Chapter 87

Sebastian said such a thing, so I was a bit worried about my appearance, but the big bandage really brought my mood down! I didn't have the courage to take it off and check my cheek, so I left it as it was and just fixed my messy hair. Since I've been given a day off, I might as well rest and change my clothes... It's already night, so he probably won't come, right?

Lord Aldar Saul is busy, after all.

I hope there aren't too many monsters. Sebastian told me they were all defeated, but it's still scary, isn't it?

In the border where Eren lived, they are a close and real danger... I can understand why people want to leave the border. For those who want to make a name for themselves as adventurers, it might be a different story.

I could never do it! My knees were shaking all the time.

Ah... I hear a knock. Could it be?!

"Come in...!!"

"... Lady Yuria, this is Aldar Saul."

"...? Yes, please come in."

Oh, even though it's a nightgown that I wouldn't be embarrassed to wear outside, I can't just stay like this. I put on a cardigan... but he's not coming in?

When I opened the door a bit wider, Lord Aldar Saul, who looked a bit troubled, was standing there.

I thought he wasn't going to come in, so I opened the door a bit wider, but he seemed hesitant.

"... Were you about to go to bed?"

"Huh? Yes, I've been given a day off today and tomorrow, so I thought I'd rest my body."

"Is that so... Yes, it was a tough day."

"Yes. That's right. I heard you came to see me several times. I'm sorry, but I'm completely fine now."

"... But the injury..."

"This is something that can't be helped in my role."

That's right. This is the result of guiding the guests to safety as a maid until the end, so it's no one's fault. It's proof that I fulfilled my duty. ...But if it were a scar that wouldn't go away, I'd be upset, so I'll ask the doctor tomorrow. Honestly, it doesn't hurt much, so I think I'll be fine.

I think a burn that leaves a scar would hurt more.

"Lord Aldar Saul, are you hurt?"

"I'm fine. I'm a knight, after all."

"Yes, I've heard you're very strong. But... No, I said too much."

"Lady Yuria... I'm sorry to bother you before you go to bed, but if it's okay, would you like to take a walk in the garden?"

"Eh... Yes."

Ah, yes!! This is it, right? This is definitely it! Ah, my heart rate is suddenly up! What is this, I'm so nervous. But there's no reason to refuse. But, you know, that's it, that's it. What was it?

What should I do?

Ah, that's it, we're a man and a woman of a certain age, right?!

Talking in a room at night is too deep, right?! After all the events today, it's in poor taste, right?!

No, I'm a bit hopeful that it might lead to a confession, but that's in poor taste, yes.

So, Lord Aldar Saul and I moved to a small garden not far away, where the servants often take a break. It's a simple, small garden with a tree in the center and some flower beds and benches.

But, given the time and the events of the day, there was no one around.

"Please."

"Ah, thank you..."

Lord Aldar Saul, who brushed the bench lightly with his hand and escorted me, is as gentlemanly as ever.

But something seems to be bothering him...

"Lady Yuria."

"Y-Yes."

"... I apologize for your injury. Of course, I understand that you were fulfilling your duty. However, that situation should have been anticipated. When I think about it..."

"Should have been anticipated...?"

"Yes. ... Have you heard the details?"

"No. I didn't think it was something I should know, and since there was no report, I assumed it was fine."

"I see. I think you'll hear from them later. I don't think you can be considered completely uninvolved..."

"Eh?"

"Yes?"

What should I do? I don't understand at all.

Lord Aldar Saul, who seemed to have understood my confusion, finally smiled and explained simply.

It was confirmed that the monster was the one thought to be a taxidermy. It was brought in using a special drug called a feigning death drug. It's a very dangerous drug that makes it impossible to tell the difference, but it's difficult to obtain, so the issue this time is that it was 'brought in'.

The noble who brought it in is said to be a high-ranking noble mentioned by the Queen Mother. It seems that this situation arose because the noble indulged a 'whim of a cute daughter', and there was a secret punishment.

The identity of the noble is not to be made public.

The border lord who brought it in claims to know nothing, but he admitted to hiring adventurers from Shagran to obtain it, which has now affected Shagran's guests.

In fact, there are many things to investigate, such as the border lord's family troubles and Shagran's internal issues.

The Balmunk family will be under house arrest until the investigation is complete, depending on Shagran's response.

