WCMP 23

chapter 23

But judging by that frost-sharp, icy voice, it seemed I was the only one having such thoughts. The surroundings froze in an instant.

Arban, wrapped in a chilling aura, radiated an untouchable presence—yet even that 모습 was attractive.

Still, we couldn’t remain like this forever, so I opened my mouth to explain.

“I won’t be bringing a maid. Like I mentioned before, I think it’s better to go with minimal personnel and return quickly.”

Although his expression didn’t change at all at my explanation, the atmosphere softened somewhat.

“…Are you truly certain? Those I brought consist only of a cook and a few knights. You may be quite uncomfortable, My Lady.”

“Yes, but… the cook is coming along too?”

“Yes. We cannot possibly serve Your Ladyship rations.”

“…Are the others eating rations?”

There was something in his tone that suggested exactly that.

“Yes.”

At his short but firm reply, I fell silent for a moment.

It was hard to accept increasing personnel just for my sake.

I wasn’t even bringing a maid—so bringing a cook? That made no sense.

“Why? If everyone else is eating rations, why bring a cook just because of me?”

“If we were to cook for myself and the knights as well, it would delay us significantly. We have all grown accustomed to rations during the war, so it is no issue.”

“No, that’s not what I mean. If everyone is eating rations, I can eat rations too. Why go through the trouble of bringing a cook because of me?”

“……”

Arban’s lips parted slightly, then closed again.

As if choosing his words, he paused briefly before speaking.

“If Your Ladyship truly does not mind, may we substitute your meals with rations?”

“Yes, of course. Then everything’s settled now, right?”

“Yes.”

Arban closed the carriage door and gave instructions to the knights.

With swift movements, they mounted their horses in an instant. A man who appeared to be the cook bowed to Arban and departed ahead of us.

Since Arban mounted his horse instead of joining me in the carriage, I opened the window and asked once more,

“Your Grace, you’re really not riding with me?”

Inviting him at least once felt polite.

“You need not worry about me.”

“Still… I feel bad riding alone.”

“Once we reach the mountain range, the terrain will be too rugged for a carriage. You should be as comfortable as possible until then.”

“Mm… alright.”

The Grand Duke riding a horse while the noble lady rode in a carriage… what a strange mismatch.

But at this moment, I couldn’t confidently declare, ‘I’ll ride a horse too!’

Because I didn’t know how.

Ah, honestly… what an unexpected obstacle.

Maybe when I return, I should really learn horseback riding.

*

The journey toward the Esit Mountain Range was smooth.

The carriage running along the dirt road wasn’t as comfortable as before, but it was tolerable.

For the first few hours after leaving the duchy, I simply stared blankly out the window.

The natural scenery was entirely different from the bustling city streets, and it stirred something grand in my chest. Even the cold wind brushing my cheek through the window felt rather pleasant.

But that strange sense of exhilaration was short-lived.

Watching the same scenery over and over quickly became unbearably dull.

My mouth itched with boredom.

I wanted to talk to someone—anyone—but that was easier said than done.

Aside from Arban, none of the others were even visible, and from the moment we departed until now, not a single word had been exchanged among them.

I want to talk. I’m bored to death….

But I wasn’t shameless enough to break this solemn atmosphere.

So I simply waited eagerly for lunchtime, occasionally sneaking glances out the window.

I soothed myself by stealing looks at Arban’s profile—the only thing within view.

Honestly, looking at a handsome man’s face is more enjoyable than admiring grand nature.

Surprisingly, I didn’t get tired of it.

Watching him made me curious about the other knights accompanying us.

Yet no matter how much I shifted my gaze, not even a strand of their hair was visible from my position. It was disappointing.

At last, noon arrived and we paused to rest.

I decided to step out of the carriage and at least exchange names with the group.

Whether I liked it or not, we’d be together for several days. We should at least know each other’s names.

It definitely wasn’t because I was bored and desperate to talk. Absolutely not.

I casually approached the knights who were placing food onto plates.

“It may be more comfortable to eat at the small table inside the carriage.”

“I’m fine! I eat just as well sitting on the ground!”

Arban made the suggestion as I hovered near the knights, but I cheerfully refused his kindness.

I had no intention of continuing my silent solitary confinement inside that carriage.

Rejecting his consideration hurt a little—but I had no choice. I was too bored…!

In the end, five of us, myself included, spread a cloth roughly on the roadside and sat in a circle.

