On the morning of departure to the North.

In the early dawn when everyone was still asleep, I rose from my bed and went to the Grand Duke’s office.

After the visit of Finance Minister Jardeng, the Grand Duke had been staying up late, surrounded by piles of documents.

When I knocked, as expected, a voice from inside told me to come in.

I opened the door but stood outside without entering. The Grand Duke rose from his seat upon seeing me in my uniform, standing at attention.

His eyes flickered as he looked at me.

But I no longer want to spend all my energy scrutinizing his expression and guessing his feelings.

I won’t do it anymore.

Whether he trusts me or not, I must do what I need to do.

If I fall and cry every time I waver, there’s no point in living this new life.

“Your Grace, thank you for the valuable experience yesterday. It made me realize how complacent I had become. I learned from Your Grace that I need to be more alert in real combat. Also, I apologize for foolishly crying.”

The Grand Duke replied with a sad face.

“The apology should be mine. I pushed you too hard yesterday, and I hurt you… It was wrong of me to treat you, my attendant, so carelessly.”

“I wasn’t that hurt. Just having the honor of crossing swords with the Shield of the Empire is a privilege.”

“…”

“In the fields, in the barracks, and even here in the mansion, I’ve received more kindness from Your Grace than I deserve as a mere squire. From now on, I’ll behave according to my station and report directly to my immediate superior, the Lieutenant, when something important arises.”

I shouldn’t come directly to the Grand Duke’s office anymore. As a mere squire, it might appear presumptuous to others.

Now, especially since I’m going to the Grand Duke’s domain, the Bellapast territory.

I bowed deeply to the Grand Duke and then turned and closed the door.

I didn’t bother to check his reaction to my words.

“Esdel, this horse suits you well.”

Yora brought me a beautiful gray mare with long silver eyelashes and black eyes.

“Yora, she’s beautiful. Is this really my horse? Can I have her?”

“Yes. She’s only five months old. Esdel, you’re a knight now, so you’re qualified.”

“Thank you, Yora. Really.”

I was astonished by the generous gift given to a squire, gently stroking the mare’s well-brushed, flowing mane.

The horse seemed pleased, rubbing her neck against my hand.

“I want to give her a name. What should it be?”

Then, Hans, the butler with bloodshot eyes from crying, approached me.

“Miss.”

“Mr. Butler… don’t be too sad. We’ll be back soon.”

“In the North, there’s no such thing as ‘soon.’ Today’s battle could be the last. That’s why the present is most important to us.”

“I’ll stay alive. And I’ll ensure no one else gets hurt. I’m stronger than I look.”

I smiled broadly to reassure him.

I wanted to comfort him.

I felt a bit of his anguish at having to send the Grand Duke and the Lieutenant he had raised back to the North.

Hans said, “I knew it. Since the first time I saw you, Miss, I felt your strength. When you reach my age, you can see things without being shown.”

“…”

“Esdel Miss, I’ll call you a knight from now on. Please continue to assist His Grace in the harsh winter winds of the North as you have until now. And support Lieutenant Nugent too, he may seem tough but he’s actually tender-hearted.”

“They are the ones I serve. I don’t know if I’m qualified to assist them, but I’ll do my best.”
Upon hearing my words, Hans showed a gentle smile and then detached a green sapphire brooch from his uniform and handed it to me.

A brooch that looked like a small basket or a vase.

“This is the insignia of our ‘Axel’ family, who have served the Bellapast house for hundreds of years. It’s a basket that holds many things. When you reach the Grand Duke’s castle, you’ll meet the ‘Housekeeper’ wearing this insignia. It’s my only sister, Luwine Axel.”

“Luwine Axel, the Housekeeper.”

Without realizing, I repeated the name I had just heard.

“The people at the Grand Duke’s castle don’t know His Grace as well as the people here at the Jeju mansion. You’ll meet a variety of people there. If you have this insignia, even if there comes a day when no one believes you, my sister Luwine will trust you. This is my seal of quality assurance for you. Ha ha.”

“Mr. Butler.”

His cheerful smile made me feel a twinge in my nose.

The coldness in my heart from last night warmed up with Hans’s offer of a quality assurance.

He also handed me a small letter.

“Please give this to my sister. Consider it a stamp of approval from her brother.”

“Yes, I’ll make sure to take it and deliver it properly.”

“Thank you.”

Hans added one more thing with a kind smile.

“I’ve packed all the dresses as well, so please take good care of them when you arrive. It seemed like you forgot them, so I packed them for you.”

“Ah, yes.”

I had intended to leave them behind, but… well, it looks like my luggage will increase.

I briefly held his wrinkled hands.

“Don’t worry.”