“Actually… it was a way to escape.”
Rieta honestly explained everything that had happened to her during that time. It was a bit embarrassing to say everything, but she didn’t leave anything out.
Noel didn’t make any judgments, just nodded his head.
“I guess I should’ve learned a little more… swordsmanship, or something…”
Rieta looked down at her hands, clenching her fist tightly and then opening it again. Despite being in so much danger, she had no strength on her own.
It was like trying to grasp sand in her hand— things were slipping through her fingers and disappearing every time she tried to hold on.
“I don’t think it would have made a difference.”
“…?”
Rieta tilted her head at Noel’s remark.
“Since the Princess isn’t very good at moving her body, even if you’d learned a little swordsmanship, there wouldn’t have been any real difference.”
“That’s right…”
At that moment, Rieta didn’t even refute the idea that she wasn’t skilled in using her body.
Memories of the difficult days of learning to dance came to mind.
“…That may be true, but…”
Rieta’s voice lost its strength.
“But now that Elisha is here, the Princess’ situation will change.”
“…”
Looking at Rieta, who seemed completely depressed, Noel continued speaking.
Rieta felt her heart much more at ease because of his words.
“It’s up to the Princess to decide what to make him protect.”
Rieta thought of Elisha, fighting the mercenaries. It wasn’t just because of his talent that he could fight that well. From the military academy to Sir Jenkins’ guidance, he would have continuously honed his skills.
She couldn’t afford to waste his efforts protecting the ‘vulnerable’ princess. He had to wield his sword for something far greater.
Rieta was the one who had dreamt of that future, so she bore the responsibility for his effort and time.
“I understand what Noel is saying.”
Rieta clenched her fist and placed it near her heart for a moment, as if to reaffirm that there was something unwavering within her.
“Elisha is trying to protect something I’ve long wished for.”
“Yes. I know you’ve been wanting it for a long time.”
Noel chuckled. He also knew. Since she had been very young, Rieta had been waiting for her return to this kingdom.
For the chance to make things right.
“Rieta Liz isn’t foolish enough to make the same mistake twice.”
“…”
Perhaps those were words of encouragement.
Rieta looked at him with an unwavering gaze.
“…Thank you for saying that.”
“It’s nothing. I just voiced what the Princess had already decided.”
“No.”
It was more than that. Rieta shook her head.
The feeling of the ground beneath her feet had become a little firmer just because someone acknowledged her determination.
Now it felt like she wouldn’t stumble or fall. It was all thanks to Noel.
Rieta pondered her plans for a moment.
Above all, she needed to return to the castle. She would have to reconsider the mercenaries… But for now, Rieta had Elisha and Noel by her side.
As she contemplated this, Rieta suddenly realized one thing. Come to think of it, she hadn’t properly asked Noel why he was here.
“You know, Noel. It might seem strange to ask this after receiving so much help…”
“What?”
“Can I ask how you got here?”
Rieta asked cautiously. She was curious if he had received the Duke’s permission.
“Would it matter?”
Noel chuckled.
“What?”
“You wouldn’t ask your parents for permission for something like this, would you?”
“Th, then… how?”
“What do you mean? I waited until night time and called Elisha. I crossed the border just like that.”
Noel casually skipped over the part where he had to pretend to be a slave to cross the border.
“But the Duke must have been worried…”
“Well, he must have had some expectation that I would do something like this.”
Noel firmly secured the bandages and smoothly tugged her skirt down to her ankles.
“If I’d heard that story and kept quiet, he would have been even more worried.”
“That story?”
Noel’s expression twisted for a moment at Rieta’s question. His face seemed to bear some wounds somewhere.
Rieta fell silent.
Is he angry after hearing of the…marriage?
Despite knowing it wasn’t the right situation, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat pleased.
Even though she should have felt guilty for dragging him into a dangerous situation…
“Is this funny to you?”
“No, no!”
Rieta quickly dropped her smile and shook her head. It was obviously futile.
“No, you looked completely excited! You’re really turning people’s insides upside down!”
“Noel, are you very angry?”
“Isn’t it obvious?!”
He buried his face in his hands for a moment.
The news of Rieta’s marriage had finally severed Noel’s patience.
“I heard that our Princess, who only cares for appearances, has a handsome fiance! Did you think I would be excited or something?!”
“I, I… I don’t only care for appearances…”
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