“It was dangerous just now…”

“It wasn’t dangerous.”

I replied firmly, causing Shuan to sigh before speaking again.

“I know. I realized it a bit late. I thought it was dangerous.”

I gestured for him to move away with a nod of my chin. Even then, Shuan didn’t move, so I turned my horse.

I intended to leave the current beasts to the soldiers and investigate the massive beast at the center of the lake.

I spurred my horse forward with a strong kick. Glancing back, I saw Shuan still standing there, staring down at his sword.

But only for a moment. A beast charged at him, and Shuan quickly cut it down. Finally snapping back to reality, he began subduing the beasts around him, both large and small.

Although his swordsmanship didn’t compare to Julian’s or mine, it was clear that Shuan was quite skilled.

Regardless, he remained someone who made me uncomfortable. It especially annoyed me how he would circle around me, intervening whenever he thought I was in danger, as if he were trying to repay a debt.

I fought my way through the beasts as I headed toward the lake, cutting them down as I went. Since beasts instinctively avoided opponents stronger than themselves, not many dared to approach me.

Furthermore, the closer I got to the lake, the fewer beasts there seemed to be. This made it easier for me to ride around the lake’s perimeter.

As I circled about halfway around the lake, a thought crossed my mind.

“Why is the lake so calm?”

The lake shouldn’t be described as calm. Its waters were murky, likely due to the massive beast submerged within it. Dead fish could be seen floating near the shore.

The beast responsible was still poking its head out of the water. It had a face resembling a black panther, with long black horns and three eyes that stared blankly at the ongoing battle.

At a glance, it appeared to be awake. However, the beast remained completely motionless.

“Hey!”

I shouted at the beast, but it didn’t react.

What exactly was this beast? Its nature was so perplexing that I couldn’t make sense of it.

“Sister.”

As I continued to circle the lake, Adam approached me. Thankfully, he seemed uninjured. It was a relief, as being struck by a beast meant dealing with poison, which was a serious hassle.

“Father is worried. You shouldn’t be near the lake.”

“But something’s strange about the beast. It doesn’t seem like it’s going to attack anytime soon.”

Adam stretched his neck to get a better look at the beast. After contemplating for a moment, he dismounted, picked up a stone at his feet, and threw it before I could stop him.

“Adam!”

The stone had already flown through the air and struck the beast’s thick hide. But the beast still didn’t move. I let out a long sigh of relief.

“…It seems like it’s not going to do anything.”

“Seems like it? What are you talking about?”

I smacked Adam on the head. He clutched his head, groaning. My concern wasn’t for nothing. For a moment, I was genuinely worried that something terrible might happen.

“You shouted at it too.”

“Yelling and throwing a stone are not the same thing.”

“…They don’t seem that different to me, honestly.”

Adam grumbled, clearly displeased.

“With three eyes, I don’t get what it’s looking at. It seems dazed. Almost like it’s dead.”

At Adam’s words, I looked back at the beast. Dead, he said? That remark made me glance at the lake.

“…If it went into the lake, it would die, wouldn’t it?”

“Are you crazy, sister?”

This time, Adam jumped up, scolding me. If he were my older brother, it would have been my head getting smacked instead.

“But look. Doesn’t the color of the lake look like the beast’s blood?”

Adam followed my gaze to the lake. We had assumed the lake was polluted because of the beast’s presence, its dark blue hue a result of that. We speculated that much.

But what if the beast had bled so much that it had dyed the entire lake? What if it had died as a result?

Understanding my point, Adam expressed his amazement. Soon after, he looked at me and grinned.

“If that’s the case, the first subjugation is practically over.”

I smiled back at Adam, then spoke calmly.

“We need to bring a wizard here.”

“It shouldn’t be hard since we’re about to occupy the area.”

Adam and I nodded at each other before racing back to the ongoing battle. The possibility that the giant beast might already be dead fueled our courage.

* * *

When the first subjugation was over, the Winsley soldiers were in high spirits. Although some were injured and carried off on stretchers due to beast blood poisoning, their numbers were small compared to the other armies.

With the first subjugation successfully completed, the soldiers returned to the castle, shedding their armor and thoroughly enjoying their evening. They even built a large fire in the courtyard to roast whole pigs.

