“That’s a relief. But I’m concerned. There’s no guarantee that this won’t happen again. Even if the princess averted the crisis this time, who knows about the next?”

Sione also seemed to agree with him.

“Actually, I was trying to find someone to teach him swordsmanship. I was thinking of disguising someone as a soldier or servant to secretly bring them into the palace, but I’m hesitant now because of the recent assassination attempt. Who knows if another danger could come in.”

Sione’s words, which were new to me, drew a sigh.

So Sione was also thinking about it!

“So what are you planning to do now?”

“There’s someone among the soldiers at the Rose Palace who has experience teaching swordsmanship. It was just a short stint to earn some money in the countryside, but it’s better than not having any teacher.”

Wait, hold on.

Are you thinking of assigning just any teacher to the person who saved my life?!

“That’s absolutely not going to work!”

Having listened to their conversation quietly, I slammed my hands on the table.

“Hey, honestly, that’s not good. I have a much better idea!!”

“Really? What’s this better idea…?”

Both Sione and Walter tilted their heads as if they didn’t understand.

Clearing my voice, I pointed directly at Walter.

“Just have Walter do it! He can come and go without needing father’s permission, and he’s good with a sword. Perfect!”

“Walter…is going to do it?”

“Yep! Think about it. We need someone trustworthy anyway. Walter’s perfect. Don’t you think so too?”

I looked at him full of conviction, but Walter, who still didn’t seem to get the situation, simply stood there with his mouth open.

‘What are you doing? Answer quickly!!’

Ugh, frustrating.

This is a chance to visit Rose Palace without reason and to see Sione!!

“Walter’s close with Sione, anyway! The two get to see each other often, and Raven gets a good teacher. It’s a win-win!!”

As I gave a thumbs-up, Sione made a somewhat troubled expression.

“Miss Bella, while it’s a good idea, Walter has many responsibilities and it’s hard for him to come here. And we’re not as close as you think…”
“Fine!! We’re as close as can be. Everything shall go according to Her Highness’ wishes! Long live Her Highness! May the heavens bless Rose Palace!”

Walter, catching onto my intentions a moment too late, jumped up and showered me with praises, even giving three cheers.

Now, at last, I could confidently move in and out of Rose Palace, having penetrated Sione’s iron-clad defenses.

“When do lessons begin? Tomorrow? Or even today would be fine!”

Walter’s face lit up with enthusiasm, prompting Sione to furrow her brows as if she didn’t understand his intentions.

“Walter, didn’t you say you were busy? That Lord gave you a lot of work.”

“Work can be handled by staying up all night. Seeing you often… no, following Her Highness’ wishes is the more important duty for a subject!”

Whether it was his natural tone or not, Sione seemed to have lost words and nodded her head in a resigned manner.

“Then for the time being, I’ll ask for your help. I think it would be most logical for you to train Raven.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll teach far better than those you originally considered.”

Afterwards, Walter and Sione agreed that he would visit Rose Palace three times a week, around lunchtime.

It was evident from his choice to visit during meal times that he intended to spend time with Sione like today, but I decided to pretend not to notice.

“Then I’ll leave a bit early today. If I plan on coming often, I need to take care of my backlog.”

“You’re coming three times a week. I didn’t say more than that.”

“Magic aside, if you don’t practice swordsmanship daily, your skills will rust. Since you’re essentially my first disciple, I have to check in frequently!”

An elated Walter exited the Rose Palace humming a tune, and Sione let out a big sigh.

Her complexion seemed darker than anticipated, as if she was worried about the future.

“What’s wrong, Sione? Don’t like Walter?”

Actually, I’d been curious for a while.

Whether Sione truly disliked Walter, or the opposite.

‘Externally she appears to dislike him, but her true feelings seem different.’

We were quite different, but had similarities.

Both of us were not good at expressing what we liked and were easily embarrassed.

I don’t know what happened in the past, but apart from a few with whom she was acquainted, Sione rarely spoke to others. Yet she seemed to have frequent emotional shifts when dealing with Walter, making it appear that she was not entirely indifferent to him.

“If you dislike Walter, just say it. I’ll keep him away. I’m strong, you know.”

“If it could be solved by strength, I would have done it long ago.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Confused by her ambiguous response, I tilted my head, prompting her to give a wry smile.

“I’ll be honest with you, Bella. I don’t really dislike Walter. We’ve been close since we were young.”

“Then why? You always quarrel when you meet.”

“Whenever I see Walter, I get irritated. He’s clueless and his actions are frustrating to the point I want to hit him.”

Once again, Sione sighed and continued grumbling.

“…If you’re going to have such a handsome face, you should give it to someone else. Sometimes it feels like such a waste.”