The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way
[The Aide Catches a Glimpse of the Demonic Realm and is Mildly Confused]
Translated by: ME
My father's younger sister is the current Queen.
In other words, I am the cousin of the Crown Prince and the Princess. That's me, Hendrick Orchard.
I'm three years older than Leon, the Crown Prince.
I also have one younger sister and one younger brother. My sister is already married into another family. It was to the heir of a Count's family, who was her childhood friend. They seem to be getting along well. My brother is currently studying abroad. He says he doesn't intend to inherit the Marquisate, and I have no idea what he plans to become.
I've known Leon since he was a child, but I've been thinking lately how much he's changed.
When he was a brat, Leon was a child who observed everything, including himself, from a detached, calm position. He treated even his own affairs as someone else's business, so his emotions never stirred.
I had never seen Leon laugh ['normally'].
Even as a child, I thought Leon was ['creepy'].
Well, maybe that's fine for someone who will become King. Since he has no interest in himself, he can't possibly be driven by personal gain or desire. He fundamentally lacks both ['gain'] and ['desire'].
Anyway, he was excellent, even better at studies than me, who was three years older.
And he had the beauty inherited from his parents.
When he was a kid, he had such a cute face he could pass for a girl.
...Though his cuteness was only skin deep.
My sister once said laughing, [Leon-sama will probably be called something like the 'Ice Prince' when he grows up, won't he?] I laughed and said it was an embarrassing name, but I also thought it was likely.
Even though he's human, and properly warm to the touch, you couldn't feel any body heat from him.
The Ice Prince.
Fits perfectly, doesn't it?
...But that's also kind of sad, isn't it?
Leon himself is not a bad guy at all. I think he'll make a good King.
But he's difficult to get along with.
I was uncomfortable with Leon's unreadable eyes.
Even when he was laughing or raising his voice, it felt like he was only doing it because ['he thought he should act that way now']...
It wasn't a laugh born from genuine ['fun'] or ['happiness'].
My ['creepy'] feeling towards Leon turned into ['a little scary'], and I started seeing less and less of him.
***
After keeping my distance for a few years like that, Leon summoned me, which was rare.
With a vaguely heavy feeling, I headed to Leon's office in the castle.
When the attendant guided me there, Leon was there, of course.
Huh? A small sense of incongruity.
Is this guy really Leon?
[It's been a while, Hendrick.]
[Sure has. So, what's up, Leon? Need something from me?]
I tried cracking a joke.
Leon gave a small laugh in response.
Huh? He laughed. Just now.
[I wouldn't call you if I didn't need something. ...Well, sit down.]
I sat on the reception sofa, and Leon sat opposite me.
Huh? Has his atmosphere changed a bit or something?
[I thought about doing it in writing, but I figured it'd be harder for you to refuse face-to-face. ...I want you to become my aide.]
[...Uweh.]
A strange sound escaped me.
Leon gave a small laugh at the weird sound I'd let out. [What was that sound?]
It's... Leon, right? He's been... laughing, hasn't he...?
[To be honest, if you refuse, I have no one else. So I need you to accept no matter what.]
The eyes Leon looked at me with then.
They weren't the inorganic glass marbles they used to be.
[Well, alright, I guess...]
Before I knew it, I had accepted.
***
After I started helping Leon with his work, I learned a few things.
First, Leon was horrifyingly busy.
The amount of paperwork that piled up every single day, even after processing and processing, made me want to say, [You've been handling this all by yourself until now!? No way!?]
On top of that, there were public duties like inspections and welcoming distinguished guests.
And in between all that, he made time to see his fiancée, Lady Elizabeth.
Since his official duties and public affairs couldn't be reduced, I once suggested he cut down on the time he spent with Lady Elizabeth.
It was said out of concern for Leon's health. Pure kindness, 100%.
But the moment I said it, Leon went [...Hah?] in the lowest voice I'd ever heard.
It was fucking terrifying.
