Chapter 24

The reply to the letter I wrote from Casablanca arrived quickly.

I only wrote, "Sister, are you well? I am so happy to receive your letter. It seems that a grand ball will be held at the castle soon. The Earl will be in charge of security as the commander of the Royal Guard, but this will be the first ball I attend with my fiancé, Percival. If you are well, please let me know, and I will send you an invitation," without touching on the contents of previous letters.

I suppose she thinks I am still depressed over the letter from Casablanca and the 'miserable' marriage to the white pig of a future earl, but am putting on a brave face.

However, if my sister is spreading the shame of having turned the Chaltry family into enemies and revealing the weakness of the Norton family's information, there is no other option but to expedite the process.

Father intended to propose a separation after my marriage to Percival, as he did not want to publicize the fact that could potentially harm the Chaltry family until after my marriage. There must be countless proposals from much higher-ranking nobles, like the daughter of Lord Lothron.

Both Lady and Percival chose me. The Earl conducted thorough investigations and was determined to have me as his daughter-in-law, and he worked to make it happen.

None of us—myself, my father, or anyone in the Chaltry family—expected Casablanca to have such a strange misunderstanding... Moving before the marriage is scary, but I don't think I can properly enter into a political marriage with anyone other than Percival now.

It's not just because he looks good. It's because we met, and I saw him, and he saw me. Even if our relationship is still pure, we will surely... deeply regret it. At least, I feel that way. I can't be sure about Percival's heart, but he certainly isn't the type to waste an entire afternoon with me if he has no feelings.

With all this, the royal ball to welcome the ambassador from the neighboring country is approaching tomorrow. Of course, Casablanca replied that she will definitely come. My father and mother will probably come as well.

I don't want to embarrass myself, even as a minor noble, in front of the ambassador from the neighboring country. The Earl and my father have agreed that I will only introduce Percival at the ball and discuss things later.

The Lady has prepared a beautiful dress for me. I have also worked hard on my dancing, etiquette, and posture. All I can do is stand proudly by Percival's side at tomorrow's ball without embarrassing myself.

Still, I am too anxious to sleep, even though I have to prepare from early tomorrow morning.

Late at night, I heard a knock on the door. Surprised, I approached it, and a piece of paper was slipped under the door, as if the person had heard my footsteps.

When I opened it, the words written on it made me unsure whether to cry or laugh.

"A knight has a sword in his heart when he has someone to protect, no matter the place, no matter the hardship, even without a sword in his hand. He can hold a sword in his heart because he has someone to protect. A knight cannot be a knight alone, please be by my side."

It is a quote from the latter part of the story of the female knight that I recommended.

The beautifully flowing, masculine handwriting made me feel Percival's presence, and I was delighted.

He will protect me as a knight, but he can only do so if I am there.

Then, I will face the battlefield of 'society' tomorrow without fear.

The paper, which should have been cold, felt very warm, and I fell asleep hugging the piece of paper.