AWML 20

Chapter : 20

I could feel Kaisa staring straight through me. What is it?

Reyban spoke to me.

“Interpret, Milena.”
“Yes, please speak.”

Whether I had been a count’s daughter in Luikaron, or Kaisa had been a grand duke of immense power there—none of that mattered. Here and now, we were in a position where we were short even a single coin, and everything could be swayed by a single word from Count Reyban.

So this was an incredible opportunity.

If Kaisa rose to a higher position and earned more of Count Reyban’s trust, we might gain more as well.

For example, information about the Luikaron Empire.

Or perhaps even a way to return.

Having once stood at the center of power in Luikaron, I knew this better than anyone. I had been the daughter of an influential count, with countless decisions in my hands. Most things I wanted, I could have.

It must have been the same for Kaisa.

As the Empire’s finest sword, he had enjoyed many rights and privileges.

“I have confirmed that you possess remarkable ability. Surely, you must have enjoyed much in Luikaron. Is there any discomfort in acting as an ordinary knight now?”

After I translated, Kaisa answered.

“I cannot say there is no discomfort. But I know the limits I must keep.”

K-Kaisa.

How can he be this bad at socializing?

I softened his words as much as possible in translation.

“He says there are some inconveniences, but he is doing his best to adapt.”
“…That is appreciated. If you were to change posts, where would you wish to go?”

Kaisa pressed his lips together at my translation, then spoke with a profound expression.

“I wish to stand at the very front. The reason I am content in my current position is that I can take the lead without hesitation and hold my sword at the forefront. So I am satisfied even as I am.”

How—how can he be this pure and upright!

“What do you mean by that!”
“Hm?”

Kaisa’s brows twitched at my low, sharp whisper. A sigh escaped me. Oh, this is so frustrating. No one knew better than I did how upright he was, how he only knew the sword.

It was written that way in the novel. Even in the character introduction.

A man who would be content anywhere, so long as he could wield his sword and save people—upright and unbending. And a hopeless romantic who only had eyes for his woman. When I read about him, I thought he was the perfect northern grand duke–type male lead. But experiencing this in real life? It was like choking on sweet potatoes.

Honestly, this man.

“That’s not it, Kaisa! You need to secure a better position and rack up lots and lots of achievements! That way you can earn the count’s trust—and take a step closer to Luikaron! Don’t you remember the wine we drank yesterday? That takes money!”

Grand Duke Kaisa nodded thoughtfully. In truth, he had only begun worrying about money after coming here; he had never once worried about it in his life. With his background, of course his perspective differed from mine.

“You make a fair point. But in any position, one can achieve merit and advance as much as one desires.”
“No, Kaisa. Wouldn’t you be able to accomplish more more comfortably if you wore the right clothes for the role? I think you’re better suited to leading the other knights rather than simply blending in with them.”
“Hmm. I do sometimes wish my comrades understood and listened to me better.”
“Exactly.”
“You know me well.”
“That’s because…”
“Then I will follow Milena’s will.”

I nodded at that. Fortunately, Kaisa was someone who could bend his stubbornness. Even when opinions differed from his own, he could accept them. I let out a quiet breath, then bowed very politely to Count Reyban.

“I apologize for the sudden private discussion, Count. Kaisa seemed to have much on his mind due to the unexpected question.”
“I understand. So what conclusion have you reached?”
“He says he will follow the Count’s judgment. He believes Your Lordship excels at placing the right talent in the right position. He understands that is precisely why you rule over this land.”

“…He will follow my will.”

Count Reyban’s eyes sank into something cool and unreadable. I thought I’d flattered him well enough—was there some problem?

“There is one thing I would ask. Your skill far exceeds my expectations. Is there anything more I should take into consideration?”

Tension washed over me. There was no way I didn’t understand the meaning behind that question. He was asking whether Kaisa was a Swordmaster.

At my translation, Kaisa frowned.

“I see no reason to ask in circles. Tell him there is nothing to consider, Milena.”
“Kaisa says he is grateful for Your Lordship’s consideration even now. That it is more than sufficient.”

Reyban’s expression flickered.

“Then there is a suitable position. Ask him if he would serve as commander of the Third Division. To command a division is to stand in a place where, should he achieve great merit, he may even be granted a title in Ciern. Of course, it comes with responsibility. Confirm whether he finds that acceptable.”
“Yes, Count.”

Commander in one leap! As expected, the Count has a discerning eye. At this rate, earning his trust may not take long.

Naturally, Kaisa accepted Reyban’s offer. From now on, he would serve in a better environment and receive a higher salary. Heh heh heh. As his cohabiting partner who shared financial power and was saving money together, I couldn’t feel more satisfied.

I secretly gave Kaisa a thumbs-up.

A faint smile curved his lips.

I thought what Reyban had offered was an opportunity.

Completely unaware of what he was truly thinking.

Today was a day Kaisa wasn’t boarding a ship, so we were walking home together after work. The long shadows of sunset painted the ground in shades of orange.

With every breath, the now-familiar scent of the sea filled my lungs.

I felt Kaisa slow his pace to match mine.

He was the sort of person whose small considerations came naturally. This is why he’s the male lead.

“Congratulations on your promotion. You just became a regular employee not long ago, and you’re already promoted. You know this is all thanks to me, right, Kaisa?”
“I always carry gratitude toward you, Milena. Ever since we came here.”

He answered solemnly.

Then he asked,

“Milena.”
“Yes?”
“Are you quite close with the Count?”
“With the Count? Hmm. He’s someone I want to become close to. As quickly and as much as possible.”
“More than me?”

He asked seriously.

Is that something to ask so seriously? He looked like a young girl asking which friend you liked more—his face tense with anxiety.

If you asked who I was closer to, or wanted to grow closer to—wasn’t the answer obvious?

“I’m closer to you, Grand Duke Kaisa. And I want to be closer to you than to the Count.”

I thought it was the most natural answer in the world, but it must have been important to Kaisa.

A handsome smile spread across his lips.

It was an orange-tinged smile that suited this sunset perfectly.