CHAPTER 485: CHAPTER 485 - RETRACING MY STEPS (PART 2)

The next morning, I kissed Quintin on the lips while he was still half asleep as my way to say "see you soon". I also made sure to give my formal greetings and farewell to his parents who are technically my soon-to-be in-laws once I have fixed things back in Hoffen City. I encouraged them to write me a letter addressed to the Academe of Gnosis every time any of their family members have any questions or need any type of help so I can send my assistance the soonest.

Though I was very much enjoying the slow and happy life in the town of Ersha, I can’t stay and had no other choice but to continue my trip back to where I originally came from. I rode my wagon and departed towards Bragen just as the first rays of the sun has shown in the sky.

The trip inside the wagon was leisurely and enjoyable compared to the earlier stretch I had when I was leaving Rigden. Since I don’t feel stressed or do not have the need to escape anyone, my horses which were always conscious of my emotions, were also quite relaxed throughout the trip. I even allowed my two plump and loyal steeds to gnaw on some fresh grass by the side of the road whenever they want to. I also made sure to resume my harvesting activities in some of the forest and prairies that we pass by.

I arrived in Bragen around brunch time. As expected, just like in Ersha, the guards manning the northern gates immediately made their move after confirming that I was about to arrive. Upon seeing my wagon arriving from afar, a couple of guards started to leave their post hurriedly then scrambled away from the gates towards two different directions. With just one look I knew that the other one is going to the count’s mansion while the other one is going to Claude’s home. The whole city knew for a fact that he is my man, so to speak though nothing has been formalized yet on official documents.

Just I arrived at the gates of Bragen, the group from the count’s mansion have arrived which included the count, his wife, his children and some of their personal aides. They were shortly followed by the arrival of Claude, the orphanage manager as well as the children from the previous orphanage who moved in near our home. All I could say is that the welcoming party was quite huge for a single person, not that I have any complaints or anything.

I greeted all of them with a smile and asked how everyone has been while I am away. Everybody answered that they have never been better which made me smile even more. I talked to Claude for a bit and told him that I have to go to the count’s mansion first as a formality but I will be at our home soon after our short talk is finished. Claude simply nodded and guided his companions back home.

I followed the count and his entourage back to the mansion for a formal gathering though I clearly stated that I would be having my lunch back at my home. The count and countess smiled in understanding as I am technically as good as married and it is only right to spend my meals with my future husband in the home that I built for us.

On the other hand, I can feel an intense stare coming from somewhere in the count’s mansion while I was talking about Claude and our new home. As I looked around the area, I finally found the source. I couldn’t help but smirk as I saw the eldest son of the count standing at the top of the staircase, eyeing me from afar.

As for why he is giving .e such strange looks, it traces back to the time when someone was following me around as I was shopping around Bragen. I escaped time and time again from the said surveillance that I was even able to steal Claude from the establishment he was working for in Qadreja.

This guy wanted to stop me from meetjng other men and potential rivals, thus, hiring someone to tail me. Too bad, fate works differently as I met Claude first in the pub I ate inside of during my shopping trip. My man and I barely talked but he was able to discreetly invite me for some nightly activities.

Now, at present time, I guess he still hated the fact that I chose a commoner over him. He may like me sincerely but his pride will never let him approach me and accept a situation where he is only second in rank to Claude. He is indeed the first born son of the count so who he marries will always be a big deal.

After the short greetings, I excused myself as I made my way to the home that Claude and I built for us here in Bragen. When I arrived, a sumptious meal made by my husband and everyone else in the compound has already been prepared. We shared a happy and filling meal together for the first time since the house, farm and the new orphanage has been built.

I decided to stay in Bragen overnight at least to spend some time with Claude. As for why I only stayed one night, that is because this guy is kind of aggressive. He will surely try to seduce me to bring things further in our relationship. I do have some will power to say "No" but sadly, it is only enough for one night. I am not sure if I can avoid it if I spend a second night here.

The next morning, we ate another delicious meal and this time I helped in the cooking, making sure everybody got to eat their favorite breakfast items. After making sure everything was cleaned up to lighten Claude’s load, I continued my way back to Hoffen City once more.