Chapter 57

Lifting my tear-stained face, I saw Noah looking at me. In his eyes, which were like the evening star, only I was reflected, and it made me inexplicably happy.

Noah, chuckling softly, wiped the corners of my eyes with his fingertips. I didn't want to let go of his gentle touch.

"Sorry, I couldn't see you as much as I thought I would."

"No... I understand the situation. Are you okay? I heard you've been on duty from early morning until late at night."

"Yeah. It's not physically tough or anything, but not being able to see you was hard."

"...I felt the same way."

His straightforward words resonated in my heart. I could feel that Noah truly meant them.

Even though we were already so close, I wanted to touch him more and tightened my arms around him.

Noah, smiling happily, kissed my hair. His lips traced from my hair to my hairpin, then gently shook my earring. Even the subtle sounds made my heart race, and I was sure Noah could feel it too.

"I heard you were with the princess all day from morning till night?"

"Yeah... Why do you sound so prickly?"

"Is that so? After all... I can't help feeling uneasy. I like you."

"You... Why do you always become so honest at times like this?"

Noah sighed dramatically, and I wanted to argue. After all, there was no point in being stubborn when we finally got to see each other—

The words I was about to speak were sucked into Noah's lips along with my breath.

The heat from his lips spread to me.

The strength of his arms that held me shouted that he loved me.

My chest felt both painful and bitter, and there was nothing I could do but cling to him.

His lips slowly parted. Even so, Noah's eyes, like the evening star, were still close and had deepened in color.

The way he rubbed his cheek against my hair seemed more childlike than usual, and I thought he must be tired too.

Even though I was helped by Emma, I still felt jealous and frustrated... Noah must have been hard on himself too.

"The mission will be over soon. I'll take a long break, and then we can relax together."

"Sounds good. Emma said she has some delicious wine and wants us to come over for a drink."

"Ah, I want to drink. ...Hey, I think being on guard duty has caused you some trouble. I haven't done anything to make you ashamed, and my heart is always with you."

Noah's hand cupped my cheek. His slightly rough, sword-wielding hand was warm.

The words he spoke while looking straight at me were sincere, and I couldn't doubt them even a little.

"It's not that I'm troubled, but I do get jealous... I just felt sad not being able to see you and didn't like that someone else was by your side."

Even though I understand it's part of your job.

Nodding at my words, Noah gave me another light kiss. His lips curved into a smile, and this was—Einhart the knight's, but Noah's smile just for me.

It made me so happy that I hugged him tightly again.

"By the way, how did you manage to get away? Is everything okay with your work?"

"Everyone else is on a rotation, so there are enough people. I managed to get away by saying I twisted my ankle when I bumped into Lars and went to the infirmary."

You had to go to such lengths to get away.

I realized how harsh Noah's situation was, and my brows furrowed with worry.

"Originally, I planned to take a leave for treatment... but if I said that, I might have been put under house arrest. The prince advised me against it. This was the only way I could get away for a bit."

"Does the prince know about this?"

"Yeah. He's also in charge of welcoming the delegation, and he seems to be quite troubled by this. He's trying to negotiate with Anheim, but... the Empress Dowager is from Anheim and dotes on Princess Camilla. It's a complicated situation."

"Is that so..."

Then, there's nothing to do but endure for a few more days.

I don't want Noah to be put under house arrest. ...Liar. I've thought about it, and it makes me want to cry.

"But I'm glad we managed to meet. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too. I'm so happy to see you. Thank you for coming to see me."

Noah hugged me tightly again. I wish we could stay like this forever.

Once we leave here, Noah will have to go back to guarding the princess. It's a bit painful, but... yeah, it's okay.

--Knock, knock, knock

"Ainhart, you need to get back soon or it'll be bad."

At the hesitant voice from the other side of the door, Noah let out a loud sigh and a big sigh. "I don't want to," he muttered, making me want to say, "Don't go."

Swallowing those words, I slowly let go of his hand.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I was going to bring these to the barracks today... cookies made by the master. Emma gave them to me."

"Thanks. I wish we could have a leisurely meal together soon."

"Just a little longer. Let's both keep trying."

Trying to soothe him, I spoke, and his arms reluctantly released me. Only I could see Noah like this.

I took the cookies out of my bag and handed them to Noah, holding his hand. Even the short distance to the door was joyful to touch him.

When Noah opened the door, Lars, who had been leaning against it, almost fell over. Stumbling, he managed to hold himself up and stared at Noah before breaking into a grin.

Noticing this, Noah furrowed his brow, looking puzzled.

"What?"

His voice wasn't directed at me but was firm, as Einhart.

"Wow, you look so soft."

"Of course."

"Oh, I see..."

Their banter was so amusing that I couldn't help but laugh. Noah patted my head and took a step forward.

"Alicia, see you later."

"Sure. Good luck with your work."

I watched Noah and Lars, who waved his hands widely, and then I decided to go home.

Stepping outside, the sky was already dark. Taking a deep breath of the summer air, I walked home with a light step.