* * *
The stables were located at the outskirts of the estate.
It wasn’t a place for ordinary attendants—it seemed to be where the Count and his retainers kept their horses.
All the horses lined up looked to be of excellent pedigree and health.
As soon as the stable keeper, who had been cleaning nearby, spotted us, he immediately stopped what he was doing and rushed over.
Then he bowed deeply.
“What brings you here, my lord?”
“This is Lord Adrian, the spouse of Klen Valuncio. He wishes to ride for a bit. Bring out a suitable horse.”
At the attendant’s words, the stable keeper bowed again and turned around.
His eyes were careful and precise as he examined the horses.
I wanted nothing more than to stand beside him and choose one together.
But with the attendant watching closely beside me, all I could do was silently observe.
“This one should be a good fit.”
The horse he picked was known for its steadiness and gentle temperament, rather than speed or agility.
A perfect mount for someone inexperienced or just beginning to ride.
“Thank you.”
Having ridden swift and wild-tempered horses before, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. But I couldn’t show that here.
When I gave a slight nod, the stable keeper draped a fine cloth over the horse’s back and placed the saddle.
Embroidered on the cloth was the Valuncio family crest—a large tree symbolizing the forest.
The attendant quickly stepped up beside the horse and held out his hand.
I had no choice but to take it and mount.
“You have excellent posture, Lord Adrian.”
“I’ve had lessons before.”
I rode the horse slowly around the nearby area.
True to its reputation, the horse walked gracefully without even a twitch.
The joy of being on horseback again lasted only a moment—soon, the slow, monotonous pace became dull.
After circling the open field a few times, I returned to stand before the attendant.
“Then, I’ll take a quick ride through the village.”
“What? Ah, no… It’s dangerous to go too far!”
“I’ll be fine. I’m only going a little farther out.”
Toward the forest, actually.
“But still…”
The attendant’s eyes trembled.
He knew as well as I did—no one who’s ridden a horse would be satisfied with just this short trot.
He probably understood my feelings well.
“Then… would you allow me to accompany you?”
Of course he’d say that.
But at least he wasn’t outright refusing me—that meant he could still be persuaded.
“Isn’t the village safe? I just feel a bit stifled staying inside the estate all the time.”
“If anything happens to you, Lord Adrian… Lord Clen will have my head.”
‘As if he would go that far…’
I stopped myself.
For a moment, it felt like I’d read a line like that in the novel.
But the memory was hazy, buried somewhere faint.
‘No, no time to dwell on that now.’
If I brought him with me, it would only make achieving my goal more difficult.
I raised my eyebrows ever so slightly and let the corners of my mouth fall.
I gazed at him for a long moment, then turned my eyes away with a quiet sigh.
The stable keeper, watching us both, was sweating nervously.
“Ahem. Well… surely it’s not a problem if it’s still within the village, right?”
“……”
Oof. My conscience twinged hard.
But I couldn’t ignore the stable keeper’s help. Looking straight into the attendant’s eyes, I spoke.
“It really will be brief, and I promise I’ll return safely.”
“…You’ve promised, then.”
At last, I’d convinced him.
“Of course. Oh, but don’t tell Clen or the Count. They’ll just worry.”
“Understood.”
Now he was an accomplice. He wouldn’t speak lightly of it.
“In that case, perhaps you should wear this.”
The stable keeper suddenly held something out.
A dark brown cape with a hood.
The fabric felt rough and the design was plain—nothing a noble would usually wear.
But that made it perfect for hiding my identity.
“Thank you.”
“Not at all. You must feel stifled, always stuck inside the estate.”
With the cape draped over me and the hood pulled low, I looked like nothing more than a servant running errands.
‘Neigh—’
After giving them a nod, I nudged the horse into motion.
I didn’t gallop right away, just trotted slowly as I took in the scenery outside the estate.
Soon, the village I’d glanced at with little interest from the carriage came into view.
It was the first time I’d seen the village since the wedding, and it was brimming with life.
The busy townsfolk, upon spotting the crest of the Count’s family, quickly stepped aside and bowed.
But there was no fear in their eyes.
Some children even stared at me in wonder. None of them looked malnourished or desperate.
For a moment, the Count’s disapproving face crossed my mind.
He had never hidden his dissatisfaction toward me and always spoke curtly, but… it seemed he ruled his territory quite well.
The guards at the village gate, recognizing the family crest fluttering from the horse, promptly stepped aside and opened the gate wide.
And shortly after I passed through—
‘Neigh—’
I urged the horse into a gallop.
It had been so long since I’d raced like this with the wind against my face.
A faster pace would’ve been nice, but this was enough to feel refreshed.
Maybe this is what a caged bird feels when it finally escapes.
‘Haah… I wish I could ride straight home like this.’
But the journey back to Caldrich’s territory would take more than a day or two.
I stared longingly in the direction of the home I could no longer return to.
Then, after taking a few deep breaths, I turned the horse toward the forest.
As I got closer, the once-sparse trees began to multiply.
I dismounted, took the reins in hand, and began scanning the area.
If a ritual had been performed here over a long period, there had to be traces left behind.
I moved slowly, making sure my presence stayed hidden, brushing aside soil beneath the grass, studying the bark of trees for any markings.
But no clear signs emerged.
‘Rustle—’
“…?”
That’s when I heard footsteps—just as cautious as my own.
So quiet, most wouldn’t have noticed—the sound of someone gently stepping on grass.
The kind of movement used when hiding oneself.
And the way it was approaching felt predatory—like a carnivore stalking prey.
Pretending to brush aside some grass, I tilted my head to bring the sound’s direction into my peripheral vision.
What I caught sight of was a deep wine-colored knight’s uniform and iron armor worn in a way that wouldn’t hinder movement.
‘A knight of Valuncio?’
If it’s not a bandit or a rogue, there’s no need to be on guard.
“Who are you?”
Perhaps he’d also concluded I wasn’t a threat, as he raised his voice.
* * *
