Isabella heard Nalant's humble words again, and the admiration in her eyes surfaced once more.
Smack!
Before Nalant could react, Isabella—the former princess as beautiful as moonlight—actually rose onto her tiptoes and planted a loud kiss on him.
"Baron Nalant, your humility has shown me the qualities of a true knight!"
With that, Isabella blushed furiously and ran back to her carriage under Nalant's dumbfounded gaze.
"This..." Nalant rubbed his cheek, never expecting Isabella to be so bold as well.
"Baron Nalant, we'll be leaving first, then! After some time, we'll bring the serfs and come to the new territory!"
"Baron Nalant, may your journey be smooth!"
With that, Jerry and the other nobles took their leave with smiling faces.
"I never expected that little miss to be so bold too. She could've given me a warning—I wouldn't have minded cooperating!"
Watching the caravan gradually disappear into the distance, Nalant muttered to himself.
Only then did he lead the others onward again, returning toward Storm Territory.
Ten days later, Nalant returned to Storm Territory without a hitch.
"My lord, you must be weary from the journey. Welcome back!"
Thomas and Mario had received the news and came out to greet Nalant halfway along the road.
"You two, why did you come out halfway to greet me this time? How has the territory been lately?"
Seeing the two of them, Nalant asked.
"My lord, after you left, merchant caravans from the various nations began coming to Storm Territory again. Trade in Storm Territory has returned to normal!"
"However, a few days ago..." As he spoke, Thomas pointed toward the sky.
"Mm, I already know about that. The arrival of the Dark Abyss was within expectations, and I told you about it beforehand. The people of the territory didn't panic, did they?"