In the midst of our conversation, the woman suddenly asked, "Is she your wife?" After observing Brunhilda's wifely behavior. It was a natural assumption, given the circumstances.
"Not exactly," I replied, staying a bit ambiguous.
"That would have been surprising, you are quite young after all," she chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Most people would marry at a young age, there is nothing surprising about that," I countered, thinking about how different this world was from Earth.
At just seventeen, I was indeed considered young, but in this world, it was not uncommon for people to marry at a young age.
"Oh yes, but it is mostly in the case of women who are married off very early," she said, her tone matter-of-fact.
I couldn't deny that. Most men would take their time while fathers would hurry to marry their daughters to prominent houses.
Is he your personal guard?" I finally asked, annoyed by the gaze Brunhilda and I were receiving from the burly man.
"Ah…is he that easy to guess?" The woman asked, her tone awkward.
"He is looking at us strangely," I nodded, my eyes meeting the burly man's gaze.
"Pardon him, he is wary and protective of me, that's why," she explained, her tone apologetic.
"Do you have something to do in the capital?" I asked her shifting the subject.
"Hum, yes," she replied, but I could sense that she was lying.
Why was she lying? So there was something else about them?
"We are going actually for the first time to the Capital, so I just wanted some tips or advice about it," I added, trying to probe for information from her.
"I will gladly help. It is not the first time for us. Ask me anything, and I will do my best to answer," she said with a smile.
"What would you say about the capital of Leonis?" I asked first, my eyes meeting hers.
"It's a large and beautiful capital, but it's notably famous for the academy grooming great talents there," she said, her tone proud.
Most nobles' children were having education at home with private teachers, so obviously, an academy where nobles were studying together was a rare and unique concept.
"I assume only the top of nobility can even be admitted to that academy," I said, thoughtful.
At that, the woman fell a bit awkward. "Well…yes, a bit, but some commoners are still allowed to take part in exams, and those with rare talents," she said, her tone hesitant.
Though she said that, judging from her tone, it was very rare and concerned only a little minority of commoners.
From our brief conversation, I gathered that this woman was undoubtedly of noble birth, not just any ordinary noble, but likely from a high-ranking family, perhaps even higher than a baron's house. Her manner of speech and demeanor suggested she had received an excellent education, something I could readily recognize as the son of a Duke.
It seemed probable that she was wearing some kind of disguise, concealing her true identity to avoid drawing attention. This wasn't particularly surprising, nor did it strike me as suspicious. In fact, knowing this put me more at ease.
However, things had just become more complicated. I was a high-ranking noble myself, albeit from another continent and kingdom. Using my noble name might still carry some weight, but the problem was that my father had disowned me, stripping me of the right to use the Starfrost name. Even if I were to use it, it could cause problems if any of my family found out.
But even before that, I had no intention of using the Starfrost name. I wasn't that devoid of pride or shameless. That name only brought me anger, an anger I hadn't realized I harbored until now. Everything I had sacrificed since childhood had been for nothing. I had sacrificed time with my sick mother to please my father, and I would never forgive myself for that.
"Are you perhaps thinking of joining the Knight Academy of Leonis?" She asked me interrupting my thoughts
I must not have been as careful as I should have been.
"I don't think that is possible, unfortunately," I simply smiled at her.
It was best not to reveal too much to her, just in case.
The carriage continued its journey for several more hours until we finally stopped. The horses needed rest, and night had fallen. It was also time to eat dinner.
Unfortunately, I hadn't thought to bring anything to cook. Maybe when my Midas Shop leveled up, I could finally buy proper meals? I didn't know, but I at least hoped so.
In any case, I was honestly quite hungry, but I could resist for a few more hours until we reached the capital, where I could find some snacks. I could only ask Brunhilda to be patient as well.
"We can share our meal with you if you wish?" The woman said at that moment.
She was currently stirring a pot with a ladle. It looked like a soup, and it was honestly releasing quite an appetizing smell. Now I was even more hungry. At least they had come prepared.
I hesitated for a moment. The coachman had received the same offer and didn't hesitate, as he was currently sipping the soup with great gulps. There were also some pieces of chicken. The hot steam rising from the pot made me want to immediately say yes. It was pretty cold here after all.
I was silent for a moment, considering my options. Could this be a trick? Was there poison maybe? No, I was overthinking because of my last three rude months. She was honest in her offer; I could tell.
"If it doesn't bother you," I replied.
"It is not," she chuckled. "We have plenty enough for everyone."
"Thank you." I approached and filled two bowls she had handed me with her soup, adding two pieces of chicken for me and Brunhilda, then I left.
The woman looked dumbfounded for a moment, perhaps expecting us to eat with them, but it was better this way. I entered back into the carriage where Brunhilda was sitting, her hood lowered. I was left knee-deep in thought, dazed by her unreal beauty. It would take time to get used to it.
"Here," I said, handing her a bowl.
"Thank you, Soren." Brunhilda took the bowl.
I was about to take a sip with the spoon, but Brunhilda stopped me. She grasped my hand holding the spoon and entered it into her mouth. After a moment of tasting, she nodded her head.
"It's safe," she said.
I was silent for a moment before sighing deeply. "I am really lucky to have you by my side, Brunhilda."
Brunhilda opened her mouth in shock as she looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise. I looked at her, wondering if something was wrong.
"I... Is that true?" She asked me seriously leaning slightly.
I was a bit caught off guard by her reaction. That slightly vulnerable expression on her usually strong and cold face was something I hadn't seen before. It clearly made me feel strange.
I reached out my hand and gently patted her beautiful golden blond hair. "Yeah, I am," I said with a laugh. "The luckiest man in this world."
Brunhilda smiled, holding the bowl with both hands, and shook her head gently. "I am lucky to have found you, Soren."