Traveling through The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

I spent most of my time digging the cellar, and I slept until noon. When I woke up, I closed my eyes and looked around. Where was the second person on the spacious bed? I got up and found that even the bedsheets were changed. If it weren't for the slight pain in my waist and abdomen, I would have suspected that even yesterday's wedding was a dream.

"If you don't get up, I'll ask Irina to wake you up. Hey? Why are you bowing to him for no reason? We don't have so many rules in our family."

In the yard, Irina was feeding chickens. When she saw me, she quickly knelt to greet me, but was stopped by Donna with a smile. This woman had a plain face today, no eyebrows or makeup, and was wearing coarse home clothes. If it weren't for her gestures, which were full of the manners of a lady from a wealthy family, she would have been mistaken for a newly bought maid. But Donna, who was born a peasant woman, just fell for her tricks, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law actually talked and laughed.

Irina moved in alone, and her only property was two sets of nearly new clothes and the rag doll named Sylvia. After the guests who attended the wedding left, she wiped her tears while picking up the remains and ashes of the rag doll from the brazier and wrapped them in a handkerchief. She looked so solemn, as if she was collecting the ashes of her ancestors.

Generally speaking, a new bride of some status would bring at least two servants. A middle-aged nanny, who was responsible for guiding some daily etiquette and entertainment activities for adults; and a young maid who served her personally and was often her confidant. However, Irina was not popular in her family, and although my father-in-law had many servants, he did not assign any to her.

Donna only had a maid, the dark elf girl Savilla, by her side, and she couldn't be the only one to serve the whole family. So since I moved into Falkreath, I made a rule that people living in this house should try to do it themselves and have enough food and clothing.

Stein had seen how I disciplined Sam and never opposed my decision; Lai Mei had also suffered a lot when she was a child, so she didn't care. As for Lucia, her status with me was actually a bit awkward, neither a slave nor completely free. The little girl had always tried to keep a low profile, and even saluted Donna as a maid at first. Later, she found that the old lady was quite easy to get along with, and then she became lively again.

After a few months, a routine had formed. If I didn't have any social engagements, I would cook; Laimei and Lucia would clean the house; Savilla would do the laundry; Donna would feed the chickens and pigs; and Stein would till the soil in the yard to prepare for planting vegetables.

To the surprise of others, Irina quickly integrated into the group without putting on airs like a baroness. Of course, I was not surprised because she was originally an illegitimate daughter and had only recently disguised herself as a pampered noble lady in order to defraud me of money. But Donna didn't seem to know. She walked into the kitchen while I was cooking and whispered to me.

"Did you hit her?"

"Ah? No! How could it be possible? This unfortunate woman is making a fuss about me."

"The child has several bruises on her body. If it wasn't you who pinched her, who else could have done it? She's your wife and the daughter of a baron. You should at least give her some respect."

"I always look for places that can be covered by clothes...hiss..."

Donna raised her hand and twisted my lower back.

"You kid! I heard that in order to marry her, you used all your property as a betrothal gift. I thought you really loved her."

I curled my lips and didn't answer, and Donna also sighed.

"I am from an ordinary family. Tell me, in terms of appearance and family background, how is this child not worthy of you? In any case, she is yours now. Don't bully her because she is soft-hearted. Live a good life together and don't make a mess of the house."

I nodded in agreement, but I didn't agree in my heart. How could a woman who could keep a straight face throughout the wedding be a little white rabbit who could be bullied by anyone? It seemed that I had to work harder today to make her obedient.

According to convention, newlyweds should visit their father-in-law the day after their wedding. However, Baron Sengard set off overnight and headed for the Bloodthrone Fortress with his family. Irina was naturally embarrassed by his actions, but I was happy to have some free time. But next, I will have to start welcoming and seeing off guests again. I have received quite a few invitations, and it is impossible to attend all of them, so it is very important to decide which one to refuse and what reason to refuse.

Lei Mei consciously handed this task over to Irina, and this woman handled it fairly well. However, once, in order to avoid a cocktail party, she arranged for me to visit the lord's wife.