Next, I clearly understood how much Leon valued his fiancée.
She should have been a politically chosen match. And he'd chosen her without knowing her face, her personality, nothing.
Well, since she was a political choice, it's natural to treat her well. Moreover, his reason for choosing Lady Elizabeth was ['It doesn't benefit or profit anyone's interests, and yet no one loses out'], something that made you want to say, ['What the hell is that?'].
Well, it's true that the Macnagan Ducal family could fulfill that condition. And since the other party is a Ducal family, it's hard to openly complain.
But even though she was a match chosen for such reasons...
No matter how busy he was, no matter how swamped, if Lady Elizabeth visited his office, he would stop working. Leon never turns her away.
...Well, Lady Elizabeth rarely visits.
And no matter how little time he has, he always makes sure to set aside time for tea with her once every three days.
He gives Lady Elizabeth gifts on every possible occasion. And each time, he seriously agonizes over ['What should I give her this time...'].
When I said, [Why not flowers or something? Most girls are happy with that, right?] he replied, [Ellie has absolutely no interest in flowers.] ...Well, that *would* be a problem.
Then what about accessories? [She has no interest at all.] Lady Elizabeth, what *would* make you happy then!?
When I asked what he'd given her so far, he said, [For her birthday, I gave her a fountain pen. She was happy, said it felt good to use and fit her hand well. She said she'd treasure it.] How refined! Both the giver and the receiver!
But as he said that, Leon was smiling happily.
I realized then: This guy has changed a hell of a lot from before.
***
There's no doubt that Lady Elizabeth is the one who changed Leon, that creepy, emotionless child.
From what Leon says, she's a remarkably strange girl.
...Though Leon never lets me see her, so I've only met her once.
I'm interested in what kind of girl she is.
When I say [Let me meet her!], Leon makes a blatantly displeased face, so it seems pretty impossible.
I'd really like to talk to her a bit.
***
So, this Leon, who loves his fiancée so much—or rather, whose possessiveness has exploded—invited me to go with him to Lady Elizabeth's house.
When I asked if there was some ulterior motive, I got a very deep sigh in return.
[No, there's no ulterior motive. ...It's just, if I'm going to that house, I thought it would be easier on my nerves if I had someone with me rather than going alone.]
What's that about? I looked at the guard knight Gray, who was waiting behind Leon, and he gave a slight, wry smile.
Is it that kind of house? Huh? What kind of house is it?
Well, whatever.
Since Leon is kindly offering to let me meet Lady Elizabeth, I'll go check it out.
***
Inside the carriage heading to the Macnagan Ducal household, Leon had a constant frown and a troubled look the whole time.
Is that the face you make when going to see your beloved fiancée?
[Leon, you're getting wrinkles between your brows. Why the long face?]
As I said it, I tried to smooth out the wrinkle on his forehead by poking it with my finger. He brushed my hand away immediately.
[You'll understand if you go there... Maybe.]
What is it? Why is Gray also getting a somewhat distant look in his eyes?
[The Macnagan house is a demonic realm...]
I said, what does that mean!? That sounds kinda scary!
***
When we arrived, Lady Elizabeth, a man who seemed to be the butler, and numerous servants were there to greet us.
...Servants, aren't there any lower-level workers in the back? Huh? Why not?
[We have been awaiting your arrival.]
Lady Elizabeth curtsied as she spoke in a cute voice. Her posture was incredibly graceful.
Lady Elizabeth herself was also an extremely beautiful and cute girl. I can kinda understand why Leon says ['I want to lock her away somewhere']. ...I mean, don't do it!? I get the scary feeling you might, though!
[Thank you for meeting us, Ellie.]
Saying stuff like that, he put his arm around Lady Elizabeth's waist so naturally and kissed her cheek.
Dude, she's only twelve. You should hold back a bit more, I mean, restrain yourself.
...Seriously, where did the Leon from our childhood go? He's totally smitten.
[Lady Elizabeth, I thank you for permitting my visit as well.]
