The plan for the second day was to visit the graves of Estelle’s parents in the morning and tour the city in the afternoon.
However, that plan suddenly came apart. When Estelle and Arcrayne returned to the estate after their visit to the graveyard, they found the mood in the building had turned solemn. Riflemen of the earldom were assembled in the garden. Sirius, clad in a military uniform, was talking to them with a serious look on his face.
“What happened?” Estelle asked the first maid she ran into in the estate.
“A dragon appeared in Echire, I’m told. They’re preparing to head out.”
The reply was just as Estelle had predicted after seeing the garden. She clenched her fist over her chest.
Echire was a village that could be reached from the City of Flozeth in just under an hour by horse, if it ran at full speed.
Arcrayne placed a hand on Estelle’s back. “Let’s go see Sirius. We might be able to help in some way.”
“While we are on our honeymoon?”
“I can’t have fun while this is going on and do nothing to help.” The prince smiled reassuringly.
✦ ✦ ✦
While Estelle was on standby in Sirius’s office, May brought tea.
“Here you go, Lady Estelle.”
“Thank you.” Estelle looked up from the book she’d been killing time with and smiled at May.
Given Arcrayne’s and Estelle’s positions, they weren’t alone on their honeymoon; their close aides were with them, acting as bodyguards and seeing after their needs. Leah was the only one on break today. She’d been with Estelle until they got to the station, but she was currently off to visit her own home, as she’d been away for a long time.
“Such bad luck to have this happen on your honeymoon...” said May, her face clouded over as she placed the teacup in front of Estelle.
“It ruined our plans, yes—but on behalf of our people, I’m glad we’re here. After all, Lord Arc went with my brother.”
“I suppose so...”
“Even if something happens, he will protect everyone, just like Liedis did at the hunting contest. So I’m not worried about them.” Estelle smiled at May.
Sirius had departed from the estate with his riflemen in tow to slay the dragon spotted near Echire.
It was rare for dragons to leave the mountains at this time of the year. They were intelligent creatures and knew how dangerous humans were.
Generally, they raided human settlements when there wasn’t much food to be found in the mountains, often after waking up from hibernation at the beginning of spring and during abnormal weather.
When Arcrayne offered to help, he’d had to argue with his aides, who tried to stop him, and Sirius, who’d been holding back. Eventually, however, it had been agreed upon that he would accompany the riflemen led by Sirius, while Estelle would stay at the estate. Somebody had to remain to act on behalf of the earl in an emergency.
Estelle understood that, but this role must’ve been carried out by Oscar or Pamela before her engagement. She hated how her current position forced her to be extra careful in her actions.
It’s almost like they found a good excuse to put me somewhere safe, thought Estelle, sighing and reaching out for the tea May had brought.