Velt was having breakfast with Rurhy and Rosa at the dining table.

  —So we’re going to restore trade relations with the neighboring cities? —Velt asked, taking a sip of his tea.

  —That’s right. We need to reactivate the city’s economy —Rosa replied, bringing a piece of bread to her mouth.

  —I’ll stay here to help with the reconstruction and also establish a new trade link with my village. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing —Rurhy added.

  —I see… then we’ll leave after breakfast —Velt said.

  At that moment, Dash, Luke, and Jack entered the dining room.

  —Morning —Dash greeted with a yawn.

  —Morning —Velt replied.

  —Did the three of you really wake up this early? —Luke asked as he sat down and grabbed some bread.

  —We’re planning a few things —Velt answered.

  —Like what? —Jack asked while pouring himself tea.

  —Rosa and I are heading out —Velt said casually.

  Dash nearly choked on his bread.

  —You’re leaving?

  —Not like that —Velt clarified. —Rosa is going to restore trade ties with the nearby cities, and I’ll be accompanying her.

  —And while you’re doing that, we’ll finish things up here, right? —Jack said.

  —Exactly —Velt confirmed, finishing his tea.

  —When will you be back? —Luke asked.

  —We’re not sure. We used to trade with six cities, and we don’t know how difficult it’ll be to restore those agreements. Sarah was the one who cut ties, so we’re starting at a disadvantage —Rosa explained.

  —I see… —Luke murmured.

  —Why isn’t Rurhy going with you? —Dash asked.

  —I’ll answer that —Rurhy cut in. —At first, I wanted to go, but then I realized you three would be left here in charge.

  Dash, Luke, and Jack spat out their breakfast at the same time.

  —Hold on, what’s that supposed to mean? —Dash protested.

  —That was uncalled for —Luke added.

  —You owe us an apology —Jack said, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief.

  Rurhy looked at them steadily.

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  —Let me ask you something. Before Velt came into your lives, did you accomplish anything truly noteworthy on your own?

  None of them answered. Dash tried to recall something and failed, Luke lowered his head, and Jack suddenly found his handkerchief fascinating.

  —I think that was a bit harsh —Velt muttered.

  —Yeah… it was. Sorry, guys —Rurhy apologized.

  Dash shook his head.

  —No… she’s right. Before Velt showed up, we were just aimless adventurers… and a farm boy who happened to be good with daggers.

  —Helping here will help us grow too —Luke added.

  —Yeah, I think I get what you meant now —Jack said.

  —I’m glad you understand —Rurhy replied.

  —Alright, Rosa and I will leave in a few minutes. Rurhy will be in charge. And I feel like I’m forgetting something… —Velt murmured thoughtfully.

  —You must inform the farmers to reduce production. We have no buyers for the surplus, and it would be wasteful once it spoils —Zero pointed out.

  —Ah, right. You’re right, Zero.

  —What did he say? —Rurhy asked.

  —Tell the farmers to scale back the harvest this season. We don’t have buyers, and we can’t afford to waste resources.

  —Got it, we’ll handle it —Dash said.

  —Then I’ll go get ready —Velt announced, standing up.

  —I also need to prepare a few things in the village —Rurhy added.

  —And I’ll go change —Rosa said.

  A short while later, Velt stood at the city gates.

  —You look handsome today, sir —the guard at the entrance commented.

  —T-thank you… —Velt replied, embarrassed.

  —Heading somewhere?

  —We’re going to restore trade ties with the neighboring cities.

  —I hope you succeed. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen merchants around here.

  —That gives us even more reason to try.

  —Exactly —the guard smiled. —Is Princess Rosa coming?

  —Yes, though I haven’t seen her in a few minutes.

  —I saw her heading toward the carriages.

  A white carriage stopped in front of him. Rosa stepped down, dressed in an elegant moss-green gown. Delicate earrings caught the light as she moved.

  —Wow… —Velt murmured.

  —Do I look strange? —Rosa asked shyly.

  —N-no… I’m just not used to seeing you in a dress. You look… really beautiful.

  Rosa blushed.

  —Thank you. I didn’t think it would be appropriate to travel dressed like an adventurer.

  —I’m just wearing this… —Velt said, glancing at his clothes and sword.

  —You look like a seasoned adventurer —she replied with a smile.

  An awkward silence followed.

  The guard cleared her throat.

  —I believe you should be going.

  —R-right —Rosa said.

  Velt opened the carriage door and extended his hand.

  —Let me help you up.

  —Thank you, what a gentleman —Rosa said, taking his hand.

  Good. I think I did that right, Velt thought.

  —Almost. You should have bowed slightly and placed your other hand over your chest —Zero commented.

  How was I supposed to know that? Velt thought with resignation before climbing in.

  The carriage began to move.

  —Where are we heading first? —Velt asked.

  —To the city of Felch. The princess there is a friend of mine. That should be the easiest one.

  —Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

  —I’m fine… —Rosa replied.

  But she looked restless.

  —Is something wrong?

  —It’s just… this is the first time we’ve traveled alone, without Rurhy or the others.

  —That’s true.

  —It’s not a problem, right? We’re just going out… there’s nothing wrong with that.

  —Of course not.

  They both began overthinking.

  What am I even saying? Velt thought.

  He’s my boyfriend… why am I this nervous? Rosa wondered.

  —It is recommended to find a shared topic of conversation —Zero suggested.

  Right, something in common, Velt thought.

  —So… —they both said at the same time.

  They looked at each other and laughed.

  —I’m so pathetic —Velt said between laughs.

  —You’re not the only one —Rosa replied.

  —Sorry for getting nervous.

  —I am too… this is new for me.

  —We need to relax before we arrive.

  Rosa shifted slightly.

  —Then… sit here.

  Velt hesitated for a few seconds before sitting beside her.

  —Excuse me.

  —Relax…

  After a while in silence, Rosa rested her head on his shoulder.

  —Do you mind if I sleep for a bit?

  —Not at all… I might do the same.

  Rosa closed her eyes until her breathing became soft and steady. Velt tilted his head slightly until it rested against hers and drifted off as well.

  A few minutes later, Rosa opened her eyes. She looked at Velt sleeping beside her and couldn’t help but smile, her cheeks flushed as the carriage rolled steadily toward its destination.