Chapter 27

"Surprised?"

Seeing the look on Claudia's face, Noah fell silent.

"Hey, Noah, Father mentioned earlier that there's going to be a night party at this castle tomorrow, right?"

Noah, of course, noticed that Claudia had deliberately changed the subject. He seemed to realize that pursuing it would be futile, so he lowered his head and sighed. Even in his adult form, Noah still had long eyelashes, which gave his exasperated expression a hint of charm.

"…What exactly is a night party?"

"It's where children gather, make a big fuss with sweets and juice. On that day, there are no adults, so you can eat as many snacks as you want and stay up all night. Sounds fun, doesn't it?"

While saying this, Claudia tried to stand up. Noah, who had already risen, noticed and extended his hand to her.

Even in their adult forms, Claudia's height didn't match Noah's. In fact, the grown Noah was very tall, so Claudia had to look up at him fully.

He had broad shoulders and a well-built, muscular physique. Despite this, there was still a sense of suppleness about him, suggesting he had even more room to grow.

"But I prefer the night gatherings of adults to a children's night party."

As she said this, Claudia intertwined her fingers with Noah's.

"…Do you intend to sneak in as an adult? You'll likely be kicked out as an uninvited guest."

"I know. I plan to save that for when I'm a real adult."

With a gentle smile, Claudia made Noah catch his breath. Then, she closed her eyes and began to hum a song softly.

"――――……"

The song she unconsciously chose was one she had heard in her hometown five hundred years ago, a song that no one knew anymore.

The melody was gentle and beautiful yet melancholic. As she sang this old song, she slowly turned, holding hands with Noah.

It was a simple, almost playful dance. When Claudia placed her hand on Noah's back, he looked slightly awkward before touching her waist.

To her surprise, he then pulled her closer with strength and took a dancing stance. Claudia was a bit taken aback.

"Can you dance?"

"Just a little."

As expected of a former prince. Despite having lived as a slave since childhood, he must have been taught before that.

"…Rather than that, continue the song."

(Hmm. Could he be embarrassed by this position?)

He didn't look at her much, but she didn't press the issue. As she began to sing in the flower field, Noah guided her, supporting her and turning slowly.

They continued the dance steps very gently. Noah was better at it than she imagined, making Claudia feel happy.

With Noah's firm support, it was fine even though she hadn't taken her adult form in a long time. When the wind blew, mixing with flower petals, the braid Noah had made for Claudia and her dress fluttered gently.

"Noah, you can do anything. Your sword skills have improved, and your magic is getting better and better."

"Of course."

Noah's voice, which had changed, was deep and resonant, conveying his sincere feelings clearly.

"I intend to learn whatever you teach me."

Before she knew it, their gazes, which had been averted, met. Claudia smiled at the words spoken with a straight look.

"A studious and hardworking servant."

"…And yet, you say you will abandon me."

Furrowing his brows, Noah asked.

"If you plan to let me go eventually, why did you allow me to become your servant back then?"

"……"

With a feeling of soothing a stubborn child, Claudia continued the gentle steps and answered.

"Someone like you, if not given a role to live for someone else, would waste your life in no time."

"――――……"

Noah stopped, and Claudia ceased the pretend dance.

"I've seen many such magicians in the past. I had many disciples. Many died in the war…."

Perhaps recalling the time she died as Adelheid, the emotions from her past life resurfaced in Claudia's heart. The words of the familiar faces she would never see again also came back to her.

"―Lord Adelheid. We dedicate our lives to this country and to you."

"Great witch, Adelheid. If you leave behind someone like you, we are not afraid to risk our lives in battle."

(You and they have the same eyes, without a doubt.)

Thinking of this, she smiled with a sense of loneliness.

"Wherever you go, I intend to raise you so that you will be needed by everyone."

"…I don't want that."

"You are strong and kind. My pride as a servant."

Claudia placed her hand on Noah's left chest, as she had before.

"That's why you should choose a more wonderful life than being by my side."

"……"

Gently pushing Noah back, a soft light overflowed.

Noah, who had taken a few steps back, had returned to the form of a nine-year-old child. He looked down at his hands, then frowned and looked up at Claudia.

"Go get Karlheinz."

"……"

Only Claudia remained in her adult form created by magic.

Mentioning an adult's name other than Noah's was cruel. Noah opened his mouth to say something but twisted his face in frustration and looked down.

"…I'll go."

"Please do."

Noah, who seemed to have suppressed all his arguments, started walking away, his back to Claudia.

(Sorry, Noah. But I love you.)

Claudia watched the small boy's back from the hill filled with flowers.

(It's my role as your master and teacher to ensure you can survive anywhere and send you to a bright future.)