Chapter 7

How did things come to this?

I look up at the sky, asking myself.

For the past two days, I have found myself in unexpected situations.

I wished for rain to cancel the inspection, but unfortunately, the sky was beautifully clear.

I hold the parasol to shield the princess from the sun and stand beside her.

Emma, who won the seat of the companion with her excellent eloquence, now walks behind the princess with a demure appearance.

I can’t help but feel that her makeup is heavier than in the morning.

I wonder what could make her act this way, and I tilt my head in confusion.

The dress fitting had delayed my schedule, so the training had already started.

The training ground, adjacent to the west wing of the castle, was crowded with many spectators eager to see the members of the Blue Star Knights. There were many young ladies in dresses, and among them were probably the girls who had spread the rumors about my brother’s girlfriend.

All dressed up, they occasionally scream in excitement at the knights’ performances, as if it were a daytime ball.

However, as befits the presence of the princess, when they notice us, they bow and immediately clear the way.

Perhaps noticing us, the captain, Kenneth, approached.

Unconsciously, I searched for Ian.

However, there was no sign of Ian, who should be the deputy captain, and a silver-haired man I didn’t recognize stood near Kenneth. He had short, neatly cut silver hair, long blue eyes, and thin lips. He was a strikingly handsome man.

He gathered the members and lined them up, then positioned himself behind Kenneth, where Ian should normally be.

While trying to place where I had seen this man before, I was disappointed that Ian wasn’t there.

Meanwhile, Emma, who was supposed to be behind me, pushed her way to the front.

I understood that her attitude was due to him.

She is still unmarried and is looking for a husband while serving as a lady-in-waiting.

There are other ladies-in-waiting like her, most of whom are daughters of lower nobility who cannot provide a dowry like me.

"Your Highness, thank you for taking the time to visit the training ground."

Kenneth, who usually gives a strong impression of being carefree, behaves with great poise in front of the princess.

He kissed the princess’s extended fingertips and then raised his voice.

"Your Highness is present! All members, salute!"

The Blue Star Knights saluted in perfect unison.

I spotted Julius among them and felt happy.

But strangely, there was no sign of Ian, whom I had seen yesterday.

The training attended by the royal family should include all members except those on duty or on leave.

Worried that he might be unwell, I was relieved when the princess spoke with a cheerful tone.

"Oh, I had heard, but Ian, you really look different!"

At her words, I couldn’t help but look around.

Where could Ian be?

Seeing this, Captain Kenneth laughed heartily.

"You are well-informed. Ian, why don’t you come forward and greet the princess? It is a great honor to be called by Her Highness."

Then, for some reason, the handsome man behind him stepped forward.

I was speechless as he gracefully took the princess’s hand and kissed her fingertips.

The young ladies watching from a distance screamed.

"Your Highness, you look radiant."

The deep voice that came from his lips was undoubtedly Ian’s.

I was so surprised that I dropped the parasol without thinking.

"I’m so sorry!"

I hurriedly picked up the parasol, but my mind was in chaos.

"Haha, even the unbreakable Sandra seems surprised."

Kenneth said this with a mischievous smile.

I can’t argue with being laughed at, but what does "unbreakable" mean? It’s not a term to use for a woman.

The handsome man—Ian—was looking at me.

Embarrassed by drawing attention, I instinctively looked down.

"I’m sorry! Did I offend you?"

I heard Emma’s slightly higher-pitched voice.

Indeed, what a breach of etiquette in a setting that is the knights’ grand stage.

I, who always advise other ladies-in-waiting to do their jobs seriously, felt so ashamed that I couldn’t lift my head.

"Don’t worry. Everyone who has seen Ian this morning has dropped something first. When the laundry maid overturned a bucket full of water, even I was exasperated."

Kenneth’s words slightly comforted me.

I felt a deep connection with that laundry maid.

Knowing I couldn’t stay bowed forever, I cautiously lifted my head and met Ian’s gaze.

His messy silver-blonde hair was now neatly cut, and the beard that covered his face was gone.

His blue eyes were strikingly clear, and I felt a strange emotion, realizing this is what he looked like.

I felt a loneliness as if a long-known person had suddenly become a stranger.

"Are you okay?"

When Ian extended his hand, I instinctively pushed it away.

I don’t know why I did that.

"Sandra! How could you? Lord Ian was worried about you."

Emma’s voice pierced my ears.

I couldn’t find any words to defend myself.

"I’m sorry for the disturbance. The audience has been waiting. Please continue the training."

With the princess’s command, the training resumed without further ado.

I never managed to apologize to Ian or even speak to him after that.