She's Impatient

"My Lady, the weather is always cold in Broughton. I will bring you thick clothing," a servant said while preparing Helena's garments and supplies.

"I want to arrive in Broughton quickly. Don't bring too many things that will burden my horse," Helena told the servant.

"But, it will be cold there, My Lady," the servant protested. "What if you can't find high-quality winter clothing there?"

Helena glared at the servant, irritated. "So, do you think Broughton is such a wretched place? Are you concerned that I won't find good clothing there?"

"My Lady, what if you fall ill on the way? Wouldn't a carriage be better?" the servant pleaded.

Helena didn't respond. "Just one set of winter clothing, nothing more. I will go by horse to get there faster."

That's all Helena said without bargaining. She then went to her workspace to prepare what she needed for work.

Shortly after, Eric entered the room with Ethan.

"My Lady—"

"Get out of my room!" Helena snapped, startling both men.

After Ethan declared to Duke Henry that he would remain loyal to Helena until death, Helena felt awkward having to face Ethan. Last night, she slept on the office couch and refused to leave until morning. She didn't want to meet Ethan at all because she was so embarrassed.

"Very well, My Lady," Eric replied, ready to leave the workspace.

However, Helena quickly corrected him. "Eric, you stay! Ethan, go!"

Confused, Ethan could only whisper to Eric, "What did I do wrong?"

Unfortunately, at that very moment, Eric said, "What have you done?"

"Leave quickly!" Helena snapped, her face red, the cause of which was unclear whether it was anger or embarrassment.

Ethan had no choice but to obey. He reluctantly left Helena's room, leaving his wife to discuss with Eric alone.

"My Lady, wouldn't it be better if you asked someone else to survey?" Eric asked later.

Helena shook her head. "This is my life and death. So far, no one from the family is willing to go to Broughton except my late father. How could I let someone else evaluate the situation there?"

"But, I'm worried if you go there alone. Let me accompany you, My Lady!" Eric pleaded.

"Broughton is not too far from here. It will only take ten days by horse. Do you think I will die on the way?" Helena asked angrily.

"But—"

"I need you to manage my business in Erast," Helena said firmly. "I can't neglect what I have managed well. Don't let the Broughton hotel project disrupt my other businesses."

Eric lowered his head. Helena was right, if the Broughton project hurt the management of Helena's boutique and restaurant, it would be like throwing away her hard work over the past four years.

"Very well, My Lady," Eric replied. "In that case, it would be best if you bring Ethan along."

"No!" Helena exclaimed. "I won't take him with me."

Helena panicked at the thought of being constantly with Ethan during the journey. It would make the trip unbearable.

"Then, what will Ethan do here? Aren't you afraid that Ethan will appear like a useless husband who lets his wife go alone?" Eric asked again, cornering Helena. "Won't Duke Henry become suspicious about that?"

Helena fell silent for a moment. Eric was right. How would her grandfather react if she left Ethan in Erast? Especially since they had just gotten married.

The more appropriate thing to do would be to ask Ethan to go on the survey to Broughton. However, Helena wouldn't be satisfied if she didn't assess the situation there herself.

"Fine, I will bring someone with me," Helena said, with no other choice. Bringing a servant would silence Eric's complaints. "Keep Ethan busy here, so he appears useful."

Finally, the preparations were complete. Helena was getting ready to leave when the sun was already high. She still didn't want to talk to Ethan at all. She chose to converse with Peter, the young guard who was instructed to accompany Helena on the journey.

"Peter, we will take the shortcut through the Silverwood Forest," Helena said. "So, prepare your sword!"

Peter's eyes widened. This was not what Eric had mentioned when he conveyed the task of accompanying Helena. "So, we will go through the Silverwood Forest?"

The Silverwood Forest was a vast forest located between Broughton and Erast. The forest was known for its tall and dense trees, creating a natural barrier between the two areas.

The usual route was through the town of Stonegate. However, the ten-day journey was too long for Helena. She wanted to reach Broughton quickly without detours. By venturing through the Silverwood Forest, the journey would be much faster. They would arrive on the eastern side of Broughton, near the location of Arkwright Hotel, in just three days.

"If you're afraid, you can separate from me on the journey," Helena said. "But make sure you don't go to the mansion until I return home."

Peter felt embarrassed to back down. However, the terrain of the Silverwood Forest was unpleasant. If they got lost and strayed from the trail, they could enter deeper into the forest, full of wild animals.

"But, My Lady, recently I heard that two young men were hunting in the Silverwood Forest, and only one of them returned because the other one was said to have been captured by a dragon nesting deep in the forest."

Helena snorted in annoyance. "Do you think we're going hunting? Do you think we'll deviate from the route and get lost in the forest?"

Peter shrunk further. The young man shook his head softly.

"I won't force you to continue the journey, Peter! You can leave now," Helena said angrily.

Both of them had now reached the edge of the Silverwood Forest. Peter seemed increasingly uncertain. Helena noticed it and then made a decision.

"Go, Peter!" Helena exclaimed. "I know you don't want to die young just because of me."

"But, My Lady—"

"Go!" Helena drew her sword and pointed it at Peter. "Go, or I will swing my sword to your neck before you enter the forest!"