The Albertine territory, one of the largest in the kingdom, was a picture of prosperity and happiness. Everything seemed well-organized, with cemented roads connecting towns and guards ensuring safety for all. The land was fertile, yielding abundant harvests that supported a thriving economy. People were content and wore smiles as they went about their daily lives. The territory was a safe haven, thanks to the watchful guard towers scattered across the landscape. Beautiful gardens and blooming flowers added to the scenic beauty, reflecting the care and love of the residents for their surroundings.

Yesterday, we sought respite in the Albertine territory due to the debilitating effects of my motion sickness. The journey had left me utterly exhausted, but a day of complete rest had revitalized my energy. The inn we lodged in offered delightful meals, and the kind-hearted innkeeper had thoughtfully provided medicines and herbal soups to aid my recovery.

Feeling much better, I looked forward to resuming our journey tomorrow. However, I couldn't ignore that a significant stretch of road still lay ahead – almost five days' worth of travel. Despite my concern, there was a glimmer of relief knowing that as long as we remained within Duke Albertine's territory, my motion sickness was less likely to torment me.

On the second day of my respite, yearning for some fresh air, I decided to venture into the town. After a refreshing bath, I dressed in a simple white dress and opted for a natural look, refraining from any makeup to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Once breakfast was done, I invited Gemma to join me on the exploration. With two gold coins in my pocket, I felt prepared to make a purchase if I stumbled upon something delightful during our outing.

The town was a picturesque and bustling hub of activity. Its well-planned layout and sturdy, cemented roads exuded a sense of order and prosperity. Colorful market stalls lined the streets, their vendors enthusiastically promoting their goods with lively calls that filled the air. The aromas of freshly baked bread, sweet pastries, and savory dishes wafted from small eateries, enticing passersby to indulge their taste buds.

Children played freely, their laughter echoing through the town as they ran around with boundless energy. Guards patrolled the area, instilling a sense of safety and security among the citizens. The centerpiece of the town square was a magnificent statue, a tribute to a heroic figure from the past, mounted atop a majestic horse and brandishing a sword, symbolizing courage and strength.

Noticing my focused gaze on the statue, Gemma inquired, "Do you know the name of this town, Young Lady?"

"I do not," I replied truthfully.

"It's called Toddler Town," Gemma said with a hint of amusement.

"Toddler... what?" I couldn't help but smile after hearing the town's name. I had forgotten the last time my face broke into a genuine smile. After the demise of my family, I had forgotten how to smile. It seemed that the infectious liveliness of the town had swept me into its joyful spirit, and I embraced the warm feeling in my heart.

Feeling encouraged by my good mood, Gemma cheerfully continued, "This town was named after Sir Tomy Toddler, a knight who bravely saved the citizens from bandits many, many years ago."

"Is that so..." I mused, finding the name rather comical. "So, that's Sir Toddler's statue?" I asked, gesturing toward the majestic figure.

"Yup, that's Sir Toddler alright."

"I'm impressed you know all this. Have you been here before?" I inquired.

"Well... I took a stroll around the town yesterday. When I asked one of the shopkeepers the name of this place, and he told me, I had the same reaction. The shopkeeper became angry and made sure to explain the origin of the name," Gemma explained with a grin.

"I see."

The town square exuded a charming beauty. Though small, it boasted neatly-trimmed bushes lining the walls, and benches thoughtfully placed on the eastern and western sides of the statue. Gemma and I settled onto one of the benches, engaging in light conversation. However, it was mostly Gemma doing the talking as I listened on quietly. As we chatted, my eyes caught sight of a tall man walking by, and I remarked jokingly, "I just saw a peacock stroll past me."

"I saw him, too" Gemma giggled. "Quite a handsome peacock, don't you think?"

"Was he, now?" I joked back. "All I noticed was his long, blue hair and green shirt. What an extravagant young man he is."

After a bit more exploration, we decided to head back to the inn. As we reached the door, something made me pause, and Gemma nearly bumped into me.

"What is it, Young Lady?"

"Nothing," I replied, my attention fixed on the counter inside the inn. There stood the peacock-man, engaged in a conversation with the innkeeper. As soon as I stepped inside, the innkeeper greeted me warmly, "You're back, Young Lady."

"Oh, it's him!" Gemma whispered excitedly.

I nodded in acknowledgement to the innkeeper, and the man turned to look at me, flashing a polite smile. At first glance, he exuded the air of a noble, with his other-worldly looks, lean and masculine frame, and the vibrant blue suit that perfectly complemented the color of his hair. Furthermore, a sword with an ornate hilt hung at his waist, hinting at his prowess as a swordsman. The jade earring adorning his right ear added to his unique appearance, and his hair was loosely parted to the side, giving him the aura of a man who had broken many hearts.

I  gave him a brief nod and made a beeline for the stairs, hoping he hadn't overheard my earlier playful remark about him.

"As usual," I heard him saying, his voice containing a hint of amusement. "I need a room for pruning my feathers."

My footsteps faltered on the stairs, and a rush of embarrassment flooded my cheeks. He had overheard my earlier remark, and I was mortified. How foolish of me to make fun of someone's appearance behind their back, only to be caught in the act.

I hurriedly increased my pace and rushed to my room. I needed some time to forget about this cringe-worthy incident and gather my composure once more.

***

"Pruning your feathers... wha-?" the innkeeper looked at him, unamused. "Young Master, you're full of yourself as usual."

"It was not intended towards you, ma chérie," the man replied with a charming smile.

The innkeeper was accustomed to his playful remarks. She lightly tapped his head with her register and said, "How many times have I told you not to flirt with a married lady?"

"Speaking of which, why isn't Mr. Wayne at the counter today?"

"He has gone outside to get some medicine for the young lady."

"The one who just went upstairs?"

"Yes. She came here yesterday looking all beat up, poor thing. You seemed to know her, Young Master," Mrs. Wayne said, sounding a tad bit disappointed.

"Are you sad?" the young man replied, laughing heartily. "I do know who she is, but I am not close to her. She is the daughter of my mother's friend."

"Hmph. Why would I be disappointed?" With that, the innkeeper proceeded to jot down details in the register.

She then handed over the key to his room and said with a bow, "I hope your inspection goes well, Young Master."

The man climbed the stairs, humming lightly, and playing with his key. The young lady's face remained in his mind. He knew who she was ─ she was Maxine Sinclair Ashbourne, daughter of Earl Ashbourne. She had always been rather stoic and unapproachable. Every time he saw her, she had a sharp look in her eyes and a gloom that shadowed her whole face, as if her entire world had fallen apart. He was curious by nature, but strangely, he did not recall ever asking her why she always looked so gloomy.

Anyway, she was certainly not the type to crack jokes or venture outside her house. As far as he knew, she had never left her family's manor in the capital. So, what was she doing in Albertine territory, nearly 5 days' journey from the capital?

He opened the door and went straight towards the window. "Ron," he called out under his breath. A shadow swiftly appeared outside the window.

"Find out what Miss Ashbourne is doing in Albertine."

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Author's note:

Can you guess the identity of the man? The first person to guess his name and title gets a special mention in the next chapter! (also, give the reason for your answer)