I can make noble-like greetings too. I just don't usually.
I thought I saw Lady Elizabeth give a slight smile at my bowed head.
[Guests are most welcome. ...Primarily by the servants.]
...Hah?
By the servants? They're welcoming me? Why? ...Well, fine. If they're welcoming me.
After that, I was made to watch Leon and Lady Elizabeth's incomprehensible exchange, the two guard knights were abducted somewhere, and then we were guided to a room where the Duke and Duchess were supposedly waiting.
***
In a beautiful, spacious room fitting for a Ducal family, a painter had set up an easel in the corner.
The Duke and Duchess didn't seem to mind at all, and neither did Lady Elizabeth. But Leon's eyes looked a bit dead.
[Your Highness, welcome. Thank you for coming.]
The Duke said with a shining smile, and he and the Duchess bowed in unison. Leon told them [Please raise your heads] and was prompted to sit on the sofa.
Leon and Lady Elizabeth sat side-by-side, and I was on a single-seater sofa.
...This is an incredibly comfortable sofa. Nice.
[Lord Hendrick, welcome as well.]
I bowed to the Duke, who smiled at me.
[No need to be so formal. The servants are happy to have guests.]
So what's that about?
I want to ask, but I can't.
[Leon-sama has given permission for his portrait to be painted. Mr. Terence, please.]
Lady Elizabeth happily called out to the painter. The painter replied [Of course] and immediately started moving his charcoal with a *shaka shaka* sound.
[My~, so you got permission. I'm so glad~, Ellie-chan.]
The Duchess said with a very gentle smile. Lady Elizabeth also nodded, beaming. Lady Elizabeth takes after her mother. The Duchess is also an incredible beauty.
[Your Highness, thank you. For humoring our daughter's selfishness.]
Leon sighed at the Duke's smiling words.
[...Is it really... 'Ellie's selfishness'...?]
[It certainly is~. Ellie-chan said she absolutely wanted it!~]
[That's right. What are you doubting?]
Faced with the smiling couple, Leon just sighed again. What's going on?
[...No, it's fine. ...Somehow, I'm starting to feel resigned to all sorts of things.]
Resigned?
Huh? But isn't it just that your fiancée said she wants a portrait?
Maybe I was making a particularly puzzled face, because Lady Elizabeth looked at me and gave a *niko* smile.
[Lord Hendrick, there's nothing strange about this, is there?]
[I... don't think so, no.]
Yeah.
I have a fiancée too, and she's asked for one.
[That's right.]
Next to the beaming Lady Elizabeth, Leon sighed again.
Asking for a portrait is cute, isn't it? You'd think Leon would be happy about it.
...Besides, aren't portraits of Leon being sold anyway? By art dealers or furniture stores.
But maybe it's a girlish thing, wanting one specially?
[The weather is nice today, so why don't you show His Highness and the others the garden?]
[That's a good idea. ...Mr. Terence, is that alright with you?]
Lady Elizabeth addressed the painter first. The painter replied, [Yes, it's no problem.]
[Shall we go to the garden, then?]
His Highness looked slightly happy as he was led by the hand, standing up with Lady Elizabeth.
***
The moment we stepped into the garden, a high-pitched, whistle-like sound echoed from somewhere.
[...What was that sound?]
Lady Elizabeth gave a *niko* smile at Leon's suspicious expression. Really, her smiling face is so cute.
[It's the signal to begin.]
[Eh? For what?]
I didn't understand and ended up speaking my mind bluntly.
In terms of status, Lady Elizabeth is above me.
So I'm actually in a position where I must treat her with the utmost respect.
I accidentally spoke to her casually and was actually quite flustered.
But Lady Elizabeth showed no sign of minding at all.
[Earlier, the guard knights were taken away, weren't they?]
They were. It felt almost like they were being abducted.
[The servants of our house said they wanted to... see their capabilities.]
Ah... So they're just really interested in the knights from the castle?
