---

In the end, Richard couldn’t reconcile with Alicia and embarked on his journey back.

Soon after, the escort caravan had barely left the damp and humid regions of Kingsland, which seemed like it would rain at any moment, and they entered Seophone Kingdom territory, where it had started to rain.

They arrived at the city of Borderster, located in the far north of Kingsland. It was rumored to be besieged by the Undead, but by the time they arrived, the area seemed to have been organized, with no burning pits of undead or rubbish heaps in sight.

Karem felt nostalgic. Unlike the last time he set foot in this stinky city, he was now in a position of wealth and status far superior to his previous life.

However, there was no time to languish in memories.

It had only been a day since the caravan reached Borderster. During that time, they had hurriedly dealt with the accumulated materials and byproducts, keeping only the essential supplies before setting off again.

“Why are we moving so hastily?”

While adjusting the speed of the shell I’m peeling on the wagon’s spacious floor, I peeked outside. The gloomy sky loomed larger as Borderster grew distant.

“Usually, after traveling this far, we should rest for a few days.”

“That’s generally the case.”

Catherine was perusing a new book and scroll, seemingly pulled out from the cart at an unknown time.

“And besides, there were hardly any cities or villages from the midway point to Borderster. Well, I suppose it was the same as when we came up last year.”

“Close the window. Humidity is coming in.”

“Right. It’s spring here, so it may start to rain soon.”

“It’s not Iceland, so instead of rain, I bet we’ll get a humid fog rolling in gloomily.”

Mary, with her hands clasped modestly, caught onto Karem’s muttering. Her squinted eyes were fixed on a basket full of shell debris.

“Even in Seophone, where sunny days are few and far between, Iceland is notorious for its bad weather due to its proximity.”

“I think Kingsland’s weather was similarly harsh to that of Seophone.”

Even when they were in Moston Village, good weather for a stroll was rare.

“If you head south toward Seophone Island, the climate is less humid and smelly, but the gloomy skies that could lead to melancholy are still there.”

“Well, it’s not like there’s ever good weather on this island.”

“Not entirely absent, mind you.”

Mary continued to gaze at the basket of shell debris.

“In the case of the southern South Coast, perhaps because it’s closer to the continent, gloomy days are less common than clearer days.”

“And what about the other regions…?”

“The further south you go, the milder the climate, but overcast weather becomes more frequent.”

Catherine, while listening to their conversation as a backdrop to her reading, began to twist her posture. Sitting for long periods was uncomfortable. Shifting positions, Catherine sighed and put down her book.

“This won’t do.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t seem to sit for long like the other desk sitters.”

Catherine leaned down and gently poked Karem, who was seated on the floor, pointing to an empty space beside her.

“Come up here.”

“Uh? Yes.”

I didn’t know why, but since she asked me to come up, Karem lifted the shell and nut basket he had spread on the floor onto the table and slid into the vacant seat beside her.

Thud—

And he jumped a little.

Catherine had rested her head on his shoulder.

“Hmm. Now this is comfortable.”

“Er, isn’t this a bit too bold?”

“Shut it. Don’t move. It’ll be uncomfortable.”

“Yes.”

Regardless of Karem’s circumstances, Catherine, resting her head on his shoulder, began flipping through the book she had previously covered.

On the other hand, Karem found it hard to calm his flustered nerves.

Since the coming-of-age ceremony, just when he thought he could forget, the distance between them suddenly narrowed. Just when he thought he had adapted, this unexpected situation made it difficult for Karem to adjust.

As I always say, it was hard on the heart.

The warmth, weight, and the hair brushing his hands caused by relying on his shoulder were all problems in themselves.

Of course, now he occasionally found himself seated on her lap, but there was a big difference between doing that openly and having it happen unexpectedly.

The latter doesn’t give you time to prepare mentally.

Then from the corner of his vision, he saw Mary’s fingers beckoning. Her fingers were pointing towards the empty shell basket on the table.

A reluctant gaze met with Mary’s.

The meaning seemed obvious, but there was nothing he could do.

‘How can I peel shells in a situation like this?’

Fortunately, the period during which he couldn’t cook had passed.

Karem nodded in a positive manner.

Mary, with a cheerful demeanor, pulled the basket closer and began peeling the shells.

The speed didn’t vary much from Karem’s.

The difference was that she intentionally slowed it down.

The reason was evident.

For the same reason Karem had been feeling bored earlier.

‘Shell speed… shell speed…’

Of course, with her abilities, peeling the remaining half of the walnut shells in the basket was a breeze. She didn’t even need to use magic.

But doing so would mean the already sparse to-do list would vanish even faster. Mary had no intention of missing this opportunity.

She then subtly glanced at the culprit who had handed over the task, Karem.

While Karem still seemed somewhat tense, in contrast, Catherine was completely at ease, turning the pages of her book slowly, leaning against Karem.

Noticing this, Karem let out a sigh.

This was certainly a considerable matter for his heart.

If he could just take a moment to breathe, everything would be easier.

But just when that thought crossed his mind, Catherine moved, her shoulder nudging Karem.

“Hey, how about we switch positions? I’m sure you can handle me on your shoulder.”

Karem was bewildered, but he ultimately nodded.

Thus, they switched positions, and Catherine snuck her way back to her book, causing Karem to glance nervously out of the corner of his eye.

“Well, it won’t be long until we reach our destination, will it?”

“Oh, not at all. Just hold on, will you?”

The journey seemed to stretch on endlessly as they rode forward.

Karem’s heart raced as he sensed the weight of the situation—still unable to adapt fully to this new closeness.

“Besides,” he thought, “it’s not like this happens every day.”

And before long, they were met with the sounds of anticipation from the convoy as they cruised onward.

A feeling of hope began to bloom in Karem’s heart—maybe this could all lead to something wonderful.

 

---