As this was the first time a war broke out this year, rumors spread more actively than ever.
The closest associates, who had immediately sent letters expressing their intention to visit, flocked to the newlywed mansion.
“You said you were attacked in the middle of the night.”
From the Marchioness Iris Domunia to the Duchess Kate Evelyn, the Marquis Vanessa Beatriz, Countess Celia Cameron, and Madame Charlette.
Agatha, who had washed up and fallen asleep, had erased all traces of the previous night.
“As you can see, I’m fine. He held the sword.”
At those words that reminded them of the hero's bravery in war, her aides all breathed a sigh of relief.
“Madam Bona said she saw a group of thugs walking around with weapons last night.”
“Well, I was sick all night after seeing that.”
Agatha smiled slightly when she heard that.
“Was it so?”
“Yes. The word he started spread around and the attack that happened last night also spread to the capital. Combined with the report of the declaration of the war that was sent to His Majesty yesterday, the capital is in an uproar.”
Lady Celia let out a long sigh as she looked around the heavily guarded area within the mansion.
“Oh, my goodness. An assassin is coming to the presence of Marquis Aratus, a war hero. Whoever sent the assassin must be some idiot who doesn’t even know that the sun rises.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. There really is a people who don’t know what kind of knight order the Knights of Aratus are!”
“They must be pretending not to know even though they know. Since they are blinded by greed, how can they discern right from wrong?”
Agatha maintained a composed expression and posture throughout listening to the stories of her close associates.
“I’m absolutely fine. I’m not hurt anywhere.”
The aides who had confirmed Agatha's health with their own eyes looked noticeably relieved.
'Well, I heard there were rumors that the scale of the assassins was enormous.'
Thanks to this, there was a lot of talk that the Aratus family, who had silently defeated so many assassins, would win this battle for territory.
In addition, there are rumors that the Aratus family's military power is extraordinary.
As a bonus, rumors grew that it was a trap or an incitement to an attack.
'If it was really a trap, I wouldn't be this upset.'
Marquise Iris Domunia, who had keenly noticed that Agatha's thoughts were elsewhere, sat up slightly.
“Still, I’m glad you’re done here. Are you going to open a salon again soon?”
"Sure."
“Now that we have confirmed that you are safe, we will head back.”
“Oh, you must be busy preparing for the battle of honor, but we stayed here for so long without realizing it.”
“Of course not. Thank you for coming, everyone. I’ll send you an invitation soon.”
After seeing off the guests, Agatha looked up at the sky for a moment and then called her maid to confirm Enoch's location.
“Is he still at the Aratus Mansion?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Have you packed everything he needs?”
“I heard so. Should I call the aide?”
“Yeah. That would be good.”
Agatha read the report submitted by her First Assistant, Ethel, in her office. It was a document submitted by Jose Quinn, the First Administrative Officer of Nobilis.
She sat on the sofa and carefully read the distribution status.
“All the food has been checked. We’ve also packed enough food for the horses and oil for the armor.”
“I have also sent an official document to ask for your cooperation on the way to the Caden estate.”
"Good."
After seeing the perfect handling of the matter, Agatha felt a little relieved. At least there wouldn't be any trouble with supplies.
“Keep watching to make sure they don’t run out until the end.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Agatha checked the time and looked up at the window again. Agatha hesitated and called out to the First Vice-Captain, Leon Takran, who was standing nearby.
“Is it okay if I go see him off at the departure ceremony?”
“I'm sure he'll be waiting.”
At those words, Agatha got up from her seat and ordered the carriage to be prepared.
As they left the hall, the carriage was surrounded by four times as many knights as usual.
“To the Aratus Mansion.”
The carriage headed towards the capital Aratus Mansion, passing through the garden that Butler Allen had worked so hard to tidy up the previous night.
Agatha looked out the window for a while and then spoke to Leon, who was following right next to her.
“If I go now, will I be able to see Enoch?”
“You will be able to arrive on time.”
The departure was tonight. Agatha said goodbye a little while ago, but still.
'I miss you.'
While the carriage was running, an excessive number of knights stood guard in all directions, blocking the area in front and behind.
The nobles' gazes were pouring in as they discovered the flags of Nobilis and Aratus.
