Chapter 41
“Did I get too worked up?”
After saying everything she wanted to, Diana felt a sense of relief.
However, one concern lingered—her words and demeanor had strayed too far from the role of Lillian that she had carefully maintained.
“…But I couldn’t just sit there and listen.”
She hadn’t meant to speak so harshly, but she had failed to control herself.
Glancing at Epel, Diana softened her expression. The sharpness in her gaze relaxed, giving her a much gentler appearance.
“Still, I believe you know it too, my lady. He is a kind person.”
Epel responded with a smile, as if she had expected Diana to back down.
She had assumed that the naïve daughter of House Mernard would yield easily.
The initial wave of shock that had crashed over her was beginning to recede, leaving behind only the faintest remnants of relief—like wet sand slipping between her fingers.
“I appreciate the sentiment. I hope we can become close friends.”
“It would be an honor. I believe we will be seeing much more of each other in the future.”
Diana smiled as she responded.
Her elegant demeanor gave the illusion of agreement, but in reality, she was only half-listening.
Now that the tension had eased, their conversation became more cordial. However, it remained nothing more than empty pleasantries.
Before long, they ran out of topics, and the atmosphere grew awkward.
Just then, the sound of commotion came from outside.
The rhythmic pounding of hooves filled the air, followed by the grand blare of brass instruments.
“It seems the knights have returned from their campaign.”
Epel murmured absentmindedly as she instinctively turned toward the source of the noise.
On the eve of the final day of the tournament, the knights had all descended from the mountains.
“I should go see His Highness. Thank you for your time. It was brief, but I truly enjoyed our conversation.”
Epel drained the rest of her tea before rising from her seat. Diana stood as well, accompanying her to bid her farewell.
Just as Epel reached the tent’s entrance, she turned back and spoke once more.
“I hope His Grace has changed, as you wish. Now that he has something to protect, perhaps he will.”
It was a parting remark filled with characteristic sarcasm—so very Epel Cordelia.
“Please, take care on your way back.”
There was no need to humor someone who was already leaving.
Deeming it a waste of breath to respond, Diana simply ushered her out swiftly.
Still, as Epel was a guest, it was only proper to watch her departure.
Standing outside the tent, Diana saw Daisy suddenly pop up beside her.
“Did you enjoy your little chat?”
Had she overheard, she wouldn’t have bothered asking.
Yet, Diana’s head nodded automatically.
“Imagine that. She came all this way out of concern for the lady who skipped the banquet. How very thoughtful of her.”
Daisy’s theatrically exaggerated remark nearly made Diana burst out laughing.
Epel was the last person to be concerned for her. She was far more likely to gossip about her than to genuinely worry.
Just then, both of them sensed an approaching presence.
Daisy, who turned first, informed her that the knights had arrived.
As if on cue, the cavalry halted in front of the tent where Diana stood.
“We have returned, my lady!”
One by one, the knights dismounted and knelt on one knee in unison, their voices echoing with such force that it seemed to reverberate through the camp.
“If I had known, I would have changed into something more appropriate.”
Diana instinctively grasped the hem of her dress, adjusting it slightly before offering a graceful curtsy in response—a proper gesture of acknowledgment from a lady to her knights.
After the formal greeting, she searched the crowd for Ersivan.
But strangely, no matter how thoroughly she scanned the gathered knights, his familiar face was nowhere to be seen.
“His Highness will make an appearance at tomorrow’s ranking ceremony.”
One of the knights, noticing her searching gaze, stepped forward to explain.
He further elaborated that to prevent any leaks about the final rankings, the representatives of each noble house were required to remain secluded until the announcement.
“Then… is His Highness still outside the camp?”
Diana unconsciously looked up at the sky.
Though yesterday’s rain had left it clearer than before, an unsettling feeling still lingered within her.
“No, he is in a secure location. Think of it as more of an enforced isolation rather than being left unattended.”
That was a relief.
“You have all worked hard.”
With Ersivan absent, Diana was the highest-ranking individual present.
It was likely out of respect for her position as his betrothed that the knights had chosen to report to her first.
Straightening her posture, she raised her voice.
She immediately felt their attention shift to her.
The emotions in their gazes varied, but every one of them carried a sense of admiration.
To think that even those she had barely spoken to regarded her with such respect—it was unexpectedly moving.
Had she the authority, she would have bestowed them all with great rewards.
But at this moment, all she could offer them was her gratitude.
“The sweat you shed has ensured the safety of countless citizens. Thanks to you, they will sleep soundly tonight.”
