Chapter 5: Ise’s ne


    <b> 01. Ises ne</b>


    Hmmngh.


    The mansion of Fief Lord Hare was famous for its breathtaking red flowers, but the uphill path from the entrance just made Ises feet suffer. From the very beginning, she didnt have a good impression.


    Even on her way here to this mansion, the carriage shook so roughly as if to let it be pronounced that the roads werent paved, and the coachman actually fell off his seat, which derailed them. And more than that, a horses ankle got injured.


    The inevitable oue was that the carriage wouldnt be able to climb the steep slope, so Ise herself had to climb with her legs burning in the effort.


    Whats so goodabout the countryside.


    Ise was so displeased to follow her father to this small countryside territory.


    It was said that thend owned by the Hares was full of flowers during spring, so much that it was rumored to be blessed by God, and in the autumn, fruits were abundant. Although it was closed off by a mountainous area, the territory had a considerable economy because precious trees were abundant while residents were few and far in between, thats why management costs werent required as much. In summary, it was a territory with excellent efficiency.


    Of course, Ises father was the one who spotted thisnd as something worthwhile, but right now, Ise could only see thisnd as something to swear at.


    <i>This will be ournd.</i>


    Verdic smiled as he held his daughters hand. It was far from major cities, so it was far from the radar of other nobles, and the household itself had only one daughter. Thisnd was the perfect prey that Verdic Evans would target. Even more, the Hare fiefdom also had few ties to other households because of their long seclusion.


    <i>Dont worry, Ise. Well be aristocrats now. The days of kings passing downnds has long since passed. Now, even territories can be bought with money.</i>


    And to have a more convenient territory, her father even had to sell some of Ises jewelry to buy the vast, uselessnds surrounding the Hare territory. Just thinking about this made Ise purse her lips.


    Among the sold jewelry, there was one that she inherited from her maternal grandmother. It was a beautiful essory that was said to have been received to pay off the debts of another countrys royal family.


    Rather than the jewelry itself, Ise Evans liked it more so because it was sort of like an extorted item. The Evans both despised yet adored the nobility, royalty and the clergy.


    From those pig-like aristocrats, who were only born into that position, it was the Evans familys pride to take advantage of theirnds, their wealth and their honor through all sorts of means.


    They wrest away all of these. And they could manage these better anyway once they were in their hands. They were the ones who truly deserved to be at the top of thedder.


    Right, I heard you met the heiress of the Hare family at the chapelst time. What do you think of her?


    Hmph. Shes not all that. Shes just tacky.


    Then Im d we were invited this time.


    Im gonna throw up.


    <i>Bleurgh.</i>


    Ises insides twisted up when she recalled Carynnes face. Sure enough, while living up in the mountains, all the rumors of her beauty were well-founded.


    No. The rumors were actually not enough.


    She was terribly beautiful.


    If Father sees the man promised to be wed to her, itll be obvious to see that the fief lord had panicked.


    Ha ha,pared to Sir Raymond, is there any other good man out there?


    That mans more like a jackass.


    Ise recalled meeting them. She had felt something poking at her stomach the moment she saw Carynnes face, but that disappeared when she saw her fianc, Dun.


    Just look at him! How could she marry a man like that, even if its for the sake of keeping your familys territory?!


    If theyre marrying within the family, they must be desperate to maintain the territory. But you know, the more desperate people are, the easier it is to do business with them.


    Thats great then.


    Ise Evansughed as she remembered Carynnes modest dress and cheap essories, and itforted her to see Dun by her side. And Ise saw the way Carynne eyed the ne Raymond gave her. Perhaps envious, Carynne couldnt take her eyes off Ises neck. This made Ise smile.


    Ise liked the light behind Carynnes eyes.


    Those eyes that glimmered with anticipation.


    * * *


    Im d you invited me, Lady Hare.


    Its my pleasure, Miss Evans. Please enjoy your stay while our fathers talk aboutplicated things. There are no otherdies of our age here, so Im very pleased to be able to spend time with you, Miss Evans.


    Compared to the rxed smile on Carynnes face, Ise was trying to hide how short of breath she was. Then, a porter handed Ise a gift, and even if it was covered by cloth that would be peeled off immediately, it was embroidered meticulously.


    Then these, Ise said.


    Bowen, Carynne called.


    Ises luggage was taken by the next attendant.


    I brought some tea for us to enjoy. Its quite popr in the capital these days.


    The tea was in a small wooden box that was engraved with ornate patterns. Such patterns and craftsmanship were something that a countrysidedy might not have even seen in her life. For a while, Carynne admired its beauty, but she was soon embarrassed because she couldnt open it.


    Enjoying how Carynne floundered, Ise unlocked the box as if showing off by saying that this was the right way to open it. It ttered open, and the sound of the sawtooth pattern turning around was beautiful. Then, the true beauty of the tea caddy could be seen.


    The enjoyment of refreshments of course through the eyes, the nose and the ears.


    She was not talking about the joy from the tea caddy but the tea itself, yet Carynne smiled and looked at the container. Ise opened it and handed it to Carynne.


    In a ce like this, I believe its only enjoyed straight, so I prepared a variety of things.


    There were also all kinds of spices. Full spice bottles were organized in categories and arranged beautifully by their color. Engraved in golden print on the lids were the names of each spice and their rmended blending recipe.


    Rather than the tea caddy, these products were beyond jewelry boxes, and none of Carynnes possessions would ever measure up to this value.


    Yes, its difficult to enjoy various vors in this backwoods ce.


    Oh my, I apologize if you were offended.


    Of course, Ise deliberately said this to make Carynne feel terrible. She waited for Carynne to speak more, but the other youngdy said nothing else and just smiled.


    When there was no further reply, Ise soon rxed as she leaned back against the backrest of her seat. When boiled water was ced next to them on the quiet table, she gained momentum again.


    Its very fragrant.


    Drinking it straight is good since the scent of each tea woulde to life, but I also like to enjoy various other vors. If you enjoy only one thing, wouldnt tea time be too boring?


    I agree, Miss Ise. It would be too boring to enjoy just one vor. Even if its not perfect, I believe that pursuing diversity is what people are meant to do.


    At Carynnes answer, Ises expression shook.


    Now isnt that too grandiose, Lady Hare.


    Life starts with tea time after all.


    Carynne put some flower petals into the tea, smiling as she took in the scent of spring.


    Ise, you dont know how happy I am that youvee to change my boring daily life.


    From the bottom of her heart.