Chapter 159: Winter Vacation(3)
Chapter 159: Winter Vacation(3)
I never expected Adelia to show up at our mansion, let alone to become a guard knight. Nicole had mentioned we would reunite soon, but who could have imagined it would happen like this?
Strictly speaking, someone coming to serve as our family’s guard knight wasn't a problem. Both Dave and Nicole had committed themselves to the military, which naturally meant I was next in line to become the head of the family. I was well aware of this and had been preparing myself.
If possible, I wanted to travel the world before my father stepped down from his position, but life rarely goes according to plan.
Furthermore, a family can only truly be called a proper noble house if they have their own guard knights. Our family had only recently been elevated from commoner status to nobility, and since our territory hadn't been properly developed yet, we only had sentries rather than formal guards.
The Imperial Palace was in an awkward position regarding the dispatch of personnel; if they sent someone, other nobles might perceive it as favoritism toward my father, so that idea had fallen through.
To be honest, it was far more likely that a problem would arise at the palace requiring my father’s help than a problem arising at our home. My father was just that strong.
So, with the territory gradually developing, I didn't mind that my father had brought in a guard knight. In fact, now that I had a younger sister, the need for a guard had only increased.
The problem, however, was that the guard knight was none other than Adelia. And who exactly was Adelia?
Setting aside the fact that she was the hidden royalty of the Ters Kingdom, she was a talent among talents who had even completed a stint as a martial studies assistant at Halo Academy. Someone of her caliber shouldn't be a guard for our family; she could easily aim for the Imperial Guard.
And yet, such a talent had been assigned to a rural estate that was only just beginning to develop—and as a guard knight, no less?
I couldn't help but be suspicious.
"Adelia."
"Ye-yes! Baroness!"
"You don't need to be so tense. We met during the exhibition, didn't we? Please, feel free to call me Mother."
"A-as a prospective guard knight, I shouldn't use such a familiar title."
We were in a guest room prepared for visitors, not the drawing room. Sitting across from us, Adelia waved her hands in a panic, clearly flustered by my mother's suggestion.
She looked genuinely startled; it was the first time I had seen her looking so helpless, her eyes wide with shock.
Meanwhile, my father, sitting beside my mother, directed a question at Adelia in his characteristically dignified voice.
"I heard from Nicole. You two served as assistants together at Halo Academy?"
"Ye-yes, sir!"
Adelia answered while sitting bolt upright, clearly nervous. Sitting right next to her, I could observe every single one of her reactions.
First, her hands resting on her thighs were repeatedly clenching and unclenching. Her legs were also trembling slightly—anyone could see she was a nervous wreck.
Even Cecile hadn't reacted like this yesterday. I wanted to take her hand and tell her to calm down, but the atmosphere made it difficult to do so.
"Don't be so tense. It makes us feel awkward."
"Ah! I-I'm sorry..."
"There's no need to apologize. Anyway, coming here as our family's guard knight... I don't understand why someone with your skills would come to a rural territory like ours."
"It's... it's peaceful. And even if it's a rural territory, it's developing steadily. I heard it will grow into a cultural city in about five years."
"That may be true, but it would be better to gain experience elsewhere during those five years."
"That's..."
Bringing her here was one thing, but it seemed the interview was another. Adelia's lips parted as she struggled to find an answer to my father's persistent questioning.
At this rate, she might have actually aroused my father's suspicion, but my mother stepped in at just the right moment.
"Oh, dear. She could receive training under you. Surely you know how valuable that is?"
"Ahem."
My father cleared his throat, seemingly embarrassed by my mother's praise. Adelia let out a faint sigh of relief, finally catching her breath.
However, crises usually come in waves. My father didn't stop his questioning there.
"Well, since Nicole recommended you, I won't ask any more questions. But I will ask this one thing."
"Yes! Please, go ahead."
"Are you truly a commoner? Between your subtle mannerisms and your table manners, there are many things about you that seem suspicious for a commoner."
"... ..."
Adelia flinched visibly at that question. Once habits are deeply ingrained, they are almost impossible to erase.
Before entering the Academy, Adelia had lived in the Ters Kingdom, where she likely received basic education in royal etiquette and manners.
Even as an illegitimate child, she would have needed to know the basics to avoid being scorned. It was a struggle for survival.
