Chapter 50

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 50

Chapter Title: Sending Him Off

-----------------------------------------------------------------

As the first territorial war to erupt this year, rumors spread more vigorously than ever before.

Her closest confidantes, who had promptly sent letters expressing their desire to visit, came flocking to the newlywed mansion.

"You were attacked in the middle of the night, weren't you?"

Starting with Marchioness Iris Domunia, then Kate Eblain, heiress to the Eblain Dukedom, Vanessa Beatrice, heiress to the Marchioness of Beatrice, Countess Sylvia Camelon, and Madam Shallet.

Agatha, who had washed up and slept soundly, had erased every trace of the previous night's events.

"As you can see, I'm perfectly fine. He wielded the sword himself."

Her single remark, evoking the war hero's valor, drew sighs of relief from her aides in unison.

"Lady Bona said she saw a gang of ruffians armed to the teeth wandering around last night."

"And she fretted all night after spotting them."

Agatha let out a soft chuckle at that.

"Did she?"

"Yes. The story she started made the rounds, and now the midnight raid has spread even to the capital. Combined with yesterday's report to His Majesty declaring the territorial war, the capital is in an uproar."

Sylvia let out a long sigh as she surveyed the mansion's tightened security.

"Good heavens. Assassins targeting a place guarded by Marquis Aratus, the war hero himself? Whoever sent them must be too dim to notice the sun rising in the morning."

"Exactly! To think someone doesn't know what the Aratus Knights are capable of!"

"They probably know but pretend not to. Blinded by greed, how could they think straight?"

Agatha maintained a composed expression and posture throughout her aides' chatter.

"I'm truly unharmed. Not a scratch on me."

Having confirmed Agatha's well-being with their own eyes, her aides visibly relaxed.

'Well, rumors did say the assassins were on a massive scale.'

Thanks to that, word was spreading far and wide that the Aratus family, having silently dispatched so many assassins, was destined to triumph in this territorial war.

Not to mention the rumors of the Aratus family's formidable martial prowess.

Speculation that the raid had been bait or a trap only fueled the gossip further.

'If it really had been a trap, I wouldn't feel this conflicted.'

Iris Domunia, ever perceptive, caught the shift in Agatha's thoughts and subtly rose from her seat.

"Still, we're just glad you're safe. You'll be reopening your salon soon, I assume?"

"Of course."

"Now that we've seen you're well, we'll take our leave."

"Right, you must be busy preparing for the territorial war, and here we are, overstaying our welcome."

"Nonsense. I'm grateful you came. I'll send out invitations soon."

After seeing off her guests, Agatha glanced up at the sky for a moment before summoning her attendant maid to check on Enoch's whereabouts.

"He's still at the Aratus mansion?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Everything he needs has been prepared?"

"So I've heard. Shall I summon the aide?"

"Yes, that would be best."

Agatha read the report from her first aide, Esel Maso, in the study. It was a document submitted by Hose Kin, Noblesse's first administrative officer.

Seated on the sofa, she carefully reviewed the supply status.

"All food supplies checked. Plenty of fodder for the horses and oil for the armor."

"We've also sent official notices to secure cooperation along the route to Cadden territory."

"Good."

Seeing the flawless preparations lightened Agatha's heart a bit. At least logistics wouldn't be an issue.

"Keep a close watch to ensure nothing falls short right up to the end."

"Yes, ma'am."

Agatha checked the time, then gazed out the window again. Hesitating a moment, she called over First Vice-Captain Leon Takran, who stood nearby.

"Would it be all right if I went to see him off at the departure ceremony?"

"He's expecting you."

With those words, Agatha rose and ordered the carriage prepared.

As she stepped into the hall, four times the usual number of escort knights surrounded the carriage.

"To the Aratus mansion."

The carriage passed through the garden, meticulously tended overnight by Head Steward Allen, and headed for the Aratus mansion in the capital.

Agatha gazed out the window for a while before addressing Leon, who rode close beside her.

"If we go now, we'll catch Enoch, right?"

"You'll arrive in plenty of time."

