Chapter Six: Tabitha Will Read to Me at Bedtime
IT’S a ten-day march from the capital to the site of the joint exercise on the allied country’s border. In addition to the three days planned for the exercise and a fourth for rest, the militaries’ leaders will spend two in conference, so our stay will span a total of six days. All in all, the whole assignment is to last just under a month.
Since we are convening as allies, those ranked captain or above enjoy quarters separate from the rest of the soldiers, which is a relief: Haydn isn’t allowed to enter. Thankfully, she hasn’t tried to speak to me, though her pointed gaze annoys me enough.
A superior cheerfully informed me over lunch that Haydn has decided to retire from the military after the assignment. He relayed the message while absently stroking his stomach, and I wondered if she’d messed up elsewhere as well.
As expected, the exercise progresses smoothly, accompanied by news that the meeting between the higher-ups concluded without a hitch. And yet…
“Wanna go home now…” I groan.
“Sure, yes, of course,” says Rodney consolingly. “No need to look so down. His Excellency is calling you.”
I straighten and walk toward a beckoning General Whittington.
Several men, laughing and chatting, surround him, and I recognize them as senior officers from the allied military. We greet one another, and the conversation soon turns to congratulations on my marriage.
“Why didn’t you mention this last year?” someone asks.
“It’s a private matter, and we’d not had our official ceremony yet,” I reply.
“The general couldn’t make it last year either, but I heard rumors throughout high society. The stubborn soldier who’d fallen for a young bride.”
“She looks young, but she’s an adult,” I state.
“So you don’t deny falling for her?”
“It is the truth.”
We did attend a few social events to keep up appearances and show that we are happily wed, so I expected some gossip. But it seems to have gotten a little out of hand—I never thought the news would make it to other countries! My body warms and I hope the heat is not apparent on my face.
“Viscountess Noel is beautiful, with striking red hair and golden eyes,” adds the general with a small smirk. “And she’s very cute when she speaks.”
Ever since their first meeting, he has routinely asked after Abigail, inquiring not about her Gift or skills but purely because he seems to have taken a liking to her. Of course, he was the one who initially proposed our engagement, so his interest in how we’re faring is natural.
For example, while the assignment includes training on our march to and from the capital, I’m also currently on a mission for Prince Dominic and have been excused from the drills on the way back. The general has always been supportive of me like that.
“What? Golden eyes? As expected of Your Excellency, you’ve noted an incredibly auspicious omen,” exclaims one of the allied lieutenant generals.
“Auspicious?”
“My hometown’s just across the border from here, and we believe golden eyes lucky. I’m talking about truly golden eyes, not light brown like Your Excellency’s, or even amber. They’re very rare, because the hue is caused by strong magical prowess. They’re also linked to the legend of the sacred beast, said to be the bringer of good harvests.”
“The legend of the sacred beast? Sounds interesting. Would you tell us more?” I prompt.
Although the Monster King’s forest lies mostly in Longhurst territory, it also acts as a barrier dividing three nations: ours, the enemy’s, and our ally’s. In fact, before the land to the east was annexed, four separate states bordered the forest.
The mountains enclosing the region are not easily traversed, and the only flat route to the forest is in our country, the road to the city of Longhurst. That’s why Longhurst was not dragged into the most recent war. The geography was enough protection.
“It’s kind of a bedtime story for children. A gold-eyed monster would descend the mountain but didn’t attack humans if left alone. Legend says that it’s actually a sacred beast in disguise, so even if it goes on a slight rampage in the fields, best not to retaliate and just wait for it to leave. Its visit portends a good harvest that year.”
✦ ✦ ✦
THE cold, pale green pasta, topped with prosciutto fashioned into a fluttery flower, smells of leafy herbs and garlic. The wrinkly dried tomatoes pickled in oil are rich, sweet, and delicious. The first taste is cool and smooth, yet something’s not right.
“My lady? Have I served you too much? Please don’t force yourself.”
“But…”
Maybe my portion is bigger than usual. I can’t tell. And although it’s delicious, I feel suffocated.
“It’s normal to lose one’s appetite with the weather getting warmer. I’ll get you a glass of the head cook’s special lemon water.”
“Special?!”
“Yes. I heard it’s made with a secret blend of honey and salt.” Tabitha lowers her voice, placing a finger against her lips. I mirror the action. She drops her hand to her stomach. “Does your stomach hurt? Do you feel unwell?”
A maid clears the table. I tell Tabitha that I’m all right. I just feel suffocated.
“You don’t look pale. That’s right… You’ll regain your appetite once Master comes home.”
Food does taste better when I dine with my lord husband, so that must be the case.
“The chef’s cooking still tastes good.”
“Yes, he’ll be glad to hear that. Make sure to tell him so when you visit the kitchen.”
“Yes!”
The lemon water isn’t too cold. It tastes sweet, sour, and a little salty, and flows smoothly down my throat. Tabitha looks at me with a smile.
“I think I feel better,” I share. “You’re amazing.”
“Oh, but the head cook was the one who made it.”
“Yes, and I drank it as you said and I feel better, so you’re amazing. I can use recovery magic, but your method is better.”
She giggles. “I’m glad you feel better… Hmm? I thought what you learned was healing magic?”
Healing magic can heal only injuries, but recovery magic can fix other things, which is why I’m told it’s more difficult to wield.
“Yes, but I can use recovery magic too, as long as I follow human rules.”
“Rules?”
“Yes. When I was the Monster King, I did magic using monster rules. Since I’m human now, I’m sure I can wield it using human rules too!”
“Well, that’s the best of both worlds, isn’t it?”
“Best of both worlds?”
Is that true? Tabitha is smiling, so I suppose she must be right.
“…Is that not the case?” she asks.
“Humans have different rules from monsters, and if I learn them, I won’t be able to live in the forest anymore. So I’m wondering if wielding human magic will prevent me from going back to the forest.”
Is that for the best? Though still smiling, she seems frozen. I take another sip of lemon water. She doesn’t move.
“What’s wrong, Tabitha?”
“M-M-My lady, are you planning to go back to the forest?”
“Again? No. I just visited a while ago.”
“I see! Yes, that’s right! That’s what you meant!” She heaves a sigh, pressing her hand to her chest. I wonder what the matter is, and though I don’t understand, I stroke her back. She stills again, seeming lost in thought.
She finally looks up when I finish my lemon water. Taking my hand in hers and patting it, she says, “My lady, please think carefully before you wield healing or recovery magic. Do not use it on small issues like cuts or colds.”
“But—”
“This is your Tabitha’s request to you, my lady. It’s not often that humans are gifted such magic, so please consider the situation thoroughly before you try using it. Oh, it may be good to discuss with Master too. Please promise me this.”
I’m not sure what she wants me to discuss with my lord husband, but there are tears in her eyes, so I nod in agreement.