* * *
That’s why Klen treasured the sword.
That’s why the text never referred to it as his sword.
And that explains why he said to return it after everything was over.
Because it wasn’t his to begin with.
I glanced at Klen sitting beside me.
His body was relaxed, and a lazy warmth filled his amber eyes, curved like a contented cat’s.
‘…He’s not supposed to be like this.’
I didn’t have the energy to figure out whether he was acting or not.
They say a legendary sword will always find its rightful owner.
And this sword, unfazed by my rejection, had simply returned to my hands.
I slowly ran my fingers over the sheath.
Unlike the blade within—cold and razor-sharp—the surface was smooth to the touch.
Had Klen wanted to return it to me just so he could later place it at my grave?
As I stared blankly down at the sword, a large, long hand came to rest on its sheath.
Mimicking what I’d done, Klen gently brushed the surface.
Then, he tilted his head slightly.
“Is something wrong?”
“…Huh?”
“Your expression didn’t look good. I wondered if maybe the sheath was so unfitting that it made you yawn.”
So that’s why he touched it—just to confirm?
But it looked like even the beautifully crafted sheath raised questions, since it didn’t match my reaction.
I turned my head away.
My nose prickled and my eyelids warmed at the thought of something that hadn’t even happened yet.
I couldn’t look him in the eye.
‘No… maybe he just wanted it back because it’s a legendary sword.’
If I kept looking at that face, I felt like I’d end up saying something like ‘When I die, pass this sword on to someone who needs it, and live your life well.’
I might even add ‘Don’t feel guilty. Don’t carry any burden.’
And Klen right now—he’d probably have no idea what any of that meant.
“Come to think of it, aren’t you enjoying the festival?”
In the end, I awkwardly changed the subject.
Even though the atmosphere over there was lively and boisterous, it felt as though a great wall had descended between us.
My mood sank to the floor.
At the very least, I thought it would be better to send Klen over to that side.
“…If I’m being honest,”
Klen didn’t point out that I hadn’t properly answered his question.
As if to say I didn’t have to answer if I didn’t want to, he simply followed my gaze toward the other side.
“It’s bothersome.”
“…Ah.”
As expected.
I figured he’d say that.
“If I go in there, I won’t be able to just sit quietly. You should be careful too, Adrian.”
“Yes. But aren’t you going to look for me?”
I won’t be.
Not that I’m upset about it.
In fact, it’s probably for the best given the situation.
I need time to clear my tangled thoughts.
“I’m fine.”
No matter how scatterbrained he may seem on the surface, there are still people who follow him.
The attendants even seem to find comfort in his presence.
Could it really be that none of them are looking for him?
Even those knights yesterday went out of their way to find him.
But with a sparkle in his eyes, he smiled brightly and said lightly:
“It’s a husband’s duty to stay by his delicate wife’s side.”
“……”
“They’ll understand.”
“…Is that so.”
I’m not sure anyone would describe the winner of a hunting competition as “delicate.”
And so we quietly watched the festival unfold before us.
A festival held under the bright midday sun wasn’t bad at all.
It was loud and vibrant.
If this were a festival in the Caldrich territory, I would’ve likely joined in, laughing and dancing among the crowd.
But observing from a step away like this wasn’t so bad either.
Though the silence lingered between us, no one spoke unnecessarily.
There was no awkward fidgeting, either.
We simply let ourselves soak in the calm atmosphere surrounding us.
“You two are here?”
Suddenly, an uninvited guest stepped into our tranquil space.
Despite how carefully Klen and I had concealed ourselves, Willoy found us with ease—he’d been the one who spoke in our favor earlier.
“That was a close one, wasn’t it? You must be disappointed to have missed the win.”
It would normally be disappointing to lose because of an absurdly weak monster.
But is that really something to say with the winner standing right next to you?
Should I push back hard or just let it slide?
I hadn’t decided yet when I looked up at him.
“My wife won, so it’s the same as if I had, isn’t it?”
Before I could say anything, the kind of remark no knight should ever utter reached my ears.
His face, smiling guilelessly as if it didn’t matter in the least, looked soft—almost foolish.
No trace of pride or knightly spirit.
Of course, that’s all just an act.
I know he mixes truth into that performance.
No matter how you look at it, he was genuinely happy that I had won.
“…You two still seem to get along well.”
The words, delivered with a narrowing of his eyes that was neither a smile nor a glare, carried a thorn.
“But—have you met Adrian before?”
“…!”
Damn. That’s right.
If this were our first meeting, we should’ve exchanged names.
I’m well-known in this castle, so my name might’ve already reached him, but there’s no reason for me to know his.
Failing to observe even such a basic courtesy shows not only a lack of interest but also outright displays one’s poor opinion of the other.
Of course… Willoy didn’t introduce himself the first time we met either.
“We met in front of the stables the other day.”
“The stables?”
This guy.
The fact that he mentioned that specifically… he must’ve figured out I went there without Klen knowing.
Klen’s eyes widened dramatically in surprise, and then a smile spread across his face again.
“I didn’t know my wife had such an interest in horses.”
“……”
The subordinate he sent to scout near the forest must not have seen me riding.
Or maybe he just didn’t think it was worth reporting.
“In that case, shall we take a look around the area next time?”
“Ah… that…”
I almost reflexively declined out of habit, but quickly closed my mouth.
So I can ride around here officially, not sneaking out?
Without interference?
“That sounds like a good idea.”
It was actually a welcome opportunity.
I might even start suggesting we head toward the forest entrance whenever we go out.
Since it’s been deemed a relatively safe area, I doubt he’d object.
“Ahem.”
Just then, as if to remind us not to forget about him, Willoy cleared his throat quietly.
“Allow me to formally introduce myself again. I’m Willoy Berr, captain of the Crimson Wolf Order.”
“I’m Adrian…”
I hesitated after that.
I could feel eyes watching me quietly from beside me. I quickly added:
“Valuncio.”
“Congratulations on your win in the hunting competition. It’s a shame I couldn’t see you face the gargoyle myself.”
“……”
“I hope I get the chance someday.”
“Of course. I’m sure you will.”
Someday.
I swore to myself that when I stopped pretending, I would wield my sword in front of this man.
Preferably, right to his face.
He was clearly picking a fight.
The enemy of my enemy may be my friend, but now that we no longer have that shared enemy, he’s not hiding his dissatisfaction—even in front of Klen.
“That’s a real shame, Sir Willoy. Who would’ve thought such a delicate body could swing a sword like that?”
“Haha…”
Don’t chime in. Seriously. You didn’t see it either.
* * *
