IAEOG~

Chapter 8

“How about you pick out your own sword, Eric?”

“I actually needed a new one. Would you mind if I did?”

“Of course not.”

When I nodded, Eric’s face lit up like a child’s on their birthday.

Wow. He really loves swords.

I wasn’t interested in swords at all—but since it gave us something to talk about and made the atmosphere a little easier, I didn’t mind.

We’ll check out the longswords, then I’ll suggest we go somewhere else.

So far, things were going fine.

“This sword is amazing. The blade’s broad, but the tip is sharp—great for both slashing and thrusting. And this one’s got a long handle and a thinner blade—perfect for tight spots. Oh! And look at this one—”

Oh, hell.

Where did the quiet, reserved Eric go?

The moment he stepped into the longsword section, he turned into a walking, talking encyclopedia.

Was he rapping right now? My ears were about to bleed.

I nodded along like I understood, but in truth, I was thinking about chicken feet.

Too bad they didn’t serve those here. I could really go for something spicy. Maybe I’d ask the chef to make some when I got home.

Honestly, I had no idea what he was talking about anymore.

“There’s a new sword model in the back. Would you like to see it? It’s a rare one, not shown to just anyone,” said the shop clerk.

“That sounds wonderful.”

And off Eric went—straight into the back room.

Leaving me behind.

Uh, hello? Still here. Guess he forgot I existed.

“Oh, incredible!”

I heard his voice echo from the back.

So he can raise his voice.

I glanced over and saw him talking animatedly with the clerk about—well, swords.

Honestly, I was glad I wasn’t in there. Listening to all that technical talk would’ve been torture.

It’s so stuffy in here…

After standing around for too long, I decided to step outside for some air.

Eric wasn’t the male lead material I thought he was. He was just… a sword-obsessed maniac.

Sorry, Louise. I appreciate the effort, but he’s definitely not it.

“Ugh, finally, I can breathe. Just marry your damn sword, you lunatic.”

The cool breeze helped me relax, and before I knew it, my thoughts slipped out loud.

Not that anyone was around to hear—

“Haha.”

…Or so I thought.

Great. I was doomed.

So much for keeping my image intact.

Would he recognize me? Maybe I should just bribe him to keep quiet.

“The other day, you were crying. Now you’re cursing?”

The voice came from a side alley beside the shop.

Crying? Oh—that guy.

The one who’d treated me like a beggar when I was sitting on that bench.

The one with black hair.

“Oh, you’re the one who threw your coat at me last time. Thanks, by the way—it scared my tears right back in.”

“That coat was mine. Not just anyone gets to have it.”

“Which is exactly why I left it there.”

Good decision, past me.

“Right. No one would want it anyway.”

The fabric had felt rough. Definitely not an expensive coat.

Since he used informal speech, I replied in kind.

You deal with rude people by matching their energy.

“It was all I had to give,” he said proudly. “My way of offering comfort.”

His clothes looked worn, and despite his lack of manners, there was a hint of sincerity there.

A poor man, clearly. But… annoyingly handsome for a commoner.

Still, his casual tone told me everything I needed to know—he didn’t recognize me. If he did, he’d never dare talk like that to me.

“Have you always lived in Feronando?” he asked.

“Yeah. Why?”

“I thought I’d met you somewhere before. Guess not.”

“Don’t try anything funny. I’ll kill you.”

At least he had taste. But his little flirt didn’t work on me. I glared in warning.

If he’d been a noble, maybe I’d have let it slide—he was handsome—but no. Definitely not male-lead material.

I was still studying his face when—

“My lady, I’m sorry! I was too focused on the swords… I thought you’d gone ahead.”

Eric finally emerged from the shop.

So, the sword worship session had ended.

“It’s all right. I just stepped out for some air.”

“I see. I’m relieved.”

The black-haired man chuckled softly before walking away.

Of course, a commoner wouldn’t understand the burden of a noblewoman’s mask—smiling even when she wanted to scream.

“Do you know him?” Eric asked.

“No.”

“It’s getting late. Allow me to escort you home.”

We walked toward his carriage.

Neither of us spoke the whole way there.

Without his swords, Eric had nothing to say.