[Noel and Alphonse... they won't die, will they?]
Leon, what are you saying with a straight face!?
[It's fine. They are all people who know how to hold back. They might give them a few scratches, but they won't inflict any injuries that would hinder their duties.]
No, no, wait! The ['servants'] took them away, right!?
Their opponents are Guard Knights!? The elite among knights!?
[Oh, Young Lady.]
The one who called out was probably the gardener.
A gardener... right? He has a big scar on his face and a strangely intimidating aura...
[Wesley... is it?]
At Leon's surprised murmur, the gardener-like person performed a knight's salute. Even though he seems to be a gardener or something, his knight's salute is perfectly formed. I mean, ordinary people don't even know the knight's salute...?
[I am glad to see you are well.]
[...You're a gardener now?]
[Yes. The Young Lady is only interested in edible weeds, you see. If I leave it alone, the flowers will disappear.]
'Edible weeds'!? What!?
[But there are flowers you can eat.]
Lady Elizabeth, I don't think that's the issue here...
[Greg, aren't you participating?]
[I'll leave it to Dee. I just need to see the end.]
[That might be for the best.]
...Huh? What are they doing? And who is this old man?
Seeing that I was the only one who didn't understand anything, Leon quietly informed me.
[Wesley is the former personal guard of the late King.]
Personal Guard!? Why is someone like that here!? Knights who leave the order usually become instructors at the knight academy or something, don't they!?
What, what is this... I'm just surprised over and over, and I'm already getting a little tired...
***
Lady Elizabeth showed us around the garden.
There were more trees than flowers, and even more plants that looked just like weeds. They didn't look like herbs, they really just looked like weeds...
According to Lady Elizabeth, they are ['side dishes for the season'], but the Ducal family is supposed to be one of the wealthiest, right...?
Why are they eating grass?
After looking around the garden, we arrived at a small gazebo in a corner.
We sat on the chairs there, and a woman who seemed to be a maid prepared tea for us.
Various sweets were also laid out.
...But Leon's sweets were prepared separately. Why?
[Leon-sama, please have these. Lord Hendrick and I will have these.]
[I wonder what the difference is.]
The sweets placed on Leon's dedicated plate and the ones on the tray in the center of the table looked exactly the same in type and everything.
They *looked* the same...
[Leon-sama's portion consists entirely of 'safe' ones.]
She says it with a smile, but I don't get it!?
[Then, what are the 'not safe' ones...?]
Ah, are you gonna ask? Leon, are you really asking?
[Some are mixed in that have fillings like mustard or horseradish.]
With a super bright smile!!
[...I see. I shall quietly partake of these, then.]
[Yes. Our pastry chef is quite skilled, so I believe they are on par with those from the castle.]
[Is that so.]
No, no, no, you two are smiling at each other, but!
That means mine might have something inside!?
Is Lady Elizabeth this kind of girl? From what Leon said, I had an image of her being more mature, more intellectual.
Another thing I noticed was something like a chessboard placed next to the table.
I mean, it really is a chessboard. There's just one white Rook and three black Pawns on it.
[Lord Hendrick, please, if you'd like.]
Encouraged by Lady Elizabeth's *niko* smile, and thinking it would be rude to refuse, I carefully selected one after scrutinizing them.
A small tart. ...Every single one was shaped in a way that something *could* be hidden inside. Damn it.
I cautiously took a bite, but it was normally delicious. Inside was just berry jam and custard cream.
[It's delicious, isn't it?] Lady Elizabeth said, looking slightly proud and appropriately childish and cute, making me laugh involuntarily.
[What about that chessboard?]
It seemed Leon was also curious, so he asked. Lady Elizabeth smiled *niko*.
[It represents the current status of Sir Gray and Alphonse. White is them, and black is our household's servants.]
As she spoke, the butler came over and moved a few pieces.
[Thomas.]
[Yes.]
[One square east, two squares south.]
[Understood.]
The butler bowed respectfully and walked off somewhere.
