Chapter 93

It was just a repetition of tedious works of going back and forth between the courts.

Eventually, an agreement was reached with the emperor’s mediation, and although Avesa was condemned as the culprit of the recent missing murders, it was concluded that the Blue Stone Island was not responsible for it.

In addition to that, it wasn’t really a fortunate conclusion, and the capital guard suffered considerably because of the people who ran around asking if a lost family, acquaintances, relatives, etc. were killed by Avesa.

Louis has reported the facts and sent rewards to the Capital Guard in the name of the Duke of Luverne.

Little by little, the duke’s notoriety was washed away and the dark rumors changed to an “Attractive villain on our side.”

‘I don’t think Adrian has any intention of abandoning being a villain though.’

At Nina’s words, Benzel said.

“But isn’t the Grand Ball still left?”

“We’ll not be attending it.”

“What?”

The Grand Ball is the highlight of the imperial ball period. All the nobles who are in the capital come to attend at least the Grand Ball. Therefore, the social circle will be in constant turmoil for two days before and after the Grand Ball.

It is the time when most dinners, dances, and tea gatherings are held. It was no wonder that Benzel was baffled by Nina’s declaration.

“I don’t think there’s any reason to attend. We already have enough accidents in the capital this year.”

Nina shook her head.

Moreover, more people were clinging to Nina at the parties, so she wanted to take a rest. It’s not that she doesn’t enjoy being surrounded by people, but she still needs a break.

“That’s too bad.”

As Benzel murmured, Nina suddenly asked.

“But isn’t she going to say something about us meeting like this?”

Benzel’s light brown eyes looked straight at her.

“An exchange between the knights is welcomed.”

“Oh.”

When Nina briefly uttered her words, Benzel accepted the exclamation and smiled slightly.

“A lot of misunderstandings about Dame Nina have been resolved, so she says she wants to meet with you separately. If you meet the Princess······.”

“There will be no chance for that anymore this year.”

At Nina’s words, Benzel said, “Is that so?” with a sad look.

“I wanted to interact with other knights. Especially with Sir Jean, the red bear.”

Nina laughed without realizing it. Jean was fed up with the fact that he was nicknamed the “Red Bear.”

“Why is it a bear? A bear!”

He huffed around, but the others were convinced.

As Nina’s reputation increased day by day after defeating a bellac, the number of applications for duel increased unlike before.

Nina distributed them to the other Dark Knights without mercy.

“If you can’t beat them, you won’t reach me anyway.”

Everyone opened their mouths in a situation where they were forced to openly fight by proxy, but their eyes changed as the new knights defeated the opponents one after another.

They found out that the Dark Knights’ ability was not led one-handedly by “Nina La Dell” alone.

On top of that, the other members of the Dark Knights joined forces.

“You really dare ask the Commander for a duel with this skill?”

Nina’s reputation has risen further after the knights kept on glorifying Nina’s skills this way. The elite who came to the capital together also had nicknames.

Jean’s “Red Bear” was one of the nicknames.

His large size and red hair caught people’s eyes, and the light swinging of the halberd impressed people.

In addition, he’s the Vice Commander of the Dark Knights.

Standing tall, with wide shoulders, wearing a black long coat, was enough to make the heart of the opposite sex beat hard.

In addition, he was more popular because he often smiled playfully when he and Nina talked.

Benzel was sorry that he couldn’t compete with Jean, who has a similar physique.

At that moment, Pan came over from the other side. He walked up to them with his long legs, then he stopped at a reasonable distance.

His orange hair was always half-tied together, and the two-handed sword he used was on his back.

“It’s time to get ready, ma’am.”

“Okay.”

When Nina answered, Pan took a step back. Benzel looked back at her then Nina said.

“I think I should get ready to go now.”

“I see.”

Benzel got up from his seat. On the spot, she called the servant to guide him, and Nina finished her farewell. When he disappeared, Pan took a step closer.

“Was that the right timing?”

“Yes, it was perfect. Why does he always chat for a long time when the duel is over?”

Nina shook her head fluttering her pigtails, and Pan laughed.