The departure was set for tonight. They'd exchanged greetings earlier, but still...

'I want to see him.'

During the ride, an excessive number of knights blocked off the surroundings, vigilantly scanning all directions.

Nobles' gazes poured down upon spotting the Noblesse and Aratus banners.

Upon arriving at the capital Aratus mansion, Head Steward Ben awaited her.

"Ma'am."

"Where is he?"

"In the training grounds."

"Thank you. No need to follow."

Agatha took only her escorts and attendant maid to the training grounds.

The moment she entered, she saw the knights' backs, gathered in solemn silence.

Unlike the usual bustle she remembered, the grounds were eerily quiet, save for the occasional snort of a horse.

The knights stood in eight precise ranks, emanating a chilling aura like freshly sharpened blades.

Sir Leon whispered softly.

"The lord is up front."

Her feet moved of their own accord. As Agatha advanced, the knights' eyes followed her back.

Enoch was atop his warhorse, conducting final checks.

The instant Agatha spotted him, Enoch saw her too.

His body was encased in steel plate armor, the Aratus crest embroidered on his surcoat, his hands fully gauntleted without gaps.

The black steed he rode began to move. In the hushed training grounds, only the resounding hoofbeats echoed loudly as he approached.

"Come to see me off?"

Agatha looked up at Enoch astride his horse.

"......This territorial war is for my sake, after all. And I wanted to see you one more time before you go."

"......"

The war would be fought down in the south.

No seeing each other again anytime soon.

As she gazed up wordlessly, he dismounted. A heavy metallic clank rang from his armor.

The man in full plate looked far larger and more imposing than usual.

"I should have come out to see you one more time, knowing you'd be here."

His unfamiliar appearance and altered presence carried the faint scent of battlefield blood.

Only then did it feel real. He was stepping into danger.

For her sake.

"......You have to come back safe. Otherwise, we can't make up for all the romance we've missed."

At her words, forced through a smile, Enoch's eyes widened briefly before crinkling deeply.

"Now I've got a reason to return without fail."

"I believe you."

Agatha fiddled with his surcoat, lowering her gaze.

"Would it be too much to escort you all the way out of the capital?"

"With war underway, you need to stay somewhere safe. Don't dismiss your escorts even inside the mansion. That way, I can go without worry."

"......"

Enoch drew slowly closer, watching her silently toy with his coat hem. Agatha looked up at his approach and closed her eyes.

The armor pressing lightly against her was cold and hard, as were the gauntlets cradling her back. But his lips were warm and soft.

Agatha shut her eyes, accepting his warmth.

The kiss felt both brief and endless. When she opened her eyes, his deep gray ones lingered on her eyes, nose, and lips.

He pressed another light kiss to her lips.

"I'll write so you won't worry."

"......Yeah. Got it."

That was their final farewell. Under the capital's watchful eyes, the Aratus Knights passed through the outer south gate and marched out.

Their destination: Cadden.

Word spread like wildfire through the capital that the Aratus Knights were heading to Cadden—and that the Cadden family was behind the recent raid.

Predictions of Cadden's imminent defeat circulated widely.

Amid rumors of the territorial war everywhere she went, Agatha stayed a step removed from the capital's social whirl.

With her husband away at war, she had no need to show her face at tea parties or balls.

Instead of official events, she maintained her presence through steady patronage and seamless merchant operations.

Her top priority, of course, was Enoch.

"How far has the march progressed?"

"They've passed Roan."

"That's open plains—nothing there."

"We've coordinated with our merchant guild to supply them immediately upon crossing the fields."

Checking Enoch's location, the troops' condition, and supply status was her first task each day.

"A letter from the marquis."

And at the end came Enoch's letter.

"Well done. You're dismissed."

Agatha sent First Aide Esel Maso out before opening Enoch's missive.

The plain white stationery, devoid of scent or ornament, bespoke his march from afar.

Her eyes fluttered idly until she noticed First Vice-Captain Leon Takran standing nearby; she quickly composed herself.

For a fleeting moment, the young vice-captain seemed to smile faintly.