Chapter 72

"Thank you very much for helping me just now."

In the carriage heading to the next destination, Cordelia expressed her gratitude to Bernhardt.

"Did you see me being harassed by the mages and come to my rescue?"

"It was just doing what needed to be done."

Bernhardt's response was curt.

"If something were to happen to a noble lady while I'm with you, it could become a serious diplomatic issue."

After explaining the reason, he fell silent and looked out the window. Despite his cold demeanor, he didn't seem to be a bad person. He had helped Cordelia and her companions just now. He seemed to be indifferent to matters outside his interests but was diligent in his necessary duties.

"Hmm, what's that...?"

"What is it?"

From beside Bernhardt, she peered out the window. It was a street a couple of blocks away from the main thoroughfare of the capital, where shops catering to women were clustered.

"Is there a particular shop that caught your eye?"

"I'm looking for a well-reputed pastry shop."

"Pastry?"

It was a somewhat unexpected search. As Cordelia was surprised, Gail provided additional information.

"It's not for Sir Bernhardt to eat. He plans to give it to his sister."

"His sister, as in Lady Letitia, the fiancée of the Prince of Ertoria?"

Though she had never met her, Lady Letitia was known to be a talented and beautiful duchess's daughter. She was also Bernhardt's sister, born to the same mother. As the fiancée of the crown prince of a neighboring country, Letitia was a person of interest to Cordelia, who wished to be the fiancée of Leonhardt.

This seemed like a good opportunity to ask Bernhardt a few questions.

"Do you and Lady Letitia often talk, Sir Bernhardt?"

"Our relationship is reasonably good. Recently, my sister has been busy, so we don't get to spend much time together."

When Bernhardt spoke about his sister, he seemed a bit disappointed. It appeared they were indeed close.

"Indeed, while our relationship is good, it's a bit off, and it seems Lady Letitia has her own challenges..."

Gail muttered.

"Why the hesitation?"

"No, nothing. ...Lady Letitia has a strong interest in food. She doesn't particularly like the rich flavors of Ertoria's noble cuisine and envies our culinary culture."

Liorbern was a country with fertile land, and with an abundance of fresh ingredients, the cuisine tended to be lightly seasoned, emphasizing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

"When it was decided that Sir Bernhardt would go to Liorbern, Lady Letitia said, 'I wish I could go to Liorbern in your place.'"

"That's an honor. If I have the opportunity, I would like to meet her and have a meal together."

Cordelia's words were half social courtesy and half genuine. She would like to meet the crown prince's fiancée someday. Given her love for pastries, they would likely have a lot to talk about.

"Sir Bernhardt, could you tell me what kind of pastries Lady Letitia likes? If you need help finding a pastry shop in the capital, I might be able to assist."

"Ah, that would be helpful..."

Bernhardt paused and looked down at Cordelia.

"Is there something on your mind?"

"Aren't you afraid of me?"

"Why should I be?"

While Bernhardt had a combative side, he wasn't the type to resort to violence indiscriminately. Given that he had helped her against the mages earlier, Cordelia found him reliable.

"On the day of the welcoming ceremony, I directed a killing intent at you. I've done this to several young ladies in the past, and they never spoke to me again after that."

"Is that so..."

Despite his exceptional looks, lineage, and abilities, Bernhardt apparently had no fiancée. His outstanding talent might have made women fear him and keep their distance. Cordelia thought it must be difficult for him, but then he added,

"Well, thanks to that, the young ladies no longer approach me, so I regularly send out killing intent to keep them away."

"Serious! You regularly send out killing intent?!"

Cordelia couldn't help but interject.

(...What a difficult person...)

She slumped into the carriage seat, feeling a bit deflated. It made sense why Gail had hesitated when talking about Bernhardt and Letitia's relationship. With Bernhardt as a brother, Letitia must have her hands full.

"Right now, I'm not looking for a fiancée. It's better for both the young ladies and me, as they won't waste their time on an unproductive relationship."

"I want to focus on my military duties and training," he added nonchalantly.