“Isn’t that just to hear the Commander’s opinion?”

“That’s why I didn’t mention anything about swordsmanship and only talked about useless things, but it didn’t work······. Tsk, tsk.”

When Nina lamented, Pan thought about throwing a joke, saying, “Maybe he fell for the leader?”

Pan and Hayden knew Nina’s past as they had been members of the Dark Knights for a long time.

He knew Nina well enough that he didn’t look up to her with stars in their eyes just like the new members do.

‘Just be more careful.’

Of course, he thinks she’s great, and he respects her, but since he is a member of the same team from when she was young, he felt a little different.

He wasn’t very close to her like Jean and Louis. She was an elite then, and they weren’t. He likes her, but he felt like he couldn’t get in from outside her circle.

At any time, the commander will reach out to him as well, but he had known her since she was too young to ask her to reach out.

‘It’s not just admiration, but it’s also not just a simple affection.’

Pan treated Nina with very complex emotions. Of course, it was his specialty to hide such innermost thoughts neatly.

As usual, he spoke with a relaxed smile.

“Sir Benzel’s personality makes it rare for him to talk.”

“But I think the number of people who would happily listen to what the Lily Knight’s Commander will say would amount to a warehouse full of people.”

Pan shrugged at Nina’s words.

“That’s the problem.”

“He doesn’t have anyone he can talk comfortably with?”

“Yes.”

“Then, am I a comfortable being? I don’t know anymore.”

Nina thought of Princess Vialentel. When she first saw him, she thought he was a typical court knight, but when she talked to him, he was much more honest and straightforward than she thought.

He has a firm mind about his master, the Princess.

Unlike his appearance, he is a good model student.

‘Figures, that is why Princess Vialentel keeps him by her side.’

She seemed to be the type to demand absolute loyalty from the people around her.

Everything Nina says or what Benzel sees and hears at the duke’s mansion will reach the Princess’ ears, and she is only showing and talking about things in consideration of this fact.

The Princess knows that too.

‘I’m sure he’s the only one who doesn’t know.’

Nina stretched herself out.

“The capital is over now. I’m looking forward to the Silver Lake Castle because it’s been a long time.”

Pan smiled slightly and bowed down.

“And His Grace is calling for you.”

When Nina looked at Pan, he added.

“He told me to come and get you.”

“As expected of my young master.”

You saved me from Benzel at the right time.

────── •❆• ──────

The townhouse was packed with servants. They had more luggage going back than what they had originally brought. Some were asked to buy in the capital, and some were bought as gifts.

Like the pipe cleaning toolset that Kirill asked for.

Randell bought a cart full of magical items, saying it would be hard to get down there. Louis granted most of the supplies with ease, though Randell was afraid he would oppose it at first.

Lorocomo said the tooth care medicine was selling very well, and he was trying to sell them not only to the aristocracy but also to the lower classes.

“We’ll have to find a suitable workshop in the province.”

Lorocomo posted such a report.

Everything seemed to be going well, but it wasn’t all solved.

‘I haven’t even started packing yet.’

Despite her busy schedule, Nina entered Adrian’s office, passing by servants who curtsied for her. Louis was standing next to his desk, and paper was moving between them.

“Did you call me?”

Nina crossed her arms and said hello to Louis.

She said with an anxious look.

“You’re not going to give me anything more, are you? I’m busy enough as it is, with the Dark Knights.”

“You’re good at it, but you’re being a crybaby.”

Louis said with a grin. Her paperwork skill had already been proven when she briefly acted as Adrian’s proxy.

“It was because I had nothing to do back then······.”

I shouldn’t have shown you all my skills, but Adrian took his eyes off the paper when Nina was sad.

“Don’t worry, I won’t give you more.”

“That’s my young master for you.”

Nina said, rubbing her hands playfully.

“Did you tell Sir Benzel that we weren’t going to the Grand Ball?”

“Yes, I also sent a letter to Prince Faradiv.”

“Will he move?”

Louis answered Adrian’s question first.

“I don’t think so yet.”