Chapter 63
The carriage Hestia and I had arrived in stood waiting in front of the building. I paused, taking in the picturesque scene before the elegant carriage, like something straight out of a novel illustration. Seikan and Hestia were already there, facing each other in serious discussion.
“Oh my, so the rumors are…”
“You look good together. Both of you.”
I tilted my head slightly, catching the chirping gossip of the noblewomen who had also attended the auction, their words flitting around like sparrows. There was definitely something unusual going on between them. The unexpected meeting and their journey together, and now this intense conversation… Could it be that, at least for these two, the story was back on its original track?
Sensing my gaze, Seikan and Hestia stopped talking and looked over at me. Seikan’s ocean-blue eyes wavered like a small boat caught in a storm.
“Adel…”
Seikan started to speak, but Hestia quickly caught his arm, stopping him.
“Adelina, are you finished? Let’s go back now. Okay?”
As Hestia stepped forward, Seikan averted his gaze. Watching him, I thought, At least if you love Hestia, you’ll be alright even if I die. Then again, if I’d known a single declaration of separation would lead to this, I should have broken things off before you two went to fight the Demon King.
It would have hurt all three of you, but it would have given Hestia a chance to comfort you. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about what happens after my death. With my life hanging by a thread, all sorts of hypothetical scenarios came to mind.
I grimaced at the pointless what-ifs and picked up one of the items I had purchased at the auction.
“Lord Seikan Ferdian.”
Seikan turned sharply at my words, his expression surprised. I smiled at his unexpected reaction and tossed the item towards him. He caught it reflexively. I bowed my head slightly.
“A gift.”
Seikan blinked, looking at what he held in his hand. I had given him a rose quartz amulet, a vibrant red. It was a family heirloom from a barony that no longer existed, having been absorbed by a related family due to a lack of heirs.
The rose quartz, a symbol of health, held a blessing that granted its owner restful sleep. Given his tendency to push himself relentlessly, Seikan was a light sleeper. It was the perfect gift for someone who would have succumbed to nervous exhaustion long ago if not for his naturally robust constitution. It’s my last gift. Live well with Hestia after I’m gone, you damn dog.
Bang!
I slammed the carriage door shut, the force reflecting my turbulent emotions, and addressed Hestia, who was already inside.
“Shall we depart?”
“Adelina… aren’t you going to ask me anything?”
I shrugged. I had plenty of questions, but they felt endless, overwhelming. Hestia glanced between me and the window before sighing and instructing the driver to depart. But the carriage didn’t move.
“W-wait, Your Highness—Guah!” the driver exclaimed.
Screech!
“What’s happening?!”
“Whoa!”
The commotion outside drew my attention to the window. A large bird was flapping wildly above the driver’s head. The driver, terrified by the sharp beak and talons, cried out, prompting the knights to rush forward, swords drawn.
“A bird?”
Hestia stared blankly at the scene before her expression hardened. “It looks trained. This approach is too suspicious. Dispose of it immediately…”
“W-wait!” I exclaimed, cutting Hestia off.
“Why?”
“I-I think I know that bird.”
Hestia’s delicate brow furrowed at my claim of knowing a bird.
“What?”
“Just let me check. Okay?”
Hestia was known for her decisiveness, especially in crucial moments. Fearing she would order the bird’s immediate demise, I hurried out of the carriage. As soon as I appeared, the black eagle that had been harassing the driver flew to me. I quickly wrapped my cloak around my arm and extended it, mimicking what Reynard used to do.
Fortunately, the intelligent eagle understood my intent and landed on my arm. Seikan, who had been the quickest to draw his sword at the driver’s scream, narrowed his eyes at the sight of the black eagle perched calmly on my arm.
The eagle ruffled its feathers defensively, its gaze fixed on Seikan with an intensity that suggested it wouldn’t hesitate to attack.
“Easy, easy… It’s alright.”
Not wanting to witness any unnecessary bloodshed, I gently stroked the black eagle. However, the competitive creature didn’t calm down easily.
“Adel!”
Don’t even think about attacking him, or you’ll end up as roast chicken!
At the sharp use of my name, the black eagle finally looked at me. Its obsidian eyes rolled before it dipped its head. Following the movement, I noticed a small tube attached to its leg.
[Can you give me a status report? – R]
The tiny note inside the tube was, as expected, from Reynard. So, despite Clovis’s threats, he was still alive. I stared at the thin paper for a moment before meeting the black eagle’s gaze.
“Can you carry something a little heavier?”
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