Beast of the Frozen Night - Chapter 89.1

The Grand Duke and his wife’s visit to the village was quite noisy. This was quite unusual for Daymond, who disliked being around a lot of people wherever he went. He was the type of person who always rode a horse alone.

However, the procession now heading towards Tahor Village was truly a display of the majesty of the Northern Grand Duke.

“I just need some maids and a few guard knights. Isn’t it a bit excessive to even move the 1st Knights?”

“Not at all.”

Anne stared at the long line of knights on horses that stretched behind the carriage. Daymond shook his head as if it were absurd. He had barely resisted bringing all the 2nd Knights too as well. He would have done it if it weren’t for Ashton’s dissuasion.

The reason he increased the number of people in their entourage was definitely because of Anne. Of course, he did not intend to entrust the Grand Duchess’ safety to the maids or knights, but would rather pass on all other matters that might arise to them so that he could pay more attention to his wife.

Anne quietly looked at him. Even though he had completely relaxed, his keen eyes were scanning his surroundings as if to prove that he was still reluctant. Why on earth was he so worried?

“You’re still not upset because I decided to go to the village, right?”

“What do you think of me?”

Daymond dismissed her suspicions as if they were nonsense, but when she looked at his tightly closed mouth again, it seemed like they were not.

“Really? We decided not to hide anything from each other.”

They did not want to experience the gap created by small misunderstandings ever again, and they made that promise after an honest conversation not long ago. From now on, they would share their opinions instead of guessing the other person’s feelings.

He exhaled and held Anne’s hand affectionately.

“I have nothing to hide, but…”

He had long ago pledged to believe in her and commit to her. The only problem was that her unusually weak body kept making him nervous.

“That’s right. Stop worrying now.”

Anne smiled slightly and patted his hand to comfort him, who was holding her hand tightly.

* * *

It was her first time touring the northern territory outside of winter.

They stopped for a moment at a small market located near the entrance to Tahor Village. Just like the first time, the sightseeing around the city was quite interesting.

Although it was a small town, there were merchants selling goods at the market stalls in the center, people bargaining over prices, and even the owners’ calls to announce that fresh bread had arrived. It was quite crowded.

Meanwhile, Anne saw people fixing the path that still bore the marks of the avalanche. The large debris had been cleared away, but the wood used for reconstruction was piled up on one side.

After finishing sightseeing, she visited the couple from Tahor village whom she had met. The girl looked healthy, holding her mother’s skirt in her tiny hands, her face still shy.

When she handed them a small gift she had brought with her, the couple, who looked very awed, bowed their heads repeatedly.

“I can’t believe His Grace and Madam walked this far.”

“Madam, why do you even take care of us, the lowly ones?”

Anne smiled brightly at the husband and wife who welcomed her warmly.

“What do you mean the lowly ones? We’re all northerners.”

Anne was secretly surprised at what she had said. Before she knew it, she was defining herself as a person from the north.

Meanwhile, Daymond was looking at the little girl he had rescued for quite some time.

He wondered if Anne had been that cute when she was that age. If he had known in advance, he would have gone and watched her secretly… He felt annoyed at Luciel, who was not even there, for some reason. Although he promised to stop ruminating on the past, he couldn’t help but feel regretful from time to time.

They drank a cup of tea to the couple’s earnest request to treat them to something, even though it was a humble affair. Then they followed the village’s landowner for a tour of the village, which has now been rebuilt and was better than before.

After that, Daymond spoke with them about a few things, and asked them to send a message to the Grand Duke’s castle immediately if there were any other difficulties.

“If you’re having a hard time, should I give you a ride on my back?”

This was something Daymond blurted out when he was looking around the entrance to the forest in case another avalanche occurred next winter.

Anne’s cheeks immediately heated up as she glanced at the servants who were following behind her. Moreover, the village people were also watching the Grand Ducal couple’s journey from afar. In other words, there were multiple eyes.

“Do you know that you are a bit unusual?”

“That’s right. I can’t carry you like that because it’ll put pressure on your stomach, so should I hold you like usual?”

He responded with a new question, which had absolutely nothing to do with the question asked. Anne, who was smiling, shook her head with a helpless expression. In an instant, Daymond’s face was colored with regret.

Still, even though she walked slowly, leaning her weight on his arm, she was out of breath.

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