IFLDMHF | Chapter 114

Episode 114

Euclid’s golden eyes widened in surprise at my passionate attitude.

His rabbit-like expression was so adorable that I almost lost myself staring at him. But I held onto my rationality and continued speaking.

“The money we found in the carriage earlier—shouldn’t we return it to the Tower Master and let him know?”

I couldn’t bring it up earlier because the children, overjoyed at their unexpected windfall, were practically celebrating.

But I couldn’t shake the thought that the Tower Master had somehow become an unfortunate victim of my good financial luck.

‘Of course, if he hadn’t first tried to sell me that strange rocket-powered carriage, or if he hadn’t hastily swapped it with mine, none of this would have happened in the first place…’

Regardless, he was Euclid’s friend and a potential business partner for future ventures. There was no need to sour our relationship.

“That may have been a month’s worth of income to him, but for most noble households, it’s equivalent to a year’s budget.”

It made sense. The mana stones and magic tools sold by the Tower were not only exorbitantly expensive luxury goods, but also rare items that could only be obtained from them.

“More importantly, the Tower Master seems to love money. What if he holds a grudge over this?”

I lowered my voice and whispered. Euclid burst into laughter.

“You’re right that the Tower Master is obsessed with money. But he’s not petty enough to bear a grudge and seek revenge over this. You needn’t worry.”

“I’m actually fine, but I’m more concerned about how he might feel. What if he’s so distraught that he falls ill?”

Euclid, who had been smiling softly, suddenly spoke in a slightly bitter tone.

“I’ve been trying to contact him for a while now, but it seems he’s not in the Empire.”

“Really?”

“Yes. He often disappears for a month or two at a time.”

“I see…”

I nodded in understanding, though inwardly, I was surprised.

Euclid was the one reaching out to the Tower Master?

And he even looked disappointed that he wasn’t in the Empire?

‘I’m so jealous…’

Even if I had to return the money out of my own pocket, I needed to build a connection with the Tower Master.

I had far too many questions—when had he and Euclid met? How did they become friends? Ten fingers wouldn’t be enough to count everything I wanted to ask.

For someone like Euclid, who was kind to everyone yet subtly kept his distance, having a close friend like the Tower Master made him seem all the more impressive.

In any case, now that Euclid had given a clear answer regarding the money in the carriage, I felt at ease.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“About what?”

“I’m going to rebuild the roads. And develop the city as well.”

As soon as I finished speaking, Euclid slowly closed and reopened his eyes.

“…Pardon?”

“Hm?”

“No, it’s just…”

Euclid rubbed his lips, looking flustered.

“I was wondering why you said it so casually… like you were just deciding to wake up early tomorrow.”

To be fair, it wasn’t an everyday decision.

But I had been thinking about this long before I even planned to become independent. That’s why I spoke without hesitation.

“I’m not taking it lightly. I just think it’s best to pay off our debts first before starting.”

I planned to overhaul the entire underdeveloped northern region, reconstruct the road system, and establish a planned city.

Even I knew it wouldn’t be easy.

It required a massive amount of funding and meticulous preparation across multiple fields.

But for the advancement of the North, and ultimately for independence from the Empire, it was a project that had to be accomplished.

The weather had improved, meaning we could now expect self-sufficient production. Industrial development was becoming a possibility.

With the income from the mines and lands I received as part of my dowry—and even the unintended financial support from the Tower Master—it was time to solidify my plans.

“This will be the biggest project ever undertaken by the Duchy of Rudion—no, in the entire history of the North.”

If it succeeded, the region would become just as competitive as the South, if not the capital itself.

Euclid seemed to understand what I was saying and the future I envisioned.

But instead of being pleased or hopeful as I had expected, his eyes held hesitation and fear.

I hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Of course, I need your approval first.”

Euclid didn’t know that I intended to break away from the Empire, so it was natural for him to be taken aback by my plans.

‘I got ahead of myself in my excitement.’

Even when it came to allowing non-northerners into the Knights Order, Euclid had agonized over the decision.

If the North developed, it would naturally lead to increased interaction with other regions. The doors that had been firmly shut until now would likely open.

It wouldn’t be an easy decision for him.

As expected—

“I understand everything you’ve said. And I recognize that your plans are for the benefit of the duchy and the North as a whole. However…”

Euclid’s expression turned serious as he lowered his gaze.

“Could you give me some more time to think about it?”

Since I had said that Euclid’s approval came first, my answer was naturally, “Of course.”

However, an odd silence fell over us after the conversation ended.

Just as the atmosphere was about to turn awkward—

“Ugh…”

“Are you alright, my wife?”

As we entered the Anita Mountain foothills, where the border guards were stationed, the carriage began shaking far more violently than before.

Feeling nauseous, I suddenly fell silent.

Seeing this, Euclid sighed softly, as if he had expected it.

“My wife, close your eyes and lean on me.”

“…Alright.”

Barely managing to respond, I weakly rested my head against Euclid’s shoulder.

To think that I could have been this close to him all along, without scheming with the children or making a fuss just to create an opportunity…

It felt a bit unfair, but I wasn’t in any state to celebrate.

Time, which had flown by so quickly during our picnic, now felt agonizingly slow.

With Euclid beside me, I managed to keep my composure and endure.

“My wife.”

“Have we arrived?”

I quickly lifted my head at Euclid’s voice.

Just as I was about to jump out of the carriage, Euclid held me back.

“Why—”

“The weather here is still cold. If you go out like this, you’ll catch a cold.”

As I stared at him in mild frustration, Anne, who had prepared in advance, began wrapping me in gloves and a fur cloak.

Any lingering resentment melted away in an instant. Instead, my lips curled up in delight at this unexpected fortune.

Even though Euclid’s touch was devoid of personal desire, the mere fact that my favorite person was taking care of me was enough to move me.

After ensuring I was warmly dressed, Euclid stepped out of the carriage first and extended his hand.

The moment I took it and stepped outside, the icy air filled my lungs.

I immediately understood why Euclid had tried to dissuade me—and why he had been so concerned.

Hunching my shoulders against the cold, I looked around. Towering coniferous trees stretched toward the sky, and the ground was covered in snow.

“This is the highest point the carriage can reach on Anita Mountain. From here…”

Euclid began explaining beside me.

But even after leaving the violently shaking carriage and stepping into the open air, my chest still felt tight, and my breathing grew labored.

Noticing my strange condition, Euclid urgently grasped my shoulders.

“My wife, take deep breaths. This is a high-altitude symptom.”

Altitude sickness? Was this really altitude sickness?

This stifling sensation, as if something was clogging my throat and chest?

“You look pale. If it’s too much, we can turn back. Just say the word.”

Euclid lowered his head to meet my gaze.

And oddly enough… just seeing his face made me feel a little better.

Or perhaps the medicine Anne had given me before we left was finally kicking in.

Following Euclid’s advice, I took a deep breath and exhaled, then smiled faintly.

“I think I’m feeling a bit better. We need to go higher, right?”

“Yes. From here, we must ride on horseback, but…”

Looking worried, Euclid hesitated before asking,

“My wife, do you know how to ride a horse?”