Chapter 52

"Hey, I saw it just now. Lord Albes was suddenly smiling while taking care of the horse."

"Hmm?"

"Before that, he was looking at Lord Fil with a slightly scary face, but while brushing the horse, he muttered, 'That guy is really an idiot,' and laughed. I thought they had a fight today, so I felt a bit relieved."

"Yes, those two have always been like that, even though they get along well."

When I said this, my daughter smiled with relief.

Lord Albes and Lord Fil have been really close since they were young.

However, there was a time when things became tense over Lady Lucia.

Although Lady Lucia didn't realize it at all, Lord Albes was quite troubled over Lord Fil. He would sometimes mutter to himself, like he did in his childhood, things like, "What should I do about that guy?" or "What does Lucia think?" in front of me.

But, despite Lord Fil's many issues, he is very devoted, and most importantly, Lady Lucia was laughing happily.

I clearly told Lord Albes, "No matter what happens, I will be on Lady Lucia's side."

Now, I think I'll go check on them under the pretext of bringing them a refill of tea.

While checking the remaining hot water, my daughter, who was looking outside, gasped.

"Mom! A lot of knights have come!"

My daughter shouted loudly.

Rushing to the window, I saw a cloud of dust approaching from the other side of the road.

"…Could that be the pursuers? There are quite a lot of them, though."

"Wow! Are all of them knights of the kingdom? There must be more than twenty!"

My daughter, who has become quite used to knights, was shining with excitement.

I sighed.

"Go ask Lord Albes if there's anything you can help with."

"Okay, I got it!"

My daughter ran off.

Lord Albes had moved away from the horse to greet the knights. My daughter, who had gone outside, was talking to someone, but she was probably asked to fetch water again and quickly left.

Should I inform the two in the living room?

But they should be able to see what's happening outside from the living room. It would be better to prepare some snacks to give them.

Just as I was leaving the kitchen with a covered basket filled with snacks, which Lord Albes and the knights often use for their lunches, I saw Lord Fil and Lady Lucia heading towards the front door.

Rushing to catch up, I found an astonishing number of horses and knights in the front courtyard of the Laguren estate.

"This is quite a spectacle. I didn't think Laguren would suit knights so well."

"…Hey, Fil. All of them are here for you. Do you understand that?"

"I understand. Ah, they've unloaded the luggage. They're even brushing the horses. Thank you."

I could hear Lord Albes and Lord Fil having a conversation that lacked any tension.

Lord Fil was still holding Lady Lucia's hand.

But beyond them, a row of mounted knights and about ten dismounted knights were standing in a circle. All of them were in the kingdom's military uniform, making the scene both grand and intimidating. The knights approaching Lord Fil looked particularly unhappy.

It seems they are about to leave immediately.

"Lady Lucia, please give this to Lord Fil…"

I whispered softly, and Lady Lucia tried to take it with a smile. However, her right hand was still held by Lord Fil. She seemed to be trying to free it but gave up quickly, taking it with her left hand, looking troubled.

"Fil, this is a souvenir for you."

"Is it homemade sweets by Lucia?"

"It seems so. So, you know, good luck?"

"If you say that, I'll do anything to make it happen!"

Lord Fil finally let go of her hand and took the basket carefully.

Lord Albes sighed and started loading the luggage back onto the horse. With the help of a nearby knight, the preparations should be done quickly.

Lord Fil also looked cheerful, so it seems this will end well.

…At that moment, I felt relieved.

My daughter said there were about twenty knights.

But later, when I asked a shepherd boy, he said there were more than twice that number around the Laguren estate.

In other words… Lady Lucia has really attracted someone quite formidable. As someone who has raised her like a mother or an older sister since she was young, I can only sigh.

Yet, my daughter says I was smiling happily.

That can't be true.

(End of Extra Chapter: The Former Maid's Knowing Smile)