Chapter 25

We are here for a meal. The restaurant we chose for tonight is "Swallow Inn," which is said to be popular among commoners.

(I've been spending a lot of time with the captain lately.)

Swallow Inn has semi-private booths, with walls separating each seat except for the side facing the aisle. Looking around, it seems that almost everyone else here is a couple. I wonder if it was a good idea for us to come to a place filled with couples, especially with a child.

"What a lovely restaurant. It must have been difficult to make a reservation, right?"

"Actually, I asked a subordinate for a recommendation for a place suitable for bringing women."

"Oh, you went to all that trouble. Thank you."

To ask a subordinate about such a thing. Does he really not care about the rumors?

Soon, large square plates were brought to each of us. The main dish was stewed venison, beautifully arranged with a colorful array of meats and vegetables, even adorned with small flowers.

"Wow!" Nonna exclaimed happily. It not only looks good but tastes delicious too.

"Captain, everything is so delicious."

"Yeah, it's good."

The captain enjoys his meal, clearing the large plate. While eating, he spoke to me in his usual pleasant voice.

"I spoke with that person. No matter how many times I asked, he insisted that he broke his ribs by falling."

"Is that so?"

"That's why you don't need to worry. Besides, he approached you with a hidden knife. No matter how you look at it, the fault lies with him."

"The captain must have a tough time."

When I said that, he smiled wryly without saying anything.

After the meal, while drinking wine with figs poached in syrup and thinly sliced like flowers, I decided to talk about something I had been thinking about for a while.

"Captain."

"Yes?"

"What kind of person is he? Of course, just within the range you can share. I managed to drive him away with all my might, but if someone skilled had been there, it could have been life-threatening. I still can't believe someone in his position would do such a thing."

The captain's eyes stopped on the plate.

"You're right. There was a possibility that he could have lost his life. It's a good thing it was you. He is straightforward. Being the second son, he grew up freely. He has been fond of swords since he was young, and I think his skills are impressive for someone in his position. He can be mischievous and worrying, but he is very well-liked by his subordinates."

"Is that so?"

The captain looks worried.

"Why do you ask such a thing?"

"I'm concerned that if he changes his mind halfway and publicly claims that I injured him, it would be troublesome."

"That won't happen. While he can be unconventional and cause trouble for those around him, he is not someone who would do something so dishonorable."

He said this immediately.

If he says so, then it should be fine. Even if my background is investigated, I should be able to live with a bit more peace of mind.

"That's a relief. Shall we end the evening early? Nonna seems sleepy."

Indeed, she has been yawning while listening to our conversation. She must have run around a lot with Mr. Clark.

"Are you already sleepy, Nonna?"

"Yeah, a little."

"Alright. It's a shame, but let's end the evening early."

We headed home in the Asher family's comfortable carriage.

"Nonna, didn't you enjoy the meal?"

"Yeah! But I like Vicki's cooking better."

Oh, my child! She's so cute! The captain is also smiling at Nonna.

There's a reason I asked the captain such a question.

If the royal family has their eyes on me, I thought it might be a good idea to use the second prince as a card. It would be a double-edged sword, but even a dangerous card is better than having none.

If the special forces unit discovers my whereabouts, there's a possibility they might demand my extradition. I feel I've worked enough to repay the money they've invested in me, but they might see it differently.

If I had become close to the royal family, I might have avoided being handed over.

Still, I wonder, (What am I clinging to so desperately?).

The next night, around eight o'clock, the captain visited my home, saying, "I'm still in the middle of work."

"Are you still working? That must be tough."

"There's something I need to tell you. There was the matter of the first prince's arranged stalking, and the incident with the second prince. It's all because I invited you to the evening party despite your reluctance. I feel terrible about what happened to you. I really am sorry. I had to tell you this. I thought it was rude to visit so late, but I wanted to tell you as soon as possible."

I think, what a kind person. And yet, I have so many secrets from him.

"Captain, I ultimately decided to attend the party. I was the one who pointed out the man. You don't need to feel responsible. I will take responsibility for the consequences of my own decisions. I won't blame or criticize others. So, Captain, you don't need to worry about anything."

The captain bites his lip and looks at me.

"What's wrong?"

"You're a strong person."

"I hear that a lot."

When I say this and smile, the captain gently cups my face with both hands, as if touching something fragile.

I panic, thinking (Did our conversation warrant this action?).

The captain's hands are warm, and the heat travels through them to my face. I think, if he were next to me during the cold winter nights, it would be very comforting.

The scent of a man, mixed with a subtle green cologne, envelops me. It's a very pleasant smell. I remain still, letting it happen.

The captain stays like that for a while, then releases my face and says, almost to himself, "Being with you makes me feel... very at ease."

He doesn't look at me or say goodnight, and leaves in a daze.

You should at least say "goodnight."

Now I understand why the organization made us abandon our real names.

It must be to prevent us from becoming like me recently.

Initially, making us abandon our real names was to make it easier to discard and forget the relationships we built while infiltrating. Even though I understand this, I can't bring myself to cut ties and run away, despite knowing I should. If I had become close using my real name, it would be even more painful and difficult.

I think about the special forces members I worked with and those who will join in the future.

There shouldn't be any members who are forcibly brought in or who work unwillingly. While some may struggle with the nature of the work, everyone should be staying in the special forces by their own choice.

Yet, why do I feel guilty for having a bit of 'ordinary happiness' while thinking about the special forces members and candidates in Haggle?