Chapter 7

"Is everything going well with Rira? Smoothly?"

"Yes, the recruitment of maids and ladies-in-waiting is also proceeding smoothly."

"That's not what I meant, but never mind. Anyway, about the royal banquet in two weeks, you don't have to be in charge of security this year, Valerio."

Today is my turn to guard His Majesty. It's not common for the Grand Master of the Knights to personally guard the king on a regular day, but sometimes I do so at His Majesty's request. His Majesty apparently says, "It's no fun and suffocating with only serious and refined guards around."

I am serious about my guard duty, but I might not be as refined as the others.

On the days I'm on guard duty, His Majesty always talks to me about something. In the office, the four childhood friends are usually present, so we often chat together. Antonio and Marco also seem to feel more relaxed on the days I'm in charge of security.

However, when it comes to security for the banquet held in the castle, it's a different story. Since I was appointed as a royal guard and became the captain of the prince's squad, I have always stood near the current king during the royal banquets. Guarding the king during the banquet is the duty of the Grand Master of the Knights. I can't delegate this responsibility to anyone else.

"Do you not have to escort Rira?"

"Well, it's a job."

"Hmm? Is it okay? Is it fine if Rira is surrounded by noble heirs?"

"Uh..."

Just when I had reaffirmed my resolve to be the only one guarding His Majesty, bringing up Rira shook me. Seizing on my unease, Marco and Antonio, who had been sorting documents, also joined the conversation.

"Valerio, have you forgotten that she is called the 'phantom flower' of society?"

"No, I remember... but..."

"Usually, when a noble heir and heiress get engaged, the news leaks out somehow. But since neither Valerio nor Rira's family are very active in social circles, the news of their engagement hasn't spread and hasn't become a rumor. There are a few people who have heard that the Grand Master of the Knights, who isn't engaged, is recruiting a duchess's lady-in-waiting, and they are speculating, 'Is the fierce knight finally engaged? Who is the lucky one?'"

"Is that so..."

"Yes. So, many heirs will want to get closer to Rira at this once-a-year opportunity. Sending her alone among them would be quite a feat, Valerio."

"That's not the case... Besides, she said she would go with the Count and Countess Saranje as usual."

"Right! So, this year, Valerio should take a break from guard duty and escort Rira! This is a royal command, understood?"

Although it was said as a royal command, I will gratefully accept His Majesty's consideration. Yes, if it's a royal command, I have no choice.

With that decided, what should I do first?

"Understood. I will gratefully escort Rira."

"Oh, oh? You call her Rira? You two seem quite close. What does she call you, Valerio? Hmm?"

"Ugh. Don't tease me."

"Your blushing face is scary... Anyway, Valerio, can you dance to escort Rira?"

"---I can... but I'm not confident."

"I see. Then I'll ask a teacher to give you lessons. You'll have intensive training until the banquet."

Don't smirk, Antonio. You're definitely enjoying this.

◇

"Well, you just barely made it! Good luck! The sight of the fierce Grand Master of the Knights, Duke Claudel, dancing gracefully will surely be a topic of conversation! It will also affect my reputation."

"Thank you for all your help today..."

The teacher Antonio arranged for was a small, middle-aged man who could dance both male and female parts. Despite his small, androgynous appearance, he was very strict. I had learned dancing as a child, but I rarely participated in banquets and had almost never danced with a woman, so the teacher lamented my poor skills. However, thanks to the intensive training until the morning of the banquet day, I managed to improve enough to get by for tonight's banquet.

"Phew..."

I was deeply moved as I went to pick up Rira at the Count Saranje's house in the duke's carriage. I never imagined I would be wearing a banquet uniform and picking up a woman for escort in the duke's carriage... I've never experienced such tension. I had imagined feeling nervous when proposing, but in reality, our engagement happened naturally. This might be the first time I've felt such tension in a romantic situation.

"Valerio! Thank you for coming to pick me up! Wow, you look great in the banquet uniform! You look so handsome and dashing!"

Rira is cute today too. She looks delicate and fragile, but when she speaks, she is innocent and full of energy. Talking to me, it's clear that the rumors of her being frail are false. The contrast is charming and makes me feel affectionate.

This time, the dress order didn't arrive in time, but I want her to wear a dress in my colors next time... How will Rira react if I tell her to wear a dress in my colors? I don't think she will dislike it, but will a possessive man like me be satisfied?

"Rira, that dress suits you too."

"Really? I'm so happy. Thank you."

"---Next time..."

"Hmm?"

"Never mind."

"Okay? Hey, can I wear a dress with Valerio's colors next time we go to a banquet together?"

"Uh, yes, of course."

"That's great. Actually, I already ordered another one. If I had known we were going together earlier, it would have been ready for today, but it's a bit late."

I decided to tell her earlier next time we go to a banquet together. Once we're married, there will be plenty of opportunities. I would even like her to wear my colors in her everyday clothes.

We got into the carriage and chatted happily for a while, but as we approached the castle, Rira's expression became somber.

"Rira? Are you feeling car sick?"

"No, I'm not sick, I'm fine."

"But, are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

"No, it's just that... as we get closer to the castle and the banquet starts, I feel nervous..."

(Ah, right. She said she is shy and finds social events difficult. She must really dislike them. I shouldn't be the one feeling nervous.)

"Rira, it's okay. I'm here with you."

"Valerio..."

"After all, no one can get close to me. So, you'll be safe by my side."

"Hehe, thank you."

"It's the truth, you know."

"Ugh, why can't people see your worth? But, it's good that only I can see it now."

"Huh?"

"Because, it's enough that I know Valerio's charm. I'm really glad that no one else discovered it before me. So, it's good that the women who met you before me couldn't see your worth."

Her smiling up at me like that is unfair. I wanted to cancel the banquet and take her back to the mansion. We could probably stay in a room together for three days. But we're not married yet, so that's not possible.

As soon as we got out of the carriage, Rira's expression, which had been somber in the carriage, changed again.

She slightly lowered her head, looked down, and forced a smile. She looked so fragile and beautiful that I felt she might break if I touched her, but Valerio immediately knew this was a forced expression.

Thinking back, Rira is a very innocent and expressive noble lady. She sometimes laughs loudly, showing her teeth, and sometimes pouts in anger. Her pouting face is also adorable, and I have even made her pout on purpose.

While her current smile is beautiful, Valerio thought that her natural, unforced smile and her expressive face were much more charming.

The fact that she shows her unforced smile and various expressions only to me gives me a sense of superiority and boosts my confidence as a man.

Rira is clearly wearing a mask of a well-mannered lady. This downcast, forced smile is probably the best defense she can manage as a shy person.

I am more determined than ever to protect Rira.