Chapter 11: It’s Dangerous Outside the Tent

“Miss, you truly do have feelings for the Duke… So the rumors were true.”

“Huh?”

Despite my questioning glance, the middle-aged man looked at me with eyes burning with newfound determination and declared, 

“Miss, trust me. I misunderstood you before, but now I’ll actively help you.”

The man, oddly excited, clenched his fists and abruptly stood up from his seat.

‘Oh my, that startled me.’

“Everyone, as the chef of the Auguste Ducal House, I, John Van, have something to say!”

Ah, so he’s one of the Duke’s people?

The gazes of everyone eating at the folding tables turned toward me and John Van.

I had a strange feeling that things were escalating, but John seemed genuinely remorseful and began praising me without end.

“I must confess that I had misunderstood Lady Yuria Graham based on mere rumors. She is neither a little villainess nor an immature young lady. She has been an invaluable help to me and the kitchen staff, and I sincerely apologize for my earlier judgment. Moreover, I would like to express my gratitude to Lady Graham for providing this abundance of food and supplies.”

That’s right! Keep going, John!

Feigning modesty, I pressed my palms to my cheeks, pretending to be bashful, while inwardly grinning with satisfaction.

“She is truly a desirable bride, and whoever wins her heart will be incredibly fortunate!”

Clap, clap, clap! Thunderous applause erupted. Even John joined in with hearty laughter, clapping as he returned to his seat.

“Thank you, Miss!”

“My apologies for before! Thanks to you, I had a great shower.”

“Please show us your potato-peeling skills again!”

“The meat is absolutely delicious!”

All around, people waved forks skewering potatoes, corn, and meat in my direction.

“Thank you, everyone. Please enjoy your meal.”

Moved by their cheers and gratitude, I smiled brightly and waved back at them with both hands.

Then, my gaze locked with a pair of teal-colored eyes. The Duke, looking noticeably cleaner—likely after a shower—was watching me.

Ah, my eyes are blessed. When cleaned up, he looks even more handsome.

His usually side-swept bangs were damp and now fell across his forehead.

Perhaps because of the steam, the normally cold and unyielding man had a faint flush on his cheeks, making him look devastatingly attractive.

‘Are you watching, Duke? Even the water you used was brought here thanks to me.’

Well, technically, it was thanks to the outrageously expensive water spiritists I hired, but still.

‘Please remember me positively. Don’t kill me, okay?’

I gave him a bright smile and raised a glass of fruit juice in a toast. To my surprise, the Duke, after a slight pause, raised his own glass in response.

Oh, this is a good sign!

＊

After Jude’s report, Xavier headed to the dining area with Rexton, his thoughts unsettled. He intended to join the generals there to discuss the next operation, but the unusually lively atmosphere caught his attention.

Near the serving station, a blonde woman with soot smudged across her face was crouched down, stoking the fire in a hearth.

He was incredulous. He had assigned her a personal chef so she could dine privately in her tent, yet here she was, cooking herself?

If she were to get injured on the battlefield, Baron Graham, known for doting on his daughter, would never let it slide. Though the Baron’s rank was low, he was one of the five wealthiest individuals in the empire.

Xavier had hidden his desperation behind his pride, but the truth was, he needed support from the Graham Trading Company—or even a small shop, for that matter. Having fortunately secured Yuria Graham’s help, he couldn’t afford to risk offending the Baron.

At that moment, the woman, chatting with her maid, noticed him and smiled brightly. Then she even waved enthusiastically?

Xavier’s mood soured, and he deliberately averted his gaze, focusing instead on his conversation with the generals.

Noticing something amiss, Rexton asked, 

“Your Grace, are you feeling unwell?”

“No.”

Ethan, who had been surveying the surroundings, then asked, 

“By the way, where is General Jude?”

“She’ll return after running a few laps.”

“Ah, the punishment run?”

Wilhelm chuckled in response to Xavier’s remark.

“Enough. Sit down.”

Even as he took his seat with the generals, Xavier’s gaze kept drifting toward the serving area.

The petite young lady among the cooks was beaming as she handed out steaming plates of meat to the soldiers.

Frowning, Xavier looked down at the plate in front of him. ‘Samgyeopsal,’ was it? He had never heard of such a dish before.

Despite his skepticism, the meat was undeniably delicious. The juices lingered in his mouth, leaving him wanting more.

‘This is troublesome.’

As a duke, he had to maintain his dignity; he couldn’t afford to appear gluttonous.

