With eyes filled with longing, she gazed at the field where wildflowers bloomed and the Armund forest turning blue.
The civil war continued sluggishly, showing no signs of ending even now. Then, only recently, news arrived that the Imperial Army had begun to gain the upper hand, capturing major cities in eastern Balto one after another.
The Northern Alliance must be greatly shaken by now as well. If the tide of battle turns like this, the war will likely end within this year.
If she is lucky, she'll be able to meet Barcas soon.
At that time, she was thinking of approaching him first and striking up a conversation.
"You've been through a lot. I'm glad you returned safely." If she greeted him like that, she wondered what his reaction would be.
Thalia pictured the scene of their reunion in her mind. Since she had always only spoken barbed words, she felt very awkward acting affectionately.
Barcas, too, would likely be quite taken aback by her sudden change. Hadn't the two of them maintained a relationship so distant over the years that the title of husband and wife seemed meaningless? Perhaps he actually finds her current state more comfortable.
The anticipation that had been stirring in her heart at that possibility subsided slightly.
What should I do if Barca pushes me away or treats me coldly? Will I be able to endure such a situation?
Thalia, who had been lost in thought, soon composed herself.
She didn't want to be scared and shrink back over something that hadn't even happened yet. Considering how she had treated Barcas so far, expecting him to open his heart immediately was greedy in the first place.
'Let's not rush.'
First of all, she thought she would start by having a normal conversation. If they talked a few times, their relationship might gradually improve.
Thalia, having instantly composed herself, resumed her vigorous walk. Today, she planned to tour a nearby ranch and purchase the wool to be produced this year in advance.
Most merchants would want to postpone selling wool until the summer market day, when it can be sold at the highest price, but there would be some among them who were not in a financial position. She was thinking of securing the stock at a slightly lower price instead of paying them an advance.
Filled with confidence, she crossed her mind and headed toward the ranch in the northwest. Just then, the sound of cheerful music could be heard from afar.
Thalia turned her head inadvertently and slowed her pace upon seeing rows of colorful tents and flags lined up on the outskirts of the village. As if a feast were being held, the scent of freshly baked bread, oil, and sweet wine wafted in on the breeze.
“What day is today?”
As she turned around with a puzzled expression, the guard who had been following quietly like a shadow shrugged his shoulders as if it were no big deal.
"It is a spring festival. Around this time of year, villagers gather to share or sell off the liquor and food they have stored away throughout the winter."
The man replied somewhat stiffly.
"Since this is an event mainly attended by humble farmers, there will likely be no spectacle that would interest Your Highness."
Thalia frowned, noticing that the man was reluctant to take Khan to a crowded place. Ever since they witnessed Khan subduing an outlaw, the soldiers had been more overtly wary of her wolf than before.
She glared at the man with an annoyed expression, then turned toward the place where the festival was taking place, as if to spite him.
As she walked along the unpaved dirt road for a while, the sounds of people's laughter and musical instruments became much clearer.
Thalia led Khan into the street lined with tents. Then, the loud sounds of drums and flutes gradually subsided, and countless eyes turned to her all at once.
Thalia ignored the surprised stares of the people and calmly looked around. In the tents scattered across the field, jars filled with various Eastern wines and all kinds of household goods were densely displayed, and in an open space on one side, people who appeared to be a performance troupe were showcasing various talents.
As she scanned the unfamiliar scenery, she passed in front of a tent piled high with freshly baked bread and aged cheese.
Someone called out to her warmly.
"Your Highness, Grand Duchess!"
Startled, Thalia turned her head and narrowed her eyes as she saw a middle-aged man with a small but sturdy build waving his hand warmly at her.
A man ran over with a bright expression, seemingly unaware that stopping her in that manner was disrespectful, and greeted her while taking off his hat.
"Greetings! I was actually just about to send a message to the castle, but I never expected to meet you in a place like this."
Only then did Thalia remember that the man was the head craftsman of the dyeing workshop she had recently started doing business with, and she smoothed out her furrowed brow. His skill was so exceptional that she could overlook a little rudeness.
She opened her mouth with a generous attitude.
"So? What did you call me out for?"
"The work on the fabric you entrusted to me last time is finished. I can start the next job at any time."
The dyer lowered his voice as much as possible and whispered, as if trying not to let the guards hear.
Thalia wrinkled her nose at the smell of sweat and alcohol emanating from the man's body, yet her eyes sparkled.
"That's good news. I'll send the next batch tomorrow."
"Just leave it to me anytime!"
The man stepped back with a satisfied smile.
Thalia walked straight past him toward the open space where the performance was taking place. However, this time, women wearing aprons surrounded her. They were all widows who had been hired by her as spinners and were able to make a living through the winter.
They vied with one another to offer freshly baked bread and baskets filled with flowers and herbs, regardless of the fact that Khan was standing firmly by her side.
As they stepped back in bewilderment at the way they handed over items that were little more than junk as gifts, Thalia signaled to the guards, asking why they weren't stopping them. However, the soldiers seemed to have misinterpreted her stinging glare as a command to accept the gifts immediately.
As they stepped forward to take the items the women handed them, the people gathered on the street swarmed in as if they had been waiting for this moment. It seemed everyone had been just waiting for an opportunity.
Seeing the expectant look in their eyes, Thalia reluctantly accepted the items they handed her. How long had she been surrounded by people like that? Before she knew it, she came to her senses to find herself draped in all kinds of Kalmor flowers and rustic yet ornate ornaments, while Khan, too, was wearing the flower crown and necklace given to him by the children, his tail hanging limply.
Perhaps finding the sight of her and Khan quite amusing, people gradually flocked to the street.
Thalia looked around at the crowd swarming the roadside with a bewildered expression. As if they thought she was holding some kind of parade, the people standing by the roadside had even started scattering flowers.
"Eternal blessings upon this Kalmor! May prosperity continue under the protection of Tiramer!"
Seeing people continuously flocking in, she was hurrying to leave the festival grounds when someone shouted loudly.
Thalia turned her head sharply in surprise. However, before she could even find the person who had made that blasphemous remark, similar blessings burst out one after another from all around.
Feeling a chill run down her spine, she led Khan and hurriedly made her way out of the crowd. However, for some reason, the excitement among the people grew increasingly intense.
She looked with a somewhat terrified expression at the villagers staring at her with ecstatic eyes, then cast an urgent glance at the soldiers as if telling them to do something. However, the guards also seemed just as surprised as she was by the people's enthusiastic reaction.
Thalia, glaring at the soldiers who were scrambling in confusion, soon took Khan and turned toward the edge of the village.
Then hundreds of people swarmed after her like flies swarming around a cow's tail.
Eventually, unable to bear it any longer, just as she was about to yell at them to get lost, someone snatched her arm and led her into a building at the end of the street.
Thalia looked at the person who had grabbed her with a surprised expression. Tiuran, wrapped in a large robe, was staring at her with a strange look.
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