And those occasional habits were enough to make anyone suspicious. Above all, her beauty was far too striking for a commoner.
"If it's difficult to say, you don't have to. Everyone has their own circumstances. Just tell me if you are a commoner or of noble birth."
"... ..."
Adelia hesitated for a long time after hearing my father's question. Her hands on her thighs clenched tightly, and she lowered her head.
Neither my parents across from her nor I could see her face. Her light brown, shoulder-length hair hung like a curtain, obscuring her expression.
Just as the silence was beginning to stretch uncomfortably long, my father was the first to end the situation.
"Fine. You don't have to say anything."
"Ah...! That, that is..."
Adelia jerked her head up, but my father spoke before she could say a word.
"Normally, someone with an uncertain past is unsuitable to be a guard."
At those words, Adelia's face went beyond pale—it turned white.
"However, since Nicole requested it so earnestly, I shall let it slide. Nicole told me that while you can be quite playful, you are someone who can be trusted."
"Th-then..."
"Welcome to the Maishal Barony, Sir Cross. Please look after our Isaac from now on."
"Ah...!"
When my father addressed her as Sir Cross instead of by her name, Adelia's expression brightened like the sun. I always thought a bright face suited her best.
"Thank you! I will do my best!"
"Don't overdo it. Come to think of it, Isaac. You said you were appointed as a recommended student and will be treated as a third-year starting from your second year?"
"Yes, Father."
"Will you need Sir Cross's protection then as well? I don't know much about the Literature Department."
"Hmm..."
As I was about to ponder my father's question, I suddenly felt an intense gaze from beside me.
Turning my head, I saw Adelia staring directly at me. However, as soon as our eyes met, she hurriedly looked away.
I wondered about her suspicious reaction for a moment before focusing on my studies after the winter break.
Since third-year students are basically like graduate students...
Unlike the Martial Studies Department, the Literature Department only had about fifty students per grade, and they all split up once they reached their third year. It was roughly three to four students per major.
It was essentially private tutoring. Just as there were several professors in the History Hall besides Elena, the same applied to other departments.
Third-year students were expected to have a firm career path and seek out individual professors to gain the knowledge they desired. Even if they hadn't decided on a career, it didn't matter; as Professor Virus had said during orientation, simply gaining knowledge was enough.
In the first place, Halo Academy was an educational institution that nobles were required to attend, even if commoners weren't. Nobles slated to inherit their family titles often just stayed until they got their diplomas.
So, as a history major, I technically didn't need a guard knight, but...
She said we'd be traveling all over for research, right?
Professor Elena was a bit different from other professors. An eccentric, one might say.
If something piqued her interest, she would first look for books or visit the holy lands of Albenheim. If that didn't work, she would wander around until she found relevant documents.
She could travel all over the place using teleportation because she was an elf, but for a normal human like me, it was bound to be an exhausting task. Seeing Cindy occasionally disappear without a word for research showed just how harshly Elena worked those under her.
Furthermore, I had already been appointed as her recommended student. Since she had picked me as a "graduate student," it was as good as declaring she would work me to the bone.
She would cover all the expenses, but I would still need a way to protect myself.
"Normally, I wouldn't need one, but..."
"Ah..."
Adelia's expression looked like it was about to crumble the moment I said I didn't need one.
"But it's better than not having one. It'll help prepare for any unforeseen circumstances."
But as soon as I said it was better than nothing, her face lit up as if it were glowing. She really didn't seem to have any intention of hiding her feelings.
My father gave a heavy nod at my answer and then spoke to Adelia.
"Then Sir Cross will train under me during the break and return to the Academy with Isaac. Is there a dormitory for guard knights at the Academy?"
"Yes, there is. It should be free of charge if I register."
"Good. Let's do that for now. I have to go because of work. Documents have been piling up like mountains lately."
"You're working hard."
"I wish you could take over the family headship as soon as possible... but I suppose I'll have to hold out until you graduate."
"... ..."
My father was essentially declaring that he would dump all the grunt work on me after graduation. Then again, my father was more of a military official than a civil one, so paperwork must be overwhelming for him.
Of course, having once held the position of Knight Commander, his administrative skills were likely excellent, but he probably felt more comfortable moving his body than pushing a pen.
