Chapter 26

Usually insensitive to everything, Rihirt currently found one thing unbearably irritating. While falling asleep last night, upon waking in the morning, while walking, and during work, a single word continuously disrupted his thoughts.

More precisely, it was the name of a man called ‘Leon.’ He had been in this state ever since that unfamiliar name flowed from her lips.

To call someone’s name unconsciously suggested a close relationship. She always had many people around her, so she likely had many close friends. Just recently, she had received a ball partner invitation from a close male friend.

Though she claimed to have never been in a relationship, he couldn’t be certain she didn’t have someone she liked. Rihirt felt this irritation was even stronger than when she had told him about the partner invitation.

After thinking this far, he slightly furrowed his brow.

He couldn’t believe he was jealous of a man whose face he didn’t even know. He sighed and withdrew his hand. Then, returning to his cold expression devoid of emotion, he began concentrating on work with fierce intensity, as if determined not to allow any distracting thoughts.

He continued working busily in his office, skipping lunch.

Knock knock. At the sound, his hand abruptly stopped. Rihirt raised his head and permitted entry, and a knight stepped inside.

“Commander. I apologize for interrupting your work.”

“What is it?”

“Princess Elisia has arrived at the knight order.”

Rihirt remained silent for a moment, seemingly displeased by this unexpected visitor. Meanwhile, the knight continued speaking.

“Currently, Sir Anasha is guiding her to the reception room in the main building.”

As soon as he heard that name, Rihirt rose from his seat. His quick action suggested there was nothing more to consider.

“I’ll go immediately.”

⁕⁕⁕

Anasha wandered leisurely around the knight order grounds, looking for someone to play with. While searching for someone as idle and free as herself, her eyes caught sight of an extraordinary figure. Even from a distance, her fine silver hair rippled softly.

The Princess stepping out of her carriage and heading toward the main entrance of the knight order was more radiant than words could describe. Anasha stood dazed, staring at her.

Suddenly, the Princess turned her head toward her.

“Ah.”

When their eyes met, Anasha bowed her head, not knowing what to do. She knew nothing about proper etiquette, so her mind went completely blank. After bowing for some time, she had to raise her head, startled by approaching footsteps.

“Is there a female knight here?”

“Ah, no! I’m not a female knight!”

Only after making eye contact with the guard knight beside the Princess did Anasha realize the question wasn’t directed at her. Worried she might have misspoken, she could only stamp her feet anxiously inside.

“That voice… could it be……”

Elisia’s eyes widened in surprise, then she smiled gently and took another step toward Anasha.

“You’re the one who saved me at the ball.”

Her tone was confident, as if she clearly remembered not only the voice but also the small stature. While Anasha could only open and close her mouth without confirming or denying, Elisia continued speaking.

“I’ve wanted to thank you properly when we met. Thank you for that day.”

“Oh, no! I only did what I had to do…… And in the end, I didn’t really do anything.”

‘I even let the assassin escape……’ Anasha quietly bit her lower lip. Seeing her dejected expression, Elisia reached out and gently took Anasha’s hand.

“How can you say you did nothing? I’m safe thanks to you.”

Then she noticed Anasha’s other hand wrapped in bandages.

“That hand… was it injured that day?”

“It’s, it’s almost healed.”

Extremely nervous, Anasha rolled her eyes, not daring to pull her hand away from the Princess’s grasp. The Princess right in front of her was incredibly beautiful. Moreover, her faint scent was so fragrant it made Anasha’s nose twitch involuntarily.

“I’m glad to hear that. Still, I’m sorry. You were injured because of me……”

What a kind person she was. Anasha recognized the regret in her eyes and could only shake her head. As she became more comfortable with the situation, her tension melted away like snow.

“Um… why did you come here?”

“I came to see Duke Weilgresle, or rather, the Knight Commander.”

“Oh, I see! Then I’ll guide you!”

“Could you please show me to the reception room?”

After Elisia released her hand, Anasha quickly moved to guide her to the reception room. The two entered the main building, continuing their private conversation without paying attention to the guard knight.

