The trip to Draghdom took three days, but the rushed march back only took a day and a half. They rode all night long, forgoing the lavish carriage that would slow them down. Ariellia was once again introduced to the practical ways magic can be used outside of battle. The spell casters of the entourage took turns casting the spell [Haste] on the horses, boosting the speed of their warhorses. They only took short breaks when the mages at the back were drained of all their mana and needed time to recharge. It was a grueling pace, but no one complained. They'd rather suffer from a sore ass than the loss of their precious loved ones.
From time to time, she would catch David glancing back, checking to make sure she's alright. At first, he looked surprised that she could keep pace with his seasoned knights, not crumbling from the pressure. Her equestrian skills were learned for leisure rides and hunting with fellow noble women. David was never strict with her training as he was with his knights. It's a welcome sight to see her taking the lead and living up to her role as his heir.
"When we get to Rahnoff, you must introduce me to your husband. I doubt a human could ever match your beauty, but I'll concede if he at least has what it takes to defend your hand."
'This again.' Ariellia can't help but roll her eyes.
It's not just her bum that's gone sore from the ride, but her ears as well. As much as she appreciates his offer to help deal with the monster march, she can't stop feeling regretful for asking in the first place. Under such a grueling pace that drains both rider and horse, somehow Neilos still managed to find the energy to buzz about her ear. He's been promoting himself nonstop, lamenting on her 'rushed' marriage, and bad-mouthing Rei every chance he can. He keeps pointing out how ill-fated their match is due to her inherent longer lifespan as a member of the elder race. For the most part she's used her genuine exhaustion as an excuse to dissuade any further conversations.
She and the rest of the party are elated the moment they see the front gates of the city. It's the afternoon of the second day, by this time of day the road leading into the city is usually bustling with life, filled with travelers and merchants. Yet today there isn't a single merchant or traveler in sight. The massive gate is sealed shut, it's clear the city is on high alert about the coming monster wave. The keen eyes of the guards on the watch tower spot their group miles away, blowing the horn to announce the duke's return.
Clink, Clink, Clink
Her sensitive ears easily pick up the sound of the gears working behind the scenes to open the massive gate. They trot through the silent streets, a stark contrast from the excitement when they left. On horseback they travel quickly to the duke's castle. A similar announcement is made by the castle's watch tower sentry there as well. As soon as the solid doors crack open, she sees Miranda rush out to meet them, followed by a stream of junior maids.
"My lady, oh my lady you are back!" The older dark elf has tears in her eyes. She stops in front of Mori-fae, looking shocked to see her lady's disheveled haggard appearance. She holds a handkerchief to her face, barely holding back her sobs.
Arie gingerly dismounts, feeling a bit pigeon-toed at the moment due to her burning sore inner thighs. She pretends to be unaware of Neilos' offered hand and takes Sena's instead for support as she staggers forward. There's a flash of regret in David's eye but it's understandable that he can't be the one to comfort her now. The duchy's defenses need his urgent attention, with a cold nod to Miranda, he leaves with his head knight and steward to summon the council. An evacuation order needs to be given before the battle begins to avoid needless casualties.
"Miranda where is Rei?" She's not even acting this time, she's genuinely curious about his whereabouts.
Miranda nods, as though expecting the question. She's seen her mistress shamelessly stalk the boy for years, old habits are indeed hard to kill. "The young lord went out with Lord Jasper yesterday morning and is yet to return."
"What's this, as soon as the lady is away, he dares to grow wings and leave the nest to seek the attention of others!"
'This idiot' Arie frowns, very familiar with Neilos' current behavior. The habit of running one's mouth out of turn behind the protagonist's back is standard procedure for cannon fodder. She has to stop him now before he manages to drag her to hell with him.
"You have quite the imagination. What an audacious thing to say, coming from the wild man who willfully followed a married woman to her home."
Sure enough, words that shouldn't be said can't be kept from the ears of the male protagonist. Ariellia slowly turns around, her back chilled by the heavy gaze behind her. Her skittish amethyst eyes meet his moody red, making her nervously gulp and choke up soon after. She breaks into a coughing fit.
"My lady what's wrong, here have some water from my satchel." Neilos, the clueless instigator, eagerly walks over, trying to pat her on the back to ease her discomfort. Ariellia's eye twitches as she skillfully evades his hand and throws herself into Rei's arms. Drinking from another man's water satchel, possibly swapping saliva, isn't that just asking for death? Please spare her, even if death is right around the corner she's not foolish enough to seek it this way.
"Husband, I've missed you!" Her face catches fire from shame but she grits her teeth and says his title with a coquettish voice. Everyone is shocked by her open display of public affection, but she knows she made the right choice when she sees the chill in his red eyes melt.
"I have missed you as well wife."
!
Now it's her turn to be shocked. She feels goosebumps rise on her arms just listening to his affectionate address, it's so alien to their relationship that she tries to inch back. Yet a firm hand presses her body back into his, so close she can feel the solid muscles beneath his layers of clothing.
"So tell me, what is your relation to this wild man behind you?"
'Would you believe me if I told you I just met him two days ago.' Internally she pleads her case knowing no one would believe her if she said it aloud.
"How dare you, before you crawled out on the scene, we'd already promised to marry each other as kids!"
'Ah, where did this pigheaded teammate come from!' Ariellia feels like she might go mad. If she could, she would have duct taped Neilos' poisonous mouth.
"Is this true wife?" Staring into those intense red eyes, she licks her dry lips with weak knees as her soul trembles.
'Fine, let's just die then!'