Chapter 93
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: One Knight, But Also One Woman. -1-
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"Someday, we'll have to share responsibility for oppa's nights together. Getting along well will be important for that, right?"
Rike wasn't without shame. Still, she'd made up her mind ever since deciding to visit Eclair, so her resolve was already firm.
If there was someone who reacted even more positively and felt greater embarrassment than she did, it lightened her own burden considerably.
With Eclair by her side, it felt like they could pull it off without a hitch.
This older sister still needed a bit more experience. But Rike thought it was necessary to at least hint that such a day would come someday.
"...T-together?"
The moment she understood the words, Eclair's hand squeaked like a broken magic tool. Rike took it and soothed her.
"Sorry, sis... It's only been the first night, so that's harsh, huh? Don't worry. I don't have any plans right now."
"Even so... That's... Ugh...!"
Was it because she was a virgin with no experience until yesterday? It was such an adorable reaction that Rike suddenly understood why oppa would tease her like this.
One of the Empire's Five Knights, famed for handling matters with sword-like precision. Yet when it came to oppa, even she couldn't flatly refuse.
"If one person hogs a whole day like this, won't it end up much the same as before? If one tires out and collapses, oppa falls asleep in that awkward state again..."
She herself had drifted off from exhaustion without realizing it and woken up that way, so when connected to Roman's satisfaction, Eclair had no rebuttal.
"I'll... th-think... ab-about it."
If something wasn't perfectly finished and there was fault to bear, a knight and captain had to take responsibility.
Eclair's overloaded mind forced its preset mechanism to churn out an answer.
"Yay! Oppa will be thrilled too. He won't say it, but he's definitely looking forward to it."
"...Is that so. Sigh... Really."
Eclair let out a sigh, marveling at how satisfied she felt with that response.
"Now that that's settled... Shall we turn the topic back to oppa?"
Not just about Rike, but Eclair learned a great deal about Roman too—including how he'd quietly dismantled Nematos branches without telling anyone.
'Even the incident in Coven of the Tristan Duchy was resolved by Roman... Looking at recent events, even the capital isn't safe...'
The protagonist the Church was still desperately searching for was right here in this house's yard.
Thrilling tales of heroic exploits meant to foster patriotism among the Empire's citizens. Listening made their meeting feel utterly inevitable.
"...Oppa said he could step in right away and clean up my family. But I refused out of selfish stubbornness, wanting to see it through with my own hands. I'm truly sorry to both him and you, sis..."
Only after she finished her revenge could the stalled matters move forward. Only then would Roman and Eclair's relationship progress from mere words to something concrete.
Eclair wanted a publicly recognized bond with Roman as soon as possible too. But she had no intention of telling Rike to break the promises she'd made first as their connection deepened.
It was true she envied that Rike would claim those firsts after revenge. But without her, Eclair might have dithered and committed some blunder with Roman.
This kind of progression might have been impossible otherwise.
"No need to apologize for promises you two made before I got involved. I can't have a... ch-child right now anyway. It's still too soon to throw everything away and retire... So don't worry."
The tasks this girl had ahead of her.
They went beyond difficult—enough that even decades wouldn't suffice for a mere cadet. Yet somehow, Rike seemed capable of pulling them off in an absurdly short time.
"Hearing you say that, even if it's just polite, eases my mind. My current goal is to wrap everything up before graduating the Academy."
No arrogance or overconfidence. Her level tone left Eclair in admiration.
"...Impressive. If you need sparring partners beyond Roman, I'll help whenever I have time."
The potential radiating from this girl piqued her curiosity purely.
And helping Rike achieve her goals sooner was in Eclair's own interest for the future, so there was no reason not to.
"That... would be a huge help. I get along great with Chloe too, so please invite me to the mansion often."
Thinking of Chloe's joy, Eclair nodded with a satisfied smile. But at the same time, something occurred to her.
"If you haven't told anyone around about your relationship with Roman... Then Chloe and Lady Electra wouldn't know either, right?"
"Exactly. Partly because he's an instructor and I'm a cadet... One male cadet found out by chance, but you don't need to worry about him."
