Chapter 48

As I was contemplating something belated, Fil turned around, and extended his hand to me, who was still sitting.

"I'd like to have tea with you before the pursuers arrive."

"...I just baked some sweets this morning. I thought it was a bit early, but it turned out to be just right."

"That's great. I'm lucky."

Fil smiled very happily.

His face was as pure as a child's, and I couldn't help but smile back as I placed my hand on his.

Brother Albes sighed while giving water to the horse.

He must have cut his inspection short and rushed from the edge of the territory after receiving a message from the shepherds.

But it's still before noon.

Soon, Fil's pursuers will arrive. After that, if it's just an inspection, maybe we can go out again?

"Lucia."

As I stood up and calculated the position of the sun and the distance to the inspection site, Fil, who had put on his knight's uniform, led a horse over.

"Please, onto my horse. I'll help you up, so put your foot on my hand."

...What, step on his hand?

I hesitated, but gave in to his beaming smile and placed my foot on his hand while holding the saddle.

As I slowly shifted my weight, I was lifted up.

With that momentum, I easily mounted the horse.

...Is this okay?

Fil is the Prince. I used his hand as a stepping stone.

I couldn't help but smile wryly as Albes, who had mounted his horse, approached.

He glanced at me and looked displeased.

"Fil. I'll go ahead. ...I trust you."

With that, Albes urged his horse forward and left.

As I watched his figure grow smaller, Fil nimbly mounted behind me.

I was about to turn around casually... when I was gently pulled from behind.

"Fil, Mr. Fil?"

"...Albes gave his reluctant approval, so... can I do this for a little while?"

Whispered in my ear in a slightly hoarse voice, I shrank back, unable to respond.

But...

"If you don't like it, push me away. I'll endure."

Fil's arms were around me, but they weren't tight enough to prevent me from escaping if I wanted to.

"I don't just want you to be my mistress. So, if you don't like it, I'll endure, and if it looks bad, I'll try not to touch you."

He said firmly, but his arms tightened slightly.

"...But I really want to do more lover-like things... Should I lock Albes in the dungeon for a while? Or maybe... bring him back into active duty?"

I thought he was being sincere, but then he started saying something ominous.

I gently pushed his arms. The arms that had encircled me slipped away easily.

When I turned around, Fil's beautiful face looked a little sad, but he smiled resignedly.

"Sorry. Did I touch you too much?"

"That's not it... No, that's not it. Brother is a civilian, so keep it moderate."

"...Yeah, that's true."

Fil muttered and lightly spurred the horse to start moving.

"To be honest, Albes can actually return to active duty. ...He's still registered in the kingdom's army."

"...Huh?"

I had just turned forward to match the horse's movement and quickly turned back.

Fil held the reins loosely and glanced at me.

"Albes is officially my deputy during my leave. He has a special position where he doesn't have the obligations of the kingdom's army, but also doesn't receive any pay or privileges. ...In short, he's my watchdog."

Watchdog...

I almost understood, but quickly came to my senses.

Fil, who was leading the horse, smiled wryly at my gaze.

"I only found out about this a month ago. Probably, my brother and the previous commander had something to do with it. Since I've been hanging around here for a long time, they must have prepared for any eventuality."

"...Is that common?"

"Usually, you don't hear about it. The others probably don't know, and of course, Albes doesn't know at all. But there are precedents for dealing with unruly royals, and since it has the signature of the current top of the kingdom's army and the king, well, anything is possible. If I had known earlier, I could have made things a bit easier for Albes... but that's another story."

Fil's serious face broke into a mischievous smile.

"The important thing is the possibility of returning to active duty. This could be a trump card, so let's keep it a secret from Albes for now?"

"Wait, but..."

...Keep this secret from me?

But Fil put a finger to his lips and smiled playfully.

What a dilemma.

I'll try, but I don't think I can keep a secret from Brother Albes.

Moreover, is this something I should keep quiet about?

Maybe I should hint at it to Brother...

As I was pondering this, a shepherd on the hill waved and ran over, apparently trying to convey something.

Could it be that the pursuers have been spotted?

I tried to turn my body in that direction.

Fil glanced over and seemed to click his tongue.

But he didn't stop the horse; instead, he kicked it harder without a word.

The sturdy warhorse started running as its master wished. My body swayed, but Fil held me firmly.