CH 29

Chapter 29: To the workshop 1

Ernesta was currently having her hair brushed and styled by Dasha. The young maid blushed as she worked hard with her hands.

A Druid and Courtesan - Neverwinter...

“Uh, um, My Queen. I apologize deeply for my rudeness earlier. I’ve been opening doors without reservation… His Majesty always woke up early, so I completely let my guard down and didn’t expect to see him. But even His Majesty must want to relax sometimes, and I shouldn’t disturb the morning of a happy couple like you! From now on, I’ll make sure to hear a response before opening the door! So please rest assured. You two can enjoy your intimate morning——My Queen? Um, is something wrong?”

The girl’s explanation was quite embarrassing, but unfortunately, Ernesta didn’t hear a word of it. She was peered at with concern, finally regaining her consciousness.

“… Ah, Dasha. What’s wrong?”

“What about you, My Queen? You seemed to be somewhere else just now.”

“Oh, it’s just… I remembered something for a moment…”

Unable to confess the reason for her absent-mindedness, Ernesta muddled her words.

It was her first time being like this, so she was extremely shaken, but she needed to switch her focus. It wasn’t that she didn’t like it…

——I didn’t dislike it?

Embarrassed by her own thoughts, Ernesta’s cheeks reddened. Then, for some reason, Dasha also turned as red as her and diverted her eyes in the mirror.

“I apologize for being so rude…”

“What happened? Did you say something to apologize for?”

“It was an extremely insensitive question. I’m sorry.”

Dasha, who seemed to have gained some mysterious understanding, worked silently to style Ernesta’s hair. The braided hairstyle with a ribbon was well-suited for Ernesta’s glossy locks.

“Thank you, Dasha. You’re really skilled.”

“Ehehe, only because the queen’s hair is so beautiful.”

As Dasha tidied up her tools, she continued to speak.

“We have plans to inspect the weaving workshop today.”

At the mention of weaving, Ernesta’s eyes sparkled.

Truth be told, she liked dyeing and weaving so much that it was an excuse for leaving home, and she was very interested in the fabric of this country.

“This is my first job outside. I have to do my best.”

It seems that she needs to be careful not to be destroyed by her curiosity.

❂❂❂

After lunch, Ernesta and Ivan were walking down the stairs in the town.

Shenka is a place where fabrics and crafts are actively made. In this land that separates the west and east of the continent, a unique cultural style has been formed, and its design gives off an exotic atmosphere.

Ernesta had become completely fond of all the things in this country, such as costumes, furniture, and food. So, she was in a good mood anticipating to see the scene where those lovely items were made.

“You look like you’re having a lot of fun.”

“Yes! It’s very fun.”

The blue Arkrig reflects the light and fluttered as she walked up the stairs. Ernesta’s elevated mood was accentuated by this, as she let her glittering eyes wander around.

The stone-built townscape gleamed white under the summer sunlight. The hung laundry was colorful, and the expressions of the people passing by were as bright as the sunshine.

Rashtovka, the capital city of Shenka, was a defense city located in the mountains. In this steep mountainous area, there were many slopes and stairs even in the city, and there was no habit of riding vehicles. Moreover, since they were werewolves, it seemed that the reason why they didn’t need vehicles was that they could transform and run, which was the fastest way to travel.

Still, a werewolf ran up the stairs alone and took off his hat when he noticed the king.

“Hello, Your Majesty.”

“Ah.”

It was a very light exchange. Even though she was surprised, Ernesta felt that they exchanged greetings with the king in a carefree manner. The man smiled and ran off.

Admiring the agile movements that did not show any signs of exhaustion, a thick and hard-skinned palm was brought in front of her.

“You’re getting dizzy from looking around too much. Hold on to me.”

Cursing her heart that was beating fast at every little thing, Ernesta thanked him and took his hand.

It’s okay. If you can stay calm, then there won’t be any problems.

