A large open area stretches beside the main road outside the capital’s outermost gate. People gather there for big events like the overseas assignment, and the grassy plain is crowded with those leaving and their families. I’m there to see my lord husband off as well.
We must have used the road every time we entered or exited the capital, and since I was always inside a carriage, I find myself studying the wall for the first time.
Although Drewett Manor is taller, the outer wall of the capital has no windows and extends endlessly in either direction, overwhelming me with a sense of being crushed. High and low points alternate atop it, which I’ve learned are called battlements… Oh! I see shadows above them! Someone must be walking up there!
“Stop stepping sideways, Abby. It’s dangerous.”
“Oh, my lord! Can we climb on top of the wall?!”
He has just returned from a predeparture meeting. He glances where I’m pointing, nods in understanding, and pulls me close by the waist. “It’s part of the military’s jurisdiction, so yes, you can if I’m around. I’ll send a request when I get back. The view from up there is great; I’m sure you’ll like it.”
“Yes! I can see a hole there and there, and…oh, something sticking out there. It’ll be easy.”
“Wait, wait, wait. We don’t climb the wall. There are stairs inside.”
When it was first built, the square stone blocks must have been neatly stacked. Over time, however, the blocks have shifted, growing misaligned and chipped. I point out those flaws, and my lord husband groans.
“…It does need repairs, yes. I’ll add that to my report,” he promises, glaring at the wall with narrowed eyes.
“Repairs to make it good to climb?”
“N-No. We don’t want it to be scalable.” He presses a hand tightly against his stomach for a moment, then smiles and tells me about the wall’s construction. Apparently peepholes line the inside, but I can’t see them.
“You’re athletic, Abby, but you definitely can’t scale walls. And don’t try it either. You need special training to learn how to do that.” He claws the air with his right hand, demonstrating the technique.
I try to imitate him, and he grabs my hand and laces our fingers together, bringing it to his lips. He kisses my knuckles with a soft sound.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Yes! I’ve spoken to your and Rodney’s horses as well!”
“O-Oh?”
I overheard Tabitha telling Rodney to do his best to ensure he and my lord husband stay safe, so I asked the horses to do the same. I’ve never spoken to horses before, but I think they understood me. Praying for a journey’s safety is part of a wife’s duty.
Oh yes! “That’s right. I did my job, my lord!” In addition to knitting baby gloves and socks, I’ve also learned how to embroider. I know that wives embroider lucky symbols onto their husband’s handkerchiefs, and I managed to finish mine the day before!
Then a maid pressed the design neatly into the fabric with an iron. I wanted to learn how to iron as well, but was told it’s dangerous.
“Wait, this one’s for the salmon jerky,” I mumble.
“Y-Yes?”
I return the jerky handkerchief to my pocket and pull the correct one from my other pocket.
He takes it in both hands. “Th-This is… Yes, I’ve heard of it. Puff embroidery…?”
“Yes! I’ve embroidered the Monster King!”
I had only enough time to needle six arms and legs, and I think they look nice reaching out from the fabric. I even used gold thread for the six eyes.