Chapter 22

With a soft thud, a head landed on my shoulder.

It felt heavy, and Fil’s silver hair brushed against my neck, tickling me.

"Hey, Lucia..."

A low voice came from my shoulder.

"How much do you know about me?"

"Huh? About Fil? While confused, I tried my best to think.

"Well, that... you like your stews salty, you like to lounge on the floor, and if left alone, you’ll just keep sleeping, right?"

"Yeah, that’s nice to hear, but..."

Fil seemed to laugh.

But the arms that held me tightened even more.

It wasn’t painful, but I was getting more and more uneasy, so I hurriedly continued.

"Um, right, Fil is Albes’ colleague from when he was a knight, right?"

"Yeah, something like that. But Albes was more of my subordinate. When he was a new recruit, I was in a higher position."

"Really? So, you’re a bit older than him?"

"Yeah, a little bit."

Fil nodded.

The silver hair touching my neck moved as well.

...Um, could you please let go soon...?

"But the reason I was his superior wasn’t just because of my age. I..."

His words trailed off, and a sigh touched my shoulder.

"...Ah, I don’t want to say it. I don’t want to tell you, Lucia."

He muttered that and fell silent.

The carriage was moving slowly.

I couldn’t check, but where are we now? It seems to have slowed down a bit...

"If your eyes change... I’ll want to die."

In the midst of a big jolt, Fil muttered softly.

It might have been a soliloquy. Fil is very vulnerable right now.

I moved my free hand gently and patted Fil’s back, which was holding me tightly.

"If you don’t want to say it, I won’t ask. In fact, I don’t want to know. Albes always says, doesn’t he? If you don’t get involved in complicated matters, everything will be fine as usual."

"Lucia..."

"Fil is Albes’ friend, a guest who comes by sometimes, and a lazy person who likes to relax on the floor. That’s enough, isn’t it?"

As I said this slowly, Fil’s arms moved slightly.

But the thick arms didn’t let go.

While I was thinking what to do, Tiana glanced at us.

She looked like she wanted to say something. ...Of course, right? This scene is a bit much!

"Hey, Fil. Um, could you let go soon?"

"I don’t want to. I want to stay like this forever. ...No, maybe this is fine? Why can’t I be selfish? Isn’t it okay to be pushy sometimes?"

The arms holding me tightened again.

Just as I was getting worried that it might become uncomfortable, Fil’s nose brushed against my neck.

"Hey, Fil!?"

"Sorry, Lucia... I might do something strange."

"Fil! It’s t-ticklish!"

Overcome by an inexplicable fear, I tried to push his large body away.

"Sir Fil. Time’s up."

Tiana’s calm voice was heard.

Then, the carriage door opened.

"What are you doing?"

A low voice was heard.

I had never heard such a menacing tone before, but it was a familiar voice.

Before I could turn my head, Fil suddenly let go.

"Albes."

The carriage had stopped at some point.

And beyond the open door, Albes, with a demonic expression, was standing.

"Are you done? That was quick."

"Yeah. Thanks to the new recruit you lent me, it couldn’t have gone any faster. ...It’s a good thing it was quick. I could prevent your rampage!"

Albes grabbed Fil by the collar and pulled him out of the carriage in an instant.

Fil didn’t seem to resist.

He had a strained face but didn’t fight back.

"I told you I’d kill you next time, didn’t I?"

"No, the situation is different this time!"

"Is that all you have to say?"

"It was just a momentary lapse! Lucia is so cute, I almost lost my mind!"

"What? Is that your excuse?"

"It’s not an excuse! It’s a confession!"

...We’re on a main street in the capital.

People passing by stopped, surprised by the sudden shouting.

Both of them are carrying swords, so they might be reported to the guard... but, no, that’s unlikely. Today, both of them are dressed in clothes that clearly identify them as nobles.

Still, Albes’ killing intent is real, and while Fil isn’t resisting now, he will likely react instinctively if something happens.

We shouldn’t make this any bigger.

If the kingdom’s knights get involved in a conflict between nobles, it would be more than just awkward for both of them.

I carefully got out of the carriage, paying attention to my dress, and patted Albes’ tense arm.

"Albes, please calm down."

"There’s no need to protect him!"

"Please, calm down. As the Viscount of Laguren, please avoid shameful behavior."

Whispering softly, Albes clenched his jaw.

He looked around with his eyes, spat, and let go of Fil.