Chapter 80
She asked, trying to protest, but Burt’s smile stopped her.
“Let’s go, my wife.”
Who’s your wife?!
she thought, shocked, but Burt, either unaware or unconcerned, escorted her naturally.
They passed through the village entrance and secured a room at an inn. To her surprise, they were given the same room.
‘Stay calm, stay calm,’
Irene told herself, taking off the hood.
“Why am I your wife?”
“Because there was only one pass,”
“And why does that matter?”
“Married couples can pass with just one pass.”
“No, that’s not what I mean. Aren’t you a king?”
“But I don’t have my entourage with me now. I’ll protect you no matter what, but it’s safer to travel this way.”
“So, you disguised our identities to keep me safer?”
“Exactly.”
She understood the reasoning, but still, why did she have to be his wife? And why were they in the same room?
“Isn’t it strange for a married couple to use separate rooms?”
Burt began to explain
“Married couples usually share a room,”
Since she had no experience in this matter, she had to trust Burt’s words.
“Then I’ll go out to find out the positions of others, so please stay quietly in the room.”
“What about meals?”
“There’s a restaurant downstairs. I’ll have the meals brought up. Please don’t go out unless necessary, and if you must, make sure to wear the hood.”
With that, Burt left the room.
Left alone, Irene looked around the room. It was simple, with just a wardrobe, a desk, a nightstand, and a bed, but it was better than the room she had stayed in at the duke’s house.
She threw her tired body onto the bed. Despite Burt’s considerate breaks, the journey had taken a toll on her physically. Her body felt heavy, as if sinking into a mire.
“Ugh, why!”
She woke up later due to a loud noise from outside the door.
Blinking groggily, Irene got up from the bed.
Outside, the noise continued. As Irene put on her hood and stood by the door, she heard a knock. She remembered what Burt had said. Judging by the dim light outside, it seemed to be dinnertime. However, she hesitated to open the door and remained silent.
“Isn’t anyone inside?”
“They said only a man came down. His wife must be inside. But, sir, wouldn’t it be better to come back later when he arrives? What if they are really nobles?”
Another voice replied.
“I’m tired of waiting. I can talk to the wife, can’t I?”
The first man insisted.
“Still…”
“Enough, open the door!”
Bang, bang, bang. Someone knocked violently, and then the door suddenly opened. A young man in rather flashy clothes stood there.
‘He has a face full of mischief,’ Irene thought, unable to describe him any other way.
“What is it you want?” she asked in a wary voice.
“You claim to be nobles?”
“What?”
She responded, puzzled.
“I heard you have a silver pass. What is your title?”
“Is there a reason I should answer that? And you are being rude.”
“Rude? Whatever. A silver pass means you’re not a high-ranking noble anyway.”
The young man sneered.
“I am the eldest son of Count Pendele, who governs this area. I’ve been staying in this village recently and got curious when I heard a noble was visiting.”
Is this guy crazy?
Irene genuinely thought so. Even if he believed he was dealing with a lower-ranking noble, it was still rude to open the door and enter like this.
“Get out immediately!”
Naturally, Irene’s tone became harsh.
“You just need to tell me your title. Why are you acting like this?”
The young man asked again, looking confused as to why Irene was reacting this way.
But Irene had no answer. How could she reveal a disguised identity she doesn’t even know?
“I told you to stop being rude and leave.”
“You can’t even tell me your title, so I understand. You must be part of the group of con artists that’s been scamming people around here recently, right?”
“Con artists? What do you mean?”
The man who had been trying to restrain the young lord sighed and answered.
“Recently, there have been people impersonating nobles with silver passes. That’s why the young master has been going around trying to catch them.”
“They stole my money. I don’t know where they got the silver pass, but you’re part of their group, aren’t you?”
The young man, who claimed to be the eldest son of Count Pendele, persistently accused Irene.
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