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SINCE that day, Kiki and I talked more and more. She was actually a cheerful and talkative girl when you got to know her. Once she got used to me, she started to tell me about Solalitika and Lord Lucas without me having to ask. She told me about the manor and everything she knew, aside from her past.
I was satisfied. Everyone had a past that they didn’t wish to divulge, and I was happy to learn that she was cheerful and kind.
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WHEN we passed the ridge that separated the kingdom from its northern and southern areas, the roads were less paved. Even in a new carriage, the ride was bumpy.
“This is worse than the outward route.” Kiki worriedly gazed outside.
“I’m sure Dazzle is having a tough time,” I replied.
The carriage came to a halt, and the horses neighed. After it shook a little, Dazzle came over.
“I deeply apologize, Lady Iris!” He bowed low. His ash-blonde hair was matted with sweat, and the dirt on his brow dripped down. “I’m sorry for making you wait, my lady. The carriage isn’t in the best of shape.”
“That’s not a problem. Did something break?” I asked.
“The road is a lot muddier than when we left to fetch you. The wheels are sinking into the ground.”
“My, that’s quite the conundrum.”
Dazzle had taken off his coat and rolled up his sleeves. He was covered in mud from the elbow down. He was trying his best in this dire situation.
“Would it be easier to fix the wheels if we got out of the carriage?” I asked.
He laughed and shook his head. “You and Kiki aren’t heavy at all. Please sit back and bear with me for a bit longer.”
I gazed at his back while he walked away.
“What does Lord Lucas look like, I wonder?” I asked Kiki.
She jolted at my question and looked around, averting her gaze.
“Did I say something odd?”
“Erm, well… I wonder…”
Why the shifty-eyed look? She stiffened up whenever Dazzle came near, and I thought that perhaps she feared him for some reason. I continued to ask about my future husband, hoping to take her mind away from whatever was troubling her.
“I haven’t asked how he looks, have I?”
“H-Have you not?”
“What color is his hair? What does he look like? Would you tell me?” I asked, hoping the sheer amount of questions would finally distract her.
“U-Um…” she stammered, carefully choosing her words. “Lord Lucas has glossy blonde hair. It stands out, even from afar. His hair is golden, but it’s not the light yellow that aristocrats of the royal capital often have. It’s more of a yellowish gold. It reminds me of a baby chick.”
“I see. That sounds eye-catching.”
“Yes. He’s very tall as well, so he stands out.”
“Then I’m sure I’ll recognize him immediately. I’m quite excited.”
“I’m…glad to hear that.” She quietly looked away. She was still nervous, but I was glad that she’d gotten a little used to me.
Then the carriage shook and moved smoothly. A breeze came through the window, and fresh air filled the carriage once more.
“Thank goodness we’re moving again,” I said.
“Yes, I’m glad as well.”
Kiki breathed a sigh of relief.
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THAT day, we stayed in Tesouvius, a large town located on the west and north crossroads that led to Solalitika. Tesouvius had numerous inns, from luxurious ones for royalty and aristocrats to cheaper, more affordable lodgings. The bustling shopping district and streetlights were well-maintained. The town looked like a trading hub—even from my carriage, I could tell that the bazaar in the town square was full of life. It was so fascinating that I forgot how fatigued I felt.
“Oh? That carriage…” I said. A wagon in front of an expensive inn for aristocrats caught my eye. It was a nostalgic sight.
“Do you know that carriage?” Kiki asked.
“I do. It belongs to the household of Viscount Teressa. His eldest daughter, Lady Erika Teressa, is a Queen’s Academy for Girls alumna. We were classmates. She stayed in the dormitories for a few years before her debutante.”
I gazed at the carriage from my window. Then I headed toward a different inn. One that Lord Lucas had prepared beforehand.
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I was resting in my inn for the night. Kiki, who’d gone outside to offer assistance, hadn’t returned.
“She’s a bit late, isn’t she?” I murmured. When I looked out the window, a man was harassing Kiki just below it. “Something must’ve happened.”
Another aristocrat’s servant caught her while she was unloading the carriage. She did say she experienced something dreadful at the royal capital, didn’t she? If a man from that area started talking to her, it would terrify her, I thought.
I had to help. I opened the door to request aid and bumped into Dazzle.
“Whoops,” he said. He’d just gotten out of the shower. Looking refreshed, he hastily pushed his hair back and readjusted his hat. “What’s wrong? You seem to be in a hurry,” he asked.
“Kiki is in trouble.” I glanced at the window.
“Pardon me.” He stepped into my room and looked out the opening. He caught sight of Kiki and muttered in a low voice, “Aw, shoot.” He turned around. “Lady Iris, please wait here. I’ll go and help her.”
“Please, wait,” I said as he walked past me, stopping his gallant stride. “That man looks familiar.”
He turned toward me, surprised. “Pardon?”
“He must be related to Viscount Teressa’s household. If so, I’d best come along.”
He stared at me for a split second. “Lady Iris, are you sure about this? You might not be regarded as the daughter of a marquess anymore.”
I stood in silence. A chill ran through me. For the first time, the atmosphere around him changed. He was serious. Suddenly, his large stature was intimidating. His glittering, sunset-colored gaze bore through me.
“You have a point. Matters might resolve amicably if you step in.” He smiled. His serious aura dissipated. “Shall we go, then? I’ll protect you.”
Without hesitation, I headed toward Kiki. I shrugged off the chill from earlier and followed closely behind him.