I’d always been fascinated by the relics of ancient civilizations. Some of them were more technologically advanced than the magic tools of today, so they were kept under lock and key. One couldn’t just walk in and take a look. A very special exception had been made for us.
“Even I’ve never seen these relics, so I’m excited, too,” said Sir Osvalt. “After hearing Philia talk about ancient times, I’ve developed an interest myself.”
“Are you sure? I felt guilty for dragging you along, Sir Osvalt.”
Sir Osvalt just laughed off my concerns. “You don’t have to worry about whether I’m interested. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, I’m happy.”
He always managed to quell my worries before I even had the chance to voice them. How did he stay so many steps ahead?
“But hold on,” said Lena. “Our last destination today is the Delon dojo where Philip grew up.”
“Yeah.” Sir Osvalt nodded at her. “It’s the halfway point between here and the ruins we’re visiting on day two. I haven’t been there for so long. It’s sure to bring back fond memories. I’m looking forward to seeing my instructor, too.”
I didn’t know much about spearmanship, but both Philip and Sir Osvalt were highly accomplished. The dojo that served as the foundation for their skills intrigued me almost as much as the ruins.
“What kind of place is it?”
“Oh? You’ll see this when we get there, but it’s tucked away in the mountains. The atmosphere is even murkier than at Lady Hilda’s mansion. As a kid, it used to give me the heebie-jeebies.”
“Ooh, really? Lady Philia won’t be the only first-time visitor, so that’s exciting. I bet it’ll be new to Leonardo and Himari, too.”
“Actually, they’ve both been there before.” Sir Osvalt’s response left Lena looking stunned. “Leonardo trained there during his time as a knight. As you know, both my father and I prefer the Delon style of spearmanship. It’s one of the leading schools in Parnacorta.”
Lena groaned in disappointment. “I get why Leonardo might have been there, but Himari’s not a knight!”
“When Himari first arrived in this country, Gene Delon, the Grand Master of the Delon school of spearmanship, took her under his wing. He saved her life.”
I hadn’t realized that both Leonardo and Himari had visited the Delon spearmanship dojo. I was especially surprised to hear that Gene Delon, Philip’s grandfather, had rescued Himari. I wanted to hear more about that story later.
“What?! Have I been left out again?”
Lena pouted, holding her head in her hands. Evidently, she was still stinging over not having met the king.
“Isn’t it a little much to say you’ve been ‘left out’? You just happen to be the only one who hasn’t done these things. That’s all there is to it.”
Lena looked as though she were about to cry. “But Prince Osvalt, that’s precisely what it means to be left out!”
“Come on, Lena.” Sir Osvalt looked troubled.
“Please calm down, Lena,” I said. “I haven’t been to the dojo either.”
“Oh yeah! That’s true! Lady Philia and I are in the same boat! In that case, everything’s just peachy!”
“Jeez, you never let up.” Lena’s sudden mood shift brought a wry smile to Sir Osvalt’s face. Her innocence never failed to brighten the atmosphere.
“Nevertheless, Sir Osvalt,” I said, “there’s been a change to our schedule, hasn’t there? You said there was a place we absolutely had to visit first.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I know I said I’d let you choose all our honeymoon destinations…”
On the day of our meeting with the king, Sir Osvalt hastily suggested that we add another destination to our honeymoon itinerary. I knew that Prince Reichardt had discussed something with him. Could that have had something to do with the sudden change?
“No, I’m pleased that you spoke up. This honeymoon is for both of us, after all. If this is what you want, I’m more than happy to join you.”
“Thanks. Don’t worry, it won’t take too much time.”
“Take all the time you need. It was the Altette Forest, wasn’t it? That’s just southwest of the capital.”
The Altette Forest was near the capital city, so it was free of monsters—and off the usual route I took while working. I’d never been there before, but I was slightly taken aback when Sir Osvalt suggested that we make a special effort to visit.
“Does it seem strange that I’d want to visit some boring forest?”
“What? No. I would never dismiss a place like that. It’s certainly unexpected, though.”
It was as though he’d seen right through me. My surprise caused my voice to crack. Had I always been this easy to read?
“Sorry. I could’ve worded that better. The truth is, I don’t have a reason for going there specifically.”
“You don’t?”
“I simply want to take a walk in a quiet forest and clear our heads, just the two of us. I want you all to myself for a while.”
Sir Osvalt always took a farsighted view of things. At times, I struggled to work out what he wanted. I’d absorbed so much knowledge from the books I’d read, but when it came to human emotions, I was completely out of my depth.
“Sir Osvalt, I’d be lying if I said I understood…but hearing that makes me happy. Deep down, I think I want the same thing.”
“Do you?”
“Yes—time spent strolling aimlessly by your side. I’m not sure why, but it feels like something I’m longing for.”
There was a reason for everything. That was a rule I lived by.
It was all right if something didn’t entirely make sense to me. If it warmed my heart, and it was what my heart longed for, I would follow those urges without hesitation.
Naturally, some situations required the use of logic, but Sir Osvalt had taught me that not everything needed a rational explanation.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“I’m happy to hear it. You’re so kind, Philia.”
Before I knew it, I could feel his warm hand against mine.
Bouncing along in our carriage, we made our way toward the Altette Forest.