Eclair cast her gaze into empty space, listing possibilities as she pondered.
If word spread that one of the Empire's Five Knights and a Platinum adventurer were dating, the ripple effects wouldn't be small. She had no plans to deny it if someone noticed, as Rike thought—but the noise would still be annoying.
With no political motives, just pure personal feelings in their relationship, she hated the idea of gossip or meddling outsiders.
"From my position, announcing after your matters are settled is fine. But I'm not sure about Chloe... There's already one thing I need to confess, and hiding more on top feels uneasy..."
"Chloe should be okay with it, right? I think it's fine to tell people you can truly trust. It's not like it'd be a disaster if it got out, and it helps avoid real trouble."
"Mm...! Thanks. I'll talk to her right away when I get home, no delaying."
Watching Eclair make her big decision, Rike thought of Chloe and asked.
"Sis. I'm out of touch with recent politics, being unrelated to my family... But won't the Dreitna earldom make a fuss if they find out later?"
At Rike's words, Eclair crossed her arms, thought briefly, then smirked as if it were absurd.
"Not the situation I aimed for, but no one in the family can oppose me now... Not even my parents."
—
It made sense why Roman lost his composure around Rike. The longer Eclair sat and talked with this girl, the more captivating her charm became.
If Chloe had such an extraordinary friend by her side, that spoke to Chloe's own gift for people.
Thinking of what to confess to her sister today, Eclair bought desserts Chloe would love and returned to the mansion.
The moment she opened the door, Chloe was there ahead of the servants. Had she jumped down from the window she'd glimpsed earlier? Her actions were swift.
"Sis...! You're back! Rike had to leave early for something, and Seria just got back to her room...!"
"My timing's off... The lady of the house is away. I'll invite her again next time for a proper greeting."
At the promise to call her back, Chloe looked genuinely delighted. Her sister, who never voiced her own opinions, drawing closer like this always brought a surge of heartfelt emotion.
She handed the desserts in her hand to a servant and asked them to prepare.
"Chloe. I have something to discuss, so come to the study in a bit. I'd appreciate it."
What reaction would Chloe have upon hearing she had a lover?
In the past, she might have imagined the worst and scared herself off preemptively. But since that day meeting Roman in the back alley, her mind had escaped the mire.
Knock-knock-knock.
—It's Chloe Dreitna.
"Come in."
The study door opened, and Chloe entered carrying a tray of desserts herself.
"Sit."
"...Y-yes!"
Was she worried about what she'd say? Chloe's face was slightly tense as she sat opposite, back straight as a rod.
"Chloe. Relax. I want to hear how your day with your friends went."
"...It was really fun! I kept thinking how much better it'd be with you there..."
Now realizing it wasn't dire, Chloe parted her fluttering lips and chattered on about memorable moments.
Nothing remarkable. Mostly rumors and stories Lady Electra had picked up somewhere.
'Lady Electra's sister is an adventurer...'
Even in a modest noble house, it wasn't unusual for someone to pursue adventuring. Yet the topic briefly made Roman come to mind, nearly drawing a reaction.
Watching her sister animatedly chirp like a canary about her friends, Eclair smiled warmly. Chloe suddenly seemed to realize she'd gotten too excited and flushed bright red.
Seeing that, Eclair spoke first.
"You looked so happy—it puts my mind at ease more than anything."
"Hehe... Next time, I hope you can join us... B-but if you're busy, I get it!"
"I'll make time if I can. Hmm... Um..."
Now that it was time for the real talk, her whole body itched uncomfortably. Her mouth wouldn't open easily.
A brief silence fell.
"Sis...?"
Looking at Chloe's worried eyes on her, Eclair opened a drawer.
Slide—
The brooch from Roman, neatly packaged in a box. She placed it on the desk, steeled herself, and checked the closed door once more with her eyes.
"Chloe. It's a bit disjointed, but the reason I called you to the study today is because there are things I want only my sister to know."
"...Yes. Go ahead."
As Chloe listened intently with a serious face, heat rushed to Eclair's cheeks just thinking of bringing up Roman.
"It's not a big deal, so don't be too shocked... I... I have a... b-boyfriend now."