WCMP 44

chapter 44

“…It’s a pleasure to meet you, Young Master.”

Amon, cradled in his sister’s arms, looked up at the man known as Duke Carnellowell.

He had been taught that greeting someone while being held in another’s arms was highly improper, yet neither his sister nor the duke seemed to care.

Instead of scolding their breach of etiquette, the duke returned the greeting himself.

It was, in effect, a silent permission to overlook their behavior.

Amon, puzzled by the duke’s astonishingly gentle demeanor, returned the greeting.

“Good day, Your Grace. I am Amon Robert, the second son of Duke Robert. It is an honor to meet you.”

Though the words were formal, the duke merely nodded in acknowledgment.

Amon cautiously glanced between his sister and the duke.

‘Earlier, my sister definitely tried to call him by name.’

Though she had quickly corrected herself, Amon easily caught on.

‘…So she must be very close to the duke.’

Understanding that explained why the duke had so easily brushed off their breach of etiquette.

‘Now that my sister is an adult, it makes sense she would meet men like him…’

Amon felt a sudden drop in his mood and stared at the duke with childlike, uncharacteristic melancholy.

Although he didn’t fully grasp the intricacies of imperial politics, he knew the name Arban Carnellowell.

He was a famed war hero and regarded as the strongest swordsman in the empire.

A figure of such stature was certainly a fitting match for his sister.

‘But why…’

The elation Amon had felt moments ago plummeted instantly. He hugged his sister tighter, trying to soothe the emptiness in his chest.

Unaware of Amon’s conflicted feelings, Rieli happily adjusted her posture, enjoying his embrace.

Watching both of them with keen interest, Arban heard Rieli speak:

“Since you’re here, why not join us for a meal?”

Though the sun was setting, it wasn’t too late.

Having left early in the morning, eaten a quick lunch, and arrived sooner than expected, they were well ahead of schedule.

‘Sharing a meal is the quickest way to grow closer.’

Rieli’s eyes shone. Arban would return to his estate in the capital, so it wouldn’t delay him much. It also felt rude to send him off after the kindness of escorting her this far.

“…Then I won’t refuse.”

At Arban’s answer, Rieli’s smile bloomed again, lighting up her face.

Amon quietly observed the two, narrowing his eyes.

A strange knot twisted in his stomach.

‘I still don’t like this.’

Rieli tried to carry Amon as they headed to the dining room, but he refused to let his sister bear the weight.

He could manage, but her delicate arms wouldn’t last the distance.

With a mock pout, Rieli set him down. Amon smiled faintly at her, though he himself felt the deepest reluctance.

I watched them quietly, alternating glances between Amon and Rieli, before speaking.

“Amon, in fact, Duke Carnellowell here has agreed to become your swordsmanship instructor.”

Amon’s eyes widened momentarily, then he gave a small smile and composed himself.

“I see. Thank you for taking care of me, Sister.”

“No, I merely asked His Grace on your behalf.”

I smiled lightly, and Amon mirrored me, then turned toward Arban.

“I look forward to learning from you, Your Grace.”

“I’ve heard that, despite your youth, you are exceptionally talented,” Arban said.

“That’s only because my sister thinks highly of me. I’ve only just begun practicing and I’m still inexperienced.”

“I’ll judge that myself. I’m not a particularly gentle teacher, so you must follow my lead carefully.”

“I will do my best to live up to your expectations.”

The exchange seemed dry at a glance, but Amon’s respectful composure before Arban made him utterly endearing.

Although there wasn’t much conversation, it was a smooth first meal for the three of them.

After sending Amon off, I went to escort Arban out.

As we walked, I wondered what I should say, but Arban spoke first.

“I plan to hold lessons with the Young Master every other day. Training will be intense, so I will come to your estate.”

“Understood. So you’ll return the day after tomorrow?”

“Yes. I’ll take my leave now.”

“You must be tired. Please go in and rest. Thank you so much for today. Please take good care of Yulen as well.”

He nodded, lightly kissed my hand, and boarded his carriage.

I watched until his carriage became a mere dot in the distance, then returned to the estate, taking the sword I had bought for Amon straight to his room.

Knock-knock.

A soft voice responded from inside.

Opening the door, I found Amon reading, just as he had been when we left.

“That’s…”

He muttered softly, noticing the sword in my hands.

“It’s a gift. I told you I’d bring it on the way here.”

I handed the sword to Amon, who stared at it with wide, trembling eyes before slowly reaching out.

Grasping the sheath carefully with both hands, he handled it as though it were a precious relic.

“Thank… you. I will cherish it for life.”

“Haha, I’m glad you treasure it, but swords are meant to be used, you know?”

“I can’t handle something my sister gave me recklessly.”

“It’s okay. Use it freely. If it’s too big for your hands, I’ll get you a better sword. Just don’t leave it sitting there without using it.”

Amon’s eyes flickered ever so slightly, touched by my words. I beamed.

Even though I had purchased most of the clothes and items in his room, his reaction to this sword showed he valued it as a gift.

‘What should I do? He’s just too cute…’

He even told me he would treasure a gift from me, his first one.

I thought about it—Amon’s first gift, and it’s a sword. Perhaps I should have chosen something even more special—but that regret vanished instantly.

“Thank you for thinking of me. I’ll become the empire’s greatest knight and protect you, Sister.”

Amon’s adorable words made my heart swell with emotion, like waves of warmth and pride.

If a young boy promises his mother that he’ll grow strong and protect her, I imagine this is how it feels.

‘He’s so precious and cute I just want to squeeze him…!’

I had to restrain myself from doing so.

“Really? I’m so happy. You even said you’d protect me! How can he say such lovely things?”

I wondered who he took after—surely not Rieli or the duke. Maybe he resembled the late Duchess?

I hugged my little angel lightly before letting him go. Several embraces later, it had become quite natural.

Most importantly, his face always flushed a shy pink after leaving my arms, making me want to hug him again.

“Since the duke will start lessons from tomorrow, just carry on as usual. We’ll adjust your schedule later.”

“Yes. Understood.”

“Sorry to disturb your reading, but it’s time to go. Sleep before it gets too late, okay?”

“Disturb? Not at all. Please visit whenever it’s convenient. You must be tired from your journey—rest well.”

“Thank you. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Returning to my room, I sank into the bath prepared by Eva and Sebani.

Dragging myself out reluctantly, not wanting to leave the warm water, I fell asleep without even drying my hair.

Finally, normal life had returned.

After a peaceful meal with Amon and a light stroll, we had tea in the garden.

Talking about the past ten days over warm tea lifted my spirits.

I omitted any discussions that might worry Amon, like Yulen or the monster attacks.

Even with only cheerful topics, Amon’s face still reflected concern, so I led the conversation with lighthearted stories.

‘Just being able to talk like this without worry makes me feel like I could soar.’

No longer needing to worry about Arban’s arms, I could focus entirely on raising Amon.

That was the trickiest part, in truth.

But for now, I was content simply to enjoy the relief and happiness.

Suddenly, I felt grateful that I had possessed his body before Amon went astray.

‘Ah, and I should find a friend for Amon his own age…’

The problem was, I had no friends myself.