Well, it's not really relevant to me!

If I receive a report, I'll wait for it and follow it unless there's something extraordinary.

What? Just because I have a position, I'm not a low-ranking employee, right?

No, no, a maid is a low-ranking employee when it comes to such conspiracies.

"Since Shagran is involved, I, as a fellow disciple of Gildelock, am suspected of having a connection, so I've been excluded from the investigation."

"Oh."

"Lady Yuria... If it's a Shagran conspiracy, there's a concern that it might affect the noblewomen. Security at the princess's palace might increase."

"... Is that so?"

No, please don't let it affect me!!

I don't know anything, I don't know anything. I'm just a person doing my job.

Well, if the conspiracy theory is wrong, I'll be excluded too... Ah, a peaceful life...

"Also, there's the matter of Gildelock's proposal."

"Wha-?!"

Oh, a sudden change of topic made me almost choke! I held back and ended up making a strange sound!!

What... Lord Aldar Saul seems a bit unhappy about this topic...

"N-No. I'm sure you saw me refuse, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did. I saw it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears. But..."

His blue eyes, which looked a bit dissatisfied, looked at me. Then he touched the bandage on my cheek as if it were a fragile object and let go.

"... He might say he wants to take responsibility for this injury. That's the kind of man he is."

"Ah..."

It's so troublesome.

I thought that, but I didn't say it out loud. I held back. Good job, me.

"If I hadn't gone to stop the monster at that time, you might not have been injured."

"That's hindsight. You stopped the monster, and that's why I'm alive."

"... It's a relief to hear you say that."

"And..."

Ah, this person is really kind.

It's so unfair, I'm getting attached. It's so obvious that he's hesitating to confess because of guilt. He's not even trying to hide his jealousy, but he's not saying it, which is really unfair.

"And... well, if you feel responsible, then... Lord Aldar Saul, you should just say it!"

"Eh?"

"Eh?! No, no, I don't mean he should propose or anything. Just to clear up any misunderstandings, but... well, you know, that's it, that's it..."

I just thought it might be a good opportunity.

But, I feel like I'm the one rushing ahead and causing a collision.

Please take responsibility! It sounds like a reverse proposal, doesn't it?!

"... If something like this happens again, I will prioritize my duty."

But Lord Aldar Saul didn't smile.

Instead, he looked even more serious and said firmly to me.

Those words might be considered harsh by some.

"That's fine. Because I would probably do the same."

"... You are really..."

Lord Aldar Saul, who looked a bit surprised, then smiled and knelt in front of me.

Wow, a handsome man kneeling! What a great situation!!

...This is where I'm a bit of a disappointment, isn't it? No, wait, that's not it. I can't even look at Lord Aldar Saul directly even though he's right in front of me.

"I have already told you how I feel. But I'm probably more possessive and jealous than you think, and with this kind of personality, I might make you uncomfortable."

He took my hand, which was on my knee.

Just that simple action made my heart race and my face heat up.

"Still, I want to be the one who supports you when you're in trouble. So, please... will you give me your heart?"

Will you give it to me? What a direct way to ask.

I think he adjusted it to my simple nature.

What should I do? What should I do? The answer is obvious, but I'm so moved. My heart is pounding so much that I feel like I might faint again. It's such a girly thought. I guess I'm a girl now!

"Lady Yuria"

"Y-Yes, I'm not a good person, but if it's okay with you..."

"You are the one I want."

"Y-Yes..."

"... Ah, I'm glad. I was worried that you might refuse at this point—"

Lord Aldar Saul, who smiled happily, suddenly looked to the side and froze.

Following his gaze, I saw a young man with a cane, grinning.

"Oops... Sorry, I interrupted..."

"... Hans..."

"Eh, eh..."

"Wow, the stiff one finally found someone to kneel for... Wait, Aldar? What's with the scary face... Eh, wait, I'm injured..."

"Hans, I need to talk to you. Lady Yuria, if it's okay, I'm off duty tomorrow, so I'll come to the town. I'll pick you up around noon."

Before I could respond, Lord Aldar Saul dragged the man called Hans away.

Eh, that... Is that Hans Edward, Scarlett's love interest?

Wait... What about the afterglow of the confession...?

And the screams coming from Hans Edward...?

Well, I won't think about it too much!!