Chapter 155 (2/2)

“Oh, come on in.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

When did they become so friendly? After they got close after the raid, the two covered all kinds of topics on the knights, such as training, organization, operation, and tactics. They finally talked about the grand topic of swordsmanship.

“I promised to honor my deal with you, but I kept delaying it until now, I’m sorry for that.”

“No, sir. You have gone through lots of things until recently.”

“If you don’t mind, I can coach you about fencing after the imperial ball is over. How about that?”

“I’m fine anytime, sir. Thank you for your guidance in advance.”

“I’m looking forward to it. As you know, they call you the genius of swordsmanship.”

“I’m flattered, sir.”

After talking with him, my father got up, folding his napkin. Then he said with a faint smile, “Let me go upstairs as I’m tired. So, see him off on my behalf.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Okay, Sir Carsein, see you next time.”

“Yes, sir. Have a good rest.”

‘Daddy seems strange today.’ I tilted my head. ‘He looked a little tired, but he didn’t tell anybody about it.’

I knew that my father had good feelings toward Carsein after he saved my life in the recent raid by the unidentified hooligans, but he was unusually kind to him, compared with Allendis.

Besides, my father let me spend time with him on purpose. He always used to tell me that I should be careful about my words and deeds, so that I could not be talked about in social circles.

While I was lost in thought, someone suddenly stuck his face out in front of me.

I hurriedly pulled my body back, surprised.

“Oh my! You surprised me, Sein.”

“Don’t look so dumb! Why are you so absent-minded like that? As a knight, come to your senses. Let me give you some special training, starting tomorrow.”

“… Don’t do that. Let me see you off, Sein.”

“No thanks. My house is not that far from here, Tia. By the way….”

“Huh?”

He quietly reached out and stroked my hair. When I looked up, feeling his gentle touch, he smiled at me softly. Suddenly, the light of the chandelier was obscured with a darker shade because he came closer to me quickly.

‘As you stand there, you are much taller than I think.’

I thought he was tall, but I didn’t know he looked much taller up close.

‘Huh?’

I felt his face getting closer to me, although I could not see it well because my view was blocked by the light. I blinked a couple of times because I felt I saw it wrong, but something moist touched my forehead then fell off.

‘Huh? What is this … ‘

“What the heck did you, Sein?”

When I stepped back, surprised, he looked at me quietly with a smile.

“Are you surprised? Why are you surprised? I think you probably kissed Allendis, right?”

“… Well, I was very young then.”

“When you were young? You’re still a little girl in my eyes! Hey, don’t imagine something weird.

You are too young to think of that. You need another ten years for that. Got it? ”

When I stared at him sharply, pouting, he gently tapped my forehead with his fingers and turned back, waving at me.

“I’m leaving. See you tomorrow.”

“… ”

“Are you upset? That’s why you are a little girl…”

“… Just go away!”

I heard him laughing heartily at me.

He walked with long steps and disappeared. While looking at him for a while, I headed to my room.