TVJA 43

Chapter 43

[Sophie is probably resting near the fountain by now.]

Following Karen’s words, I arrived at a small fountain near the mansion.

Just like she said, Sophie was sitting on a bench in front of the fountain, reading a book.

The fluttering sound of the turning pages was as soft and ticklish as a lullaby sung by autumn leaves.

I couldn’t tell what the book was about, but even from a distance, I could see there were no pictures, only pages densely packed with text—it couldn’t possibly be any fun.

Sophie, honestly. She’s still as old-fashioned as ever.

Hiding the gift box behind my back, I walked toward her with awkward, crab-like steps and called her name with a reluctant voice.

“S-Sophie.”

It was such a small voice, barely a whisper. If she were focused on her book, she probably wouldn’t have heard it—but thankfully, Sophie, who always had sharp ears, caught my voice.

Her gentle brown eyes turned toward me in an instant.

“My lady?”

Her eyes clearly asked, What are you doing here? Confusion quickly filled her gaze.

“What brings you here, my lady?”

Normally, I’d either still be sleeping or eating a very late breakfast at this time.

Her bewildered reaction made sense.

“I came to give you something.”

Struggling to get the words out, I pulled out the box I had been hiding close to my chest.

The ribbon was half-untied and the wrapping looked clumsy due to the rushed job, but maybe because of that—because of its endearing imperfection—the soft pink wrapping paper seemed to radiate warmth.

“…What is this?”

For a moment, Sophie’s eyes trembled slightly. Judging by her reaction, she hadn’t even considered that the gift could be for her.

“It’s your present.”

In that case, I’d just have to make her accept it.

“…”

Was she still in disbelief? Sophie’s gaze slowly drifted from my face to my small hand holding the box.

Her eyes softly slid downward and came to rest on the gift box.

“But why would you give me…”

She was trying to stay calm, but her voice had risen noticeably—an undeniable sign of nerves.

“Because today’s your birthday.”

At the word “birthday,” Sophie flinched, her shoulders trembling faintly as she bit her lip.

She looked like someone who had never been celebrated in her life.

“Happy birthday, Sophie.”

I kept wanting to say more—unnecessary things.

“I’ll celebrate it next year too. And the year after that. So…”

Holding out my pinky finger, I stuck it out in front of her face.

I didn’t know if this gesture meant a promise here as well, but—

“Sophie, promise me. That you’ll always stay by my side.”

I wanted confirmation—of my feelings, and of hers.

Maybe I just needed a place to run, a refuge.

“You’re the person I rely on the most, Sophie.”

When I fell into this strange world and behaved recklessly, you were the only one who treated me warmly.

When everyone said no, you were the only one who stood by me and said yes.

“So now, I want you to rely on me too.”

Just like you did for me, I’ll protect you now.

“…”

She didn’t say anything for a long time, as if time had stopped.

Only the sound of quiet breathing passed between us.

A mischievous breeze came from somewhere, rustling the pages of the book on Sophie’s lap.

Soon, her moist lips parted, and a sound that resembled a sob escaped—but it was more like a joyful laugh.

Backlit by sunlight, she smiled brightly.

“Thank you… my lady.”

Her smile was so faint and beautiful it could make the moon jealous. She gently brushed away my windblown hair.

“No matter what happens, I’ll stay by your side.”

“…”

“I’ll be your shield and always stand with you.”

So no one else can touch you.

Her slightly sweaty fingers wrapped around my pinky.

It didn’t feel unpleasant.

In fact—

“…Good.”

It felt good. So good that my heart raced as if I wasn’t allowed to be this happy.

The first real ally I had made in this world.

“But this is a lifelong promise, Sophie.”

If I could see her affection level like in a game, I bet her meter would be glowing bright red.

Just for a moment, I entertained that selfish thought. Lifting my bowed head, I muttered softly with a complex expression.

“At the very least… you can’t change.”

Love is supposed to be like an unchanging friendship.

“Okay?”

So, even if all the others forget about me, can you promise you never will?

“…”

But Sophie didn’t nod or say anything.

She only smiled faintly, like a breeze.

And just like that, Sophie’s birthday ended quietly. I felt a little bad that we couldn’t throw a proper party.

If I had to make excuses, it was because of the schedule.

It took three whole days to get from here to the Grand Duke’s estate. As a result, the house of Benestra had been bustling since early morning.

Sophie, who had been fussing over my appearance since dawn, smiled with satisfaction once she placed the bonnet over my curly blonde hair.

“My lady, you look beautiful today as well.”

Having finished dressing up with Sophie’s help, I let out a quiet sigh at the unfamiliar child reflected in the mirror.

I looked just like a peacock flaunting its feathers.

“It’s just a kids’ tea party, Sophie.”

When I spoke sharply, Sophie responded as if scolding me.

“Just a tea party? It may be small, but it’s your first social gathering.”

I can’t possibly send you looking sloppy to such an event. With a clenched fist, Sophie tied the ribbon around my waist tightly. The corset tightened, and my shoulders twitched in response.

I couldn’t even eat like this…

I puffed up my cheeks in protest. Everything should be in moderation!

“You look perfect.”

Unlike me, she was clearly pleased.

The girl in the mirror looked like a pale flour doll with flushed cheeks.

My soft pink dress was as fresh as a newly picked, juicy peach, and the white pelisse coat gently draped over my shoulders—lined with thick rabbit fur—added a lovely touch.

Finally, a cream-colored bonnet with plenty of frills.

“Shall I tie your hair too?”

