Success Mission

"Desmond, we're almost there."

"Uh, yes… In a moment."

"Geez."

Rheannon smiled, amused seeing Hadrian trying to wake Desmond, who was still asleep.

Unlike the Whitley region, which is mostly savanna and agricultural fields, Paiton is a hilly area. And unlike its name*, Paiton is beautiful, with greenery and flowers everywhere. The rocky area of Paiton is only directly adjacent to Pyrs.

*[Paiton means "warrior's estate"]

"Use it for now." Hadrian draped his cloak over Rheannon's body. Paiton, located slightly higher, has air that tends to be cold. "When you're inside the house, the air will be warmer."

"Thank you."

House. That's right, now this neighbor's land is Rheannon's house.

***

Melchoir's main residence is a rocky building with walls lined with various plants. The outward appearance looks like a building inhabited by a gardener or a plant fairy because it is so beautiful. It felt like in Melchoir's main residence one could find all of Rexton's vegetation.

"You have... a quiet taste," said Rheannon as they crossed the estate's front yard.

"Not really. All the plants here grow by themselves. We just take care of them so they look tidier," said Hadrian.

"Growing naturally? Because of the… climate and the soil?"

"Maybe so. Since I was a child, this place and the entire Paiton plain have been green."

That's true. Most plains in Paiton are green instead of grayish or brownish rock. Paiton is fertile in a different way from the Whitley region.

Meanwhile, the appearance in the main estate of Melchoir was beyond standard expectations, befitting a noble's estate. Plants on beautiful ceramics, glittering chandeliers and plush carpets. The impression is far from the dark figure of Hadrian.

"For once, it seems I can read your mind," blurted Hadrian.

"Oh, really?" Reannon replied.

"This residence doesn't represent me at all, does it?"

"The servants in this estate… must be great."

Hadrian smiled faintly at Rheannon. "Welcome to the main residence of Melchoir. I hope you are comfortable while you are here," he said.

Simultaneously, the maids also greeted their arrival.

"Thank you," Rheannon replied.

Desmond was immediately brought by another servant to his room. He wished Rheannon goodnight with a wave. After that a senior male servant greeted Rheannon.

"Welcome, Madame Rheannon. I'm Calore, the butler. If Your Ladyship needs anything, you can contact me immediately," Calore greeted with respect and warmth.

"Thank you, Sir Calore."

Calore glanced at Hadrian. "Since it's getting late, I hope Your Ladyship doesn't mind going straight to rest. I'll send a hot drink to your room after this."

"I'll take you," said Hadrian. Rheannon looked at him confused. "We will share the same room until death do us part - if I borrow a word from Sir Ichabod."

"For safety reasons," Rheannon continued.

Hadrian didn't deny it at all. "Our room is on the second floor. Can you still walk? I can carry you."

Rheannon smiled broadly, then allowed herself to be carried by Hadrian to their room with the eyes of the servants watching them with sparkling and shocked eyes. They seemed to not believe the day would come when their master would carry his wife in his arms.

Good thing Desmond didn't see this, Hadrian thought.

"You seem to be enjoying this very much," Hadrian commented, glancing at Rheannon.

"Of course." Rheannon brought her face closer to Hadrian's neck. "You're warm."

"People can get the wrong idea when they see you like this."

"We're a couple," Rheannon said. "Don't be so stiff."

"I'm not that stiff."

Rheannon laughed at that, making Hadrian smile subconsciously.

At first, Hadrian was worried that Rheannon's condition would worsen due to the long journey. He was also concerned that Rheannon would not like the cold and her new home, which must have felt strange. But seeing how she could still tease Hadrian like this, Rheannon seemed fine.

He's grateful. Hadrian's first mission as a husband has been successful.