The lord stared at him with a stiff expression before awkwardly scratching the back of his head with a strained laugh.
“I spoke out of turn. My apologies if I offended you.”
After giving him a cool look, Varkas crossed the courtyard.
The cavalry had already formed up before the gate, fully prepared for departure.
Sweeping his gaze over them, Varkas suddenly stopped.
Talia was walking across the dirt road.
Her pale yellow-brown hair, neatly braided, shone like pure gold beneath the autumn sunlight.
Studying her pale face, still marked by fatigue, Varkas left his horse with his attendant and approached her from behind. The woman, who had just grasped the carriage handle to climb inside, immediately glared at him in alarm.
“W-what...?”
Varkas, who had intended to help her into the carriage, slowly withdrew his hand.
His wife resembled prey staring at its natural enemy.
The moment he met those frightened blue eyes, something deep inside him, in some place he could not even identify, twitched faintly.
He quietly studied her face with narrowed eyes before stepping back.
Only then did the tension drain from her body, as though she had finally relaxed, and bitterness spread through his mouth.
Ignoring the strange reaction of his own body, he spoke calmly.
“From today onward, I intend to travel on horseback. I have assigned guards beside your carriage, so if anything happens, please summon them.”
A faint trace of relief crossed her face.
As though trying to hide it, she lowered her long, thick lashes and replied curtly,
“Do whatever you want.”
Then she practically fled into the carriage.
Standing silently by the door, Varkas watched her for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh and turning away.
It seemed all the effort he had spent getting her accustomed to his touch had come to nothing.
Considering his impatient actions the previous night, her reaction was hardly strange.
'...It would be better not to touch her for a while.'
She was as sensitive and skittish as a young wild horse.
If he wished to ease her wariness, he ought not approach her carelessly for some time.
Feeling the bitterness in his mouth deepen, he swung himself into the saddle.
“Once again, thank you for accepting my invitation, Your Grace.”
The lord, who had been waiting nearby, approached him again.
Turning his horse toward the head of the long cavalry column, Varkas gave a slight nod.
“I'll resolve the raider problem as quickly as possible.”
“Thank you. Then I shall pay my respects in Kalmor before long.”
The man called out loudly.
Varkas immediately spurred his horse forward.
Once they passed through the gate, the mounted warriors followed in formation. Judging by the strong scent of wine clinging to them, they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves the previous night.
Slowly studying the cavalrymen's faces, Varkas addressed Tyron, who rode close beside him.
“Bring Lucas to the front. Until we return to Kalmor, I will educate him personally.”
Tyron looked at him with concern.
Was he worried Varkas might harm that green youth?
A faint sneer touched Varkas's lips.
“Must I repeat myself?”
“...I'll bring him immediately.”
Tyron turned his horse and rode toward the rear.
Not long afterward, Lucas appeared with a stiff expression.
Varkas calmly looked him over and gestured with his chin.
“From now on, you'll serve as guide. Move to the front.”
Clear tension appeared on the youthful face that had not yet lost its boyish softness.
It was as though he had sensed the trials awaiting him.
Varkas nodded again.
“What are you waiting for? Get to the front.”