Finally, we arrived home.

“I had a wonderful time today. May I see you again sometime?”

“…Sure. If I’m free.”

If he were ugly, I’d have refused on the spot. But since he wasn’t, I left the door slightly open—though truthfully, I didn’t want to see him again.

You probably enjoyed yourself drooling over swords. Maybe just marry one and be happy.

Eric, of course, mistook my vague response for encouragement and smiled brightly.

I gave a halfhearted farewell and went inside.

I’m exhausted…

Maybe I was just drained from pretending to care about his sword talk.

Oh, right—Raphael. I’d run into him at the restaurant earlier. I’d completely forgotten about that, thanks to Eric.

Should I… thank him for that? Whatever. Bed first.

I thought my suffering for the day was over. But then came the second trial.

“My lady, the master requests you join him for dinner.”

“Tell him I’m not hungry.”

“I can’t. He said he has something important to discuss.”

I usually ate alone, claiming that family dinners made me uncomfortable. It worked—until now.

A family dinner, out of nowhere? Perfect. I’m already feeling sick.

Dragging my feet, I headed to the dining room.

“Come, sit down,” Father said.

He and my younger brother, Nathan, were already seated.

And just like that, the most uncomfortable dinner of my life began.

Episode 48

“Who were you talking to?”

Mael couldn’t hide his suspicion.

He and Theo had been walking down a side street when they spotted a woman with pink hair.

Theo froze.

Then, to Mael’s shock, he actually approached her.

“Is he… smiling?”

In over ten years of serving him, Mael had never seen that expression.

Sure, to most people it looked like a faint smirk—but for Theo, that was basically a full grin.

When Theo finally returned, Mael couldn’t help but ask, “Was that the same woman who was crying before?”

Theo nodded. “Yeah. Hard to miss pink hair like that. She said she’s lived in Feronando her whole life. Strange.”

He frowned, lost in thought.

He was sure he’d seen her somewhere before—that hair, that face. But where?

Maybe I’m imagining things…

Mael didn’t see what the fuss was about. People resembled each other all the time. His master’s fixation was the real mystery here.

“I can’t let this go. Find out who she is,” Theo ordered.

“Pardon?”

“That woman. I want everything you can learn about her. Now.”

So much for a peaceful evening.

Mael sighed inwardly and followed her carriage from a safe distance.

She was with a man—tall, refined, clearly interested in her.

So she’s already seeing someone, he thought, watching the man’s eyes never leave her face.

He almost pitied his master.

If Theo really was starting to feel something for her, it was better to find out the truth before those feelings deepened.

“Something wrong?”

Gerard glanced over at his friend, who’d been off all week.

Eric had joined the Imperial Knights three days ago—and hadn’t been able to focus since.

“I sent a letter asking for another date with the lady,” Eric said glumly. “No reply.”

“Did something go wrong the first time?”

“Maybe a small slip-up, but she said it was fine. We got along great! She’s the first woman I’ve ever been able to talk to so easily.”

Gerard blinked.

That was… not what he’d heard.

According to Louise, the lady nearly swore off dating altogether because of that disaster.

No need to crush him with the truth, Gerard decided.

“Guess it just wasn’t meant to be,” he said gently. “You’re busy with training anyway. Plenty of time to meet someone else.”

“Yeah… maybe you’re right. Sorry for dragging you into this.”

“It’s fine. Let’s just get back to practice.”

As they resumed training, Gerard silently thought—
Thank goodness it’s only the probation period.

“…”

“…”

The silence was suffocating, but that was normal at House Lambert’s dinner table.

Still, the Duke’s next words managed to make things even worse between him and his daughter, Yvonne.

“Help me prepare for my trip,” he said suddenly.

That was enough to send the homebody lady fleeing the house entirely.

[Comments]
→ Wait, Eric’s not the real male lead??
→ So Raphael’s regret arc is coming soon, right? Please tell me before I drop this 😭
→ Why is Yvonne suddenly swearing? That’s so out of character 😂
→ Is this her villain arc starting?? lol
→ Honestly, she should just end up with Raphael again.
→ …Did I just say Raphael deserves her?? What’s wrong with me??