Military Scrip 1

"Next month, I'm planning to return to Northwest Bay."

Paul struggled with the steak on his plate using his knife and fork as he spoke to Catherine and the others.

He was dining with his fiancée. Ever since their engagement had been made public, they had spent more time together. Sometimes they ate together, and sometimes they went for walks. It could be considered a way of cultivating their relationship.

Gradually, the two of them became familiar with each other and were no longer as restrained as they had been when they first met, though a thin barrier still remained between them.

"Next month? So soon?"

Catherine raised her head, slightly surprised.

"Really? Paul, I'll go back with you."

Irene was extremely excited. She truly missed her days in Northwest Bay, where there were none of Crystal Radiance's various tedious formalities and bothersome social engagements.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Catherine chided her sister with a glance.

"What's the harm, Sister?"

Irene acted coquettishly toward Catherine. "Why don't you come along too?"

Catherine glanced at Paul and noticed a trace of anticipation in his eyes as well.

"I... still have some things to handle here in Crystal Radiance."

"What could you possibly still have to do in Crystal Radiance?"

Irene asked unhappily. She wasn't completely ignorant, either. That fellow Gerd had married her sister off to Northwest Bay precisely so she would stop meddling, hadn't he?

"Things concerning the army," Catherine said softly.

"Father in Heaven!" Irene rubbed her forehead and said helplessly, "You're still handling those matters? Doesn't our king mind?"

"Ahem!" Catherine said solemnly, "Since our king has not yet made any clear new arrangements, I must continue the work I was doing before."

Paul nodded approvingly. "In one's position, one should attend to the duties of that position. Very