Chapter 9: Arrival in Rosaider

[Villa Year 421, September]

Three months after Hawk’s proposal, Fine set off for Rosaider territory.

The journey from the capital took three days by carriage.

As the scenery gradually changed, it sank in that she was moving to an unfamiliar land as a bride.

“It’s truly a wasteland…”

Upon entering Rosaider, a barren wilderness stretched around her.

She knew the land was poor, but not to this extent.

Scattered patches of farmland bore only frail plants, nothing like the lush fields of the capital.

Soon, buildings of stacked earthen bricks came into view.

They had entered the town.

‘The town seems lively, but… the food variety is scarce.’

A glance at shop stalls showed only root vegetables, likely transported from neighboring regions since they couldn’t grow here.

The focus on durable produce was probably to maintain freshness.

‘Can I transform this place with my power?’

Anxiety crept in at the unfamiliar circumstances, but Fine shook her head to dispel it.

‘It’s not about whether I can—it’s that I must!’

When she decided to marry Hawk, Fine vowed to enrich Rosaider as the lord’s wife.

Renewing her resolve, she clenched her fists on her lap.

The carriage soon reached the Rosaider mansion.

Through the window, she saw a sturdy stone building, unmistakably a military fortress.

‘This is…’

Despite studying Rosaider before coming, the sight overwhelmed her.

With a clatter, the carriage stopped, and the door was opened.

A hand extended toward her.

“Welcome to Rosaider, my lady.”

“Thank you for the welcome, my lord.”

Fine took Hawk’s hand, expressing her gratitude.

Before the mansion stood a line of people in military uniforms—Rosaider’s warriors.

‘As expected of a count.

So different from the noble mansions in the capital.’

Fine was inwardly surprised.

“Your room is ready.

Let me show you.”

“Yes, thank you.”

As Hawk walked, Fine followed.

The Rosaider mansion, serving as both lord’s residence and military facility, was larger than her family’s Shot Marquis estate or even the Diner Dukedom’s.

“It’s vast and complexly structured.”

“It’s built to serve as a fortress during enemy attacks, designed so intruders can’t easily find their way.”

“I see.”

Fine glanced back at the corridor.

As Hawk said, the stark stone passages lacked distinct markers, like a maze.

After a few minutes’ walk, Hawk stopped at a door.

“Here.”

He opened it, revealing an elegant, functional room.

The wooden furniture looked aged but well-maintained, not broken.

Lacking the lavish decor of capital boutiques, it gave a simple, honest impression.

“It seems very practical.

Thank you.”

Hawk’s gaze shifted to the wall.

“The marital bedroom is next door; my private room is beyond that.

You must be tired from the journey, so rest.

Can we dine together tonight?”

“Yes, I’d like that.”

Fine nodded.

“I’ll arrange it.

About our wedding ceremony… recent border defenses caused many casualties, so the territory is in mourning.

So—”

Hawk hesitated.

“I understand.

No ceremony is fine.”

Hawk furrowed his brow at her words.

“But I’ve heard it’s special for women.

We’ll hold one after the mourning period.”

“It’s truly fine.

Weddings are costly, and on paper, we’re already married.”

“Sorry to make you compromise.”

“No, don’t worry.

We must stand with the people to be accepted.”

“I see.”

Hawk’s expression seemed to soften slightly.

“Your lady-in-waiting will start tonight.

I have a meeting, so I’ll return to my room.

If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Yes, understood.

Thank you.”

Fine bowed deeply, seeing Hawk off.

Alone, she collapsed onto the sofa.

“Hawk-sama is gentlemanly, and the staff seem kind.

I think I can make this work.”

Though an unintended match, it might be an unexpectedly good one.

‘An hour until dinner.

What to do?

…Right!’

Wanting to settle in quickly, she decided to learn about the mansion and its staff.

‘Should I ask Hawk-sama to have someone show me around?’

Recalling he said his private room was beyond the bedroom, Fine headed there.

As she reached for the doorknob, she heard voices from the other side.

‘Has his meeting already started?’

If so, she’d better ask for a guide later.

Her lady-in-waiting would arrive tonight, so there was no rush.

As Fine turned to leave, a voice from beyond the door stopped her.