Chapter 17

In the end, the knight who attacked me was expelled from the Order.

He was a nobleman of some sort, and he told me that he was instructed by his house in a letter as the reason for his act. However, Tsuku-san told me that his family was adamant that they had never done such a thing, and that the letter that supposedly instructed them to do so had been destroyed, so the truth of the matter remained unknown.

I was relieved to hear that the current concerns about the captain’s responsibility had diminished, but I was reminded to be careful because there was a high possibility of another attack.

The knights seem to be getting busier and busier, but it seems that the peak has passed with the peace treaty signed by the prince. They’ve decided to return to the city in three weeks.

The triumphant return will be greeted with a spectacular parade, and of course, the prince who was involved in the signing of the treaty, the Captain and Fagany-san will join the procession. It will probably be a grand festival that day. Everyone in the city is eagerly awaiting the day, and there is no time to waste in preparing for it. This information came from Rikan.

“Oh, that’s the Captain’s picture!”

Sumuno muttered, looking at a popular newspaper.

“It’s an article about a triumphant parade. It’s an article about a triumphant parade. Look at this face! Look at the angle!”

As Sumuno made an obvious face of disapproval, I collected it. Sumuno can speak the language of this country, but he can’t read. Thank God, I thought.

The article said that the captain would be accompanied by his partner at the parade, where he would officially announce his engagement to the young lady.

Regardless of the truth of the matter, I didn’t want to make Sumuno feel uncomfortable.

“The parade is in three weeks. ……”

“Yeah.”

“I think it’s about time.”

“About what?”

“It’s got to be the guys behind it. I think they’re about to make contact. You’d think they’d try to do something while you and the Captain are not together.”

“Oh, I see.”

I don’t know how the Captain is keeping in touch with the house. It has been about a week since I returned from the fort, but I have not had any contact with the Captain. I’ve only heard from Tsuku-san through Fagany-san. So, I don’t know what the Captain is thinking right now.

If the engagement is officially announced at the parade, if the Captain accepts it, if he says he doesn’t want me, I feel like a part of me is going to fall apart when I think about it, but all I can do now is not give up.

Sumuno was right. There was indeed movement that night.

“Maruno. He’s here.”

The quiet but tense voice made my spine straighten.

As Sumuno readied his weapon and gazed at the door of the house, a subdued sound echoed through the room, and Sumuno and I looked at each other.

We looked at each other and said, “Sorry to bother you so late at night. Maruno-san.

I hesitated and then opened the door, as the sound that came from the other side of the door belonged to the Wayley family, whom I had never forgotten. Simuno patted me on the head and cursed, “Idiot! ”

“Thank you for allowing me to visit.”

He bowed politely, but did not step over the threshold of my house, but looked at me with cold eyes from outside the open door. The darkness of the night opened up behind him.

“It is our sincere regret that you did not heed our advice.”

“…… I see.”

I know. I know he’s not going to talk to me anyway.

“The knights, led by Master Coke, will return to the city in triumph. Did you know that? On that occasion, Master Coke will take his fiancée as his partner in the city parade. This has been decided.”

I clasp my hands tightly. I wondered what he had come all this way for. I’m sure you’ll be able to understand why I’m here.

“I’m not sure what to make of it. Are you aware of your master’s will?”

“It has nothing to do with his will. It’s not about your intentions, but about the fact that the girl you’re talking about is of royal blood and has been recommended by the king. Refusing her would be the same as refusing the king’s order.”

He smiled triumphantly at me, and I felt my feet start to get cold.

“I’m sure you’re not going to do any worse than this, are you?”

It was not only a way of saying that they were the ones who attacked me, but it was also a way of telling me that if I stayed by the Captain’s side any longer, there would be no mercy.

“You are not necessary for Master Coke’s happiness.”

So that’s what he came to say. I’m not sure what to do.

“Unfortunately, Master Coke doesn’t easily understand the responsibilities that House Wayley has, but this engagement is a great honor.”

When I heard those words, something in me snapped.

“The Captain understands the weight of it better than anyone! You’re the one who doesn’t understand!”

I could see Sumuno’s face next to me. It’s a great way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your time and money.

“The Wayley family will never make the Captain happy! The house doesn’t have a will of its own. It’s just a bunch of people around you seeking authority and creating a false image of the house. I don’t believe that such a fake tradition is worth keeping! For the most part, the fact that the Captain, Coke, has the honorable position of Knight Captain is the result of the Captain’s ability. Aren’t you just trying to take advantage of that glory to strengthen the authority of your house!”

After saying that in one breath, I came back to myself and held my breath when I saw the face of the person in front of me. You can’t read any expression from the Noh-like face, but you can feel the atmosphere of a broken negotiation painfully.

“So you won’t listen?”

With that, the Wayley family turned on their heels.

The word “too late” flashed through my mind as I looked at the door, which made a somewhat violent noise.

Sumuno put his hand on my shoulder and said with a face full of laughter.

“I ……”

“Well, that’s okay. I never know what you’re going to do but I like it.”

I’m not sure if I’m being complimented or mocked. ……

“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or a joke.” Sumuno laughed aloud as he watched me cover my face with my hands and turn over.

“It was a good declaration of war, Maruno! I’m sure you’ll have a great time resisting.”

…… Sumuno is quite a bloodthirsty fellow, isn’t he?

Well, he was a mercenary for hire.

“I see.”

I cut off my words and looked up at Sumuno.

“I’ve never heard that your beloved Captain is going to make an engagement announcement at the knight’s triumphal parade?”

“What? Oh, ……, Sumuno, I need a favor.”

“Hey, don’t play dumb with me. …… What is it?”

Sumuno listened to the end of my words and laughed, “You’re an idiot.”

“I’ll take care of you and you can go wild as you like.”

“I’m not going to go crazy!”

What the hell is going on with Sumuno’s image of me?