It's late when we finally get out of the room.
Even if Ignis said no one will judge me, I can tell the maids are giggling because of this. Ah, they will now assume I'm a Duke's lazy daughter.
We spend the morning sitting in the garden and conversing. About everything but Ignis's family, actually.
«We will resume our journey today,» Ignis informs them. «Soon after lunch.»
They seem relieved. Oh, well, hosting me could be considered treacherous by that madman on the throne. It's dangerous, so they are happy I'll move somewhere else.
At least, I hope that's the reason. If they feel unhappy to have Ignis here, that'd make him very sad. They're his family, for goodness.
«I can send a few maids with you to help the lady with daily necessities,» the Count says.
Oh, good. He remembered to act as a father-in-law.
«No need. We prefer having less personnel, for we travel fast,» Ignis replies.
«Then, allow at least a couple of my soldiers to follow you on horse. They're well trained and won't mind the pace.»
«All right. That I can accept.»
How surprising. Ignis accepting help, ah? Oh, well, the bandits should have made him realise the dangers.
«Also, the new carriages are ready. I hope it's comfortable enough for you.»
«It will be.»
It's as if they didn't know each other, for goodness. I really wouldn't say they were family.
With Ignis's hair and eyes, by the way, he really catches the eye next to these dark men.
After talking, Ignis shows me the garden. We walk arm in arm as any married couple would.
When we reach the corner, I realise how a dead tree could be kept for years without falling.
It's in the very corner of the garden, and it's partially sustained by a wooden structure. The branches are all dry, and signs of cuts are present. Someone maintained it to such a degree that it didn't fall down, nor did it start rotting.
I take a look around and notice that no one is here. How convenient. Yet, I don't understand how it's possible.
«I said I wanted to take a walk alone with my lovely wife,» Ignis explains, understanding my concerns too well for a fresh groom.
«Better,» I sigh.
I lean a hand on the frustum and focus for a few seconds.
It's extremely weak, but some life energy is still present. I'm not sure whether it's enough to revive it, but I can try.
It might be a shadow of energy that didn't escape the wood yet. In that case, it's pointless to use magic.
However, I don't lose anything by trying. After all, I do need to throw a spell. I usually use it for simple, unimportant stuff like keeping the bath hot or making the flowers in our garden bloom sooner or last longer.
It's the first time I try with a tree, though.
I inhale, collecting air and energy at the same time. I can feel the turmoil inside me, due to the absence of any use for a month or so.
I call for life energy, and I feed the tree with more of mine.
At first, nothing happens. It takes a few minutes to create a path. But then, the life force starts flowing inside the tree. From the surroundings and my overflowing reserve, it is transferred to the heart of the tree.
This is good. It will work.
If the wood can still attract this much, it means it's alive.
A grin splits my lips the moment before I lose control and fly back by a step or two. The momentum was so great that I would have ended further away if Ignis didn't grab my arm.
He pulls me on his chest, and I grab his shirt by instinct.
«Veronica!» he exclaims.
«Sorry,» I giggle, nervous. I lost control.
«Are you all right? Are you hurt?»
«No, I'm fine. But you were so close that you could have been involved if something went wrong. Why are you still here? You should have walked away.»
«You said you needed to use magic before losing control. How in the world could I leave you alone? What if something happened?»
It did happen, and he helped me avoid a few bruises. But still... Isn't he afraid of me?
He knows about my powers, that's correct. But knowing something and not being scared by it isn't the same thing.
Every normal person would have run away while they had time.
But not Ignis.
If he doesn't fear me, I can hope he'll accept every aspect of my magic. As for my role, it's a whole different matter.
But it might not be too big of an issue if Ignis isn't interested in a career. Or if he's fine with being a hero without all the celebrations that come from it.
«Oh, Ignis. I should scold you. I should yell at you just like you did when I came fighting the bandits with you.»
«Do scold me if you want, but my feelings won't change. If something similar needs to happen, I'll stay by your side again.»
«Magic is dangerous.»
«So what?»
«And you can't fight it. Humans don't have any hope to stop one of my enchantments. I am not just a small mage, doing tricks to pass time.»
It's time I reveal this part, at least.
«I have powers that could destroy a village. I am what the Church calls a witch.»
«Yes, I already knew that.»
Of course. Governing the natural elements isn't very common, even among the mages. It was rather evident that I'm dangerous.
Yet, he doesn't mind it. He says he'll stay by my side regardless of everything.
«I'm happy that we got married,» I sigh. «Even if it was on a whim, and even if it was to escape, I'm glad that the person at my door was you, Ignis.»
«I'm happy too, Veronica.»