Chapter 9

Rosie really liked the robe I made for her.

"Look, big brother! There are frills on the shoulders!"

Rosie, who had quickly changed into the light blue robe, got off the bed and did a twirl.

But she lost her balance and stumbled.

Alexis-sama immediately caught her.

"Rosie, don't be reckless."

"I'm sorry... but I'm so happy..."

Even as she returned to the bed with a slight frown, Rosie was soon smiling as she stroked the rosemary embroidery on the hem. Seeing her so happy made me feel happy too. I was glad that she was using the bird pillowcase I gave her the other day.

"You look very good in it, Rosie."

"Thank you, Sara-onee-sama!"

Rosie's face lit up, and for some reason, she seemed to be in better health than the other day.

✧✧✧

When we returned from the visit, Alexis-sama said he had something to talk about and took me to his room.

It was my first time entering Alexis-sama's room, and I felt a bit nervous. It was a spacious room with comfortable furniture in calming colors, fitting for him.

When we sat in the chairs facing each other, he began to speak.

"Monsters have been appearing in the forest area between Shaffield and the capital, attacking nearby residents. The order has been given for the knights to mobilize. I have to form a team and head there immediately. I'm sorry to leave you alone, as you just arrived at this castle..."

"No, Alexis-sama. I'll be fine. I've been learning a lot from Johnson... but please be careful."

I was actually feeling a bit lonely, but I knew that Alexis-sama, heading to a dangerous battlefield, would have a much harder and more worrying time, so I smiled and said it.

Alexis-sama stared at me intently.

Ugh... Even though I've gotten used to it recently, when he turns his face, which is as beautiful as an ice sculpture, directly towards me, I still can't help but feel uneasy. My cheeks flushed and my heart raced.

Moreover, we were alone in his private room.

I couldn't bear the tension and ended up looking away.

"I'll visit Rosie every day! She seems to be in better health lately, so maybe we can walk around the villa a little next time..."

"...I see. Thank you, Sara."

"Y-Yes, no, it's nothing..."

"Sara."

Alexis-sama leaned in, peering into my face.

The distance was so close that my heart felt like it would leap out of my mouth.

"This battle is likely to be on a large scale. Among the Silver Wolves, several Ogres have been confirmed, so a team from the capital has also been dispatched. ...Among them, the name of Viscount Dexter's son was also listed."

"Wh-What?"

"He was your ex-fiancé. Now... he's your step-brother, right?"

"...Yes."

"His unit will be positioned at the rear, so I think the danger is minimal. Besides, I remember he was called the 'Miracle Knight' because he never even got a scratch in battle. ...So you don't need to worry too much."

...Worried?

Does Alexis-sama think I'm worried about Conrad-sama?

I was surprised at my own lack of concern for Conrad-sama, whom I hadn't thought about at all until now.

Until recently, when Conrad-sama went to the battlefield, I was so worried that I couldn't even eat properly...

Now, I have someone else to worry about.

That someone—Alexis-sama, who usually doesn't show much emotion, was looking unusually melancholy today.

I hurriedly said,

"Conrad-sama will be fine. He can receive plenty of mana transfer from Miriam. ...But, because I don't have any mana, I can't give you any... I'm really sorry..."

I felt the most pain at not being able to help him when it mattered most.

The Silver Wolves can be defeated one-on-one by skilled knights, but when they form a pack, they become much more formidable. Moreover, Ogres are large, strong, and intelligent monsters that are also cruel. The fact that several Ogres are acting alongside the Silver Wolves means that a large number of knights will have to face them, making for a tough battle.

Just thinking about something happening to Alexis-sama made my chest feel heavy.

But the gloomy look on his face disappeared, and he smiled softly.

"You don't need to worry about that. ...But, since I'll be away from you for a while, I want something to remind me of you on the battlefield."

"Huh?"

Alexis-sama said it in a somewhat pleading tone.

Immediately, my whole body flushed with heat.

It felt like a request a lover or spouse would make.

We are technically married, but it was supposed to be a marriage in name only, without any emotional connection.

But...

"...Actually, I made a sash for Alexis-sama..."

"For me?"

"Y-Yes... if it's not a bother..."

My cheeks heated up with embarrassment.

Oh, maybe I shouldn't have said anything.

The memory of the blue scarf Conrad-sama returned to me flashed back.

He wouldn't even wear a scarf, so a sash might have been too presumptuous.

In a "white marriage," this might be too much...

But...

"Of course, I'll wear it every day. Thank you, Sara."

Alexis-sama said this with a full smile.

A sash is a decorative belt that knights in this country wear around their waist. The color and design are free. Often, lovers or fiancés embroider the family crest and give it to the knight as a wish for their safe return.

The Middleton family crest is four lilies on a silver background.

I embroidered a sash in black fabric, matching Alexis-sama's beautiful black hair, with silver and gold threads, putting my thoughts into each stitch. I thought it turned out beautifully.

I timidly handed it over from my room.

Alexis-sama exclaimed in admiration and immediately wrapped it around his waist.

He wasn't wearing armor, just his usual clothes, but the lines of his well-trained body were still visible.

Alexis-sama, with the black sash embroidered with the family crest around his well-shaped waist, exuded a charm that drew my eyes.

"Does it suit me?"

"It suits you very well...!"

My strong affirmation made Alexis-sama nod in satisfaction.

"Thank you. I'll defeat the monsters quickly and return."

"Yes. I wish you good luck."

Alexis-sama looked at me thoughtfully.

Then, he knelt down, took my hand, and kissed it.

His eyes were slightly red when he looked up.

"I'll be back."

"...Yes... have a safe trip..."

I managed to say that much, and he nodded and left the room.

(...What should I do... I decided I would never fall in love again...)

My heart was pounding so hard it hurt.

The sensation of the kiss on my hand still lingered.

(...I... I've fallen in love with Alexis-sama...)

I needed to go downstairs and help the castle staff prepare for Alexis-sama's departure and see him off.

But I couldn't move for a while, just staring at the door he had left through.