Chapter 30

Agatha Noblesse"

Enoch let out a soft chuckle after reading the letter.

"That's why you said 'probably.'"

"Is it alright?"

"It's a pity I can't see His Majesty's face upon reading this."

Agatha smiled brightly. In truth, it was less a report and more a veiled threat.

The emperor was responsible both for the late delivery of the Mainucor delegation roster and for allowing her ex-husband to lead it.

Agatha knew full well, yet still formally requested an investigation.

Though pleased with the favorable outcome, he might now dread her return, realizing his sole legitimate daughter was furious.

Serves you right—who started this mess?

Agatha planted a pretty smile on her lips and kissed Enoch's cheek.

"Just watch. I'll claim the reward we deserve for our efforts."

She sealed the letter with a sprig of purple statice and handed it to her attendant maid.

"To the imperial palace."

"Yes, ma'am."

The letter reached the palace in under ten days via messenger birds and riders.

Rumors swirled in the capital that His Majesty's mood swung wildly between heaven and earth.

Those rumors persisted until Agatha returned to the capital two weeks later.

Clop, clop—

On a sweltering midsummer day.

After a two-month honeymoon, the Aratus marquis couple returned to the capital.

Word spread like wildfire from the mouths of those who saw the marching Aratus and Noblesse banners along the main boulevard.

Agatha alighted at the newly renovated Noblesse second residence in the capital.

The procession, passing roads lined with fresh summer blooms and manicured greenery beside fountains, halted before the main mansion.

"Welcome back, my lord, ma'am. How was your honeymoon?"

Head Steward Allen led the servants out to greet them. His face lit up with joy as he watched Agatha and Enoch descend the carriage together, smiling.

"We had a good trip. How's the mansion?"

"All basic preparations are complete. Safety checks and perimeter security were handled smoothly with assistance from First Vice-Captain Leon Takran of the Aratus Knights here and his men."

Agatha's gaze fell on the knights waiting to one side. The young vice-captain in uniform and his knights immediately saluted.

"First Vice-Captain of the Aratus Knights, Leon Takran, greets my lord and ma'am."

"Report later. This way."

Enoch called the knights over and introduced the first vice-captain. He was the last of the Aratus Knights' vice-captains Agatha met, following Second Vice-Captain Huber Carwen.

Unlike the jovial Huber, this knight impressed with his calm eyes and gentle demeanor.

"A pleasure to meet you, ma'am. First Vice-Captain Leon Takran of the Aratus Knights. I regret not joining your journey, but whenever you venture out henceforth, call upon me anytime. I shall serve with utmost devotion."

"Thank you, Sir Leon."

Then, a grumble came from Huber behind.

"Doesn't matter. Ma'am's escort duty is mine."

"Grown close to ma'am over two months, have you?"

"You bet. I even held her parasol for her."

The mild-mannered knight shot back without batting an eye.

"If you've built that much rapport, now it's my turn. In the mansion, my superior defense skills will prove more useful than your offensive prowess anyway."

Where Huber excelled in rapid maneuvers and pursuits, Leon shone in sieges and defensive operations.

"Isn't that right, my lord?"

Agatha, along with the knights and the intrigued onlookers, glanced up at Enoch amid the vice-captains' banter.

Enoch nodded nonchalantly.

"Leon handles the lady's protection inside the mansion."

"How could you, my lord?!"

Huber cried out in betrayal, but Enoch remained unmoved.

"Second Vice-Captain takes over for outings."

With Enoch's escort, Agatha turned, stifling a laugh.

She was starting to see how this knight order operated.

Steward Allen astutely led the way. As they entered the main mansion, Agatha whispered softly.

"Enoch, shall we rest until tomorrow?"

"Yes. Something you wish to do?"

"Thinking of getting matching outfits—how about Sir Huber escorts tomorrow?"

The man paused, then smiled faintly.

"Huber will love that."

Before leaving on honeymoon, they had specified chandeliers, tapestries, artwork, and decorations, so the freshly repaired interior gleamed brightly.

The mansion's fourth floor was reserved solely for the lord and lady.

Centered on the master bedroom along the central corridor, the left side was the husband's domain, the right Agatha's.

The master bedroom was for official shared nights; otherwise, couples typically used private chambers.

Enoch escorted her to her private quarters, kissing the back of her hand.

"I'll come tonight."

Since that night, they had shared a bed every evening.

Even back home, that routine continued.

This time, it would carry on in her bedroom. Agatha's ears flushed pink.

"Okay. Got it."

"I'll check the mansion's security, so I might be late. Sleep first if so."

"Don't worry. I'll rest well."

Bidding Enoch farewell at her quarters' entrance, Agatha soaked in the bath, gazing at the splendid summer flowers.

Viewing the impeccably tended garden reminded her of the barren backyard at Aratus mansion.

Now that I'm back, I should visit Aratus mansion sometime.

She wondered if Enoch's sister, Isabel Aratus, was still there.

She hadn't seen her during their one-night stay on the wedding eve.

Agatha blinked languidly and emerged from the warm bathwater. Decorating a grand mansion couldn't be rushed; it required time.

Besides, more pressing matters awaited.

Splash—the water dripped from her bare skin as attendant maids draped a long bathrobe over her.

"Where's the First Aide?"

The reply came promptly.

"Sorting documents from Palavi Island here, as far as I know."

"I see. Then on the third floor."

Resting as Enoch suggested sounded nice, but the formal report to the emperor took priority.

Especially with the dressmaker tomorrow.

"I'll head to the office. Have the First Aide come there."

"Yes, ma'am."

Agatha, dressed in simple indoor attire, ascended to the third floor.

That night, before Enoch arrived, the completed scroll was sent to the imperial palace offices.