Chapter 12

 

In regret-themed stories, multiple characters appear alongside the protagonist.

Typically, when the previously unimpressive protagonist suddenly changes, some characters react with, “What’s wrong with them? Did they hit their head?” or “Have they finally gone crazy?” 

Others, however, are completely captivated by the transformation, thinking, “How can they be so amazing?!” 

or “This is the person I should serve! I will follow them forever!”

The first type usually ends up suffering because of the protagonist, while the second type becomes their greatest ally, securing a bright future.

“I pledge my life to Lady Eleanor. From this moment on, I will serve her with all my heart. Please accept me as your knight!”

A handsome young man with soft blonde hair, fair skin, and a warm, youthful face knelt before Eleanor, his eyes shining with determination. He looked just like a golden retriever.

‘…Seriously?’

Catherine felt a little bitter watching Sir Mel, the captain of the 2nd Knights of the Northern Empire, swear his loyalty to Eleanor.

Sir Mel…! Even among the renowned knights, he is exceptionally skilled. I’ve secretly admired him for a long time…!

Catherine, stop. You already know what happens in the original story.

He always avoided me, saying he was busy whenever I tried to talk to him…!

In the Valentine family, the 1st Knights belonged to Hereis and David, while the independent 3rd Knights followed Killian. 

The 4th Knights were free to act as they pleased, but the 2nd Knights mainly served as bodyguards, protecting family members when they traveled.

As the captain, Sir Mel was the perfect bodyguard. 

Not only was he incredibly skilled, but he was also kind. Catherine had always wished he would become her knight.

However, he had a very unusual belief: “I choose my own master.”

In this era, such a mindset was practically unheard of.

Except for Hereis, Killian, and David, he rejected every request to become a personal knight.

Long ago, Catherine had been furious at his arrogance—“How dare a mere knight choose his master?!”—and even tried to make his life difficult.

But no matter what punishment he received, he stood by his belief and endured everything silently.

That’s how rumors started that I had a crush on him… Damn it.

Because of that, her reputation in the 2nd Knights had hit rock bottom.

In the original story, Sir Mel had always pitied Eleanor, who was shunned after losing her mother in an accident. 

Since she was the same age as his younger sister, he felt especially protective of her.

Then, his sister fell seriously ill with an incurable disease. Eleanor, using her knowledge from the future, saved her.

From that moment on, he realized, “She may seem fragile, but she is strong and kind.” Wanting to serve her, he volunteered to become her knight.

And now, he was openly swearing his loyalty to her in front of everyone.

“Oh my, what an honor, Sir Mel.”

“My lady!”

Eleanor smiled brightly and accepted him as her knight.

A beautiful, delicate noble lady and a strong, handsome knight—a perfect combination that made everyone around them cheer.

Watching the scene, Alex grumbled beside Catherine.

“Seriously? You’d think she’s the only one in this house who needs protection. 

Weren’t you going to pick a knight too? Why aren’t you doing it?”

Annoyed that everyone was focused on Eleanor, Alex deliberately spoke louder.

Unfortunately, the moment he said that the atmosphere turned ice-cold.

Catherine could feel the knights silently expressing their unwillingness to serve her.

Alex, just stay quiet!

Hereis, who was observing the knights’ reaction, turned to Catherine and said, “He’s right. You should have a personal knight too. Go ahead and choose one.”

She glanced around, but the knights were all avoiding her gaze.

Even if she picked someone, would they protect her with their lives?

Probably not.

Unlike inside the estate, where her mother had influence, the knights were under the control of Duke Valentine and his sons. Naturally, they were more loyal to Eleanor.

Rachel, Catherine’s mother, often dismissed them as “muscle-headed fools who can’t recognize their true master.” The knights knew this, which made them dislike Rachel’s children, Catherine and Alex.

In the past, she would have gotten angry and forced someone to be her knight.

But she was no longer the old Catherine.

She knew what the future held and had a much more mature mindset now.

Looking at the knights avoiding her, she could tell—they wouldn’t protect her when it mattered.

She wasn’t about to entrust her life to people who didn’t even want to serve her.

“I don’t need one. I’ll be fine.”

“That’s dangerous.”

“They don’t look like they’d protect me properly anyway.”

Somewhere in the crowd, someone muttered, “Damn it.”

Well, it’s true. None of you seem willing to guard me.

One knight even spat on the ground in clear disrespect.

In this world, crime rates were high, especially against women. If she carelessly chose an unreliable knight, she would be putting herself in danger.

Instead, she decided it would be safer to hire mercenaries from outside or avoid going out altogether.

“Hm… Alright. Then I’ll assign one of my knights to you.”

“…What?”

“Bring August.”

The Duke’s firm words made one of the knights quickly run off.

Catherine was completely caught off guard.

The 4th Knights were an elite shadow unit, used only for special missions. Even the Emperor desired them.

Even Eleanor never received a personal knight from the Duke… So why me?!

Eleanor’s cold stare told Catherine exactly how she felt about this.

Yeah… Even if she’s normally indifferent, this must sting. Receiving a knight from the Duke means complete protection from all threats.

“Wow, lucky you!”

Alex, oblivious as always, nudged her playfully.

Shut up, Alex! Read the room!

“Father! This is too much! One of your knights?!” David protested on Catherine’s behalf.

“…The matter is settled. August is already here.”

“Master! You called for me?”

A man with green hair and tanned skin came running over energetically.

“You’re calling me in during my break? What a great boss you are!”

His tone carried a hint of sarcasm, which was shocking—very few dared to speak so casually to Duke Valentine.

Catherine looked at the man, puzzled.

This guy… is one of the Duke’s elite knights? He looks… kind of sloppy…

Very few people could get away with speaking so freely to the Duke. In a way, that alone made him impressive.

“From today on, Catherine is your master. Protect her with absolute loyalty.”

August casually scratched his ear. “Eh? You’re joking, right?”

The Duke slowly reached for his sword.

Slide—

“Haha! Lady Catherine, is it? I’m August, from the 4th Knights! My nickname is Baby, so please call me that!”

He instantly changed his attitude, flashing a wide grin.

His quick adaptability was honestly impressive.

With a sigh, the Duke turned away and left, his job done.

“Father! Why would you give her—”

David hurried after him, still complaining.