[So you're the one moving the pieces, Ellie. ...This must be quite a struggle.]
Lady Elizabeth gave a light laugh at Leon's wry smile.
[I only guide them. The servants are the ones who actually move. It depends on whether they can maneuver Sir Gray and Alphonse as I envision.]
[By the way, how is victory or defeat decided?]
[The goal is here. So if you wait here, you'll find out eventually.]
A maid holding a teapot came over and, while pouring tea, moved a piece on the chessboard as if it were nothing.
[One square east. It's about time to deploy Anna.]
[Understood.]
The maid nodded at Lady Elizabeth's short instruction and walked away again.
Leon seemed to understand, but I was completely lost.
[...So, what exactly is going on?]
When I asked, Lady Elizabeth gave a small [Fufu] laugh.
[I said the servants wanted to see the guard knights' capabilities and took them away, didn't I?]
You did.
[There is a grove on the backside of the mansion, and they are currently there.]
A grove.
Why is there such a thing on the grounds of a high noble's mansion!?
That's a bit rare even in the royal capital!? There are plenty on territories, but still!
[We intentionally left a patch of forest completely unmaintained.]
But why!?
[When such a place exists, intruders mistakenly assume it's a 'weak point'. Those who would notice ['Why is there such an unnatural thing?'] wouldn't consider intruding in the first place.]
Her smile is dazzling, but... Lady Elizabeth, what are you talking about?
[Inside that untouched grove, there are several traps for intruders. Since most are products of the servants' hobbies, they range from harmless ones that just startle you, to one-hit-kill types, all very diverse.]
[One-hit-kill...?]
Of course that's what catches your attention, Leon!
And Lady Elizabeth's response is that SMILE!!
[When you step on the trigger, first, an arrow flies out. It's aimed roughly at head level, imagining the average adult male's height.]
The intent to kill is already strong!
[Assuming they crouch to dodge, there's a second arrow timed to hit stomach level. Assuming they move to dodge, there's a pitfall about two steps in the direction they'd move, filled with water.]
Eh... Ehh~...
[If they notice and avoid that too, there's another arrow trap set up around the hole.]
How can you say such vicious things with a smile!?
[But those have been removed for this occasion. The arrowheads are also coated with a paralyzing poison, so they're quite dangerous.]
Just how much!?
I see... Wait, Leon's eyes have gone completely distant! Notice, Lady Elizabeth!!
And you said ['the servants' hobbies']!? What's going on with the servants here!!
[Many of our household's servants have somewhat unusual backgrounds. Among them, the combat-specialized types are currently scattered within the grove.]
Combat-specialized servants, what are they...?
We have servants specialized in laundry or cleaning at our house too...
[Combat-specialized... You mean like guards?]
We have servants hired to protect the mansion and family at our Marquisate too, like gatekeepers and guard soldiers.
[No. They are stable hands, porters, or laundry maids who are good at combat.]
...Sorry, Lady Elizabeth. I don't understand what you're saying...
[This chessboard, as I said before, represents their current status. Right now, the guard knights are here, and there are about three servants hiding in the surrounding area.]
Aah... I'm already so confused that it feels like anything goes now.
[The ones hiding this time are basically those who excel at solo surprise attack tactics. They will attack the guard knights as they please. If they can place the guard knights in ['a situation that could lead to incapacitation'], the guard knights get a minus point. Conversely, if a servant is forced into such a state, the servant ['dies once']. Servants who 'die' twice leave the game.]
It's a game!? It's a play activity!? I've never heard of a game with such murderous intent!
It's like a knight order training exercise!
As we were talking, the butler came and moved the pieces again.
[Anna has died once. Jackson as well. The knights each receive one minus point.]
[Who gave them the minus points?]
[Sir Gray was by Dee. Sir Alphonse was by Caesar.]
[...That's no help at all. ...Three west. Please withdraw Caesar and Dee. Having those two there just tires the knights out.]
