When The Count’s Illegitimate Daughter Gets Married

Chapter 16

He leaned against a tree as he waited for her return.

It would take 10 minutes for Laritte to reach the town, and 20 minutes to sell the wood to the lumberjack.

Another 20 minutes to buy necessary items or food ingredients.

Then, finally, 10 minutes to return through the same path.

It was going to take an hour at most.

But it was pleasing for Ian to spend his time outside the villa once in a while.

Also, they quietly observed and sought the movements of wild beasts from the villa, which made it easy for them to spend the rest of their time until the arrival of the Foundation Day.

They even thought of what to eat for dinner every night.

Besides that, fortunately, no one had passed through their villa.

Suddenly, he could hear the light treading on the ground from afar.

‘She’s back.’

Ian focused on the sound.

It was clear that it was Laritte. He knew it was her by her unique way of walking and dragging the cart.

But just to be cautious, he waited a little longer before he slipped out his head from behind the tree.

He saw Laritte pulling an empty cart.

Again, he approached her only after looking around the roadway again.

“Please let me handle it.”

He instantly held the handle of the barrow. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

It seemed that he wanted to ask her about the business and the ingredients she bought today, but his eyes fell on her hands.

“Your hands are red.”

“That always happens.”

Even though it was the end of winter, the air still felt cold.

Laritte, who dragged the cart all the way to the town’s village by herself, must be exhausted.

Yet, Ian couldn’t even help her even when he was a well-trained swordmaster.

The reddish-brown marks didn’t seem to match with the color of her skin, which was snowy.

“Let me see them.”

Ian took her hands and put them on his left palm, covering it with his right hand.

Her hands were cold.

Leaning down, he blew into her hands through his hands.

“It stings.”

“Please just bear with it a little bit.”

He repeated it a few more times, his grip getting tighter on her wriggling hand.

Only after Laritte’s hand warmed up a little did he let go.

She squeezed and unfolded her hand.

‘I wish everything goes well in the Capital…..’

If only the Duke’s fake charges are lifted safely.

‘I wouldn’t let these things bother her anymore.’

What was on his mind was that the honor of the Duke should be returned. Of course, Laritte’s safety was important to him, too.

Ian prepared himself for the upcoming event inwardly.

***

The day had finally arrived when they would have to start heading for the Capital.

Ian was getting prepared by wearing the robe that Laritte had bought.

Meanwhile, Laritte was already outside greeting the cat named Butterfly (Lavingenis von Alexandria Anges).

“Bye, Butterfly.”

“Meaoow.”

“That brown bear wouldn’t be able to catch a fish for a while, so take care of yourself.”

“Meow.”

Butterfly yowled.

Ian came out of the villa and asked in a ridiculous manner.

“Who is that brown bear you’re pertaining to?”

“….Shall we go now?”

Laritte walked calmly without even glancing at him.

Ian followed suit, carrying a bundle of dresses and other stuff.

Glancing back at the villa, he thought he would have to live the rest of his life here. Even if so, it felt strange for him to leave it like this.

Noticing him, Laritte said.

“You’re not going to come back anyway.”

Their strategy was planned out like this.

Laritte would accompany Ian into the castle.

But she would leave before he reveals himself to everyone.

She would be back at this villa.

If something went wrong or if someone came to get her, she would run away through the back door.

So, it would be best if they succeed.

They then started their journey and walked to the nearest village town.

In that particular village, Laritte had already made a good relationship with the market owners because of her shy and unique nature.

“Hello, quiet lady, where are you going? Wouldn’t your husband show himself?”

“I told you I was married, didn’t I? Haa, but he’s not coming out now. He still doesn’t want to show his face.”

Ian, who was hiding, muttered quietly.

“….Hmm, I’m quite popular.”

“Everyone seems very generous.”

Laritte greeted them briefly before she found the small carriage she had rented in advance.

The coachman asked bluntly.

“To the city of Osirah, right?”

The city of Osirah was situated halfway to the capital. Still, it was a long way.

Ian reached out his hand as Laritte sat on the old wagon.

“May I escort you?”

“If you don’t mind escorting the brown bear.”

“You’ll always be a brown bear.”

She said so but still captured his hand.

He lightly placed his other hand on her waist.

“Neigh!”

The carriage set off with a powerful cry of the horse.

The ride was not the best but they had no reason to argue about it.

Laritte and Ian were quietly staring out of the window.

They talked a few times but eventually, Laritte fell asleep. It was always like this whenever she traveled to a place of long distance.

And after a long time, they finally arrived in Osirah.

***

Ian shook Laritte.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Hmm….”

Laritte opened her eyes and stretched.

Osirah was a large city.

Since it connected the other cities with the capital, it developed into a commercial city.

Even though it was nighttime, the place was still buzzing with people.

Ian and Laritte, both secluded from the world, were living in an abandoned villa for a whole season.

Laritte followed him as she rubbed her eyes with her palm.

Having a meal was urgent, but they needed to get a room too.

Ian went into a decent-looking inn.

The first floor of the inn was a bar.

As soon as they got in, the innkeeper asked, “Here for a room? 10 silvers for each room. The big room costs 20.”

Laritte lifted up a small leather pouch.

All that remained were at least 5 gold coins and 3 silver coins.

There were certain reasons for the lack of money.

There were very few people who bought high-quality wood in the small village.

And if she had to sell them further, that would have required more time and stamina.

However, it would have been harmful to Ian, who had to hide his identity, if she had brought the woods here to sell.

There were a few more days left, so it was enough to get two rooms…..

Coming back from her thoughts, Laritte glanced up at Ian with a unique expressionless face before turning back to the innkeeper.

“Then give us a small room.”

Ian frowned when he heard it.

***

Laritte and Ian, after getting a room, were having their meal in the bar of the inn.

As he was having his soup, he glanced at Laritte who was sitting across the table.

“Then provide us a small room.”

Her words floated back into his mind.

Although they had slept under the same roof for more than a month, they were in separate rooms.

One small room. Can they accommodate themselves inside a small room?

But that was not what he was worried about. Surprisingly, Laritte seemed a bit annoyed today.

After finishing their meal, the two climbed up the stairs and entered the room which was arranged for them.

The interior was not dirty, but it felt like it had been rebuilt. Besides, there was a bed in one corner…..

But it was very small.

Ian sighed.