If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 78
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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The air was notably different from the capital. Surrounded by lush greenery, the breath of fresh air seemed almost a given.
“Are you planning to start moving around today?”
“Yes, there’s a lot to see.”
“Sir Ethan has been waiting since early morning.”
“Already? Did he have breakfast?”
“Yes. Before leaving the tent, it seemed like the two had a discussion, and afterward, he trained with the knights and had a hearty meal.”
As the deputy commander, Ethan must have had a lot to discuss with Cain, who he hadn’t seen in a long time.
Reflecting on the journey to Arta, Agatha realized she hadn’t yet shared with Cain how crucial Ethan had been to their safe arrival. She resolved to mention it when she saw Cain again in the evening, placing her teacup down as she thought.
“Good morning, Madam. Did you sleep well?”
Ethan suddenly appeared, greeting Agatha.
“Please, sit down. Would you like some tea?”
Before he could decline, Liana quickly placed a teacup before him.
“I’ve looked into the most neglected areas first.”
Ethan got straight to the point as he sat down, true to the nature of a knight.
Were all knights like this, or was it just because he was one of Cain’s? Cain himself wasn’t one for beating around the bush.
Agatha found herself thinking of Cain again.
Just the night before, he had come to bed with her to help alleviate her nightmares. She remembered his warmth. The memory made her cheeks flush.
“Are you unwell? Your face is quite red.”
Ethan, misinterpreting her blush for discomfort, looked concerned. Agatha waved her hands dismissively.
“The most critical area to check is Eastern Arta, but it’s the farthest. Perhaps we should start with the west and gradually move outward.”
She had wondered what he was carrying. Ethan shifted his teacup aside and spread the map out on the table.
“The plan Sir suggests is good; you know much better than I do.”
“Yes, Madam. We’ll start here and make our way to the midwest today…”
Ethan explained, pointing out various locations on the map with enthusiasm.
Agatha wondered if he had received any scolding from Cain upon their arrival in Arta but it seemed to have passed quietly.
“Did Sir Cain say anything?”
“No, no, I was worried, but thankfully, he didn’t reprimand me.”
“That’s a relief. I was concerned that my arrival here might be a nuisance to both Sir Cain and Sir Ethan.”
“A nuisance? As the master of Kristin, it’s only right for you to do these things. And…”
Ethan glanced around cautiously, lowering his voice as if he was about to share a secret.
“I think the commander was actually pleased that the Madam was here.”
“Really?”
“He seemed more at ease. It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile on his way to morning training.”
“Oh…”
Agatha’s face flushed again. Despite trying not to, she was unable to stop thinking about the warmth of Cain’s embrace from the night before.
“It seems Madam is also pleased.”
“You’re teasing. Sir.”
Agatha looked at him, embarrassed. Ethan seemed highly amused by her easily flustered demeanor.
“Well, then. I’ll go make preparations for our departure. We need to be diligent if we are to cover two areas today.”
Agatha nodded. Finally, it marked the beginning of her official duties under the name of Kristin.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
The first area they visited was not far from the camp. Thanks to the knights who diligently maintained the roads, they could travel by carriage. It was a relief considering the terrain.
Mostly mountainous with sparse patches of flat land that were too barren to attract nobility’s attention, so Arta had largely been neglected. Its proximity to the border also made it less appealing for land investors.
Because of this, Arta was kept much in its natural state.
Agatha had some knowledge of it, but seeing it with her own eyes, the land was even more barren than she had anticipated.
She wondered why her father had acquired such lands. To exaggerate slightly, it seemed almost impossible to step anywhere in Arta without being on land owned by Kristin. It was as if Kristin had monopolized an area with virtually no investment value.
The next region they visited wasn’t much different from the first, except that this area was near a river where people gathered.
“Where are those children from?”
While looking out the carriage window, Agatha noticed a group of children in shabby clothes diligently carrying water.
Even from a distance, they looked so thin that she wondered if they could properly carry the water containers.