[Understood.]
...He said minus points. It was ['a situation that could lead to incapacitation'], right? So that means the servants managed to create a situation where they could defeat (or neutralize) the guard knights!?
What is going on!?
***
After that, we made idle chat for a while.
Talk about events at the academy, stories about the friends Lady Elizabeth had made, talk about Leon's official duties...
Except for the servants coming by intermittently to move pieces and Lady Elizabeth giving instructions, it was a very harmonious time.
Eventually, Lady Elizabeth told a maid, [The sun will be setting soon, so bring the knights here.] The maid replied [Understood] and left.
The terrifying thing was that the board had been moving exactly as Lady Elizabeth directed the whole time.
...The servants are one thing, but what's up with this girl too?
I clearly understood that Lady Elizabeth is intelligent.
Even from our short conversation, I immediately realized her breadth of knowledge was extraordinary. Even when Leon brought up diplomatic issues, she would think for a moment and then promptly offer her own answer.
This girl is seven years younger than me, right!? I was surprised over and over.
...Also, I was surprised by the cookie brought by a maid, said to be handmade by Lady Elizabeth.
It was the first time in my life I'd eaten a flavorless sweet.
It was beyond tasty or disgusting; my mouth went completely dry and I choked. Leon also ate one and didn't touch the rest...
***
[Young Lady, you must be tired~]
A young man said as he walked over in a carefree tone.
It was a black-haired young man with a kind-looking smile and a white-haired young man with an astonishingly handsome face. The black-haired one was of average height and slender, the white-haired one was tall and thin. Both are, how should I say, lanky.
[Good work. I'll ask you to cause one last commotion.]
[Okey-doke.]
[I'll do my best.]
The two of them started stretching and swinging their arms and legs as if doing warm-up exercises.
[And they are?]
Lady Elizabeth gave a *niko* smile at Leon's question.
[A stable hand and a porter.]
[...I see.]
Leon! Don't give up on the question!
At Lady Elizabeth's words, the black-haired one laughed lightly and bowed to Leon. It was a unique salute, kneeling and placing one fist on the ground.
Seeing this, Leon made a slightly surprised face.
Even Leon, who barely shows emotion, was clearly ['surprised'] enough for those around to notice. He must be pretty shocked.
[Formerly of the King's special forces, 'The Ravens'. I have no particular name. Here, I am called Dee.]
The Ravens!? They really exist!?
I knew they existed, but this is my first time seeing one!!
[An 'Owl' and a 'Raven'... Just what is going on with the Macnagan Ducal household...]
Dee laughed at Leon, who sighed with a distant look.
[It's a comfy birdcage.]
Dee stood up and looked at the white-haired one, lightly nudging him with his elbow. He seemed to be urging him, ['You introduce yourself too.'].
[Since Dee introduced himself, you should too, Reaper.]
[Don't call me the Reaper!!]
The white-haired one almost shouted at Lady Elizabeth's words.
What's this? ['Reaper']?
The white-haired one let out one sigh ['Fuu...'] and bowed to Leon in a noble's salute. With his good looks, he looked terribly dignified doing it.
[I am Caesar Victor. I am a porter for the Macnagan Ducal household.]
[Hey, introduce yourself properly, Reaper.]
[Shut uuup!!]
Ignoring the two who were making a racket, Lady Elizabeth smiled at Leon.
[He is a former assassin. His alias was the 'Pale Reaper'—]
[Young Lady, pleeease stop!!!]
Porter, you're interrupting the Young Lady...
Ah, but Lady Elizabeth doesn't seem to mind at all...
[He is now just a porter who agonizes over the embarrassing alias he gave himself.]
[...Yeah... I see.]
Leon! Don't lose! You're looking really far away, but don't lose! And you too, 'Reaper'! Live strong!
[Young Lady, sorry to keep you waiting~]
A maid carrying something I'd never seen before came over.
It resembled a crossbow, but the shape was different. What is that?
