* * *
“My goodness, I knew we weren’t leaving here today.”
“I knew they were going back to their room.”
“Poor Lord Ritlen. He looked like his eyes were going to pop out,” another court lady chimed in as they adjusted Aristine’s clothes.
Aristine narrowed her eyes and spoke.
“If you’re going to say that, do something about that big smile on your face.”
“Ah, I got caught?”
“Hehe, we think it’s fine if the schedule is delayed by a day.”
“Of course, His Eminence, Emperor Emeritus Nephther might think differently since he’s been waiting eagerly for Your Majesties.”
Unlike her biological father, deposed king Alpheus, her father-in-law, Nephther had been honored as emeritus.
The current destination of their trip was the Winter Palace. A palace that had been given to Aristine for saving Nephther’s life.
When Nephther heard the news, he decided that he would come along since he also needed to recuperate.
“What’s the point of giving us the palace if he’s going to come when we’re using it?”
Tarkan grumbled as he got into the carriage.
“Father said he’s not feeling well though.”
“Like hell he’s not. I bet that man can go out to the demonic beast plains right now and fight those beasts hand to hand,” Tarkan scoffed and stretched out his hand to Aristine.
She took it and climbed into the carriage.
Now that Ritlen had joined them, their journey had officially begun.
* * *
The long carriage ride was much more comfortable than Aristine expected.
‘Then again, the only long-distance trip I’ve done is that journey to get married.’
Back then, the carriage was flashy on the outside but incredibly rattly on the inside.
Plus, the seats did not have a single cushion.
‘And the people I traveled with were the worst.’
Things were so different that it felt ridiculous to compare this trip to that time.
As they traveled along the barrier roads, Aristine discussed new business ventures with Ritlen. Although Tarkan complained about working on what was supposed to be a vacation, Aristine was thoroughly enjoying herself.
In the end, Tarkan rolled up his sleeves and joined in. Naturally, Mukali, Jacquelin, and Durante, who were also around, chipped in.
They passed through many cities and villages. Some were large cities, while others were villages with fewer than thirty houses.
On the other hand, there were even new towns that were just beginning to grow.
Every one of them was fascinating and enjoyable to see.
At night, as she lay in his arms, recounting her day, Aristine felt like her heart was filled to the brim.
“Was it that amazing?”
“Mhm, it was even more amazing because I saw cities I’d only seen through the Monarch’s Sight. Maybe it’s because I’ve never seen them with own eyes.”
Tarkan quietly played with Aristine’s hair.
“Then we have to come out more in the future.”
“Mn. But it’s weird, you know.”
“What is?”
“I thought the best part would be seeing things with my own eyes.”
“And now that you’ve experienced it, it’s not?”
“Mhm.” Aristine snuggled deeper into her husband’s chest.
Then she raised her head and looked into his eyes.
“You know what I liked better than seeing it with my own eyes? Having you with me through all these experiences.”
The Monarch’s Sight only allowed her to see. It didn’t allow her to experience things.
Because that would be no different from stealing someone else’s experience.
Seeing his wife’s giggling face, Tarkan smiled wryly.
“Unlike you, I’ve traveled to many places.”
“I know.”
“I hardly stayed in the palace. The palace felt more like enemy territory than home.”
“…”
“But no matter where I went or what I experienced, I never felt happy or felt like I liked it.”
It was just another day he was alive.
His only wish was to see that girl—Aristine—one more time.
“But now, no matter where I am, I like it.”
“Anywhere?”
“Yes. Whether I’m in the palace or wandering outside like this, I like all of it.”
“…”
“Because no matter where I am, you are by my side.”
Tarkan quietly gazed at Aristine.
Seeing his expression, Aristine slowly saw up.
“Rineh?”
Aristine silently shifted positions. To sitting on top of her husband.
“Oh? I though you wanted to rest today?”
“I’ve changed my mind.”
Her fingers trailed up to his chest and gently grasped his chin.
“You don’t want to?”
“Impossible.”
Tarkan sat up and readily kissed his wife’s lips.
* * *
Winter Palace Annex.
“My dear!”
As soon as they arrived, a loud voice boomed through the palace.
Nephther seemed to have tossed aside his dignity as a retired emperor and ran out to the front of the palace to greet Aristine.
“Oh, you look exhausted from the journey, my dear. Look at your face.”
“How have you been, Father?”
“Except for the fact that I missed you, I have been just fine.” Nephther took Aristine’s hand and gently pulled her along.
“Come come, let’s get inside. It’s always cold in this area. I don’t want you to get sick.”
Tarkan followed with a crumbled expression.
He was speechless to see his father not even paying attention to him.
“I’ve prepared the hot springs just for you, Rineh. And your favorite jiggle jelly too!”
“Jiggle jelly!”
But seeing them continue their affectionate chatter made Tarkan feel even more annoyed. Finally, he pulled his wife by the waist.
“This is my wife.”
“And my dear daughter-in-law!”
Sparks flew from the father and son pair.
Aristine yawned and quietly slipped away.
‘A hot spring! Can’t wait!’
Having grown up without the luxury of bathing whenever she wanted, Aristine loved taking baths.
Naturally, she was excited about the hot springs.
‘I must take my time and enjoy it.’
She had been wondering how to keep Tarkan from joining her, but now was the perfect time.
Humming, Aristine entered the hot springs.
“Ack, that’s hot!”
It was much hotter than expected.
Aristine cautiously dipped her toes into the hot spring and continued lowering slowly but right at that moment, something changed.
The water began to tremble.
A manifestation of the Monarch’s Sight!
Once the water settled, thin, platinum-blond hair came into view.
“…!”
Aristine’s eyes grew big.
“…Lu?”
It was a name she hadn’t spoken in years.
Lu, Aristine’s first friend.
Early Access available on Patreon.
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I wonder if Hamil has been living well all these years. Hopefully, he found love and started his own family.