She shouldn’t be dragging along this morning’s incident for too long. From Ivan’s point of view, this is just a greeting, and if she keeps worrying about it, it won’t be good for her.

Leading the way, Ivan firmly held Ernesta’s hand, giving her a sense of security that she won’t fall. As she gazed at his back, dressed in a grey chokha, he spoke without looking back.

“Isn’t traveling on foot difficult?”

She quickly realized that his concern was not reflected in his expression.

“It’s fine. Many shops, lifestyles… everything about the city is beautiful and unusual. It’s so enjoyable.”

Her voice, speaking her honest feelings without falsehood, gains momentum, and her eyes reflect the color of summer, shining bright.

Looking at this city, it becomes clear how much effort Ivan has put into his reign. Not a single person looks famished, and the goods displayed in front of shops are abundant, showing a lively atmosphere. There is hardly any garbage on the streets, and there is no foul odor. The reason one does not see children over a certain age is that every citizen attends school, without exception.

“What a lovely city. Above all, everyone’s smile is the most wonderful.”

Ivan twists his body and looks at her from the side with a glance with a smile.

“Is that so? I’m glad you like the city.”

Don’t smile at me like that. My heart can’t take it.

Lowering her blushing face, Ivan also begins to walk forward. Ernesta takes a deep breath to avoid showing any particular attitude and changes the subject, deliberately bringing up a question that has been bothering her.

“Hey, Ivan, don’t you have any bodyguards?”

This has been a question on her mind for some time.

Nobles always have bodyguards. She had heard that even the Bral royal family does not walk alone, even inside the castle.

“Well, even if they are nobles, werewolf men don’t hire bodyguards for every little thing. Having something like that by their side would be like admitting they are inferior in combat skills.”

Ernesta easily understood his reasoning. It was the thought process of a warrior werewolf, and Ivan himself could probably defeat any opponent. She noticed that he had a well-made sword hanging on his waist today, so he must have been fully prepared for any situation.

However, a troubling thought came to Ernesta, and she frowned.

“But, Ivan is the king…hasn’t he been in any danger before?”

“What, are you worrying about me?”

“Of course. It’s only natural for me to worry.”

At that moment, Ivan suddenly stopped walking. When she looked around, they had just reached the end of the stairs, and Ernesta finally noticed that she was breathing heavily.

“…Let’s take a break. You must be tired from climbing all the way up.”

“No, I’m okay.”

“We have time. Let’s sit down.”

In the end, they ended up sitting on a stone bench that was conveniently nearby.

Ernesta was used to mountain climbing, so she had confidence in her physical abilities. However, perhaps the distance was long enough that even a princess would have expressed concern.

As she regretted climbing too fast, Ivan started to talk casually.

“About earlier…”

“Yes?”

“I’m grateful that you were worried about me. Thank you.”

Ernesta was surprised and quickly looked up at him. The profile facing forward didn’t even glance her way, but upon closer inspection, the area around his ears was turning red.

Come to think of it, when he taught her a charm to dispel nervousness during the founding festival, he had a similar stern expression.

“Are you blushing…?”

“I’m not blushing.”

“That’s a lie. You’re definitely blushing!”

“I said I’m not.”

Although Ivan’s tone grew stronger, the profile that didn’t even try to look in her direction no longer frightened her at all.

Feeling sorry but unable to hold back, Ernesta let out a small laugh.

“…What are you laughing at?”

He finally looked at her with his eyes, and his resentful gaze became a source of laughter.

He was such a conscientious person. Despite being so shy, he went out of his way to thank her.

Perhaps in the past, when he seemed indifferent, he was also shy. When she realized that, her heart warmed, and she couldn’t stop laughing.

“I-I’m sorry, it’s just… I’m happy. Fufu.”

“If you’re feeling that energetic, let’s go.”

She smiled with her hands on her mouth, and Ivan, who couldn’t take it anymore, stood up. Ernesta deliberately responded cheerfully and began to walk with him, following his broad back.