〈Have you already thought that far?〉

〈I’m just saying, I’m just saying.〉

〈Still, Arthur.〉

Hugh lowered his voice slightly, as if someone might overhear.

〈There’s a rumor that Ines has a special relationship with the Lord.〉

〈I know that too. The rumor even spread in Landhill a few years ago. However, that’s a story that’s already over.〉

〈How do you know that?〉
〈Even someone like me has to meet a woman who could be expelled from her family. How can someone like the Lord bring such a woman as his wife?〉

〈Well, that’s true.〉

〈Even from Ines’ perspective, I can’t do that. If you have even a little pride as a noble, you can never go to a place where you become such a big flaw.〉

Until now, Carson tried to endure.

Naturally, he felt bad, but it was always the case that people gathered and talked behind his back. If he were to respond to every such instance, he wouldn’t be able to do anything all day. However, Carson couldn’t stand it any longer with the following words.

〈But those two went to wash, right?〉

There was no answer to Hugh’s question.

〈Shouldn’t we go and watch over them?〉

〈Cheeky guy.〉

〈What if we see people as what they are, and what if a big beast comes out of that forest?〉

〈Don’t say ridiculous things.〉

〈I’m serious, so, on the way back, carry the heavy bucket for them. That way, we can become friends.〉

Glen, who was thought to definitely refuse, momentarily stopped speaking.

〈Then… shall we go nearby?〉

〈Where!〉

Unexpectedly, an uninvited voice was heard, and the two were surprised and turned around.

〈My Lord!〉

They immediately knelt on one knee in front of him, their faces as pale as if they had seen a ghost. They were so shocked that their heads were trembling.

〈Please forgive us.〉

Carson approached them slowly. He didn’t say anything, but his presence was imposing. However, contrary to expectations, the voice that was heard was quite gentle.

〈Is this the era of Flanvair or something? Did I say something wrong, and I’m going to kill you?〉

The Flanvair era was a time of absolute monarchy over a hundred years ago. It was a time when merely mentioning the name of the aristocracy could lead to death.

〈It’s not like I said anything wrong.〉

The tone of saying, ‘She looked like an angel,’ seemed to be a joking attitude toward a friend.

But who was he?

People knew Carson as an excellent strategist, but among the knights, he wasn’t. If it were a time of war, he would undoubtedly be considered a war hero. Such a person was casually talking to them, and their kneeling knees trembled again.

〈But, you know. It might be better to talk while moving to a more secluded place. If that woman heard the conversation you guys were having just now, you would have died. You wouldn’t even need a knight’s trial. So tonight, say your prayers and go to bed.〉

〈We didn’t have bad intentions. However, speaking out of turn in an empty place is a big mistake. Please forgive us.〉

Though it was a trembling voice, Glen remorsefully admitted his mistake in a steady manner.

〈I know, I understand. But that’s even worse. You don’t need to have good intentions toward that woman. Now, that flower blooming by your side like it’s attached to you, I’ll turn it back into a star in the sky soon.〉
Carson turned away from them. Facing young knights who seemed to be around twenty, he couldn’t understand what he was doing. However, he could only say childish words to them again.

〈And don’t call names so casually. It took me a long time even to call, so why is it so easy for you guys?〉

It was forced. It was natural for knights to call maids by their names. However, more than anything, when her name was called thoughtlessly, his heart didn’t settle easily.

In a position where no one could freely call that name, a determination was made to put a woman in such a place. Without hesitation, he carried a torch and walked toward where Ines was.

“So, I find myself apologizing quite often.”

Walking alone with only his shadow leading on the dark night road, he suddenly muttered. If he heard it himself, Ines would have heard such stories for an even longer time.

Attempted murder suspect with the nickname ‘Dorae,’ a flaw.

That’s why he couldn’t stand as a man even when he sent a gaze as a man. Unable to stand by him as if he were a piece of filth.

Still, how was his feeling that he couldn’t get away from her by his side?

Exhaling a long sigh, he walked toward Ines.

The splashing sound from behind was loudly heard, and he snapped out of his thoughts. However, this time, his thoughts took on a different meaning. The sound of wiping water and putting on clothes sounded like thunder in his ears.

Carson exhaled a deep breath and looked up at the sky from the rock. By the time the moonlight felt brighter than the torch, he heard the sound of her hurriedly approaching.

He jumped off the rock with a swish.