Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 230: Scene CCXXX

“Alright. You lead the men inside and make sure every place is searched in the front and side buildings while I go into the Castle. The one leading them should be the most comfortable, probably staying in one of the rooms.”

“You will join us, Ma’am???”

“... Is it not allowed?” — Judging the Guard’s mindless uttering, Ewelina scrutinized his frame as his doubtful eyes drew away from hers.

“...”

“I am to take Yngve and any man you decide to come with myself. Is such not enough to calm yourself from these unnecessary concerns you seem to hold?”

“No... It will be as you order. It only surprised myself to hear it, I apologise to Your Illustrious Grace.”

“Why would it surprise you? Am I not who you said has made Sortnafeigr’s people respect her? Did you think I would not go although women from the tribe of Kleifar also hunt?”

“... When her Grace says it I do not think that was the case, however... The Ma’am is still delicate in comparison to the savages from below the crag I believe.”

“...”

“In my custom... I forgot such did not truly matter in the Archduchess’s case.” — Apologetic while lowering his head Gilead conveyed his mistake, onesidedly letting her silence be the response that was to permit his dismissal, one that had yet to come as she responded to it later.

“You also say I am delicate...”

“... You appear to be. Hence I forgot the Ma’am is not what appearances tell. The order suits your true character, my surprise was misplaced.” — With such an answer, some comfort came over the woman, for an acknowledgement to her force was granted by the stiff Gilead who came back to convey.

“You have improved your replies.”

“I am to take it as a compliment Your Illustrious Grace.”

“It is a compliment indeed...” — Standing from the seat the nature had granted, Ewelina’s soft expression met the awkward man’s, coming forward to stand before him slightly closer. — “Before going into the Castle, I will ask you to do one more thing.”

“I shall heed your every request promptly.”

“... Bring... Kelly before me.” — Having trouble saying her name, Ewelina took a moment to say it. Making a blind eye to the surprise the eyes of the Guard conveyed once more. — “I will talk to her, for she may come in useful as you said.”

Gilead, without saying a word, bowed and heeded his Master’s order. Crossing the small space they had settled in with a speck of delight to her final agreement to his suggestion and meeting the curious child that eagerly ran his way to inquire on the matters to do.

“Gilead~ what did Master’s wife say~?”

“Never were you mentioned. You’ll stay back.”

“Gasp?! Lies! Nu will ask herself!!” — She answered, rushing towards the Master to ask about the tasks she had requested the guard to convey and did not while the man would not stop his steps to the woman Ewelina had demanded to bring.

“Master’s wife!!”

He could hear how the girl started asking for confirmation about his sayings and scoffed aware that the response from the Ma’am would be as the child professed... For a child she was... and invading what could be a dangerous Castle was not something Ewelina would allow the girl to participate in.

In a blink of an eye, Gilead had reached the remote corner the woman was limited to remain as if a prisoner without shackles, and meeting the eye of the few men guarding Kelly, a gesture of Gilead’s head gave them the order to retire. Now looking solely at the woman who in her weakened state returned the stare dubious of the guard’s intentions.

“... The Ma’am will talk to you.”

“?! T-truly?! W-will she-?!” — After standing fast to the joy, a sense of fainting inundated her clarity making her stammer, inviting the guard’s hand to support her as the lack of food was taking her energy. — “Hff... gasp... W-will she truly welcome myself, Gilead...?”

“As far as to welcome... I doubt it. You well know what you did.” — Gilead said with a frown. — “I said she would talk to you.”

“Ah... I-It does not matter... finally... S-she will talk to me...” — Weary and sweaty, Kelly, in a fainting demeanour mumbled, holding onto Gilead’s support for it would aid her going to the one she had betrayed.

Even as he thought her walk would be slow given her demeanour, Kelly walked fast to where Ewelina was to talk to her, proving the Guard mistaken and indifferent to the eyes of the men who wondered about the reasons behind the guard taking the woman to their Master.

“Yet Nu will be of aid, Master’s wife~!” — As they closed onto the tent, they heard the brakian mainglousse manifest.

“I have already told you that you are not allowed to join us. Do not insist or I am to give Nu a separate bedroom once the Castle is safe.”

“?! Nooo~ Master’s wife~~ Pleaaaseee~” 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

“... Ma’am.” — Interrupting the child’s tantrum, Gilead’s expression could not hide the annoyance at Nu’s behaviour. Releasing the arm of Kelly, and presenting her to the Master that gracefully turned to look at them.

“... Nu. No more talk about this. Go to the horses, I am to take care of some matters now.” — Conveying severity, the child this time did not manifest against it. Walking cautiously beside the woman she knew Ewelina was troubled about, glancing at the guard who glared at her, moving his brow to rush her out.

“Gilead, meanie Gilead... Hmph!” — She mumbled in a pout, to let silence fall upon them.

“...”

In the midst of the calmness the child’s leave brought Ewelina stared at Kelly, whose gaze looked down, showing shame and respect... behaving seemingly proper, given the water that had traversed between herself and the current Myrkzver Archduchess.

“... I am not going to talk with you about what you hope for. Know this well.” — Breaking the quiet, the graceful woman harshly said with a cold gaze, meeting Kelly’s that lost light as she fearfully peeked at the Archduchess she once did not value enough.