The little saber-toothed tiger sat in the first seat with a big horse and a golden sword, not hiding his rage from years of being a bandit. The maid behind her was wearing a large black robe, exuding a dangerous aura. It must be Cindy. Even though I have experienced a lot in the past two years, I still sweated on my forehead when facing such a scene, and cursed Irina in my heart for being stupid. But when I took a peek, she looked normal, still with a humble and obedient look.

Since becoming a mother, Rigel's personality has actually changed a lot. Today, she was obviously doing it on purpose. I don't know if she was targeting me or Irina. She looked at the two of us with interest and spoke quietly.

"Tsk tsk, she's still a beauty even without makeup. You're really lucky."

It seemed wrong to respond to this question, so I decided to keep my mouth shut.

"I am the lucky one to marry Lord Locke."

Irina's voice trembled a little, perhaps because she felt guilty about lying, or maybe she was scared by those two.

"Oh?"

Rigel raised his eyebrows.

"Even if I didn't tell you, you should have been able to find out. I've been doing business with no capital for several years, and your husband used to be my subordinate. In fact, I can sit here like a decent man now, thanks to him."

Although Danger claimed that Rigel was a hero who saved the lord from the werewolves, it was just a lie. Who would form a gang and carry weapons with them? In addition, the little saber-toothed tiger has a good appearance and unique temperament. Anyone who is interested can find out the truth with a little investigation. In the noble circle of Falkreath, her origin is not a secret, but no one is stubborn enough to insist on it.

I was afraid that if I continued the conversation, our affair would be exposed, but Rigel changed the subject.

"In fact, what secrets can those who gossip behind the scenes know? Let me tell you. The current Lord Locke was just a traveling merchant at that time. I robbed his goods and kidnapped him. If he hadn't been a good cook, I don't know where I would have buried him now. Speaking of which, Eddie, who organized your wedding banquet, can be considered his apprentice."

"Sir Alex often cooks at home. Not only is the food delicious, but it is also freshly prepared."

Irina tried hard to play the role of the supporting actor, but was glared at fiercely by Rigel. She didn't know what she said wrong, so she had to lower her head and not respond.

"Don't feel wronged for marrying a bandit. He looks cowardly, but he's actually very brave. Even if he doesn't make it in Falkreath, he'll make it somewhere else."

Irina said she didn't dare. Seeing her timid look, Rigel seemed very happy, so he ordered someone to bring the prince out to play with him. The boy was almost seven months old, chubby and very cute. He was in Rigel's arms, babbling, and no one knew what he was saying. After a while, he reached out to pull Cindy's hood and put his little head in to cuddle with her.

I was afraid that the female ghost would bite me suddenly, so I opened my arms to hold the child. But the little boy looked at me, pursed his lips, and started to cry.

This……

I am the real father!

Rigel tried to comfort the child gently, but it had no effect. He simply waved his hand and carried the child back to the inner room.

"It looks like you're hungry. Please go back. Cindy, see the guests off for me."

I felt empty inside because I didn't have a son, and I was listless all the way. Irina was tactful and followed me silently.

After this incident, she always asked for my opinion before arranging a visitor, and she never dared to make decisions on her own. But in general, she was more stable and treated people very properly. Because she was respectful and filial to Donna, I couldn't always show my displeasure. But no matter what my attitude was, Irina always remained humble and submissive.

In the past, people said that the relationship between husband and wife was good. There was an idiom called "treating each other with respect". In fact, if a couple is as polite as an outsider, it is not normal. At least it can be asserted that there is no affection between the two parties. I have experienced it now. Irina would greet me every morning and use honorifics when talking to me. Donna said it several times, but she just refused to change her temper, so I stopped persuading her.

In my opinion, this woman is quite interesting. She is the kind of person who is extremely emotionally stable. Even in the face of pressure and ridicule, she can maintain a decent demeanor in most cases. But there is always a trace of sadness between her brows. Living under the same roof for ten days, I seem to have never seen her laugh heartily.

Thinking about it, her life story is a mystery. I initially thought that she was a middle-aged widow who married to Markarth, but reality slapped my face. Irina is only two years older than me, and she will not be twenty-five until the Hearthfire Month of this year. I only found out when I was negotiating marriage. This age is considered an old leftover woman in the eyes of the nobles in Skyrim, but in my eyes, it is the prime age. And it is obvious that she has never been married before.

