BL999DP

Chapter 76

Reina nodded eagerly, sympathizing, as Noel continued as if she had been waiting.

"The West has no such foolish prejudices, believing only what it sees and hears. So, I'm willing to offer you whatever you're worth, my dear princess. It's the least I can do to repay the one who helped me destroy the demons."

Thanks to Reina's efforts in partially eliminating the demons, they had been able to mobilize their forces and turn the tide.

Without her, they would still be fighting them.

Even now, long after the initial battles, there were still calls for help coming in from other provinces.

Now, they had recovered to the point where they were able to heed the calls and even offer knighthood. Reina had been a great help.

"I'm not forcing you, and you're welcome to decline, but don't you think it would be worth your while to take a look around the West? We're all waiting for you, Princess."

"Me? Why? How do you know?"

"Because you've been graced. I'm not the only one who's seen you appear at dawn. You'd have to come once or twice to pretend you didn't know. Quite a few people have seen you."

...That's right. She had been there, but only briefly, as the northern part of the place had been cleaned up quickly.

If she had known it would come to this, she would've gone during the day instead of wasting time and getting tired.

She wouldn't have gone at all if she knew everyone was hiding and watching her.

But since they asked her to visit once, there was no reason not to go.

It wasn't a bad idea to go and see for herself before deciding.

Besides, Reina wanted to talk with Noel a bit more.

Talking to her had eased some of the frustration she hadn't even realized she was carrying.

"Hmm. Well, I suppose I could go for a ride..."

"That's a great idea. I'll do my best to accommodate you."

Reina wondered if this was really how a conversation between a duke and a young lady should go, and if it was truly okay as it was. But since Noel seemed content without saying otherwise, she decided it was fine.

With the meal nearly over, it was time to serve dessert and send them on their way.

She wasn't sure when she'd be heading west, but she figured she'd be staying a few days, so she might as well start packing.

After organizing her thoughts, Reina asked Mia to bring dessert.

"Mia, could you bring a fruit tart?"

"Ah, dessert! That's good. Then we'd better eat and leave right away."

"Yes, take care and travel safely."

It was a short conversation, but she felt more at ease with Noel than she had expected.

If things became uncomfortable, Noel would point it out. Then Reina could react like a proper lady, feigning shock and innocence.

Things would have been easier if Aden hadn't realized he could use magic. They could have just held hands and used the magic stone. Why did they have to take a carriage?

The answer came quickly when Noel, laughing, made an unexpected remark.

"What are you talking about? Of course, you should come with us."

"...What, now?"

Did she mean right now? To the West? So suddenly?

"Yes. Do you have any other plans?"