brody expected him to ask. For a competent chief of staff in the North, it would be strange not to be curious about unusual information.

“If the conditions are right, yes. I’ve also collected seeds that can be cultivated.”

“…….”

River inwardly clicked his tongue again.

‘She even prepared seeds. She’s really not ordinary.’

Reading his thoughts from his expression, Brody smiled brightly.

“Don’t be so careful when asking. I’m the Duchess of the North, and my abilities will be used for the North.”

“…….”

River didn’t say anything, but he seemed satisfied with Brody’s words.

‘Yeah, he probably doesn’t want to admit it, but what can he do? I’m helping him like this.’

Brody, satisfied with the situation, hummed a tune and moved the medicine to the bedside. River watched her side profile and thought.

‘Calling herself the Duchess of the North.’

The Duchess of the North. Originally, it wasn’t a title for Brody.

It was somewhat uncomfortable for her to casually call it her position. Still, from the North’s perspective, it was better for Brody to confidently state her claim without losing her self-esteem.

The North had to acknowledge a new duchess, and it was better for the new duchess to be someone worthy of acknowledgment.

‘Not bad at all.’
At that moment, River was taken aback. He realized that he had been giving a generous(?) evaluation of Brody since a while ago.

“No, you shouldn’t observe anyone more objectively than yourself. If you see any flaws, you should point them out, that’s who you are, River. It’s not easy to admit,” he said to himself, trying to compose his thoughts.

River, curious about Brody, who was humming behind him while he was contemplating, asked, “Who is that woman?”

“…….,” Brody remained silent.

This was the question Brody had anticipated. However, finding it difficult to answer, he stopped humming and carefully chose his words.

River was puzzled. Why was she hesitating, someone who used to answer everything easily?

‘Who could she be?’

Trying to guess the identity of the woman lying down, River rolled his head, and Brody answered cautiously, “Um… well, that’s the woman who attacked the staff officer.”

“What did you say?”

River jumped in surprise at the answer beyond imagination. Although he didn’t say it out loud, River’s reaction was no different from asking, ‘Are you out of your mind?’

And it was understandable. Normally, the assailant and the victim would not be in the same space.

Driven by curiosity, River turned his head, thinking about the irrational actions and Brody’s hesitant behavior. Combining the two, he saw something.

“By any chance, does Lady know her?”

Brody simply nodded.

“I know her, but it’s a bit awkward to describe her……. That’s a bit tricky.”

“Hah….”

As Brody knew the woman, the probability of her not being from the North was high. She could be from a duke’s family, or broadly, she might be from the Empire.

‘No, but why would someone from the Empire be here in the North, and in this village?’

River’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. He looked over to the adjacent bed in that state. Then, he noticed a woman with disheveled black hair.

“…….,”

River’s eyes widened in an instant.

“River…?”

However, when Brody looked at him, he quickly regained his composure.

But Brody didn’t miss the fleeting moment. Sensing a strange atmosphere, she asked, “Do you happen to know her?”

“…….,” River sighed. It was just a brief moment, but Brody sensed his discomfort.

She was a sharp woman. If she noticed it, it was wrong to gloss over and move on. River answered,

“I also know her, but it’s a bit awkward.”

This time, Brody’s eyes widened at his response.

“Do you know Lady Caleb?”