Chapter 6

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The next time I met her—Miss Maruka—it was in the middle of the capital city.

"…? Deputy Captain? Is something wrong?"

"…No, it's nothing…"

I had been patrolling the city, partly to change my mood, as I had been stuck at my desk. She was coming out of a store with her maid.

—Give up.

Since the day she told me that, I had been investigating Miss Maruka. She had said that she chose Liliane's fiancé herself. A genius who became the head of the baron's family upon reaching adulthood. She was known as such in the streets, but I wondered if Liliane had been driven out of the baron's family due to Miss Maruka's schemes.

And the fact that came to light was…

The incident that occurred on the day she turned sixteen.

On that day, a man who had been invited as a guest to Miss Maruka's party, with his face flushed from alcohol, began to pour out his grievances to me.

He had been working hard every day to rebuild the baron's family from a young age, learning the conduct and knowledge required of a future head while squeezing every moment to find a suitable marriage for his step-sister, hoping to make her happy before he became the head. Despite his cold appearance, he cared for his family and truly wanted to get along with his step-sister. He had been reading less and working tirelessly for the family, even though he was a proud, albeit small, owner.

He said that Miss Maruka had been nearly killed by the monster duke, who had drawn his sword at her.

He fell asleep after saying that.

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"Miss Maruka! Thank you so much! I've always wanted to try the tart from this shop!!"

"I'm glad you're happy, but you're getting too excited. Ami…"

She gently chided her maid with her calm voice.

"Next, we need to buy the sweets for tomorrow's negotiation, right?"

"---Yes!"

Miss Maruka took out a pocket watch from her jacket to check the time. Her movements were practiced, showing that she was always mindful of the time. It was hard to believe that she had been a poor commoner just a few years ago.

"…We still have some time. How about we buy some souvenirs for everyone?"

"Really!? But aren't you going to the bookstore next?"

"I have a lot of unread books piled up at home. Besides, I don't want to be the only one getting special treatment again."

"Hehe, indeed!"

To an outsider, it might look like two young women enjoying shopping, but knowing their relationship changes the perspective. That petite girl was the top of a company that represented the country. It was unbelievable that she could sit and have tea with her maid without any guards.

"---! Oh, Baroness Perlecha! I didn't expect to meet you here!"

A man dressed in noble attire noticed her and called out.

"…Viscount Vector. It's good to see you are well…"

Miss Maruka's tone clearly dropped. She curtsied, holding the hem of her skirt.

"I didn't know a busy lady like you had time to enjoy the city. Indeed… You're still young, but you must be missing out on fun if you only work."

"Yes, I have plans after this. I missed lunch, so I was just having a light snack and resting until my next appointment."

Her words seemed to imply, "Unlike you, I'm not idle."

"That's tough! I'd like to help you. Have you thought about our last conversation?"

However, the man didn't back down. He grabbed Miss Maruka's hand, leaned in close, and looked down at her with those amber eyes.

"…Thank you for your kind offer, but as you can see, I'm still inexperienced as a head… I don't intend to get engaged until I can stand on my own."

"Isn't that enough independence already?"

He pulled her arm, and Miss Maruka's face clearly twisted.

"Or are you afraid that your future husband might take your position as head—?"

The man's lips curled into a smile that was repulsive to see. Miss Maruka's eyes turned cold.

"Fortunately, I have enough savings, so I don't need an incompetent husband."

"---What!? How dare you!! Just because you're a woman, you think you can get away with this!!"

The man raised his hand, still holding his cane.

"Miss Maruka!!"

The maid reached out to protect her, but Miss Maruka didn't flinch, glaring at the man.

"---That's enough."

I grabbed the man's arm.

"What, who are you… a knight!?"

The man turned to me, his eyes widening as he saw my uniform.

"Attempted assault on a woman. I'll have to ask you to come with me to the station."

"Who do you think I am! I'm a viscount!?"

"I'm from a marquis family."

"---!?"

His face turned red as he was led away by his subordinates.

"……"

As the commotion gradually subsided with the man's departure, she silently observed the situation.

"Thank you for your hard work, Sir Ricardo."

When I turned to her, Miss Maruka seemed unperturbed.

"…Did you know I would stop him and still provoke him…?"

"What are you talking about?"

She tilted her head, feigning innocence.

We had only spoken twice today, but for some reason, I felt incredibly frustrated.

"If that cane had hit your head, you could have died!"

I found myself raising my voice at the girl who seemed oblivious to the danger.

She shuddered, blinking her large eyes.

"…S-Sorry. I'll be more careful next time…"

She apologized, still looking surprised. It was clear she was only saying it because she had been scolded, and my anger didn't subside.

"Why are you walking around with just the two of you, without any guards? It's too risky!"

"Well, I don't need guards. I've entrusted most of my work to my executives, and my house has an excellent butler—"

"Are you saying it doesn't matter if you disappear?"

Her amber eyes widened, clearly showing her distress, proving that I had hit a nerve.

"…W-Well, if I manage the risks properly, it won't come to that…"

Her eyes darted around, clearly avoiding the question.

"Miss Maruka…"

The maid, standing slightly behind, called her mistress's name with a worried frown.

—Why.

Why doesn't anyone support this unstable, desperately standing girl?

For her family, she took a huge risk. She couldn't tell her mother or sister, and despite her uncertain future, she prepared for her step-sister's future. In the end, the husband she found for her step-sister ruined her special birthday party and nearly killed her.

She must have trustworthy colleagues through her work, but they are what she needs to protect. She probably thinks it's natural for her to disappear without causing them any trouble.

That's why I feel so frustrated. She is so vulnerable, and she is aware of it, making it even worse.

"You told me before that you promised to make your step-sister happy."

"…Y-Yes…"

Miss Maruka's usual composed demeanor was replaced with a puzzled expression. Since I started investigating her, this face has been haunting me, leading to today.

"If so, I will protect your happiness."

After this incident, I made up my mind. I don't want to regret not expressing my feelings to someone again, whether it's love at first sight or an indescribable impulse. I won't be called a coward again.

"…Huh?"

The girl in front of me opened her mouth in surprise.

"As a knight, I promise to protect Miss Maruka—your days of happiness."

This declaration of my pride would quickly spread throughout the capital.

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After this, whether the two of them, who started with zero romantic feelings, would come together or drift apart… The short story turned out longer than I expected. Thank you for reading to the end!