ㅤChapter 34
ㅤAfter passing through several post towns, the group entered Silk Line, a town located on the western edge of Langley. Since the Underworld, the Demon Forest, and the Imperial Palace are located on the eastern edge of the country, they had traveled all the way to the opposite side.
ㅤUpon arriving at their lodging for the day, Theodore addressed the travel party.
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ㅤ”We have been traveling continuously since leaving Cyril. The horses must be tired, so we will take a few days of rest in Silk Line.”
ㅤ””Thank you, Your Majesty!!””
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ㅤThe attendants responded with smiles to Theodore’s words.
ㅤSilk Line is an access route to the central countries located far to the west. In other words, it is a key trading city, even more lively than the Imperial Capital, and fosters a unique atmosphere with a mix of foreign cultures. It is the perfect tourist city for purchasing rare souvenirs and enjoying meals from different cultures.
ㅤEveryone headed to their rooms to drop off their luggage and then hurried out to the city. They all knew that this place was the only source of entertainment during their arduous journey.
ㅤTheodore also addressed Ruby, who was watching them with a smile.
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ㅤ”Since this is a rest stop, I haven’t scheduled any official duties. It’s far from the Imperial Palace and not a place you can visit often, so you should take this opportunity to relax and enjoy yourself.”
ㅤ”Thank you for your consideration. By the way, Your Majesty, what will you be doing?”
ㅤ”Me? I’m not particularly tired, so…… I plan to walk around the city for a bit, also for inspection purposes.”
ㅤ”If it’s alright with you, Your Majesty, may I accompany you?”
ㅤ”With me?”
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ㅤTheodore’s heart leaped. Of course, she would formally become his wife, but being invited to go out somewhere was a bolt from the blue.
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ㅤ”Yes! I’m also feeling well and would like to go outside, but Emma has a slight cold, so I wanted to let her rest. I thought it would be more fun to go with you, Your Majesty, than to go out alone……!”
ㅤ”……!”
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ㅤOverwhelmed by Ruby’s sparkling smile, Theodore unconsciously pressed his hand to his chest.
ㅤHe was aware that he was a boring man who had only ever known martial arts and work, so the warmth in the princess’s heart tickled him.
ㅤHe came back to his senses at the sound of Ruby’s panicked voice, “What’s wrong? Does your chest hurt!?” He coughed once and straightened his posture.
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ㅤ”It’s dangerous to be alone in an unfamiliar city, even with the guards. I’ll accompany you.”
ㅤ”Wow, thank you! I’ll change into clothes suitable for walking around town right away!”
ㅤ”Ah, hey…….You’re really not acting like a princess. Are you that excited?”
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ㅤSince this was a private outing, not official business, she couldn’t be seen in her usual attire.
ㅤAs Ruby was excitedly examining her clothes in her room at the inn, Emma came in coughing and asked, “What are you doing?” Upon learning the situation, her eyes gleamed.
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ㅤ”So, this is a date, isn’t it? I can’t possibly be sick with a cold!”
ㅤ”No, it’s not. We’re just going to walk around town, observe the people, and browse the shops.”
ㅤ”Isn’t that a splendid date! I thought what a cold husband he was right after Ruby-sama got married, but he seems to have become much more humble and changed his ways since Ruby-sama got hurt. It’s a well-known fact that he is a capable person, so if he has changed his attitude, I think he is the best possible marriage partner! This Emma will support Ruby-sama’s happiness with all her might!”
ㅤ”Wait, Emma!? Calm down—”
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ㅤEnthusiastically, the maid dressed Ruby up as a fashionable young lady of Silk Line.
ㅤIn this land where different cultures intertwine, there are many women who dress in a more revealing manner. She took off the long dress she usually wore and donned a cool one-piece dress that revealed her neckline and slender legs below the knee.
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ㅤ”Hey Emma, isn’t this a bit too much? His Majesty will be troubled if it’s indecent. And my hair…… you don’t have to put it up in a fancy style, just leave it as usual.”
ㅤ”Please be quiet for a moment. I’m putting in the hair ornaments.”
ㅤ”Ah, sorry……”
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ㅤAnd so, Ruby was transformed with Silk Line style clothing and hairstyle.
ㅤWhile feeling bewildered by her reflection in the mirror, which looked like a different person, she headed towards the entrance of the inn where her husband was waiting.