CH 47.1

Assistant Knight Commander’s Request

After riding the rented carriage back to my brother’s mansion, I collapse onto the bed in my borrowed room.

I knew it wasn’t a very good idea to lie down in my dress and accessories, but in an attempt to calm my overwhelmed mind, I disregarded all reason and simply flopped onto the bed.

And then I remember Alberto’s words.

I buried my face in a nearby pillow and squirmed in discomfort.

It was early afternoon the next day when I finally regained my composure after a restless night.

After seeing off my brother who was heading to work, I realized there was no food at home and decided to go shopping.

In the impoverished rural baron’s household, in an effort to save costs, they didn’t hire any maids for cooking or household chores, and even my brother Stanley, who lived in the capital city, did everything himself without any maids.

In the first place, Stanley rarely came home for meals; now he only returned home so that I could prepare dinner.

I prepared myself to head to the town and went outside carrying a large basket to bring back the groceries.

After confirming that I had locked the door with the key entrusted to me by my brother, I looked up at the sky and saw that it was a beautiful day.

Since our residence is located a bit far from the town, the distance to walk is somewhat long. If I had heavy luggage, I might consider hiring a cart, but given that it’s just the two of us living together, we haven’t really needed it so far.

As I leisurely walked through the streets, much of the talk I heard was about the new king. Starting with the review of taxes imposed during King Gray’s reign and some tax reductions, and the implementation of the proposed improvements to the trade industry conducted through negotiations with other countries by King Risel, who is well known in foreign nations, actions were being taken swiftly, and support was increasing.

Moreover, due to his handsome appearance, the demand for portraits of the King by female nobles is said to be astonishing.

When I saw the portrait in the city, I couldn’t help but be tempted to buy one, as it depicted King Risel in his formal attire worn during the coronation ceremony, exuding a sense of coolness. Next to it, there was also a portrait of Reynaldo, who had become the Chancellor. Apparently, his portrait is also selling well. They both look like actors in a play.

I also noticed a portrait of Alberto, who was the Knight Commander, displayed next to them, and my heart skipped a beat.

Just when my heartbeat had finally settled down in the midst of my daily life, it started racing again.

Alberto’s portrait depicts him at the time when he assumed the position of the Knight Commander, so his face in the portrait appears younger than he is now.

I can’t help but pick it up and gaze at it.

Ah, my face feels hot.

“Commander McClain’s portrait is really selling well. How about buying one?”

The young vendor boy recommended it to me, but I smiled vaguely and put it back. While part of me was tempted to get it, the thought of being discovered owning it would be extremely embarrassing.

Just as I was about to leave the spot, I felt my name being called from somewhere and looked around. There were so many people that I couldn’t tell where the voice was coming from.

“Miss Edigma!”

Finally, the owner of the voice was revealed to be Fiell Eva-sama, the assistant to the Knight Commander, whom I occasionally met when I worked as the Knights’ Corps maid.

With his charming smile and a mix of slightly graying chestnut hair, he didn’t quite give off the impression of being an assistant to the Knight Commander, but Eva-sama, who was over forty years old, was known for being strict in training and was even called the “Demon Assistant” by the members of the Corps.

Though I had heard scary rumors about him, meeting him in person and seeing his friendly smile was quite different. It wasn’t just me; he treated all the members of the Corps with the same kindness. However, his words seemed to carry a different weight.

I often heard him laughing in the training grounds, saying, “Keep fighting until you can defeat ten opponents in a practice match!” The members of the Corps would let out horrified screams in response. His training regimen was simply brutal.

“Eva-sama, it’s been a while.”

I bowed deeply on the spot. Eva-sama, in a soft voice, said, “Finally, we meet,” which made me tilt my head in confusion.

“Do you need something from me, sir?”

Perhaps he had even come to my brother’s mansion before.

“Oh, no, I just wanted to talk for a bit. Oh, is that a portrait? There’s even the Commander.”

“Yes. It’s when he was younger.”

“About five years ago, I think. Perfect timing! Please sell me one.”

He took out some change from his pocket and grabbed a portrait of Alberto, and for some reason, he gave it to me.

“A portrait of the Commander is more effective than any amulet, so please keep it, Miss Edigma!”