Chapter 10

Fortuna

Lansius

There was an expensive-looking envelope on my desk, complete with its own bound and seal. The letters inside were made from a very thin, almost translucent material.

Letter in this era wasn't made of pulp paper. It was made from prepared animal leather.

The material known as vellum was written by using a sharp-tipped quill pen from a large bird's feather. Because of the skills necessary to produce good-looking letters, high nobility employed scribes to write for them.

The consistent black ink and the ornate handwriting on this letter indicated a scribe of a good caliber. The legibility was good despite being cursive.

The letter was from Viscount Robert, informing me about annual taxes in his realm.

As the victor from the last war, despite Robert's higher rank, he was essentially under my protection. A portion of his most able cavalry and fighting men had 'voluntarily' joined my ranks.

He agreed to send me the lion’s share of his income. That was the deal so Robert could maintain his position.

They said the terms were generous, but I’m not the type that took people’s money and give them nothing.

So, I’m planning to give back.

Korelia castle storage was laden with leftover barrels of salt, preserved meat, also wool, and fur. We also had completed the third batch of crossbows production.

I'm thinking to send Robert a bit of everything once the spring rain season was over.

The rain and accompanying dark clouds outside the window reminded me that the plan would still need to wait for another week or two.

...

The weather suddenly turned nice a few hours before midday. I had planned for suit of armor fitting and testing, but the fair weather compelled me to go for a ride.

Both the horse and rider needed regular exercise to keep us aligned.

I was neither good nor a gifted rider. But since two years ago, I had trained extensively under Audrey and Anci, both were excellent riders.

Audrey was the technical rider, while Anci was more natural.

I donned my riding gear and walked to the stable. The horse spotted me and was getting lively, just like a dog being offered for a walk.

With fair weather like this, I decided on a trip to the northern forest. Not for hunting, just to inspect the woods' outskirts.

Spending more time on the saddle did make the ride smoother and effortless. I didn’t fight my horse’s will as often as I used to.

Somehow, I learned to trust the beast to carry me safely. Unlike motorbikes or cars, this beast drove almost automatically. Like an AI, but a very moody one at that.

The stronger the horse, the more temperamental they get.

It was more of a breed thing. Some breeds were bigger, stronger, and with moodier temperaments.

While thinking about my ride, we arrived at the crossroads.

We took the northern route to Korelia forest.

Thomson was with me like a shadow. There were six of us, riding in a column. Usually, Audrey was present, but she was still avoiding me after what I did two days ago.

I really should put a brake on my habit.

We were just outside of Korelia town when a peculiar thing happened.

I slowed down my mount which neighed and jerked in protest. I patted her to help with the mood. My horse loved running, so stopping so near open plains made her grumpy.

Around the same time, I looked up and enjoyed the bizarre sight of a woman who clung to a big tree.

She crawled at one of the big branches that were so high up that I get dizzy from watching her silhouette.

A blonde girl? Is she nobility?

“Excuse me, my lady," I called her.

“H-Hold on, just a little later perhaps.” A lovely voice came from high up.

“My lady, it’s dangerous!”

Falling from such height would be a quick trip to the cemetery.

“I know," she answered.

Her action puzzled me.

“Oi, kids, what the lass is doing up there?" Thomson asked.

Turned out there was a group of kids hiding behind the bushes around the tree.

“Oh, please don’t bother the kids. They’re just helping me to get this- eh, ahh!!”

“Watch out!" one of the guards shouted.

Oh, shoot!

I’m closest to her, almost vertically. I instinctively pressed my horse with my thigh and moved forward.

Just in time, but the girl fell headfirst. I miscalculated where or how to reach her. With a smack, our heads banged together.

“Kyaa~”

“Uwaa-“ My sight became pitch dark but my hands were reaching out for her.

Suddenly, something heavy was trusted into me. I grabbed blindly to catch her from falling. Her elbow or knee must’ve hit me because I received several painful jolts.

“Waaa-“ We both reacted as the horse jerked suddenly.

The horse panicked as it felt something fall on her back.

“Easy girl, easy!” I tried to rein her in, but she ran quite a distance before being stopped.

“I got her... My Lord, is anyone okay?” Thomson wheezed between speaking.

“Good job, Thomson," I complimented the man.

Even with the horse under control, I still grabbed her firmly. The blonde did the same. Her hands were still firmly attached to my coat and arm.

Clothes, frills? And what is this softness…

In front of me, the falling girl panted heavily.

“My lady, are you hurt?”

“Eh umm, no. I don’t think so...”

Surprisingly she could answer coherently despite the fall.

“My apology, I couldn’t catch you safely.”

“No, no, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t climb that tree. Ouch~” She cried a little, probably from pain.

Then it suddenly occurred to me that we probably hugged each other in an awkward position. “Thomson, can you help with the lady's riding position?”

“Yes, right... my lady, let me help you for a bit. Please excuse me.”

