Startled, she turned around with the sword in her hands. She was so focused on the sword that she didn’t even notice his presence. She saw Ash standing in the doorway with a cold face. Then, Lowell started to pace around nervously.
She was about to greet him happily, but froze when she saw his face. He had on a cold expression that seemed to freeze the surroundings. Ash asked again, in a cold voice.
“I asked what you were doing.”
“This…”
For a moment, she was speechless. When she met his cold gaze, her mouth closed again. While she was hesitating, Ash came up to her without waiting for her answer and snatched the sword from her hand.
He growled.
“Who said it was okay to touch my things without permission?”
His voice contained a sharp edge. The Ash she had met yesterday may not have necessarily been nice, but he didn’t have such a cold face either.
Her heart sank and she clenched her empty hands.
“I’m sorry sir, I was careless.”
She bowed her head and immediately apologized. Her eyelashes trembled slightly. Ash, who had been glaring at her, saw this and took a step back. He sighed and ran a hand down his face, then turned around and left the office.
As soon as Ash disappeared, Lowell hurried over.
“Dame Elaine, are you alright?”
Lowell was looking at her anxiously.
Elaine blinked slowly at his call. She smiled awkwardly and nodded her head.
“Yes, I’m fine. It was my mistake.”
If you think about it, it was understandable that Ash was angry. She would have been annoyed if someone she barely knew touched her things as well. Regardless of the fact that Ash was more precious to her than anyone else, she is still a stranger to him.
Lowell sighed.
“I forgot to tell you in advance, but that sword from earlier is something that you should never touch.”
“Is there something special about it?”
“Yes, it is very important to His Grace.”
As Lowell spoke, he recalled Ash’s appearance when he held the sword, feeling the need to correct himself.
“To be exact, it would be more accurate to say it is precious.”
“Precious?”
Lowell answered affirmatively.
“Yes, to the point where he doesn’t even want others to touch it.”
Elaine was embarrassed.
It was that precious to him? The sword she had gifted him?
“Haha.”
She laughed. Somehow, she felt like she was being tricked. It was absurd and unfair, but she was still happy. On the other hand, it was ironic. She had given it to him, but couldn’t even touch it.
Lowell, unaware of Elaine’s feelings, grabbed her shoulder and begged.
“So never ever touch it again! Do you understand?”
“All right.”
She nodded and Lowell sighed in relief.
“Then, let’s go. His Grace has probably already left the castle.”
“Okay.”
Her steps were so light, it was hard to believe she had been so stiff only moments ago. A calm smile appeared on her face as she headed toward where Ash would be.
***
The knights lined up in front of the dukedoms main gate were nervous. The duke who was normally cold anyway, was especially frigid today. The knights were tense.
Ash looked through the reports that he was handed. There were about 10 knights gathered. They were knights who were idle at the moment, with no missions.
“The territory has seen an increase of visitors from outside the area due to the recent entrance exams. Today, I plan to go and inspect the area myself. Half of you will follow me and the other half will go north.”
“Yes, Sir!”
The knights saluted respectfully. Elaine followed Ash with the knights. The Killiard Territory residents she encountered while patrolling were all kind people. Even though they were still wary of Ash, the gratitude they felt toward him still showed clearly.
It was surprising, but at the same time, it was expected. It was Ash who had revived Killiard, even giving up his life of royalty. For them, the fact that he was able to change their lives for the better was more important than the rumors.
Elaine smiled at the warmth she felt in her hands. It was a freshly baked cookie that a young child they had encountered on their patrol had given Ash as a thank you. His bodyguard, Elaine, had accepted it as his escort knight.
Although there were many people who rejected him, there were still people who loved him as well. The warmth she held in her hands now was the fruit of Ash’s hard work.
Suddenly, her eyes fell on the red sword sheath hanging at his waist. It was a truly beautiful sword. It matched him perfectly. She was shocked when he had gotten so angry earlier, but now seeing him carrying her gift, she was proud and happy.
