“Do you know the charm of the royal martial arts competition?”

As Khalern momentarily left his seat, Machi suddenly asked.

“Well…”

I took a few steps back, feeling uneasy under his sparkling eyes, and replied hesitantly.

Whether they fought with a sword on horseback or threw stones while riding a bull, I had no interest whatsoever. What’s amusing about people fighting and shedding blood?

“It means that an official confession opportunity is arranged.”

“…What?”

I chuckled at the unexpected words. Machi continued with a somewhat serious expression.

“The winner of the martial arts competition is bestowed with a golden rose by His Majesty the King. It’s a tradition to then offer that rose to a lover or someone dear to their heart. There’s a romantic rumor that love is bound to happen in such a setting.”

So, it’s a public confession?

“Uh, isn’t that a bit too much?”

Is the reason love is bound to happen because it’s in front of people, making it hard to refuse? Whether he noticed my hesitant expression or not, Machi’s voice was more animated than usual.

“That’s why many knights about to get married participate.”

“I see.”

I nonchalantly replied, but my eyes widened at his following words.

“And this year, His Highness Khalern is also participating.”

“What? His Highness?”

“Yes, he has never participated in such an event, dismissing it as a useless activity.”

Machi said with narrowed eyes, whispering meaningfully.

“He already has the golden rose prepared.”

“The knights’ enthusiasm will surely soar.”

Isn’t it a morale boost for a swordsman to participate in a competition?

“So, this year, they’re awarding a prize almost as valuable as the golden rose to the runner-up. It’s a fortunate occurrence for knights without lovers. Besides the prize money, the chance to cross swords with His Highness Khalern is not something that happens often, so more participants than usual are expected.”

“I see.”

There was only one reason that came to mind for Khalern suddenly participating in the martial arts competition.

‘The opponent still doesn’t know my feelings. They seem quite oblivious.’

To confess to someone who is apparently quite clueless, using the golden rose. A public proposal by Khalern. It was unimaginable.

‘Who could it be?’

I had tried to find out who Khalern liked, but every time, he only smiled mysteriously, leaving me puzzled.

The unnecessary pride in his twirling smile even made me feel a bit annoyed.

But since then, I hadn’t seen Khalern meeting anyone romantically or sending letters to someone, so the identity of his potential partner remained a mystery. However,

‘Finally, I can find out who that person is?’

Suddenly, I found myself looking forward to the martial arts competition, which I had just been indifferent to.

“The wind feels chilly.”

“It’s because it’s autumn.”

In response to my vague answer, Khalern stared at me silently. Wondering why he looked at me like that, I raised my eyebrows, and he responded with a perplexed expression as if he couldn’t understand.

“Even though the person you like is trembling like this.”
Khalern grabbed my trembling shoulders as if blaming me.

“You’re unbelievably indifferent.”

“…….”

I briefly glanced at Machi and Rendols standing behind Khalern. The two of them, casually joking, had taken off their robes, claiming the sun was too hot.

The phrase “easily susceptible to cold” written in the Q&A section came to mind.

But now, transitioning from summer to fall, the weather was mild, and the breeze was refreshing. Moreover, it was Khalern who, for no apparent reason, suggested a sudden picnic because the weather was nice.

A man who had experienced prolonged wars in the north was shivering in weather like this?

As I looked somewhat uneasy, Khalern raised an eyebrow.

“What’s with that disrespectful gaze?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

“I’ve been having some doubts lately.”

I averted my eyes, which had unknowingly turned suspicious. Even though I knew it was probably a lie, I couldn’t figure out what scheme he was up to.

“I was willing to overlook it, but you haven’t even touched me.”

“Well…”

What’s this? Is he expecting me to reach out?

Suddenly, thinking about a woman Khalern had feelings for, I scrutinized him hesitantly.

‘I thought he wasn’t interested in women to the point where the saying “He’s more interested in blue than women” circulated. But now, is he a playboy after all?’

Come to think of it, he had emphatically stated that he liked women.

‘This guy, is he the type to criticize someone while secretly having a thing for them?’

“I don’t know what absurd misunderstanding you have, but your expression is really unpleasant.”

Khalern’s eyes narrowed. I quickly averted my suspicious gaze. Even if I knew it was a lie, I couldn’t fathom what kind of trick he was playing.

“I might be having some ridiculous misunderstandings, but your expression is extremely unpleasant.”

Khalern’s temples tightened. I quickly withdrew my suspicious gaze. Then, recalling the slight camaraderie I felt when he wielded a sword, I offered advice.