Chapter 9
Though no one directly treated her differently, Inael couldn’t help but notice the subtle tension among the knights. Even during brief breaks while riding, everyone busily checked their positions, making sure no one approached or spoke to her.
Inael felt a pang of melancholy. Beyond apologizing for disrupting the schedule, she inwardly felt like a burden, an unwanted addition to the group.
Noticing her mood, Ruban gently spoke.
“How about greeting the knights at dinner? We’ll be staying in Blayer together, so it would be nice to get acquainted.”
“Won’t they feel uncomfortable…?”
“They may seem gruff, but they’re warm-hearted. Nothing to worry about.”
Ruban smiled faintly, patting her shoulder.
By the time they arrived at the inn, it was already nighttime. They decided to have a late dinner before heading to their rooms.
The dining room on the first floor had several round tables. It seemed the inn wasn’t accepting outside guests, as only the staff were preparing food when Ruban and Inael entered.
The knights returned from the stables, tossing their belongings into a corner and gradually gathering at the tables.
Inael sat at a table near the door, nervously fidgeting with her clasped hands. Meeting the knights properly made her fingers tingle from tension.
After a brief conversation with the innkeeper outside, Ruban entered and confirmed that all the knights had assembled.
“Inael.”
Hearing his call, she quietly moved to stand beside him.
Over fifty knights’ curious eyes now turned toward her.
“You all know her already, but this is Inael, who will be joining us in Blayer.”
Ruban introduced her briefly. Taking a deep breath, she spoke.
“Hello… I’m Inael. It’s nice to meet you!”
She tried to sound bright and confident, but her voice betrayed a slight tremor as she stumbled over her unfamiliar name.
‘I’ve ruined it…’
At that moment, the knights burst into hearty laughter and warmly welcomed her.
“I should be the one thanking you! I’m Lemon Lowood. Let’s get along!”
“I’m Adelion Lucia. They all may look rough, but they’re kind—don’t be nervous.”
“That’s too much, Adelion!”
“Keep your voice down, Lemon.”
“Here we go again. Inael… no, Lady Inael. I’m Beren Os. Nice to meet you too.”
Seeing the knights’ cheerful greetings, Inael felt a wave of relief, almost to the point of tears.
She had feared they might resent her for causing trouble, having clung to Ruban all day out of anxiety. Now, she felt grateful and embarrassed at once.
Gathering courage, she spoke again.
“I’m really glad to meet you all.”
As conversation continued, the tables were filled with appetizing dishes and cold mugs of beer for each person.
Leaning back comfortably, Ruban raised his mug in tribute to the knights.
“Thank you all for your hard work.”
They raised their mugs, cheering and clinking glasses before taking hearty gulps. Ruban lightly tapped his mug against Inael’s.
“Good work today. Eat well and get some rest.”
“You too, Ruban. I’ll enjoy it.”
Watching their soft, warm interaction, Lemon grinned meaningfully and filled his mug again, approaching Inael.
“Lady Inael, let’s toast to welcome you!”
“Thank you for welcoming me.”
Inael laughed along, raising her mug. Lemon downed his in one gulp and grinned broadly at her.
Feeling pressured by his boldness, she sipped a few more times. Having never drunk alcohol before, the bitterness and burn made her frown, but she enjoyed the cool sensation in her mouth and drank again.
Ruban slid a plate of nicely grilled meat in front of her.
“You don’t have to force yourself to drink.”
Handing her a water cup as well, he glared at Lemon with a dangerous look. Lemon exaggerated his shock, then chuckled and left to find another drinking companion.
Just as she started to eat, Beren pulled up a chair beside her.
“Lady Inael, you don’t need to finish your food—just take the mug.”
Inael noticed that Beren had changed how he addressed her. Earlier, he had spoken casually, but now…
“You can all speak casually! Just call me Inael.”
She hastily swallowed and addressed the knights.
“No, I’ll now be Lady Inael. That’s proper.”
“Agreed! I was careless this morning,” Adelion added firmly, followed by Beren.
Unsure, Inael glanced at Ruban for help. He ignored her gaze, silently drinking his beer, offering no support.
Seeing this, Beren refilled her mug with a grin.
“Beren, take it easy—you’ll get drunk…”
Adelion pretended to scold Beren but discreetly raised his hands, holding a mug and a beer bottle. The sight made everyone laugh.
Inael had worried most about Adelion, who had been cautious toward her from the beginning. She now realized it was simply concern for Ruban.
Though she only sipped a little, she already felt the warmth of alcohol, her cheeks flushing.
Leaning on her hand, she gazed at the lively scene around her with half-closed eyes.
Since arriving in this world, she had never laughed so much in one day. In her old life, after being left alone, had she even smiled this way?
It amazed her that she could feel such joy, even knowing she might not return home—a mere half day ago.
Seeing her lost in thought, Ruban handed her a glass of cold water.
“Are you uncomfortable?”
“No, everyone is wonderful. I’m so happy and having a great time.”
She was clearly tipsy. Her soft voice and relaxed, radiant smile were mesmerizing.
Captivated, Ruban gently lifted her from the chair by her shoulder.
“It’s getting late. Let’s wrap up and go upstairs. We’ll hold a proper welcome ceremony when we return.”
He nodded to the knights still chatting and guided her up the stairs.
Supporting her carefully as she staggered slightly, he opened a room door.
“This will be your room. Go on in.”
“Y-Yes.”
“Lock the door. My room is right next to yours, so if you need anything, come find me. If anything happens—though it shouldn’t—shout. Everyone on this floor will come running.”
Hearing his parental-like admonitions, Inael chuckled softly. Ruban laughed along, amused by her reaction.
“You must be tired. Go on in.”
Entering the room, Inael hesitated, then opened the door slightly again.
“Um… Ruban, thank you so much.”
“For what?”
“For everything… just, everything.”
Ruban paused, then slowly placed his hand atop her head.
Her tipsy, flushed face turned even redder.
Relieved by her acceptance, he stroked her hair a few times, then put his hands in his pockets and spoke nonchalantly.
“I’m just doing what I want. But I’ll take your gratitude gladly. Sleep well.”
“You too, Ruban.”
He smiled, gently closing the door behind him.
Standing for a moment outside the closed door, Ruban took his hands out of his pockets, gazing at his reddened fingers. He wiped his face dry-like, letting out a small laugh at his own ridiculousness.
The journey to Blayer continued without pause.
Finally, a day before their arrival, they stopped at a small village restaurant for dinner.
Beren, walking between the closely packed knights, approached Ruban with a troubled expression.
“Your Highness, I checked all the inns in the village, but there are no rooms available…”
