Chapter 16 – Wait… Is This an Escort!?
Today is finally the day—my outing with Leo-san!
Once I finished preparing and cleaning up breakfast, and hung the laundry to dry, I was given the afternoon off.
Leo-san, too, happens to be off-duty today.
“Well then, shall we go, Sibel?”
“Yes! Thank you so much for taking me out today.”
When we went to board the knight order’s carriage, Leo-san held out his hand toward me.
“…Eh?”
“Here, take my hand.”
Wait… is this—an escort!?
Prince Marx had escorted me before, of course. But compared to his slender, delicate hands—the hands of someone who looked like he’d never even held a knife—Leo-san’s hands were big, strong, long-fingered, and reassuringly firm. And yet… they were also beautiful.
These are the hands that wield a sword to protect our nation.
Ahh… am I really allowed to hold such precious, national-treasure-level hands?
…Yes. Yes, I am. Just this once!
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I stepped into the carriage, feeling like a princess in a fairy tale, and sat across from him.
The region of Tori was supposed to be a dangerous place—filled with rampaging monsters. But since I arrived a month ago, there haven’t been any serious incidents.
At first, I thought maybe they were hiding the reports from us so we wouldn’t worry. But I’ve never even seen an injured knight return to the dorms. Everything has been truly peaceful.
Of course, it must be thanks to the First Knight Order, who protect us on the front lines.
And today, Leo-san was taking me to the nearby town.
If it’s safe enough to visit, that’s proof the situation is stable.
Apparently, there are still quite a few people living there, and the knights also patrol the area for safety.
That’s where we get our fresh ingredients and supplies for daily life.
Just thinking about finally being able to see that town with my own eyes made me feel excited.
“Thank you again for taking time out of your day for me.”
“No, I’m the one who should be thanking you. It’s been a while since I’ve gone to town myself. It’s not as large as the capital, but I hope it’ll be a nice change of pace for you.”
A change of pace, he says.
Oh, I’m taking many breaths already—every time I see you!
…Of course, I kept that to myself.
“I hardly ever had the chance to go into town back in the capital, so I’m truly grateful you invited me.”
I smiled politely, like a proper lady should.
But what I really wanted to say was:
“To go out with my dream knight… this must be a divine reward!”
***
“I see… You were busy with all that princess and saint training, weren’t you?”
“Yes.”
Leo-san knows a bit about my past.
And even knowing that, he still treats me so kindly.
Even though I’m just a so-called false saint, banished for supposedly bullying my “true saint” sister and cast aside by my ex-fiancé, the prince…
Still…
I glanced at Leo-san out of the corner of my eye while pretending to admire the scenery.
He sat across from me, one knee propped slightly up, his strong hands resting on his thighs as he gazed cheerfully out the window.
Since he was off-duty today, he wasn’t wearing his usual formal knight uniform. Instead, he wore a clean, casual outfit—and somehow, that made him look even more charming.
Ahh… the uniform is wonderful, but this relaxed look… it’s dangerous!
Broad shoulders, firm arms…
I want to sit next to him… lean a little closer… maybe even—touch his arm…
—No! Stop it, Sibel!
Leo-san’s physique—his muscles—are a national treasure!
A fake saint like me shouldn’t be allowed to touch something so sacred.
Just being able to ride in the same carriage with him is blessing enough.
*
“Thank you…”
“Hm? For what?”
“Ah… I mean, thank you again—for today.”
Oh no. My thoughts slipped out again!
I hurriedly tried to cover it up, smiling awkwardly.
Leo-san looked puzzled for a second but then gave me that same warm, gentle smile he always does.
My heart… might just melt right here in this carriage.
