Ellie and Nozel hit the road as soon as they had finished eating breakfast, making sure they took a steady pace so as to keep up with the doctor's recommendation. They would stop periodically to rest, grab a bite to eat or a drink of water, or even to just admire the scenery. Nozel was so used to travelling quickly that it irritated him having to walk, but it was a fair compromise that Ellie had suggested and it was refreshing to see how much she was enjoying the scenery.

They made good time, though, having travelled nearly a third of the way to their next destination on foot. The daylight hours were fading and they found a decent spot to make camp- Ellie conceding when Nozel suggested erecting a barrier around their camp to conceal and protect them from any potential threats.

As Ellie went about gathering firewood, Nozel went about getting their tent set up. It wasn't something that he was used to doing himself, but it wasn't difficult either and he managed to get their things inside the tent before Ellie returned with the firewood.

"I hope this will be enough for tonight," Ellie said, setting the firewood near the front of the tent- tucking her hair behind her ear as she stood.

"It should suffice. The weather doesn't look like it will be poor tonight, but there is a slight chill in the air so we'll likely need the extra blankets you were diligent enough to bring."

Ellie blushed a little at that and smiled. "I like to be prepared, just in case." Her stomach growled and her blush deepened. "I-I should get started on dinner."

"Would you... like any help?"

Ellie looked at him, a bit surprised. "Um, sure."

"Then tell me what to do."

Over the course of the next half hour or so, Ellie and Nozel went about making a simple soup with some veggies, dried meat, and herbs. Ellie hadn't expected Nozel to help with the cooking, but it was nice to see him making an effort to do something that he normally wouldn't.

'He's cute when he cooks, too,' she thought.

While they ate, they discussed what their plans were going to be come morning- since the compromise was that they walked the first day. Nozel assured Ellie that he was fully recovered and his mana was completely replenished, so a simple transportation spell like the Silver Eagle would be no trouble for him. Ellie made him promise to take it easy even still, per doctor's orders, and let her know if he feels off in the slightest. Nozel was touched at her concern and promised, knowing that at the very least it would easy her mind.

Once they finished their meal, Ellie went to the nearby creek to wash their dishes and returned to find Nozel already in the tent. She added some more wood to the fire, then set the dishes aside to dry before ducking into the tent- finding that Nozel had placed their sleep rolls next to each other and laid one of the extra blankets across the both of them.

"I, uh..." Nozel cleared his throat and hoped that she could see his flushed cheeks. "With it being chillier tonight, I thought it would be best if we slept close... to conserve body heat."

Ellie giggled. "I see." She slipped off her shoes and set them near the front of the tent before standing on her toes to plant a kiss on Nozel's cheek. "That's very thoughtful of you."

Nozel watched as Ellie made her way to her things, pulling out her brush before letting her hair down.

As she sat brushing her hair out, she noticed Nozel gazing at her and she stopped mid-stroke. "W-What?"

"You look lovely with your hair down."

Ellie's heart began to race and she started feeling warm all over. "O-Oh, thank you."

Nozel realized how bluntly he had stated his compliment and his ears started burning. "Y-You're welcome." Nozel took a seat on his bed roll, trying to push aside his flusteredness.

They sat there in silence for a few moments before Ellie set her brush back in its place and spoke first. "Nozel?"

"What is it?"

Ellie was unsure of how to phrase her question, mostly because she was uncertain of how he felt about their situation. "What's... going to happen... when we return to the Royal Capital..? Once our mission is over..."

Nozel sighed. "I've been thinking about that myself."

"I know that we agreed to keep the marriage and everything a secret for the time being, but..." Ellie fiddled with the ends of her hair. "I really enjoy spending time with you... and I don't want that to end once our mission is over..."

"I feel the same."

Ellie looked up at that. "So, then what do we do?"

"Continue as we had before," Nozel suggested, "take the time to chat in the halls, continue to enjoy tea together, take walks together."

Ellie looked away, feeling a bit disappointed. "I see."

Nozel could sense that wasn't quite the answer that she had been hoping for and reached over to grasp her hand. "Ellie, look at me."

Ellie met his gaze and was caught a bit off guard as he reached up to touch her cheek.

"That does not have to be all that we do. We can find other ways to spend more time together, privately, too."

Ellie blushed at that and leaned into his hand. "OK." She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. "I just don't want this to end..."

Nozel smiled at that and leaned forward. "It doesn't have to." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, lingering for a moment before pulling back. "We will find a way, I promise."

Ellie smiled. "I hope so."