Chapter 50

This is a side story told from Yurana's perspective, describing what happened after Chapter 48 of the main story.

"Mom! Something's happened!"

Suddenly, I heard my daughter's shrill voice, and I looked up.

My name is Yurana. I used to be a live-in maid for the Laguren family, but now I come to help with household chores.

It seemed that a regular guest would be coming soon, so I had been cleaning the floors since early morning.

When my daughter rushed in, I was carefully wiping the hallway, and I stood up, lightly tapping my waist.

That guest loves to relax on the floor. Although it's winter and he probably won't rest in the hallway, I wanted to be thorough.

My breathless daughter was carrying a large, heavy basket. I wondered what it could be.

"Did you shake off all the dirt?"

"Yeah, that's fine!"

"Good. What's with the basket?"

"Oh, this? The villagers said that if the usual young man comes, they want me to give this to Lady Lucia. It's cheese!"

"That's very kind of them. ...Oh, there's so much."

I took the basket and checked its contents, my eyes widening.

The silver-haired gentleman seems to like beans, but he also enjoys grilled cheese on bread. Lord Albes, in fact, is a big cheese lover. Although he doesn't usually show it, the villagers often see him, so they always give him a generous share on such occasions.

...Still, I only heard about Lord Fil this morning, and it seems the whole village already knows.

They must have seen the new knights and gathered to ask them questions.

The villagers in the Laguren territory have become quite accustomed to the knights. The initial caution is long gone. I wonder if this is a good thing.

"So, what's the big deal?"

I recalled the words my daughter said when she rushed in and asked.

Relieved to have handed over the basket, she looked back outside in a hurry and said,

"That's right! Just now, when I was coming here, I saw a horse! It looks like Lord Albes is back!"

"Oh, what happened? I thought he was going on a long trip today."

"Well, he's coming back really fast. Should I prepare some water?"

"Yes, prepare some water for Lord Albes's horse."

"Got it!"

My daughter ran outside again, nimbly.

She's ten this year and is eager to be helpful. If she could just be a bit more composed, she could be a good maid.

But now isn't the time to think about such things leisurely.

For Lord Albes to change his plans and return, something must have happened. I tilted my head and looked out the window. Lord Albes was already close, stopping his horse and dismounting, his dark blonde hair disheveled by the wind.

"Yurana! I need you to boil some water right away!"

"Yes, I'll prepare it immediately, but what happened?"

When I asked, Lord Albes smiled wryly.

"He's here. He's supposed to come here soon, so just let him have some tea."

"He? Who?"

I tilted my head.

This casual yet familiar way of speaking is familiar. There can't be many people Lord Albes speaks of like this.

So, it must be...

"Wait, could it be Lord Fil?"

I was so surprised that my voice grew louder. Lord Albes, without scolding me, ran his hand through his disheveled hair.

"He seems to have changed his plans and come here directly. ...The pursuers will probably arrive soon, but he's really a fool, isn't he?"

"Indeed."

I couldn't think of a more appropriate response.

But I understand Lord Fil's feelings. He must have wanted to come to Laguren as soon as possible, even if it meant bringing pursuers with him.

It can't be helped.

Lady Lucia is such a wonderful young lady!

Unlike some other young lords, she has good judgment.

However, as I thought six months ago... Lord Fil is not only young but also in a high position. He could be a bit more composed.

I understand that he's excited because his feelings for Lady Lucia have been reciprocated. But compared to Lord Albes, who is so calm, it makes him stand out even more.

I almost laughed at the comparison but noticed my daughter looking worried, so I hid it with a casual cough.

"I'll prepare the tea right away. ...By the way, where is Lady Lucia?"

"She's supposed to be coming back with him. Ah, they seem to be here."

Lord Albes looked back down the road and seemed to sigh.

I could see a horse in the distance.

Is Lady Lucia riding with him? At that incredible speed, it must be quite a challenge for her.

Although I can't see them from this distance, I can imagine Lord Fil looking happy as he supports her from behind.

I need to hurry.

I quickly headed to the kitchen.