Chapter 53

If Noah had finished work early, we would have gone home together and enjoyed a delicious meal as we always did. We would have walked slowly, chatting, and on days off, we would have talked about our new home.

I had planned to spend time like that... but in the week since the envoy arrived, none of that happened.

Even though you said, "We can still see each other."

Your words, "I have a bad feeling," turned out to be more accurate.

I can't see Noah.

I do see him, though. He is always by the princess's side when she goes on inspections.

Perhaps they formed teams of a few people to take turns on guard duty. Noah had mentioned something like that, but... the situation might have changed.

Wendy is concerned for me, but I can only manage a smile.

After finishing work, I headed straight for the knights' barracks. Noah might be there, and even if he isn't, I might be able to find out when his next day off is.

Everyone knows I am Noah's fiancée, so it's not a problem to ask about his days off. As I approached the gate, the guard looked at me with pity.

"Lord Einhardt..."

From his expression, I understood that he was still on guard duty with the envoy.

No matter how much I complained or said anything, it would only make this person uncomfortable. I smiled and bowed, pretending not to care.

I'll go home.

Just as I turned to leave, I heard footsteps running towards me. I turned to see a knight I knew running towards me.

It was Lars Volzner.

Noah's colleague and friend. Since Noah introduced us, Lars has been more inclined to speak to me.

"Alicia, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Lars..."

He must have rushed here after hearing I was here. His forehead was lightly sweating.

His neatly trimmed red hair and red eyes seemed to be clouded with worry.

"I thought I should explain the situation with Einhardt."

His words made my heart ache.

I had a feeling that the situation... would not be good for me. With a sinking feeling, I gripped my bag tightly and nodded. My heart was pounding, and my breathing became shallow.

Lars smiled wryly at my reaction and led me to a spot a little away from the gate.

By the high fence surrounding the barracks, under the bright streetlight, Lars began to speak.

"I think you know he's on guard duty with the envoy. Um... how to say this... the Princess of Anheim has taken a liking to Einhardt."

It was unexpected, yet in a way, it was expected.

"She insisted that Einhardt be on guard duty every day. He's been on duty every day."

"Is that so..."

"Our captain is trying to negotiate, but they said to endure for another week. Einhardt is only free late at night when the princess retires to her chambers, and he returns to the barracks very late. He has to leave early in the morning too."

Hearing about the harsh conditions, I became even more worried about Noah.

And... the princess liking Noah. I know how attractive he is, and I don't doubt his heart, but... it still bothers me.

I can't put this feeling into words, and it's making me feel sick.

I wonder if I'm managing to smile properly.

"Miss Bloom"

Suddenly, a voice called out, and I looked up to see Captain Radine approaching. His golden hair was tied back, and he was in his knight's uniform without his shoulder cape today.

"Captain Radine, thank you for your hard work."

"Thank you, Miss Bloom. ...I think you heard from Volzner, but I'm sorry for the inconvenience this is causing you."

"No, it's his job."

Yes, it's his job. No matter how much I worry here, it won't change anything.

Even as I tried to convince myself, the sick feeling didn't go away. Maybe I just need more time.

"I think you know that the princess's marriage has been decided, but apparently, she cried, saying she wanted to create some final memories. The Anheim side strongly requested it, and our superiors couldn't refuse. We are closely monitoring to ensure there is no excessive contact, so I hope you can be reassured in that regard."

"...Thank you."

I took a deep breath and managed a calmer smile than before. They both looked concerned, so maybe my smile was still a bit stiff.

As Lars and Captain Radine saw me off, I started my way home. I didn't ask for a ride today, so I planned to walk leisurely.

The sky above was already dark.

The soft summer breeze played with my hair.

It's a pleasant night, yet my mood only sank.

I tell myself to endure for just one more week, but the thought of another week ahead is overwhelming.

It's not just the fact that I can't see him. It's that Noah is... by the princess's side.

Even if the princess's feelings are not romantic, even if it's just to create memories. Still... it hurts.

"...This is just jealousy."

I couldn't pretend anymore that I didn't know the source of my unease.

I know it's his job, and it's wrong to be jealous like this. I understand that, but my eyes started to sting.

I wiped away the tears with my fingertips and hurried home.

A long shadow stretched out, looking lonely.