Chapter 56 (1/2)

My voice trembled as if I was surprised. I heard the knights, watching me duelling the man, running to me in a hurry. They pushed the man out and asked with a very worried look.

“My lady, are you okay?”

“Yes I’m okay.”

“Were you injured?”

“No, I was a little surprised, but I wasn’t hurt. ”

“Did you say you were surprised? Hey, what are you doing? Bring some cold water!”

Sir League shoute. The young knight, who duelled with me a moment ago, rushed to get water.

I smiled awkwardly. I was not as surprised as he thought. To tell the truth, I was more surprised right now than a moment ago because they asked me a barrage of questions.

“My lady, please drink some water.”

“Thank you, Sir Ecs.”

The young knight who came back in no time quickly offered a water bottle. I took a sip of water after receiving the cold bottle. I smiled naturally at their warmth when they looked at me with concern.

Sir League looked at me with a warm expression, “Lady, you are very pretty. Smile more often. You used to be cute in the past. Time flies so fast!”

“Thank you for saying that, Sir League.”

“You’re welcome. I mean it. I’m a bit worried about how your father is doing these days. If you get married…”

“What did you just say?”

While I was smiling awkwardly at his repeated praise, I heard a cold voice from behind. I grinned broadly, turning to the man who asked Sir League.

“Have you been doing well, Daddy?”

“Yes, Tia. Did you have a good day today? ”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“It looks like you practiced fencing after a long time.”

“Yes, I think I have to start over. You must be very tired. Come on in. ”

After saying goodbye to the knights who felt sorry I had to leave, I went to the mansion with my father. He didn’t have to go to the palace today, and he had just returned after welcoming back the crown prince who arrived in the capital.

Yes, today was the day he returned to the capital.

“You came back early today, Daddy?”

“Well, If I hadn’t met Arkint in the middle, I would have come much earlier. By the way, Tia? ”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Arkint asked me how much you have learned with respect to your new work. He asked if you could come to his office to take over his work. He said if you didn’t mind, you could come, starting the day after tomorrow. ”

Time really passed so fast. It looked like yesterday when I decided to join the 1st Knights Division as an aide to Duke Lars when spring came, but it was already almost one year since I made that decision. Today is the 3rd day of the last month of the year. Next month would bring in a new year.

“Sure, I will come to his office the day after tomorrow.”

“Good. By the way, the crown prince has sent you a message”

“…His Majesty? ”

“Well, like he said the other day, he wanted to see you at the crown prince’s palace in the afternoon the day after tomorrow.”

“Ah… ”

I recalled a colorful letter paper sprinkled with gold pearls on a blue background that I received from the crown prince the other day. I remembered its contents, too.

When I thought of facing him again, I felt gloomy suddenly. With a sigh, I nodded to my father, who looked at me nervously. As I can’t disobey the crown prince’s order, I had to go see him the day after tomorrow.

Two days later, I headed for the Imperial Palace after telling my father about my visit.