“Oh... Oh! Right… thank you," the girl responded and changed her position after I had released my hands.

After some fidgeting, I felt that she finally sat securely in the saddle.

“My Lord, pardon to interrupt, but I believe you two are acquaintances," Thomson said while guiding our horse.

Eh, acquaintance?

“I apologize, My Lady, I’m still unable to see properly.” I shot some excuses while trying to open my eyes. Still blurry, but I saw a beautiful golden blonde which I knew was rare.

A golden blonde that I know in Korelia?

“A Lord in Korelia, could it be that you’re Lansius?”

Eh, she knows me? Hang on, I'm this region's lord so that should be normal, right?

“I am Lansius. Who-“

“Oh, it’s really you. Lans, it’s me, Felis!”

“Felicity?!” I shouted her name.

That sent her giggling. This girl was a young Earl's fiancée.

“Why are you here? Am I dreaming?”

“Haha~ you’re not. I’m here alright.” Her voice seemed so happy.

“But why- Hang on, why are you on top of that tree?”

“Oh, I’m looking for some fruit. Wait, let me call the kids first.”

She then shouted at the kids around the tree. “Kids, it’s okay, he’s an acquaintance. Thanks for helping me.”

The kids waved goodbye at her. Her voice was as cheerful as I remembered it.

In the meantime, my sight became gradually better.

“I’m sorry about falling into you. Are you hurt?" she asked while looking at me intently.

“No, it’s okay. Just a bit stingy.” I nudged my forehead where it felt rather stingy.

“Just a bit of red, there’s no bleeding.”

“How about yours, I think we bumped quite hard?" I asked her worriedly.

“Ahaha, I think I’m okay. Calub said that my skull is pretty hard.”

Her attitude made me chuckle.

“Anyway, where do you want to go, Lans?”

“Just stretching the horse. Oh, I can ride now.”

“Yeah, I noticed. Are you sure it’s ok for me to share the ride?”

“No problem and it's not like I could leave you here. You tend to go missing every time. So, where do you stay in Korelia and who's with you?”

“That can wait! I’m looking for Costard fruit. Do you know where it grows?”

“Costard? No idea. Thomson do you know anything about this?”

Already regained some of my sights, I saw Thomson asking his riders.

One rode forward and spoke, "The fruit is a local delicacy, My Lord.”

“Is it in season, do you know where it grows?" I asked.

“Yes, My Lord, it is in season. There ought to be few in the forest. Usually, the low-hanging ones were the tastiest. The high branches ones were usually sour.”

“Wha-?” Felis cried out.

“So you fell for nothing, huh?”

“Huhu~ don’t rub the wound. You used to be nice, Lans.”

Her theatrics sent me into a chuckle. “You’re lucky… Eh, you’re always are. I mean, I’m actually heading into the forest. So let’s try to find this fruit of yours.”

“Lucky~,” Felis said merrily.

With the Korelia-born rider in front, we headed northward.

The horse trotted energetically on the open plains despite the added weight on her back.

Before long we reached the forest outskirt. Due to difficult terrain and tall vegetation, we proceeded cautiously.

“So where do you stay?" I asked as we rode slowly into the forest.

“At the inn. I arrived just yesterday.”

“Who's with you as the guard? The road to Lowlandia is dangerous.”

“Hey, I’m an adept explorer you know!”

What Felis said was true. She was a member of Calub's group who mapped ancient dwarven ruins. I heard each was a labyrinth with dangerous creatures inside.

“Oh yeah, and where’s your crossbow lady expert explorer?”

“Ah, erm… I left it…”

“Where?”

“Midlandia~” she answered innocently.

It made me exhale deeply.

“But I don’t travel alone. I don’t know the way either.”

“So a group of merchants?”

“Bingo! We tagged with one, they’re happy to have us on board," she said proudly.

“So who's the unlucky guard? I believe Lord of Midlandia wouldn’t let you travel without one.”

“Of course, I would always bring a guard, Hannei is with me.”

I gulped. “She’s here?”

“Lans, don't tell me you’re still afraid of her?”

“I am, she’s dangerous.”

“Haha~ you’re overreacting. She’s my adorable friend.”

I felt shivers run down my spine. “So anyway, why do you come to Korelia? Aren’t you supposed to be in preparation for marriage? Don’t tell me you ran?”

She let out a sigh before answering. “Arte isn't around so I’m bored~”

I suspected that much. Her fiancee was visiting the Capital, trying to gather support for the currently occupied Arvena.

“Felis, you’re the one who wanted to marry into nobility. We’re supportive, but it’s not a garden of roses. In fact, there are lots of boring stuff and little freedom." I ended up repeating what I had said two years ago.

“I know, I’m just bored... I don’t mean to run away from it. After all, it’s my dream." She smiled like an angel.

“That’s good to know. But seriously, venturing this far just because you’re bored.”