[Lily, I'm counting on you.]
[Leave it to me! Prototype number sixteen will roar!]
Leon tilted his head slightly at the maid who held the unfamiliar crossbow (?).
[A ballista...?]
[Yes. It's a ballista from the Burnear Empire, further modified independently.]
...Huh? Wait. Lady Elizabeth, what did you just...?
The maid holding the ballista-or-whatever performed a salute in a style different from this country's.
[Formerly of the Burnear Empire Weapons Factory Development Division, Lilliana Campbell.]
...Weapons development division... How did this person even manage to leave the country...?
[Lord Leon, Lord Hendrick, I have a request for the two of you.]
Huh? A request?
[From now on, she will aim that weapon at me. I would like the two of you to remain as still as possible.]
Whaaat!?
I didn't understand what she meant.
Leon was also looking at Lady Elizabeth, very surprised.
But Lady Elizabeth had a *nikkonikko* smile.
[Of course, she will shoot to miss. There is no danger to the two of you. So, Lord Leon, please, absolutely do not move to protect me.]
Ah... Leon would probably move. On an unconscious level.
[But...]
[It's fine. Even if, by some chance, it hits, it is not life-threatening. It would be more dangerous if you or Lord Hendrick moved. ...Please understand.]
[I'll pretend to be the Young Lady's guard in the meantime.]
The one who said that from behind was the former guard knight gardener.
[Well, if those guards haven't forgotten their primary duty, they'll come running to protect the Young Lady and His Highness.]
[That's the idea.]
Leon let out a deep sigh as Lady Elizabeth looked at him and smiled brightly.
[...I see. So it's that kind of test...]
[That's about the size of it.]
The gardener smiled, looking satisfied.
***
Then the combat began between the two arriving guard knights and the Raven & Reaper.
...But it was too fast to follow with my eyes.
What the hell is that...? Those are the same guys who were just cracking jokes and agonizing over their aliases, right...?
I mean, 'Guard Knights' really are amazing, huh? I can barely follow it with my eyes, but they're both handling it properly.
Leon was already watching them with a distant look.
...I mean, is Lady Elizabeth always like this?
Only Lady Elizabeth is watching the fight with a really nice smile.
While I was watching that in a daze, the two guard knights simultaneously seemed to notice something and started running.
Huh!? What!?
I saw Gray heading towards us, and Alphonse heading straight for a distant tree shadow.
Ah! The ballista (was that it?) maid!
She was being restrained by Alphonse, and Gray had stopped in a position that blocked the line of fire, as if shielding Leon and Lady Elizabeth.
[That's enough!]
The butler's clear voice announced the end of the game.
[Seems they hadn't forgotten their primary duty after all.]
The gardener said as if to himself. Lady Elizabeth smiled contentedly at that.
[Of course they haven't. They are 'Royal Personal Guard Knights'. And the chief ones, at that.]
[There are those who get drunk on that title, Young Lady.]
[They can drown and sink on their own if they want.]
[Hah ha! Exactly.]
The gardener laughed cheerfully and walked over to where the servants were holding what looked like a debriefing.
[...It seems you got a passing grade from Wesley.]
Lady Elizabeth smiled and nodded at Leon's smiling remark.
[With those two, I didn't feel any need to test them at all, though.]
[Indeed.]
Watching the two smile at each other, I was the only one left with complicated feelings.
***
I can't count how many surprises I had in just these few hours.
No wonder Leon's expressions and emotions have become richer.
Lady Elizabeth is like a jack-in-the-box. You never know what's going to pop out.
She's filled with a substance you'd never guess from her fluffy, fairy-like appearance.
And the Macnagan Ducal household is a 'demonic realm'. Even more than Lady Elizabeth, it's completely unpredictable what's inside or what might jump out.
It feels like if you get too involved, you might not be able to escape.
***
I think I'll just watch over my dear cousin from a safe distance.
But someday, I should thank Lady Elizabeth.
Thank you for making Leon human.
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