Vol 1 Chapter 57 (2/2)

I did it! Leticia made a celebratory fistpump in her mind . She had predicted this outcome from Wynn’s personality .

“I wonder what I should do…”

“Then… can you come with me on a shopping trip?”

“Shopping? Do you want me to carry your things?”

“Yeah, I’ve been wanting to get some new clothes . ”

“Can’t you buy that from your family’s regular merchant?”

“I could, but… I wanted you to help me choose . ”

“I don’t really know much about women’s clothing . Is that okay?”

“As long as you like it, Big Brother, I’m fine . ”

Even if you’re the only one who thinks so, Leticia added in her mind .

“Okay, got it . I was summoned by Cornelia this afternoon, but let’s go when I get a day off . ”

“That’s a promise, okay?”

Wynn smiled upon hearing Leticia’s cheerful tone . Suspecting that Wynn had seen through her completely, Leticia blushed .

“Oh that’s right, you’re going to start as a guardian knight today . Could you tell me why you became one?”

“Oh, that?” Wynn tilted his head as he thought . He recounted his conversation with Alfred, Cornelia, and Tiara .

“Something like that happened?” Unable to remember her first experience in battle, Leticia had happily listened to Wynn’s story, and was intrigued by the series of events . But when the tale turned to the discussion about becoming Cornelia’s guardian knight, Leticia’s face darkened slightly . “I see… Cornelia is the one Big Brother is supposed to protect…” she whispered quietly .

“You see, I’ve always wanted to become a knight, and I thought that Cornelia wasn’t a bad person to wield my sword for . That’s why… huh? Leti?”

“Hmph . I see . It’s because of Cornelia . ”

“L-Leti?”

Leticia looked at Wynn with upturned eyes, puffing her cheeks slightly .  Whoa, she looks cute, thought Wynn . Puffing her cheeks was a habit she’d had ever since she was young . Her cheeks would puff out when she was displeased . Seeing Leticia being jealous of Cornelia made Wynn crack a bit . He said, “Leti is also very important to me . ”

A smile threatened to break through her face, but Leticia continued to pout . Wynn patted her head . “Mm~, I won’t be tricked!” She let out a funny sound as she tried to maintain her angry glare .

“I’m hungry . How ‘bout we go get some breakfast?”

“Huh? Breakfast? Sure, let’s go!”

How simple… Wynn chuckled . Leticia’s bad mood instantly vanished upon hearing the word “breakfast” . The food at the academy wasn’t too expensive, but it was served in tiny portions and had a more refined taste . It didn’t make for a satisfying meal . Despite her n.o.ble lineage, Leticia had grown up while often eating commoner’s food, so she was more than happy to leave the academy to eat . Wynn was sixteen and she was fourteen . They were growing children, and they had been exercising all morning . Simply put, they were starving .

They greeted the guard, whom they had gotten to know, as they pa.s.sed through the academy’s gates . Merchants were hustling and bustling as they worked to set up their stalls on either side of the street . At one large intersection, there were many street stalls already open, hoping to sell a light meal to travelers pa.s.sing by . The appetizing smell of baked bread, herbs, and grilled meat lavished in spices wafted into their noses .

Wynn and Leticia ordered some bread from one of the stalls . Paying extra for b.u.t.ter, Leticia spread it on her bread slices and put meat and vegetables in between . Sitting down on one of the wooden chairs in the plaza, Leticia sunk her teeth into the sandwich . The flavor of the b.u.t.ter and juicy meat mixed in her mouth . Leticia’s face relaxed in enjoyment . Wynn ordered a citrus fruit from another stand . It came on a plate, cut in two halves . He handed one half to Leticia . The fruit’s juices quenched her thirst, and the sweet and sour flavor was refres.h.i.+ng .

“Delicious . ” Having eaten her fill, she grinned happily as she watched Wynn bite into his bread . She closed her eyes . Her body began to sway, and she started humming .

When they were younger, Wynn would always let Leticia eat first, and only when she finished would he then start eating . Now that they were older, they started their meals at the same time, but Wynn naturally ate more . As a result, even while taking smaller bites, Leticia would still finish eating first . Therefore, she would sing until Wynn finished eating . She sang songs she had learned from Wynn, as well as songs she had learned during her travels . Leticia loved to sing . She sang and sang, enjoying the warm, comforting presence standing beside her .

Before long, a crowd formed around her . Travelers in the midst of their journeys and shopkeepers busy with preparations all stopped to listen . No one realized that the girl they were listening to was the Brave herself . They were drawn solely by her enchanting voice, and stayed there, spellbound . The sun’s soft rays began to s.h.i.+ne, as if called by Leticia’s clear voice . Only when she stopped singing did she realize that she had gathered an audience, and embarra.s.sment set in . Blus.h.i.+ng furiously with teary eyes, she wanted to drag Wynn off to escape . Wynn looked on warmly, happy she was in a good mood .

There were various unsettling rumors coming from the border between Lemmroussell and Petersia that were spreading through the capital . Some of them talked about how the Brave had led the Empire to push back the detested Petersians . The song Leticia sang was one wis.h.i.+ng for the safety of a loved one on the battlefield .

In truth, she’s just a girl who loves to sing .

Occasionally, the wind blew past her hair, causing her hair to brush against the back of her neck .

I was summoned by Cornelia, so I should leave soon, but…

Wynn had planned to arrive with time to spare, but he decided it would be fine to stay and enjoy the music for a while longer, even if he had to rush afterwards .

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