“I don’t understand why Viscount took me as a disciple. I’m just trying to avoid causing trouble to Viscount.”

“Is that so? Anyway, don’t feel too burdened. At least, I don’t think you’ll beat me today. Is Roger Bakers bothering you?”

As I was arranging the pieces on the board, the Duke’s hand, which was in the air, stopped.

“It’s all over your face. I understand your feelings, Rize. I, who only has a formal relationship with him, am worried, too.”

“…Roger is not the type to break promises lightly.”

“Yeah. I don’t know what happened, but it should be resolved. The Duke whispered quietly. I agreed with those words.

I sat by the fountain and enjoyed the twilight.

Under the sharp cry of a bird, carriages were lined up to return to their respective mansions. Among them, Mrs. Bakers, who had waited for Roger until the end, was also getting on the carriage.

As soon as I noticed her, I shifted my gaze elsewhere.

“Rize.”

“Yeah.”

I met Yurik coming out of the mansion. He moved with tired steps, his face soaked with fatigue. The Duke’s nephew seemed like a formidable person.

Yurik sat down beside me.

“Are you okay?”

“Just a little tired. By the way, you said you won both games? His Highness was very surprised.”

“Watching is like insulting the other person. His Highness said that.”

Yurik chuckled at my dry tone. I noticed the violin case he was carrying without saying anything.

Water from the fountain was splashing onto the violin case. I moved the case forward and placed it inside my embrace.

The damp part touched my hand. Unintentionally, I only touched that pa
The words I said to Roger came to mind. The ugly words I said to him. And… you know. I actually vaguely knew. Father’s interest in Mrs. Bakers. Even before witnessing the affair directly, I felt the atmosphere. But I turned a blind eye. Both Mother and I went through a lot because of Father… I knew all the facts, yet I just stood by and… that’s why…

Before I could finish my sentence, Yurik put me in his arms. I was initially flustered by his sudden action, but I stopped talking because his scent, which seemed to be comforting my heart, filled the air.

Holding my breath, I concentrated on the sound of Yurik’s heartbeat in my ear. It was beating rapidly.

The suppressed melancholy rose slowly. Without realizing it, I grabbed Yurik’s clothes tightly and buried my face deep into his embrace.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry, Rize.”

Yurik’s voice above my head reached my ears.

“Why are you apologizing, Yurik?”

“I don’t know the details of the situation… Until just now, I envied Roger and resented you. From wearing a beautiful dress that you usually wouldn’t wear for Roger, to buying desserts. I didn’t even like how you were looking for Roger without knowing your true feelings, and I felt uncomfortable with your actions.”

“…”

“I actually still don’t know. How you and that guy broke up and what feelings you have. But, Rize…”

“…”

“You did your best. I know that. You always do your best and make an effort in everything. Even if you pretend not to, you always have, and even if you couldn’t do your best, you took responsibility and tried. He… I’m sure he knows that too. Roger Bakers knows you well and likes you.”

Yurik grabbed my shoulders and gently pulled me away. Yurik closed his slightly wet eyes and pressed his forehead against mine.

“So he’ll definitely come back to you. I will never leave your side forever.”

“……Yeah.”

Yurik’s palm gently moved to my cheek. A teardrop fell on his palm. And next to it, our lips met.

“Ri-Rize?”

“……Thank you.”

Thank you, my hero.

After a long summer, autumn arrived in the village of Ho-sha.