Chapter 7

Lance-sama's three subordinates, during our journey, one runs far ahead to ensure the safety of the path we are about to take. The next one stands diagonally behind us, and the last one guards our rear. Sir Douglas, Sir Ronnie, and Sir Wyatt take turns in these roles.

The journey, which was supposed to take ten days by carriage, seems like it will take only six days. This is all thanks to everyone's exceptional riding skills, the ironclad defense, and the sacrifice of my buttocks.

The skin on my buttocks peeled off on the third day of riding lessons. It hurt three times more than when I sprained my ankle during dance lessons. I reported it properly to my superior, Lance-sama, and I returned to the stable side-hug style.

For my injured buttocks, my mother had secretly packed ointment in my trunk with a note saying "for when it hurts." Did she foresee this? Was Mother's <Blessing> of <Foresight>? Anyway, I'm grateful and apply it after my bath. Mothers are always great, no matter the era!

The scenery has changed from dry land to a forested area. Lance-sama tells me about the eastern border, the Kiarrally territory, as we travel.

The land is surrounded by deep forests, and beyond them lies the neighboring country. People from the neighboring country often sneak in, leading to frequent skirmishes. Additionally, the forest is home to a variety of animals, and when aggressive bears appear, they must be hunted.

"I've been on missions there many times, but the previous lord—now called Baron Carino—was absent for half the time due to hunting. Well, you won't be bored."

"Why did Baron Carino give up his territory?"

"I heard it was because he could no longer fight and had no heir to succeed him."

It seems that a lord who cannot fight cannot survive in that land. Can I, who cannot fight, manage?

"However, the presence of a deep forest means that the forest's bounty is also abundant. There was always a lot of food prepared."

Lance-sama is trying to lure me with food. Well, meals are the best part, aren't they?

"The mansion employs the servants who wanted to stay in this land from the previous lord. Also, my former subordinates from the military have retired and followed me as private soldiers. There are about forty to fifty of them. They will stay in the mansion until they find their own homes."

It's a large group.

"Lance-sama, you are well-respected, aren't you?"

"…I'm troubled. I've been deified without my consent."

Under the <Blessing> of <Death>, I was given the role of the Grim Reaper and worked tirelessly. Now, I'm being revered as a hero… I'm losing my sense of self.

"That's troubling…"

"…Isn't it?"

I nod in agreement.

"Anyway, why don't you try playing the role of a simple lord?"

"A simple lord?"

"Yes, as a lord, Lance-sama is still a first-year. I will play the role of a simple lord's wife."

Fortunately, in the new land, no one should know about Lance-sama and my <Blessings>. Perhaps Lance-sama can forget about <Death> for a while?

"A simple lord and a simple wife…"

"Please do your best as a lord."

I hope we can live a little more peacefully away from the capital.

The sound of hooves came from ahead. Lance-sama stopped his horse and hugged me tightly to his broad chest. Sir Wyatt, who had been running ahead, returned. Sir Douglas and Sir Ronnie, who were at the rear, quickly closed the distance and gathered.

"What's wrong?"

"A landslide has occurred about an hour ahead, blocking the road. We need to take a detour, but there will be no place to stay."

Everyone's faces peeked at me, who was in the kangaroo baby position in Lance-sama's chest. Is the problem me?

"Um, so are we going to ride through the night?"

"No, we need to let the horses rest," Sir Ronnie said, stroking his gray horse.

"I don't understand, but I trust Lance-sama's best judgment."

"We'll camp in the forest."

Oh, camping.

"Understood."

"Is that okay? A young lady like you!"

The usually quiet Sir Wyatt asked for confirmation.

"It's not raining tonight, and everyone is experienced with camping, so it's fine."

Camping in the rain is the worst! That was my impression from my previous life's field trip. The weather is good, and there are four camping pros. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's work.

"I might be a burden, but please take care of me."

I bowed and smiled.

◇◇◇

Sir Wyatt had already found a suitable flat area near a water source for camping. When we arrived and Lance-sama gave the OK, preparations for the night began. I had nothing to do, so I brushed the horses, who had become my friends over the past few days, with a stiff brush borrowed from Sir Wyatt. The beautiful horses, ranging from black to white to chestnut and gray, all had gentle eyes and didn't mind my amateur grooming.

As the sun set and the forest grew dark,

"Em"

Lance-sama came to fetch me.

"The preparations are ready. Come."

"These horses?"

"They'll be fine here. They're tied up and can drink from the river."

"They're smart. Goodnight."

The horses neighed softly.

Lance-sama swiftly picked me up and retraced our steps.

"Can I walk?"

"…The underbrush is dangerous. Don't walk without boots."

I see.

Around a large campfire, dried meat was being grilled, and bread and dried fruits that could last were laid out.

A soft blanket was spread out, and I was to sit there. I thanked them without complaint.

The cups contained freshly boiled water. It seems they don't drink alcohol while camping.

"Instead of just water, shall we have tea?"

"Madam, you brought tea?"

I took out tea bags I made from thin paper from my luggage and put them in each cup.

"Amazing… portable tea?"

Sir Ronnie exclaimed. I was happy to be praised and smiled. I took a sip and felt relieved.

"Em, what would you like?"

"The smell has been so good. I'll have the meat and a piece of bread."

Lance-sama, undeterred by the heat, picked up the meat with his bare hands and placed it on a leaf plate. He handed it to me and sat down next to me.

The flames made Lance-sama's hair even more vividly red.

"Thank you! Let's eat!"

I took a bite of the meat. Yes, it's delicious. Delicious? Wait, it's softer than I thought, but it lacks flavor.

…This is a return to my original bland life!

I stood up again and took out the spice salt I received from the first inn's cook.

I sprinkled it on the meat and ate it.

"Wow, it's delicious!"

As I was eating, I realized four pairs of eyes were staring at me. I passed the spice to Lance-sama,

"Please pass it around."

I returned to my meal.

Bringing the spice was a great decision. Sir Douglas sprinkled it generously on his bread. I made a promise to visit the inn again when we have business in the capital and get more.

While the four men discussed the next day's journey, I sat in a triangle position and gazed at the flames. The fire was beautiful, calming my heart and gently burning my lingering feelings for Prince Conrad… my first love.

…Prince Conrad, thank you for reading books with me when we were young.

Even if it wasn't your order, thank you for the bouquets on my birthdays.

I was happy when you came to pick me up for my debut in society, even if you were reluctant.

You took other women's hands, and I, with my own reasons, got married.

Thank you… and… goodbye.

My feelings burn and return to the sky…

I stared up at the smoke rising to the sky, lost in thought.

"Emeline?"

I realized Lance-sama was right next to me, wiping my tears with his thumb.

"I'm sleepy. I yawned."

Lance-sama said nothing, picked me up, and placed me between his legs. He covered me with a blanket from his feet.

A hoarse voice came from above.

"Tomorrow is early. Goodnight."

There was no reason to resist. I whispered to Lance-sama's chest.

"Goodnight, Lance-sama."