For the next few weeks—perhaps even months—the empire would not face any monster attacks.
For the common folk, who had no knights to protect them and had to fend for themselves, this was an undeniable blessing.
Given the magnitude of such an achievement, it seemed almost wasteful that this was treated as nothing more than an annual event.
“Regardless of ranking, your efforts deserve to be celebrated.”
A thought crossed her mind—how people often said the Valencia knights always ranked last.
Even if that were true, what did it matter?
Rankings were nothing more than numbers. It was foolish to let such trivial things diminish the value of their hard work.
“I’m not just saying this. I truly admire you all. To be in Valencia, to share the same space and time with you—it brings me joy.”
Knowing that she might bore them if she dragged on, Diana decided to conclude her speech.
“I look forward to working alongside you all. I will do my utmost to support you as best I can.”
She smiled gently as she gazed at the knights before her.
Their eyes were all fixed on her, listening intently.
Their unwavering attention made her feel something unexpectedly warm.
“Would it be inappropriate to call them endearing?”
For the strongest warriors in the empire to be described as adorable—what an absurd thought.
Unable to contain herself, Diana chuckled softly.
The knights, in turn, blinked at her in confusion.
Yet, strangely enough, they all found their lady quite adorable.
And in that fleeting moment, regardless of rank or gender, everyone present felt a deep fondness for her.
“My lady—no, my ladyship! I swear my allegiance to you!”
A loud voice cut through the silence.
The speaker was Joel, the mischievous-looking knight with sharp eyes and slightly crooked teeth—the same one who had tried to stop her from running off yesterday.
“Thank you, Joel.”
Hearing his name, Joel faltered for a second before breaking into a wide grin.
“However, it’s still too early for such a title.”
She shrugged playfully, but her remark was met with immediate protests.
“You more than deserve it!”
“What nonsense! How could you say such a thing?”
One knight even went so far as to slam his sword against the ground in frustration.
Faced with such an intense reaction, Diana quickly waved her hands in surrender.
“Alright, alright. Call me whatever you’re comfortable with.”
Immediately, various titles erupted from all around.
Hearing their enthusiastic responses, Diana couldn’t help but find it amusing.
Perhaps now, she could understand why Ersivan occasionally enjoyed teasing her.
To commemorate the knights’ return, they held a small celebratory feast.
Since the official banquet tomorrow would be a formal affair, tonight was an opportunity for the knights to enjoy themselves freely.
The outdoor barbecue was a resounding success. The constant stream of praise made Diana feel a sense of accomplishment.
While the others busied themselves with grilling meat, Diana took charge of preparing the drinks.
She brewed a refreshing iced tea with lemon, a light alternative to the heavy liquor they had already indulged in.
Seeing how occupied everyone was, it was clear that no one else had time to step away and prepare drinks—so she gladly took on the task.
“Ah—M-My ladyship!”
Diana carried a glass bottle filled with the tea over to the knights’ table.
The moment they noticed her approaching, the knights scrambled to clear space, nearly knocking over plates in their haste.
Chuckling, Diana lifted the bottle slightly and reassured them.
“Alcohol is good and all, but a light tea wouldn’t hurt either.”
Her playful demeanor immediately put them at ease.
“If it’s from you, even plain water would taste divine!”
“Water? I could drink an entire river if my lady gave it to me.”
“Then I suppose I’ll take my tea from the sewer.”
“Enough, you fools! Do you realize how ridiculous you sound in front of the lady?”
Despite his soft features, the red-haired knight had a rather sharp tongue. He turned to Diana and offered an apologetic nod.
“Forgive us for the ruckus, my lady. I’m Anthony Krantz. Please feel free to call me by my name.”
“Oh, I see what you’re doing, Anthony. You just want to hear her say your name, don’t you?”
“Joel got to hear his name. Why can’t I?”
Anthony crossed his arms, pouting slightly.
Diana pursed her lips, amused. Clearly, he had been jealous that she had remembered Joel’s name.
“There’s no reason you shouldn’t. Sir Krantz.”
“M-My lady!”
Anthony’s face turned bright red.
“I-It is an honor! Both to have my name spoken by you and to partake in this meal you have so graciously prepared!”
His flustered reaction embarrassed Diana in turn.
Soon, the knights around them also began introducing themselves one after another.
With names being tossed around in every direction, it became difficult to keep track of who was speaking.
“I understand. I’ll remember as many as I can, so let’s all calm down.”
Diana burst into laughter as she tried to settle the overexcited knights.
It was moments like these—these small joys in everyday life—that strengthened bonds and made all worries feel distant.
