[IFITAOAMV] Chapter 65

In order to use the gate, it’s necessary to notify Duke Shavini of the southern region in advance. Naturally, your movements would be exposed, which is why the Crawfords never used this method. Despite that, Edwin chose the southern gate, worried that I might struggle with the journey.

‘That alone was surprising, but extending the schedule just for me?’ 

It was something unimaginable. Honestly, I didn’t know how to react. 

“So that means we’ll have to go back, right?” 

Having learned about the geography of the empire and the genealogies of major families from Seth, I knew at least that much. I studied hard, memorising a lot of information in a short period of time with the help of the lapis lazuli. 

“I thought it would be nice to see more things while we’re out. Who knows when we’ll get out of the West again?” Edwin smiled softly and patted my head. 

Hearing him say that we might not get another chance to leave made me realise how significant this journey was for him. Most of all, it was still hard to believe that he had made such a decision just because I wanted to go. 

“Do you dislike the sea?”  

Suddenly, Edwin furrowed his brow and asked. I quickly shook my head, and his large hand cupped my face. 

“Then why the face? You look like you’re about to be sick.” 

That ridiculous analogy instantly cleared away the strange feeling I had. 

“Do you get seasick?” 

Even though I said I was fine, Edwin touched my forehead and checked my complexion. 

“I’ve always wanted to see the sea. I’ve never seen it before.”  -In this world. I swallowed that last thought. 

“I figured you’d like it.” Edwin’s eyes softened with a satisfied smile. 

“They say the rooftops in the southern region are different, right? Jenny mentioned it.” 

“They’re supposed to be blue, but I don’t really know. I’ve never left the West myself.” 

“Really?” 

Edwin nodded. 

“Actually, my heart’s been pounding. My first trip is with my bride.” 

The way he smiled, pointing to his chest like an innocent boy, left an odd impression in my mind. It was different from his usual grin, and that innocent smile made my own lips curve upward. 

--- 

Angelina, who had been chattering away for a while, eventually started to doze off. Her voice, which had been slowing down, became quieter, and soon her head began to droop forward and back. 

“Tsk.” 

I quickly caught the back of her head and pulled her into my arms before she could bump her head on the wall. She squirmed, uncomfortable, so I carefully laid her across my lap. She fidgeted for a while, trying to find a comfortable position, and soon, her breathing became steady as she fell into a peaceful sleep. 

“What does she mean, she’s not weak? With stamina like a grain of sand.” 

I chuckled, remembering how confidently she had declared she wasn’t weak. It was like a fragile little rabbit boasting in front of a dragon. 

My gaze slowly drifted to her ankle. Her legs were tucked up on the seat, causing her skirt to ride up, revealing the sparkling anklet. I smiled at the memory of when she had handed over the gemstones for me to make the anklet. 

‘She looked like a squirrel having its hidden acorns taken away.’ 

I knew she had packed all her gemstones when preparing for the trip. 

‘For someone who’s so scared, she sure acts tough.’ 

Although she had eagerly set out for the exhibition, it was clear she was scared—judging by the fact that she packed all her gemstones. That’s why I had made the anklet, to prevent her from lugging around all those gems. 

“She’s a handful.” 

I muttered as if it were a nuisance, but the smile on my face lingered. I quietly opened the window and gestured to Beryl, who was riding outside. Understanding my silent signal, Beryl lowered his voice and reported. 

“There are no pursuers aside from Raven. No suspicious movements either.” 

“And him?” 

“Not yet…” 

Edwin nodded in understanding and closed the window. There was no need to deal with Raven immediately. They were always lurking like a shadow, after all. 

Since we had notified Duke Shavini about our use of the gate, the crown prince would already know we were headed to the capital. The reason I chose this route—aside from Angelina—was also because of him. The direction he had fled was to the northeastern route. I had decided to take a different path to avoid him approaching us again. Last time, we had crossed paths unexpectedly, so he didn’t have time to react. But it wouldn’t be the same a second time. 

‘Of all places, he chose to cross into the central region.’ 

I wasn’t sure if he had gone to the capital, but knowing he was nearby irritated me. 

‘If Angelina weren’t so soft-hearted, I would’ve killed him on the spot.’ 

Edwin clicked his tongue in frustration. 

As he gently brushed Angelina’s hair, his irritation began to fade. He recalled her smile when she had said she wanted to see the sea, and his mood improved again. 

‘I made the right choice after all.’