(A week later)
"My lady, everything is ready for our departure tomorrow. I will be coming to your room at the clock of dawn to wake you up since we have to travel early."
"I see, then you take a good rest tonight Rosen."
"You as well, my lady. Then I will take my leave."
*door closed*
*sigh*
"I guess I don't have a choice."
A week before, we received a letter from the dukedom stating that I have to return. It further implied that rumours have begun to circulate about what happened, so aside from the duke being concerned for my well-being, it's also advisable for me to go back to avoid further complications. From what I can gather, they just don't want people to spread false information and want to bury this case as early as possible.
I've been careful not to be seen as a crazy woman these past few days, so I force myself to stay normal during the day and sleep myself from my sorrows.
I still can't accept it, I mean no one would right away. I had to drastically adjust my lifestyle, although my everyday life now has never been more peaceful and relaxing since I don't really have to lift a finger, I still miss my life. My boring, uneventful life in the 21st century, I still miss my family, my friends, my one-week crush, my neighbor's cat, my favorite matcha. I'm like having severe withdrawal syndrome while living my life as Aria Lanchester, and I never felt more lonely.
*****~~~*****~~~*****
(Next day)
I'm now riding a carriage, kinda nervous since it is my first time. Though contrary to my belief, riding the carriage is rather uncomfortable. We've been on the road for who knows how long and my flat bum will only become flatter from all the sitting. I'm just grateful that this Aria has no travel-sickness, but I sure do feel sick from all the boredom.
"My lady, how are you feeling? Do you want me to peel a fruit for you?"
Rosen probably noticed my unpleasant appearance and tried to lighten the mood.
"Thank you Rosen, but it's fine."
I just shifted my gaze and looked outside the window. From here, I can see a couple of knights riding their horses, wearing their silver plated armor. They're the knights that Aria brought in together with her when she travelled from the duchy to Perion. They're now going back with her to the North, ensuring her safety above all else. Well they sure look gallant and fierce, I can't help but compare them to the misogynist men of my era who only know how to yap.
*slight chuckle*
I can even imagine how the people of my time would feel if they saw what I'm seeing. I mean, aside from the people, just the surroundings itself feels too foreign for someone like me who grew up seeing all kinds of buildings and technologies. It makes me alienated, aside from that I feel conflicted since I have the original Aria memories with me, so it's like having two perspectives.
Anyway, the journey went on, we usually took stops from inn to inn, just to take a rest and a bath. This went on for a couple of days, everything was peaceful except for this one particular day.
"It's raining cats and dogs."
It suddenly started to rain while we were in the middle of the road. Since I'm inside the carriage, I'm fine. However, it's different for the knights and horses, they can't possibly be soaking in the rain with all the heavy armors they're wearing.
A knight who I believe was called Sir Alfen knocked and opened the carriage door, then gave me a slight bow.
"My lady, it suddenly started raining so we have to postpone our travels and find the closest shelter in the area."
"Go ahead."
After that we had to park the carriage at the side of the road and have our horses and the remaining knights to take shelter from large trees close by.
"Do you feel cold, my lady? I'll bring your coat first."
"H-huh?"
Before I could even refuse, Rosen had already gone out of the carriage.
*sigh*
Since she went outside too fast, she wasn't able to properly close the door. I slightly pushed forward my upper body to reach the door handle but once I successfully closed it, there was a sudden click I heard coming from the other side of the door. The first thought that came to mind was that it was Rosen who somehow has the superhuman ability to do the task within a minute, but I was entirely wrong.
The door from the other side opened shortly and with it came the heavy sound of the pouring rain. A tall man, wearing a black cape, was standing in the center of it.