IFLDMHF | Chapter 115

Episode 115

“Riding a horse? No, I can’t.”

I wasn’t sure about Evgenia, but unlike my appearance, I had a delicate sensitivity. Since I was also scared of horses, I had no experience with horseback riding.

Euclid nodded.

“Actually, even if you were good at riding, this place isn’t easy for a first-timer to navigate. So, ride with me.”

“Oh….”

Could it be my birthday today? Riding a horse with my favorite character!

“Alright.”

Unable to hide my joy, I answered immediately, and Euclid let out a small laugh.

When I followed with a smile, Euclid, whose ears turned slightly red, took the reins from Gressel, who had been waiting.

Uh…? But isn’t this horse bigger than I expected?

Just as I was about to take a step back in surprise, Euclid smoothly mounted the horse and reached out his hand to me.

“The terrain is rough, so it would be better for you to sit facing forward rather than sideways.”

Swallowing nervously, I mustered the courage to take Euclid’s hand.

In an instant, my view changed.

I flinched at the sensation of Euclid behind me, and a low voice resonated near my ear.

“It may be uncomfortable, but please bear with it for a little while.”

…Uncomfortable? I could stay like this forever.

“The speed will be fast, but don’t worry. Let’s go.”

Without hearing my inner thoughts, Euclid urged the horse forward.

And after a short while,

I realized the fatal flaw of this position.

I couldn’t see Euclid’s face!

‘Back hugs are nice, but I want to see him riding a horse too!’

As if punishing me for my fleeting thought that I could stay like this forever, the fierce wind mercilessly whipped against my face.

Thankfully, Euclid pulled the hood of his cloak over me, shielding me. If not for that, my ears might have fallen off from the cold.

While struggling to tuck my neck like a turtle to avoid the wind, I found myself surprised as I watched Euclid skillfully handle the horse.

‘This is really unexpected.’

I had thought he was more physically fit than he looked, but having only seen him sitting elegantly at his desk with a refined posture, moving his pen gracefully, seeing him confidently riding through the mountain trails felt both unfamiliar and fascinating.

‘And the way he lifted me onto the horse so effortlessly.’

Discovering yet another side of Euclid made me feel warm inside despite the cold.

How far did we climb through the rugged mountain path?

Eventually, all traces of grass and trees disappeared, revealing a vast snow-covered rocky mountain. Towering spires, fences, small lodgings, and an armory came into view.

Even though the Cephlik mountain range was known for its steep and towering geography, making it difficult for enemy forces to cross, the border area still had necessary defense facilities.

Separate from the Duke’s largely nominal knight order, a garrison of northerners familiar with the treacherous terrain was stationed here for protection.

“Duke! We received word of your arrival, but… gasp!”

At that moment, the garrison commander, who had rushed out to greet us, abruptly halted, drawing in a sharp breath.

“I-I didn’t expect the Duchess to be here, please forgive my discourtesy!”

Seeing me riding alongside Euclid must have shocked him.

Euclid dismounted first and carefully helped me down.

I wanted to take a longer look at Euclid’s face, which I hadn’t seen up close for a while, but I couldn’t just ignore the loyal guards protecting the Duke’s territory in this freezing mountaintop.

“It’s fine. I simply wanted to look around, so please be at ease.”

“I truly deserve to be punished… Huh? T-thank you!”

The man, who looked ready to drop to his knees at any moment, suddenly lifted his head in surprise.

I chuckled, reminded of the staff at the ducal estate, who used to be startled by my words and actions when I first arrived.

But when the garrison commander seemed even more nervous, hiccupping in fright, I quickly suppressed my laughter.

Soon after, we were guided up a sturdy brick tower, as the commander explained that they had been eagerly awaiting Euclid’s visit.

At the top of the tower, an intense chill seeped into my bones.

“The weather has improved a lot, hasn’t it? When the Duke last visited three months ago, the blizzards were so strong that we could barely see.”

Despite the cold, the garrison commander spoke with a cheerful tone.

I had assumed the weather here never changed, but apparently, this was what counted as “improved.”

‘More importantly… Euclid seemed so natural riding up the mountain. Does he come here for inspections regularly?’

Being the Duke of Rudion really seemed like an extreme job.

Not only did the Imperial Family fail to recognize his efforts, but they also didn’t even provide support. Despite being buried in debt, he still had to defend the border…

Of course, protecting the North was his duty and responsibility. But as a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him, pouting slightly.

“As the weather improves, there might be those who attempt to cross the border. Please strengthen patrols and tighten security.”

“Understood!”

“Oh, and we recently restocked the supplies…”

While Euclid continued his discussion with the garrison commander, I took the time to observe the surrounding landscape.

‘Wow, would anyone really try to cross this mountain even if the weather improves?’

Euclid was right to be cautious, but the Cephlik mountain range was truly massive.

Looking at the endless snow-covered peaks and clouds that seemed close enough to touch, I felt both dizzy and awestruck.

‘And somewhere here lies the first lord of Rudion.’

The dragon, known as the strongest creature on earth.

Thinking about it made my heart race inexplicably.

Perhaps due to the sunlight reflecting off the snowy mountains, my eyes stung, so I rubbed them gently. Wanting to avoid disturbing Euclid, who was still engaged in his briefing, I quietly descended the tower.

There, I saw Gressel and the knights, completely exhausted from the climb.

I understood that swordsmanship and physical endurance were different, but…

Euclid seemed perfectly fine. Weren’t these knights supposed to be former mercenaries? Wasn’t their stamina too weak?

Of course, having reached the summit comfortably in Euclid’s arms with only a bit of wind on my face, I wasn’t exactly in a position to judge.

Still, as I glanced at them in slight disappointment, they flinched in unison and quickly averted their gazes.

“T-the path was too rough…”

“I’ve only just started riding… Getting this far is actually impressive…”

“If you put us through endurance training or sparring, we could go all night!”

Their small, whiny voices made me scoff.

“Then just don’t talk.”

At that, they all shut their mouths as if on cue.

I was about to scold them further—

Euclid would have to continue inspecting this place regularly, but I wanted the knight order to take over in his absence. They needed to start intensive equestrian training.

But before I could say anything—

“My wife, have you been waiting long?”

Euclid had already descended from the tower.

“Are you finished talking already?”

“Yes. You endured a difficult climb, but now we must descend soon. I’m sorry.”

His expression turned slightly dejected, as if regretting that I had to make this climb at all.

I quickly shook my head.

“No, it’s fine. I insisted on coming. Seeing it for myself is reassuring.”

Seemingly relieved, Euclid smiled.

Then he turned to the knights and spoke gently.

“It must have been difficult for you all on your first trip here. Thank you for your hard work. Thanks to the supplies you brought, the garrison will be safe and warm for a while.”

“O-oh, not at all!”

“It was our duty!”

“Thank you for saying so. Now, though you must be exhausted, let’s carefully make our way down. I’ll take the lead again, so follow closely.”

As Euclid explained that descending would be more dangerous than climbing, the knights subtly wiped their eyes with their sleeves.

“Sniff…!”

“As expected of the Duke.”

“He’s really different from the Madam…”

…These guys?