Chapter 10

"......So, it was like that, huh?"

"Huh?"

Even though it was a story so outlandish that it would normally be laughed at, Ralph listened silently to the end and even seemed to understand, rather than doubt.

"Lady Lisette, you've been suffering alone all this time... I'm really sorry."

For some reason, he apologized.

"You believe me...?"

"Of course."

Even though no one had ever believed me before. The way he said it so matter-of-factly made me feel a little like crying.

On the other hand, Ralph, with a dark expression, seemed to be blaming himself. He eventually looked up and stared at me.

"......I will save Lady Lisette."

"Huh?"

"Please, let me protect you."

Even though I didn't want to involve anyone else, his words made my heart waver.

Perhaps, deep down, I had already wanted someone to help me, to lean on.

"But, you don't owe me that much, Ralph."

"I will use my life, which you saved, for your sake."

"That's an exaggeration."

"No, it's because of Lady Lisette that I am who I am today."

I had only given him a small chance, and the person Ralph is today is due to his own talent and effort. Yet, he seemed to genuinely believe that.

"Lady Lisette, please use me."

He said this with a serious expression.

"Isn't there no one more suitable to protect you now than me, a hero? Besides, I'm a foolish man who is happy just to be by your side. I will surely be the easiest tool to handle in the world."

I wondered how someone could live to use words like 'use' and 'tool.' I had felt this before, but Ralph seems to have some odd quirks.

Still, as a hero who defeated the Demon King, he might really be able to defeat that monster. I can't help but have such expectations.

"Don't you think there are only advantages for both of us?"

When he said this as if to seal the deal, my resolve crumbled. How many people could really refuse such a request in this situation?

More than anything, I don't want to die like that again.

Four months until my 20th birthday. If he's willing to help me get through this turning point, I don't think I'll be punished.

"......Will you really protect me?"

"Yes, with my life."

"No, I don't want you to do that."

At this rate, he might really risk his life, which is troubling. But I want to take this hand he's offering.

"Thank you. Then, please take care of me."

"Lady Lisette, thank you...!"

For some reason, he thanked me and said, "From now on, feel free to ask me anything," with a childlike smile.

"The sanctuary is dangerous, so please live here. I've also heard about your situation with the viscount's family from Reala."

"......I'm sorry, thank you so much."

With the possibility of dangerous creatures in the sanctuary, I have nowhere to live. Though I feel guilty, I decided to take his offer.

I was worried about everyone in the sanctuary and my grandmother, but Ralph said he would check on them.

"By the way, a room for a servant or lower is fine."

"Did you not like the room?"

"Huh?"

"It's a room I prepared for you."

"......What do you mean?"

"I imagined the things you might like and prepared them, thinking that someday we might live together."

"Ah... s-so that's it..."

He said this with a charming prince-like smile, but it was terrifying. It's strange that a room was prepared for me even though I never said I would live here.

Eventually, he was called by someone who looked like a butler, said he would return soon, and left the room with a somewhat sad expression.

Meanwhile, I was prepared for a bath, change of clothes, and makeup by the maids who came in. The dress that fit me perfectly made me feel a bit uneasy.

◇◇◇

While being shown around the mansion, I accidentally got separated from the maid and was looking for the room from earlier.

"Hmm, was it here?"

When I casually opened the door, I was speechless. The walls were covered with paintings.

One was covered with a cloth, but all the others were paintings of me from when I was a child.

"......No, no, no, no."

Goosebumps ran down my entire body. This is definitely not normal. It's too heavy. Too heavy.

And displayed like art pieces were the accessories I had given to sell that day. Could he have bought them all back?

When he said before, "I thought of you every day for eight years," I laughed it off as an exaggeration, but seeing this, it doesn't seem like a joke.

I might have made the wrong choice. I seriously thought that.