If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 70
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
read more chapters on luna kofi
It was Agatha Kristin’s first voluntary journey after acquiring the Vernat name.
Whether this journey could truly be considered romantic was debatable, but Agatha seemed genuinely excited about the departure. Whether her excitement stemmed from the journey itself or from the anticipation of meeting someone at the destination was unclear.
Without needing to ask, Ethan felt like he already knew the answer.
He hoped that the message about Agatha heading to Arta would reach before her arrival. The thought of an unsuspecting Cain encountering his wife, who was supposed to be in the capital….Ethan was filled with dread.
Convincing himself that this trip was an official duty for Agatha to assert her authority as the new head of the Kristin estate, therefore Ethan, who was in charge of his escort, had no choice but to follow her orders.
So the second message where he wrote down his excuses should arrive at Arta as soon as possible. In that way, he would be able to avoid Cain’s fiery wrath to some extent.
“We’re about to arrive.”
The long journey of over a month was finally coming to an end. Although the distance could have been covered in half the time by a knight’s convoy, traveling with a lady of noble birth required more time and care.
They took frequent breaks to accommodate Agatha’s comfort and to maintain the carriage, making the month-long duration somewhat fortunate considering the circumstances.
“Please stop for carriage inspection.”
Approaching the checkpoint at the entrance to Arta, the convoy was halted by knights at a temporary inspection post who ordered everyone to get off. As Ethan stepped out of the carriage, the knights stiffened in recognition.
Observing from the carriage window, Liana commented on the respect Ethan commanded among the knights who immediately gave a sharp salute. It was a contrast to his usual jovial demeanor around Agatha.
“Of course, he’s not just anyone. He rose through the ranks of the Kristin knights to become the vice-captain of the Vernat knights. Do you think he’s just a good person?”
Liana smiled at the scolding. Agatha’s eyes followed Liana out of the carriage window.
“Welcome, Madam. It’s been a long journey for you.”
The knights, after exchanging a few words with Ethan, approached the carriage to greet Agatha. Their astonishment at her presence this far from home was evident.
Agatha, detecting a hint of confusion in their demeanor, acknowledged their salutations.
“You’ve all worked hard.”
“Not at all, Madam. It’s merely our duty.”
“I hope you can return to the capital soon.”
“Thank you. The Commander should be over the hill in the camp.”
As she exchanged a few more words with the knights, Ethan returned to the carriage. Likely, the next time they stopped, Cain would be there.
Agatha’s heart raced with nervousness. She is seeing her husband again after nearly two years since their wedding ceremony.
The carriage set off again.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
As soon as the carriage convoy entered Arta, the news of the Marchioness’s arrival spread throughout the area.
There’s nothing faster than word of mouth. Servants scrambled to make final preparations in the camp for her reception, and Cain himself stepped outside to greet his wife.
Boooom– A trumpet sounded, signaling the approach of outsiders over the hill, echoing around. This signifies the imminent arrival of the Marchioness and her entourage. Following Cain, knights emerged to form a line, preparing for the procession.
The sound of horse hooves grew louder until a white carriage turned the corner, followed by four carts laden with luggage. The knights straightened their uniforms and stood at attention as the procession slowed and finally stopped in front of the knight’s formation.
At Lehmann’s command, they raised their weapons in salute towards the carriage occupants.
The first to step out was Ethan. He immediately knelt down as he smiled with his characteristic boyish smile. Agatha followed, stepping down onto Ethan’s knee.
She was greeted by Cain with a warm smile as he walked towards her and held out his hand.
“Welcome, Madam.”
With a low voice, Cain extended his hand, which Agatha took with a smile in return. Despite the month-long, tiring journey from the capital to Arta, she showed no signs of fatigue.
After all, how could her discomfort compare to that of a man who had been battling in foreign lands for years under the Emperor’s command? She did not want to seem like she couldn’t handle her greed.
“It’s been a long time, Sir.”
Cain gently kissed the back of Agatha’s hand. The couple’s first reunion in two years was marked with a simple gesture.
As the Marquis and Marchioness walked hand in hand, the knights efficiently moved to clear the way.