Sophie took a step toward me, holding a cute white pom-pom hair tie.

Surely she wasn’t planning to do pigtails?

Her sparkling eyes practically screamed that she wanted to see me in pigtails right away.

“…No, it’s fine.”

But actions move faster than words, and hands faster than actions.

I blocked her path and shook my head with a strained smile. My lopsided grin was practically frozen in place.

“It’ll come undone while I play anyway.”

My body may be a child’s, but I’m a full-grown adult of twenty inside.

So naturally, I felt a strong aversion to that idea.

“That’s a shame.”

Accepting my gentle refusal, Sophie picked up the luggage standing in the corner.

“This is all the luggage?”

She seemed surprised at how light it was for a five-day trip. Her dark brown eyes widened slightly.

“Yeah. They’ll feed us there anyway, and we can buy anything else we need at the market.”

“Well, that’s true…”

“But it looks like you brought more stuff than me?”

When I glanced at her luggage, Sophie blushed faintly.

“This is all for you, my lady.”

Liar.

I already saw several dresses poking out from her half-zipped bag.

For someone who doesn’t usually dress up, that was quite a lot.

‘Well, it has been a while since she got to go out and stay overnight.’

Even so, there’d be nothing but snow and mountains in Etfasia.

We were scheduled to visit the market on the last day anyway, so we’d be stuck in the Grand Duke’s estate for the remaining four days.

While I was lost in those thoughts, I heard Sophie’s soft voice calling me.

Turning my head, I saw her standing there, ready to go.

Her neat green dress suited her brown hair well, and since it was brighter than her usual muted colors, her features seemed to glow more than usual.

She looked… alive.

“My lady, the carriage is ready.”

Sophie gently tapped my shoulder, snapping me out of my daze.

Fixing my gaze out the window, I answered with a reluctant expression.

“Tell them I’ll be right down.”

The carriage, already ready to go, felt strange—I usually drag my feet for hours before leaving.

But more importantly—

Why did I only remember now?

The bracelet I put in the drawer!

It wasn’t even pretty, just a plain little thing I had wrapped to give to Kyler.

Running to retrieve it now would be suspicious.

After all, there were four maids and Sophie in the room—ten eyes watching my every move.

If I suddenly opened the drawer now, they’d be curious for sure.

“Then I’ll head out first. Take your time and join us.”

Thankfully, Sophie caught on and gave a polite bow before leaving.

The maids, catching the mood, followed her without saying a word.

Click. The door closed, and I let out a sigh of relief, crouching in front of the dresser.

Opening the second drawer revealed the golden-wrapped box.

“Phew…”

Thankfully, it hadn’t been torn, the ribbon was intact, and no one had stolen it.

“Inventory.”

Muttering softly, a transparent screen appeared in front of me.

I placed the gift inside, and with a little ding, a notification popped up.

{Item registered.}

Seeing it alongside my trusty iron sword and pickaxe brought me an odd sense of comfort.

Now, I was truly ready.

With a pleasant feeling in my chest, I grabbed the door handle.

It was finally time to go.

I stepped out into a long corridor.

Portraits of unknown people hung along the endless hallway. At the far end to the left was a staircase.

After what felt like forever, I reached the massive front door and caught my breath.

This place is ridiculously huge.

Honestly, stairs this long should be classified as weapons.

If you played rock-paper-scissors and went up one step at a time, you’d probably still be climbing next year.

Untrained from rarely leaving the house except for meals, my weak legs were exhausted from even this short walk.

Grumbling to myself, I finally arrived at the carriage.

But what caught my eye first wasn’t the fancy coach or the neatly lined-up servants.

It was—

“Yuria!”

Father.

Clutching my hand like a lifeline, he held on for a long time, refusing to let go.

Even kind, patient Sir Theo was starting to get uncomfortable.

“…Duke, my lady isn’t heading off to a monster subjugation.”

“Yes, she’ll be well taken care of.”

Unable to watch any longer, Sophie stepped in, her voice calm and gentle.

“…”

I also gave a small nod of agreement.

Yes, Father. Please let go now. I have hyperhidrosis.

But of course, that thought didn’t reach him.

“…But what if Yuria is attacked?”

“She’s accompanied by six knights, one dedicated maid, and seven other attendants—a total of fourteen people.”

Sir Theo firmly cut in.

“Any more would be unreasonable.”

Even royal family members usually travel with about twenty people.

‘To send this many for a simple visit to a mansion…’

It was lucky the Grand Duke’s estate allowed it. If we had brought armed guards without warning, it could’ve been seen as a threat.

“I’ll be okay.”

“…”

“There are brave knights and kind sisters and brothers. I feel safe.”

When I smiled as brightly as I could to ease his worry, Father’s expression finally softened.

Even if it was just for a moment.

“Still, just in case, take this.”

He muttered under his breath, reaching into his coat.

He pulled out several thin sheets of parchment that looked like scrolls.

“What’s this?”

Unfolding them in my hands, I saw unfamiliar, intricate geometric patterns.

“A magic scroll.”

Unlike the ones I used to send a letter to Noel, these were more refined and precise.

If I had to describe it—

Yes, the magic circle was denser.

“If you keep it with you, it’ll protect you in moments of danger.”

His warm palm gently rested on my head.

As he lightly patted my crown, he smiled faintly.

“Take care.”

The moment he said goodbye, the coachman, who had been waiting forever, cracked his whip.

“Don’t get hurt.”

It was a short, calm farewell.

I smiled brightly in return and answered without a hint of worry.

“Of course.”