Chapter 112 Salt, Gunpowder, and Unexpected Proposals
The moment Gisella set foot on the northern port dock, the sharp mix of sea air and gunpowder dust hit her nose.
This place was nothing like the luxury of a palace or a noble's salon.
All she saw were shabby military tents, rows of heavy logistics crates, and dozens of burly soldiers pacing around with swords, shouting nonsense.
Gisella pulled down her cloak's hood, smoothed her wind-tousled hair, and walked straight through the gates of the command post where Julian was stationed.
Before she even reached the entrance to the main tent, a few soldiers taking a drink break turned to look. They eyed Gisella from head to toe, not with lecherous stares, but with the teasing glances only bored soldiers could manage.
"Hey, look who's here!" shouted a big soldier, grinning wide.
"Oooh, it's Miss Mercer, exiled just the other day, now coming to visit her boyfriend at camp!" another chimed in, followed by a chorus of wolf whistles and raucous laughter from all around the yard.
"Careful, Miss! Don't make our captain nervous! He might drop his sword!"
Gisella's face immediately flushed. Her plan for a romantic novel-style surprise had just turned into a comedy show for a bunch of rowdy soldiers. She clenched her fists, rolled her eyes, but couldn't quite hide her smile.
Just as the commotion was hitting its peak, the main tent's flap was yanked open from the inside.
Julian emerged, military uniform unbuttoned, hair a mess, his face tired from handling warship logistics. But the moment he saw Gisella standing in the middle of the yard, he froze.
Julian's usually tough and stoic face turned pale. He looked in shock, as if he couldn't believe it, and almost fainted on the spot.
"Gisella...?" Julian's voice caught in his throat.
The soldiers erupted into cheers, making even more of a scene. "Oooh! The captain's completely out of it!" they yelled, clapping and hooting.
Julian quickly turned to his men, barking at them with that deep, commanding voice. "Get lost, all of you! If you want three extra hours of sword practice today, stick around!"
His soldiers immediately scattered, still snickering, leaving the two of them alone in the yard.
Julian strode quickly toward Gisella, moving as if he was scared she might vanish if he took his eyes off her for a second. Without caring about anyone watching, Julian pulled Gisella into a tight embrace.
His hug was so strong, it almost knocked the breath out of her.
"What are you doing here?" Julian whispered into her hair, his voice trembling ever so slightly. There was a longing in his tone he couldn't hide anymore. "I thought you were still up north."
Gisella hugged him back, hiding her face against his chest, which smelled of sweat and salt. She giggled. "If I hadn't come here, you'd probably have turned into driftwood in this shabby port, Julian."
Julian pulled back for a moment, holding her shoulders and staring into her face, as if making sure she was real. "I missed you," he admitted, cheeks flushing. "I missed you like crazy, Gisella."
Gisella grinned, her own cheeks heating up. "Yeah, I know. I missed you too."
Julian took a deep breath, then led Gisella to sit on a rough wooden chair beside the strategy map. He poured her a glass of water, handed it over, and sat across from her, never breaking eye contact.
"Oh, by the way," Julian said suddenly, his face serious but tinged with nerves. "About that proposal... I already talked to my father."
Gisella almost choked on her water. She coughed, setting her glass down with a clatter. "What? What do you mean you talked?"
"I told him I want to marry you," Julian said simply, though his jaw tightened.
"I met with my father and stepmother last week before the cargo ship left. But honestly, I don't care about their response. I've made up my mind. I'll go straight to your father at the Mercer estate to formally ask for your hand, end of story."
Gisella stared, stunned, taking a moment to process his words. "You... you're really going to see my dad, without caring what your family says?!"
"What else can I do?" Julian shrugged, unconcerned. "If I wait for my stepfamily's blessing, you'll be married off to some other noble before I get a chance. So I'm doing things my way. My father's opinion doesn't matter—what matters is getting approval from Viscount Mercer."
Gisella was shocked, but the next second she laughed softly, warmth filling her chest. The stoic man in front of her was willing to take this risk for her.
"You're really reckless, Julian," Gisella whispered, unable to hide her smile. "But... fine, it's up to you."
Gisella smiled wide, feeling at peace. But then she remembered the hottest gossip that had hit the capital while she was traveling home.
"Wait, hold on," Gisella said, leaning forward, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "On my way back from the north, I heard the craziest news ever. Have you heard about it?"
Julian frowned, resting his chin on his hand. "What now? The crown prince's engagement?"
"No, not that!" Gisella shook her head excitedly. "It's about my best friend, Ilse Varannes, and General Claus!"
Julian's jaw dropped. "Ilse? With General Claus, the infamous butcher?"
"Yes!" Gisella slapped the table, unable to contain her excitement. "At the palace engagement party, Claus suddenly pulled Ilse onto the dance floor and caused a national scandal! They aren't even officially together, but Claus did something that wild in front of the king!"
Julian's eyes went wide. "No way! General Claus, the guy who only talks to his sword, just pulled off a scandal that big in public?!"
"I swear!" Gisella clapped a hand over her mouth, laughing with Julian. "That's why I was so glad I missed that party. If I'd been there, I'd have gone crazy too. Just imagine the king's and empress's faces when Claus confessed. They must've been losing their minds!"
Julian shook his head, still laughing. The command tent, which had started out stiff and reeking of gunpowder, suddenly felt warm and alive. In a world full of noble intrigue and lurking danger, moments like this felt more precious than all the medals in the world.
Julian gently took Gisella's hand on the table. "Well, at least your friend's busy with the general now. That means she won't be interfering in our relationship."
Gisella rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide her smile. "What's she going to interfere with? She's already got enough trouble thanks to your psycho general."
"True," Julian grinned. "Just a few days away, and she's already caused a national uproar. If I were Ilse, I'd have run off to another country by now."