Chapter 163: CH 159

July 30th, 2023

I didn’t expect Adelia to come to our mansion, let alone to become our escort knight. Nicole mentioned that they would reunite soon, but who would have thought it would be under these circumstances?

Having someone as a knight in our family’s escort wasn’t a problem. Dave and Nicole have joined the military, and naturally, I will become the next head of the family. I was aware of this and I am preparing for it whenever necessary.

Ideally, I would like to travel the world before Father retires from his position as the head of the family, but you never know what life has in store.

Moreover, it is considered essential for each noble family to have knights in their service. Our household has only recently been elevated from commoners to nobility, and our territory has not developed yet properly, so we only had guards instead of escort knights.

It was uncertain to receive personnel from the palace because it might appear as favoritism towards my father if other nobles were to see it, so that idea was abandoned.

Frankly, the likelihood of problems arising in the palace and Father being called there was much higher than problems occurring in our household. After all, my father is that influential.

So, with the territory gradually developing, it doesn’t matter that Father has brought a knight in the first place. In fact, with my younger sister now in the picture, the need for an escort has increased even more.

However, the problem lies in the fact that Adelia is the one who became the knight. Who was Adelia?

She is not only a hidden member of the royal family of Ters, but also an extraordinary talent who has completed everything from the military academy to the position of a martial arts instructor. With her capabilities, she could aim not only to become a knight in our family, but even to join the Royal Guard.

Such a talent being assigned as a knight to a rural territory that was just beginning to develop externally is questionable, to say the least.

I couldn’t help but have doubts.

“Adelia.”

“Yes, yes! Madam.”

“Don’t be too nervous. Haven’t you seen each other at the exhibition? Feel free to call me ‘Mother’.”

“W-wouldn’t it be appropriate for me, who will become a knight, to use such a casual title?”

In a room prepared for guests to stay, not a reception room, Adelia was sitting across from her, and clapped her hands in great astonishment at her mother’s suggestion.

Her face showed a truly surprised expression, and her eyes widened as she fidgeted. It was a sight I had never seen before.

Meanwhile, my father sitting next to mother asked her a question in his characteristic solemn voice.

“I heard from Nicole. You performed the assistant duties together at the Halo Academy, right?”

“Yes, yes!”

Adelia answered with a tense posture. I could clearly see her reactions one by one, sitting right next to her.

First, her hands on her thighs clenched and relaxed repeatedly. Her legs were also trembling, clearly showing signs of nervousness.

Even Cecily, who was with us yesterday, didn’t show such a reaction. I wanted to hold her hand to calm her down, but it was difficult to do so given the atmosphere.

“Don’t be too nervous. We’ll only feel awkward if you do.”

“Ah! I-I’m sorry…”

“No need to apologize. Anyway, why would someone like you, with your skills, come to a rural domain like ours?”

“It’s, it’s peaceful here. And even though it’s a rural domain, it’s slowly developing. I heard that it will grow into a cultural city in about five years.”

“Well, that may be true, but wouldn’t it be okay to go elsewhere and gain experience during those five years?”

“Well…”

The interview continued just like a normal interview. It seemed like Adelia was at a loss for words due to my father’s consecutive questions, and her lips trembled. If it continues like this, father might suspect something, but fortunately,  mother intervened appropriately.

“While that’s true, you could also receive training under him. How amazing that would be, right?”

“Hmm.”

Father coughed, perhaps feeling embarrassed by mother’s praise. Thanks to her, Adelia let out a faint sigh of relief.

However, crises have a way of striking all at once. Father didn’t stop asking questions.

“Well, since there was Nicole’s recommendation, I won’t ask any more questions. But there’s one thing I want to ask.”

“Yes, yes! Please ask.”

“Are you really suitable for the commoner role? There are many suspicious aspects, such as the subtle mannerisms and dining etiquette. It’s hard to believe you’re a commoner.”

“… …”

As soon as he asked that question, Adelia was taken aback. Habits, by their nature, were deeply ingrained and difficult to change. Until her admission to the Academy, Adelia had lived in the Ters Kingdom, where she would have received education in the basic etiquette and manners of a royal.

Even if she was a bastard, she should at least know the basics to avoid unnecessary criticism. It should be seen as her struggling to endure, even if only a little.

And the occasional habits that appeared intermittently were enough to make the observer suspicious. Above all, her exceptionally beautiful appearance, which was far too lovely to be a commoner’s, occupied the largest portion.