Upon arriving at the capital Aratus Mansion, the butler, Ben, was waiting for them.
"Lady."
“The Marquis?”
“His Grace is at the training ground.”
“Thank you. You don’t have to follow me.”
Agatha headed to the training ground with only her escort and her maids.
The moment she entered the training ground, the first thing she saw was the backs of the knights gathered quietly.
Unlike the usual appearance of the training ground in her memories, it was excessively quiet, except for the occasional thumping sound of horses.
The knights standing in the eighth column all had a cool aura like sharp swords.
Sir Leon whispered quietly.
“The Lord will be in front.”
At those words, her feet moved on their own. The knights' gazes were following Agatha's back as she headed forward.
Enoch was on his horse doing final checks.
The moment Agatha saw him, Enoch saw her too.
A body-wrapping suit of iron armor, a surcoat embroidered with the Aratus family crest, and gauntlets wrapped tightly around the hands.
The black horse the man was riding began to move. The only sound in the quiet smokehouse was the sound of his approaching horse's hooves.
“Are you here to see me off?”
Agatha looked up at Enoch on horseback.
“...This is a battle for my honor. And I wanted to see you one more time before you go.”
“...”
It was a territorial battle that was fought all the way down to the south.
She won't be seeing him again anytime soon.
As Agatha was staring blankly up at him, he got down from his horse. A heavy metal clang rang out from the armor.
The man in armor looked much larger and more massive than usual.
“If I had known this would happen, I would have seen you one more time before leaving.”
The unfamiliar appearance and unusual momentum seemed to smell like blood from the battlefield.
It was only then that it dawned on him. He was stepping into danger.
For her.
“...You have to come back safely. Then I can do the love I wasn’t able to do before.”
Enoch's eyes opened wide at the words spoken with a forced smile, then drew a deep frown.
“Now I have a reason to come back without dying.”
“I will believe you.”
Agatha looked down, playing with her coat.
“Would it be too much to see you off outside the capital?”
“Since we are at war, you should stay in a safe place if possible. Don’t drop your guard even inside the mansion. That way, I can go and come back with peace of mind, right?”
“..."
Enoch, who had seen her hand silently fiddling with the hem of her coat, slowly approached her. Agatha watched him approach and closed her eyes.
The touch of the armor slightly touching the gauntlet wrapped around the back was cold and hard. However, the part that touched the lips was hot and soft.
Agatha closed her eyes and accepted the warmth he gave her.
The kiss seemed short but lasted long. When she opened her eyes, she saw dark gray eyes staring at Agatha’s eyes, nose, and mouth for a long time.
He kissed Agatha's lips lightly again.
“I will write to you so that you do not worry.”
“...Yes. Yes.”
That was the final greeting. The Knights of Aratus marched out through the southern gate of the capital city, under the watchful eyes of the capital.
The destination was Cadden.
Rumors spread throughout the capital that the Knights of Aratus were headed to Cadden and that the Cadden family was behind the last attack.
Predictions that the defeat of the Cadden Territory would not be far off also spread widely.
Wherever she went, rumors about this battle of the land were everywhere, but Agatha stayed one step away from the commotion of the capital's social circles.
Since her husband was away at war, she didn't have to show up at places like tea parties or balls.
Instead of carrying out official schedules, Agatha has been making her presence felt through consistent support and smooth operation of the top.
Of course, her primary interest was Enoch.
“How far has the march progressed?”
“Passing through Roan.”
“It’s just a vast plain, so there’s probably nothing there.”
“Even if they don’t, I’ve already contacted the higher-ups so that they can receive supplies as soon as they pass through the fields.”
The first thing she did each day was to check how far Enoch had gone and what the conditions and supplies of the army were.
“This is a letter from the Marquis.”
At the end of it was a letter from Enoch.
“Thank you for your hard work. Go out.”
Agatha sent her first assistant, Ethel, out and opened Enoch's letter.
The clean white letter paper, free of any scent or decoration, showed that Enoch was on the march from a distant place.
Agatha, who had been blinking her eyes for no reason, noticed the First Vice-Captain, Leon Takran, standing nearby and her expression hardened.
