Chapter 4 of 10

Chapter 4

4 min read950 words

I headed to the office of Kenneth, the leader of the Blue Star Knights.

The headquarters of the knights is located in the west wing of the castle. Since the Blue Star Knights oversee the military power of our Sirius Kingdom, Kenneth, as the leader, is equivalent to a general commanding the army.

Rooms assigned to high-ranking individuals are often on high floors or in secluded areas of the building.

Especially the royal castle, which is designed to be quite intricate to defend against attacks from outside, means that even though we are in the same castle, I had to walk a considerable distance to reach his office.

I went out once and entered through the dedicated entrance for the knights in the west wing. I passed through the entrance where a knight in uniform was standing guard and informed another knight inside about the purpose of my visit.

Fortunately, since he was free, the knight offered to guide me to the leader's office. He was a young man with short-cropped brown hair and a friendly demeanor. He was probably a bit older than Julius.

On the other hand, I was unusually nervous.

It's rare for a lady-in-waiting to the queen to have business with the knights, and even when there is, it usually ends up being someone else's job, so it never comes to me.

So, while I knew Julius worked here, this was my first time entering. As a result, I got a bit lost.

I came here today because I was concerned about Ian's attitude, but if there were no reason, I would have definitely asked another lady-in-waiting to do it.

Inside, it was entirely men. There were differences in physique between those who worked indoors and those who worked outdoors, but there was not a single woman in sight.

In my maid's uniform, I stood out and felt extremely uncomfortable.

Feeling nervous that Ian was in this building, I followed the young man silently, hoping to finish my business quickly.

"Being a lady-in-waiting to the queen is impressive."

I was surprised when he spoke to me.

It was probably just a social nicety, but I was greatly surprised because I am usually only treated as an old maid by men. At my age, it is taken for granted that women should be married and at home, and there are hardly any people who praise me for working.

Moreover, I think the job of a knight is much more impressive.

"Thank you. It is an honor to receive such praise from a knight."

When I replied, the young man scratched his cheek, looking embarrassed.

He must be a new knight, despite being used to receiving compliments.

"Sandra!"

Suddenly, I was called from behind and was surprised.

The only person in the knights who knows my name is Julius, but if it were Julius, he would call me "sister."

I turned around to see who it was, and there was Ian, out of breath.

I was very surprised.

Not only that Ian knew my name, but also that the person I was looking for appeared before me.

However, something even more surprising happened.

Ian suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me strongly.

Caught off guard, I was almost pulled to the ground and dragged to his side.

For a moment, I didn't understand what was happening, and my gaze kept shifting between Ian's large hand holding mine and his flustered face.

"Deputy Leader!?"

The young man guiding me was also surprised and quickly stood at attention.

"… I'll guide her. Thomas, go to the training."

"Huh? But I'm on leave today…"

"Didn't you hear me! Right now!"

"Y-Yes!"

The young man named Thomas saluted and ran off.

Left in the room were Ian and I, both in a daze.

An awkward silence fell.

I wanted to ask what was going on, but I was so flustered by the hand of the man I had been secretly in love with for so long that I could barely stand still. I was so shaken that I could hardly keep my composure.

Moreover, how long was he going to hold my hand?

My heart felt like it was about to jump out of my chest.

"A-ano…"

Finally, a thin, almost faltering voice came out of my throat.

"What is it?"

"My hand…"

When I said this, Ian let go of my hand as if he had just realized he was holding it.

I was so tense that I almost couldn't stand it, but when he let go, I felt a bit disappointed.

Ian's expression was unreadable behind his long bangs and beard.

What was he thinking when he did this?

"Ah, you came to tell me about tomorrow's drill, right? I'll inform Kenneth."

For some reason, Ian knew my purpose.

Perhaps the queen, worried that I was late, had sent someone else.

I regretted getting lost and being late.

"I see. Thank you."

My purpose was unexpectedly achieved.

I decided to return to the queen quickly, bowed slightly, and tried to go back the way I came.

"Wait. I'll escort you."

Ian stopped me.

Perhaps he knew I had gotten lost and was late.

"I can't trouble the Deputy Leader…"

"Ian is fine. It's okay."

I tried to decline, but he insisted.

Moreover, he said I could call him by his first name.

No, before that, I had so many questions, like why he knew my name, but I couldn't form the words.