“I just realized I never learned my savior’s name.”

‘Savior……’ The ticklish feeling made Anasha press her lips together. She couldn’t help feeling pleased. With a broad smile, she answered.

“I’m Anasha Raina. If you don’t mind, please call me Asha.”

“Of course, Sir Asha.”

Elisia let out a small laugh. When they reached the reception room, the guard knight naturally stood watch outside the door. Anasha was about to leave, but Elisia held her back.

“I’d like to reward you. Is there anything you want?”

“What? No, no. That’s completely unnecessary!”

“You don’t need to refuse. It would ease my mind. If you ever need anything, please tell me.”

“Well… there is one thing I need……”

Anasha carefully began.

“I’m currently forbidden from doing anything. Perhaps you have some small task for me? Even something very simple would be fine. I’d be grateful for any assignment!”

“That’s perfect.”

Surprisingly, Elisia readily agreed. She smiled leisurely as if that had been her intention all along. Anasha’s eyes sparkled with relief. Even the Commander couldn’t prevent her from carrying out a mission assigned by the Princess.

Just then, hearing movement outside the door, Anasha turned around obediently as if her eyes had never sparkled. Soon the door opened, and Rihirt entered.

His calm gaze first sought out Anasha standing in the reception room. He stared at her silently for a moment, then noticing the Princess’s gaze, deliberately turned his head. Rihirt bowed slightly in greeting and sat across from the Princess.

“I’m sorry for coming suddenly.”

Elisia spoke first. Anasha stood awkwardly beside the Princess, unable to find the right moment to leave. Realizing this, Elisia offered her the seat next to her.

“No, please speak comfortably between yourselves!”

“Sir Asha, I have important matters to discuss with you too, so please don’t hesitate to sit.”

At that gentle voice, Anasha couldn’t find any words of refusal and quietly sat down.

“You haven’t caught the assassin yet.”

As soon as Anasha sat down, Elisia immediately stated her business. At the word ‘assassin,’ Rihirt sensitively moved the tip of his eyebrow. Only Anasha blinked in confusion, not understanding what connection the assassin had with the Commander.

“I’m still anxious about that day. I don’t know when they might appear again to harm me……”

Her downcast eyes were filled with worry and anxiety.

“…I’m doing my best.”

“Of course, I believe you. It was unexpected that you personally offered to catch them, but I’m grateful that you stepped forward for me.”

Anasha’s eyes widened at this new information. She glanced toward him sitting diagonally across, but Rihirt silently ignored her gaze.

“The reason I came today is because I need someone to guard me.”

“Will you select the guard yourself?”

“Actually, I’ve already decided.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Elisia turned her gaze to the seat beside her. When her eyes met Anasha’s, she smiled even more deeply.

“I intend to take this person as my guard.”

“What? Me?! You want me as your guard?!”

Anasha asked in shock, wondering if she really meant her. Her eyes gradually shifted from surprise to joy.

“A female knight can guard me more closely than anyone, and also……”

“She is not a knight but a spy. She is not suitable as a guard.”

A cold voice interrupted Elisia. Anasha turned to look at him. Unlike usual, the Commander’s stern face was fixed on the Princess without sparing her a glance as he continued speaking.

“She is still injured from that day. I will recommend someone else.”

“I know she was injured trying to save me. That’s why I like Sir Asha even more.”

But the Princess was equally unyielding. Anasha felt tense, worried the two might get into an argument.

“Commander.”

Finally, Anasha intervened, making his gaze turn to her. When their eyes met, Rihirt’s firm and sharp demeanor softened somewhat, as if it had never existed.

“Though one hand isn’t fully healed yet, I want to be of help to the Princess, even in a small way! Even if combat is difficult, I can immediately alert others if a dangerous person approaches, and as the Princess said, being a woman, I can stay close and watch for any suspicious presence. I can keep vigil in the bedroom all night, and also, also……”

“How reassuring.”

“……”