As I gave a bitter smile, my father made eye contact with Adelia once more before leaving the room. This left only me, Adelia, and my mother in the room.
As soon as my father left, Adelia let out a deep sigh, as if released from the pressure weighing on her shoulders. She looked so pitiful that I patted her on the back and made a joke.
"I'm counting on you, Nuna. Oh, should I call you Sir Cross now?"
"Ah, that... I understand. Young... Master..."
"Ugh..."
Hearing a nuna I was close with call me "Young Master" made my skin crawl. Adelia seemed to feel the same; her expression became awkward, and her hands curled up like squid tentacles under the table.
My mother chuckled at our reactions, finding them cute.
"If it's too difficult, you can just call him what you usually do when it's just the two of you. Only call him Young Master when others are around. And Isaac, you can call her whatever you're comfortable with."
"Is it okay if I call her Adel-nuna regardless of who's around?"
"Of course. It'll make it easier to give orders. Is that okay with you, Adelia?"
"I'm fine with it."
"Good."
My mother then began to teach her the things she needed to be careful about while staying at the mansion. Adelia listened intently, maintaining a serious attitude.
First, there was no need to guard me while inside the mansion. In particular, she was to refrain from visiting my private bedroom as much as possible, and if she had business there, she must always obtain my permission.
My mother told her it would be best to focus on personal training or receiving instruction from my father while at the mansion. Adelia nodded in agreement with the basic rules.
"But Baroness, do you not need a guard? Especially in your condition..."
"Don't worry about me. What is there to fear when the most dependable lion in the world is protecting me?"
In response to Adelia's question, my mother answered gently while stroking her belly where Lily was growing. Adelia watched her with envy, hearing the love and trust for my father in her voice.
Then, she turned her head to look at me and spoke with her characteristic refreshing smile. Her tone was clearly teasing.
"I'll make sure you can think of me that way, too. You can look forward to it."
"I already do."
"Eh...?"
I countered her joke with one of my own. Perhaps she was flustered by my unexpected counterattack.
Adelia wore a dazed expression for a moment before her ears turned beet red. Seeing as her face didn't flush but only her ears did, it seemed this was her natural reaction.
She then pressed her lips together, fidgeting, before finally bursting into a chuckle.
"You really... have a way with words. Anyway, I'm counting on you."
"Yeah. I'm counting on you, too."
We both said we were looking forward to working together and even shook hands. Adelia's hands, covered in calluses from years of training, were incredibly rough, but that only made her seem more reliable.
After we shook hands, Adelia let out a pleasant laugh, and I responded with a warm smile. She was an unexpected guard knight, but I knew I could trust Adelia.
"Now that you've introduced yourselves, Isaac, could you excuse us for a moment? I have something I'd like to discuss with Adelia."
"Huh? Oh, yes. I understand."
"You'll be heading to Helium soon, so go get ready. Understood?"
"Yes."
"Helium? Why Helium all of a sudden..."
Come to think of it, Adelia didn't know I was going to Helium soon. Just as she was about to ask me out of curiosity...
"Adelia."
"Yes?"
My mother called her name, cutting her off. I took the hint and quietly slipped out of the room.
Anyway, Adel-nuna too...
I left with a complicated mix of emotions in my heart.
*
Once Isaac left the room, only his mother, Anna, and the guard knight, Adelia, remained. Adelia was puzzled when Anna didn't speak for a while after calling her name, but as the silence settled after Isaac's departure, she couldn't help but feel tense.
Anna was holding her teacup gracefully, but there was a strange pressure in her every movement. If Hawk had pressured her as an interviewer earlier, Anna's pressure felt different.
It was as if she were seeing right through her. Adelia licked her dry lips and waited for Anna to speak.
Clink—
Finally, Anna took a sip of tea and set the cup down. The sound of the cup meeting the saucer echoed through the quiet room.
Anna smiled softly, as if savoring the tea, then slowly raised her head to look directly at Adelia. Her purple eyes met Adelia's clear, sky-blue eyes.
As Adelia sat there, stiff with tension, Anna spoke in a serious voice.
"Adelia."
"...Yes, Baroness."
"Do you like our Isaac, too?"
"... ..."
