Chapter 60
“…Let’s hear it first.”
For a moment, he wondered if she was about to interfere in personnel authority out of the blue, and a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Still, he decided to at least listen. He trusted that Ailesia wouldn’t make unreasonable demands without cause.
“How about Ellie’s dedicated escort knight?”
“Oh…?”
“Pardon? Me, escorting the Archduchess?”
As expected. Thermion felt a quiet sense of satisfaction at having guessed correctly and turned to Ailesia.
“Is there a particular reason?”
“For starters, she’s strong. She’s an Aura Master. And at such a young age, she’s already the captain of the knights—doesn’t that sound incredible?”
“That’s true. She’s likely the youngest captain in the order’s history.”
“More importantly, she’s a woman. I think Ellie would feel more comfortable that way. Same for me and Hilda.”
“From Ellie’s perspective alone, it’s the best possible choice. However… Sir Senberg, what do you think? Speak freely.”
“…Honestly, it’s a position I never even imagined.”
Rebecca hesitated, unable to give a clear answer. It didn’t seem to be a simple matter of preference.
Though called the Archduchess’s personal guard, it was effectively a sidelined post. If the active captain of the knight order took on such a role, others might see it as a demotion.
“If ordered, I will obey. But may I ask one thing?”
“You can ask more than one.”
With Thermion’s easy nod, Rebecca finally spoke, her expression cautious.
“…Will I truly be able to serve the Archduchess well?”
It wasn’t a lack of confidence. She was questioning whether she was truly the right person for the role.
“Both before and after becoming captain, I’ve always been on the battlefield. Whether my opponent was human or monster, I subdued and cut them down. I may still be young, but I’ve spent my entire life wielding a sword, staining my hands with blood.”
Rebecca stared quietly at her hands. Each finger joint was thick, her palms covered in calluses and scars.
“Someone like me… I wonder if I can truly protect another person.”
Thermion swallowed silently at the seriousness of her question.
That depth of thought alone made her seem perfectly suited to protect Eleonora—but with doubts like these, it wasn’t something that could be forced.
Then Ailesia offered an unexpectedly simple answer.
“Whether you can do it matters—but doesn’t whether you want to matter more?”
“…What?”
“You might be awkward or clumsy at first. But if your heart is drawn to it, wouldn’t you try your best?”
“…I suppose I would.”
“Then decide for yourself. Whether you want to or not.”
Snap!
With a flick of Ailesia’s fingers, a mirror suddenly appeared before them. It was much smaller than the full-length mirror she usually used.
What is my baby doing right now?
It wasn’t even nine yet, so she wouldn’t be asleep.
The first thing reflected was Eleonora’s bed, her blanket, and a picture book.
“Perfect timing. Ellie, can you hear teacher’s voice?”
[Huh? Oh—oh?]
“Can you take out the necklace like last time and press the jewel with your finger?”
After some rustling and a brief shake, Eleonora’s face appeared. She was in her pajamas, her hair loose, clearly preparing for bed.
[Waaah! Teacher!]
“Have you been well, sweetheart?”
[When are you coming?! You always say you will but never do!]
“Hehe, it won’t be long now. Have you been having fun with Hilda?”
[Yes! Hilda’s right here with me!]
[Are you well, Teacher?]
Hilda carefully leaned into view and bowed her head. She was no longer wearing a maid’s uniform, but a refined, elegant dress.
“You should say hello to your uncle too.”
[Uncle? Uncle’s here too?]
“Has everything been peaceful at home, Ellie? You’re eating properly, right?”
[Waaah, Uncle! I miss you! Are you eating well too?]
They’d seen each other just days ago, yet it still felt unbearably precious. Thermion’s lips softened into a smile at his niece’s beaming face.
[But Uncle, who’s the person next to you?]
Rebecca, who had been staring blankly at the mirror, flinched. Ailesia grabbed her arm and pulled her to the front.
“Greetings, Archduchess. I am Rebecca Senberg, captain of the Tygel Knights.”
Rebecca had no idea why the Archduchess of a distant grand duchy was appearing in a mirror, but she greeted her calmly nonetheless.
Her first impression of Eleonora—whom she had only heard about through rumors—
Was that she was absurdly, overwhelmingly adorable.
…Is this what people mean when they say ‘cute enough to bite’?
Such a small, precious life existing at all felt unreal. She wondered if she might be dreaming.
She’d never been this tense even when facing ferocious monsters. Making eye contact with Eleonora made her swallow nervously.
“The lady here, Rebecca, might become your escort knight. What do you think, Ellie?”
[Huh? Escort knight? What’s that?]
Rebecca whipped her head around in shock, but Ailesia continued smoothly.
“It means someone who stays by your side every day, like Hilda. Watching your magic practice, going out together, eating together.”
[Really? Woooow!]
“And Rebecca’s really tall. Even taller than teacher. If Ellie rides on her shoulders, you’ll see so far away. What do you think?”
[Rebecca unnie! Will you really give Ellie a shoulder ride?]
“Ah—uh—well, that is…”
Rebecca’s face turned bright red as she flailed helplessly. Thermion merely shrugged, while Ailesia covered her mouth, giggling.
That soft, squishy bundle of love is deliberately acting cute. Who could resist that? Even a heart of ice wouldn’t survive.
Finally, Rebecca squeezed her eyes shut, bowed deeply, and surrendered.
“…Please take care of me, Archduchess.”
She had a strong feeling she might never change positions again. Protecting this adorable young lady with her life felt like her destiny.
[Waaah! When are you coming, Rebecca unnie, Teacher?]
“Teacher and your uncle will come together this time. Wouldn’t it be super fun to go see the Holy Night Festival with Rebecca?”
[Yes!]
“So until then—sleep well, eat well, and don’t get sick. Can you promise teacher?”
[Promise!]
As Ailesia stepped back, Thermion gave his farewell.
“Give my regards to Grandmother too. Uncle loves you very much, Ellie.”
[Uh-huh! Ellie loves Uncle too! Come back safely and don’t get hurt!]
“Alright. Sleep well.”
[Uncle sleep well too! Everyone have a good night!]
Snap!
With the sound of fingers snapping, the mirror vanished. Ailesia smiled gently at Rebecca, who still looked half-dazed.
“So? How was it, speaking with the Archduchess for the first time?”
“…It’s unbelievable. How can someone be that lovely and adorable—good heavens.”
Rebecca rambled incoherently, completely at odds with her imposing physique.
Even after speaking with Eleonora, the situation felt unreal. No matter how much she fanned her face, the heat wouldn’t subside.
“Our Ellie is the cutest in the whole world, hehe.”
“…She’s my niece.”
“She’s also my disciple, you know?”
“She’s my niece first.”
“Wow. A teacher can’t catch a break.”
As Ailesia bickered with Thermion, she glanced sideways at Rebecca.
Rebecca, now composed, bit her lip with a look of firm resolve.
Good. That takes care of one thing.
With Hilda and now Rebecca successfully recruited early, only one task remained.
I have to fulfill my master’s last wish.
She planned to ask Thermion to accompany her later—that was why she’d asked him to set aside time.
And there’s something I need to discuss privately.
There was still the condition she’d set when agreeing to join the monster subjugation. She might as well pass along the information she’d mentioned then.
To do all that, they would need to venture deeper into the mountain range—but for now, there was still much to do.
They had to return to the grand duchy, enjoy the Holy Night Festival, and observe how Iolene was conducting her traitor purge.
…I’ll be there soon, Master. Please wait just a little longer.
Beyond the distant ridgeline, the aurora spread across the sky, shimmering as if waving to her.