And for me, there was something particularly special—a letter from Julian had arrived.
After calming the excited soldiers, I went straight to my room and carefully opened the letter. The pristine white stationery, something Julian would likely choose, was filled with neat, formal handwriting.

?To my indebted wife,

I couldn’t help but giggle as I brought the letter close to my face. It was clear that Julian vividly remembered the conversation we had before we parted ways.

In a romantic gesture, Julian had used formal language in his letter.

The estate is running smoothly without you. Every morning, the maids bake bread and feel disappointed that there’s no one to enjoy it.

Duke refuses to fetch the ball I throw for him and just sits there sulking.

Anna, the head maid, has been sighing all day, so I gave her leave. She said she would go to the Riar Plains.

It seems she’s in a better situation than I am since I cannot follow you. I got jealous and canceled her leave.

I covered my mouth and smiled widely. I never expected Julian to write such an endearing letter. But as I continued reading, the letter revealed more than just sweet sentiments.

Princess Abigail is still keeping a low profile, but given that Count Sasha participated in the beast subjugation, it doesn’t seem like she’s given up on the throne.

We’re trying to find a connection between Princess Abigail and Count Sasha, so I hope to have good news for you soon.

His Majesty the Emperor has no doubts about the loyalty of Count Winsley. In fact, he seems more concerned about what reward to bestow upon your return.

However, it’s certain that the Princess is up to something, so please be careful. Don’t forget the debt you owe me.

Every morning, I look to the east,

Julian.?

I began my reply to Julian’s letter like this:

?To my dearly beloved husband,

Don’t worry too much; you’ll be collecting interest on my life for the rest of our days.?

Just as I finished writing and was about to put down my pen, there was a knock at the door.

“One moment.”

I folded and sealed the letter before opening the door. Adam stood outside. It seemed our youngest brother was handling all of Father’s small errands.

“What were you doing in your room?”

“Writing a letter to my husband.”

“You? Writing a letter? What did you write?”

“I sealed it with a kiss.”

Adam made a disgusted face, clearly repulsed by the idea. Laughing heartily, I playfully smacked him on the back. Adam winced in pain, but despite the discomfort, he opened his mouth to deliver a message from Father.

“The wizards have investigated the giant beast. It’s confirmed dead.”

“Just as we thought?”

“At least act surprised.”

I widened my eyes in mock surprise and stared at Adam.

“We both suspected it, so what’s there to be surprised about?”

“You were always bold, but you’ve become even bolder since you got married. I guess His Grace treats you well?”

“Yes, he treats me very well. Almost too well.”

When I spoke with a hint of happiness, Adam smiled, relieved. His boyish face showed that he had been quite worried about me.

“I was really upset when you first said you were marrying him… You don’t know how much Mother cried after you got married.”

I smiled bitterly at Adam’s reproachful tone.

“I know.”

Adam gave me a sideways glance. Though he had always been on my side, I couldn’t argue with him now, having made our mother cry.

“But I’m glad to see you’re happy. I thought I’d never see you again. You know how the rumors go…”

Rumors that Julian never left the ducal estate unless under the Emperor’s orders, no doubt.

But since our marriage, Julian had gone out far more often than before and hadn’t kept me confined either. In fact, he even allowed me to participate in this subjugation.

“Let’s have dinner together with His Grace next time. I think it will happen soon.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, it’s a secret for now. But keep it to yourself that I even said this.”

I pressed my index finger to my lips. Adam, realizing something, took a deep breath.

“Really? Is His Grace really…?”

Adam was likely about to ask, “Has the curse been lifted?” However, since the curse hadn’t been fully broken yet, I quickly covered his mouth.

“Shh! It’s still a secret.”

“Oh my… That’s amazing! What should I give him as a congratulatory gift?”

“He’d appreciate the thought. He’s a romantic.”

“I can’t give just that!”

Adam, clearly excited, walked away with a spring in his step. I followed him, covering my mouth as I laughed.

As we descended the stairs, I heard the voices of several men and women from below.

“…So, we’re roasting a whole pig, and they say they’re carving up a cow over there.”

“No way.”

“Really. They’re drinking too. It’s cheap, but they even have wine.”