Chapter 51

"I've been meaning to tell you, but it looks like I'm going to be a bit busy from now on."

After finishing my meal, I was eating a cream puff for dessert.

Noah had finished one, and I was on my second. The master had made a large number of cream puffs before, and apparently, such times come around occasionally.

He said he just felt like making them, and when I saw the pile of boxes filled with cream puffs, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Busy... at the knights' guild?"

I cut the top part of the cream puff with a knife and brought the custard cream to my mouth. It was just as delicious even on the second one. When I added a strawberry, the tartness was strong, and it was delicious in a different way.

"Yeah. You know the envoy from the Anheim Kingdom is coming next week, right? Your place is also on the list for inspection."

"Yes, I believe the princess is coming."

"I've been assigned to the guard detail for this mission."

"Whenever an envoy comes, the knights' guild always provides guards, don't they?"

This wasn't anything special.

The envoy's group would have their own guards, but it was customary for the knights' guild to provide additional protection. I hadn't really thought much about it, but Noah sighed deeply and finished his white wine.

"I don't want to go."

"You're being quite clear about it."

I could tell from his tone of voice how he felt, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

He had been assigned to guard duty before, so why now?

"This isn't the first time, right?"

"Yeah, but... I have a bad feeling about it."

"Don't say such scary things. Your intuition is usually right, and that's not a good thing."

"Mine too."

The bottom part of the cream puff, soaked with moisture, was heavy. When I cut it and brought it to my mouth, the soft choux pastry and the cream combined deliciously. I might even like this part more than the top.

"But it's not like we won't see each other, like when you were stationed at the fort. That's the only saving grace."

"You won't be the only one on guard duty, right?"

"Yeah. We'll form a team and take turns."

"...Is it okay to talk about work like this, even now?"

"Really, it's a bit late for that. I brought it up, so don't worry."

"Okay, if you say so..."

I sighed in relief at Noah's words. I trust that Noah would know what to keep confidential and what to share with me.

After finishing my cream puff, I took a sip of white wine. The floral aroma filled my nose, and the sweetness of the cream in my mouth was washed away, leaving a refreshing taste.

"Alicia, would you like another one?"

"I'm full today."

"Then take some home. Noah, you too."

"I'm in the barracks, though..."

"Someone will eat them. Please take them. Look at this amount."

Emma showed us the boxes of cream puffs with a troubled expression, but her smile was as bright as ever. Master bowed apologetically behind her.

"Then I'll take them."

"Thank you, that's a relief. I ate four, but I'm already full."

"...Four?"

Noah repeated the number in disbelief. I couldn't help but laugh, having seen Emma eat four before.

After paying the bill, we left the restaurant.

We waved goodbye to Emma and Master, who saw us off to the street, and Noah and I started walking down the cobblestone path side by side.

Emma had put the cream puffs in a paper bag. Noah offered to carry my share, but I declined and carried it myself.

"Are you sure? I can carry that much."

"Yes, it's light. Besides, both your hands would be occupied."

"...Ah, I see."

Noah smiled in understanding and held my free hand with the hand not carrying the bag.

I did this because I wanted to hold hands.

"...I'm starting to feel a bit embarrassed."

"Why?"

Noah laughed, finding it amusing. I felt embarrassed but didn't want to let go, so I squeezed his hand. He squeezed back, and I felt happy.

"Today's meal was delicious and made me happy."

"The tart was good too."

"The one with goat cheese. It had a bit of a tang, but it went surprisingly well with the ale."

"You drank quite a bit today... but there's no need to worry."

"That's mean. But I'm fine, so I can't say anything."

Our spirits lifted with the light-hearted banter.

Even as we touched and got closer, our conversations remained the same. I was happy about that, and I was sure I wasn't the only one.

"Hey... you said you'll be busy, but we'll still see each other... take care of yourself. Don't overwork yourself."

"Sure. I'll be fine even if I get a bit busy, but not seeing you will be tough. But I won't be leaving the capital this time."

"That's right. The curator said the princess's inspection sites are all within the capital."

"Right, so if anything happens, let me know. I'll be at the barracks when I'm not on duty, so don't hesitate to come by."

"Thank you."

The night breeze was gentle.

It would probably get warmer soon, but the cool breeze on my cheeks felt pleasant. Only our hands, which were still holding, felt warm.

"Also... the envoy is quite a large group. It's natural with all the officials, maids, and soldiers they bring. There will be a lot of people coming and going, so don't follow anyone you don't know."

"I'm not a child, so I'll be fine."

As we approached the residential area, Noah suddenly stopped.

I stopped too, and our hands separated.

Noah took off his glasses and placed them on his head, holding his bangs in place. His evening-star eyes, now exposed, looked at me intensely with a hint of heat.

"I'm worried."

His sincere voice left no room for teasing. I could only nod in response.

"I'll be fine. I won't follow anyone, and I'll live my life as usual. If anything happens, I'll go to the barracks, and I'll rely on you. ...You too, okay?"

"Me?"

"...There will be the princess and the maids and all, but... don't forget that I'm here for you."

As soon as I said it, I realized it sounded like jealousy.

I was jealous of people I hadn't even met yet. Just as I thought that, Noah pulled me into a one-armed hug.

"You're so cute."

"...You're a weirdo."

Even my insults sounded sweet. I could hear how much I cared for Noah in my voice.

"You like someone like me, don't you?"

Noah's low laugh made me feel dizzy. Before I could answer, my mouth was sealed by his lips.