The Villainess Who Was Dumped Got Married into My Family, a Mob Noble from the Frontier, and Turns Out, She's an Amazing Capable Wife? - Chapter 46: Back to Brave Territory

Chapter 46: Back to Brave Territory

After that, Edward and his group never came to the general car where we were.

“Wow! Is this Brave territory?”

“It’s so peaceful here.”

“I’ve never been out of the capital, so this is all new to me!”

Just like she did on the train, Mariana leans out of the carriage window, looking around with excitement.

Alicia watches her with a fond smile.

If you’ve never left the crowded capital, I guess this open, empty landscape would feel refreshing.

Indeed, even a single road, which I never gave much thought before, seems different after living in the capital.

Maybe it’s the air of the place I lived in?

Thinking about it brings a sense of calm.

“We’re back, Ragna.”

“Yeah, we are.”

After the commotion on the train, Mariana and Alicia seemed unusually close, which I thought was odd, but Alicia kept talking to me without missing a beat, which I appreciated.

It’s like she’s paying attention to the details, just like a player of an otome game.

My flags are raised all over the place. 

I’m determined to lock up the Beast of the Brave securely in a cell, wrap it in heavy chains, and throw it into the sea.

“There are a lot of monsters here, right? The ones you don’t see near the capital! Hmm, I wonder if we can’t see any from here?”

“We’re in a human living area.”

I explain to Mariana as she looks around curiously.

“But the town is near the mountains, so it’s possible to encounter something strange at night. It’s better not to go outside carelessly.”

“Fuhii…”

“That does sound dangerous…”

Yeah, it’s not like you can just casually go out to the convenience store. 

Adventurers might act obediently towards the Brave family on the surface, but they’re not the kind of noble gentlemen who’d show consideration to a woman they don’t know.

If we’re doing anything, it generally has to be with me, Sebas, or one of the household servants.

“Don’t worry if you hear about adventurers dying under mysterious circumstances; it happens!”

That was a Brave joke. Did it land?

“I-Is that true…? Hiie…”

“Ragna, don’t scare her with weird jokes!”

“Yes, my apologies.”

I got scolded.

“Alicia, are you used to seeing… adventurers’ mysterious deaths?”

“Of course not, it’s a normal town. It’s peaceful enough for children to play with smiles, so don’t worry.”

For now, at least.

I feel bad for scaring her, so I correct myself.

“The mysterious deaths aren’t caused by monsters but are usually the result of adventurers taking their quarrels too far. If you’re with me or someone from the Brave family, you’re safe.”

Telling her this only made Mariana more scared.

She curled up on Alicia’s lap, and I ended up getting scolded by Alicia again.

I don’t get it.

After pulling ourselves together, we spent some peaceful, enjoyable time together and finally arrived at the Brave family’s mansion in Brave territory.

“Welcome back, Lady Alicia!”

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting your return!”

“I’m home, everyone!”

As Alicia steps down from the carriage, our household servants gather around her. 

Seeing her smile back at them kindly makes me feel somehow relieved; she truly is the heart of the Brave family. 

Though I’m left out and don’t get it, well, that’s okay.

“Welcome back, Young Master.”

“I’m home, Sebas.”

Sebas is the only one who greets me upon return.

“Uh, um, n-nice to meet you!”

“I’ve been informed about you in advance. Now, Lady Mariana, this way, please.”

Mariana, looking as tense as a cat just out of the carriage, is met with Sebas’s warm smile as he leads her to Alicia.

“Lady Alicia, Lady Mariana, you must be tired from your long journey. Please, relax inside.”

The two head into the mansion with the servants. 

Mariana’s room was already prepared, thankfully I had sent a letter to Sebas in advance. 

I had originally planned to return home abruptly, but Alicia insisted I at least send a letter, so I did.

Really, Alicia, you’re a lifesaver.

“Young Master, how was school life?”

After seeing them off, Sebas talks to me while we unload the luggage from the carriage.

“Just as I imagined, I think.”

“Then it seems you had a good time at school, which makes me happy.”

“You’ve got a way with words, Sebas.”

Despite some troubles, having someone to share laughs with like this is the best part.

Mariana has become a really important friend. 

At first, I just thought getting close to the saintess from the game world would be a good move to avoid disasters. But then, seeing Alicia make a friend and smile more changed my perspective. 

It seemed almost impossible for her to make friends because of her position. 

I thought I needed to be there for her, but Mariana filled that gap by being by her side at school, making things easier.

“Yeah, I think it was a good school time.”

I believe so, especially seeing Alicia’s smile.

“Did you make any friends, Young Master?”

“Hah, don’t ask.”

I still haven’t made any friends.

I thought maybe I would, but it didn’t happen. 

And that’s something I guess I knew deep down.

“Maybe try making some school friends when you have the chance?”

“I didn’t have the chance, don’t ask.”

“Our servants really hope you make some male friends, Young Master.”

That would be nice, wouldn’t it?

I wonder if there’s anyone in the capital who could stop me if I started going down the wrong path. 

The difference seems so stark when I think about it like that. 

In Brave territory, the only ones I consider my equals are Sebas and Onyx, and with adventurers, it’s just a hierarchy.

“Having friends to brawl with is a bit much, huh…”

“No, Young Master, friendship isn’t about fighting.”

“But I want that kind of friend! One with whom I can have heated debates through fists!”

“Let’s give up on that idea then.”

“You’re really too honest and brutal!”

After a while, Sebas laughed while stroking his beard during our banter.

I couldn’t help but laugh along.

Right, this kind of relationship is just fine.

Laughing over silly things and getting carried away with laughter.

It’s pointless to ask for too much.

Distance is what makes this kind of relationship important!

“By the way, all of us have been wondering, how far have things progressed with Lady Alicia? It’s just the two of you living under one roof, isn’t it?”

“Hah, don’t ask.”

“I see, glad to hear nothing’s changed.”

That comment really hits differently, doesn’t it?

What does that mean?