“Elisa!”
“Lady Serphenne!”
Elisa gasped, clutching her chest as if she couldn’t breathe. She spoke weakly in a faint voice.
“Oh, my chest feels tight… my chest feels tight…”
“Elisa, wait! I’ll—”
“No, no! This happens sometimes. I think I’ll be fine if I just lie down for a bit. Your Highness, as the host, you shouldn’t leave your guests.”
“But—”
“Sir Clara, could you take me to the resting room for a while?”
“Yes, certainly.”
It was evident by her condition that she was clearly too weak to walk on her own, and it would have been difficult for the maids to support her alone. It made sense for me, a female knight, to carry her.
After asking for permission from Prince Alphonse, I gently lifted Elisa. Although she was a healthy human and not exactly light, her slender frame made her seem surprisingly weightless.
“…Please, take care of Elisa.”
His voice was sharp, as if warning that anything happening to her would be my responsibility, but it also held a tinge of worry. I nodded, assuring him I understood.
Before I left, my eyes briefly met Ludger’s. He looked worried, as if he wanted to say something.
‘He told me not to get involved with her, but here we are…..’
I gave him a look that said, ‘This wasn’t my choice’, and carried Eliza away.
***
Once in the lounge, I carefully laid her down. Then, with the help of the maids, I loosened her corset to help her breathe easier. I then covered her with a light blanket.
“Shall I call a healer?”
“I’ve always been prone to fainting in cold environments since childhood. It’s nothing to worry about. I thought today would be warm enough, but I guess not.”
“You must have been very uncomfortable.”
“It’s fine. Thank you for your concern.”
Elisa smiled brightly, her expression bashful like a shy flower. She holds her title of a delicate and frail female lead in a romance novel, the type who falls ill easily.
“Please have some rest. Then, I’ll take my leave now.”
“Wait, Sir Clara!”
“Yes?”
Just as I was just about to leave, she called me back. With a flick of her hand, she dismissed the maids and spoke quietly.
“I regret missing the chance of you becoming our knight, but… I really wanted to get close to you.”
“Close? To me?”
“Yes! I admired you so much after seeing your bravery at the last social gathering. I, on the other hand, have no real talents.”
Her voice was soft, and her expression appeared to be wistful. It felt odd to hear her speak this way, as though she was unaware of her own tremendous importance.
“Can we at least become friends?”
“……”
Honestly, if you ask me, I had zero intention to get too close to her. Every interaction with Elisa seemed to come with unnecessary complications, whether they were done intentionally or not. Even Alphonse, who adored her with all his being, could be volatile if the situation suffices. Plus, Ludger had specifically warned me to keep my distance away from both of them. It would only be wise to follow his advice.
However, I had to also consider the aftermath if I refused her now. If she cried to Alphonse about it, my life might be in danger.
‘So to avoid complications, I’m sorry Ludger…’
I forced a smile and answered quietly, almost whispering.
“Yes… though I am but a commoner. I don’t know if I’d be a fitting friend for someone like Lady Serphenne… but I would be honored.”
I hoped to keep the tone as much formal as possible, acknowledging the vast difference in our status was vast, Elisa, however, seemed overjoyed by my response.
“I’m glad! Oh, and please don’t call me ‘Lady Serphenne.’ Just call me Elisa.”
“Well, with our different statuses, it would be awkward in public…”
“Then just when it’s the two of us!”
“…All right.”
“Can I call you Clara, then?”
“…Sure.”
I was already exhausted from this short conversation. Elisa might be kind, but she had a knack of making things feel much more intense than they needed to be.
“Now that we’re friends, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask!”
“What is it?”
“Is it true that you and Duke Kassen are dating each other?”
I nearly choked on air. If I’d been drinking water, I would have spat it out straight on her beautiful face.
“Please, be honest! Hehe, I won’t tell anyone.”
“There’s nothing going on between us… at all.”
Even Elisa had heard that rumor? Has it spread so far that even the palace cats and mine know about it?
“Oh, really? You two just seem so perfect together…..”
“Haha… It’s not true. And I think it would be disrespectful to Duke Kassen for such rumors to spread. Please don’t misunderstand.”
“I see… I apologize for the confusion.”
“No, it’s all right.”
“But you and the Duke are close, aren’t you? I heard you were treated at his house after you were injured!”
“…That was just a coincidence.”
“I’ve heard that Duke Kassen never lets outsiders into his home. You must be special in his heart!”
“……”
No matter how much I tried to deny it, she would just keep circling back to the same conclusion. I simply gave up and decided to stay quiet, but she let out a knowing smile.
“Then, can I ask you for another favor?”
“What is it?”
“Would you like to join the Book Club I’m hosting with Duke Kassen? It’s somewhere I’ve wanted to invite you to, but never got the chance.”
“A Book Club?”
“Yes! His Highness the Prince, the Lord of Tourasa, and the head of the Mage Tower will also be there.”
As soon as she said it, I immediately understood what was going on. This was one of Elisa’s infamous ‘fishing expeditions’.
“Well, I’ll mention it to the Duke. But I hope you wouldn’t get your hopes up.”
“Oh, I think the Duke will agree if you ask him.”
She winked mischievously.
“And even if he doesn’t, I hope at least you can attend. It’ll be so much fun to discuss books with everyone. I’ll send you an invitation soon.”
“…Yes, thank you.”
I was flustered, mentally kicking myself for agreeing so readily. I had somehow fallen deeper into this web of connections, albeit unintentionally. If Ludger found out, would he be furious with me for ignoring his warning?
“Well, I’ve taken up enough of your time. You should go back to the party.”
“Are you feeling better?”
“I still need to rest for a bit, but I’ll return soon.”
“All right. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Yes!”
With that, I left the lounge, feeling both physically and mentally drained.
‘I really don’t want to get any closer to her.’
And that Book Club? I had a feeling nothing good would come out of it.
***
By the time I returned, everyone had taken their seats, probably waiting for the tea to be served.
I first approached Prince Alphonse and informed him that Elisa wasn’t seriously ill. He responded coldly, but I was glad at least he didn’t explode in anger.
At last, I returned to my seat, feeling utterly exhausted.
As soon as I arrived, Ludger stood up and gently took my hand, guiding me to my chair.
‘Great. This is just what was needed to fuel the rumors..…’
I was too tired to say anything, so I sat down quietly.
“…Is everything fine?”
“Lady Serphenne? Yes, she’s a bit weak, but she said she’s fine.”
“No, I meant you.”
Ludger’s expression softened, a look of concern appearing on his face.
“I thought something might have happened to upset you.”
“Ah…”
Well, technically speaking, a lot had happened. Elisa wasn’t unpleasant, but being around her was mentally draining.
“Well, it wasn’t the most comfortable interaction. But Lady Serphenne was pleasant enough.”
“…Nothing else?”
“She asked if we could be friends.”
“….”
“And… she asked about us.”
I hesitated a little, remembering how Elisa had asked if I and Ludger were romantically involved.
