Chapter 22

Unexpected

Cecile

The cold breeze around dawn awoken Cecile from slumber. She noticed the area around her eyes was prickly to the touch.

She reached the wooden basin and carefully washed her face with cold water.

Her roommates had lit more rushlights to illuminate their room. They slowly changed into their work clothes.

One was wearing a doublet with a belt and sword on her waist. The other two were ready with their brown-grayish russet robe and white head kerchief.

"Cecile, are you alright?" the one with the doublet asked.

"I'm fine, Carla. Just a bit sleepy, that's all," Cecile answered while drying her face with a cloth.

"I see... Well then, please take care. Let us know if you need anything." Carla and two other girls left the room.

Cecile grabbed her gear and headed to the cellar.

Halfway there, Margo had waited with another servant. The mansion's cellar was wide but there were only several wooden barrels inside.

Cecile took a sip from a barrel to check whether the drink deteriorate or tasted different. This part of the job was easy. Only rarely did they ever find a rancid or questionable taste.

The hard part was to safeguard the drinks for the lord at all times. She filled a jug of ale and a flaskful of wine. The flask was kept in her shoulder bag along with the silver goblet while the jug was personally hand-carried.

As per rule, the lord would only drink ale or wine in the cup-bearer's care. This was obviously to prevent poison as it was hard to detect poison mixed with alcoholic drinks.

After the sip, Cecile monitored her own health. If she suddenly felt sick or dizzy, then a poison expert would be summoned.

"Same as yesterday?" Margo asked with his patchy voice. The mark of adolescence.

"Yes, Margo, let's keep these two for the Lord and guests. The other two barrels for the rest."

Margo and the servant filled their earthen jugs as directed by Cecile.

Finished with that, they locked the cellar and went their separate way.

Cecile would wait for the lord to wake up. However, as the cup-bearer, she was also the lord's unofficial secretary. Almost all morning correspondence was done through her.

Along with the drink, she was to entertain the lord with news, gossip, or other tidings in the realm.

That made the position powerful because they became privy to the lord's ears. Cecile could select what news and in what light they should be presented.

In this matter, usually, some staff were looking for her. But today, there were only a few.

Everybody was likely giving her time to mourn. But it only made it harder. Without anything to focus on as she sat idly, the heartwrenching pain returned again.

She was now orphaned and must assume the position as the head of her House. The thought made her unwell.

Not only was she shouldering her siblings and the estate, but now marriage was looming. More suitors had sent letters.

As a knight's daughter and cup-bearer of a powerful Lord, Cecile was the most desirable partner in Korelia.

However, none fit her situation. Most suitors were second sons who didn't inherit anything. They aimed to wed single daughters like her to be financially independent.

The ones with land were usually from far away, meaning she would need to move out.

Her only solace was a certain proposal brokered by Lady Felis. Two days ago, Master Calub's show of affection seemed to indicate the seriousness of this proposal.

She blushed when she remember the hug. Only parents and siblings hugged each other in the public.

With a mixed feeling, she exhaled deeply.

Calub had told her about her father's last wish. To think that even on his dying breath, her father was worried about her, broke her heart.

Her vision suddenly blurred. She hurriedly wiped the tears with a piece of cloth. Nobody should see her like this.

She looked at the ceiling and tried to arrange her thoughts.

After thinking it through, the proposal started by his father was as good as being served on a silver platter.

Calub was easily one of the most educated and courteous men in Korelia. He was also high in the Lord’s hierarchy despite not being highborn.

What was more surprising was his request to marry into Cecile’s family. Not the other way around.

Calub didn't mind the status as a consort. He forfeited his rights to become the head of the household or to co-owned the estate.

No nobleman even a lesser one would do this. Refusing the estate was refusing the income.

This way, Calub alleviated Cecile's biggest fear that her husband would force her to split the income.

Her estate wasn't so rich that they could split the income and survive.

It was such a gentlemanly act that naturally she fell head over heels for him.

A gust of air pulled Cecile back from her thoughts. A servant was opening the windows to let in more air.

The sun shone through and the corridor was getting warmer.

Cecile rose from her seat and walked toward the lord's chamber. After a flight of stairs, she passed two guards who nodded to acknowledge her.

She nodded back to the guards and stopped in front of a sturdy door.

She exhaled to clear her head and knocked on the door softly. All the staff knew the lord had trouble sleeping and would let him sleep longer.

Carefully, Cecile peeked through the gap in the door and saw the lord was still sleeping peacefully. She smiled and closed the door back.

...

That very same day, Calub and Cecile were engaged. Lord Lansius contentedly gave his approval and blessed the new couple formally during the afternoon court meetings.

They rejected the opportunity to do a double wedding. Nobody wanted to upstage the Lord's upcoming marriage.

It was afterward, in the castle's great hall that Calub revealed his biggest fear to Cecile.

“I wish you'll forgive me if our children aren’t blond."

Calub's remark during a very serious moment sent Cecile into laughter. Having a blond kid was the least of her worries.

Having a partner that could make you laugh was a good portent they said. That day, the halls of Korelia castle once again were filled with laughter.

