I Died and Became a Noble's Heir-Chapter 493: Ready to Leave?

Lady Genevieve moved closer, her eyes tracking between Jack and Aurora with the assessment of someone cataloging every detail. "The marriage will happen," she stated with the certainty of someone who’d already planned every aspect. "Jack has responsibilities to handle first. But within the year."

"Mother..." Jack began.

"This is non-negotiable," Lady Genevieve interjected. "The agreement has been in place for two decades. Aurora has demonstrated remarkable patience throughout your coma, your recuperation, and your progressively risky endeavors. She merits a definitive resolution, and your intentions are unequivocally clear." A playful smile touched her lips as she continued. "Unless, of course, that embrace was merely a strategic maneuver?"

Jack opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. His mother was right.

The kiss hadn’t been a political calculation or a strategic maneuver. It had been a genuine desire amplified by the bracelet but rooted in feelings that predated Zephyros’s curse.

Aurora pulled her notebook out, writing quickly before showing it to the assembled group: I’m fine waiting. Jack has important work to do first.

"See?" Cassius said, gesturing at his daughter. "Aurora understands duty and timing. Unlike some people who bet against their own son’s romantic developments."

"I bet in favor of faster resolution," Lady Genevieve corrected. "Which makes me the optimist in this scenario."

The two nobles continued their banter as they walked back toward the estate, leaving Jack and Aurora alone in the garden once more.

Aurora looked up at Jack, her eyes asking a question her voice couldn’t.

"They are correct," Jack quietly stated. "Regarding the marriage. I have been aware that you were my arranged fiancée since I awoke. However, at some point, it transcended being merely a political arrangement."

Aurora, beaming, stood on her toes for another kiss. Just a little peck on the cheek this time, but still super sweet.

When they parted, she wrote one final note for the morning: I can wait. Just come back alive from Caeloria.

"I will," Jack promised. "I have too much to come back to."

They spent the rest of the day together, walking the estate grounds, sitting in the gardens, communicating through Aurora’s notes and Jack’s responses.

The bracelet continued pulsing with warmth, but the edge had been taken off.

As the afternoon faded to evening, Jack thought about his next steps and what he needed to accomplish next.

------

Dawn broke over the Kaiser estate with golden light that painted the mountains in shades of amber and rose.

Jack stood in his chambers, securing the last of his travel gear.

He descended the main staircase to find organized chaos in the entrance hall.

Servants moved around in organised lines, loading supplies onto the carriage that waited in the courtyard.

Two guards stood at the vehicle’s helm, checking harnesses and ensuring the horses were properly secured for the long journey ahead.

Rhys stood near the carriage, looking significantly better than he had upon returning from Tartarus Spire.

After two days of recuperation, with adequate nutrition and restful sleep, his complexion had improved, and his hands were steady. Slyph remained close by, her vibrant green aura illuminated by the morning light.

Father Caelen waited beside the carriage in contemplative silence. He meticulously observed the loading procedure, killing time while he waited for Jack and the rest of the group.

And standing slightly apart from the others was Lyra.

Jack gasped as the bracelet suddenly became extremely hot.

She was dressed in functional travel attire. Her dress featured a side slit, making movement easier. The fitted waistband accentuated her silhouette, a detail that immediately captured Jack’s attention and was further emphasized by the bracelet he wore.

Her long brown hair was pulled back in a neat braid that fell past her shoulders, and she carried her bow despite knowing she wouldn’t use it during the pilgrimage.

The bow was a formality, a symbol of her status as a Chosen One despite being essentially enslaved to Aurelius, King Eric’s primary Chosen One.

This journey represented freedom. Two weeks away from someone who treated her as property rather than a person.

Lyra looked up as Jack approached, and her face beamed with genuine warmth. "Jack! It’s good to see you again. I heard you returned from the dungeon successfully."

Her voice was soft, carrying the gentle quality of someone who’d learned to speak quietly to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

She saw Jack as a friend, close enough to a brother figure. Someone who’d always treated her with kindness when others viewed her as merely a tool.

"The dungeon went well," Jack replied, forcing his attention to remain on her face rather than letting his gaze track downward where the bracelet was encouraging him to look.

"Rhys performed admirably. We’re ready for the journey to your shrine."

Lyra’s smile broadened, indicating a clear sense of relief. "Thank you for escorting me. Aurelius was... reluctant to allow this pilgrimage. But the King insisted that a Chosen One must maintain their connection to patron deities, so he couldn’t refuse."

Jack observed her meticulous choice of words when discussing Aurelius. While her statements were ostensibly neutral and devoid of direct criticism, they hinted at deep and complex feelings.

Her predicament was widely acknowledged, yet any explicit discussion of her constraints would inevitably exacerbate her circumstances.

"You’ll have two weeks of freedom," Jack said. "No one will bother you during the journey or at the shrine. I’ll make certain of it."

Lyra’s expression conveyed a profound sense of gratitude that extended beyond simple appreciation. "You have consistently demonstrated kindness towards me, Jack. Even in situations where others..." She paused, leaving the sentiment unstated.

The bracelet pulsed again as Lyra shifted her weight, the movement drawing Jack’s attention despite his best efforts.

With his increased agility, flawed sight, and his contract with Tharaxis, his sight was far improved, and he noticed everything. From a drop of sweat, to a sudden shift that made her appear even more beautiful under the sun.

He forced his focus back to her face, to the conversation, fighting the amplified attraction with willpower that was already strained from yesterday’s encounter with Aurora.

This was going to be a very long two weeks.

"Young Master!"

The communication originated from the estate’s entrance, whereupon Jack observed his family approaching to bid them farewell.

Lady Genevieve spearheaded the group, her countenance reflecting the intricate blend of pride and apprehension commonly exhibited by mothers as their offspring embark on perilous expeditions.

Octavia followed, already dressed for the day’s work despite the early hour.

Celeste stumbled slightly, clearly having been roused from bed mere minutes ago and still not entirely awake.

Anabelle proceeded cautiously, her hands cradling a carefully wrapped package.

Seraphina maintained her usual perfect posture, though her eyes showed emotion she didn’t voice.

And Finn brought up the rear, his single eye tracking Jack’s movements with the assessment of someone who saw more than most.

"You’re leaving without a proper farewell?" Lady Genevieve inquired playfully. "I raised you better than that, Jack. Stop trying to be just like your father. This behavior can only lead you to bad things."

"I was planning to say goodbye before departing," Jack replied, moving to embrace his mother. "The carriage wasn’t loaded yet."