Chapter 49: The Flowery Cloudy Opera House

“Leah, there’s a popular stage show going on. Would you like to come with me this time?”

It was a bright spring day when William-sama was asked that.

“A stage show? Of course, I would be happy to join you.”

It was the first time that William-sama had mentioned seeing such a recreational event, and although I found it strange, I immediately nodded.

“So, what are your plans for the day?”

“I was thinking of going to the opera house west of the capital. The performance that has been generating buzz is apparently by a new and talented theater group.”

Upon further inquiry, it turned out to be the opera that had recently been the talk of the school. As it was an opera house for the general public, it was secretly fashionable among the noble children of the school to dress as commoners and go see the opera.

“I see. It’s understandable that William-sama would be interested in that. To ensure that William-sama can enjoy the performance in peace, I will make sure to tighten security.”

As I said that and bowed, William-sama looked surprised for a moment before laughing with an indescribable expression on his face.

“Ahaha… I’m looking forward to that day.”

As I tilted my head at that expression, I nodded in response to his words.

Under a sky with a thin sun and scattered clouds.

William-sama and I had arrived in front of the much-talked-about opera house.

William-sama is also dressed like a commoner today.

He looks more like a commoner than when I first dressed up as one and went to town…

(He’s still too dignified to be a commoner)

As I think this and look at William-sama, the ticket booth comes into view.

We quickly buy tickets and sit in the designated seats.

(There doesn’t seem to be anyone around acting suspicious)

As I check the surroundings, I suddenly notice that William-sama’s cheeks are red and he’s pressing his lips together.

“William-sama, your cheeks are red. Are you feeling hot? Do you want me to take your coat?”

Surprised, I ask this and William-sama glances at me before leaning in and whispering in my ear.

I also lean in towards him.

“It’s okay, I just got embarrassed suddenly when I thought about being alone with Leah.”

His husky voice flows quietly into my ear.

“A… Alone…?!”

Turning towards William-sama as if I had been shot, I see that he’s smiling happily, albeit embarrassed.

“Fufufu, we have been alone together as escort knight and escort target many times before, but if I consciously think that this time’s theater performance is a rendezvous, I get embarrassed… It seems like you thought this time was also an escort, but I’m happy if you revise your understanding because this is a rendezvous, at least in theory.”

He smiles as he says that.

As I faced that smile, I repeatedly opened and closed my mouth as if trying to speak, but I couldn’t even produce a voice and closed my lips.

William-sama, who was watching me with a smile, notices the changing lighting in the venue as it becomes darker and narrows his eyes.

“It looks like it’s about to start. This performance focuses on sword fighting, and it seems like they’ve gathered professional warriors for the fight scenes, so I think you’ll enjoy it, Leah.”

He says this and faces the stage.

I am also drawn to face the performers, and eventually become immersed in the performance.

“That was a powerful stage. It’s understandable why it’s popular.”

“Yes, really… I mean, really…”

Really, it was an amazing stage.

What was amazing was the use of professional warriors for the fight scenes. And the physical actors’ convincing sword fighting.

The sword handling was slightly exaggerated for the stage, but their sharp movements made me involuntarily hold my breath while watching.

(Can we see that swordsman’s footwork on the stage again? It was also amazing how the brown-skinned actress moved her center of gravity…)

I remember the movements on the stage.

“Leah…? Your expression looks serious, almost deadly, but are you okay…?”

I snapped out of my thoughts at William-sama’s concerned voice.

“I’m sorry, I’m fine.”

When I replied, he smiled thinly on his face.

“I’m glad. But… maybe you didn’t like the performance?”

I panicked at his anxious eyes.

“That’s not it!! It was a wonderful stage, the plot was also moving…”

I try to explain to clear up the misunderstanding, changing my tone of voice.

As I desperately pile up words, William-sama eventually couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing.

“Ahaha!! Leah, you don’t have to be so desperate. It’s enough that you enjoyed the stage.”

He stands up from his seat.

“Well, shall we take a walk around here before we go home?”

He said with a smile.

The front of the opera house was crowded with people, but when we entered a side street it became quiet.

William-sama and I walked through the peaceful streets.

After walking for a while, William-sama stopped in place.

“Hey, Leah.”

He called out to me, interrupting his words.

When I turned around, he had a smile on his face and held out his hand to me.

“Won’t you walk with me, hand in hand?”

I looked suspiciously at the offered hand and was startled.

(His hand is shaking.)

The hand that shook slightly seemed to vividly represent William-sama’s anxiety.

(When he courted me behind a building, when he kissed my cheek in the library, when I think about it, they were all one-sided actions that could have taken place without any response from me. But this time is different. Holding hands will not happen unless I respond)

I looked up and saw William-sama’s expression.

He had a forced smile on his face, but fear could be seen in his eyes.

(He’s afraid. He’s afraid that I’ll reject him again)

I held his hand despite the fear that made his hand shake, because I wanted to convey my feelings to him.

Without knowing whether that action came from my being his servant or something else, I took his hand to stop the shaking.

William-sama looked at me in surprise and stared.

Then he squeezed the linked hands tightly and closed his eyes.

We walked down the empty alley.

His hand was no longer shaking.

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