Chapter 16

"Norman lied...?"

"Probably."

Neil said this, then took a sip from the second glass of champagne he had just received from the waiter. Incidentally, I don't seem to be very good with alcohol, so I have been sipping it slowly since a while ago.

"Norman was probably around our age, I think."

"Huh?"

"Even in conversation, he didn't seem five years older. Well, there was no reason to point it out, so I didn't say anything."

"Why would he lie...?"

I couldn't help but mutter this, and Neil's eyebrows drooped.

"Maybe to make you feel at ease."

At this answer, I was at a loss for words.

"He mentioned having many younger siblings. I think he wanted to reassure you and Eliza, even if it meant lying."

The thought that he might have been a child under ten at the time made me want to cry. He, who was the first to go to that place, must have been more afraid, lonely, and miserable than anyone else.

"Norman is too kind..."

I loved Norman and relied on him more than anyone else.

My vision gradually blurred, and I hurriedly bit my lip. Crying here would only inconvenience Neil. Neil patted my back gently.

"I also suspect Norman Bowen, who is a year older by family structure. I plan to try to make contact with him."

"Okay, I understand."

"I'm planning to stay in the capital for a while."

We then made a plan to meet with Gerald and the three of us soon. While talking about how nice it would be to meet all five of us soon, a clear voice suddenly called out to me.

"Hehe, there you are. And who is this?"

It was Eliza. Her gaze, carrying a flower-like smile, was directed straight at Neil.

"I'm Neil Basset. Nice to meet you."

"Could you be the border baron's? It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Eliza Haines."

She performed a beautiful bow that made me lose myself in admiration, then hugged me tightly. She smelled so sweet and good, it made me want to get drunk.

"To know such a wonderful person. I'm so jealous."

"U-um, yeah."

"Please be friends with me too."

"Of course, I will."

Then Eliza was called away by someone else, saying, "See you later." Even though she said "see you later," I was thinking of leaving soon anyway.

I realized that quite a bit of time had passed, and some people were already leaving the venue.

"That girl is Eliza, too."

"Yeah. Gerald said she's suspicious."

"Hmm."

Neil was looking at her, who was surrounded by many people, from a distance.

"I think I'll go home soon. What about you, Neil?"

"I'll stay a bit longer to make some more greetings. Too many people don't even know my face."

"Got it. Where should I contact you while you're in the capital?"

"Where I'm staying is..."

After parting ways with Neil, I thought I would try to make some more greetings, but everyone moved away as soon as I approached, so I gave up quickly.

I left the venue and walked down a long corridor. I had only attended, but I was glad to have met Neil.

While thinking about this, I suddenly ran into Rufus at a corner of the corridor.

"S-Sorry."

"...Yeah."

He said this and walked away. Even though I understood, I felt a bit sad. If things hadn't turned out this way, we might still be getting along well.

While thinking about this, I was suddenly spoken to by an unknown man. He seemed to be one of the young nobles who had attended the ball.

"Is something wrong?"

"I've been admiring how beautiful you are."

"Huh?"

"Would you like to talk for a bit?"

I was probably being hit on right now. If he knew I was Saidy Arkwright and still approached me, he must be quite brave.

However, I had no intention of talking to him. I politely declined as Tim had taught me, but suddenly my arm was grabbed tightly. He whispered in my ear, "You're just playing around, right?" I really wish he would stop.

Even when I asked him to let go, he didn't. The people nearby seemed to be pretending not to see. Even though I understood, it made me sad.

While I was wondering what to do, the man's arm was suddenly twisted in a painful direction.

"Ow, ow! Let go! What, who are you...!"

The person holding the man's arm was a mysterious figure wearing an old, rusty helmet. Everyone around was surprised by his suspicious appearance.

When they realized he was wearing a knight's uniform, the man cursed and quickly left the scene.

"Thank you for helping me."

"...Yeah."

The black knight's uniform, build, long black hair, and voice clearly indicated it was Rufus. I wondered why he was dressed like this.

Looking around, I noticed that the head of an armor display a little further down the corridor was missing. It seemed he had borrowed it.

"I'll escort you outside."

"Is that okay...?"

"Yeah."

"Thank you."

I didn't want to go through that again. Though I felt bad, I decided to accept his offer. He really is kind.

We walked in silence, maintaining a certain distance, down the long corridor.

While I was wondering if it would be a bother to talk to him, he asked, "What was that guy all about?"

"That guy?"

"Who you were with, hugging each other."

He was definitely talking about Neil.

Even if I told him the truth about Neil, he probably wouldn't believe me. So I only said, "He's an old and dear friend I just met today." I wasn't lying.

"Are you not in love with him?"

"Huh? We're just friends."

"Then you shouldn't do that."

"Y-Yeah, you're right."

"Yeah. Even if you have feelings for him, it's better not to."

Rufus was definitely right. I already have a reputation for being a flirt. Rufus wouldn't be happy seeing his ex-fiancée like that.

Even though I was genuinely happy to see Neil, I realized I needed to be more careful. It was kind of him to worry and give me advice.

"Rufus, you're so kind. Thank you."

"I'm not kind."

Silence fell again, but it wasn't suffocating. Before I knew it, we had safely reached the carriage. I stopped and turned to him, who was standing a little away.

"Thank you very much."

"Yeah."

"Oh, right. The other day, when we visited the knight's barracks, Rufus looked really cool."

That day, I had been watching Rufus as well as Tim, and he was stronger and more dedicated than anyone else.

He is definitely a hard worker. I realized I had been watching him more than Tim.

"......Yeah."

"Keep up the good work."

There was a delay in his response, and it was in a very small voice, but I managed to hear it. When he saw Tim, he turned and walked back to the castle.

Watching his back, I felt a warm feeling in my chest.

...And of course, Tim was very worried and asked, "Miss, what was that super suspicious guy!?"