𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
“I apologize for the delay. Were you not lonely?”
ㅤ
Shiro, who always greets with a friendly smile, seemed unchanged from his time in the Fourth Knight Order. Neither thin nor sluggish, his movements remained agile.
We all remove the transformation magic tool.
To Shiro, Roa-sama, now back to his usual appearance, placed a hand on Shiro’s shoulder, his eyes slightly moistened.
ㅤ
“It’s not lively enough without Shiro around.”
“From now on, I will also accompany you.”
ㅤ
Shiro, kneeling respectfully, took out an envelope from his bosom.
Royal blue. The color of the royal family. The royal crest shines with a golden seal wax.
ㅤ
Roa-sama received it silently and re-examined the contents.
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“. . .The king’s command is to pursue Maurice and capture him with everyone present.”
ㅤ
I was the only one surprised, while everyone else nodded with determination in their hearts.
Am I also going? Won’t I be in the way?
ㅤ
Noticing my panic, Roa-sama softened his expression.
ㅤ
“It’s the king’s consideration. Alice has contributed to reaching this point. However, there’s a possibility that her efforts won’t be recognized just because she wasn’t present at Maurice’s capture. Of course, the king isn’t considering that. . . but being present will make it certain. Alice should come and stay safe, probably out of consideration.”
“I don’t want to hear that after coming this far. I understand there’s a lot I can’t be entrusted with, but I will do what I can, so please leave it to me!”
“. . .Right. I think so too.”
ㅤ
Roa-sama moved forward gently, his hand brushing and leaving my hair.
ㅤ
“Alice is a valuable asset. I’m relying on you.”
“Y, Yes.”
ㅤ
Startled by the sudden touch on my hair, I blushed slightly, and so did Roa-sama.
ㅤ
“Sorry for the suddenness. . . there was something in your hair.”
ㅤ
. . .Breadcrumbs.
For the kushiage breadcrumbs.
ㅤ
“Sorry, I got carried away with the work. . .”
“Alice’s meals are delicious, so I’m looking forward to it. Thank you, Alice.”
ㅤ
Grateful for Roa-sama’s smooth handling, I stepped back near Rene. I wish I could hide in a hole, but there’s nowhere to hide here.
ㅤ
“It’s very much like Alice, and I think that’s good.”
“Thank you. . .”
ㅤ
Rene’s kind follow-up only made the pain more acute.
ㅤ
The person who had been hiding behind Shiro with a hood, now gently revealed her face. Her wavy golden hair sparkled under the light.
ㅤ
“I am Emilia Telhar. I have come to offer whatever help I can. Please command me as you see fit.”
ㅤ
The name Emilia Telhar, I’ve heard it somewhere. . .
Ah, Roa-sama’s fiancée, probably!
It’s not confirmed that Roa-sama is the prince, but Emilia might have come because of that connection.
ㅤ
“Why even Emilia. . . How’s your health?”
“Thanks to the development of the medicine, I’m much better. In the Valka territory we’re heading to, the Telhar family has its own unique contacts.”
“I see, the king has also. . . It’s pointless if you endure and your condition worsens. Inform us early.”
“Understood.”
“We’ll leave here within a few days. Everyone, be prepared for that.”
ㅤ
The vigorous responses of everyone echoed in the room, and the atmosphere became instantly harmonious.
Everyone rejoiced at Shiro’s safe return, as he was being jostled around. Emilia, watching from a distance, had a look filled with abundant affection.
ㅤ
. . .I wonder if Emilia is fond of Roa-sama.
ㅤ
My heart aches sharply. If Roa-sama is His Highness, the younger brother of the King, then Emilia has always been his fiancée. They were said to have a bad relationship, but there was a reason for Emilia’s sake.
She even started developing a cure for a disease, and I heard that the engagement was to be broken off, but I don’t actually know if it happened.
ㅤ
Could this be a case of getting back to where they started. . .?
No, if the engagement is still ongoing, it’s not even a case of getting back together. It’s just a little time apart to confirm each other’s feelings for a blissful ending, isn’t it?!
ㅤ
“Emilia, come over here too! Let’s report our relationship and give our thanks with a bow!”
“Yes, that’s right, Shiro. Thank you for acknowledging our relationship.”
“I did only what’s natural. No need for such formalities.”
ㅤ
Hmm, W, what?
Shiro and Emilia snuggle up to each other, their cheeks dyed with happiness as they gaze into each other’s eyes.
In nobility, this closeness is possible only between family or a married couple.
ㅤ
“I’ve been smitten with Emilia for so long, I feel too happy, like I’m in a daydream every day!”
“Oh, you’re such a tease, Shiro.”
ㅤ
I stare at the two of them flirting, dumbfounded.
Are they lovers. . .? Even if Roa-sama is not the King’s younger brother, it was certain that Emilia was his fiancée.
It seems that the engagement was called off without my knowledge.
ㅤ
Emilia glances at me and walks over.
ㅤ
“I’ve come here, bearing the shame, knowing I’m a burden, to repay the debt of gratitude to Prince Linus for always protecting my love. Please feel free to make use of me as you like.”
“Oh no, I wouldn’t do that. My name is Alice Norchev. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I am Emilia Telhar. My engagement with Prince Linus has been dissolved. Please support Prince Linus.”
ㅤ
Emilia bows deeply, her face shining with the sparkle of a girl in love.
ㅤ
“. . .It’s not something I should say, but I’ve always liked Shiro. His Highness Linus is aware of it too. Please don’t misunderstand. Right, Your Highness Linus.”
ㅤ
Emilia turns back with a smile, then gradually pales as she realizes the room has frozen over.
She sends a pleading look to Shiro, her face showing that she’s done something wrong but doesn’t know what it is.
Shiro asks cautiously.
ㅤ
“Could it be that you’re still keeping your true identity a secret?”
“. . .I’ve been keeping it a secret.”
ㅤ
Roa-sama’s speech is all over the place because of the shock.
I leap to Emilia, who’s about to commit ritual suicide with a short sword, and hold down her hands.
ㅤ
“Please let go! It’s a disgrace that I came to be of help and ended up causing such a blunder! I won’t be satisfied until I apologize with my life!”
“It’s alright, I realized it just a bit ago! I had a hunch! It’s okay! Thank you, actually, for giving me the opportunity!”
“Is that so. . .? No, but!”
“Wanko-sama!”
ㅤ
With a voice like a scream for help, Shiro comes over quickly with his long legs and deftly takes away the short sword.
After Emilia’s commotion settles, all that’s left is an awkward silence.
ㅤ
. . .What should I do with this?
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