“If it’s difficult to speak, you don’t have to say anything. Everyone has their circumstances. First, just let me know if you’re a commoner or of noble birth.” 

“… …”

Adelia hesitated for a long time after hearing father’s question. Her two hands clenched tightly on her thighs, and her head bowed down.

Not only could she not see the faces of my parents across from her, but I also couldn’t examine her face. Her shoulder-length chestnut hair covered her face like a curtain.

Just as the time of deliberation was about to lengthen, father was the first to put an end to the situation.

“Enough. You don’t have to speak if you don’t want to.”

“Ah…! Th-That is…”

Before Adelia could even speak, father spoke first.

“Originally, a person with an uncertain past is not suitable as a bodyguard.”

At his words, Adelia’s complexion turned paler than pale.

“However, Nicole earnestly requested it, so let it go. According to Nicole, even though you may be mischievous, you can be trusted.”

“T-Then…”

“Welcome to Baron Michelle’s estate, Sir Cross. Take good care of our Isaac from now on.”

“Ah…!”

When Father called her “Sir Cross” instead of her name, Adelia’s expression brightened like the sun. She always wondered why, but Adelia truly looked best with a bright face.

“Thank you! I will work hard!”

“You don’t have to overdo it. By the way, Isaac, you were appointed as a recommended student, so you’ll be treated as a third-year student starting from your second year, right?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Do you also need Sir Cross as your escort then? I don’t know much about the literature department.”

“Well…”

As I was pondering Father’s question, I suddenly felt a sharp gaze from beside me. When I shifted my gaze, Adelia was directly staring at my face. However, as soon as our eyes met, she quickly turned her head.

Momentarily puzzled by her suspicious reaction, I immersed myself in thoughts about the upcoming studies since the winter vacation.

‘Originally, starting from the third year, it’s practically like being a graduate student…’

Unlike other majors, literature has around 50 students per year, and as soon as they become third-year students, they all scatter. It’s like having about 3 to 4 students per specialization.

It could be considered more like private tutoring. Just like there are multiple professors in the history department, including Elena, the same goes for other departments.

In the third year, you firmly decide your career path and go to each professor to acquire the knowledge you desired. Even if you haven’t decided on a career path, it doesn’t matter. As Professor Birus said during orientation, acquiring knowledge alone was enough.

Originally, the Halo Academy was an educational institution that nobles were obligated to attend, even if commoners were unaware of it. Many nobles who are expected to inherit their family titles often just obtain their graduation certificates and leave. Therefore, as a history major, I can say that I don’t necessarily need a bodyguard knight…

‘I said I would be going to various places to research, right?’

Professor Elena was different from other professors. She could be called eccentric. If she’s interested in something, she first looks for books or goes to the Sanctuary of Alvenheim. 

If that doesn’t work, she keeps searching until she finds relevant documents, going here and there. As an elf, she can teleport and explore every nook and cranny, but as an ordinary human, it would be a challenging task. Sometimes, when I see Cindy disappear silently for investigation purposes, I can tell how harshly she manages her subordinates.

Moreover, I have already been appointed as her recommended student. Since I have been marked as a graduate student, it’s equivalent to declaring that she will push me hard. She will probably cover all the expenses, but I will still need means to protect myself.

“It probably won’t be necessary…”

“Ah…”

Adelia’s expression looked as if it would crumble if I said I didn’t need it.

“But it’s better to have it than not. We might need it in unforeseen circumstances.”

However, as soon as I mentioned that having it is better than not, her face brightened as if light had emerged. Honestly, she doesn’t seem to hide her true feelings at all.

After hearing my response, my father nodded solemnly and spoke to Adelia.

“Then, Sir Cross, you can train with me during the vacation, and when Isaac and Cecily return to the academy, you can go with them as an escort knight. Is there a residence for escort knights at the academy?”

“Yes, there is. Once you register, it’s free as well.”

“Great. Let’s do that for now. I’ll go first because of work. These days, documents are piling up like a mountain every day.”

“You’ve been through a lot.”

“I hope you can take over the job as soon as possible, but… I guess I’ll have to endure until you graduate from the academy.”

“… …”

My father declared that he would delegate all the work to me after graduation. Well, my father is not a bureaucrat, but he’s close to being one, so paperwork would be overwhelming.