Suddenly, the young vice-captain seemed to smile faintly.
The closest associates, who had immediately sent letters expressing their intention to visit, flocked to the newlywed mansion.
“You said you were attacked in the middle of the night.”
From the Marchioness Iris Domunia to the Duchess Kate Evelyn, the Marquis Vanessa Beatriz, Countess Celia Cameron, and Madame Charlette.
Agatha, who had washed up and fallen asleep, had erased all traces of the previous night.
“As you can see, I’m fine. He held the sword.”
At those words that reminded them of the hero's bravery in war, her aides all breathed a sigh of relief.
“Madam Bona said she saw a group of thugs walking around with weapons last night.”
“Well, I was sick all night after seeing that.”
Agatha smiled slightly when she heard that.
“Was it so?”
“Yes. The word he started spread around and the attack that happened last night also spread to the capital. Combined with the report of the declaration of the war that was sent to His Majesty yesterday, the capital is in an uproar.”
Lady Celia let out a long sigh as she looked around the heavily guarded area within the mansion.
“Oh, my goodness. An assassin is coming to the presence of Marquis Aratus, a war hero. Whoever sent the assassin must be some idiot who doesn’t even know that the sun rises.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. There really is a people who don’t know what kind of knight order the Knights of Aratus are!”
“They must be pretending not to know even though they know. Since they are blinded by greed, how can they discern right from wrong?”
Agatha maintained a composed expression and posture throughout listening to the stories of her close associates.
“I’m absolutely fine. I’m not hurt anywhere.”
The aides who had confirmed Agatha's health with their own eyes looked noticeably relieved.
'Well, I heard there were rumors that the scale of the assassins was enormous.'
Thanks to this, there was a lot of talk that the Aratus family, who had silently defeated so many assassins, would win this battle for territory.
In addition, there are rumors that the Aratus family's military power is extraordinary.
As a bonus, rumors grew that it was a trap or an incitement to an attack.
'If it was really a trap, I wouldn't be this upset.'
Marquise Iris Domunia, who had keenly noticed that Agatha's thoughts were elsewhere, sat up slightly.
“Still, I’m glad you’re done here. Are you going to open a salon again soon?”
"Sure."
“Now that we have confirmed that you are safe, we will head back.”
“Oh, you must be busy preparing for the battle of honor, but we stayed here for so long without realizing it.”
“Of course not. Thank you for coming, everyone. I’ll send you an invitation soon.”
After seeing off the guests, Agatha looked up at the sky for a moment and then called her maid to confirm Enoch's location.
“Is he still at the Aratus Mansion?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Have you packed everything he needs?”
“I heard so. Should I call the aide?”
“Yeah. That would be good.”
Agatha read the report submitted by her First Assistant, Ethel, in her office. It was a document submitted by Jose Quinn, the First Administrative Officer of Nobilis.
She sat on the sofa and carefully read the distribution status.
“All the food has been checked. We’ve also packed enough food for the horses and oil for the armor.”
“I have also sent an official document to ask for your cooperation on the way to the Caden estate.”
"Good."
After seeing the perfect handling of the matter, Agatha felt a little relieved. At least there wouldn't be any trouble with supplies.
“Keep watching to make sure they don’t run out until the end.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Agatha checked the time and looked up at the window again. Agatha hesitated and called out to the First Vice-Captain, Leon Takran, who was standing nearby.
“Is it okay if I go see him off at the departure ceremony?”
“I'm sure he'll be waiting.”
At those words, Agatha got up from her seat and ordered the carriage to be prepared.
As they left the hall, the carriage was surrounded by four times as many knights as usual.
“To the Aratus Mansion.”
The carriage headed towards the capital Aratus Mansion, passing through the garden that Butler Allen had worked so hard to tidy up the previous night.
Agatha looked out the window for a while and then spoke to Leon, who was following right next to her.
“If I go now, will I be able to see Enoch?”
“You will be able to arrive on time.”
The departure was tonight. Agatha said goodbye a little while ago, but still.
'I miss you.'
While the carriage was running, an excessive number of knights stood guard in all directions, blocking the area in front and behind.
The nobles' gazes were pouring in as they discovered the flags of Nobilis and Aratus.
