The Extra Decided to be Fake

Episode 83

 

On this afternoon, Theo was usually in the training grounds. The knights typically spent the entire day training and maintaining their equipment in the training grounds. Because their lifestyle pattern was similar to that of the military, it was always easy for Lilian to find Theo. However, Theo wasn’t in the training grounds.

 

“Theo, you say? He went to see the Duke earlier. Didn’t you know?”

 

“Well, I assumed you would know, Miss…”

 

The knights scratched their heads with puzzled expressions. They knew that Theo had gone to meet Lilian yesterday, so it was somewhat strange for Lilian, who had swollen eyes from crying all day, to suddenly appear looking for Theo in the afternoon.

 

And Lilian also sensed that something was off.

 

“Theo went… to see Father?”

 

“Yes. He said he had something to discuss regarding his appointment as a knight.”

 

“That guy should stay in Maynard. I wonder if he’s made a decision.”

 

Since the positions of knights’ attendants often changed, the knights were curious about which knight Theo, who had been in Maynard for seven years, would join. However, Lilian, who had talked to Theo yesterday, knew why he had gone.

 

– If you’re fake, then I can’t stay here.”

 

Lilian’s blood ran cold.

 

Theo was considering joining the Order of Knights.

 

* * *

 

Cedric looked at the boy, no, the young man in front of him. Despite still feeling the memories of his boyhood vividly as if it were yesterday, Theo had grown noticeably over the seven years, no longer fitting the description of a child. Nevertheless, he usually got along well with Lilian and his playful nature didn’t usually show. But today, for some reason, the atmosphere was heavy.

 

“Your Grace, do you remember the favor I asked of you seven years ago?”

 

“I said I would grant you anything. I remember.”

 

As Cedric nodded, Theo lowered his gaze and slowly spoke.

 

“May I request that favor now?”

 

“Tell me, and I will consider it.”

 

As soon as permission was granted, Theo spoke as if he had been waiting.

 

“I believe I can never repay the kindness I received during my seven years in Maynard. Thanks to you, both I and the children in the orphanage have been living in peace.”

 

“You’ve done nothing wrong to be grateful for.”

 

“In exchange for all that, I’ve come here as your servant. You remember.”

 

“I do.”

 

“Please allow me to leave without repaying the kindness. That’s my request.”

 

Instead of answering, Cedric slowly put down the teacup he had been holding up. Only then did he realize what Theo was trying to say.

 

“You mean you’re going to accept a knighthood elsewhere.”

 

“Yes. I’ve been offered entry into the Order of Knights.”

 

Another temple. Cedric briefly thought about whether this was a coincidence.

 

‘Theo cares deeply for the orphanage.’

 

If he had dangled the orphanage as bait, it would undoubtedly have been an offer he couldn’t refuse.

 

“I guess I wasn’t courteous enough. To think you were considering joining the temple.”

 

“That, that’s not it. It’s just that… By becoming a knight, I won’t have to leave the capital.”

 

“That’s what you mean.”

 

Although he knew it was different, Cedric pretended to be nonchalant and laughed lightly.

 

Honestly, Theo was a valuable talent. He had been brought here for a proper reason, but Theo was more skilled in swordsmanship than expected. And he was diligent, so even though he was a junior knight, his skills were considerable compared to most knights.

 

‘But if he’s determined to go, I can’t stop him.’

 

With a tinge of regret, Cedric nodded his head.

 

“There’s no reason not to. Do as you wish. Then, once the paperwork confirming your affiliation with the Order is sorted out, through Isaac—”

 

“No! Wait, Father!”

 

At that moment, bang!

 

With a loud noise, Cedric’s study door swung open. Cedric had never heard such a loud noise from that door in his life.

 

“Lil, Lilian? What in the world—”

 

“You were talking about Theo’s knighthood issue, right?”

 

“Well, yes, but—”

 

“Please hold that thought for a moment. The conversation isn’t finished yet!”

 

When did Lilian become so assertive? Overwhelmed by Lilian’s determination, everyone was silent. In that moment of silence, Theo, who had finally come to his senses, stood up with a bewildered expression.

 

“Hey, what are you—”

 

“Stop talking nonsense and follow me!”

 

Theo left the study without a word. As the door closed again with another bang, a document fluttered to the floor from the breeze caused by the door.

 

* * *

 

Cedric still couldn’t believe his eyes. He blinked with a puzzled expression and finally shifted in his seat.

 

“…These days, kids…”

 

“Haha, it’s good they’re so lively. Would you like another cup of tea?”

 

Stephan smiled amiably and held up the teapot. Cedric frowned as he looked at the teapot.

 

“Just give me some cold water.”

 

* * *

 

Lilian dragged Theo into an empty room and locked the door before asking.

 

“Are you really planning to join the Order of Knights?”

 

“…Yeah. Did you bring me here just to ask me that?”

 

Oh my goodness. Lilian’s eyebrows formed a sad curve at Theo’s flippant reply.

 

“The temple is my enemy. You’d be the same if you went there. You know that well. You’re betraying me too, aren’t you?”

 

At Lilian’s childish question, Theo sighed. Honestly, he knew now wasn’t the best time to leave. To leave right after Lilian’s ordeal in Odile, after Damian’s betrayal.

 

But he couldn’t delay it any longer. The time for him to accept knighthood was approaching, and he had to make a decision.

 

“If you leave, then I won’t have anyone to trust anymore.”

 

“Why not? There’s Lady-in-Waiting, and the maids you’re close to. There’s also His Grace.”

 

“But those people can’t replace you.”

 

Theo closed his eyes tightly. He couldn’t waver at such words. It was the conclusion he had reached after countless agonizing thoughts last night.

 

“…Just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean I won’t ever see you again, or that I’m betraying you. You can come visit occasionally.”

 

“Occasionally won’t do. And, if you become a knight, you won’t be able to court.”

 

“Why does that matter if you don’t even like me?”

 

Damn it. Saying it and then getting hurt by my own words.

 

Theo cursed inwardly. But seeing Lilian, who couldn’t respond, his determination only grew stronger. Lilian couldn’t abandon Swan, nor did she share Theo’s feelings.

 

“So this is right. I’ll keep the secret, so don’t worry.”

 

“It’s not about the secret now…”

 

Lilian tried to say something to keep Theo, but ultimately couldn’t continue, letting go of the hand she had been trying to grab. She buried her face in her hands.

 

“Even if we don’t share the same feelings right now, I wanted to say that I’d like it if we could be together.”

 

If you’re there, I won’t feel lonely anymore. Maybe there will come a day when I can think of Swan without crying….

 

―So can you abandon Swan?

 

But the moment she thought of those words, Theo’s words from yesterday stabbed Lilian’s heart sharply. The image of Damian, who was jealous of Swan, also flashed in her mind.

 

―You were always looking at Swan. And then that bastard. I am the last

 

Theo’s words to abandon Swan sounded no different from Damian’s jealousy. In the end, were they both just people who wanted the same thing, with only a slight difference in degree? Must she abandon Swan in order to keep someone by her side?

 

Lilian looked at Theo. Eventually, she made up her mind.

 

‘If that’s the case…’

 

I don’t need anyone anymore.