Of course, since he once held the position of a knight commander, his ability to handle tasks was excellent, but wouldn’t it be more comfortable to move around rather than being stuck with paperwork?

While I was just smiling bitterly, my father met Adelia’s eyes once and then left the room. As a result, only Adelia, my mother, and I were left in the room.

As soon as my father left, Adelia seemed relieved from the pressure that was weighing on her shoulders, and she let out a deep sigh. Seeing her in that state, which was so pitiful, I lightly tapped her back and made a joke.

“I’m counting on you, sis. Oh, should I call you Sir Cross now?”

“Oh, um… I understand. My lord…”

“Ouch…”

Being called “my lord” by my sister’s friend made me cringe. Adelia seemed to feel the same way as her expression became awkward, and her hands under the table curled up like squids.

My mother, observing our reactions, chuckled as if finding it cute.

“If it’s hard for you, when you’re alone, just call him as usual, okay? And when there are other people around, call him ‘Young master’ if you prefer that. Otherwise it’s fine to call Isaac comfortably as usual.” 

“Is it okay to call her Adelia noona regardless of who is present?” 

“Of course. It’s easier to give instructions that way. Is Adelia also okay?” 

“I’m fine with it.” 

“Okay.”

Then, mother began to teach her the things to be careful about when staying in the mansion. Adelia also listened attentively to mother’s words with a serious attitude. First of all, you don’t need to guard me when inside the mansion. Especially, refrain from visiting my private bedroom as much as possible and always seek my permission if you have any matters. 

Mother told her that it’s good to engage in personal training or receive guidance from my father while in the mansion. Adelia nodded her head without saying much in response to the basic matters.

“But what about you, madam? Don’t you need a guard? You’re not alone…” 

“Don’t worry. The most reliable lion in the world protects me. What’s there to be scared of?” 

In response to Adelia’s question, mother gently answered while stroking her growing belly, speaking kindly. Adelia looked at her with an envious gaze, at her love filled with trust towards father. Then, she turned her head slightly and looked at me, speaking with her characteristic refreshing smile.

“I’ll make sure you can think like that too. You can look forward to it.” 

“I’m already thinking like that, though.” 

“Huh…?”

I returned the joke with a joke. Was my unexpected comeback surprising?

Adelia’s eyes widened in astonishment, and her ears turned bright red. It seemed that her cheeks didn’t flush, only her ears turned red. She clenched her lips, squirmed, and eventually burst into a chuckle.

“Well, you’re quite… good with words. Anyway, You count on me.”

“Yeah, I’ll count you.”

After expressing our trust in each other, we shook hands. Adelia’s hand, calloused and hardened from years of training, felt rough but reliable.

As we shook hands, Adelia burst into a pleased laughter, and I greeted her with a warm smile. She was an unexpected escort knight, but I could trust Adelia.

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“Now that we’ve exchanged greetings, can Isaac step aside for a moment? There’s something I want to talk to Adelia about.”

“Huh? Oh, yes. I understand.”

“We should start preparing to head to Helium soon. You understand, right?”

“Yes.”

“Helium? Suddenly, Helium…”

Come to think of it, Adelia was unaware that I would be going to Helium soon. Just as Adelia was about to ask me a question…

“Adelia.”

“Yes?”

But it fell through as my mother called her. I watched for a while, and then I carefully got out of the room.

‘By the way, Adelia-noona…’

With a complicated mind in many ways.

******

Isaac went outside, leaving only Isaac’s mother, Anna, and the escort knight, Adelia, inside the room. Adelia expressed her curiosity when Anna called her but she remained silent for a while. However, as Isaac left and silence settled in, she couldn’t help but feel tense.

Anna was holding a teacup somewhat casually, but each of her actions carried a strange sense of pressure. If Hawk had exerted pressure as an interviewer just moments ago, Anna approached the situation differently now. 

It was as if she could see through everything, piercing through her inner thoughts. Adelia found herself unconsciously licking her dry lips, waiting for Anna’s words to drop.

Clank

Finally, Anna, who had taken a sip of tea, put the teacup down. The sound of placing the teacup echoed in the quiet room.

Anna, as if savoring the tea, smiled softly and slowly raised her head, locking eyes with Adelia. Violet irises met clear sky-blue ones.

In the midst of Adelia’s intense tension, Anna spoke in a solemn voice.

“Adelia.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Do you also like our Isaac?”