Isaac's mother had cut through all the pleasantries and gotten straight to the point. The moment Adelia heard the question, she felt her heart drop into her stomach.
Anna watched Adelia's pale face, and seemingly confirmed her suspicion, she nodded and continued slowly.
"I had a feeling. My husband probably noticed as well. There's no reason for a talent like you to come to our family, and you're so obvious about it that it would be strange not to notice."
"... ..."
"I'll ask you one thing. I want you to answer honestly."
Anna paused for a moment, her purple eyes intensifying as she looked at Adelia.
"What is the reason?"
"... ..."
"As you know, Isaac already has a fiancée. Mari Hausen Rekilis. The only daughter of the Rekilis family, the only ducal house in the Minerva Empire. They have already shared a bed multiple times, and they are set to marry once they graduate from the Academy."
That wasn't all. Isaac had another lover, Cecile. But the important thing now was that Adelia had set her heart on him despite him having an official fiancée.
Anna could let Cecile slide because she had personally reached an understanding with Mari, but Adelia had entered the household as a guard knight while keeping her feelings hidden.
This was a serious matter that could potentially destroy a happy home, so unlike with Cecile, she couldn't just let it go lightly.
"And as you heard about him going to Helium, Princess Cecile of Helium is also dating Isaac. Although it hasn't been officially announced."
"Wh-what? What do you... Why Princess Cecile?"
Adelia's sky-blue eyes widened in shock at the news that not only Mari but also Cecile was Isaac's lover. She had often seen him being affectionate with Mari, but she had no idea about Cecile.
But now that she thought about it, their relationship had seemed a bit too close to be just friends. Occasionally linking arms or engaging in deep physical contact...
Adelia felt a surge of emotion as her heart tightened, but she managed to suppress it. Meanwhile, Anna spoke in a calm voice.
"There are reasons. Depending on your answer, I may or may not tell you."
"... ..."
"Adelia Cross. Why do you harbor feelings for our Isaac? I've already guessed that you're not a commoner but of noble birth. So, I can't help but be suspicious. You could be approaching our Isaac with ill intentions, couldn't you? Please, be honest with me."
Even after Anna finished speaking, Adelia didn't open her mouth for a long time. Instead, her hands under the table repeatedly clenched and unclenched, proving she was deep in thought.
Her palms became slick with sweat, and her thighs began to feel damp. Cold sweat also trickled down her cheeks, beading on her chin.
Yet, Anna waited patiently. There was no point in rushing her; this was a problem that could only be solved if Adelia found the courage.
How much time had passed? Adelia clenched the hands she had hidden under the table and slowly raised her head. Her clear sky-blue eyes were trembling as if an earthquake were occurring within them, and her lips were the same.
"...Baroness."
"Yes, Adelia."
"I am an illegitimate child."
"I know."
"Of the Ters royalty."
"...What?"
When she finished the sentence, it was Anna's turn to be surprised. She had guessed she was a noble's illegitimate child, but she never imagined that the blood of a foreign royal family flowed through her veins.
There were other reasons for her surprise as well.
"An illegitimate child... of the Ters royalty? But the King of Ters is..."
"Yes. On the surface, he's famous for being a romantic who loved only one woman. He never took any concubines, and it's well-known that he has four children. But it seems he couldn't overcome his past impulses."
"... ..."
"My fath... er had a relationship with my mother, who was a prostitute, and I was born. These sky-blue eyes are proof that I am his child."
Anna looked directly into Adelia's sky-blue eyes.
Sky-blue hair, like Hawk's red hair, was rare in this world. Because of that, it was commonly referred to as a characteristic of the Ters royalty.
The same applied to the eyes. But eyes weren't as noticeable as hair, so she hadn't realized it until now.
"I tried so hard to be recognized as a member of the family. But all I got in return was insult and terrible discrimination. Even my siblings, whom I happened to meet at the exhibition, treated me like a stranger."
"That's..."
"I was... so sad. It felt like my heart was being ripped out. I hated them for not giving me even an ounce of affection, and I hated this world for bringing me into existence. No matter how hard I tried, no one would acknowledge me..."
Just thinking about it made her breath hitch and her heart race. Her lips and voice trembled, and she wanted to vent all the resentment inside her right then and there.
But what happened next had soothed Adelia's wounds.