While sipping on fruit juice to suppress his appetite, he overheard the commotion from the other side. The young lady was receiving cheers and applause from the soldiers. Gratitude and admiration radiated from everyone’s faces.

‘What a peculiar woman. She’s managed to completely turn her reputation around.’

Was she using the camp’s situation to her advantage, just as she had done in their negotiation?

Then, she raised her glass toward him, her sky-blue eyes sparkling with unsettling intensity. Caught off guard, he found himself raising his own glass in response. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.

She laughed as well, her laughter as bright as sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

‘No, I mustn’t let my guard down.’

Considering everything she had done in the past, he couldn’t afford to be complacent.

Xavier downed his drink, tearing his gaze away from Yuria Graham.

＊

“Ugh, my back, my neck, my shoulders.”

I had worked so hard that every part of my body ached. It seemed my delicate noblewoman’s body wasn’t cut out for this. Before I ended up in this world, this much work would’ve been nothing—I could’ve peeled potatoes while lying down and eating chips.

As I sat on the bed, lightly punching my aching shoulders, Maya rushed over with a worried expression.

“Miss, are you in pain? Let me massage you.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, really. Helping you is my happiness.”

She then sat behind me and began massaging my shoulders earnestly. Maya, clueless as she could be, sometimes moved me to tears. Feeling a bit emotional, I stroked her back.

“Baby, how much do you want? A 200% raise in your salary?”

“What? Miss, did you just call me ‘baby’?”

“When we get home, I’ll give you a bonus.”

Yuria Graham does not endorse unpaid labor.

“Oh, Miss.”

“Keep that in mind. Now, let’s get up.”

Startled, Maya quickly stood up from where she had been sitting dazed on the bed.

“Where are you going so late in the evening?”

“To the field hospital.”

“What?”

Her eyes looked like they were about to pop out of her head.

“Miss, you’re not a healer, and you don’t know anything about medicine!”

“Maya, that’s a bit harsh. Ouch, that hit me right in the bones.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, but… it’s true. Wait, are your bones really hurting?”

The way she asked so seriously left me speechless. If I’d said my bones were breaking apart, she might’ve fainted.

“No, I’m fine. I’ll be back.”

Even if I didn’t know medicine, I had money to make up for it.

—Not that I’d say that out loud. Instead, I told Maya to rest in the tent. When she insisted on coming along, I muttered, “The place is probably full of blood,” and she immediately backed off.

“I’ll just do the laundry then, Miss.”

She bowed deeply and left.

I grabbed my coat and a square briefcase filled with top-grade potions, then stepped out of the tent. Earlier, I had asked Chef John for directions to the field hospital, so I had a general idea of where it was.

On my way, I deliberately passed by the Duke’s tent. The lights inside were still on. Clearing my throat, I spoke slightly louder than necessary.

“Oh dear, I almost forgot to deliver these top-grade potions to the head healer!”

‘You heard that, right? Duke, see how hard I’m working. No breaking the contract!’

The Duke’s tent remained silent. But surely, he couldn’t have missed my words. A moment later, the light flickered, and the tent went dark.

‘Looks like he’s gone to bed. Alright, time to go.’

Under the darkening sky, the path to the field hospital was shadowed by dense trees, making it even darker. The silence was eerie, but a bright light ahead reassured me.

“Good, it’s close.”

I quickened my pace toward the light when—

Thud, whoosh.

A massive object suddenly dropped in front of me.

“Eek!”

Startled, I fell backward. Rubbing my eyes, I saw a giant snake, its body riddled with daggers, bleeding profusely as it lay dead.

“A s-snake!”

And not just any snake. This one was larger than a python. Its convulsing muscles caused some of the daggers embedded in its body to clatter to the ground.

‘Daggers?’

That meant someone had been here just moments ago.

“Who’s there?”

Springing to my feet, I spun around, clutching my briefcase tightly, ready to bash someone’s head in with its sharp edges if necessary.

Suddenly, I recalled the mercenary captain’s warning.

‘We found a pack of giant wolves dead along the way. Judging by the small blades used, it seemed like a person’s doing. Regardless, be cautious—there’s little difference between beasts and beastmen.’

A shiver ran down my spine.

“What are you doing here?”

“Ahhh!”

A voice startled me so much that I jumped, squeezing my eyes shut as I swung the briefcase wildly.

Thud.

“Ugh.”

Did I hit something?

Opening one eye cautiously, I saw a pair of teal-colored eyes glaring at me from behind the briefcase.

“G-Duke?”

He was blocking the case’s edge with his palm.

‘Oh my god.’