“… …”

Isaac’s mother, Anna, set aside the trivial matters and got straight to the point. As soon as she heard her question, Adelia felt her heart drop heavily. Anna got a confirmation looking at Adelia’s pale face, and nodded slowly before continuing to speak. 

“I had my suspicions. Perhaps he has also noticed. There’s no reason for a talent like you to come into our family, and it’s strange that he doesn’t realize it when you make it so obvious.” 

“… …” 

“Just let me ask one thing. I hope you can answer honestly.” 

Anna paused for a moment, exerting strength in her violet eyes, and asked Adelia. 

“For what reason?” 

“… …”

“You probably know this already, but Isaac already has a betrothed. Marie Hausen Requilis, the only daughter of the Requilis family, the sole duke’s family in the Minerva Empire. They have already had several affairs, and once he graduates from the Academy, they are to hold a wedding.”

That’s not all. Isaac also has another lover, Cecily. However, the important thing right now is that despite having an official betrothed, Adelia had feelings for him. 

Cecily personally resolved things with Marie, which allowed Anna to move forward without any concerns, but Adelia came in as an escort knight while hiding it. 

It was a matter of great importance that could potentially shatter a harmonious family, so unlike Cecily, Anna couldn’t take it lightly.

“And as you heard earlier, Princess Cecily of Helium is together with Isaac. Although it hasn’t been officially announced.”

“Yes, yes? What… Why Princess Cecily?”

Not only Marie, but even Cecily being Isaac’s lover made Adelia widen her sky-blue eyes in astonishment. While she often saw Marie flirting around, she had no idea about Cecily.

However, it seemed somewhat unlikely to label their relationship as just ordinary friendship. Occasionally, they would link arms or engage in intense displays of affection. Adelia felt her heart tighten as a sense of unease washed over her, but she managed to suppress it. In the midst of that, Anna spoke in a calm voice.

“There are reasons. Depending on the circumstances, I may or may not tell you. It could go either way.”

“… …”

“Adelia Cross, why did you develop feelings for Isaac? We have noticed that you’re not an ordinary commoner, but of noble birth. So, it’s natural to have suspicions. There’s a possibility that you approached our Isaac with ill intentions, right? Be honest with me.”

Even after Anna finished speaking, Adelia kept her tightly closed lips for a long time. As if to prove that she was contemplating, her hands beneath the table clenched and unfolded repeatedly.

As a result, sweat began to bead profusely, and the thighs became damp with perspiration. To make matters worse, cold sweat trickled down her cheeks, forming droplets on her chin.

However, Anna patiently waited nonetheless. Pressuring her would be meaningless, as this was a problem that Adelia had to muster the courage to resolve.

How much time has passed since then? Adelia tightly clenched the hand she had hidden under the table and slowly raised her head. Her clear sky-blue eyes trembled as if an earthquake had occurred, and her lips trembled as well.

“…Madam Anna.”

“Yes, Adelia.”

“I am an illegitimate child.”

“I know.”

“Of the Tersian royal family.”

“…What?”

As the conversation continued, it was now Anna’s turn to be surprised. She had vaguely guessed that Adelia was an illegitimate child of nobility, but she couldn’t have imagined that she was of foreign royalty, let alone of royal blood.

In addition to that, there was another reason why Anna was surprised.

“An illegitimate child of the Tersian royalty? But the king of Ters…”

“Yes. He is famous for being a romanticist who loved only one woman on the surface. It’s also famous that he had four children despite not having any concubines. But it seems he couldn’t resist his desires in the past.”

“… …”

“My father… had a relationship with my mother, who was a prostitute, and I was born. These sky-blue eyes are proof that I am my father’s child.”

Anna stared directly into Adelia’s sky-blue eyes.

Sky-blue hair, like Hawk’s red hair, was rare in this world. Thanks to it, it was referred to as a characteristic of the Tersian royal family in the world.

That is also true of the iris. However, the iris was not as noticeable as hair, so she didn’t realize it.

“I tried my best to be recognized as a member. But all I received in return were insults and terrible discrimination. Even my siblings I coincidentally met at the exhibition treated me as a stranger.”

“That…”

“I was so… sad. It felt like my heart was being torn apart. I hated this world that didn’t give me an ounce of consideration, alongside those who didn’t give me any recognition despite my efforts…”

Just thinking about it made me feel suffocated and my heart couldn’t calm down. My lips and voice trembled, and I wanted to burst out the emotions inside me right away.

