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~Chapter 16~
Bang!
Sir Claire slammed the desk so hard that the ground shook.
“Jonagel Jizir, that xxx dares call himself a knight… A useless xxxx who only has his family name to brag about.”
Wow. It sounded like rap.
I had never heard her curse like this before—Sir Claire was absolutely terrifying.
And when I glanced at the desk, I saw a deep dent shaped like her fist.
‘Never, ever mess with her.’
I made a new vow to myself and tried to calm her down.
“Sir Claire, they said the punishment for this will be heavy. Don’t get too angry and hurt yourself, let’s just let it go now.”
“Lady Amelie, you’re too kind, so I’m angry on your behalf. If he were here, I’d break his legs.”
“No, really, after that cursing, I already feel much better.”
“Lady Amelie…”
Sir Claire suddenly grabbed my hands with teary eyes.
“If you stay this kind, you won’t survive in this cruel world!”
“I’m not that kind.”
“Kind people always say they’re not. You’re just like the Captain—maybe because you’re her friend.”
I sighed. I didn’t feel innocent at all, remembering how I had provoked Jonagel earlier. But Sir Claire, who didn’t see that part, kept insisting kind people suffer too much.
“Anyway, if anyone threatens you again, don’t hesitate—just kick them.”
“Yes, I’ll remember that.”
“From now on, I’ll personally guard you whenever you’re at the Order.”
“Thank you for worrying about me, Sir Claire.”
She had rushed here right after hearing from Richard, just to reassure me. Despite Jonagel’s high status—he was even from a duke’s bloodline—she didn’t flinch and stood firmly on my side. I was touched.
“Thank you, Lady Amelie.”
“Eh? I didn’t even do anything.”
“I heard from Sir Harbor. You helped him a lot…”
Sir Claire looked shy and couldn’t finish her words.
Her flustered face reminded me of last night’s scene. I forced myself to act natural, since she didn’t know I had seen.
“You mean… you two…?”
She nodded, unable to hide her smile.
“Really? Congratulations!”
I smiled and congratulated her with all my heart.
“Without you, it wouldn’t have happened.”
“No, no, I didn’t do anything special.”
“You did. Without you, we would have kept hiding our feelings forever.”
Sir Claire said firmly.
‘Hmm… but I don’t think so.’
After all, I had seen her sudden bold kiss. Holding it back until now was already impressive.
“Actually… could I ask for one more favor?”
“Yes, of course.”
She hesitated, then spoke.
“There’s another friend… someone who’s been suffering with feelings for a long time. Could you help that person too?”
“Hm-hmm-hmm.”
I was humming, my steps light. The sunset looked more beautiful than ever.
“Did something good happen?” Eric, walking behind me, asked.
“Well, sort of.”
I wanted to brag about achievements and rewards, but Eric wouldn’t understand. Still, things felt smoother now.
“Good. I worried you’d still feel upset about earlier.”
“I forgot about it already. I said everything I wanted, and they’re punished. No need to think more.”
“Yes.”
Eric finally relaxed a little. Actually, he had taken it harder than me. I had to stop him from drawing his sword earlier, and since then, he’d skipped meals and stayed on edge as if he’d failed me.
“You worked hard too, Eric. You endured a lot.”
When we got back to the mansion, I should give him a bonus. That was the best gift for this loyal knight.
“His Highness is approaching.”
Looking ahead, I saw Richard with his knights.
“Amelie Garnet.”
He dismissed his men and walked straight to me. Eric also stepped aside.
“Under no circumstance should anyone threaten or disrespect Lady Amelie Garnet.”
I suddenly remembered his words earlier and felt embarrassed.
“Jonagel Jizir has been suspended for three months with pay cut. The others were punished as well.”
“Oh, I see. Thanks for telling me.”
His face was still frighteningly stern. Understandable—this incident had stained the honor of the Order.
“I also take responsibility for not training my men properly. I sincerely apologize.”
“What? You’re apologizing… that much?”
Richard bowed deeply, waist bent. I was shocked—the prince, bowing to me?
Luckily, before I had to awkwardly pull him up, he straightened again.
“You don’t need to apologize anymore. Just… please don’t overdo it.”
“Who apologizes halfway? I don’t make insincere apologies.”
“If I get two more of your over-sincere apologies, I’ll end up in jail.”
No matter what I said, he just looked puzzled. A prince who doesn’t care about rank—really, this was the problem with him. Still… maybe that’s why he could be close with Lysa.
“And… if anyone threatens you again, don’t hesitate. Kick them with all your strength.”
“Pfft. What?”
Sir Claire had said something similar, but Richard sounded even more extreme.
“What if I injure someone from a family higher than mine?”
“All matters inside the Order are my authority and my responsibility. If you act against injustice, you’ll never have to answer for it.”
His firm words filled me with relief.
‘A male lead is still a male lead.’
He was unusually careful and gentle. Strangely, it didn’t feel bad.
“Alright then. I’ll trust you—and kick them.”
I laughed and joked. For some reason, I felt a little closer to him.
“…Then, I’ll leave.”
Richard suddenly stiffened, then turned and left with his men.
“Leaving just like yesterday…”
I sighed. Hopefully, our relationship would stay exactly like this until the end.