"And then, while I was crying alone, Isaac found me. Isaac was there at the time, too."
"... ..."
"As you know, Baroness, illegitimate children... are not treated well by nobles. But Isaac gave me a handkerchief and told me this. He told me not to cry. He said Adel-nuna looks most beautiful when she's smiling confidently. He said that even if he couldn't help me, he would stay by my side. It was... so warm."
It was warm. It was a sense of warmth and affection she had only ever received from her mother and Nicole.
If her mother provided the love of a parent and Nicole the bond of a friend, what Isaac offered was the warmth given to a fellow human being.
Even after discovering she was an illegitimate child, he hadn't turned away. Instead, he had offered her his handkerchief and comforted her as if it were no big deal.
Like a sudden downpour on land parched by a long drought, Isaac’s tender words had given Adelia the hope she needed to keep living.
"That’s why I decided. I’d much rather stay by Isaac’s side, where I can feel this warmth, than return to that hellish place. Since Nicole was here as well, I thought becoming a guard knight for the Maishal family wouldn't be so bad compared to being a royal."
"..."
"That is my honest answer. I have no other way to explain it. If you find this unacceptable, I will leave."
Adelia spoke to Anna with an air of detached resignation. Now that the truth was out, there was nothing left to hide.
Being by Isaac’s side was her only happiness; if she had to give that up, she had no reason to live. She would likely wander aimlessly until she died like a stray dog. Or perhaps she would return to the Ters Kingdom and live out her days like a hollow doll.
The 'warmth' she felt from others was, to Adelia, a drug she couldn't quit. If she had to give it up, she would rather end her own life.
As Adelia stood still like a prisoner awaiting a final sentence, Anna finally spoke.
"I’m glad."
"Pardon?"
"That you don't have any ulterior motives."
At Anna's words, Adelia’s head snapped up. Anna was looking at her with her usual gentle smile.
As Adelia wore a bewildered expression, Anna watched her and thought to herself.
If Adelia had come here with impure intentions—specifically, if she had known Isaac was Xenon—I would have sent her away. It might have been a prejudice, but illegitimate children often brought trouble wherever they went due to the circumstances of their birth.
However, Adelia’s focus was entirely on Isaac himself. She loved him for who he was. It was the same case as Mari.
"I’m sorry that there isn't much I can say to you right now. This isn't my business, but a personal matter for you, so it’s something you’ll have to resolve amongst yourselves."
"Th-then..."
"Welcome to the family as our guard knight, Adelia."
"Ah...! Thank you! Truly... thank you so... hic..."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Adelia began to sob in the middle of her gratitude. Sensing this, Anna beckoned her closer.
Though she hesitated at first, Adelia slowly approached Anna after seeing her encouraging nod. Anna gently pulled Adelia into an embrace and stroked her back soothingly.
"It’s alright. It’s okay. Our family isn't cold and cruel like your relatives."
"Yes... sniff... Yes..."
"And there is one more thing you should know. It’s the reason why you must protect Isaac at all costs."
Anna slowly pulled back to look Adelia in the eye. Adelia, her tears still wet on her face, looked at Anna with a questioning gaze.
Then, with her signature kind smile, Anna gave her a piece of advice.
"A day will come when you must make a grave decision. I don't know when that will be, but can you swear to protect Isaac even then?"
"I swear it. No matter what happens."
Perhaps Adelia’s resolve pleased her.
"Good. If your heart remains unchanged until then, I’ll speak well of you to Isaac and Mari. I'll tell them to accept you as well."
"Y-you don't have to do that! I...!"
"But it’s not as if you don't have any desire for it, is it?"
"..."
Struck by the truth, Adelia’s mouth clamped shut. Her ears turned bright red, betraying her embarrassment at having her inner thoughts laid bare.
Finding Adelia’s reaction adorable, Anna let out a soft laugh and gently cupped the girl's face.
"Desire isn't something you can hide just because you want to, Adelia."
"..."
"Don't you think you deserve to live the life you want for once?"
And Adelia...
"...I understand."
...reluctantly accepted. Anna patted her head tenderly, finding her compliance endearing.
Surely the number won't increase any further, right? I should probably prepare myself, just in case.
She thought to herself with a silent sigh.