Come to think of it, I couldn’t see the cookie that should be in my hand. Following Ann’s gaze, as I lowered my eyes, I saw a shattered cookie on the floor.

“I will clean it up, so please sit comfortably on the sofa and enjoy.”

What happened?

I didn’t even realize that the cookie had fallen from my hand. It was as if the sensation at my fingertips had disappeared for a moment.

“…”

“Sister, should we eat cookies with milk?”

“Uh, let’s do that.”

What on earth is the problem with my hand?
I was led by Vivian towards the sofa, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the floor.

Early the next morning, I found the knight’s lodging. I wanted to reread the letter Roseberia left me in a space where I could be alone.

As I sank deep into the small sofa, I took out the letter from my pocket. As I unfolded the neatly folded letter, a strange fluttering sensation filled my chest.

“The only person who knows I can write an Oath is Director Gabriel. If there is a situation where you can’t use an Oath, just tell the director that you suddenly can’t use it.

If you can’t write an Oath, the man won’t bother you, but if there is a situation where you can use it, it’s best not to use the Oath. Oaths are a combination of the body and soul, so there may be side effects if you try to use it. I recommend not using it even if you can write an Oath.”

“I should have read this letter first…”

Because Oaths are a combination of body and soul, there were side effects when I tried to use the Oath remaining in my body. So, did the Oath jump out? Did Roseberia’s soul disappear?

I raised my gaze and reexamined the beginning of the second paragraph.

“Should I talk about the Knights first? I went on two expeditions this year alone, once before autumn and once in winter. In the first expedition, everyone found out that I was a Swordmaster, and since then, I haven’t hidden the Oath.

Thanks to that, the first expedition ended smoothly, but in the second expedition, many people died and were injured. We divided into two camps for the expedition, and there were many casualties on the opposite side.

I don’t know when you’ll read this letter, but you don’t have to go on the expedition. Remember that no one is forcing you into the role of a knight.

The life you will live from now on is not an extension of my life but your own. So, you can leave the Knights as soon as you read this letter.”

I stabbed the letter deep into my pocket and left the lodging. Roseberia hoped that I wouldn’t use the Oath and that there was no need to go on an expedition. She even said I could leave the Knights, but…

“It’s too late for that.”

The earnest words Roseberia left behind, worrying about me, became my guide. After reading the letter, it became clear what I had to do next.

I won’t withdraw from the expedition, nor will I leave the Knights.

I couldn’t run away alone from the fact that many casualties occurred in the second expedition. Someone had to do what needed to be done, just as Roseberia did in the past.

If Roseberia couldn’t use the Oath, there would have been many casualties in the faction she belonged to.

Although there may be side effects when using the Oath, I can use it to some extent.

No, I have to do it.

“Roseberia.”
I raised my head abruptly at the subdued summons. In front of me stood Elnor, with her long bangs spread out as usual.

“Elnor senior?”

“Can we talk for a moment?”

“Sure.”

Elnor, who signaled me to follow, continued until we reached a secluded place.

“What’s the matter? Has something changed, by any chance?”

“Have you noticed anything strange recently?”

Elnor asked in a calm voice.

“Strange? Well, my hands feel a bit…”

“Other than that?”

As I narrowed my eyebrows, I kept my hands clenched. Although Oath had been acting up intensively in the last few days, I hadn’t paid much attention. I had been in an unstable state even before accepting Ian’s Oath.

“Why do you ask?”

After a brief silence, Elnor opened her mouth, looking at me carefully.

“Your soul. The color has become more muted than when I saw it in the library last time.”

“…What?”

“The color of your soul is getting dimmer.”