Chapter 19

After ten days in a carriage, we finally reached a regional city called Roca.

Compared to the Royal Capital, the number of people and shops was significantly lower. This was the place where travelers switched transportation before heading to the frontier. The roads further out from the Capital weren’t well-maintained, making it impossible for carriages to pass.

So, what exactly did people ride? Magical beasts capable of navigating narrow paths or flying through the air.

Magical beasts that humans can ride are called “riding beasts,” and they undergo special training. Since the Marquisate of Eventail didn’t have any, this was my first time seeing them in person.

Throughout the city, I saw shops selling or renting riding beasts, as well as businesses that transported people using them. The most common were Pegasuses—horses with wings that soar through the sky. They apparently handled much like regular horses and were quite popular. There were also large, long-legged birds and lizard-like creatures.

The riding beasts we were to use were supposed to be brought to us by someone from the Sutrena Territory.

The problem was, I had no idea how to ride one. I couldn’t even ride a regular horse. I assumed I’d have to ride behind someone else.

I turned to my husband beside me.

“Lord Nazel, do you have any experience with riding beasts?”

“Of course. As part of my prince-consort education, I traveled to various territories. I was trained to handle riding beasts during those trips. There’s no demand for them in the Capital, but they felt it was better to be prepared.”

As expected of Lord Nazel. He’s just too talented.

While waiting for our escort to appear, we observed the city from our designated meeting spot—a clean corner of a waiting area furnished with a new table and chairs.

“Agnes, you should ride on the same beast as me.”

“Thank you very much.”

Hearing him say that made me feel incredibly relieved.

After a while, a freckled boy came rushing into the waiting room. With the sun-baked skin typical of the frontier and brownish-orange hair, he blinked as he looked at us before approaching with quick steps.

“Would you be Lord Nazelbert?”

“I am. Are you our escort from the Sutrena Territory?”

“Yes, my name is Tony Fawne. And, uh…”

For some reason, Tony began looking around the waiting room restlessly. Then, looking puzzled, he glanced up at Lord Nazel.

“Where is your wife?”

“…”

I’m right here. Right here! Standing right in front of you!

A heavy silence fell over the waiting room.

After clearing his throat, Lord Nazel placed an arm behind my back.

“Allow me to introduce her. This is my wife, Agnes.”

I gave Tony a smile and a polite greeting.

“Nice to meet you, I am Agnes. Thank you so much for coming to meet us.”

It was fine. I had left my clothes and makeup to Kelly again today. There was no way someone would turn tail and run at the sight of me anymore. Kelly truly was an excellent maid.

Tony stood there with his mouth agape, staring at me with an expression that said he couldn’t quite wrap his head around what he was seeing.

Then, Lord Nazel smiled at him while keeping a steady, supportive hand on my back.

“She’s my pride and joy.”

Eeeek! No, no, that’s far too much credit!

While I was flustered, Tony seemed to recover and led us to where the riding beasts were waiting. However…

“Wh-What is this…?”

I was fascinated by my first close-up look at a riding beast, but Lord Nazel wore a look that said he had a bone to pick with someone.

Roaring before us was a species of magical beast called a Wyvern, which looked a lot like a lizard.

Well, there were plenty of lizards in the gardens of the House of Eventail; this just looked like one of those had grown wings and gotten much bigger. I’m so glad it wasn’t some strange, creepy monster!

“Agnes, um, are you alright?”

As I stared intently at the Wyvern, Lord Nazel called out to me, looking concerned.

“Hmm? About what?”

“Well, I expected them to have a Pegasus prepared for us. Many women find Wyverns quite frightening…”

“I’m perfectly fine. Can you ride it even if it’s not a Pegasus, Lord Nazel?”

“Yes, I can handle a Wyvern, but…”

“That’s a relief. Well then, let’s get started.”

Since it was my first time on a riding beast, my heart was pounding.

The one before us was a beautiful Wyvern with deep blue skin and green eyes. It seemed docile, gazing at us with curious eyes. I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl?

“There, there, who’s a good girl? You’re such a beauty, aren’t you? I absolutely love creatures like this.”

“Wait, you do?”

“My parents didn’t approve, so I could never keep any pets at the estate.”

Still, many small animals lived in the gardens, and the Marquisate of Eventail raised sheep and had sheepdogs. I remember seeing cows, chickens, goats, and cats too. I even used to sneak out of the mansion at night to pet the nocturnal animals.

Unlike humans, they never criticized my appearance or tried to hurt me.

“Well then, I’ll hop on first.”

After I finished petting the Wyvern, I hooked my foot into the metal fittings and nimbly climbed onto its back. The clothes Kelly picked for me weren’t frilly, making them the perfect design for riding.

There was something that looked like a saddle, so I tried sitting on it.

“Lord Nazel, would you like to sit in front or in back?”

“The back is dangerous. You sit in front, Agnes, and I’ll hold onto you.”

“Understood!”

As I scooted forward, Lord Nazel vaulted onto the rear seat with a light, effortless movement.

Everything he does is so smooth and cool…!

Tony was making a complicated face for some reason. I wonder what’s wrong? Oh well.

The party that followed us from the House of Florescrus bid us farewell here, leaving just me, Lord Nazel, and Kelly to head for the Sutrena Territory.

Kelly climbed onto a red Wyvern along with Tony.