Why would a single woman like this go to the "simple-minded" city of Markarth?

What's even more amazing is that, despite living in such a smoky city, Irina is not tainted with violence at all. She can always maintain her elegance, and it is obvious that she has received a good education and long-term training. In front of my sharp shooting skills, she can show her amazing charm without any affectation, which makes people more courageous and unable to stop.

I was originally angry with her and didn't want to communicate too much. But when I came to my senses, I didn't have time to ask.

This morning, Danger came uninvited. The old fox watched me chop the ribs into small pieces, and then glanced at Irina who was washing clothes in the yard.

"You two kids are really... I'm afraid you're the only noble in the whole world who does rough work at home. Since there are more people in your family, why don't you buy a few servants? If you really can't make ends meet, I can send two people over."

"That's not necessary. Mother doesn't want too many people to serve her. Irina and I will go to Sunshine Garden Fortress sooner or later."

"I came here to tell you about this. The Nanya steward has prepared another batch of wood and bricks. You can take some time to check it out. When it's almost time, you can take the ship over."

Although the tone was negotiating, there was no room for negotiation. The so-called "taking time" just meant eating this meal and then leaving. In fact, these days, I have figured out that the Bloody Throne Fortress is just a small stronghold in the ravine. Even though I have tried my best, the degree of development is still not high. Due to the transportation conditions and geographical environment, the population here has not made a qualitative leap as I expected.

But Granite Village is different. It is backed by the Bireguchi Mountains and faces the great plains of Snowman Territory. It is not far from the Kas River in the west and Lake Irinata in the east, and has great development potential. There is also the Sunshine Garden Fortress overlooking the mountain top, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack. If we really want to discuss it in detail, I am not the one who suffers from this territory exchange.

Moreover, the Bloody Throne is hidden deep in the heart of Falkreath, like a bird in a cage and a fish in a net. No matter which direction I develop, I will inevitably be restricted. But if I change to Granite Village, it will be like a fish in the sea and a bird in the sky, and I will no longer be bound.

Although I am willing in my heart, I still have to cry poor and complain.

"General Tullius has taken Morningstar City. He has no worries anymore and will definitely attack Sunny Garden Fortress with all his strength. Last winter, the Reach Tribe suffered a fierce battle and was severely damaged. I don't have any soldiers and money, so I'm afraid I can't hold on."

Danger shook his head.

"The news from Whiterun says that Lord Balgruuf's eldest son has been recognized by the High King's Council and has become the Lord of the Cangyuan Territory. However, because he is not yet an adult, he still remains in Dragonsreach. With the full support of General Tullius, Brina Morillis will temporarily serve as regent. In three years, when Lord Flotar turns eighteen, he will take over personally."

"Three years is enough time for Brina to place her trusted followers there."

"So, our beloved leader will not let her become so powerful. Next, Dragonsreach and Durr Castle will fight for it in Morningstar City. Although Lord Skade is dead, he has been in power for more than 30 years and his prestige is still there. Those who are loyal to him are not willing to be lonely. Don't forget Lord Ulfric. The Stormcloaks are already weak, and now they have lost the Cangyuan Territory. How can they give up?"

"Lord Ulfric has suffered two great defeats. What else can he do?"

The old fox gave a weird smile.

"Lord Flotar is not yet an adult. His younger brother is the first in line to the throne. That child is the nephew of the Lord of Winterhold, and the Lord of Winterhold belongs to the Stormcloak camp."

It seems pretty cool to kill an entire family and then eat up all the remaining members, right? However, once this precedent is set, there will be endless troubles.

"So, you should mainly guard against Lord Igmund in Markarth. But he just lost a battle and suffered heavy casualties, so he needs to take a breath. Besides, the territory is full of unruly Rich people, and he may not be able to use force again. You arrange scouts, and if we get any news, we will still try our best to support you. You have a good relationship with the Snake Cliff Ridge tribe, so you should integrate their strength within this year and try to form a team."

I rolled my eyes. You are really good at giving difficult questions. There are two crows with eyes higher than the top living in the castle. How can I integrate them?