***

Korelia Town

“Hear ye, hear ye! The Baron of Three Hills has decreed that the marriage between Lord of Korelia and Lady Audrey is officially recognized. And as such cannot be challenged, nor can it be broken.

In honor of this joyous celebration, today is declared a holiday. The Lord wished for the people of Korelia to begin the festivity and participate in the merriment immediately.

Three cheers for the newlywed! May peace and prosperity bless their union, their domains, and all the good people in Korelia.” the Herald read it aloud in the town’s plaza.

The crowd cheered emotionally. Sporadic music and dances started around the town's plaza. Flowers were seen on every street corner, hung or placed on a vase. Townsfolk brought tables outside and started banquets with their neighbors.

The mood was cheerful, especially when the newlywed couple passed through on their way to the eastern mansion where they would spend their honeymoon.

The wedding did not surprise anyone. Their Lord was young and single. Moreover, there were two blondes who came and lived in the castle.

But everybody had been ecstatic since Audrey was announced to be the partner. The brunette squire was the town’s champion. Her humble background and war exploits made her well-loved.

The townsfolk were also thrilled when Lord Jorge officiated the wedding.

Many of the old folk still remember Lord Jorge’s father fondly. The Coalition attack had ruined the sentiment, but the repaired relationship was welcomed with open arms.

Today, on the tenth day after the battle, for the first time the Korelians could hope for a peaceful future.

***

Lansius

... I realized why Hannei talked about woman's fertility was because she feared it would be hard for me to get children.

While Hannei's body and soul were transported into this world, my case remained unclear.

I did feel that this wasn't my body.

Probably, my consciousness substituted another person from this world. But the fact that I'm also a rare foreigner was quite baffling. It was a billion to one chance from happening.

There was also the issue of language and writing. When I arrived in this world, I had no language skills.

If I'm inside a person that grew on this world, then shouldn't I be able to use his memory or language skills?

The bottom line was... Audrey and I could be from a different world.

We might not be compatible.

Mmm… cold?!

Things started to fade and I awoke abruptly.

No way, that’s a dream...?

I'm about to recall what the dream was about but the sensation from my lower body drew my attention. It was as if I slept without a blanket or pants.

"..."

I blinked several times as I fought haziness and looked down. The room was dim but I saw a silhouette of a female on top of me.

I recognized her. My newlywed wife was only wearing a blanket over her body like a cape.

Why is... ... No wonder I feel constricted.

Audrey seemed to notice and spoke, "J-just lay still. Oh, and keep it erect.”

“Eh, wha- For real-" I mumbled.

Aand then something slid in.

“Ahh~” I moaned before I could cover my mouth.

“See, see, I can do it! Last night I’m just too tired,” she proudly explained herself despite winching from pain.

So this is what it's all about...

"S-slowly," I said as I didn't want to hurt her.

A few hours ago was our wedding night. We were so tired and nervous that we couldn’t do what we were supposed to do.

I put little thought to that, but it seemed that she blamed herself and tried to make amends.

She shouldn't have to, but this is really something... She literally took her own virginity.

The blanket slid away. Her face was reddened and then she closed her eyes.

“Easy... let's just do it slowly...” I guided her as she gently rocked my world.

…

“What time is it?” I asked as we cuddled afterward.

"Not long after the third watch,” Audrey said while suppressing a yawn.

“Still another hour before dawn.” I lazily get up from the bed.

“Mm... Lans, where are you going?”

“Just getting some water, you want?”

“No, thanks.”

I poured a jug and sipped it. “Why is it spicy?”

“That must be the spiced wine," she answered while sitting on the bed.

“Welp, we’re out of water,” I muttered after I found the other jugs were empty.

“Oh yeah, I think I drank two cups before sleep.”

“Ah, okay... that's quite alright.”

“Hey, wanna go out and grab some water and snacks? There should be plenty at the main hall.” She rose to her feet and started to get dressed.

“Sneaking out? Eh, I’m not sure it’s a good idea," I said lightly.

“Cmon, Lans, it should be fun.” She grinned and grabbed my hands but stopped after a few steps.

“What’s the matter?”

“Mm, it stings a bit...”

“Oh, sorry.” I felt a sudden rush of guilt.

“Don’t be, you dummy…. Hey, I can call you dummy again right?”

I chuckle after hearing that. "The rights to call dummy, granted." I'm feeling generous tonight.

“Tehee~ Oh, I almost forget to fold the bedsheet.” She remembered something.

“Why?”

“It’s a tradition. The bride kept the bed sheet so they have proof that the marriage is consummated.”

“Oh, did Felis teach you that?”

“Yep." She smiled proudly.

I couldn’t help but kiss those lips again.

We ended our wedding night by sneaking around the mansion, stealthily grabbing a water jug, roast meat, and puddings.

I didn’t know why, but this was more fun than just waking up someone and ordering them to do it.

There were plenty of people sleeping drunk in the hall. Guests, even servants, and staff. I’m glad everybody was having a good time.

***

Baron Omin

Omin was in high spirits as Three Hills city loomed on the horizon. Despite his fear, Lansius failed to give chase.

