Volume 6 Chapter 47 Interlude - The Knight and the Young Lady I
Under the warming sky, a carriage and horse slowly made their way down a peaceful town street.
The sound of the wheels and hooves created a truly relaxed atmosphere, with only the occasional chirp of birds breaking the silence.
However, the man on horseback guarding the carriage wore a dull expression that did not match the tranquil scenery.
Lucas Highland.
He was Randy's childhood friend and a rival recognized by both himself and others.
Yet recently, he found himself lagging behind in both strength and matters of the heart.
As Luke gazed up at the blue sky, he let out a sigh, unnoticed by anyone.
"What's wrong? Are you already tired?"
"No, I was just lost in thought..."
At the sudden voice, Luke straightened his back in the saddle.
The one who spoke to Luke was a man named Conrad, the captain of the carriage's guard.
"Lost in thought, huh... Even on a leisurely and peaceful journey, don't let your guard down."
Despite his words, Conrad smiled and patted Luke on the shoulder before returning to his rightful place at the back of the carriage.
(Conrad is right. I need to stay focused right now.)
Luke lightly slapped his cheeks and glanced at the carriage running alongside them.
Cecilia, visible through the window, seemed to notice Luke's gaze and waved her hand slightly.
Although he couldn't return the wave in this situation, Luke managed to smile in response.
Currently, Luke was accompanying the Count Hartfield family on their journey.
It had been a few days since Randy and the others welcomed Madame to Victor.
Across the great river, in the Hartfield territory, Luke and Cecilia were on their way to the neighboring Count's domain.
Their destination was the Gardner Count's territory, located to the south at the western edge of the domain.
It was also the land visible from the cliff where the Cave of Saint was located.
While not as large as Braubelg, it had a significant port town and engaged in trade not only with the Dukedom but also with the southern alliance and nearby small island nations.
Known for their reputation in dealing with pirates, the family boasted a strong navy, and the Count and his son were famous for being quite skilled.
This journey, on the surface, is a discussion to counter the threat of the [Pilgrim of Truth].
However, hidden beneath it is a meeting between Cecilia and Count's son, Fried von Gardner.
Unlike the traditional noble territories bound by old alliances like Hartfield and Braubelg, they are still ancient nobles who have defended the west of the kingdom for generations.
Of course, it is not merely a social call.
It strengthens the connections among the nobles.
Luke understands what that implies.
It's a meeting to discuss a potential engagement.
Therefore, Luke's expression as he rides alongside Count's carriage remains lackluster, even though he is now more focused.
(Damn. I told Randy that...)
As the reality of the situation drew closer with every step, Luke instinctively lowered his gaze.
"...Luke!"
When he looked up at the calling voice, he found himself slightly ahead of the carriage.
"Don't zone out!"
Luke apologized and bowed his head to Conrad, who had come alongside him.
"It's alright, Captain."
Another senior knight spoke with a wry smile.
"We've all been watching you and the young lady, after all."
"Yeah. You've got a crush on the lady."
Luke turned red as the knights laughed, murmurings of "Don't be so modest" echoing back at him.
He hunched his shoulders in response to the smiling senior, feeling both gratitude for their support and shame for not fulfilling his role among such esteemed company.
Accompanying Luke on this journey are a coachman and a small troop of knights, though it's hardly a full company.
Furthermore, leading this troop is Conrad, who serves as the deputy leader of the Hartfield Knight Order.
To Luke, he is a formidable senior, a trusted and experienced knight by the Count.
With Conrad at the helm, the knights that make up this troop are all seasoned veterans and among the best in Hartfield.
In essence, it's not a unit where someone like Luke, a so-called 'greenhorn,' should typically be placed.
No matter how skilled he is, and even if he's the lady's favorite, to be honest, it's still a big break for Luke.
Even so, the other senior knights welcomed Luke without making any unpleasant faces.
Luke cannot afford to show a relaxed face while on duty here.
"I can understand how you feel, but don't let your guard down. It's also for the sake of His Excellency who appointed you."
In response to Conrad's urging, Luke said "yes" and slapped his own cheeks once more.
With Luke re-energized, Conrad also gave him a supportive pat on the shoulder and headed back toward the rear of the carriage.
Noticing Luke's newfound determination, Conrad let out a small sigh as he returned to the back of the carriage.
Right beside him, another knight quickened his pace slightly to catch up.
"Captain Conrad, shouldn't you say something to Luke?"
Conrad shook his head in response to the whispering knight, saying, "It's unnecessary."
What he's concerned about is the truth that Count Hartfield appointed Luke for this journey.
It's widely known that Cecilia has a gentle affection for Luke, and he too harbors soft feelings for her.
That's precisely why there's a deep reason behind the Count's choice to accompany them on this journey that could tear them apart.
"I hope they don't misinterpret it as a way to make them understand their positions..."
To the murmuring knight, Conrad shook his head again, saying, "I choose to believe it's going to be alright."
This journey is a critical time not only for Luke and Cecilia, but also for the Hartfields.
"If anything happens, we will be there. Supporting the youth is also..."
Just as Conrad let out a deep sigh,
'Oh no!'
An unexpected voice rang out from inside the carriage.
"I wonder if the lady has noticed. I'll go check."
The knight watched as Conrad ran back to the carriage.
The setting sun had begun to stretch everyone's shadows longer.
* * *
While Luke was in distress, inside the carriage were Count Hartfield Alfred, his wife Katarina, and their daughter Cecilia, all of whom were engaged in cheerful conversation.
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