The bustling crowd bowed deeply as Brody passed by.

Brody, who had been standing absentmindedly, gradually realized that the atmosphere was strange. Especially when even Lady Connie bowed her head without any greeting.

“Lady Connie?”

Brody grabbed her shoulders and helped her stand up. Then, when their eyes met, Lady Connie smiled and asked.

“What kind of event is this?”

“Event? Oh… Haha.”

As they started talking, Connie finally seemed like the usual Brody. In response to Brody’s questioning look, Connie answered with a strange feeling.

“Because milady is beautiful. Everyone’s greetings are sincere from their hearts.”

Because she’s beautiful? Brody was momentarily stunned by Connie’s praise.

Soon, she nodded and looked at Caleb.

Closely attached to her side, Caleb, who had been lifting the carriage, was taken aback when he received her gaze. It was a praising look like saying, ‘As expected, Caleb!’ Now was the time for him to shine.

At this unexpected action, Caleb, trying to conceal his surprise, slightly bent his knees and responded to Brody’s gaze.

“Then, I’ll go now, Connie. Thanks for everything. Farewell.”

Approaching the carriage, Brody bid her final farewell. Since they had to part ways at the junction and continue with their respective missions, the carriage was ready.

With a cheerful nose-scratching gesture, Connie replied, “Come again, milady. I’ll make sure to prosper during your absence!”

“Prosper? Ahaha.”

“Yes! Just wait and see!”

The villagers escorted the Ducal party beyond the doorway.

Standing at the forefront, Connie vigorously shook hands, promising that the next time they met, she would prepare a bed in the lodging equivalent to the splendid bed of a lord.

At the junction, the second farewell came.

Claude, the Coral Marquis, seemed somewhat reluctant to part ways with Aidan.

“Please take good care of the greenhouse.”

“Yes, yes. I will make sure to assist the Northern region. My lord, please return safely.”

Aidan looked at him with a firm gaze, patting his shoulder as if to show trust.

Claude and Brody bid farewell with a light gesture of etiquette.

Maybe due to her mood, Claude still seemed uneasy with Brody.

‘Am I disliked? Or does everyone react like this to someone they meet for the first time?’

When they first exchanged greetings, Brody hesitated whether to trust the Coral Marquis due to a strange atmosphere. However, after hearing about the ‘fate with Coral,’ it seemed different. The relationship between the Marquis and the Ducal family seemed more believable.

However, regardless of that, if Claude disliked Brody, that was somewhat understandable.

A woman of unknown origin suddenly appeared one day and claimed to be the Duchess. In this case, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Marquis showed an ordinary reaction.
It was as Brody had anticipated when entering the Northern region for the first time.

Although the damage was not significant, as expected, it was a task to be addressed in the future.

After bidding farewell to the Coral Marquis, preparations were made within the Ducal party to disperse.

“You must keep the promise you made.”

River admonished Brody with a stern expression, implying not to cause any disruptions to the Southern trade plan.

Feeling sorry for the situation caused by her own circumstances, Brody simply nodded solemnly, reassuring River.

Once River left, Caleb came next.

“Milady, I understand it’s challenging to adorn yourself alone, but please try to maintain decorum as much as possible.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best.”

Brody reassured Caleb with a positive attitude.

However, whether Brody’s intention of ‘adjusting as per the situation’ seeped through, Caleb gave her a worried look.

“Just in case, I’ve requested assistance from His Grace.”

Hmm, is it that crucial of a matter? Personal grooming? Something to discuss with His Grace?

Brody, who had planned to roughly compromise once out of Caleb’s sight, felt a slight weight in her heart and nodded.

Now, the knights and River’s party departed for their respective destinations, leaving only Aidan and Brody.

A moment of silence ensued.

Aidan, without looking at Brody, continued to stroke Kaice’s neck.

Brody held both hands together, standing still, watching Aidan like that.

‘Why is he acting like that?’

It seemed awkward, probably because of that.

It had been a while since they embarked on a journey alone.

Aidan, who had been somewhat wary(?) of contact with Brody, might find this journey as an unexpectedly tolerable and patient one.

They needed to move quickly, and there was no other choice but for the two to travel together according to their respective tasks.

‘But we did go outside the village together not long ago. It feels strange now.’

At that moment, a sound breaking the silence was heard.

A nearby tree shook, and it seemed like a bird had taken flight, dropping snow from the branches.

Unconsciously turning her gaze to the stimulating place, Brody saw an eagle soaring through the sky between the tree tops.

Aidan, without looking at the sky for long, lowered his gaze.