What a moron! That Lansius must’ve been getting his hands full with the prisoners and disillusioned with the ransom.

He snickered against the imaginary opponent. This had become Omin's favorite diversion to pass time.

If I’m in his shoes then I’ll dump those worthless knights and chase after the leader. That’s where the richness is.

Their convoy finally reached the closed city gate.

After multiple lucky rendezvous with several groups of stragglers on horses and carts, the convoy was considerably larger than before.

His Nicopolan bodyguard rode ahead and announced Baron Omin’s coming.

Unlike Korelia or Korimor, Three Hills was a walled city.

The bodyguard made his announcement, but instead of lowering the drawbridge, they asked Omin to wait.

A good fifteen minutes had passed before someone appeared above the gatehouse.

“Under Lord Jorge’s command, Three Hills city gates are to be closed until his return, without exception, on the pain of death,” the city official shouted grimly from above.

“Please tell your Lord that Baron Omin wants to meet him,” Omin approached the gate and shouted his answer.

“My lord, Lord Jorge isn’t here. He’s in Korelia!”

“I’m not sure I followed, explain yourself.” Omin was puzzled.

“We got a message two days ago that Lord Jorge is being welcomed in Korelia.”

“T-that’s trickery from the enemy,” Omin yelled out. Cold sweat ran on his back when he realized that Jorge was likely captured.

“We checked the writing and signet stamps. They are authentic. Lord Omin, please leave the city. We cannot open the gate.”

“Open the gate, or I will attack the city!” Omin resorted to open threats.

His convoy disbelief at what they just heard. They were no more than two-hundred. Without supply and fresh troops, they were in no condition to wage war, let alone a siege.

“Lord Omin, I beg you not to utter such nonsense," the city official said indifferently.

Omin noticed the troops on top of the wall were getting ready with their crossbows.

“State your price. Come down so we can discuss.” Omin softened his tone.

However, another man arrived on top of the gatehouse and everybody recognized his face.

“Sir Arius!" Everybody was shocked to see him standing there.

“Lord Omin, please leave for today. I’m sure you have something else to attend to." Sir Arius coldly gave his answer.

Omin was enraged, but he didn’t have the means to retaliate. The city wall was tall as it was thick and the rampart was deep. He clenched his fist and turned away.

At least I still got that bastard's baggage train.

The convoy then turned back and went straight to Korimor. However, without the necessary resupply from the Three Hills, their situation grew desperate.

It was ironic that there were two dozen carts of valuables but not consumables.

Yesterday they had slain two horses to feed the men. They had abandoned the supply in other carts to make room for the valuables, thinking Three Hills city would be in range.

Water was another problem. The last water source they found was three days ago.

Could they last two to three more days? That was on everyone's mind.

The ragged convoy, thirsty and hungry, marched lifelessly to Korimor. Omin ordered his men to locate any nearby village so it could be raided for supplies.

Around midday, without warning, a cavalry appeared in front of them.

“My lord, the banner,” his bodyguard howled.

Omin saw the blue shield with bronze chevron.

The shock sent the convoy into a panicked state.

Omin gave no reply but hastily turned his horse away and spurred it faster.

I’m not going to be captured by this Lansius! I will never-

He repeated the mantra as he rode his horse as fast as he could. Meanwhile, his carts and escorts dispersed in terror.

Now, Omin was down to his only bodyguard. They had abandoned everyone.

“Lord Omin. Lord Lansius invited you for a drink," the approaching rider ridiculed from behind.

After a frantic chase, his bodyguard veered off as his lesser horse was exhausted. A lance struck the man’s back and sent him crashing to the ground.

“Not this one! That one, get him, get him,” the other pursuing raiders shouted.

Omin ran his horse faster than ever, but his sight suddenly turned upside down. He lost the horizon and saw only the blue sky.

He shrieked as he instinctively knew he was thrown off. His hands dangling freely at the skies for a few moments before his shoulder crashed into the ground.

The impact sent his body rolling several times. Orange dust from the parched-up ground was gathering and hanging low.

Marshall Hugo reined his horse and dismounted. With a limped gait, she approached Omin.

He readied his sword and kicked the body to flip it.

Hugo opened his visor and a wide smile was on his face. “We got him!”

His hundreds of Korelians riders clamored for victories.

***

Korelia Castle

The guards escorted the prisoner directly into the castle where the Lord of Korelia opened his court meeting. They had denied the prisoner’s request for a bath and change of clothes.

Without sympathy, they shoved him to the cold floor despite his status.

Nobody was in the mood for leniency. They knew who was responsible for the grain price hike last year.

“My Lord, the architect of the siege of Korelia," the Marshall reported somberly.

“So this is the man who designed our starvation?” the Lord asked viciously.

But a sudden manic laugh caught everyone by surprise. Coming from the lady beside the lord, her laughter echoed in the chamber.

People eyed each other. There was no immediate reason for her laughter.

Without care, she boldly approached the prisoner and looked directly into his eyes. The prisoner jerked and shudders uncontrollably.

“So, it really was you, cousin," she gloated with so much hatred.

Everyone in the chamber was stunned.

***