Chapter 53
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: The Grand Duchess, the Lady Knight, and Me (1)
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A wolf with pure white fur, and a Chihuahua barking in utter terror.
That was how Elena and Evi's face-off looked to me.
'What the hell is going on...?'
Neither Evi nor Elena were the type to pick fights with anyone. If a problem arose, they'd resolve it humanely—and if that failed, they'd choose to walk away instead.
In other words, they were humble, even for nobles.
You could see it clearly by comparing them to Walter. He'd treated me—like someone from a mere barony—as beneath him, as if it were only natural.
Anyway, seeing those two at each other's throats was just baffling.
"Luke...!"
Evi spotted me first and flashed a radiant smile. It was closer to ecstasy than mere delight—like spotting a savior amid utter desperation.
She promptly darted behind me, hiding her body there. The way she desperately clutched my clothes hem was utterly pitiful.
'But hiding behind me won't help—there's nothing I can do...?'
I was Elena's exclusive attendant first and an academy student second. Even if I cherished Evi as a friend, there was nothing I could do for her.
Besides, Elena had turned into a ferocious beast. There was no way I could shield Evi from her.
In the end, we'd just gone from one Chihuahua to two. No chance of beating a wolf.
That was when Elena's gaze turned my way. More precisely, toward Evi cowering behind me.
"Miss Evi, could you please step away from Luke? No matter the circumstances, I think it's rather improper for a grown woman to cling so tightly to a man."
Perhaps agreeing inwardly, Evi released my hem and took a step back. She still hadn't emerged from behind me, which was timid to the extreme.
"I'm not about to eat her or anything..."
Elena let out a long sigh and slumped her shoulders.
I approached her slowly, with Evi trailing right behind me.
"My lady."
"Yes, what is it?"
"I'm sorry for causing you concern."
"As I said before, this is ultimately your problem. I wasn't bothered in the slightest, of course. So there's no reason for you to apologize."
Elena was lying to me. If she truly hadn't cared, she never would have come all the way to the swordsmanship department's training grounds.
We'd promised each other as secret friends never to lie...
'Well, no need to bring that up.'
She'd shown her true feelings through her actions, if not her words.
"But may I ask one thing?"
"Yes, anything."
"Why were you quarreling with Miss Evi?"
"We weren't quarreling. She said something ridiculous, so I was merely correcting her."
"What exactly did she say...?"
"She claimed to be your close friend. I told her there's no way that's true."
The moment I heard Elena's words, my head went rigid.
'Of course, I did say that... but...'
That was from when we were kids—just starting to grow close, back when we were snot-nosed nine-year-olds.
I never imagined Elena still remembered that promise. Let alone that she'd mention it to Evi.
How the hell was I supposed to handle this...?
As I racked my brain, I felt a tug on my hem. Evi, from behind.
Elena had fallen silent too, so it seemed they were both waiting for my response.
The instant I realized that, my mind kicked into overdrive—not literally spinning, but my thinking accelerated beyond normal.
Why did this always happen? In dramatic situations, I somehow transcended my own abilities. This was exactly that.
A brief moment passed, and fortunately, I'd come up with a brilliant answer.
"Miss Evi is... a rival. Yes—a friendly rival. Someone who brings out the best in each other while advancing together."
I did consider Evi a friend. In fact, alongside Yubel, she was one of the closest in the swordsmanship department.
I just couldn't say it in front of Elena. Doing so would break that childhood promise.
Not bad for a snap decision. I was quite satisfied with it myself.
"A friendly rival..."
Was she chewing over the meaning? Elena furrowed her brow.
I watched her, swallowing hard. My fate hinged on her next reaction.
'Please just let it slide...!'
I wished desperately, but as always, fate had other plans.
Elena's gaze shifted to Evi.
"Miss Evi, you heard Luke's answer? Not a close friend—a friendly rival."
"Y-Yes...! But I think a friendly rival is an even more special, better relationship than a close friend...!"
At some point, Evi had plastered herself to my back again, peeking her head out to reply.
Not liking the answer, perhaps—a chilling smile spread across Elena's face.
"Why do you think that?"
"Close friends don't automatically have a positive influence on each other, do they? Whereas Luke and I do—so naturally, ours is the better relationship."
Her logic was flawless, worthy of admiration. And the way she spoke without hesitation? She wasn't a Chihuahua anymore—she was at least a large breed.
Who knew the girl who'd been skulking behind trees and tailing me could pull this off? I was nearly moved to tears by her growth.
Elena crossed her arms, mulling Evi's words before giving a small nod.
"Fair enough. Thanks for keeping a good relationship with our Luke."
"P-Pardon? Ah, no—I'm the grateful one. I've learned so much because of you."
Evi hurriedly stepped out from behind me and bowed deeply.
Elena had subtly emphasized "our," but it seemed to fly right over Evi's head.
"Then, Miss Evi, take your time talking with Luke. I'll be heading back."
"But you came here to talk too..."
"I can summon you anytime, so it's fine. No need to hold back on my account."
On the surface, it was a heartwarmingly amicable resolution.
But after ten years as her exclusive attendant, my instincts told me otherwise. Elena's mood was far from good.
I tried to stop her hurriedly, but...
"Luke, Miss Evi has something to say to you, right? Don't worry about me—enjoy your time."
"Yes, my lady."
I was perfectly shut down.
Elena left with those final words, leaving Evi and me alone.
I was a little worried about what might come next, but fretting over it now wouldn't change anything. All I could do was leave it to fate.
Staring blankly at the spot where Elena had vanished, I finally turned to Evi.
"So, you had something to say to me?"
"Yeah, nothing huge—just wanted to say thanks. For believing I could achieve my dream, for fighting my brother... everything. I'm just grateful for it all."
"Like I said this morning, no need to thank me. Honestly, I fought for my own selfish reasons."
"Even if it was selfish on your end, I still benefited. I think it's right to say thanks."
I scratched my head awkwardly. I just wasn't used to people thanking me. It felt embarrassing for no reason.
Besides, I'd whacked Walter's head twice with a wooden sword. I even felt a twinge of guilt.
"Anyway, if you ever need help with anything, just tell me. I'll do my best, no matter what it is."
"Got it. Thanks."
"And I watched you fight the whole time, and you were so, so, cool...!"
"Really? Never really thought about it that way..."
"Th-then see you at dawn tomorrow! Bye!"
Evi bowed her head in greeting and fled like the wind.
She usually waved goodbye—so why the sudden bow...?
Well, she didn't seem upset, so whatever.
Thinking that, I was just about to take a step when...
Rustle-!
The bushes in the flower bed suddenly shook.
I stared in startled confusion, and what emerged right in front of me was none other than...
"...My lady?!"
"Looks like your talk's over."
Elena appeared, her hair absolutely covered in leaves.