Chapter 31 (2/2)
When I was laughing in this contradictory situation, Lina came with a letter from Verita, which I received a month after everyone including him left. My heart was pounding. I immediately opened the seal and read it.
<Dear my lady, who I miss,
Long time, no see. Sorry I haven’t been able to reach you until now. I have continued to move, and yesterday arrived at a pretty big estate. Right now, I’m sending soldiers to neighboring villages to inform them that they will be distributing food.
I came here, thinking of the worst situation, but I’m glad it wasn’t that bad. Well, I think they prepared well, even though they had a severe famine. They’re probably going to have a poor harvest this year, but thanks to the constant stockpile of food by the imperial family, the food situation seems to be better than expected. If they can survive this winter, the worst situation will be over. Of course, more people will need help in the coming years.
By the way, how are you doing? You might deny it, but I think even though you look strong, you are tender and lonely. That’s why your father as well as the knights of your family are worried about you being alone now. I’m also very sad as I am separated from you like this. I wish I could be with you. I’m sorry I can’t be with you.
I think you might get angry with me if I was talking to you face to face about this, but I would like to ask you something I really want to. How about practicing fencing? I’m worried whether you are training too hard. These days you look like someone chased by something.
If you are too hard on yourself, let me tell you something, though you might think I’m meddling in your private matters. Don’t be too impatient. Some say that sweat never lies, right? As you are working hard, I’m sure you’ll surely get the results you want. I doubt it, but if you don’t get what you want despite your best efforts, I’ll give you a leg then. Of course, your father will be there to help you ahead of me.
I hope my worries are unfounded. So, I hope you are laughing while reading this letter. If you do, it’s evidence that you are keeping well without feeling lonely or overly stressed.
The day is breaking now. I think I should go out to help my father. Take care. I’ll contact you again soon.
Your knight, Alendis>
His hair fresh green like a spring bud came to my mind. I also remembered his emerald eyes with warm light. While reading the letter, it seemed as if I could hear him talking to me right beside me.
‘Thanks for your warm considerations, Allendis.’
When I reflected on his comforting words, my eyes grew blurry with tears. I raised my wet eyes and looked up at the ceiling. When I was blinking my eyes for a clear view, I heard somebody knocking. Soon, the butler came in.
“My lady.”
“What’s up?” I asked with a subdued voice. I desperately tried to hold back my tears, but the butler seemed to have already noticed that I was emotionally charged while reading Allendis’s letter. After he put down an envelope silently, the butler signalled to Lina to get out of the room.
I silently looked at the two leaving and opened the letter.
<Dear my lovely daughter Tia,
I’m down in the southern empire now. Before I moved here, I sent the knights here to their assigned places, so I’ve got several men with me now. As I had to take care of urgent matters, I couldn’t write to you on time. Sorry if I have made you worry about me.
I guess you are having a lot of trouble as you have to take care of the house alone. How about your practicing? I’m worried about you since you seemed to be impatient these days.
Let me tell you one thing for caution’s sake.
Tia, don’t hurry up. Don’t practice too hard. I think I know why, but don’t be impatient.
You are doing well now. So, trust yourself a little more.
I didn’t say that before because you wanted to overcome the problem yourself. I’m ready to help you anytime. If you want, I’ll make sure you can achieve it by any means and methods. So, I hope you feel more comfortable and regain composure.
Take care. Let me talk to you soon.>