However, what followed afterwards comforted Adelia’s wounds.

“And while I was crying alone, Isaac came to find me. Actually, Isaac was there at that time too.”

“… …”

“Mother probably knows, but illegitimate children… are not treated well by nobles. But Isaac handed me a handkerchief and said this. Not to cry. That Adelia is the most beautiful when she confidently smiles. Even though he couldn’t help, he said he would stay by my side. It was really… heartwarming.”

Heartwarming. It was the first warmth she received after her mother and Nicole, a rare time when a person had shown her their affection.

Mother gave her parental love, Nicole gave her friendship, and Isaac gave her love as an individual.

Despite being exposed as an illegitimate child, he handed her a handkerchief and comforted her as if everything was okay. Like a sudden downpour that soothes a parched heart, Isaac’s warm words conveyed hope to Adelia.

“So I thought. Instead of going back to that hellish place, it’s much better to be by Isaac’s side, who gives me warmth and affection. Besides, I’ll probably have Nicole with me. It wouldn’t be bad to become a knight of the Michelle family’s escort instead of being in the royal family.”

“… …”

“That’s my honest answer. There’s no other way to explain it. If it’s not possible, I’ll go back.”

Adelia confided in Anna with a desperate expression. There was nothing left to hide.

Being by Isaac’s side would be enough to make her happy, but if she had to give up that happiness, there would be no reason to live. She would just wander around and eventually die like a stray dog. Alternatively, she could return to the Ters Kingdom and live as a doll.

The warm “affection” she felt from Isaac was nothing short of an irresistible drug to Adelia. If she had to give up that drug, she thought it would be better to end her life.

While Adelia sat quietly, like a convict waiting for her sentence, Anna spoke softly.

“I’m glad.”

“What?”

“That you don’t have impure intentions.”

As soon as she heard Anna’s words, Adelia lifted her head that had been lowered. Anna looked at her with a kind and gentle smile.

As Adelia looked perplexed, Anna glanced at her and thought to herself.

If Adelia had any malicious intentions, that is, if she knew that Isaac was Xenon, it would have been only right to kick her out. It may be her prejudice, but illegitimate children tend to cause a lot of trouble because of their birth.

However, Adelia was focused on Isaac himself and loved him, just like Marie’s case.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t have any words that I can appropriately offer you right now. This is your personal matter, not mine, so it’s a problem that you have to resolve among yourselves.”

“Well, then…”

“Congratulations on becoming a knight in our family’s guard, Adelia.”

“Ah…! Thank you! Really…thank you…so much…”

Whether it was due to the overwhelming emotions or not, Adelia began to sob instead of expressing her gratitude. Anna, who had anticipated this, gestured for her to come closer.

Initially hesitant, Adelia nodded as if reassured by Anna and slowly approached her. Then, Anna gently embraced Adelia and softly stroked her back.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. Our family isn’t made up of harsh people like those you might have encountered.”

“Yes…alright…yes…”

“And there’s one more thing I’ll tell you. It’s also the reason why you must protect Isaac.”

Anna slowly let go of Adelia and faced her directly. Adelia, with tears still there, looked at Anna with a puzzled expression.

Anna followed, wearing her characteristic gentle smile, and gave Adelia some advice. 

“One day, there will come a time when you have to make a decision. I don’t know when that will be, but even then, can you promise to protect Isaac?” 

“I promise. No matter what happens.” 

Did Adelia’s determination please her?

“Good. If your feelings don’t change even then, I’ll make sure to let Isaac and Marie know. Will you accept that too?” 

“T-That won’t be necessary! I…!” 

“But you still have desires, don’t you?” 

“… …”

Adelia’s lips tightly sealed, as if pricked at the core. Her ears also turned red, as if revealing her inner thoughts made her embarrassed. Anna found Adelia’s reaction adorable and gently covered her face with a faint smile. 

“You can’t hide your desires just by saying you’ll hide them, Adelia.” 

“… …” 

“Don’t you also deserve to live the life you want, at least once?” 

And Adelia… 

“I understand.” 

She reluctantly agreed. Anna found Adelia’s compliance endearing and softly stroked her head. 

‘I hope she doesn’t become more attached here. Just in case, I should be prepared.’ 

With those thoughts in her mind.

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