Chapter 61

The next day, in preparation for the one-month trip, I was spreading out several travel bags with the maids to prepare the clothes, shoes, and various accessories we would need to bring. However, when my mother-in-law saw this, she exclaimed in surprise.

"Oh my, so many... What's going on? Didn't Percy tell you anything?"

"Eh, yes, well... Since it's a one-month trip, I thought I would need to bring various clothes and shoes for changing and washing..."

"You don't need that much. A change of clothes for the journey is enough. Even if something happens, a week's worth should be sufficient."

My mother-in-law's words made me and the maids stop in surprise and look at each other.

"What do you mean...?"

"Well, the royal family is 'lending' their villa. They will provide everything from clothing to meals for their vassals. Besides, Percy didn't tell you where you're going, did he? That means, clothes and shoes suitable for the terrain and climate there are already prepared in Mimosa's and Percy's sizes."

"Eh... What about the clothes and shoes... after that?"

"Of course, they will be bestowed upon you. You might need to make some space in your closet, but you don't need to pack so much for the trip."

With a hand on her cheek, my mother-in-law smiled sweetly, while I, feeling the blood drain from my body, struggled to stay standing, managing only a strained smile.

According to my father-in-law, it's true that we won't be able to take long vacations in the future and will be busier, but I never thought that the word 'lend' in the context of a favorite direct territory would have such a meaning.

"What should I do... I, I... Eh? Isn't this too luxurious a prize... No! I mean, of course, it's deserved for Percy's hard work... But I haven't done anything... I didn't expect such... Eh...?"

"Mimosa, calm down. Sit on the sofa, dear."

As I sat on the sofa as my mother-in-law suggested, she gently held my hands.

"You see, this is also to demonstrate the authority of the royal family. To honor the winner of the annual event of the Royal Guard, the most prestigious knightly order that supports the country and the royal family. Accepting this is a sign of the royal family's trust in the Royal Guard. Not accepting it would mean not accepting the royal family's trust. This might be a lot of pressure for you, but Percy will accept it, so could you accept it with him?"

I understood what she was saying, and if I were to say, "It's too much honor for me to accept," it would be a serious mistake. It could even be considered a crime of disrespect. Moreover, not accepting the trust of the queen is not an option for me, and the most important thing is that I don't want to do anything that would harm Percy.

When asked to share the burden, I had no reason or desire to refuse. Taking a deep breath to circulate blood through my body, I looked straight into my mother-in-law's eyes and nodded.

"I understand. As Percy's wife... I will do my best."

"Don't be so nervous. You're just receiving hospitality, and most of the time, you'll be able to relax together."

"That's true, to relax... and go... Yes. I will make pleasant memories with Percy."

"That's the spirit...! So, let's just choose the clothes for the journey. The trip itself will be enjoyable, Mimosa. You don't need to think about anything; just look forward to your honeymoon with Percy."

"I understand...!"

With a face full of determination rather than enjoyment, I clenched my fist and nodded. My mother-in-law chuckled and helped with the packing. Since a long journey by carriage was inevitable, she suggested dresses and smocks with skirts that didn't require a corset.

While I was thinking about the journey with the maids and my mother-in-law, I was still curious about where we were going. If Percy had kept it a secret this far, he probably wouldn't tell me now.

If that's the case, I had no choice but to accept the waste of preparing for an unknown destination. Hiking boots wouldn't be suitable for walking on a beach, and sandals would be inappropriate for walking in a city.

By the time I had packed two suitcases, I was looking forward to seeing where we would go and how we would be entertained. At that moment, I had no idea that the queen (and my mother-in-law) had one more thing prepared.