“Why not? Calub and you are here. Also, I heard that you got a castle.”

“So that’s your intention.”

Probably she’s going to act like a princess. I must protect my staff from her... But then again, probably they’re going head over heels for her.

“Eh, there’s also another… not sure. I think I heard there’s a problem at home," she said something unexpected.

“What kind of problem?" I asked without revealing my tension. I couldn’t afford a problem in Midlandia when Korelia was still very much under threat.

“I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask Hannei for that.”

“Mmm, let me invite you two to stay at the castle then.”

“Ah~" Felis let out a sensuous voice while turning to face me. Her deep blue eyes were really enchanting.

“W-why giving me that look, I’m innocent,” I protested.

Being this close to her, sharing a ride, my heart was pounding fast. Her hair fragrance and body scent were everywhere.

“Sleeping under one roof again are we?”

“N-No, no, no! I wouldn’t dare to touch any of you. I’m with Audrey now!”

“Fu-fu-fu~ so how’s Audrey? Ahh, I’m dying to meet her as well.”

“Yeah, she’ll be ecstatic to see you.”

“She’s not riding with you? Does this mean that she’s pregnant?”

Felis definitely said something, but my brain cell froze. “EHHHH? D-Don’t spread gossip like that!” I yelled after my brain resumed normal function.

This attracted the other riders’ attention. Luckily Thomson was around to wave it off as nothing.

“Ah, not yet then… That’s a pity. I’m visiting here to see little Lansius or little Audrey," the irresponsible girl said sorrowfully.

NANI!? She’s actually serious about that?

“Felis, maybe your head got damaged from the fall, let me check-” My sarcasm was fully loaded, however…

“Sure-sure," she answered enthusiastically.

I ended up examining her head. There was no bruise. Those thick hairs must’ve saved her from impact.

“Find anything?”

“Sadly, no… Meaning it must be a birth defect that enables you to spout nonsense like that!” I tickled her waist which sent her into a frenzied laugh.

“Ahaha! Stop it, ahaha~ stop it! Or I’m going to tell Audrey," she said breathlessly.

Then out of the blue something hit me. “Gahh!” A short branch fell squarely at my head.

Felis laughed at my expense. “See, even the forest is against you. No more tickles or something worse going to happen," she warned me mischievously.

I almost forgot that she wasn’t normal. Her luck was off the chart. Even just being close to her was enough to bring change, but not necessarily a good one.

After escaping the war in Arvena two years ago, I had nothing. Then I met Felis who was 'kidnapped'.

I didn’t save her. She actually saved herself, I'm just helping for a bit. We ended up as traveling companions.

Because of her, the penniless me could pick an inn instead of sleeping in a barn. In that inn, I happened to meet with Anci and Hugo. Therefore reconnected me to the rest of the Arvena remnants.

Felis also led me to a meeting with Calub and Hannei. The two were paramount in organizing the raid against the slave traders. Thus, I was able to save Audrey and many captured allies.

Those events led me to an invitation to meet Lord Bengrieve. The rest was history.

In a sense, my whole position was because of Felis’ godlike assistance. If I didn’t know her history then probably I would guess that she was blessed, but her story was more complicated.

The horse neighed as if calling me back into reality.

“What's this? Lans, even your horse is laughing at you, heh.”

“No, she’s asking me to tickle this extra passenger some more.” I moved my fingers in the air for effect.

“Hya~, no more, no more.” She protected her waist with her hands like a child.

I chuckled at her reaction while praying to the woods not to drop me another branch.

Just like that, we reached the denser part of the forest.

Our pace was slow but sure. The path we rode was well known to the riders who occasionally hunt for deer, boar, and even foxes.

“Ah! Now I understood why your hands were so naughty," she suddenly exclaimed while we were avoiding low-hanging branches.

“What? My lady, my hands are in the reins.”

“Before, when I fell, I felt you touch me senselessly all over my body.”

“Erm... please don’t utter something like that.” I shuddered while looking left and right.

Audrey would kill me before thinking it might be a joke, while Hannei would kill me just in case I actually did it.

Worse, what if she tells Lord Arte or Bengrieve...

Shaming a lord's spouse was a great offense. Enough to send a nobody like me to the chopping block.

I gulped.

My reactions made the blonde laugh wickedly. “I got you now, Lans," she said with a smug face, knowing victory was in her hand.

Sigh...

“Say your price," I said meekly.

That day the castle received a blonde guest and the staff was gasping for words.

In a world where the most common hair was brown or light brown, a blonde was believed to be the descendant of the northern ancient dynasty.

Before the era of Imperium, many of the great Kings and Lords from the north had golden hair.

Even today, when their power had waned and blonde-haired wasn’t that rare anymore, they were still esteemed.

Problem was, there was nothing kingly about Felis’ ancestry. She was just lucky to be born with golden hair.

***