I accepted a plate handed to me by a large, bear-like man with dark brown hair and glanced around.

Then my eyes met those of a rather cute-looking man with blond hair and blue eyes.

“Hello, My Lady. Sorry for the late introduction. I’m Rix of the Canelowel Knights. I look forward to working with you.”

He grinned brightly as he spoke. He looked the youngest of the three.

“Nice to meet you, Sir Rix. I’m Rieli Rober.”

After Rix and I exchanged greetings, a striking beauty with navy hair and emerald-like eyes introduced herself briefly.

“I am Seirin Adel of the Canelowel Knights. I will protect you with utmost sincerity, My Lady.”

She gave a light bow and then shot a pointed glance toward the bear-like man beside her.

Under her silent pressure, the stoic man finally opened his mouth.

“…Karl Vonrenner, vice-captain of the Canelowel Knights.”

His voice was deep and heavy. Despite his bluntness, I smiled warmly.

“As I mentioned, I’m Rieli Rober. Please take care of me.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

“…Yes.”

Karl’s reply came a beat late, earning him a narrow-eyed look from Seirin.

Beside them, Rix—who had been stuffing a sandwich enthusiastically into his mouth—swallowed and chimed in,

“The vice-captain is naturally taciturn and not very talkative. Anyway, My Lady, please try it! It’s packed with fresh vegetables you can only eat on the first day. It’s really delicious!”

Before biting into my sandwich, I glanced at Arban.

The man who looked every inch an aristocrat was casually eating his sandwich with his hands.

Judging by appearance alone, he seemed like someone who would only touch gourmet dishes prepared by top chefs.

Yet here he was, sitting on the ground with the knights, chewing a sandwich without a care.

Unexpected.

But that gap wasn’t bad at all.

Look at Arban’s face once. Take a bite of sandwich. Look again. Another bite.

Delicious. Maybe it tasted better because he was closer than during our previous meal. I mean—the food, of course.

Perhaps my intense staring burdened him, because after hesitating, he finally asked,

“Is there something on my face?”

Yes. Handsomeness.

I wanted to say it—but I held back.

The moment I said something like that, I’d officially become the strange one.

Would they even know what “kim” (a joke) meant here?

Being around Arban made me keenly aware of the need for self-restraint.

“There’s nothing. You look perfectly neat.”

“Then why…?”

Why am I staring?

“Because it’s nice watching you eat well. Please, eat plenty. If it’s not enough, would you like some of mine?”

“…My portion is sufficient. We will be expending much stamina ahead. It would be best for you to finish your entire meal.”

“Yes, yes. I’ll eat it all.”

He sounded indifferent, yet it was advice meant for me. I was almost touched.

To ease his discomfort, I forcibly redirected my wandering gaze away from his face.

Instead, I focused on the knights in front of me.

Rix, with his playful, cute face, was taking huge bites of his sandwich as though he owned the world.

He ate so deliciously that, despite us having the same sandwich, his somehow looked tastier.

If he’d been born in Korea, he might’ve become famous for mukbang.

That’s how heartily he ate.

Next, I turned to Seirin Adel. As if she sensed my gaze instantly, she met my eyes.

Startled, I flinched slightly—but her eyes curved gently as she smiled.

Wow. She’s beautiful.

Her beauty was the complete opposite of Arban’s.

As I fluttered at her unexpected smile, her short navy hair swayed lightly.

Between those strands, her clear, green eyes—like fresh foliage—sparkled transparently.

Her smile had a charm that could make anyone’s heart race, regardless of gender. It was almost a shame it would vanish like a fleeting moment.

Beautiful and handsome. As expected of a romance-fantasy setting—so many attractive people. Truly commendable.

And lastly, Karl Vonrenner.

No matter how I looked at him, he was a bear.

Brown hair, brown eyes, easily over two meters tall with a massive build.

His hands were enormous—like pot lids. The plate he held looked tiny in comparison.

Everyone I met here had such distinct personalities.

Whether in appearance or character.

After finishing our simple meal, I tried to help with cleanup, but Seirin and Rix stopped me.

“There’s no need for you to trouble yourself, My Lady. We can handle it.”

“That’s right! Please relax in the carriage. We’ll depart shortly!”

“W-Wait! Still…!”

Before I could properly protest, I was escorted back into the carriage.

And so, I sat comfortably alone, gazing wistfully through the window at the knights bustling about outside.