A Stranger Wearing the Name of Your Wife - Chapter 2

I couldn’t just stretch my legs—I could even lie down and move around. The bed carriage that allowed camping was very comfortable. The mattress on the bed softened the hard shaking of the ground. It still swayed side to side, but just reducing the up-and-down motion made it much easier.

I held my child close so she wouldn’t hit her head when the carriage rocked. Watching her wake up and move her fingers was truly precious. I married him for the sake of peace with the neighboring country. I have no love or lingering feelings for Maurice, but I can wholeheartedly be happy that he gave me this child. Letting my body sway with the carriage, I smiled at the adorable Ingrid.

Since they knew I had a baby, we wouldn’t camp outside. Instead, we were moving quickly along the road. I wanted to avoid any chance of being caught. If Maurice, the knight commander, noticed us, he might close the border. After all, he’s Duke Stuart and, though a child born out of wedlock, still part of the royal family.

That’s probably why my oldest brother, Rui, who became the emperor, sent Fort. He must’ve been worried too. To think he sent the marshal who leads the Richter Empire’s army on an errand like this. I’ll have to scold him later. I let out a soft chuckle.

“We’re taking a break, Tria.”

I nodded at Fort, who used my nickname, and got off the stopped carriage. I handed Ingrid to the nurse who came running. Anna, the nurse, is from the Richter Empire, and I heard she’ll go home with us. The maids and attendants were also given referral letters if they wanted. All the servants who came with me when I married wished to return to our country.

“My lady, Marshal. Your seats are ready.”

Under the shade of the trees, a parasol and table set had been perfectly prepared—just like having tea in the garden of a mansion. Even on a journey, nothing was overlooked. Elise, my maid, had been assigned to me even in the royal palace. She’s thoughtful and very lovely. I thanked her and sat down.

“I’ve heard the rough details… but the Kingdom of Addison really did something foolish.”

“Fort, let’s save that talk for when we get home.”

“You’re right. Our brothers will want to talk about it too.”

Fort shrugged and smiled. His bright red hair sparkled in the light. We all have different mothers, so our hair and skin colors vary a little. But we all got the same blue eyes from our father. Thankfully, my daughter Ingrid inherited them too.

Ingrid, who looks just like me, also got my silver hair and brown skin. She has almost nothing from her father, which makes her even cuter. I used to keep my hair tied since the marriage, but now I’ve let it down. I held my silver hair as it swayed in the wind.

“Tonight, we’ll stay at the town two stops ahead. We’re expected to enter the Empire around noon the day after tomorrow.”

Fort split a scone in half and handed me one. I smiled awkwardly. Even if someone scolded him for bad manners, he wouldn’t care at all. Maybe it’s a habit from the past when he used to say, “I’m testing it for poison.”

I took it without complaint, added jam, and put it in my mouth. A soft orange scent filled the air. The nostalgic taste was so delicious.

“I prepared your favorite orange flavor, my lady.”

“Thank you, Elise.”

Looking up, the sky was blue with a few white clouds floating. With such nice weather, it looked like this would be a wonderful journey.