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Chapter 19
I returned with a light heart—and a lightened wallet… but with arms full of bags.
It was a good thing Huten was with me. Otherwise, there was no way I could’ve carried all of this at once.
What I appreciated even more was that Huten personally carried everything all the way to the front of my bedroom.
That definitely wasn’t part of his official duties. It was simply kindness on his part.
“I’d like to carry them inside for you, but that would be improper, so I’ll stop here.”
“Thank you, Huten. Thanks to you, I really enjoyed shopping. I bought everything I needed—and even the books I wanted to read.”
“It’s nothing. This was just one of my assignments. I also had a good time thanks to you, Miss Roella. The bread and drinks you bought were delicious as well.”
“Oh—ah, you mean the bread we bought from the street stall in front of the bookstore? The one with thinly sliced apples and ham inside?”
“Yes. I’ve passed by it many times, but never thought to try it. Thanks to you, I finally did.”
“I totally agree. It was really good. I kind of want to eat it again.”
It reminded me of the cheap snacks sold near school back in the day.
The kind that instantly brings back memories—like freshly baked waffles spread with apple jam and whipped cream. The familiar taste was so comforting that I ended up buying two.
It really felt like I’d gone out with a friend, so I was sincerely grateful to Huten.
“Let’s go eat together again next time.”
“I’d like that. Oh—before that. This is for you.”
I took out a small package I had set aside in advance and handed it to him.
It was a token of gratitude—for acting as my porter all day, and for dragging my luggage around nonstop.
It wasn’t anything extravagant—just a pair of gloves that knights commonly used.
“They’re not anything special, but…”
“Thank you! I’ll treasure them!”
Huten said, his face flushing red.
Why was he reacting like that? Like someone receiving their very first gift.
He rubbed his face vigorously and took a deep breath before finally calming down.
“Sorry, Miss Roella. It’s my first time receiving a gift from a woman.”
“We’re coworkers, after all. In a sense.”
“Yes, of course. Either way, thank you. I’ll put them to good use. And if you ever need anything again, please come to me.”
After saying our goodbyes, we parted ways.
I carried everything I bought into my room one item at a time.
I planned to tidy up, then spend the remaining time reading. The tax laws in this world were no joke—ridiculously complicated.
I needed to study and fill my empty brain with something.
I organized the cultural books of the Empire I bought for casual reading, along with a few history books.
The former Roella clearly had nothing to do with books.
All that was in the room before were cosmetics. Seriously—what had she been doing all her life? Just putting makeup on her face nonstop?
Once I finished reading all of these, I’d at least start looking like a proper citizen of the Empire.
Living here, I could definitely feel the cultural differences.
Tch. I don’t know when I’ll be heading to the imperial palace, so I need to prepare properly.
Hehe—everything for my grand ambitions!
* * *
After confirming that the road construction was proceeding smoothly, Kriston returned to the estate and headed straight to the training grounds.
Since the North bordered regions where monsters naturally spawned, it maintained the largest private military force compared to the West, South, and East.
Naturally, the training grounds were among the largest as well.
Three generations ago, a Grand Duke had flattened the entire plain behind the estate just to build it.
Not only the knights on duty, but most of the knights staying in the barracks had gathered there.
And then—
Kriston’s eyes flashed.
He spotted Huten, surrounded by fellow knights and chatting animatedly.
“So this is the gift Miss Roella bought you?”
“Hey, stop touching it—you’ll wear it out.”
“Wear it out, my ass! Damn, Huten, getting gifts from women now? I knew something was up the moment you ran out on your day off. When it’s about Miss Roella, you run around like a puppy with its tail on fire.”
“When did I ever do that? You’re exaggerating.”
A gift?
Roella gave Huten a gift?
Kriston’s gaze locked onto the gloves in Huten’s hands.
They were clearly brand new—men’s gloves, the kind knights often used.
Why would Roella give those to Huten?
“And it’s not like that. Miss Roella bought them to thank me—for carrying her bags today.”
“Yeah right. You won’t even go grocery shopping when your own mother asks.”
“Why don’t you just confess already? Sure, Miss Roella’s stock is soaring in the North right now. Didn’t she put Count Throil in his place? Everyone’s talking about it. His youngest son’s in the knight order, you know—he’s been bragging about it himself.”
“That guy’s mouth is way too loose. Anyway, Huten—confess already!”
The knights egged him on.
Kriston’s eyes gleamed.
Confess? Confess what?
It was ridiculous. Roella clearly had no romantic interest in him at all. Anyone could see he was chasing a fantasy.
Roella was a woman married to her work.
Huten denied it, his cheeks red.
“Stop talking nonsense! I’ll handle things my own way—ah! Your Grace!”
At Huten’s shout, the relaxed knights snapped to attention.
Kriston faced them with a darkened expression.
His gaze remained fixed on the gloves in Huten’s hands.
“I don’t recognize those gloves.”
“Yes, Your Grace. They’re new.”
“I see. They’ll be quite useful.”
“Pardon?”
“We’ll be departing for training soon. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to accompany you, but it will be a good opportunity to hone your skills. Aidan is currently selecting a suitable location, so prepare yourselves.”
Kriston spoke coldly.
Groans erupted among the knights.
They’d finally been resting after the last battle—and now training again, in the middle of spring?
“Yes, Your Grace!”
“Perhaps Huten anticipated this. That would explain the gloves.”
“Ah… they are quite sturdy!”
Kriston gave a short nod and strode out of the training grounds.
Huten was back—that was enough.
Roella must have returned as well.
It wasn’t late. Nothing concerning would happen.
Like Roella returning after bedtime.
Of course, he never imagined he’d discover the gift Huten received.
“Hah. A gift…”
Kriston clenched his teeth.
The way Huten had been cherishing it irritated him endlessly.
“A knight of the Grand Ducal house, making such a foolish expression…”
Kriston walked briskly.
As he entered the castle, he spotted Aidan.
Aidan was talking with Roella on the second-floor landing.
They looked unusually cheerful.
“What a pleasant atmosphere.”
The weather was dusty and unpleasant—why were they smiling like that?
“Your Grace! Please come upstairs! Do you know what I just received?!”
“What is it now? You’re being noisy.”
“Look at this! A newly imported fountain pen! Miss Roella gave it to me as a gift!”
“…A gift?”
Kriston’s ears perked up instantly.
Another gift? This time Aidan?
An inexplicable irritation surged within him.
“Yes, Your Grace! There’s a gift for you as well, so please come up!”
Kriston froze.
…A gift for me too?