Upon arriving at the capital Aratus Mansion, the butler, Ben, was waiting for them.
"Lady."
“The Marquis?”
“His Grace is at the training ground.”
“Thank you. You don’t have to follow me.”
Agatha headed to the training ground with only her escort and her maids.
The moment she entered the training ground, the first thing she saw was the backs of the knights gathered quietly.
Unlike the usual appearance of the training ground in her memories, it was excessively quiet, except for the occasional thumping sound of horses.
The knights standing in the eighth column all had a cool aura like sharp swords.
Sir Leon whispered quietly.
“The Lord will be in front.”
At those words, her feet moved on their own. The knights' gazes were following Agatha's back as she headed forward.
Enoch was on his horse doing final checks.
The moment Agatha saw him, Enoch saw her too.
A body-wrapping suit of iron armor, a surcoat embroidered with the Aratus family crest, and gauntlets wrapped tightly around the hands.
The black horse the man was riding began to move. The only sound in the quiet smokehouse was the sound of his approaching horse's hooves.
“Are you here to see me off?”
Agatha looked up at Enoch on horseback.
“...This is a battle for my honor. And I wanted to see you one more time before you go.”
“...”
It was a territorial battle that was fought all the way down to the south.
She won't be seeing him again anytime soon.
As Agatha was staring blankly up at him, he got down from his horse. A heavy metal clang rang out from the armor.
The man in armor looked much larger and more massive than usual.
“If I had known this would happen, I would have seen you one more time before leaving.”
The unfamiliar appearance and unusual momentum seemed to smell like blood from the battlefield.
It was only then that it dawned on him. He was stepping into danger.
For her.
“...You have to come back safely. Then I can do the love I wasn’t able to do before.”
Enoch's eyes opened wide at the words spoken with a forced smile, then drew a deep frown.
“Now I have a reason to come back without dying.”
“I will believe you.”
Agatha looked down, playing with her coat.
“Would it be too much to see you off outside the capital?”
“Since we are at war, you should stay in a safe place if possible. Don’t drop your guard even inside the mansion. That way, I can go and come back with peace of mind, right?”
“..."
Enoch, who had seen her hand silently fiddling with the hem of her coat, slowly approached her. Agatha watched him approach and closed her eyes.
The touch of the armor slightly touching the gauntlet wrapped around the back was cold and hard. However, the part that touched the lips was hot and soft.
Agatha closed her eyes and accepted the warmth he gave her.
The kiss seemed short but lasted long. When she opened her eyes, she saw dark gray eyes staring at Agatha’s eyes, nose, and mouth for a long time.
He kissed Agatha's lips lightly again.
“I will write to you so that you do not worry.”
“...Yes. Yes.”
That was the final greeting. The Knights of Aratus marched out through the southern gate of the capital city, under the watchful eyes of the capital.
The destination was Cadden.
***
Rumors spread throughout the capital that the Knights of Aratus were headed to Cadden and that the Cadden family was behind the last attack.
Predictions that the defeat of the Cadden Territory would not be far off also spread widely.
Wherever she went, rumors about this battle of the land were everywhere, but Agatha stayed one step away from the commotion of the capital's social circles.
Since her husband was away at war, she didn't have to show up at places like tea parties or balls.
Instead of carrying out official schedules, Agatha has been making her presence felt through consistent support and smooth operation of the top.
Of course, her primary interest was Enoch.
“How far has the march progressed?”
“Passing through Roan.”
“It’s just a vast plain, so there’s probably nothing there.”
“Even if they don’t, I’ve already contacted the higher-ups so that they can receive supplies as soon as they pass through the fields.”
The first thing she did each day was to check how far Enoch had gone and what the conditions and supplies of the army were.
“This is a letter from the Marquis.”
At the end of it was a letter from Enoch.
“Thank you for your hard work. Go out.”
Agatha sent her first assistant, Ethel, out and opened Enoch's letter.
The clean white letter paper, free of any scent or decoration, showed that Enoch was on the march from a distant place.
Agatha, who had been blinking her eyes for no reason, noticed the First Vice-Captain, Leon Takran, standing nearby and her expression hardened.
Suddenly, the young vice-captain seemed to smile faintly.
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