Reasons to Protect the Witch's Son

His voice as he asked about the position was very hesitant. The bright atmosphere that had just filled the hall disappeared, and for some reason an uncomfortable silence fell.

“…”

Lowell let out a sigh at the silence in the audience. It was the reaction he had expected, but it was still slightly bitter. He then opened his mouth with the intention to end the meeting.

“The I guess if there is no one…”

He was just about to finish speaking when Elaine raised her hand and spoke up.

“I will do it.”

“…!”

Her voice rang out clearly in the quiet room. People gathered couldn’t believe their ears. For a moment, Lowell wondered if he had heard wrong, so he stammered and asked again.

“What did you just say?”

“The Dukes bodyguard, I’ll do it.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. Is there something wrong?”

The heavy silence in the room was broken by her firm answer. Whispers spread from one end of the room to the other. There were voices of astonishment everywhere.

“Did I just hear correctly?”

“She wants to be the Dukes bodyguard? Is she serious?”

“It won’t be of any use anyways, so why…?”

There were some people who were whispering quietly, as to not be heard, but there were also many who were so surprised they just blurted out their thoughts.

Elaine frowned at the response.

‘Why is everyone acting like this?’

She was glad that there was a reason to stay close to Ash. It had come sooner than expected. To be honest, she was worried what would happen if anyone else had applied, after all there were so many other knights in the room at the moment.

However, she was the only applicant. The others all seemed rather reluctant. She didn’t know why, but something was wrong. Lowell looked at Elaine, frozen in shock. He suddenly came back to his senses when he noticed Elaine starting to frown.

“Alright, then this concludes the ceremony.”

He hurriedly took control of the situation again before the whispers grew into a bigger commotion. Hearing his call to return to their respective duties, the knights left one by one.

As they left, they looked at Elaine’s face discreetly. Curiosity, surprise or ridicule. Each person leaving the hall carried a different reaction.

***

On that day, the rumor that Elaine had volunteered to be the Dukes bodyguard spread throughout the knights’ order. Even if she didn’t see it, she could feel the gazes of the others directed her way as she passed by. Cezanne walked beside her and interrogated her persistently.

“Elaine! What on earth were you thinking when you decided to become a bodyguard?”

What was she thinking when she applied? It was to take responsibility for the well-being of the Duke of Killiard, of Ash, and protect him. Isn’t it natural? She was his knight now.

But those who are members of the knights’ order that follow the Duke were actually reluctant to become the duke’s bodyguard? Where had the oath that they had all made at their knighting ceremony gone?

Elaine stopped walking and turned toward Cezanne.

“Why is everyone treating my actions as something strange?”

As expected, it was clear she had applied without knowing anything. Cezanne touched his forehead as if he was getting a headache.

“It’s all my fault. I knew there were a lot of things you were unaware of, but I didn’t think I’d have to tell you in advance. I never thought you would apply…”

“So, why…”

“Ah, there you are.”

It was at that time that a clear voice sounded from nearby.

It was a woman with light brown hair tied to one side. She was quite a beauty. While Elaine was a clean and simple beauty, the woman in front of her was like a beautiful flower.

The woman passed straight by Elaine and approached Cezanne.

“Are you Sir Cezanne Weston?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“That’s what I thought.”

The woman suddenly extended her hand to Cezanne.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Sophia Rozlis. It’s been a year since I joined the Knights. Please take care of me in the future.”

“Ah, yes. Please take care of me as well.”

He smiled bitterly, skillfully hiding his annoyance at the appearance of an uninvited guest. As Cezanne shook her hand, Sophia smiled brightly.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. They are saying that there is a very talented person who has come from the house of Margrave Lakers. They are saying among the new recruits this year, you are exceptional.”

“It’s a bit embarrassing even though it’s true.”

When Cezanne spoke cheerfully, Sophia smiled at him as if she was having fun. Cezanne’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Sophia.

‘What’s going on?’

Sophia had been acting as if she hadn’t even see Elaine. Even though she must have seen Cezanne talking to her just a moment ago.