Carriage Kisses and the Road Home
Just go for it! Huh? What if I just... Now nothing matters anymore, right? Even if I'm stuck here glued to Daniela like this.
The aide had slipped out of the carriage long ago. After he caught us holding hands and whispering, he'd been stealing glances before volunteering to head outside.
"Your Grace, the coachman is driving the horses too roughly. I'll make sure everything's handled properly from up front."
"Is that really necessary?"
"Your Grace, I'll ensure you're transported in complete safety!"
The aide climbed up beside the coachman, and off they went toward the Northeast. I'd brought him along to discuss official business in the first place. Come to think of it, he had that same overzealous loyalty vibe as the others. Lately, it felt like the young bureaucrats were even more intense than the old ministers.
"At least he's got some tact,"
"He does. Daniela."
Definitely tactful. Any other official would've tried to push their own agenda. Now the carriage held just the two of us. Whatever sounds leaked out from in here, everyone would know but pretend not to. No one would dare gossip carelessly.
"How was the Imperial Academy for you?"
"The academy?"
"Yeah. Weren't you there for quite a while?"
"Not that long. About a year, I guess?"
"Was it fun?"
"Hmm... not really."
"Kinda jealous. I've never even set foot in a place like that."
I wasn't exactly the age to enroll now anyway. Might as well become a professor—though that might not fit my age either. Sure, there were young professors, and far more qualified people than me holding those posts.
Anyway, I was a bit envious. How many friends my age did I have, or people I could really open up to? Basically none.
"Well, it doesn't matter now. Most of them ignored me when I was going through hell anyway."
"...Sorry."
"Hehe, no. That's all in the past. I don't even care what they're up to now."
"I see."
Her attempt to lighten the awkward mood only made the air thicker. I held Daniela's hand, but my gaze drifted out the window. Something felt off. This whole thing.
Maybe I should just charge ahead boldly, like in those cliché novels.
"Uh, Daniela?"
The moment I turned to her—it must've been the carriage jolt. But Daniela kissed me first.
This feels backwards—like the guy's and girl's roles are swapped.
I let out an ugly noise.
Mmmph—!
"Haa... haa... Your Grace?"
"Y-yeah."
"That was a weird sound."
"N-no, you just came at me out of nowhere. Uh, isn't the carriage bouncing too much? It's uncomfortable..."
In truth, the carriage glided without a single bump. This was the smoothest ride I'd ever had. She could tell I was deflecting. Daniela just stared at me expectantly, like she was demanding something.
What could I give her?
"Uh, Daniela?"
Mmmph—!
I couldn't stop the next kiss. Another weird noise escaped. But this was different from before—tongues tangling, neither yielding until one surrendered. I had no clue when to pull back. You know that feeling? Breath quickening, yet not wanting to stop.
"Haa... Satisfied now?"
"S-satisfied? W-well, if you are, that's good."
"Aren't you?"
"Me? Well... it's always nice."
Satisfied? As if I knew the meaning of the word. Look at the North. If I'd ever been satisfied, I would've quit long before pushing this far.
I was Theodore von Ardorno Iphera Wintergard. A man who didn't know satisfaction.
"It was great for me."
I repeated the empty words. I didn't even know what nonsense was coming out of my mouth. Sweat slicked my palm, and I wanted to hide it—but pulling away might disappoint her.
"I'll hold you back for a bit."
"Whoa, you're in a whole different mood today."
"This isn't Winter Castle, it's vacation, right?"
"True."
"Since it's vacation now, you're not the Grand Duke—just..."
She trailed off, but I got the idea. As she chattered on, the carriage rolled toward the Northeast.
It had been ages since I'd headed this way, and things had changed since my last visit.
"Is this Your Grace's hometown?"
"Less my hometown, more Wintergard's."
Was there a reason the Wintergards ruled the North? It was textbook history, but simply put: when the Wintergard house first rose to prominence, the Empire recognized their claim in the Northeast. Born and raised in the North, with good ties to the South. Ancient history now—those ties were long gone.
"The Northeast feels as warm as Winter Castle already."
"Feeling it this soon? We installed the second and third Central Forge Reactors here."
"I see. That's why everyone's so cheerful."
"One of the Northeast's perks. Optimistic folk."
Even among the North's regions, the Northeast stood out—most optimistic, laid-back, with the best environment. No lord ruled it directly now; dispatched officials handled matters.
"Is this where we'll stay?"
"Huh? Yeah, probably?"
"It's so..."
Spartan. Still, bigger than most houses around, decent enough for people. Maybe I'd seen too many Southern mansions and palaces.
The carriage pulled into the lodging's courtyard. When the horses finally halted, we stepped out.
"Didn't take long."
"Yeah, I thought the Northeast would be super far away."
"Pfft, just about four hours."
Wait—four hours? That's how long it was? Time had flown; the ride hadn't felt boring at all.
Already the Northeast?
"Shall we head in, Your Grace?"
"Yeah, let's."
"The Northeasterners are thrilled you're here."
"Coming home feels nice."
Though honestly, I remembered nothing. It was worlds apart from Winter Castle, where we'd stayed for days. Facilities here seemed a tad better, but the beds and seats felt... off. Uncomfortable.
"What do you think?"
"It's fascinating, Your Grace."
"The North has vacation spots too. Feels like my first time here, though."
"Really?"
"Would be great if someone could handle my duties for me. But it's my job."
We checked our rooms, then stepped back out. The aides just kept repeating, "Your Grace, no need to worry. We'll handle everything."
"Truth is, there's a place we should visit now that we're in the Northeast."
"Not far from here, sire."
"Ride over?"
"We'll prepare the horses at once."
Not far on horseback. Daniela asked cautiously—still awkward with the aides around.
"Where to?"
"Haven't been in decades, but I should check on it."
"Where..."
"The Wintergards'... ancestral tomb, I guess?"
Originally Wintergard territory, it housed our ancestors' graves. Now tidied up, it held nearly all Wintergards—fair to say.
Back then, it was basically ruins.
"Shall we go?"
"Sounds good."
We mounted our horses—mine black as night—and rode slowly from the lodging. Word must've spread; streets teemed with people. Cheers of welcome, some waving huge banners. No Wintergard flags outright, but one flew proudly from the lodging's pole.
"Far to go?"
"Nah, closer than you think."
"Really?"
"By the way, Daniela, you handle horses like a pro. Rare even for Northerners."
"Guess the horses like me."
"Everyone in the North likes you, Daniela."
The horses plodded along. My black steed rolled its eyes now and then, but hers kept steady focus, obeying perfectly.
"Do all Northerners like me?"
"Of course! Obviously."
"Hehe... So all the Northerners like me?"
"Duh."
"Then the Grand Duke must like me too."
Speechless. Sip—flirting hard today? But it doesn't feel bad. Is this why people date? I tried stifling a laugh, keeping composure—but failed.
"Your Grace?"
"Well, yeah. That's a given."
"Not that."
No escape. Spur the horse? Nah, couldn't handle the fallout.
"Feels like there's something you wanna say to me~"
Now she was teasing. Sigh.
"What would I have to say to you~?"
I teased back, but I'd already lost control. Really. Today—just! Huh? Just go for it and get it done!