Chapter 45

It has been two weeks since that outrageous day of departure. The house of the Laguren Viscount has returned to its quiet, busy days. The knights who had been staying since before Lord Gorman's wedding have also returned to the capital after their leave ended.

At first, I was surprised, but they worked hard, their backgrounds were clear, and they were really a great help. The next day, I found myself thinking, "I wish they would come again..." Then, new knights arrived.

"We're going to be on leave for about a month! Please take care of us, Albes! And you, little sister!"

...Well, has our house become a resort for the kingdom's knights?

Confused, I turned around, and Albes was reading the letter they had brought, sighing. When our eyes met, he quickly put on a smile... It doesn't seem to be a bad thing, but it's not exactly a good thing, is it?

It seems there is one person at the level of a knight captain, probably from Albes' cohort, and three people who are likely his subordinates. Four people in total. More than last time.

But they are indeed a great help, and their presence is a huge reassurance, so I welcomed them with a smile.

One month later.

The four knights who had been staying returned to the capital, and new knights arrived on leave. This time, there were five. One of them is apparently a knight captain who is a friend of Albes. I was confused, but since Albes was calm, I nodded, thinking that it might be spreading by word of mouth among the knights.

But.

One month later, another group of knights on leave arrived. The same thing happened the next month as well.

It can't be a coincidence.

Even though the Laguren family is a small fief close to the capital, it's strange that multiple elite knights of the kingdom's army are always staying here, helping with farm work, construction, and other daily tasks, and even helping in the kitchen. ...Isn't this all a bit odd?

On the night I welcomed the sixth group of new knights, I finally confronted Albes.

"What's going on? Please tell me."

I asked seriously, but after Albes stared at me, he let out a deep sigh.

"Brother?"

"...Lucia, do you know who has fallen in love with you?"

"Eh?"

"Realize that you have become the love interest of the Prince."

...Ah.

"Do you remember the story of Phil's mother being assassinated? There were nobles who wanted to make their daughters his bride. In other words... that's what it means."

That.

Could it be that the knights coming to our house... are my bodyguards?

As I was confused, Albes looked up at the ceiling, looking deflated.

"I thought you would have bodyguards, but... usually, would they move a whole knight squad? This is what happens when Phil gets serious."

With a resigned face, Albes murmured.

In other words... the knights are coming to our house not on leave, but as part of their job...

"...They're not really on leave, are they?"

"No, well, leave is leave. It seems to be surprisingly popular. They only choose people they trust, but they don't seem to have any trouble with the selection."

Is that how it works?

I've heard that a rural life like a farmer is popular among the nobles in the capital.

But I can't understand it, living a rural life every day.

But it is certainly a help.

My hands are less rough, the income from the fief is stable, and the facilities have improved. If they are also serving as bodyguards, there's nothing better.

...But, is this really the job of the kingdom's knights?

I had doubts, but remembering Phil's almost-tearful face when he returned to the north, I tried not to worry too much.

"Lucia"

Just as I was thinking that the conversation was over and I should go to bed, Albes called my name. When I went to him, he gestured for me to sit down.

"I heard from today's group... Phil is supposed to be back in a couple of days."

"In a couple of days?"

"Of course, he will have work to do when he returns to the capital, but I thought I should tell you."

Albes said this with a slight smile. He must have seen that I was smiling. I quickly covered my face, but Albes was already standing up.

"I understand you have a lot you want to do. But for tonight, get some rest."

He knows my character well.

Yes, I'll go to bed tonight. ...To prepare for the days ahead!